Times of India

Mika Singh addressed the controversy surrounding his ban for performing in Pakistan after the 2016 Uri attack, highlighting perceived double standards in the industry regarding cross-border collaborations. He pointed out that while others engage in similar projects without facing backlash, he was targeted. The ban on Pakistani artists in India, triggered by terror attacks, continues to impact cultural exchanges.

Prince Harry's recent legal challenge regarding his UK security arrangements was unsuccessful, potentially leading to significant legal expenses. Despite this setback, his estimated net worth stands at $60 million, bolstered by inheritances from Princess Diana and the Queen Mother.

Ajay Devgn's 'Raid 2' is performing well at the box office. The film earned over Rs 30 crore in two days. The opening day collection was Rs 19.25 crore. However, there was a slight drop on the second day. Audience turnout shows promise, especially during night shows. Trade experts praise the film's performance.

India is considering increasing fertiliser imports from the US to address trade imbalances and reduce reliance on countries like China and Russia. This move aligns with efforts to negotiate a trade agreement with the US, seeking better access for Indian exports in exchange for increased imports of American goods, including automobiles and farm products.

An RBI panel suggests extending money market hours to 7pm, aiming to provide banks with greater flexibility in managing liquidity and accessing funds. This shift addresses the expansion and increased complexity of India's financial markets since 2019. The proposal includes adjustments to trading and settlement windows for various instruments, along with changes to the liquidity adjustment facility auction timings.

Congress celebrates Rahul Gandhi's persistent advocacy for a caste census, claiming it forced the Modi government's hand after 11 years of resistance. The party plans to amplify its role in achieving caste enumeration through rallies and campaigns, pushing for caste quotas in private institutions and the removal of the 50% reservation cap.

Amidst ongoing border tensions, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking to bolster its surveillance capabilities by acquiring three High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) aircraft. These unmanned 'pseudo-satellites' will operate in the stratosphere, providing persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The IAF has issued a request for information, aiming for delivery within 18 months.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, intelligence reports indicate that numerous Pakistani terrorists have retreated from the launchpads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) to deeper locations within POK and Pakistan. This withdrawal comes amid fears of retaliatory strikes by the Indian forces, reminiscent of the 2019 surgical strikes.

India is escalating its efforts against Pakistan, urging international bodies like the IMF to re-evaluate financial aid due to alleged support for terrorism. New Delhi seeks a review of IMF loans, including a recent $1.3 billion climate resilience loan, and is engaging with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

Following Pakistan's airspace restrictions for Indian airlines, several European carriers, including Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and SWISS, are now avoiding Pakistani airspace. This rerouting, prompted by safety concerns and NOTAMs indicating unavailable airways, adds up to an hour to flight times for routes like Munich-Delhi and Rome-Delhi, as airlines prioritize passenger and staff safety.

The Trump administration ended duty-free access for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, effective May 2, 2025. This closes a loophole used by e-commerce giants and illicit goods traffickers, potentially raising prices for American consumers. The move mirrors India's 2020 crackdown on Chinese 'gift' imports evading taxes.

Yoga guru Ramdev has assured the Delhi High Court that he will refrain from making disparaging remarks or posting similar social media content, like his "sharbat jihad" comments against Hamdard's Rooh Afza. This commitment follows a lawsuit by Hamdard, alleging Ramdev's promotion of Patanjali's Gulab Sharbat included claims that Rooh Afza's profits funded religious institutions.

Mumbai police filed a case against Ajaz Khan and Rajkumar Pandey for alleged obscene content in their web show, 'House Arrest'. A Bajrang Dal member filed the complaint. The National Commission for Women has summoned Ullu App CEO Vibhu Agarwal and Khan. The show has been removed from the Ullu app.

Meenal Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani national, was reunited with her CRPF trooper husband in Jammu after the J&K high court intervened to prevent her deportation. She entered India on a tourist visa and applied for a long-term visa as an Indian citizen's wife.

Shubman Gill's explosive 76 propelled Gujarat Titans to a commanding 38-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gill's aggressive batting, supported by Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler, helped GT post a formidable 224/6. Prasidh Krishna's economical bowling, including the crucial wicket of Travis Head, stifled SRH's chase, despite Abhishek Sharma's valiant effort.