Times of India

Israel marked Holocaust Remembrance Day amidst the Gaza conflict, with a ceremony at Yad Vashem. Prime Minister Netanyahu likened Hamas to Nazis, a comparison Yad Vashem discourages. A Holocaust survivor, Gad Fartouk, broke protocol, calling for the return of hostages held in Gaza.

The World Food Programme reports its Gaza food stocks are depleted due to Israel's blockade, impacting hundreds of thousands relying on charity kitchens. These kitchens, supporting 80% of Gaza's population with 644,000 daily meals, face imminent closure. Israel's actions, including cutting off supplies, aim to pressure Hamas for hostage release.

In a thrilling IPL 2025 match, Kamindu Mendis of Sunrisers Hyderabad stunned spectators with an extraordinary catch, dismissing Dewald Brevis. Mendis's athletic feat is already being touted as the 'Catch of the Tournament'. Earlier, Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad faced unexpected umpire inspections, leading to bat replacements due to regulation failures.

Shreyas Iyer's impressive IPL 2025 performance, marked by significant scores and consistency against spin, has sparked discussions about his potential return to the national team. Sunil Joshi, Punjab Kings' spin coach, attributes Iyer's success to his hunger for challenges and leadership qualities. Iyer's technical adjustments and team-oriented approach further contribute to his resurgence.

In an exclusive interview, President Trump stated his belief that Canada becoming the 51st US state is the only viable solution, claiming the US loses billions annually supporting them. Liberal leader Mark Carney confirmed that in his last call with Trump in March, Trump raised the issue but was respectful about Canada's sovereignty.

In Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh, four tribal girls, including three minors, were kidnapped by seven individuals on April 23 after a wedding reception. The girls were intercepted while returning to their village. All the accused have been identified and are now in police custody, facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, POCSO Act, and SC/ST Act.

In an unusual incident during the IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ravindra Jadeja's bat failed the umpire's inspection due to size regulations. This forced Jadeja to change his bat immediately after Sam Curran's dismissal. Sunrisers Hyderabad chose to bowl first after winning the toss, leading to strategic lineup changes for both teams.

Mohammed Shami etched his name in IPL record books by becoming the first bowler to claim a first-ball wicket for the fourth time, dismissing Shaik Rasheed in the SRH vs CSK match. Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre also made history as the second-youngest opening pair in IPL history, with a combined age of 38 years and 131 days.

Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard voiced strong support for India. Gabbard condemned the attack, affirmed solidarity with India and Prime Minister Modi, and expressed condolences to the victims' families. US officials, including President Trump, have reiterated their commitment to supporting India in combating terrorism.

Following a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil announced a detailed plan to prevent Indian river water from flowing into Pakistan. The government is considering short, medium, and long-term strategies, including immediate desilting of rivers.

Sethuraman Panchanathan, the Indian-origin Director of the National Science Foundation, resigned amid alleged pressure from the Trump administration to cut the NSF's budget and staff. Frustration over potential budget cuts and conflicts with DEI priorities seemingly led to his departure. Panchanathan emphasized the importance of maintaining US scientific dominance and collaboration with Indian institutions.

Aleksander Barkov exited Game 2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after a collision with Brandon Hagel, casting a shadow over Florida's 2-0 victory and their 2-0 series lead. Hagel received a five-minute major for interference, a decision disputed by the Lightning's coach. The Panthers now face uncertainty regarding Barkov's availability for Game 3.

In the hours after the Pahalgam massacre, where 26 people were executed by Pakistan-backed terrorists, the world followed its usual script—India condemned, Pakistan denied, and the West euphemised. But this time, something changed. The sharpest response didn’t come from New Delhi or Washington—it came from ordinary Pakistanis, who didn’t defend the state but ridiculed it. On social media, they didn’t rage against India. They mocked their own power cuts, fuel shortages, and economic collapse. In a country where laughter is all that’s left, post-tragedy grief turned into post-collapse satire. The lights may flicker, but the punchlines never miss.

MS Dhoni expressed concerns about the MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch, preferring the old red soil surface from before 2010. Pat Cummins chose to bowl first due to the dry surface and potential dew, a decision Dhoni also favoured. CSK made changes, bringing in Dewald Brevis and Deepak Hooda, as both teams aimed to improve their standing after recent setbacks.

MS Dhoni marked his 400th T20 match, joining an elite group of Indian cricketers. His career, highlighted by a T20 World Cup win and five IPL titles with CSK, showcases his enduring impact. Despite CSK's current struggles, Dhoni's tactical acumen and unwavering fan support continue to define his legendary presence.

IndiGo is suspending Delhi-Tashkent and Delhi-Almaty flights until at least May 7, 2025, due to the continued closure of Pakistan's airspace for Indian carriers, forcing longer routes. Air India flights to the West may require refueling stops depending on wind conditions and aircraft load. The closure impacts approximately 50 IndiGo international routes, potentially increasing airfares by 30-40%.

Shah Rukh Khan's absence from Mannat impacts local vendors, while Shatrughan Sinha questions religious emphasis after a terrorist attack. A dancer from Riteish Deshmukh's film tragically died, and Rakesh Roshan's financial sacrifices for Hrithik's debut are revealed. Amidst controversy following the Pahalgam attack, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's film faces removal from YouTube India, sparking widespread reactions and condolences.

SmackDown after WrestleMania 41 will feature Undisputed Champion John Cena and Cody Rhodes. The Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns, and DIY will battle in a TLC match for the WWE Tag Team Titles. A mysterious wrestler reveal is also scheduled, possibly Aleister Black. The event emanates live from Fort Worth, Texas, setting the stage for Backlash.