Times of India

A distressing video surfaced showing a farmer in Maharashtra desperately trying to salvage his peanut crop from unseasonal rains. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, after seeing the video, assured the farmer of compensation and spoke with state officials to expedite aid. Many farmers were left exposed at the mandi, resulting in significant harvest damage.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali revealed his parents were near the area of India's Operation Sindoor in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). He recounted the experience of the IPL being halted amidst escalating tensions, creating uncertainty and concern among players about potential war and travel disruptions. Moeen highlighted the difficulty of discerning truth from news outlets during the crisis.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices experienced volatility due to US-China trade deal developments, a stronger dollar, and fluctuating investor sentiment. Moody's downgraded the U.S. credit rating, adding to market uncertainty.

India's restriction on garment imports from Bangladesh via land routes is poised to create a substantial opportunity for the domestic textile sector, potentially worth Rs 1,000-2,000 crore. While boosting local manufacturing and curbing indirect entry of Chinese fabric, this move may disrupt supply chains for apparel brands, leading to a slight price increase for consumers during the winter season.

England test skipper Ben Stokes has been out of action for around five months, ever since he tore his hamstring in the series against New Zealand. With recovering in time for the Zimbabwe series at the top of priorities, the all-rounder has chosen to give up alcohol to get back to his very best.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition from Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, arrested by Haryana Police for his remarks on Operation Sindoor. CJI B R Gavai's bench will hear the matter on May 20 or 21. Mahmudabad's arrest, following a BJP Yuva Morcha leader's complaint, has sparked concern over free expression within the academic community.

Indian diplomats in Portugal responded to a protest by Pakistani nationals near the Indian Chancery with a silent yet firm message: "Operation Sindoor is not yet over." The Indian Embassy displayed banners with this message, asserting that India will not be intimidated by such provocations. India's Ambassador Puneet Roy Kundal affirmed the embassy's steadfast approach, while also thanking the Portuguese government and police for ensuring the embassy's safety.

Karnataka's liquor industry faces disruption. Distilleries and liquor shops plan a strike on May 20, followed by a shutdown on May 21. This action protests increased excise duties and license fees. Store owners will halt liquor purchases from government depots. Associations cite unbearable fee hikes, impacting businesses and consumers. The government aims to address revenue shortfalls with these increases.

A speeding car carrying seven passengers plunged into the Jagbudi River. The vehicle hit a divider before the crash. Five people died, including three women and two men. The deceased were identified. Two injured passengers are receiving treatment. Khed police are investigating the incident. The car was traveling from Nallasopara to Devrukh.

In a significant operation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended Shehzad Wahab, a Rampur-based trader, for allegedly spying for Pakistan under the guise of cross-border smuggling. Wahab, who frequently visited Pakistan, is accused of sharing sensitive information with the ISI, facilitating financial transactions, and recruiting individuals for espionage.

Following heightened tensions and Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks targeting Indian cities. The Indian Army, anticipating the threat, successfully intercepted these attacks, particularly safeguarding the Golden Temple from potential destruction. Modern air defence systems, including the indigenous AKASH missile system, played a crucial role in thwarting Pakistan's nefarious designs.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, a senior Trinamool Congress leader emphasized that foreign policy is the Union government's exclusive domain. While pledging support to protect the nation, the leader's statement came as India prepares to dispatch all-party delegations to key partner countries to reinforce its stance against terrorism.

Security agencies arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and three others for allegedly spying for Pakistan, maintaining contact with handlers even during recent blackouts in north India. Malhotra, along with Nauman Elahi, Devender Singh Dhillon, and Arman, are accused of sharing sensitive information about vital installations. Authorities are investigating Malhotra's role in shaping narratives and Arman's connection to Pakistani intelligence operatives.

Residents of Sai Layout in Bengaluru's Horamavu are grappling with severe waterlogging and flooding, even before the monsoon season. Pre-monsoon rains submerged the area, leaving homes flooded and residents without access to clean water. The BBMP is working on temporary solutions like pumping water while a long-term project to restore the stormwater drain's width is underway with railway authorities.

Punjab Kings secured a playoff berth by defeating Rajasthan Royals. Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh scored half-centuries. Harpreet Brar took three wickets. Shreyas Iyer became the first captain to lead three different teams into the IPL playoffs. Punjab posted 219 for 5. Rajasthan Royals managed 209 for 7 in reply.

A year has passed since a 17-year-old's Porsche crash in Pune claimed the lives of two tech professionals, Ashwini Koshta and Anish Awadhia. The Juvenile Justice Board is yet to decide whether to try him as an adult, facing delays due to adjournments and quorum issues.

The US embassy warns of strict action against visa overstays. Foreigners risk deportation and a permanent US entry ban. International visitors staying over 30 days must register. This advisory comes amid rising Indian travel to America. The US is intensifying efforts against visa fraud and illegal immigration. New visa curbs apply to those facilitating illegal immigration.

In a setback for the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), the PSLV-C61 mission failed after liftoff from Sriharikota on Sunday. The rocket malfunctioned during its third stage, preventing the EOS-09 satellite from reaching its intended orbit. Isro Chairman V Narayanan cited a drop in chamber pressure within the solid motor as the cause.

Indian Army clarifies that the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan has no expiry date. This follows India's precision strikes on Pakistani airbases. India emphasizes the truce depends on Pakistan's behavior. No further talks are scheduled between the DGMOs of both countries. India maintains a pause in Operation Sindoor. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns of harsh punishment if Pakistan disturbs peace.

Despite India's strong opposition, the IMF has approved fresh assistance to Pakistan, raising concerns about potential risks. The IMF highlighted that heightened tensions with India could impede Pakistan's reform efforts. It also cautioned about reputational risks due to possible fund diversion, echoing India's concerns about the misuse of funds for rebuilding terror bases.