Times of India

Diljit Dosanjh paused his Calgary concert amid pro-Khalistan flags, addressing criticism. He defended his efforts to highlight Punjab's issues on platforms like Kaun Banega Crorepati and The Tonight Show, stating his focus remains on his homeland. This follows past controversy with Sikhs For Justice over his interactions with Amitabh Bachchan.

Estimates vary, but the range broadly suggests the UDF could cross the halfway mark in the 140-member House, with projections spanning from around 70 seats at the lower end to close to 90 at the higher end. In contrast, the LDF is largely seen falling short, with projections indicating a ceiling below a simple majority. If these projections hold, the outcome would carry significance beyond a routine change of government.

Apex Legends' Season 29, 'Overclocked,' launches May 5, 2026, bringing exciting new content. Players can anticipate the arrival of Axle, a swift Skirmisher legend focused on slide mechanics, and the innovative Deathbox Respawns feature, allowing teammates to be revived directly at their fallen comrades' deathboxes. This update promises a fresh experience for the popular battle royale.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha is set to meet President Droupadi Murmu on May 5 to voice concerns regarding the alleged misuse of state machinery in Punjab. He plans to highlight political vendetta against former AAP MPs who recently joined the BJP. Chadha, along with three other MPs, will present these issues to the President.

"Due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you all something. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending... But I want to say that I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing."

Microsoft's Copilot 365 AI assistant is now powering Accenture's workforce of 743,000 employees, marking the largest enterprise deal for the chatbot. This significant adoption by Accenture, a leading AI adopter, highlights Microsoft's strategy to boost paid Copilot subscriptions. Early results show employees completing routine tasks up to 15 times faster, with major productivity gains reported.

A devastating pre-dawn fire in Delhi's Vivek Vihar claimed nine lives after trapping residents in a four-storey building. Protective grills and a locked terrace blocked escape routes, hindering rescue efforts. The blaze, suspected to be from a short circuit, rapidly spread, leaving many unable to flee the inferno. Fifteen individuals were saved, but nine perished.

A consortium led by Lakshmi Mittal, Aditya Mittal, and Adar Poonawala has acquired the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals and its sister entities for approximately $1.65 billion. The deal, expected to conclude in Q3 2026, will see the Mittal family hold a majority stake. This acquisition follows a previous attempt by a Kal Somani-led consortium that faced funding and regulatory hurdles.

Markets brace for a crucial week as investors await state election results, with potential impacts on sentiment. Developments in the West Asia conflict and their influence on crude oil prices remain a significant concern for India's import-dependent economy. Key economic data and Q4 earnings will also shape market movements.

Around 50 teenagers forced their way into a Church of Scientology building in New York City, damaging property and injuring a security guard. The incident, linked to a social media trend called 'Scientology speed running,' involved coordinated trespass and aggression. Police are investigating similar disruptions reported in Los Angeles.

Seven years after the controversial 'Mankading' incident with Jos Buttler, Ravichandran Ashwin defends his actions, stating he did nothing wrong and played to win. He also reflected on his IPL career, expressing regret over not winning a title with Rajasthan Royals despite a fulfilling stint.

Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 playoff hopes are all but over after an eight-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings. Languishing in ninth place with two wins from nine matches, the star-studded team is struggling significantly. Former cricketers believe captain Hardik Pandya lacks support, and inconsistency across the squad is hindering results.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the forces have struck two Russian oil tankers near Novorossiysk port. This action highlights Ukraine's ongoing strategy to disrupt Russia's energy sector. Drone warfare has intensified, with Ukraine increasingly targeting Russian territory. Russia has also conducted extensive drone attacks across Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire are ongoing.

Pakistan's economy faces sustained pressure with double-digit inflation likely to persist due to surging global oil prices amid the Middle East crisis. Rising energy costs and regional instability are projected to slow GDP growth and widen the current account deficit, impacting the stock market and currency.

Despite US claims of total control over the Strait of Hormuz and a successful naval blockade, an Iranian oil tanker carrying over 1.9 million barrels of crude has reportedly evaded US forces and reached Asia. This incident, alongside claims of numerous Iranian vessels breaching the blockade, highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing the US-imposed restrictions.

A devastating fire, possibly triggered by an AC blast or short circuit, swept through a four-storey building in Vivek Vihar, east Delhi, killing nine people. The blaze, which started around 3:47 am, rapidly spread, trapping residents behind locked doors and grilled windows. Firefighters rescued about 15 people, but nine bodies were recovered from various floors.