Times of India

Global oil prices surged to a four-year high amid escalating US-Iran tensions and fears of a Strait of Hormuz closure, impacting gasoline prices and broader economies. Analysts warn of a potential global recession due to supply disruptions, with shortages already affecting various goods. Experts predict further price hikes until the strait reopens.

The 36-year-old replaced Ramandeep Singh in the KKR XI for their ninth match of the season. He had been bought for Rs 75 lakh at the auction and had not played earlier in the season.

Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma clarified his "unprofessional" comment about young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, explaining it stemmed from their close friendship. Sharma stressed that the 15-year-old is a typical teenager who enjoys simple pleasures. He urged against placing undue pressure on the youngster, advocating for him to enjoy his childhood while focusing on cricket.

Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak stated he has not received information about FIRs filed against him, suspecting political misuse. Punjab Police registered two non-bailable FIRs against Pathak after he switched from AAP to BJP. BJP and SAD leaders condemned the actions as political vendetta.

Candace Owens is facing renewed backlash after quietly editing a controversial thumbnail linked to her latest episode. Critics claim the changes were subtle and failed to address the core issue, while supporters continue to defend her intent. The episode was also renamed and added to a series, raising further questions. The controversy has grown alongside reports of legal action against conspiracy-driven content tied to Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk.

India's leather and footwear industry faces a 40-60% surge in input costs due to the Middle East crisis, impacting petroleum-based materials and imports. Industry representatives are urging the government for import duty exemptions on raw materials and machinery to mitigate these rising expenses and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

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.