Times of India

US President Donald Trump lauded India as a "great country" with a "very good friend at the top," following a controversial social media repost that disparaged India and China. The US Embassy clarified Trump's positive remarks, while India's MEA acknowledged the reports. The repost criticized immigration, alleging bias and a lack of loyalty from certain immigrant groups.

The White House has reportedly created a 'naughty and nice' list for Nato allies, ranking them on contributions and support during the Iran war. This initiative aims to pressure nations that did not align with US positions, potentially impacting future military cooperation and strategic support.

While conducting the toss, Shastri introduced Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya but stopped briefly before naming Gaikwad.

Veteran actress Mumtaz recently clarified her close bond with the late Feroz Khan, emphasizing their friendship despite his undeniable charm. She revealed Feroz had a girlfriend during their film collaborations, including 'Apraadh' where she did her only bikini scene. Their children, Natasha and Fardeen, later had an arranged marriage, continuing their families' enduring connection.

The Washington Commanders recorded a brutal run on the field in the last season as the team managed to win just 5 games while losing in 12 in 2025. This was a major decline since the 2024 season, when the Washington Commanders recorded 12 wins and 5 losses. With Jayden Daniels sustaining major injuries, it seems the team is focused on fixing its roster ahead of the new season.

'Bhooth Bangla', directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Mithila Palkar and Asrani, is closing in on the Rs. 100 crore India net milestone as it completes its first week in theatres. With a cumulative India net of Rs. 79.02 crore and a worldwide gross of Rs. 127.37 crore after seven days, the U/A certified horror-comedy has delivered a strong opening week despite competing against 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' in its fifth week and a full IPL 2026 season. Marking Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's reunion after 16 years, the 145-minute supernatural thriller follows Arjun Acharya confronting the demonic entity Vadhusur in his ancestral home in Mangalpur, featuring a nostalgic ensemble of Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and the late Asrani.

The Supreme Court, while hearing a case on gender discrimination in temples, cautioned against relying on information from 'WhatsApp University.' A nine-judge bench, led by the Chief Justice, emphasized that while eminent authors' views are respected, personal opinions are not sufficient for judicial decisions. The court acknowledged the difficulty in defining essential religious practices.

According to data from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, crude production fell 2.5 per cent to 28 million metric tonnes in 2025–26. This marks a cumulative drop of 22 per cent since 2014–15.

Prime Minister Modi playfully responded to opposition criticism about his unscheduled jhalmuri stop in West Bengal, stating the state will celebrate BJP's victory with sweets and the popular snack. He suggested the TMC felt the "heat of chillies" from his brief break, while the TMC accused him of staging a "scripted drama" and humiliating an Adivasi leader.

A pricing confusion at Anthropic, where Claude Code's availability was questioned, led to a witty jab from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. While Anthropic clarified the situation, the incident highlighted the competitive landscape. Altman's playful response, amplified by its reach, subtly underscored OpenAI's own strengths and market position amidst Anthropic's strategic adjustments.

Sportsmanship shone at the Boston Marathon 2026 when two runners, Aaron Beggs and Robson de Oliveira, stopped to help a struggling first-time participant, Ajay Haridasse, just meters from the finish line. Despite sacrificing personal bests, they supported him across the line. All three later met qualifying standards for the next marathon.

Mitchell Starc is set to join Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026 on Friday after Cricket Australia clearances, targeting a May 1 return against Rajasthan Royals. The injured fast bowler's arrival presents a selection dilemma for the Axar Patel-led side, which needs strong performances in upcoming matches to boost playoff hopes. Starc's gradual return will be managed carefully.

A severe head-on collision between two local trains in Denmark on Thursday has left several passengers injured. The incident, occurring near Copenhagen, prompted a large-scale emergency response. Authorities confirmed all passengers were safely evacuated, with no one trapped. Investigations into the cause of the major accident are underway.

Rebel Wilson's sustained conversation around her health journey in 2026 highlights a balanced approach to weight loss, emphasising gradual lifestyle changes over strict dieting. While she confirmed trying Ozempic for cravings, her major transformation stemmed from consistent walking, strength training, and mindful eating, reflecting a shift towards health first and self-acceptance.

Iran released footage showing its forces seizing two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with the IRGC claiming the vessels were diverted to Iranian waters over alleged security violations. Meanwhile, Panama condemned the seizure of the MSC Francesca as “illegal,” warning it poses a serious threat to maritime security. Tehran said the IRGC captured the MSC Francesca and EPAMINODES in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging navigational interference and unauthorised movement.

Asian markets faltered after touching record highs, weighed down by surging oil prices and lingering US-Iran peace talk uncertainties. Japan's Nikkei briefly crossed 60,000 before retreating. Escalating Middle East tensions, including shipping disruptions, fueled oil price spikes, impacting investor sentiment across the region. Despite a Wall Street rally, regional markets succumbed to geopolitical anxieties.

The ministry of petroleum and natural gas has firmly refuted claims of an impending petrol and diesel price hike, labeling such reports as 'fake news' designed to cause public alarm. Asserting India's unique fuel price stability over the past four years, the government highlighted its proactive measures to shield citizens from global energy market volatility and geopolitical impacts.