Times of India

A political leader has entered a dispute over Lenskart's employee dress code. The leader defended Hindu religious symbols after allegations of restrictions. Lenskart has since apologized and pledged to revise its guidelines. The company stated it welcomes all symbols of faith and culture. This incident has broadened the debate on workplace expression and religious identity.

Three Japanese soldiers were killed and one injured when their tank's ammunition misfired during a training exercise in Oita. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the incident as "truly regrettable" and offered condolences as the cause is under investigation.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are likely to take cues from the US Federal Reserve stance on rate cuts in the near future, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

A year after the Pahalgam terror attack, India reaffirms its resolve with Operation Sindoor, a decisive response against cross-border terrorism. The operation saw Indian forces strike terror bases in Pakistan, eliminating over 100 terrorists and destroying launchpads. This reinforced India's zero-tolerance stance against state-sponsored terrorism.

India's economy is set for robust growth, projected at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027, according to a UN report. Despite export challenges, strong domestic consumption and services sector performance are key drivers. The nation is also a leader in green job creation, with policies supporting domestic manufacturing in clean energy sectors.

US naval forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman, suspecting it carries "dual-use" items. The ship, linked to sanctioned IRISL, was boarded after failing to respond to warnings and operating in violation of a U.S. blockade. Iran condemned the action as "armed piracy."

India and the US are nearing a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators reporting significant progress and only a few issues remaining. Discussions are described as positive and productive, focusing on market access and tariff alignment. This potential deal, aimed at boosting trade between the two nations, is expected to be a win-win, marking a key milestone in economic ties.

Prince Yadav, an LSG pacer, honed his skills playing tennis-ball cricket in his village. He still plays the game, crediting it for his arm speed and yorkers. Despite a past age-fudging ban, he is now a rising uncapped Indian fast bowler. He learns from seasoned players like Mohammed Shami and Zaheer Khan.

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, hosting the 2026 Laureus Awards, expressed deep admiration for Indian fans and revealed Virat Kohli inspired his interest in cricket. Djokovic hopes to visit India soon for an event, potentially with Kohli, to celebrate sports and spread positive vibes.

India Meteorological Department forecasts continuing heat waves across north, central, and eastern India until April 25. Meanwhile, rain and thunderstorms are expected in the Northeast, East, South, and parts of West India. Several regions are also warned of hot and humid weather conditions.

A Canadian woman was killed and 13 others injured in a shooting at Mexico's Teotihuacán pyramids. The gunman opened fire on tourists on the Pyramid of the Moon before dying by suicide. Authorities recovered a firearm and ammunition from the scene.

Tilak Varma delivered a historic IPL century, smashing 101 off 45 balls to lead Mumbai Indians to a dominant 99-run victory. His explosive innings, featuring a remarkable turnaround in scoring rate, saw him outscore the entire Gujarat Titans lineup. Varma's maiden century also marked a personal milestone, earning him his first Player-of-the-Match award.

US forces released video of a helicopter gunner warning a cargo vessel to turn back from a restricted zone near Iranian ports, enforcing a maritime blockade. This action comes amid escalating tensions and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with both nations imposing restrictions.

Apple has announced John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO on September 1, 2026, with Cook moving to executive chairman. Ternus, a key figure in hardware engineering, faces challenges in AI and mixed reality despite strong iPhone sales. This leadership transition follows extensive succession planning.

A sophisticated refund scam has cost Amazon $4 million in stolen goods like graphics cards and laptops. A group named RBK allegedly exploited customer support by claiming packages never arrived, even using fake police reports. Amazon uncovered the scheme through an undercover investigator, leading to a lawsuit against named individuals and unknown accomplices.

Team India's management is considering resting key players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah for the one-off Afghanistan Test (June 6–10) due to a packed schedule following IPL 2026. With no WTC points at stake and little turnaround time, workload management is the priority. Fringe players like Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey could earn maiden call-ups instead.