Times of India

External affairs minister S Jaishankar refuted Donald Trump's claim of brokering peace between India and Pakistan. Jaishankar clarified that the cessation of hostilities occurred through direct communication after Pakistan signaled its readiness to stop firing on May 10. This followed India's 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terror sites in response to the Pahalgam attack.

Mumbai Indians secured their playoff spot in IPL 2025 with a dominant victory over Delhi Capitals, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. To clinch a top-two position, MI must defeat Punjab Kings and hope for multiple losses from Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings in their remaining matches.

In Washington, DC, a tragic shooting occurred outside the Jewish Museum, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members. Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, was apprehended after the incident, during which he chanted "Free, free Palestine." Authorities are investigating the motives behind the attack, with President Trump condemning it as antisemitic.

India's UN mission hosted an International Tea Day event, emphasising tea's role in economic empowerment and sustainable development. Ambassador Harish highlighted the industry's support for millions of livelihoods, particularly for women in rural India. Discussions addressed challenges like climate change impacting small-scale farmers, with calls for innovation and climate-smart practices to ensure the industry's future.

Mumbai experienced over 60 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, causing significant disruption. A viral video showed garbage-filled, waterlogged streets in areas like SakiNaka, sparking outrage over waste management. Social media users criticized authorities for inadequate drainage. The IMD forecasts continued rains, with high and low tides expected. Moderate rainfall was recorded across the city and suburbs.

In Washington DC, a suspect shot and killed two staff members of the Israeli Embassy near a Jewish museum. The suspect, while in custody, repeatedly chanted "Free Palestine." Police detained the individual after he was seen pacing outside the museum.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has criticized Prime Minister Modi's silence regarding President Trump's repeated claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan. Trump asserted he used trade negotiations to halt 'Operation Sindoor,' a claim India refutes.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, tanked in trade on Thursday. While Nifty50 went below 24,550, BSE Sensex was down over 1,100 points intraday.

Indian intelligence agencies successfully dismantled a Pakistan-linked espionage ring, preventing a potential terrorist strike in Delhi. The operation led to the arrest of Pakistani operative Ansarul Miya Ansari, who was gathering sensitive military data, and his Indian accomplice, Akhlaque Azam, who provided logistical support.

In a shocking incident in Moradabad, five schoolboys, aged 12 to 15, allegedly gang-raped a 12-year-old Dalit girl inside a school principal's office after drugging her. The assault, filmed by the perpetrators, was circulated online, prompting the girl's mother to file a police report.

In a historic moment, the United Arab Emirates clinched their first-ever T20I series victory against Bangladesh at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Alishan Sharafu's match-winning boundary sealed the 2-1 series triumph, sparking celebrations. Haider Ali's impressive bowling restricted Bangladesh to 162/9, while Sharafu's unbeaten 68 and Asif Khan's 41 guided UAE to a dominant seven-wicket win.

Tottenham Hotspur clinched the UEFA Europa League title, defeating Manchester United 1-0, ending a 17-year trophy drought. Brennan Johnson's goal secured Spurs' first major silverware since 2008. Despite a challenging Premier League season, Ange Postecoglou delivered a European triumph. Manchester United, plagued by defeats and without European qualification, faced further disappointment.

Kannada author Banu Mushtaq made history by winning the International Booker Prize for her short-story collection, 'Heart Lamp.' Translated by Deepa Bhasthi, it's the first anthology to receive this honor. Mushtaq, a voice of resistance and Bandaya Sahitya movement participant, sees the award as recognition for Kannada literature and its universal stories.

Nambala Keshava Rao, alias Basavaraj, the general secretary of the CPI (Maoist), was killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh, marking a significant blow to the Maoist insurgency in India. Basavaraj, a former engineering graduate, rose through the ranks to become a key military strategist, orchestrating major attacks and maintaining international connections.