Times of India

Following a two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will commence immediate ceasefire negotiations. Trump expressed optimism about the conversation, highlighting the potential for large-scale trade between the US and Russia once the conflict concludes. He also emphasized Ukraine's potential to benefit from trade during its reconstruction.

A Microsoft engineer, Joe Lopez, disrupted the Build 2025 conference, protesting the company's AI collaboration with Israel. Shouting 'free Palestine' during CEO Satya Nadella's keynote, Lopez, along with a former Google employee, was escorted out. This follows similar protests at Microsoft's 50th-anniversary event.

In a high-octane IPL 2025 match, Lucknow Super Giants' Digvesh Rathi dismissed Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma, sparking a heated exchange. Sharma, after a rapid 59, reacted strongly to Rathi's signature celebration. The incident occurred during SRH's chase of LSG's 205, fueled by earlier fifties from Marsh and Markram, with Pooran's late surge pushing LSG past 200.

Sanjiv Goenka, co-owner of Lucknow Super Giants, faced criticism after cameras captured his visible frustration following Rishabh Pant's dismissal during a crucial IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pant's poor performance and Goenka's reaction sparked a social media frenzy, highlighting the intense pressure on both players and owners in the high-stakes playoff race.

Nicholas Pooran's frustration boiled over after a run-out during Lucknow Super Giants' innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The vice-captain, visibly upset at missing the opportunity to finish strong, threw an object in the dressing room. This reaction underscores the intense pressure LSG faces as they fight for a playoff spot, where every run and moment is crucial.

Indian authorities have launched a major crackdown on a Pakistan-linked espionage network, arresting at least 12 individuals across northern states. The suspects, including a YouTuber and an influencer, are accused of relaying sensitive military information to Pakistani intelligence officers. Investigations are ongoing, focusing on digital devices, financial transactions, and potential links to drug smuggling.

The Supreme Court has voiced concerns over the Centre's delay in formulating cryptocurrency regulations, highlighting potential economic risks and drawing parallels to illegal "hawala" operations. Justices questioned the lack of a clear policy, emphasizing the need for oversight to monitor the parallel under-market.

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka's frustration was evident after Rishabh Pant's early dismissal against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL 2025 match. Pant's poor form continued as he managed only 7 runs, adding pressure to LSG's playoff hopes. Goenka's reaction, captured in a viral video, highlighted the high stakes and tension surrounding the team's performance.

India's Covid-19 situation is currently under control, with only 257 active cases reported as of May 19, 2025, and almost all cases are mild. Health authorities are closely monitoring the surge in cases in Hong Kong and Singapore. The Union health ministry remains alert, continuously assessing the situation, and has instructed hospitals to monitor influenza-like illnesses.

China is enforcing fiscal prudence by instructing officials to cut spending on non-essential items like travel and receptions, reflecting President Xi Jinping's focus on austerity amid economic challenges and local debt concerns.

Two rising stars — Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi — are set to clash in a battle that could shape the next generation of Indian cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chennai Super Kings will take on Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in a contest that holds no bearing.

A row has erupted over the selection of representatives for a multi-party global outreach on counter-terrorism. Opposition parties like Congress and Trinamool Congress accuse the government of unilateral decision-making and ignoring their suggestions. The BJP defends the selection process, emphasizing national interest over party politics.

After a period of box office struggles, Hindi cinema saw a resurgence with films like 'Jaat' and 'Kesari 2'. However, 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' has revitalized Hollywood's presence in India, achieving the highest opening day for a Hollywood release in 2025.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the young Rajasthan Royals batter, addresses rumours about him crying during his debut. He explains it was due to eye irritation from bright lights. Suryavanshi has impressed everyone with his fearless batting. He scored 195 runs in six matches. Despite Rajasthan Royals' struggles, his emergence is a positive sign. Fans are excited to see his future performance.

The Ministry of External Affairs clarified to a parliamentary committee that the India-Pakistan ceasefire was a bilateral decision, refuting Donald Trump's claims of US mediation. During the meeting, officials confirmed the conflict remained conventional, with no nuclear signaling from Pakistan. India successfully struck Pakistani air bases, regardless of the platforms used.

Stephen Fleming remained tight-lipped about MS Dhoni's future as CSK faces a rebuilding phase after a disappointing season. Youngster Ayush Mhatre's emergence provides a silver lining, while other young talents get a chance to shine. Rajasthan Royals, plagued by poor auction decisions and chasing woes, also look to end their season on a positive note.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri briefed a parliamentary panel on the Pahalgam attack investigation, revealing that terrorists communicated with masterminds in Pakistan. He highlighted the presence of UN-designated terrorists freely operating in Pakistan and inciting violence against India, further emphasizing a nexus between terrorists, the Pakistani military intelligence, and civilian administration. The conflict remained conventional, with a truce established bilaterally.