Times of India

Independent MP Pappu Yadav defends his statements on the Women's Reservation Bill. He asserts his commitment to protecting women entering politics. Yadav alleges exploitation of young girls by leaders and capitalists. He claims his remarks highlight the struggles women face in the political arena. The Bihar State Women's Commission has sought an explanation for his offensive statements.

Indian consumer goods firms are grappling with soaring input costs, driven by the Middle East conflict. Companies are now tracking expenses daily and frequently adjusting prices, impacting long-term strategies. Executives fear higher prices could dampen consumer spending, which had recently shown signs of recovery. This volatility is forcing immediate, short-term decisions across various product categories.

Nike is laying off 1400 employees globally, primarily in its technology division, as part of its 'Win Now' plan to streamline operations and ensure long-term growth. The company is modernizing its technology, manufacturing, and supply chain, consolidating key hubs and improving integration. Affected employees will receive direct communication and support.

Technology stocks bore the brunt of the selling. Shares of Infosys, HCLTech, Tech Mahindra and Tata Consultancy Services fell between 2 per cent and 4 per cent after Infosys’ fourth-quarter results failed to meet market expectations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections signals a desire for change. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party is poised for victory and will form the next government with an absolute majority.

Surveillance footage reveals chaotic scenes in Tehran hospitals during air strikes, with medical staff urgently evacuating patients, including newborns carried in fruit baskets. The ongoing Iran conflict, sparked by Operation Epic Fury, has escalated tensions in the Persian Gulf, disrupting oil shipments and leading to naval confrontations.

Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui revealed his challenging childhood, starting work at nine and leaving school at eleven to wash utensils for a meager wage. He shared his father's fear of him becoming a driver, stemming from his own 30-year career.

Brokerage views on Infosys remain mixed, with analysts balancing near-term challenges against the company’s long-term positioning. They have expressed a measured outlook on Infosys.

A complaint has been lodged with Mumbai Police against a woman who confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a BJP rally in Worli over traffic congestion caused by the event. The complaint, filed by Zen Sadavarte—daughter of lawyer Gunratna Sadavarte—alleges that the woman disrupted the rally, used abusive language, and created public disturbance.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices continue to be volatile and a buy on dips strategy is recommended for today, says Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities recommends a buy on dip strategy.

KPMG is set to cut approximately 10% of its US audit partners after voluntary retirement schemes failed to yield desired results. The accounting giant, one of the Big Four, cited a need to align its partnership size with current business demands.

Pakistani security forces killed 22 alleged militants in Khyber District during an operation that also resulted in the death of a 10-year-old child. This incident occurs amidst a rise in militant attacks, particularly in provinces bordering Afghanistan, and ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Kabul.

12-year-old Aarav Sarbalia is gaining recognition as a rising chess talent. Alongside his on-board progress, his structured social media content has attracted prominent followers, including Judit Polgar and D Gukesh's coach, Vishnu Prasanna. Supported by his family and guided by top coaching, Aarav is building momentum toward his long-term goal of achieving the Grandmaster (GM) title.

Scientists have uncovered evidence of enormous, intelligent, octopus-like predators that dominated Earth's ancient oceans. These creatures, some up to 19 meters long, possessed bone-crushing beaks and rivalled top predators like mosasaurs. This discovery challenges previous understandings of prehistoric marine ecosystems, suggesting invertebrates played a more dominant role than previously believed.

Arjun Tendulkar shared a funny birthday wish for Sachin Tendulkar, saying, "Happy Birthday, I am not going to eat this because I don't eat sugar very often. I will see you soon." As Sachin turned 53, fans celebrated his legendary career, highlighted by 34,357 international runs, most centuries, and a lasting legacy as one of cricket’s greatest icons.

A 22-year-old IRS officer's daughter was found dead in Delhi, allegedly by a former domestic helper. Hours before this crime, the accused reportedly committed a sexual assault in his native Alwar village. Investigators are piecing together a rapid sequence of events across two states, fueled by alleged gambling debts.

Asian markets navigated a cautious trading session Friday, influenced by ongoing Iran conflict uncertainties and stalled US-Iran talks. While some indices saw modest gains, others dipped, reflecting investor unease. Rising oil prices added to market anxiety, with analysts predicting continued volatility. Attention also turned to currency markets, particularly the Japanese yen, and upcoming central bank policy decisions.