Times of India

A 16-year-old reportedly autistic boy, Pratap Joshi, sells toys outside a mall in Dehradun to support his family, earning ₹500 daily. His situation highlights systemic gaps in support for families facing disability and financial crisis, sparking concern and calls for structured help and fundraising.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon urges businesses and governments to prepare for AI-driven labor disruption, emphasizing proactive planning over reactive measures. The bank is embracing AI, already redeploying employees displaced by its adoption, and Dimon advocates for phased AI integration and retraining incentives to mitigate societal impact.

Auqib Nabi's exceptional bowling performance has propelled Jammu & Kashmir to the brink of a historic Ranji Trophy title. The seamer, who became the competition's leading wicket-taker, emphasized a simple, disciplined approach focusing on line and length. Nabi's success, attributed to strong wrist position for swing and movement, has fulfilled a long-held dream for J&K cricket.

Central to the disputes is India’s production-linked incentive programme, launched by the Modi government in 2020 with the aim of strengthening domestic manufacturing.

India and Israel are set to resume free trade agreement talks in May 2026 in Israel, following initial discussions in New Delhi. The negotiations cover a broad spectrum of trade and investment areas, aiming to unlock significant untapped potential. Despite recent trade dips, both nations are pushing for an ambitious pact to boost economic ties.

A seven-year-old boy in Bihar displayed remarkable bravery, descending into a deep well to rescue a baby goat. Locals lowered him with a rope, and he successfully brought the animal back up. While the act of compassion was cheered, authorities are now investigating the risky rescue, emphasizing the need to protect children.

The death of El Mencho did not end cartel power; it exposed how deeply entrenched it has become. This piece examines the real history behind the Netflix mythology, tracing the rise of Mexican cartels from Colombian cocaine transporters to global criminal empires. It explores how figures such as Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo and El Chapo built the system, how 9/11 reshaped trafficking routes, and how synthetic drugs industrialised the trade. It argues that cartel power persists because it is structural, not personal. El Mencho’s killing marks not a conclusion but a transition, as the system adapts once again, preparing to produce the next successor in an endless cycle.

Sebi has revamped how mutual funds value physical gold and silver, shifting to domestic spot prices from April 2026, replacing the LBMA benchmark. This move aims for greater transparency and alignment with Indian market conditions. Additionally, Sebi introduced a new scheme classification structure and tightened portfolio overlap disclosures to enhance investor protection and uniformity across the mutual fund industry.

China's military purges are creating significant gaps in its command structure. This is impacting the readiness of the People's Liberation Army. The International Institute for Strategic Studies reports these issues. The purges are expected to continue. China's military spending is also rising in the Indo-Pacific region.

World Economic Forum president and CEO Borge Brende has resigned following disclosures of past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Brende stated his departure was to allow the WEF to continue its work without distractions. An independent review found no additional concerns beyond what was already known.

Gold prices dipped in India's futures market on Thursday, influenced by a slump in spot demand and weak global cues, despite a rise in New York futures. Major Indian cities saw a decline in 24K, 22K, and 18K gold rates compared to the previous day, with Chennai experiencing a slight unchanged rate for 18K gold.

Bihar witnesses a disturbing rise in 'pakadua vivah,' where men and boys are forced into marriage. Recent cases across districts like Samastipur and Patna involve students, teachers, and even minors abducted and wedded under duress. Viral social media videos expose these incidents, prompting urgent calls for stricter laws and swifter police action against perpetrators.

The USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, departed Crete as the US increases military pressure on Iran. This move coincides with renewed indirect nuclear talks between the two nations, mediated by Oman. The US has significantly reinforced its military presence in the Middle East, with multiple warships deployed in the region.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised refund norms, allowing passengers to cancel or modify tickets without extra charges within 48 hours of booking. Airlines are also barred from levying charges for name corrections within 24 hours of booking directly through their website. These changes aim to streamline the refund process and enhance passenger convenience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a moment with a Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 during a technology exhibition in Jerusalem. This bobber-style motorcycle, launched in late 2024, features a 349cc engine and unique styling. The leaders explored various innovations, highlighting the strong ties between the nations.

Over 2,000 L&T contract workers protested at AM/NS India's Hajira plant demanding higher wages and better conditions. The demonstration turned violent, leading to police intervention with tear gas shells and the arrest of 20 workers. L&T has assured implementation of the Gujarat government's new labor code.

India's Western Army Commander, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, declared the army is fully prepared for future conflicts and undeterred by Pakistan's nuclear threats. He warned any future war would end decisively on the ground, asserting Pakistan's reliance on proxy warfare and misleading its populace.