Times of India

The Indian government has announced plans to cap trade margins on all types of cancer drugs. This decision aims to make cancer medications more affordable and accessible, potentially reducing prices by up to 70%. It is expected to result in savings of around Rs 2,500 crore annually for patients. An expert committee will be formed to recommend the list of drugs covered by this initiative.

Newly appointed German Ambassador Jasper Wieck met with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to discuss defense cooperation. India and Germany aim to strengthen their military and defense-industrial ties, including advanced technologies. The talk follows high-level engagements and a recent agreement on co-development of defense items. Meanwhile, India engages with Greece on maritime security and coastal protection issues.

Indian Air Force celebrated its 94th anniversary at Hindon Air Force Station showcasing its historical significance. The event featured aerobatics by the vintage Tiger Moth and a display of military aircraft. IAF Chief ACM Singh emphasized the importance of operational preparedness and joint operations with the Army and Navy. PM Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the courage and dedication of IAF personnel.

Ibra Khan, a student pursuing MBBS at Tehran University, had her passport impounded due to her father's past case. The Jammu & Kashmir High Court intervened, recognizing her completion of half the course before the impounding occurred. Legal representatives argued that Khan could not be held accountable for her father's actions from 1997. A division bench ordered the passport's revival while allowing authorities to impose conditions on its use.

Votes for five Assembly constituencies and the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat will be counted today. Counting will commence at 8am, with results announced throughout the day. Updates will be provided by the Election Commission of India on their official results website. The Times of India will also provide live coverage of the counting process and results. The counting will occur under security arrangements at the respective counting centres.

Richard Branson was 29 when he pursued an island to impress Joan Templeman, offering $100,000 for a property priced at $6 million before eventually buying it for $180,000. In 2007, he purchased 125-acre Moskito Island for $15 million. Today, the island has been divided among nine private families who own estates there.

On Thursday, the United States targeted two Mumbai-based companies over their alleged oil trade involvement with Iran. The sanctions affected five Indian nationals connected to SSPL Solutions Private Limited and Samudra Marine Services Private Limited. These measures are part of a broader crackdown on Iran under 'Operation Economic Outcast'. The U.S. government aims to curb Iranian oil revenues fueling military and cyber activities.

Madhya Pradesh high court quashed the preventive detention of two brothers under the National Security Act. The court criticized the reckless invocation of the Act by authorities and highlighted a lack of evidence. It found the brothers had been acquitted in multiple cases where NSA was applied, asserting non-application of mind. The court underscored the need for constitutional safeguards against arbitrary detentions.

Nana Patekar, a renowned actor from Maharashtra, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in Goa. He was known for his powerful performances in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, spanning nearly five decades. Patekar had a notable impact on Indian cinema, often portraying characters that were unpredictable and emotionally complex. He championed various social causes, including rural distress through his NAAM Foundation.

The US has suspended Microsoft from the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM), freezing new and pending Green Card applications for its foreign workers. Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of abusing the H-1B and PERM system to replace laid-off American workers. Microsoft says 80% of its roughly 6,000 H-1B filings last fiscal year were for existing employees, and that it pays H-1B staff the same as others doing comparable work.

The Indian film industry mourns the loss of Nana Patekar, who succumbed to cardiac arrest as confirmed by his son. The actor's passing, attributed to natural causes, prompted the Maharashtra government to orchestrate a state funeral fitting his legacy in cinema. Tributes poured in from fans and fellow actors in Pune, with many sharing their fond memories of the beloved artist on social media.

A significant incident unfolded on Thursday night when a gas cylinder exploded in a workers' shed at an under-construction building on the IIT Powai campus. Occurring at approximately 10:24 PM in Hostel No. 6, five people sustained injuries—two minors and three adults. Fortunately, all individuals are reported to be in stable condition.

In a significant development, over 100 construction workers are about to be compensated in a settlement linked to Caddell Construction due to allegations of labor exploitation at the new US consulate in Milan. Workers endured illegal wage cutbacks, unpaid overtime, and deplorable working environments. Expected payouts will average near 45,000 euros, with select cases reaching an impressive 90,000 euros.

"I’m glad I was directed by Nana in Prahaar", said the actress, mourning the loss of the legendary actor.

Akhilesh Yadav has urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to contest the upcoming assembly elections from Ayodhya. He indicated plans to visit the Ram temple alongside SP leaders after visiting Kedareshwar Dham in Etawah. Yadav also noted that the BJP has been conducting surveys for the Ayodhya seat, claiming they are struggling to find a candidate to challenge him. This statement responds to BJP allegations about his temple visitations.

The Madras High Court held that the property was not ancestral but self-acquired. As a result, under Hindu law, the man and his mother were legally entitled to execute the gift settlement deed in favour of the man’s second wife, who could subsequently sell the property.