Gold surged in FY25, gaining 41% in USD and 33% in rupee terms, driven by its safe-haven status and central bank buying. Despite this, Indian equities outperformed gold over longer periods.

With the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) set to resume on Saturday, TimesofIndia.com delves deep into the lives of the individuals who manage everything from booking flights, hotels, and cabs to ensuring the safety and comfort of players and their travelling families, especially in extraordinary situations like the one that unfolded on May 8 in Dharamsala.

The Supreme Court has instructed the West Bengal government to disburse 25% Dearness Allowance (DA) to its employees within three months, marking an interim decision in the ongoing dispute over DA parity with central government employees. This directive follows a 2022 Calcutta High Court ruling that aimed to align state DA payments with the central rate.

Tollywood actor Bellamkonda Srinivas faces legal trouble after allegedly driving rashly in Jubilee Hills on May 13. According to a complaint, Srinivas attempted an illegal turn, nearly hitting a traffic constable. He then allegedly fled the scene. Jubilee Hills police have registered a case against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act.

Lionel Messi is set to rejoin Argentina for their upcoming matches against Chile and Colombia after recovering from an adductor injury. Despite his absence in March, Argentina secured their spot in the 2026 tournament. Coach Lionel Scaloni has also recalled Alejandro Garnacho to the squad, blending youth with experience.

Subrata Ghosh, a 45-year-old mountaineer from West Bengal, tragically died while descending Mount Everest after successfully reaching the summit. He exhibited exhaustion and altitude sickness below the Hillary Step and refused to move further. Ghosh was part of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar’s Snowy Everest Expedition 2025, and efforts are underway to retrieve his body.

More than 100 parents have approached the Delhi High Court. They allege Delhi Public School Dwarka expelled students. The reason is a fee dispute. Parents also claim the school used bouncers. They say it was to manage children. Parents want the government to take over the school. The Directorate of Education has instructed the school to reinstate students.

Following the India-Pakistan ceasefire and Operation Sindoor, Indian defence stocks surged, reflecting confidence in indigenous military capabilities. Conversely, Chinese defence stocks, particularly those associated with weapons used by Pakistan, plummeted.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have successfully neutralised six terrorists in two separate anti-terror operations in Kelar and Tral areas over the past 48 hours. The joint operations by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF signify an intensified focus on eliminating the terror ecosystem in the Kashmir Valley.

Over two days, Israeli airstrikes killed 120 people in Gaza, including 54 in Khan Younis. Amid the ongoing conflict, Gaza’s only cancer hospital shut down, and nearly 1 million face severe food shortages. The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, has killed over 53,000 Palestinians. Hostage tensions and a stalled ceasefire further complicate peace efforts.

In a harrowing incident near Kozhikode Medical College, a truck laden with bricks lost control on an incline and rolled backward, striking a scooter. Ashwathi, the scooter rider, was thrown onto the road but narrowly escaped serious injury as the truck halted just inches away from her.

Scientists have analysed a new Archaeopteryx fossil. This fossil reveals specialised feathers. These feathers aided in flight. Archaeopteryx lived 150 million years ago. It had features of both dinosaurs and birds. The fossil shows it could fly. This discovery helps understand bird evolution. It confirms Archaeopteryx was a legitimate flyer. The fossil was found in Germany.

Creatine, a naturally occurring compound, boosts athletic performance by aiding energy production and muscle recovery. Studies suggest it enhances muscle strength, endurance, and power, benefiting various activities. While generally safe, consulting a doctor is crucial, especially for individuals with specific health conditions. Foods like herring, beef, salmon, pork, and lamb are natural sources of creatine.

Over two days, Israeli airstrikes killed 120 people in Gaza, including 54 in Khan Younis. Amid the ongoing conflict, Gaza’s only cancer hospital shut down, and nearly 1 million face severe food shortages. The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, has killed over 53,000 Palestinians. Hostage tensions and a stalled ceasefire further complicate peace efforts.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in red on Friday after a strong rally yesterday. While Nifty50 went below 25,000, BSE Sensex was down over 250 points.