Geopolitical jitters took center stage in commodity trading Friday, propelling gold and silver prices to notable gains on the MCX. US-Iran frictions, marked by stalled nuclear negotiations and new sanctions, overshadowed a softening US dollar. Intra-day highs saw April gold futures climb 0.30% to ₹1,60,719 per 10 grams, while March silver vaulted more than 3% to ₹2,68,301 per kg. At mid-afternoon, gold held a 0.40% gain at ₹1,60,354, and silver advanced 2.69% to ₹2,66,650. Nuclear talks between the adversaries have been deferred without breakthroughs, amplifying risks. US troop buildups and sanctions targeting Iran’s energy and weapons sectors have spurred safe-haven…
Author: News Analysis India
The Eden Gardens is set for an electrifying T20 World Cup Super 8 decider on March 1, pitting India against West Indies in a match that could define their tournament fate. Both teams need victory to advance to semifinals, turning this into high-octane cricket. Caribbean flair shone in the group phase with an unbeaten run, but Super 8 brought reality: a humiliating 9-wicket loss to South Africa following a win over Zimbabwe. India mirrored the path, losing first to South Africa before demolishing Zimbabwe by 72 runs. No room for complacency in Kolkata. The ghosts of 2016 loom large –…
A moderate 5.3 magnitude earthquake striking Bangladesh sent powerful tremors rippling through Kolkata and West Bengal on February 27, turning a routine Friday afternoon into chaos. Striking at approximately 1:22 PM, the quake’s effects were felt intensely across the bustling metropolis and nearby districts. Data from the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre pinpointed the epicenter 10 km underground in Bangladesh, about 8 km from Kolkata where local intensity hit 5.0. The brief but fierce jolts, enduring mere seconds, triggered mass evacuations as office-goers and homemakers alike spilled onto streets. Social media erupted with videos, including one from a political rally where…
Mumbai’s cinemas are buzzing again as ‘Tere Naam’ returns to theaters, reigniting nostalgia for Salman Khan’s iconic Radhe. The 2003 blockbuster didn’t just entertain; it sparked a cultural phenomenon. Fans copied Salman’s rugged look—slicked-back hair, black tees, and jeans—while his powerful dialogues went viral long before social media. Few know the casting drama that nearly derailed this gem. Aamir Khan was the top choice, drawn to the depth of Radhe—a street-smart lover whose world crumbles after betrayal. But Aamir needed two years for method preparation, clashing with the producers’ schedule. Anil Kapoor followed, only to pass citing story concerns. Enter…
Power changed hands, but simplicity endured. This phrase perfectly captures the essence of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s inaugural President whose life of austerity set a benchmark for public servants. Hailing from rural Bihar, his path from a brilliant student to the custodian of the world’s largest democracy is a tale of unwavering principles. Early life in Ziradei village shaped his grounded persona. Under his scholarly father’s guidance, he mastered languages young. Academic accolades followed: top ranks at Presidency College, postgraduate degrees, and pioneering legal honors. Yet, prosperity in law couldn’t eclipse his patriotic fervor. Gandhi’s influence drew him into the…
Paris-based Justice Makers Bangladesh (JMBAF) has slammed a provocative police order in Bangladesh that mandates the re-arrest of Awami League leaders fresh out on bail. The February 24 directive from Rajshahi Range DIG Mohammad Shahjahan directs officers to slap new charges and detain these politicians, effectively nullifying court decisions. This ‘special directive’ has ignited fears of systemic judicial sabotage. JMBAF argues it represents a direct assault on constitutional rights to liberty, due process, and access to justice, principles baked into Bangladesh’s foundational charter. In their critique, the group emphasized: ‘Post-bail arrests via fabricated cases mock the independence of the judiciary…
World NGO Day, observed annually on February 27 since 2014, recognizes the global impact of NGOs in critical sectors like health, education, and disaster response. In India, this day underscores the vibrant NGO ecosystem, boosted by high-profile endorsements from film industry luminaries. These stars leverage their influence to fund and lead initiatives transforming communities. Leading the pack is South superstar Chiranjeevi, whose 1998-founded Charitable Trust revolutionized blood donation drives and delivered aid during pandemics. Mahesh Babu’s philanthropy flows to Heal A Child, nurturing vulnerable kids. Malayalam icon Mohanlal’s Vishwa Shanthi Foundation provided lifeline support amid COVID chaos. Bollywood’s Salman Khan…
Delhi’s law enforcement machinery flexed its muscles in Dwarka on February 27, apprehending a fugitive check-bouncer and a hardcore booze trafficker in separate, intelligence-led raids. This double strike highlights the district’s aggressive campaign against absconders and cross-border smuggling syndicates. First up was Rizwan, a 35-year-old resident of Mohan Garden, Uttam Nagar, who had dodged capture in a Negotiable Instruments Act violation case. Declared a proclaimed offender by Dwarka court on January 13 in case 17222/2021, his luck ran out on February 21 in Sector-10. A dedicated team led by Inspector Harish Kumar, under ACP (Operations) oversight, nabbed him based on…
Festival season is here, and Indian Railways is pulling out all stops for Holi travelers. Facing a ticket crunch, the network has rolled out 10 fresh special trains linking Bihar, UP, and eastern routes to Kolkata. This expansion targets the massive influx of passengers returning to their hometowns. Spanning lines from Lal Kuan via Gorakhpur to Kolkata, Saharsa to Purnea, and beyond, these trains will operate through March. They stop at crucial junctions, making travel seamless. Officials note the initiative counters overcrowding, a perennial Holi challenge. Highlighting the 05060 Lal Kuan-Kolkata, it runs Thursdays March 5-26, starting 1:35 PM from…
Jack Dorsey, the visionary behind Twitter’s early days, is making headlines again—not for social media, but for a dramatic overhaul at his payments powerhouse Block. The company revealed plans to let go of 4,000 workers, reducing headcount from 10,000 to just 6,000, all in the name of embracing AI-driven efficiencies. Posting on X, Dorsey framed the cuts as a strategic necessity rather than a sign of trouble. Business metrics are thriving: profits are up, customer base expanding, and profitability enhancing. Yet, the relentless pace of AI integration with compact teams is forcing a rethink of operational models. ‘This is creating…