Author: Staff Writer

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Beyond

Gold around ₹1.60  lakh, Silver near ₹2.85 lakh

Gold and silver prices in India stayed steady, supported by global uncertainties and demand for safe investments.

In domestic markets, 24‑carat gold traded near ₹1,60,000 per 10 grams, while silver hovered around ₹2.85 lakh per kilogram. These levels are similar to the previous session, showing that prices are holding rather than falling sharply.

On the Multicommodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures were around ₹1,57,900 per 10 grams, up slightly by 0.2%, and silver futures were near ₹2,59,700 per kilogram. Internationally, spot gold remained above $5,200 an ounce and silver around $90 an ounce, keeping domestic prices supported.

City-wise, 24‑carat gold was quoted at about ₹1,60,460–₹1,60,690 per 10 grams in major cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Silver prices ranged between ₹2,65,930 and ₹2,66,320 per kilogram depending on the city and dealer.

Experts say that safe-haven demand is keeping prices stable. Investors often buy gold and silver during uncertain times, such as global political tensions or weak stock markets. At the same time, some short-term traders are booking profits, which keeps prices from rising sharply.

While local prices can vary slightly because of taxes, making charges, and dealer margins, the overall trend is steady. Gold and silver remain attractive for people who want a safe investment or to protect their savings from market ups and downs.

Also Read: Sensex falls 500 points to 81,950, Nifty slips below 25,350

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Corporate

Sensex falls 500 points to 81,950, Nifty slips below 25,350

The stock markets opened with a dip as the BSE Sensex dropped 505 points to close at 81,950, while the Nifty 50 fell below 25,350, testing key support levels.

Selling pressure was broad-based, with metals, energy, banking, and auto sectors seeing significant declines. Among top losers were Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, and ICICI Bank, while Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, and Nestle India were notable gainers, providing limited support to the indices.

Global markets weighed on sentiment as Wall Street ended lower overnight, dragged down by technology stocks. Asian peers also traded cautiously, reflecting investor caution ahead of key economic data. Futures in GIFT Nifty indicated a weaker start for the domestic session.

Market participants noted that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued to be net sellers, adding pressure to benchmark indices. The Indian rupee opened slightly weaker against the U.S. dollar, further influencing trading sentiment.

Domestically, investors also focused on corporate earnings and stock-specific developments. Shares of Indian Oil Corporation, Bharti Airtel, and Bharat Petroleum were in focus due to quarterly results and block deals.

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Corporate

Volatile session keeps Sensex, Nifty range-bound

Equity markets ended nearly unchanged on Thursday where the BSE Sensex slipped marginally by about 27 points to close near 82,248, while the Nifty 50 added around 14 points to settle close to 25,496.

Markets opened on a strong note, tracking firm global cues. Asian markets traded higher and Wall Street posted gains overnight, which supported early buying interest. The Nifty briefly moved above the 25,500 mark in morning trade. However, profit booking at higher levels erased most gains as investors turned cautious in the absence of fresh domestic triggers.

Sectorally, public sector banks led the gains. Shares of State Bank of India advanced after positive brokerage commentary on liquidity and earnings outlook. The pharmaceutical index also rose over 1 percent as investors rotated toward defensive sectors amid global uncertainties.

On the downside, HDFC Bank declined nearly 1 percent, emerging as the biggest drag on the benchmarks due to its heavy weightage in both indices. The IT pack saw intraday buying following global tech strength but trimmed gains toward the close.

Broader markets showed resilience. Mid-cap stocks outperformed, while small-cap indices ended largely flat, indicating selective buying interest beyond frontline stocks.

Among individual stocks, Shaily Engineering gained after securing a ₹423-crore order, boosting investor sentiment. In contrast, Sanofi India declined following weaker quarterly earnings. Edtech player PhysicsWallah remained under pressure, trading below its IPO price after recent volatility.

In commodities, gold prices stayed firm near record levels on the Multi Commodity Exchange, supported by safe-haven demand. Silver saw mild profit booking after recent gains.

Also Read: Japan plans missile deployment near Taiwan

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Beyond

Japan plans missile deployment near Taiwan

Japan has announced plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on its westernmost island, Yonaguni, a small but strategically important location just over 100 km from Taiwan. The deployment is expected to be completed by 2031 and is part of Tokyo’s broader effort to strengthen its defence in the face of growing regional tensions.

Japanese officials say the move is purely defensive and meant to protect the country’s remote islands, which lie close to potential conflict zones. The government has been increasing its military presence in the southwest in recent years, citing concerns over China’s expanding military activity and the possibility of a crisis involving Taiwan.

Yonaguni, which has a population of around 1,700, has already seen the arrival of troops, radar systems and other military facilities. The planned missile unit will add another layer of protection, allowing Japan to respond more quickly to aerial threats in the area.

Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said strengthening the island’s security is essential because of its location and the changing security environment around Japan. Officials believe that better defences will act as a deterrent and reduce the risk of conflict.

China has repeatedly criticised Japan’s military build-up in the region, saying it increases tensions. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to take control of it, while Taiwan rejects those claims.

However, the announcement has also drawn mixed reactions from Yonaguni residents.

Also Read: Dr Reddy’s eyes March launch of low-cost Ozempic copy

Categories
Technology

Tecno showcases AI vision with modular phone

Tecno used the global stage at MWC 2026 to present its vision for the future, combining artificial intelligence, modular hardware and next-generation smartphones.

The biggest talking point was a concept device described as the world’s thinnest modular smartphone. Designed with a sleek and lightweight body, the phone supports magnetic accessories that can be attached instantly. These modules can add extra camera power, boost battery life or bring new features, allowing users to customise the phone for different situations.

The company said this approach could reduce the need for multiple gadgets and give users more flexibility with a single device.

Tecno also introduced its expanded AI ecosystem, where different products work together seamlessly. The demonstration showed smartphones, AI glasses, laptops and other smart devices sharing data and responding intelligently to user behaviour. This system is meant to improve multitasking, content creation and daily communication.

Another key launch was the Camon 50 series, which will focus strongly on AI-driven imaging. Tecno claims the phones will deliver better portrait shots, clearer night photography and smarter video recording with the help of real-time AI processing.

In addition, the company showcased several experimental technologies and design ideas, underlining its push toward premium innovation and global recognition.

Although the modular smartphone is only a concept for now, it reflects Tecno’s long-term strategy, creating thinner devices, building a strong AI ecosystem and offering more personalised user experiences.

The MWC presentation makes it clear that Tecno is no longer just targeting the budget segment but is aiming to compete through design, AI and advanced camera technology.

Also Read: ₹3,700-cr Anil Ambani home seized in money-laundering case

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Corporate

₹3,700-cr Anil Ambani home seized in money-laundering case

Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in New Delhi on Thursday for fresh questioning in an ongoing money-laundering investigation linked to Reliance Communications.

The development comes a day after the agency provisionally attached his 17-storey luxury home, Abode, in Mumbai’s Pali Hill locality, valued at around ₹3,716 crore. The property has been frozen under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which allows authorities to bar the sale or transfer of assets suspected to be connected to illegal funds.

This is Ambani’s second round of questioning in the case. His statement had previously been recorded in August last year, and officials said the latest summons is part of efforts to gather more details about financial transactions and the structure of group companies.

The ED is examining loans taken by Reliance Communications and its associated firms from Indian and overseas banks. The total outstanding dues are estimated to be more than ₹40,000 crore. Investigators are trying to determine whether a portion of these funds was diverted or routed through different entities in violation of financial regulations.

The attachment of the Pali Hill residence is part of a wider crackdown. A smaller portion of the same property had been attached earlier, and the latest order significantly raises the value of assets brought under the probe.

The high-rise residence is considered one of the costliest private homes in the country and is reported to be linked to a private family trust — a structure that is also under the scanner.

Once among the world’s richest business leaders, Ambani has seen several of his flagship companies face insolvency proceedings over the past decade, particularly in the telecom sector.

Also Read: Dr Reddy’s eyes March launch of low-cost Ozempic copy

Categories
Corporate

Users report fraud after Yes Bank’s BookMyForex breach

A major data breach at BookMyForex has left many customers dealing with unauthorised transactions on their prepaid forex cards, raising fresh concerns over the safety of digital payment systems.

Several users reported that money was deducted in foreign currencies from their cards for purchases made in countries they had never visited. In most cases, the cards were still with the customers, indicating that their details had been compromised rather than physically stolen.

The forex cards were issued in partnership with Yes Bank, which has now blocked the affected cards to prevent further misuse. The bank has asked customers to immediately report any suspicious transactions and has started processing chargeback requests for the disputed amounts.

BookMyForex said the breach appears to be linked to a third-party system and not its main platform. The company has begun informing impacted users and is working with the bank and payment network providers to investigate the issue and strengthen security.

Many customers, however, said they received alerts only after the fraudulent transactions had taken place. Some also claimed the cards were used internationally even though overseas usage had been disabled, pointing to possible gaps in safeguards.

Such fraud usually happens when card details , such as the number, expiry date or CVV, are leaked or accessed through vulnerable systems. They advise users to switch off international usage when not required, set spending limits and check statements regularly.

The incident has highlighted the growing risks in the fast-expanding fintech and travel card segment, which is widely used by students and international travellers.

Both BookMyForex and Yes Bank have assured customers that eligible losses will be compensated after verification and said steps are being taken to prevent a repeat of the breach.

Also Read: NSE IX opens global investing route for Indians

Categories
Beyond

NSE IX opens global investing route for Indians

In a significant step towards globalising investment opportunities for Indians, NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) has launched a new platform at GIFT City that allows individuals to directly invest in overseas markets.

The Global Access platform has started with US stocks and will gradually expand to more than 30 markets across regions such as Europe, the UK and Japan over the coming months. The facility is available to both resident investors and non-resident Indians, giving them a regulated and streamlined route to diversify beyond domestic equities.

Investments will be made under the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which permits individuals to remit up to $2.5 lakh abroad in a financial year. The funds will be transferred in rupees and converted into foreign currency for trading in international securities.

A major highlight of the platform is the option of fractional ownership, enabling investors to buy a portion of high-value global stocks instead of purchasing an entire share. The onboarding process has been designed to be fully digital, using PAN, Aadhaar and DigiLocker, and does not require a separate demat account.

The platform operates within the regulatory framework of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and currently offers access to equities, exchange-traded funds and selected debt instruments. Derivatives and cryptocurrency products are not part of the offering.

Officials say the initiative is aimed at meeting the rising interest among Indian investors in global assets while strengthening GIFT City’s role as an international financial hub. It is also expected to make participation easier for NRIs who often face procedural hurdles in accessing Indian market infrastructure.

Also Read: Amazon AGI Chief David Luan resigns

Categories
Leaders

Amazon AGI Chief David Luan resigns

David Luan, who heads Amazon’s Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) lab, has announced that he will leave the company. Luan shared the update publicly, saying he plans to step away by the end of the week to focus on new opportunities in artificial intelligence research.

Luan joined Amazon in June 2024 after the company acquired his startup, Adept AI Labs. The deal brought him and several members of his team into Amazon, where they became part of a newly created AGI division based in San Francisco. The lab was set up to work on advanced AI systems, including agent-based technologies that can perform tasks with minimal human input.

During his time at Amazon, Luan played a key role in building and launching Nova Act, an AI agent designed to complete tasks autonomously in a web browser. The technology was integrated into services such as Alexa’s upgraded experiences and positioned as a competitor to similar tools developed by other major AI players.

In his farewell note, Luan thanked Amazon’s leadership, including CEO Andy Jassy, and highlighted the progress made in scaling AI models and developing new research capabilities. He suggested that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence influenced his decision to pursue fresh challenges in the field.

Following his departure, oversight of the AGI team will move under Peter DeSantis, a senior executive within Amazon Web Services (AWS). The leadership change comes as Amazon continues to streamline and strengthen its AI operations amid intense global competition.

Also Read: Suzlon appoints Ajay Kapur as Group CEO

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1 Minute-Read

WTO panel to hear China’s challenge on India’s auto, EV incentives

The World Trade Organization (WTO) will set up a panel to examine China’s complaint against India’s production-linked incentives for automobiles, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.

Beijing claims the schemes discriminate against its exporters, while India insists the measures are fully WTO-compliant and aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. After bilateral talks failed, the panel process was triggered.

Officials said India will vigorously defend its programmes, which follow WTO rules. Several countries, including the US and EU, may join as third parties.