Month: April 2026

Gold fell 12 per cent in March to USD 4,608/oz, its weakest month since June 2013, according to a report by the World Gold Council (WGC). The precious metal lost value across all major currencies but maintained a positive position for the year.

The council used its monthly Gold Return Attribution Model (GRAM) to identify that much of the decline stemmed from momentum factors, including global gold ETF outflows, a COMEX net long unwind, and a price trend reversal.

“Our monthly attribution model GRAM captured the sentiment – but not the magnitude – of the move, attributing much of the drop to momentum factors: global gold ETF outflows, a COMEX net long unwind and a price trend reversal,” the World Gold Council stated.

COMEX stands for the Commodity Exchange Inc., which is the primary futures and options market for trading metals like gold, silver, copper, and aluminum.

The report noted that “Global gold ETFs shed USD 12bn (84 tonnes) during the month, led almost entirely by North America with USD 14bn (-87t) and Europe with USD 0.1bn (-7t). Asia’s USD 1.9bn (10t) inflows were a welcome positive, and highlight how dipbuying in Asia translated into much larger fund flow but lower equivalent tonnes.”

“While real yields and the dollar undoubtedly contributed to net sales, other factors were also likely at play,” the report mentioned.

Positioning played a role as a reported build-up in retail exposure to gold risked a flush out. COMEX Non-Reportable positions, which the report associated with retail exposure, saw a cumulative 18-tonne net drop during the first three weeks of March. This aligned with a 22-tonne drop in Managed Money, reflecting more institutional activity.

A portion of gold ETF sales likely originated from retail hands, with the US accounting for the bulk of the 80 tonnes lost globally between the start of the month and March 24.

“CTA-driven selling likely amplified downside momentum. Estimated and anecdotally reported Commodity Trading Advisors (CTA) were very long heading into mid March. They reportedly unwound positions sharply when gold broke through its 50/55-day moving average on 16 March for the first time in seven months,” the Council observed.

Broader cross-asset deleveraging also spilled into gold as elevated margin debt relative to market capitalisation contributed to widespread equity selling. Gold faced liquidation pressure as multi-asset investors, including CTAs with equity exposure, reduced positions to meet liquidity needs and reduce portfolio risk. Bond market dynamics reinforced this pressure as US bonds were sold on a near-term inflation shock, causing 2-year nominal yields to shoot higher.

Central bank intervention further added to downward price pressure following “a decision by The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkiye (CBRT) to use approximately 50t of gold as collateral, predominantly via swaps, may have fuelled rumours of selling.”

“That this was liquidity driven and not a change in gold strategy is backed up by data at the US Fed suggesting increased outright selling of US Treasuries by central banks to buffer higher energy price risk was occurring in tandem,” the report said.

Looking ahead, the World Gold Council found that fundamentals began to reassert themselves as the dollar struggled to sustain gains and early April ETF flows turned positive. While risks remain regarding oil prices and potential cross-asset deleveraging, the report noted that investors continue to view gold favourably over a medium-term horizon. (ANI)

The Artemis II crew is in the final hours of their journey to Earth and is currently preparing for splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, following a historic lunar flyby.

The crew broke the record for the farthest human spaceflight at 252,756 miles (406,771 km) from Earth while navigating the far side of the Moon.

The historic space mission Artemis II has hit its halfway mark between the Moon and the Earth, NASA said on Thursday. According to the space agency, the astronauts would splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on April 10, Eastern Time.

Sharing the details in a post on X, NASA said, “They’re halfway home. The Artemis II astronauts have hit the “halfway” mark between the Moon and the Earth. They will splash down in the Pacific Ocean around 8:07 pm ET on Friday, April 10 (0007 UTC on Saturday, April 11), off the coast of San Diego.”

During the mission, the crew also saw a solar eclipse from space.

After their splashdown, US Navy’s USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) would retrieve the crew and Orion spacecraft, as per the US Indo Pacific Command.

Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz hailed the accomplishment of the astronauts and said that they inspired a whole new generation of space explorers.

The Artemis II mission marks a key step in NASA’s plans to return humans to the Moon and advance future deep space exploration.

The crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

The Artemis II mission has broken the record for the farthest distance travelled by humans from Earth, breaking the Apollo 13 mission’s record of 248,655 miles.

Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign.

As per the official website of NASA, there are five main priorities for Artemis II. These included the ability of systems and teams to sustain the flight crew in the flight environment, and through their return to Earth; demonstrate systems and operations essential to a crewed lunar campaign; retrieve flight hardware and data, assessing performance for future missions; demonstrate emergency system capabilities and validate associated operations to the extent practical, such as abort operations and rescue procedures, as needed and complete additional objectives to verify subsystems and validate data.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump spoke to the crew members after the mission broke the farthest distance record in human spaceflight.

He praised them for inspiring the world with their feat. Noting that they made history, the US President said that the mission paves the way for America’s return to the lunar surface. Trump also said that the US would eventually establish a permanent presence on the moon and then aim at Mars.

Artemis II marks the first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years, carrying four astronauts farther into space than any humans have travelled in history. (ANI)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pulled off a spectacular victory at the Eden Gardens on Thursday, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by three wickets in a final-ball thriller. Chasing a target of 182, LSG rode on twin half-centuries from Ayush Badoni and Mukul Choudhary to clinch their second victory of the IPL 2026 season.

LSG’s pursuit of 182 began on a shaky note as KKR’s Vaibhav Arora struck early, removing Mitchell Marsh (15) and Aiden Markram (22) within the powerplay. Skipper Rishabh Pant could only manage 10 before falling to Cameron Green, leaving LSG reeling at 73/3 at the end of the ninth over.

The turnaround started with Ayush Badoni, who played a composed knock of 54 off 34 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. During his innings, Badoni achieved the milestone of 1,000 career IPL runs and became the third player to reach the l000-run landmark for LSG. Badoni kept the scoreboard ticking even as KKR spinners Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy maintained a tight grip on the scoring rate.

During the 15th over, Anukul removed Badoni as Lucknow were in a spot of bother at 125/6. However, uncapped powerhouse Mukul Choudhary became the star of the night.

The right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, including seven towering sixes. With LSG requiring 14 runs off the final over bowled by Vaibhav Arora, Choudhary’s aggressive finishing ensured LSG crossed the line, sealing a dramatic victory with three wickets in hand. His ability to find boundaries at crucial moments proved decisive in a high-pressure chase.

Anukul Roy (2/32) and Vaibhav Arora (2/38) were the pick of the bowlers for KKR, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Choudhary’s late-game brilliance.

Earlier, the three-time champions posted a competitive 181/4 in 20 overs. After winning the toss, LSG opted to field first on a surface expected to aid both pace and spin as the game progresses. Kolkata’s innings saw early contributions, but regular wickets hindered a big score push.

LSG struck early as Prince Yadav dismissed opener Finn Allen for 9 in the second over. However, skipper Ajinkya Rahane (41 off 24) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (45 off 33) countered with intent, powering KKR to 56/1 in the Powerplay.

The duo looked set to take the game away, dismantling Avesh Khan for 16 runs in the 6th over, including a towering six by Rahane.

The turning point came when LSG’s spin duo of Digvesh Singh Rathi and Manimaran Siddharth were introduced.

Rathi broke the dangerous 84-run stand for the second wicket by removing Rahane, who mistimed a pull to Mohammed Shami during the second ball of the 11th over.

The 84-run stand between Rahane and Raghuvanshi was also KKR’s second-highest against LSG for any wicket after 120* runs added by Shreyas Iyer and Salt for 3rd wicket at the same venue in 2024.

In the very next over, Raghuvanshi was dismissed by spinner Siddharth. During the second ball of the 14th over, speedster Avesh Khan clean bowled Rinku Singh (4), who returned to the dressing room after a sharp length delivery that crashed into the top of the off-stump.

After the end of 15 overs, the three-time champions reached 115/4 with LSG bowlers sticking with their disciplined approach that controlled the run-flow.

However, the powerful duo of Rovman Powell (39* off 24) and Cameron Green (32* off 24) provided a late flourish, adding valuable runs in the death overs to push the total past 180.

Veteran speedster Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers for LSG in terms of economy, conceding just 27 runs in his 4 overs, while Siddharth, Rathi, Avesh, and Prince Yadav claimed one wicket apiece.

Brief Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 181/4 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 41, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 45, Rovman Powell 39; Manimaran Siddharth 1/34) lost to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) 182/7 in 20 overs (Mukul Choudhary 54, Ayush Badoni 54; Anukul Roy 2/32, Vaibhav Arora 2/38) by 3 wickets. (ANI)

The Indian Army on Thursday demonstrated the combat strength of its latest attack helicopter, the Boeing AH-64 Apache, during a live firing exercise ‘Brahmastra’ at the Pokhran Firing Range.

The demonstration by the army underlined its growing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.

The Apaches carried out precision strikes using AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, rockets and onboard gun systems, hitting designated targets with accuracy in a simulated battlefield environment.

The exercise aimed to test both operational readiness and coordination between pilots and ground crews. The Boeing AH-64 Apache is among the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world.

It is equipped with a 30 mm chain gun, can carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, and features advanced targeting systems such as the Longbow radar and night-vision sensors. The Indian Army’s latest attack choppers also have the ability to operate in all-weather conditions, including at night.

Speaking to ANI, Colonel Vikrant Sharma, Commanding Officer of the Apache 451 Squadron, said the drill focused on preparing personnel for real combat situations through sustained training and system checks.

“During this firing exercise, our pilots practised simulator training, mission planning, and target engagement continuously. Our technical team checked the helicopters and weapon systems and made them available for firing. Successful firing has proved the accuracy, combat capacity, and preparation of our pilots,” he said.

He added that in modern warfare, attack helicopters play a crucial role in providing immediate fire support to ground forces, with operational control remaining firmly with land commanders. “In today’s network-centric war, attack helicopters provide immediate fire support to the land force commander, and the ownership and control of it are completely with the land forces. “In the future, drones, loitering munitions, artillery fire, and counter-UAS systems will be used by the land forces in the tactical battle space, i.e., in the air-literal, and the control of this air-literal will also be with the land forces,” the Indian Army Officer said.

Colonel Sharma noted that the induction of Apache helicopters, along with indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand and Weapons Systrem Integrated version of the Advanced Light Helicopter Rudra, has significantly increased the Army’s combat capabilities.

“Today, with the inclusion of Apache, Prachand, and Rudra helicopters in the Indian Army, there has been a big change in our combat capabilities. Our pilots are a wonderful confluence of courage, skill, and technical efficiency, and they are always ready to help our army in every future conflict,” he said.

Col Sharma further said that the Apache’s advanced sensors and precision strike capability improve the Army’s ability to detect and neutralise threats quickly, making ground operations more coordinated and effective.

“The induction of Apache helicopters in the Indian Army has significantly strengthened the combat effectiveness. The Apache attack helicopters bring with them an overwhelming operational capability, combining precision firepower, advanced sensors, and the ability to operate effectively in complex and dynamic battlefield environments. As an integral component of our battle doctrines, the Apache significantly enhances our ability to identify, engage, and neutralise hostile targets with speed and accuracy, enabling more coordinated and coherent ground battle operations,” he added.

Calling the exercise Brahmastra a success, Colonel Sharma said it reflects the Army’s growing combat capability and technological edge in an evolving threat environment.

“In today’s evolving threat landscape, where the battlefield is increasingly contested, the Apache provides a critical edge. Its capabilities to detect and neutralise low-flying aerial threats while simultaneously delivering lethal firepower against ground targets make it a force multiplier of exceptional value. The successful conduct of today’s Apache firing practice stands as a clear testament to the Indian Army’s growing combat prowess and technological edge. It also reaffirms the professionalism, skill, and dedication of our aircrew and ground crew. Their proficiency ensures that these advanced capabilities are translated into tangible operational effectiveness on the battlefield,” Col Sharma said.

Lieutenant Colonel Kshitiz Goel, an Apache pilot, said the success of the exercise was due to close coordination between aircrew and maintenance teams, with both sides working in tandem to ensure mission readiness.

“Well, from both pilot and maintenance perspective, the preparation has been comprehensive and mission-oriented. The aircrew have undergone intensive training, planning, and rehearsal to refine target acquisition and engagement procedures. Simultaneously, maintenance teams have carried out meticulous inspections, servicing, and weapon system checks to ensure helicopters and their armament remain in optimal condition,” he said, adding that,”Continuous interaction between pilots and technicians helps address every detail, ensuring reliability.”

Further, Col. Goel mentioned that the integrated effort ensured a high level of precision and safety, with successful firing of gun ammunition, rockets and Hellfire missiles conducted during both day and night operations.

“This integrated effort has enabled us to achieve a high degree of precision and lethality during firing, reinforcing our capability to deliver accurate and effective firepower while maintaining the highest standard of safety and operational readiness. During this firing, we have been able to successfully fire gun ammunition, rockets, and Hellfire missiles both during day and night,” Col Goel noted. (ANI)

The Shimla district unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday staged a protest against the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government, alleging mismanagement and poor governance.

Addressing the media, BJP Shimla district unit leader Sanjay Sood accused the state government of failing to fulfil its promises and “looting” the people. He alleged that the Congress government has been harassing citizens and providing benefits selectively to its close associates.

Sood claimed that the guarantees made to the people of Himachal Pradesh have not been delivered, and the overall condition of the state has deteriorated, causing hardship to citizens.

He further said that in response to these issues, the BJP has decided to intensify its agitation across the state. “To raise the voice of the people, the party has decided to hold protests in every Vidhan Sabha constituency,” he said.

The BJP leader added that the party will corner the government on various issues at multiple levels and continue protests in different forms to highlight what he termed as the government’s “wrong decisions” before the public.

The protest marks the beginning of a broader campaign by the BJP against the ruling Indian National Congress government in Himachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over a meeting and reviewed various positive reforms being undertaken in the health sector.

During the meeting, it was stated that several qualitative improvements have been made to further strengthen the Himcare Scheme. These reforms will ensure transparency in the scheme and help curb the possibility of corruption.

Under the Himcare Scheme, government hospitals will be paid the lower amount between the actual cost of treatment (including consumables) and the fixed package rate. Hospitals must submit bills for the actual expenses along with their claims. Expenditures such as registration fees, bed charges, nursing, and boarding will not be included in such claims. (ANI)

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) on Thursday raised alarm over a surge in communal violence across the country before and after the 13th parliamentary election that took place in February.

In a press release issued by the Acting General Secretary of BHBCUC, Monindra Kumar Nath, the Council stated that 133 incidents of communal violence were reported between January 1 and March 31, 2026.

These included 25 murders, four cases of violence against women, 35 attacks and looting of temples, and 69 other assaults, including attacks on indigenous communities.

Month-wise figures reveal that January recorded 46 incidents, including 11 murders, one rape case, and multiple cases of assault, vandalism, threats, and looting.

February saw 50 incidents, with eight murders, one rape case, and attacks on temples and minority communities, while March reported 37 incidents, including six murders, two cases of sexual violence, and continued assaults on homes, businesses, and religious sites.

The Council expressed disappointment that violence had not decreased following the formation of a new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). It warned that continued attacks are leaving minority communities “deeply concerned and anxious.”

The organisation demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for perpetrators, compensation for victims, proper medical care for the injured, and implementation of its eight-point demand, which includes the enactment of a Minority Protection Act, establishment of a Ministry for Minority Affairs, and formation of a National Minority Commission.

In January, UK MP Bob Blackman raised concerns about Bangladesh and the murder of Hindus there, calling on the government to take appropriate action to protect the minorities and ensure free and fair elections.

“Now, at the pre-recess adjournment debates, I raised the situation of Bangladesh, and the leader quite rightly wrote to the Foreign Secretary about the disastrous situation that is there now. Hindu men are being murdered on the streets, their houses being burnt, the temples are being burnt, and other religious minorities are suffering similar fates,” he said. (ANI)

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has shared a deeply reflective note about life, existence, and the search for meaning, revealing that he recently spent an entire day in quiet contemplation.

Known for regularly connecting with fans through his blog, Bachchan offered an introspective glimpse into his thoughts, describing a day filled with self-dialogue and unanswered questions.

“A quiet contemplated day… with the self and the surroundings… seeking answers… getting some responses, but mostly almost none and vague,” he wrote.

The 83-year-old actor reflected on the universal human pursuit of understanding life’s purpose, acknowledging the lack of definitive answers despite lifelong inquiry.

He noted that while many attempt to decode the “why” and “how” of existence, clarity often remains elusive. “There shall not be a definite answer to a question… each express has multiple tributaries,” he shared, concluding with, “You came empty handed… and shall leave similar.”

The actor had earlier, on April 6, written about how a break from his daily work routine brings a sense of unease. Emphasising discipline as a cornerstone of his life, he described an unstructured day as “disturbing” and “unsettling.”

According to him, not working disrupts a long-established rhythm, making the day feel out of sync.

“A day that spelt ‘lazy’… just it seems disturbing to not be working each day,” he wrote, adding that such disruptions can lead to anxiety if not understood and managed.

With a career spanning over six decades, Bachchan remains one of Indian cinema’s most enduring figures. He recently concluded hosting the 17th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, continuing his long association with the popular quiz show.

On the film front, he was last seen in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, directed by Nag Ashwin and co-starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan. (ANI)

High voter turnout is being registered in Assam and West Bengal as also in Puducherry in the polling for assembly polls on Thursday with voters forming queues in several places to cast their ballot.

As per the latest data from the Election Commission, Assam has seen a voter turnout of 75.91 per cent till 4.30 pm, Keralam 62.71 per cent and Puducherry 72.40 per cent.

Most leaders from different political parties cast their ballots early in the day.

Voting is being held for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam, and 30 in Puducherry. Votes will be counted on May 4.

In Keralam, Ernakulam recorded the highest turnout at 66 per cent. Except Pathanamthitta at 59.25 per cent, all districts in the state have seen polling above 60 per cent.

In Assam, South Salmara Mankachar recorded a high polling percentage of 84.24 per cent while in Kamrup (Metro), it was lowest at 65. 30 per cent.

In Keralam, over 2.6 crore electors are eligible to decide the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies. Of the 2,69,53,644 registered voters across the state, there are 1,38,27,319 women voters, and the number of male voters stands at 1,31,26,048. Officials said that there are 277 third gender voters in the state.

Nearly 4,24,518 voters fall in the 18-19 age group, while 2,04,608 voters are aged 85 years and above. To facilitate safe and secure polling, a total of 30,471 polling stations have been set up.

In Assam, more than 2.5 crore electors are eligible to exercise their franchise for the 126-member legislative assembly. There are 722 candidates in the fray. Of 2,50,54,463 electors, 1,25,31,552 are male voters and 1,25,22,593 females. There are 318 Transgender voters and 63,423 service voters.

Among the electorate, 6,42,314 voters are in the age group of 18-19 years, 2,50,006 are above 80 years of age, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities.

To strengthen the monitoring mechanism, webcasting facilities have been arranged in accordance with the Commission’s directions, a release said. Webcasting has been enabled in all 31,490 polling stations, including 31,486 main polling stations and four auxiliary polling stations. A total of 1,51,132 polling personnel have been deployed for the conduct of the election.

For polling purposes, 41,320 Ballot Units, 43,975 Control Units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines have been arranged, including reserves for emergency use. Additional polling personnel have also been kept in readiness, if required.

In Puducherry, 10,14,070 electors are eligible to cast their votes for 30 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The electorate includes 5,39,125 female voters, 4,74,788 male voters, and 157 voters belonging to the third gender category. A total of 24,156 voters are in the age group of 18-19 years. (ANI)

As ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ continues its strong run at the box office, appreciation for its cast is pouring in from across quarters with politician Raghav Chadha adding to the chorus on Thursday by praising Sanjay Dutt for his performance in the film.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Chadha shared pictures from a past meeting with Dutt, revealing that he had hosted the actor at his residence. The photos show the two seated in a garden, engaged in conversation, both dressed in traditional kurtas.

In his note, Chadha described Dutt as “one of the warmest people I know” and acknowledged the widespread appreciation the actor is currently receiving for his role in the film.

He also highlighted Dutt’s lasting appeal, noting that the admiration for him has remained consistent across generations.

“Had the pleasure of hosting at my place, some time ago, one of the warmest people I know, Sanjay Dutt. So good to see all the love coming your way for ‘Dhurandhar’. The aura remains the same, and so does the admiration people have for you through every era. Couldn’t be more deserved. Always rooting for you,” he wrote in the caption.

Dutt plays SP Chaudhary Aslam in the film directed by Aditya Dhar. His performance has garnered positive responses from both audiences and critics.

Meanwhile, the Ranveer Singh-led project continues to perform strongly at the box office since its release on March 19. The sequel has maintained steady momentum, reportedly breaking multiple records and drawing large audiences to theatres.

The film features an ensemble cast that also includes Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal. (ANI)