Precious metal prices declined up to 2 per cent in the national capital on Tuesday, with silver slipping to Rs 2.45 lakh per kilogram and gold dropping to Rs 1.57 lakh per 10 grams amid subdued demand and weak global cues.According to the All India Sarafa Association, silver prices fell Rs 5,000, or 2 per cent, to Rs 2,45,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) from Monday’s closing level of Rs 2,50,000 per kg.

Gold falls 1.4% in bullion market

In the bullion market, gold of 99.9 per cent purity depreciated Rs 2,200, or 1.4 per cent, to Rs 1,57,000 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes). The yellow metal had settled at Rs 1,59,200 per 10 grams in the previous session.“Gold and silver prices fell on Tuesday as low liquidity from Asian market holidays combined with softer US inflation data fuel expectations of future Federal Reserve rate cuts,” Kaveri More, commodity analyst at Choice Broking, said, as quoted by news agency PTI.In the international market, spot silver slipped $1.65, or 2.15 per cent, to $74.96 per ounce, while gold was trading 1.04 per cent lower at $4,938.70 per ounce.“Spot gold extended its decline for the second straight day as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the US-Iran talks beginning in Geneva on Tuesday,” Praveen Singh, Head of Commodities and Currencies at Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said.Saumil Gandhi, senior analyst, commodities at HDFC Securities, said gold’s “fragile hold” above the $5,000-mark gave way to renewed selling pressure as support weakened with the start of China’s Lunar New Year holidays.He noted that the absence of Chinese participation, one of the key demand drivers, has reduced buying interest and left prices vulnerable to downward pressure.“Liquidity conditions remain thin across metals, and unless speculative sentiment re-emerges decisively, price action is likely to stay confined within relatively narrow ranges in the near term,” Gandhi added, as per PTI.Market participants are now focusing on the US ADP employment report and key geopolitical developments, including US-led negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which could influence risk sentiment and demand for safe-haven assets, he said.

Silver futures drop over 2% on MCX

In the futures trade, silver prices declined more than 2 per cent to Rs 2.33 lakh per kilogram on Tuesday, tracking weak global trends and low liquidity amid holidays across major Asian economies.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver contracts for March delivery plunged Rs 6,330, or 2.64 per cent, to Rs 2,33,561 per kilogram in a business turnover of 5,820 lots.In international markets, Comex silver futures fell $3.56, or 4.58 per cent, to $74.39 per ounce.“Silver dropped over 2 per cent to below $76 per ounce as liquidity remained subdued amid market holidays in China, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia,” Jigar Trivedi, senior research analyst at IndusInd Securities, said.He added that Chinese traders had driven a speculative surge in precious metals in January before a dramatic reversal, prompting authorities to curb market risks through various measures.Silver had surged to a record above $120 per ounce in late January but later tumbled to around $64 earlier this month as leveraged positions were unwound and investors liquidated holdings to cover losses elsewhere.

Gold futures also under pressure

Gold prices in the futures market dropped more than 1 per cent to Rs 1.52 lakh per 10 grams on Tuesday due to easing safe-haven demand amid improving geopolitical sentiment and a strong US dollar.On the MCX, gold contracts for April delivery depreciated Rs 2,228, or 1.44 per cent, to Rs 1,52,532 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 7,553 lots.In the global market, Comex gold futures for the April contract declined $119.6, or 2.37 per cent, to $4,926.7 per ounce.“Gold traded on a softer note on Tuesday, with prices consolidating after recent volatility as investors booked profits and reacted to a firmer US dollar and shifting interest-rate expectations from the Federal Reserve,” Gaurav Garg, research analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk, said.Renisha Chainani, head – research at Augmont, said safe-haven demand eased as geopolitical tensions moderated and the US dollar strengthened.She noted that comments from US President Donald Trump indicating indirect US involvement in upcoming nuclear discussions with Iran in Geneva raised hopes of diplomatic progress, while fresh Ukraine-Russia talks reduced immediate tensions and improved risk appetite.“As risk sentiment improved, some investors reduced defensive positions in precious metals,” Chainani said, adding that market attention is shifting to the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes for cues on the future interest rate outlook.Analysts said that while both gold and silver are undergoing a volatile corrective phase in 2026 following last year’s strong rally, the broader multi-year bullish trend remains intact, with current weakness seen largely as consolidation rather than a trend reversal.

The cricketing world has a new North Star, and it shines brightly from the Great White North. On a humid Tuesday evening at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the narrative of the 2026 T20 World Cup shifted from the traditional powerhouses to a 19-year-old sensation from Canada.

Yuvraj Singh Samra didn’t just score a century; he rewrote the record books, dismantled a world-class bowling attack, and announced the arrival of Associate cricket on the grandest stage of them all. As he sprinted for a double off his 58th delivery, the Chepauk crowd, traditionally one of the most knowledgeable in the world, rose as one to salute the youngest centurion in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup.

Who is Yuvraj Samra? Know interesting facts about youngest T20 World Cup centurion

1. Story behind the name

The name “Yuvraj Singh” carries a heavy weight in cricket, evoking memories of six sixes and fearless dominance. For Yuvraj Samra, the name was a mandate from birth. His father, Baljit Samra, a die-hard fan of the Indian legend, insisted on the name long before his son ever picked up a bat. Growing up in the thriving cricket hubs of Ontario, Yuvraj realized around the age of 12 that he wasn’t just named after a cricketer, but a legacy.

“My dad was there, my dad told him [about the name]. He said, oh, that’s nice, he’s just laughing. I don’t remember when it was, it was when he played for Toronto Nationals [in 2019]. And then now I met him when Super 60 started, so last year, 2025. It’s just amazing how he hits the ball. It’s just really fun to watch. My dad always wants me to copy him. But I’m always saying that I want to be like my own version,” Yuvraj had said in an interview to ESPNCricinfo.

2. Early career and domestic success

Samra’s journey through the Canadian domestic circuit was nothing short of meteoric. Standing tall with a left-handed stance that mirrors his idol’s elegance, he became a fixture in the Global T20 Canada league, where he frequently outshone international superstars. His domestic success was built on a foundation of clean striking and an uncanny ability to find gaps in the powerplay. Unlike many young power-hitters who struggle with the transition to longer formats, Samra showed a temperament far beyond his years, leading the run charts in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League.

3. A unique similarity between the Yuvrajs

What makes Samra unique is his “minimalist” approach at the crease. While he doesn’t rely on excessive footwork, his exceptional bat swing, which he credits to hours of watching vintage Yuvraj highlights, allows him to generate immense power. This combination of natural timing and brute strength made him the cornerstone of Canada’s qualification campaign, where he emerged as the leading run-getter, manifesting the very moment that would eventually unfold in Chennai.

Also READ: Top 5 youngest centurions in T20 World Cup history ft. Yuvraj Samra

Samra’s explosive century dismantles New Zealand bowling line-up in T20 World Cup 2026

When Canada walked out to bat against New Zealand, few expected a historic slaughter. The Black Caps were admittedly shorthanded, with captain Mitchell Santner sidelined by food poisoning and pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson away on paternity leave. However, a bowling attack featuring the likes of Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi is never a B-team.

While his opening partner Dilpreet Bajwa struggled to find his rhythm on a placid but slowing Chepauk surface, Samra played as if he were on a different pitch entirely. He targeted the arc between long-on and mid-wicket with surgical precision. When the New Zealand spinners tried to pull back the length, Samra showcased his “OG” influence, leaning back and lofting them over extra cover with a high-elbow finish that would have made his namesake proud.

The hallmark of this innings was Samra’s fitness and intent. Despite the gruelling Chennai heat, his strike rotation remained elite. He reached his fifty in just 26 balls, but it was the second half of his innings that showed his maturity. He didn’t slog; he navigated. As the 15,000-strong crowd began to realize they were witnessing history, the pressure mounted, yet Samra remained ice-cold.

The moment of triumph came in the penultimate over. A flick to deep mid-wicket for two runs brought up the milestone. At 19, he surpassed the previous record for the youngest T20 World Cup centurion, a feat that had stood as a benchmark for the game’s brightest prodigies.

“I manifested this. Every single day, I dreamed about scoring a hundred on this stage. To do it in my first appearance… it’s truly a dream come true,” he told broadcasters, his voice thick with emotion.

For Canada, Samra is more than just a talented opener; he is the face of a new era. For the rest of the world, he is a reminder that talent knows no borders. As the 2026 T20 World Cup progresses, the lens has shifted.

Also READ: Yuvraj Samra’s ton goes in vain as Glenn Phillips steers New Zealand to dominant win over Canada in T20 World Cup 2026

With England and West Indies sealing Super Eight qualification from Group C, Scotland and Nepal are left playing for pride at the Wankhede Stadium. The contest may carry no qualification stakes, but for two teams who have endured campaigns filled with near-misses and hard lessons, a win would offer meaningful closure.

Nepal began with promise, falling just four runs short in a thrilling chase of 184 against England. That fight, however, faded in heavy defeats to Italy and West Indies, where batting failures and a lack of bowling penetration proved costly.

Scotland’s campaign has been equally dramatic. A loss to West Indies was followed by a convincing win over Italy before England brought them back down to earth. Yet their spin attack has thrived in Indian conditions, and on a surface offering the most turn in the tournament, they may sense opportunity.

For both sides, this is about finishing strong.

NEW DELHI: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati last month.A delegation of senior party leaders, including his wife Sunetra Pawar, NCP National Working President and MP Praful Patel, State President and MP Sunil Tatkare, Maharashtra medical education minister Hasan Mushrif and youth leader Parth Pawar, submitted a memorandum to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking a CBI-led investigation.Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on the morning of January 28 when the aircraft carrying them crashed while attempting to land at the Baramati airport in Pune district. The incident has since triggered political controversy, with the NCP (SP), along with Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Indian National Congress, raising questions and alleging possible “foul play”.Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule said that there was growing unease over the circumstances surrounding Pawar’s death and that the civil aviation ministry should clarify the facts.“Ajit Pawar was Rohit Pawar’s uncle. Rohit Pawar, along with several others, has concerns and uneasiness regarding this matter. Amol Mitkari has also raised questions. Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress have fully supported us. They have said that this issue should be discussed in Parliament and even met the Speaker in this regard. There are many questions in the minds of the people, and they deserve answers,” Sule said.NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar criticised the pace of the investigation, alleging that nearly 20 days after the crash, there had been little visible progress.“20 days have passed since the unfortunate accident, yet the investigation hasn’t gained any momentum. Is the delay solely to allow the VSR company to destroy evidence or does the company have someone’s protection? This question has arisen in the minds of common citizens. The information emerging today about the black box being damaged makes it seem like the possibility I predicted five days ago is turning out to be true. Be that as it may, we will not rest until we get answers whether it was an accident or a murder in the case of Dada!” he said.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has purchased government securities equivalent to 47 per cent of the Centre’s total bond issuances so far in FY26 to support liquidity in the banking system, according to public data.According to news agency PTI , the data compiled from RBI showed that the Centre raised Rs 13,65,000 crore between April 4, 2025 and February 13, 2026 through issuance of government securities as part of its gross borrowing programme.During the same period, the RBI conducted Open Market Operation (OMO) purchase auctions amounting to Rs 6,39,203 crore, injecting durable liquidity into the banking system.

Cushioning liquidity amid heavy borrowing

The large-scale OMO purchases came amid sustained government borrowing, which typically absorbs liquidity from the banking system and puts upward pressure on bond yields.By purchasing bonds from the secondary market, the central bank infused liquidity and helped maintain orderly market conditions, experts said, as per PTI.The move helped cushion the banking system from liquidity tightness and prevented excessive hardening of yields despite the heavy supply of government securities. It also ensured adequate funds in the system to support credit growth.“RBI’s OMO purchases have been actively deployed to ensure adequate core liquidity, amid RBI’s USD sales at a time of capital outflows and INR depreciation pressures,” said Brijesh Shah, senior vice president, Fixed Income at Bandhan AMC.“Various tools deployed by RBI including OMO purchases have thus provided durable liquidity and, in the process, mitigated upward pressure from global market forces,” he added.He further noted that potential positive sentiment around capital flows following the recent India-US trade deal, which could reduce the need for foreign exchange intervention, along with deployment of tools like FX swaps, may imply a lesser need for OMOs going ahead.

Liquidity swings and market conditions

Liquidity remained in surplus mode for much of FY26, barring a few episodes when it slipped into deficit, according to PTI. OMO purchase operations intensified from December 2025, when liquidity tightened and fell into deficit mode.The RBI’s liquidity infusion also helped keep money market rates contained, with overnight rates trading close to the repo rate.Since January 2025, bond yields have remained volatile due to geopolitical tensions pushing up crude oil prices, expectations around the end of the rate cut cycle, and higher-than-expected gross borrowing numbers for FY27 announced in the Union Budget, reported PTI.The 10-year benchmark government bond yield moved in the 6.30–6.70 per cent range between January 2025 and February 2026.

FY27 borrowing plan and yield impact

The government has planned to borrow Rs 17.2 lakh crore in FY27, significantly higher than market projections of Rs 16.5–17 lakh crore, which led to a sharp rise in government bond yields.However, net borrowing is pegged at Rs 11.73 lakh crore, compared with Rs 11.53 lakh crore earlier, an increase of Rs 20,000 crore.RBI data also showed that government securities worth Rs 5.47 lakh crore are scheduled to mature.Government borrowing is a key determinant of interest rates in the economy. A higher supply of bonds typically exerts pressure on yields unless matched by strong demand from banks, insurance companies and foreign investors.

Actor Rajpal Yadav has been released from Tihar Jail today on an interim bail in Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. The next hearing will take place on March 18 and till then, the actor has been released. As he thanked the country, fans and Bollywood for all the support, now the businessman who had filed a case against the actor, has finally spoken on the matter. Businessman Madhav Gopal Agrawal, who had loaned Rs 5 crore to the actor for his 2012 directorial venture ‘Ata Pata Laapata’, has spoken out about the prolonged legal dispute.Agrawal revealed how his association with Rajpal began and how the financial disagreement unfolded over the past 14 years. He revealed in a conversation with News Pinch, A that during the early phase of the conflict, he visited the actor’s residence and “cried in front of him like a child,” explaining that the funds he had lent were themselves borrowed from others. He said he repeatedly requested Rajpal to provide a specific date so a fresh agreement could be drafted.

Agrawal, who represents M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, said he was first introduced to the actor by MP Mithilesh Kumar Katheria. According to him, Rajpal had insisted that the film was nearly complete and that without immediate financial support, “everything would go to waste”.Initially hesitant, Agrawal claimed he eventually agreed to the loan after Rajpal’s wife, Radha, sent him emotional messages appealing for help. He emphasized that the agreement clearly stated that repayment would not be influenced by the film’s box office performance, censor certification, or any other hurdle. The actor, he said, had also provided a personal guarantee.The businessman added that the transaction was strictly a loan and not an investment, noting that investments typically do not involve personal guarantees or post-dated cheques.When repayment deadlines passed without payment, Agrawal contacted Rajpal, who allegedly told him he lacked the funds. This led to three supplementary agreements being signed, along with the issuance of new cheques.Agrawal further recounted that when megastar Amitabh Bachchan attended the film’s music launch event, he realised that, as per the agreement, the negatives and payment were to be handed over once the film was completed. Consequently, he approached the court seeking a stay on the film’s release.According to Agrawal, Rajpal later assured him that repayment would only be possible after the film hit theatres. Trusting this assurance, he agreed to a settlement and had the stay order lifted. However, the film failed commercially.By 2013, with no resolution in sight, Agrawal moved court again. Following judicial intervention, a settlement amount of Rs 10.40 crore was agreed upon. Though Rajpal issued several cheques toward the payment, all were dishonoured, pushing the matter further into legal proceedings.Concluding his remarks, Agrawal stated that as a businessman, his sole objective is to recover his money.

NEW DELHI: India’s power sector tendering pipeline is now shifting towards hybrid and storage-based projects, reflecting a growing focus on improving energy reliability and supporting renewable energy integration, according to a report by Nuvama Research.The report also noted that the country currently has an adequate solar power supply, with solar-hour electricity prices remaining low at Rs 4.3 per kWh in January 2026.During solar hours, power supply outpaced demand, resulting in virtually no deficit, indicating sufficient availability of solar energy and stable daytime supply conditions.It stated “Solarhour prices stayed low at INR4.3/kWh in Jan-26. Tendering pipeline is now tilting towards hybrid and storage”.While solar-hour supply remained strong, non-solar-hour supply stayed largely flat, reflecting balanced but steady power availability during non-solar periods.Amid these developments, India’s power demand increased by 4.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) on aggregate in January 2026, despite similar lower temperatures compared with the same period last year.The report stated, “Demand pickup drives optimism…India’s power demand increased 4.8% YoY,” highlighting continued strength in electricity consumption.Peak power demand also increased during the month, rising by around 3 per cent YoY to approximately 245GW in January 2026, compared with around 237GW in January 2025. This reflects higher electricity usage and growing energy requirements across sectors.The report further noted that thermal power plant utilisation remained stable. The all-India thermal plant load factor (PLF) stood at 67.7 per cent in January 2026, compared with 68.8 per cent in January 2025, indicating consistent use of thermal generation capacity.Electricity trading activity also witnessed significant growth. The report stated that electricity volumes on the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) rose by around 19.6 per cent YoY in January 2026, supported by a surge of 52.8 per cent YoY in the Real-Time Market (RTM). However, total volume growth was limited to 4.9 per cent YoY due to a 13 per cent decline in Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) volumes.The report highlighted that the shift towards hybrid and storage-based projects is aimed at improving grid stability and ensuring a reliable power supply as renewable energy capacity increases.

CHENNAI: A doctor who scored 9 out of 800 marks in the NEET PG entrance examination was the last person to be allotted a postgraduate medical seat in a private medical college under the management quota for 2025-2026 by the state selection committee in the third round of counselling on Monday.If 1,902 doctors allotted seats under the govt quota and 643 students allotted seats under the management quota do not take the seats they are allotted, the cut-offs are likely to drop further in the next round, officials said. Doctors associations including IMA and senior doctors said the admission is setting a wrong precedent in medical education. Candidates who completed MBBS are admitted to PG medical courses based on merit in NEET PG. The 3.3 hours computer-based test features 200 multiple-choice questions, each worth 4 marks, with negative marking of -1 for incorrect answers. Earlier, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences lowered NEET PG qualifying cut-off for the 2025-26 academic session, reducing marks to 103 out of 800. For SC, ST and OBC candidates, qualifying score was -40 out of 800.The move, aimed at filling over 9,000 vacant PG seats, triggered backlash after the Centre’s medical counselling committee allotted seats to doctors with negative scores under the all India quota in govt medical colleges and in deemed universities. On Monday, the state selection committee released results for third round of counselling for admissions to govt medical colleges and self-financing colleges. Under govt quota, a student with 42 marks secured admission in MD community medicine at Sri Muthukumaran Medical College, Chennai, while a student with 71 secured MD forensic medicine at Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Samayapuram.Under service quota—seats reserved for doctors in govt hospitals—the cut-off was 87 marks for MS orthopaedics in ESI Medical College, Chennai. There were seven students with scores below 100 allotted PG seats. The cut-off dropped further for management quota. While the lowest was 9 marks for MD pharmacology at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan medical college, Perambalur, a candidate with 25 marks bagged a seat in MD community medicine at the same college. At least 21 doctors who scored below 100 were allotted PG seats.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday met Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in prime minister Tarique Rahman and handed over a personal congratulatory letter by PM Narendra Modi.In a post on X, Bangladesh high commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah said, “PM Tarique Rahman, conveyed his greetings to India and PM Narendra Modi, at a courtesy meet following the swearing-in of the news government.” He added that Birla conveyed wishes from India and extended an invitation to the country. “Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh & India pursuing a people-centric menu of cooperation,” the post said.Birla accompanied by foreign secretary Vikram Misri attended the swearing-in ceremony of Rahman on behalf of PM Modi and the Indian government. Earlier, Bangladesh’s interim government chief Md Yunus had extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend Rahman’s swearing-in. However, citing the visit of French president Emmanuel Macron to Mumbai and the Artificial Intelligence Summit in Delhi this week, the PM declined the invitation.BNP leader and son of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia and president Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman was on Tuesday sworn in as Bangladesh’s new prime minister, marking a new beginning for the country after a nearly 18-month period of political uncertainty and lawlessness under the rule of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.In a break from tradition, President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to 60-year-old Rahman at the South Plaza instead of the customary venue of Bangabhaban.Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. This marks his first term as prime minister. He succeeds interim government chief Yunus, who had assumed office in August 2024 following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League administration. Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi cooled during Yunus’s tenure.Earlier in the day, BNP lawmakers elected Rahman as leader of their parliamentary party.At the ceremony, President Shahabuddin also administered the oath to 25 cabinet ministers and 24 state ministers. The event was attended by representatives from neighbouring countries, including India and Pakistan.The new cabinet features two members from minority communities – BNP vice president Nitai Roy Chowdhury, a Hindu, and Dipen Dewan, a Buddhist. In an unexpected move, outgoing interim regime’s security adviser Khalilur Rahman was inducted as a technocrat minister, while some senior BNP leaders were excluded.In the February 12 general elections, the BNP won 209 of 297 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. The Awami League did not contest the polls. The elections followed a prolonged period of political uncertainty and instability after nationwide student-led protests in August 2024 led to the fall of the Awami League government.