Stock market today: Benchmark equity indices snapped a three-day winning streak on Thursday, with the Sensex plunging over 1,200 points and the Nifty closing near the 25,450 mark amid a broad-based sell-off triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran.The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 1,236.11 points, or 1.48 per cent, to settle at 82,498.14. The 50-share NSE Nifty slumped 365 points, or 1.41 per cent, to close at 25,454.35. Here’s a look at the top gainers and losers across Nifty50 and BSE indices.

Nifty50 top gainers

Nifty50 top losers

BSE100 top gainers

BSE Sensex top losers

“The bears took charge of the Indian market as rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran unsettled global sentiment, leading to a broad-based sell-off,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Ltd, said, PTI quoted him as saying.He added that Brent crude surged to its year-to-date high, aggravating inflation concerns and increasing market volatility amid fears of disruption at the Strait of Hormuz.“At the same time, uncertainty surrounding the US Fed’s rate-cut trajectory and continued weakness in the INR impacted the domestic market. Sell-off intensified due to low FII participation because of Lunar New Year holiday across key Asian markets and a non-settlement day on account of a regional banking holiday in India,” Nair said.Meanwhile, Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 1.02 per cent to $71.07 per barrel.In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi settled about 3 per cent higher, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed nearly 1 per cent higher. Markets in Hong Kong and mainland China remained shut for Lunar New Year holidays.European markets were trading lower in mid-session deals, while US equities had ended in positive territory on Wednesday.Foreign institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 1,154.34 crore on Wednesday, while domestic institutional investors were also net buyers, purchasing stocks worth Rs 440.34 crore, according to exchange data.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) remains one of the government’s flagship housing schemes aimed at improving home ownership affordability across urban India. The programme provides interest subsidies and financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries, particularly those in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG) categories.For applicants, documentation plays a crucial role in determining eligibility and securing benefits under the scheme. Missing or incorrect paperwork is among the most common reasons for delays or rejections.

Documents required for PMAY application

Applicants must keep the following documents ready:

What is PMAY?

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), is the government’s flagship programme aimed at addressing housing shortages in India’s urban areas. Popularly known as the Housing for All mission, the scheme seeks to make home ownership more affordable for eligible households through financial assistance and interest subsidies.PMAY (Urban) targets beneficiaries across income groups, including the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG). The scheme defines eligibility based on annual household income, with EWS households earning up to Rs 3,00,000, LIG between Rs 3,00,001 and Rs 6,00,000, MIG-I between Rs 6,00,001 and Rs 12,00,000, and MIG-II between Rs 12,00,001 and Rs 18,00,000.To qualify for benefits under the scheme, applicants must not own a pucca house anywhere in the country and should not have previously availed assistance under any central government housing scheme.The scheme offers multiple benefits, including interest subsidies on home loans under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), slum rehabilitation initiatives, affordable housing projects in partnership with public and private sectors, and financial support for beneficiary-led individual house construction or enhancement.

The energy at the Manuka Oval in Canberra is electric as India looks to seal a historic series win on Australian soil, headlined by a landmark moment as Beth Mooney breaks Meg Lanning’s all-time record to become her country’s most prolific T20I scorer. Following a clinical 21-run victory (DLS) in the series opener at Sydney, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bowl first, trusting her disciplined bowling unit to exploit the cool evening conditions once again. Australia, now led by Sophie Molineux, has a massive point to prove as they aim to keep the three-match series alive and fine-tune their preparations for the high-intensity season ahead.

Beth Mooney becomes Australia’s T20I queen after surpassing Meg Lanning during Canberra T20I

In the 10th over of the first innings, the Canberra crowd witnessed a historic milestone that cemented Mooney’s legacy as one of the greatest to play the game. With a controlled swipe to deep midwicket off Renuka Singh Thakur (9.5), Mooney took a single to reach 3,406 runs, officially surpassing the legendary Meg Lanning (3,405) to become Australia’s all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20Is. The southpaw, who has been a model of consistency since her debut in 2016, achieved this feat in her 114th match, anchoring a dominant 128-run opening partnership with the explosive Georgia Voll. While Voll took the aggressor’s role with a stunning 88, Mooney’s milestone provided the bedrock for Australia’s resurgence after their batting collapse in the first game.

Most Women’s T20I Runs for Australia

Also READ: AUS-W vs IND-W, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, Australia, USA & other countries

Georgia Voll’s masterclass powers Australia to a formidable 163/5

The Australian innings was defined by a spectacular breakout performance from Voll, who hammered a career-best 88 off just 57 balls to dismantle the Indian bowling attack. Partnering with the experienced Beth Mooney, Voll orchestrated a massive 128-run opening stand that saw Australia cruising at over nine runs per over for the majority of the first half.

Voll was particularly aggressive against the Indian spinners, using her reach to sweep and loft over the covers with clinical precision, reaching her half-century in just 31 deliveries. However, India managed a sensational comeback in the final five overs, triggered by Arundhati Reddy, who once again proved to be the partnership-breaker by dismissing both Mooney (46) and eventually Voll in the 17th over.

The death-overs were a showcase of tactical brilliance from the Indian seamers, as Renuka Singh removed Phoebe Litchfield before Sree Charani delivered a tight final over that included two run-outs on the last two balls. Australia, who looked poised to cross the 180-mark at one stage, were restricted to 163/5, leaving India with a clear but demanding target of 164 to claim their first-ever T20I series victory in Australia since 2016.

Also READ: Arundhati Reddy’s fiery bowling powers India to emphatic win over Australia in rain-hit first Women’s T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and CM Pinarayi Vijayan (Images/Agencies)

NEW DELHI: Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday slammed chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his remarks opposing the sequel to The Kerala Story, accusing him of hypocrisy and attempting to distract people from governance issues.Speaking to ANI, Chandrasekhar said that the chief minister was reacting differently now compared to earlier instances involving freedom of expression.“Pinarayi Vijayan has 45 days more as Chief Minister, and he knows that on the 46th day, he is going to have to move his residence. When a movie came out which is against the BJP, we did not protest or say anything. He quoted Freedom of Expression. How is it that when somebody else makes a movie against his political thinking, it suddenly becomes a problem? This is hypocrisy. This is basically an attempt to distract the people of Kerala from his 10 years of failure,” he said.

The Kerala BJP chief asserted that filmmakers have the right to create content and that citizens have the right to choose what they watch.“I wanted to tell you, Pinarayi Vijayan, that nobody has appointed you protector. There is no need for you to act like you’re a protector of any community. Every Indian today, every Malayali, is given the same fundamental rights. Stop making fools out of people. This movie will be shown because just as much as you have the right to watch a movie, I have the right to watch a movie. Just as any director has the right to make a movie, this director also has the right to make a movie,” he added.Chandrasekhar also urged CM Vijayan not to create fear or threaten people over the film’s release.“If you have a problem with it, and if there is something illegal in the movie, go to court. But don’t try to threaten people. Don’t try to use your Chief Minister’s position to create fear amongst people that we will not allow,” he said.Earlier in the day, Vijayan expressed strong opposition to reports of a sequel to The Kerala Story. In a post on social media platform X, he alleged that the sequel was another attempt to spread communal discord in the state.“The reports regarding the release of a sequel to the hate-mongering film ‘The Kerala Story’ should be seen with utmost gravity. Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular fabric with contempt. It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged. We must stand united against these attempts to paint our land of harmony as a hub of terror. The truth shall always prevail,” Vijayan said.The makers recently released the trailer of The Kerala Story 2, which portrays Hindu women being trapped by Muslim men in the name of love. The film is written by Amarnath Jha and Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh.The film is scheduled to be released in theatres on February 27.

Britain’s ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the BBC reported, marking the first time the Duke of York has been detained in connection with allegations linked to his public role, amid constant scrutiny over his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, commonly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He turns 66 today. The BBC said it was unclear which police force carried out the arrest, though vehicles believed to be unmarked police cars were seen earlier at Sandringham in Norfolk, where he has been living since leaving his Windsor residence.In a statement issued on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said: “As part of the investigation, we have today (Thursday) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.“The man remains in police custody at this time.”“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”Assistant chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”The arrest relates to an active investigation, and authorities have not disclosed specific details of the alleged offence.The Duke of York has previously faced scrutiny over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.According to AFP, some new revelations last week appeared to show Andrew sent Epstein potentially confidential documents during his time as a UK trade envoy. Police said further updates would be provided at an appropriate time as the investigation continues.

NEW DELHI: On June 17, 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar — a Khalistani separatist designated as a terrorist by India — reportedly called his close associate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to warn of what he described as a “serious threat” to his life. The conversation would later draw attention as investigators pieced together the final hours before his killing.The following day, Nijjar was shot dead by assailants in the parking lot of a gurdwara on the outskirts of Vancouver. Witness accounts cited in media reports said a white sedan pulled up, after which assailants approached and opened fire, discharging dozens of rounds before fleeing. The brazen nature of the attack quickly pushed the case beyond a local criminal investigation and into the realm of international scrutiny.In the weeks that followed, diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Ottawa came under strain after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said authorities were examining allegations of a possible Indian link to the killing — a claim India rejected. Around the same period, US authorities disclosed they had disrupted what they described as a separate plot targeting Pannun. Acting on intelligence inputs, Czech police arrested Indian national Nikhil Gupta at Prague airport roughly a week after Nijjar’s death, setting off a parallel legal and diplomatic track.The US department of justice claimed that Gupta was involved in an alleged plot, directed by an employee of the Indian government, to target and assassinate Pannun. The DoJ also said that Gupta had links to international narcotics and weapons trafficking and was connected to Nijjar’s murder.India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, came into the spotlight after authorities in both countries linked it to the alleged killing plots targeting Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.But what really happened? Was this a poorly executed covert operation, the act of a rogue operative, or an entirely different case with a third party at play?To understand this, the list of characters in the play must be known.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (“the Victim”)

Nikhil Gupta

Vikas Yadav

CS (Credible Source)

UC (Under Cover Agent)

How Gupta was caughtAccording to the US Department of Justice, Nikhil Gupta plotted the assassination of Pannun at the direction and coordination of Vikas Yadav — whom US authorities identified as an Indian government employee.“At the direction and coordination of an Indian government employee, Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a United States citizen on American soil,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C Barnacle Jr said.According to the Second Superseding Indictment and statements made in court, Yadav was employed by the government of India’s Cabinet Secretariat, which houses India’s foreign intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing.“In or about May 2023, Yadav recruited Gupta to orchestrate the assassination of ‘the Victim’ in the United States,” the justice department said.At Yadav’s direction, Gupta contacted an individual he believed to be a criminal associate. That individual was, in fact, a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration.The confidential source introduced Gupta to a purported hitman who was actually a DEA undercover officer.“Yadav subsequently agreed, in dealings brokered by Gupta, to pay the UC $100,000 to murder the Victim,” the release said.“On or about June 9, 2023, Yadav and Gupta arranged for an associate to deliver $15,000 in cash to the UC as an advance payment for the murder,” it added.Gupta pleaded guilty on February 14 to federal charges and admitted to three counts: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.India’s stanceA high-powered panel set up by the Centre in 2023 – formed after the US flagged activities of some organised criminal groups, terrorist organisations, and drug peddlers “who undermine the security interests of both India and the US” -claimed that Vikas Yadav had “criminal links” but insisted the episode was a “rogue” operation, denying state-sponsored intent.The ministry of external affairs has also reiterated that Yadav, who had served in the CRPF in the past, is no longer in government service.Did Vikas Yadav go rogue?Serving and retired officials at security agencies feel that the whole affair seemed to brazenly violate every rule in the book that even rookie interns at any agency across the globe wouldn’t.“Forget a senior – any mid-level officer in an agency in the know would have shut it down instantly given the number of red flags the whole thing generated,” a retired government officer told The Times of India.

“Handlers never communicate directly with low-level criminal middlemen using traceable electronics. Yet, DoJ documents reveal that Yadav and Gupta exchanged routine messages on encrypted platforms that were clearly compromised,” the officer added.“In a real operation, a handler is a ghost; here, Yadav comes across as a digital pen pal. The ‘trap’ was not just visible; it was screaming.”On June 9, 2023, the conspirators arranged for an associate to hand over $15,000 in cash to the undercover agent in Manhattan. This, according to officials, was a “financial Op-Sec suicide.”Rather than going “dark” after Nijjar’s killing, Yadav allegedly sent Gupta a video of Nijjar’s bloodied body and a message stating that the New York target was now a “priority.”“By discussing an assassination so casually and explicitly linking the two hits, they surrendered all deniability and handed the DoJ the narrative of a transnational repression plot,” an official said.What now?Gupta is scheduled to be sentenced by US District Judge Victor Marrero on May 29, 2026, according to a joint statement by the FBI and DEA.By admitting to murder-for-hire and money laundering charges, Nikhil Gupta may have secured a reduction in the 40-year maximum sentence through an “acceptance of responsibility” credit.While the combined charges carry a maximum statutory punishment of 40 years in prison, a guilty plea typically triggers a reduction under federal sentencing guidelines.Gupta (54) may still have to serve around 80% of the awarded jail time. Under US law, if he receives a sentence longer than 12 months, he would be eligible for up to a 15% reduction for good behaviour while incarcerated.

Demand for rare earth permanent magnets in India is projected to double by 2030.

Stressing on the importance of self-reliance, Union Minister of Mines and Coal G Kishan Reddy on Thursday said that India aims to begin domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets by year-end through collaboration with private industry.Reddy stressed on the strategic significance of critical minerals for India’s economic progress and geopolitical standing, urging coordinated efforts to safeguard supply chains.Reddy said the ministry, along with a state-owned enterprise, has developed the required technology to manufacture the magnets. Plans are underway to establish four processing facilities for critical minerals across four different states.According to data from the US Geological Survey, India holds the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves, estimated at 6.9 million tonnes. However, extraction remains limited, largely due to modest private-sector participation and investment.

Importance of critical minerals

Emphasising the broad spectrum of industries reliant on these resources, he pointed out that sectors such as solar power, electric mobility, defence, healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, electronics, medical imaging and nuclear energy all depend fundamentally on minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements. He added that ensuring sufficient supplies of materials such as copper presents a significant challenge, not just for India but worldwide, as nations increasingly depend on these inputs.Reddy further observed that India currently imports about 95% of its critical mineral requirements. He acknowledged that addressing this vulnerability is essential for the country’s development, noting that the global value chain for these minerals remains heavily concentrated in a limited number of countries.Some countries have taken over them. Some countries have monopolized them. We will have to work together on such critical minerals, on such critical topics, at such critical times,” he said.Describing the issue as a matter of geopolitical significance, he said critical minerals now feature prominently on the global strategic agenda. According to him, this is a period when the country can emerge as a compelling destination in the global critical minerals ecosystem.He emphasised that achieving this will require collective effort to position India as an attractive hub. The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed the creation of dedicated rare earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to support mining, processing, research and the manufacturing of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs).In November 2025, the government approved a Rs 7,280 crore scheme for REPM manufacturing, aiming to establish an integrated capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum. The programme includes Rs 6,450 crore in sales-linked incentives over five years and Rs 750 crore as capital support for advanced production facilities.Demand for rare earth permanent magnets in India is projected to double by 2030, yet the country currently relies predominantly on imports to meet its requirements.China dominates nearly 90% of global processing capacity for these magnets and curtailed exports last year, creating supply challenges for automobile manufacturers.

Gold prices moved up on Thursday, with the April futures contract advancing by Rs 365 to Rs 1,56,126 per 10 grams, supported by fresh buying from speculators amid firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the contract rose 0.23% in a business turnover of 1,071 lots. Analysts said the build-up of new positions lifted prices, while in the global market, gold futures in New York gained 0.48% to $5,001.54 per ounce.How much gold costs in your city today?

Gold price in Ahmedabad today

Gold prices in Ahmedabad today stand at Rs 11,742 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,350 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,654 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Bangalore today

Gold in Bangalore today is priced at Rs 11,737 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Bhubaneswar today

Bhubaneswar markets today see 18K gold costing at Rs 11,737 per gram, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Chennai today

Gold prices in Chennai today stand at Rs 12,400 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,500 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,818 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Delhi today

18K gold prices in Delhi stands at Rs 11,752 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,360 per gram, and 24K is priced at Rs 15,664 per gram.

Gold price in Hyderabad today

In Hyderabad too gold prices inched higher, costing Rs 11,737 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Jaipur today

Gold prices in Jaipur today stand at Rs 11,752 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,360 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,664 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Kanpur today

Gold prices in Kanpur today stand at Rs 11,752 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,360 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,664 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Kolkata today

Gold prices in Kolkata today stand at Rs 11,737 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Mumbai today

Gold prices in Mumbai today stand at Rs 11,737 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.