Gold and silver price prediction: Gold may extend its rally to the Rs 1,63,000 per 10 grams mark and silver has managed to sustain support, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

MCX Gold Price Outlook

On the weekly chart, MCX Gold has been moving in a consolidation phase after retreating from its recent high. The price action appears to be building a base near an upward-sloping trend line on the weekly time frame, and a decisive close below this support could trigger further correction in the precious metal. Nevertheless, the broader trend remains bullish as long as prices hold above the recent swing lows.For the coming week, the 147,000 level is expected to act as a crucial support zone, as it coincides with the rising trend line and strengthens its technical importance. Any pullback toward this area may invite fresh buying interest, helping to cushion immediate downside risks. As long as prices remain above this threshold, the broader bullish structure stays intact, reinforcing the prevailing upward momentum.Gold seems poised to extend its rally toward the 163,000 mark in the upcoming sessions. This anticipated move is likely to represent a rebound from support, paving the way for sustained bullish momentum in the near term. Moreover, the steady price action within the weekly consolidation range supports the positive outlook and points to the possibility of a continued recovery.In conclusion, gold maintains a sideways-to-positive bias, with the technical structure supporting the potential for further gains. As long as prices hold decisively above the key 147,000 support level, the broader bullish setup remains intact. Backed by supportive momentum indicators and a positive sentiment backdrop, the precious metal appears well-positioned to trade within its established range, with an upward inclination in the sessions ahead.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy

MCX Silver Price Outlook

On the weekly chart, Silver has sustained its support for the third straight week. After rebounding from recent lows, prices are now hovering near a crucial support zone, suggesting a possible continuation of the sideways-to-positive bias in the coming week. With the broader trend still positive, short-term pullbacks may offer buying opportunities, as long as the previous week’s low remains intact. Traders are encouraged to trade in line with the prevailing trend while maintaining stop-loss levels near the recent weekly lows to manage risk prudently.The week commenced on a weaker note, with prices drifting toward the weekly low support, reinforcing the prevailing sideways momentum. However, a rebound from these support levels is anticipated to revive the broader bullish trend. The positive outlook remains valid as long as prices continue to trade above the established weekly support zones. Immediate support is seen near the 225,000 mark, and a decisive close below this threshold may soften the bullish bias. Until such a breakdown materializes, corrective declines are expected to attract fresh buying interest, thereby maintaining the overall upward trajectory.On the upside, silver appears well-positioned to test the 30-day EMA near the 260,000 resistance level in the near to medium term. A sustained move toward this barrier would reaffirm the continuation of the prevailing bullish cycle, backed by firm momentum and supportive technical indicators. Overall, provided prices remain firmly above the 225,000 support zone, the upward trend is expected to stay intact, paving the way for additional gains amid improving positive sentiment.

MCX Silver Trading Strategy

(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

India vs Pakistan (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Mohammad Amir recently compared Pakistan’s current cricket team with the side from the 1990s. He said the respect Pakistan once commanded has faded.“The Pakistan team in the 90s and the current team has a difference. India used to fear us back then, now they don’t take us seriously anymore. Now, they are not celebrating after taking our wickets and even after winning the match,” Amir said on a Pakistani TV channel.

His comments came after Pakistan lost to India by 61 runs in the T20 World Cup. After that match, Shahid Afridi called for major changes in the team. He said senior players should be dropped because of poor performances.“If I had to take a decision here, then I would drop Shaheen, Babar and Shadab as well,” Afridi said.Shadab Khan was unhappy with these remarks. He responded after a strong performance against Namibia, where he scored 36 runs and took three wickets. Pakistan won that match by 102 runs and reached the Super 8.Shadab reminded former players that they also never beat India in World Cups.“Our ex-cricketers have their own opinions. They have done well for Pakistan, and at the end of the day, they have also never defeated India in the World Cup,” Shadab said in Colombo. “We were the ones who defeated India in the 2021 World Cup. In World Cups, we have beaten India only once. Yes, they are legends, but they have never done anything remarkable against India in the World Cup.”He also said the team should focus on winning the tournament.“We are talking too much about one match. Yes, the obvious goal was to win that match against India as well. At the end of the day, our main aim is to win the World Cup. We are trusting our process, and we will get the results,” he added.Former cricketer Basit Ali also criticised Shadab’s comments.“In my opinion, Shadab Khan should not have said such things about his father-in-law. Saqlain Mushtaq had 10 bowlers like Shadab in his pocket,” Basit said. He also questioned Shadab’s role in the team and his performances.Basit then shared a past incident from a tour with Pakistan A.“I am going to reveal something that no one knows. I took the Pakistan A team to England. He used to be on the phone all the time. I had to snatch both his phones.”

After days of heavy selling in IT shares, Tata Consultancy Services offered investors a glimmer of relief on Thursday, with its shares trading in the green, rising almost 2%. The rise comes after Tata Group IT arm announced a strategic alliance with OpenAI to build artificial intelligence infrastructure in India and roll out joint market offerings. The development was announced on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. It comes a day after Infosys revealed entering a partnership with US-based Anthropic to provide enterprise AI solutions. In earlier trade, TCS stock was up 1.97% to Rs 2,748 on the National Stock Exchange and Rs 2,747.85 on the BSE. At 1:05 pm, the share was up 0.23% or 6.30 points to 2,701.20 on NSE. On the Bombay Stock Exchange TCS inched 0.24% or 6.5 points to 2,701.The rise came even as the broader market remained weak. The 30-share BSE Sensex was down over 700 points. At 1:05 pm, Sensex was down at 82,997.71, shedding 736 points or 0.88%. The Tata Group said that the collaboration will allow thousands of its employees to use OpenAI’s enterprise ChatGPT tools to enhance productivity and innovation. TCS will also deploy OpenAI’s Codex to improve software engineering outcomes. Under a multi-year pact, TCS’ HyperVault unit will create AI-ready infrastructure powered by green energy to support next-generation workloads. The company said the proposed facility will include purpose-built liquid-cooled data centres with high rack densities and connectivity across key cloud regions, a move intended to strengthen India’s position as a global AI hub. “In the initial phase, TCS will develop AI infrastructure with 100MW capacity, with an option to scale to 1 GW. This infrastructure will power next-generation AI workloads and position India as a global AI hub,” the Indian firm said in a statement. Both companies also plan to jointly build industry-focused agentic AI solutions by combining OpenAI’s platforms with TCS’ contextual and domain expertise. As part of joint go-to-market efforts, the IT major said it will deploy, integrate and scale OpenAI’s AI offerings for enterprises in India and overseas, supporting organisation-wide AI transformation. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran described the agreement as a deep collaboration and a significant step towards India’s ambition of becoming a global AI leader. “This is a unique opportunity for OpenAI and TCS to transform industries. Together we will skill India’s youth and empower them to succeed in the AI era,” he said. Commenting on the partnership, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said, “Through OpenAI for India and our partnership with the Tata Group, we’re working together to build the infrastructure, skills, and local partnerships needed to build AI with India, for India, and in India, so that more people across the country can access and benefit from it”.

MUMBAI: The auditorium lights dimmed, a hush fell over rows of expectant students, and the rhythmic beat of traditional music signalled the beginning of a journey centuries into the past. On stage, draped in royal robes and lit by a warm amber glow, Raja Bhadrahari of Ujjain stood at the centre of a moral storm — a king offered immortality, only to confront betrayal and renunciation.An ancient tale of love, deceit and sacrifice unfolded at Somaiya University’s storytelling festival ‘Afsana’, where a packed house watched the folk legend from Madhya Pradesh come alive through performance.The story recounts the life of Raja Bhadrahari, a ruler revered for his virtue. A wandering ascetic, pleased with the king’s conduct, gifted him a fruit that promised eternal life. Yet the boon became a burden. Immortality would mean watching all that he loved wither away.Choosing devotion over dominion, Bhadrahari offered the fruit to his wife, Queen Pingala. But the queen, enamoured of the kotwal (chief of police), passed it on to him. The kotwal, unsure what to do with such a gift, handed it to a courtesan or ‘nagar vadhu’. In a striking twist, it was the courtesan who displayed the greatest sense of duty. Believing the kingdom would benefit most from a righteous ruler’s long life, she returned the fruit to the king.Confronted with betrayal, Bhadrahari is said to have renounced his throne and worldly life, passing the kingdom to his younger brother, Chandragupta II, better known in legend as Vikramaditya.The production was staged by a troupe led by Sanjay Mahajan, who has performed the tale across the country, including at Rashtrapati Bhavan. “It was Bhadrahari’s deep love for his wife that made him give away the fruit instead of keeping immortality for himself. But the core message is that true love is not meant for worldly attachments, but for the divine,” Mahajan said.He added that audiences often overlook the moral complexity of the story. “Virtue is found in unexpected places. The courtesan, who is marginalised by society, shows the greatest sense of selflessness by thinking of the larger good,” he said.Festival organiser Amrita Somaiya said ‘Afsana’ seeks to revive oral storytelling traditions for younger generations. “These stories are part of our cultural inheritance. Just like recipes passed down by our grandmothers, they survive through retelling. We want students to experience narratives from different cultures that they may otherwise never encounter,” she said.Through drama and dialogue, the centuries-old legend found resonance with a modern audience — reminding them that power, love and virtue often take unexpected forms.

As Afghanistan gear up for their final group-stage fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, skipper Rashid Khan has paid a glowing tribute to outgoing head coach Jonathan Trott, crediting him for transforming the team’s mindset and elevating the standards of Afghan cricket.

Afghanistan will take on Canada in what will also mark Trott’s last game in charge of the national side. The former England batter, who took over at a crucial stage in Afghanistan’s cricketing journey, leaves behind a squad that now commands respect across formats.

Speaking on the eve of the clash, Rashid acknowledged Trott’s immense contribution, describing his tenure as a defining chapter in Afghanistan’s cricketing rise.

Rashid Khan pays rich tribute to Jonathan Trott

Rashid did not hold back in his praise for the outgoing coach. Reflecting on their journey together, he said Trott had been instrumental in guiding the team in the right direction and building a strong foundation for the future.

“We have a series against Sri Lanka straight after the World Cup and then the IPL. Tomorrow is Jonathan Trott’s last game with us. We’ve had some unbelievable games and tours with him. He has been someone who has taken Afghanistan cricket to where it is now,” Rashid said in the pre-match presser.

The Afghan captain emphasized that Trott’s influence extended beyond tactics and match-day strategies. According to Rashid, the Englishman worked tirelessly with every player in the squad, helping them grow both individually and collectively.

“I think he has worked so hard with every single one. Definitely everyone around us will miss him so much. He played a main role in taking this team on the right way, right path,” he added.

Also READ: Explained: Which teams will Pakistan face in Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026?

Rashid on the transformation of Afghanistan team under Trott’s leadership

Under Trott’s leadership, Afghanistan have evolved into a disciplined and fearless unit capable of challenging established cricketing nations. Their performances in recent global tournaments have showcased a team that not only competes but believes it belongs at the highest level.

Rashid highlighted that this transformation did not happen overnight. It was the result of sustained effort, clear communication, and a shared vision between players and coaching staff.

Notably, Afghanistan’s growth under Trott has been marked by improved consistency, sharper game awareness, and better adaptability in pressure situations. The team’s ability to execute plans against stronger opposition has particularly stood out during his tenure. While paying tribute to his departing coach, Rashid also acknowledged that the challenges will only grow from here. With Afghanistan now seen as a serious contender, rival teams are devising specific strategies to counter their strengths.

“Now nothing is easy for us. Teams will come against us with different plans. It’s about how we manage ourselves, upgrade our skills and stay one step ahead of the opposition. That depends on individuals and how we prepare ourselves,” Rashid added further.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar reveals how Abhishek Sharma can rediscover his lost mojo in T20 World Cup 2026

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol (file pic)

Former South Korea president Yoon Suk Yeol has been found guilty of “insurrection”, and has been sentenced to life in prison by the Seoul central district court. The verdict is linked to his martial law declaration in December 2024 , which the court called a deliberate plot to “paralyse” the National Assembly.“As to defendant Yoon Suk Yeol, the crime of insurrection leadership is established,” presiding judge Ji Gwi-yeon told Seoul Central District Court, as quoted by AFP.“The declaration of martial law resulted in enormous social costs, and it is difficult to find any indication that the defendant has expressed remorse for that,” added the judge to the ruling while announcing the ‘life imprison’ ruling.A special prosecutor has demanded the death penalty for Yoon, arguing that his actions posed a serious threat to the country’s democracy and warranted the harshest punishment. However, most analysts expected a life sentence, noting that Yoon’s poorly planned power grab did not result in any casualties. South Korea has not executed a death row inmate since 1997, effectively maintaining a moratorium amid ongoing calls for abolition.As Yoon arrived at the Seoul court, hundreds of police officers monitored the scene while supporters rallied outside the judicial complex. Nearby, critics demanded the death penalty, their protests intensifying as the prison bus transporting Yoon passed by.The court will also hear cases against seven former military and police officials accused of enforcing Yoon’s martial law decree. Yoon, a staunch conservative, defended the six-hour decree as necessary to prevent “anti-state” liberal forces from obstructing his agenda. The measure was lifted after lawmakers broke through a military blockade and unanimously voted to nullify it.Yoon was suspended from office on December 14, 2024, following impeachment by the National Assembly, and formally removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He has been in custody since July 2025, facing multiple criminal trials, with the rebellion charge carrying the most severe punishment. Last month, he was sentenced to five years in prison for resisting arrest, fabricating the martial law proclamation, and bypassing a legally required full Cabinet meeting before declaring the measure.The Seoul Central Court has also convicted two of Yoon’s Cabinet members in related cases. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years for attempting to legitimise the decree through a Cabinet Council meeting, falsifying records, and lying under oath. Han has appealed the verdict.

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a scathing attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for adding an “unprecedented and improper prefix” to Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsadeva’s name while paying tributes on his birth anniversary.Mamata accused the Prime Minister of “aggressively displaying his cultural insensitivity to great figures of Bengal.”

“Yet again, our Prime Minister aggressively displays his cultural insensitivity to great figures of Bengal. Today is the janmatithi of Yugavatara (God’s incarnation in our age) Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsadeva. While trying to hail the great saint on this occasion, our PM added an unprecedented and improper prefix to the great saint’s name, ‘Swami’!” Mamata said in a social media post on X.“As is well known, Sri Ramakrishna was widely revered as Thakur (literally, God). While his ascetic disciples constituted the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission after their Master’s demise, and those monks were then called ‘Swami’ as per Indian traditions, the Master, the Acharya, himself continued to be referred to as Thakur. The prefix ‘Swami’ was meant for his disciples in the Ramakrishna Order; but the holy trinity of the Order remained Thakur–Ma–Swamiji. Thakur is Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsadeva, Ma is Ma Sarada, and Swamiji is Swami Vivekananda,” she added.Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid tributes to Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa on his birth anniversary and said his noble thoughts will forever remain a source of inspiration.“Humble tributes to Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa on his birth anniversary. The way he established spirituality and meditation as a vital life force will continue to benefit humanity in every era. His noble thoughts and messages will forever remain a source of inspiration,” Modi said in a post on X in Hindi.Ramakrishna Paramahansa was born on this day in 1836.Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who served as a priest at Kolkata’s Dakshineswar Kali Temple, is known for his teachings on the harmony of religions.The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission were brought into existence by Sri Ramakrishna and his chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda.The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are worldwide, non-political, non-sectarian spiritual organisations that have been engaged in various forms of humanitarian and social service activities for more than a century.