Domestic benchmark equity indices ended nearly flat on Thursday amid profit booking in select heavyweights and mixed global cues.At closing, the 30-share BSE Sensex slipped 27 points, or 0.03 per cent, to settle at 82,248.61, while the Nifty 50 edged up 14 points, or 0.06 per cent, to close at 25,496.55.The Nifty 50 had opened at 25,560.40, up 77.90 points or 0.31 per cent, while the Sensex began the session at 82,534.15, gaining 258.08 points or 0.31 per cent.

Nifty50 top gainers

Nifty50 top losers

Sensex top losers

Sensex top gainers

Among sectoral indices, PSU Banks, auto, pharma, oil & gas, telecom and metal stocks were among the gainers.According to news agency ANI, Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Investments Limited, said, “The domestic market surrendered its early gains amid mixed global cues and increased caution ahead of the US-Iran nuclear talks, as well as key data releases including US initial jobless claims and India’s GDP print, which triggered profit booking.”He added, “As the session progressed, investors rotated towards non-cyclical pockets such as pharma and healthcare, while defence stocks gained on optimism over potential India-Israel tech-transfer initiatives.”“Sentiment recovered in late trade following reports of meetings between Indian and US commerce officials, which rekindled hopes of progress in bilateral trade negotiations and made the market close flat,” Nair said.Sudeep Shah, head – technical and derivatives research at SBI Securities, said, “the benchmark index Nifty traded within a narrow intraday band of 172 points, reflecting a day dominated by subdued volatility and cautious sentiment. For most of the session, the index hovered close to the day’s low, indicating persistent pressure from the bears.”“However, during the final hour of trade, Nifty experienced a modest recovery, staging a mild pullback from lower levels. By the closing bell, the index ended virtually unchanged, forming a small-bodied candle with a pronounced lower shadow, suggesting buying interest emerging near support zones,” Shah said, as quoted by ANI.He further noted, “In today’s session, within the Nifty constituents, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Eicher Motors emerged as the top performers, showcasing relative strength compared to the broader market. On the flip side, Trent and Eternal were the major laggards, dragging down the index. Sector-wise, Nifty Healthcare and Nifty Pharma led the gains, supported by renewed buying interest in defensives. Meanwhile, Nifty Media and Nifty FMCG underperformed, closing as the weakest sectoral indices for the day.”On the currency front, Jateen Trivedi, VP research analyst – commodity and currency at LKP, said, “Rupee traded with minor gains near 90.88 as market participants remained cautious amid uncertainty around US Iran talks. Any signs of rise in the conflict between Iran USA can result panic.”“Rupee remains range-bound with support seen near 91.25 and resistance around 90.50, awaiting clearer direction from global trade developments, Geo-polititcal issues and dollar index movement,” he added.

Gold prices on Thursday declined in the futures market, amid a fall in spot demand. Gold contracts for April delivery on the Multi-Commodity Exchange fell by Rs 539, or 0.33 per cent, to Rs 1,60,606 per 10 grams, with a business turnover of 647 lots. According to news agency PTI, analysts attributed the fall to weak global cues, despite gains in international markets where gold futures in New York rose 0.59 per cent to $5,196.38 per ounce.

City-wise gold rates today

Gold rate in Bengaluru today:

Bengaluru’s 24K gold price stands at Rs 16,102 per gram, while 22K gold costs Rs 14,760 and 18K gold Rs 12,077 per gram. Compared to yesterday, 24K gold declined by Rs 87, 22K by Rs 80 and 18K by Rs 65.

Gold rate in Delhi today:

In Delhi, 24K gold is priced at Rs 16,183 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,835 and 18K at Rs 12,141. Since yesterday, 24K gold has fallen by Rs 21, 22K by Rs 20 and 18K by Rs 16.

Gold rate in Mumbai today:

Mumbai’s 24K gold rate stands at Rs 16,102 per gram. The 22K variant is at Rs 14,760, while 18K gold is priced at Rs 12,077. Compared to the previous day, 24K gold dropped by Rs 87, 22K by Rs 80 and 18K by Rs 65.

Gold rate in Chennai today:

In Chennai, 24K gold is trading at Rs 16,277 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,920 and 18K at Rs 12,765. 24K gold eased by Rs 11, 22K by Rs 10, while 18K remained unchanged from yesterday.

Gold rate in Kolkata today:

Kolkata records 24K gold at Rs 16,102 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,760 and 18K at Rs 12,077. All three categories declined, with 24K down Rs 87, 22K down Rs 80 and 18K down Rs 65.

Gold rate in Hyderabad today:

Hyderabad sees 24K gold at Rs 16,102 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,760 and 18K at Rs 12,077. Prices are lower by Rs 87, Rs 80 and Rs 65 respectively.

Gold rate in Ahmedabad today:

In Ahmedabad, 24K gold is priced at Rs 16,173 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,825 and 18K at Rs 12,131. Compared to yesterday, 24K is down Rs 21, 22K down Rs 20 and 18K down Rs 16.

Gold rate in Jaipur today:

Jaipur’s 24K gold rate stands at Rs 16,183 per gram, while 22K is Rs 14,835 and 18K Rs 12,141. Prices have declined by Rs 21, Rs 20 and Rs 16 respectively.

Gold rate in Bhubaneswar today:

In Bhubaneswar, 24K gold is retailing at Rs 16,102 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,760 and 18K at Rs 12,077. All three fell by Rs 87, Rs 80 and Rs 65 respectively.

Gold rate in Pune today:

Pune records 24K gold at Rs 16,102 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,760 and 18K at Rs 12,077. The rates are lower by Rs 87, Rs 80 and Rs 65 compared to yesterday.

Gold rate in Kanpur today:

Kanpur’s 24K gold price is Rs 16,183 per gram, 22K stands at Rs 14,835 and 18K at Rs 12,141. Prices have slipped by Rs 21, Rs 20 and Rs 16 respectively.

In a high-stakes Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final, Karnataka‘s seasoned campaigner Mayank Agarwal produced one of his most important career knocks, smashing a resilient century to keep his side afloat against a dominant Jammu & Kashmir at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium. Despite Agarwal’s heroics, Karnataka remains in a precarious position as they chase J&K’s mountain-sized first-innings total of 584.

Mayank Agarwal’s blazing knock amidst a collapse

Coming off a season where his form had been under the scanner, Agarwal chose the grandest stage of domestic cricket to rediscover his touch. Karnataka’s reply to J&K’s 584 got off to a disastrous start on Day 3. The top order, featuring stars like KL Rahul (13) and Devdutt Padikkal (11), crumbled under a sensational opening spell by J&K’s Auqib Nabi.

At 57/4, Karnataka looked set for a humiliating follow-on. However, Agarwal stood like a rock at one end. Showing immense discipline against the moving ball, he slowly rebuilt the innings, reaching his 21st First-Class century in the final session of the day. His celebration—a simple raising of the helmet—was met with a standing ovation from a relieved Karnataka dressing room.

Support from Shreyas Gopal

While wickets tumbled at the other end, Agarwal found a steady partner in Shreyas Gopal. The duo stitched together a vital 87-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Gopal (25) played a perfect foil to Agarwal, blunting the J&K pace attack that had earlier “spat fire.”

Though Gopal fell late in the day, Agarwal’s presence ensured that Karnataka reached 176/5 by the time the shadows lengthened in Hubballi.

The match has not been without its share of drama. Day 2 was marred by a physical altercation when J&K captain Paras Dogra reportedly headbutted Karnataka’s KV Aneesh following a sledging incident. Agarwal had to play the role of peacemaker on that occasion, a temperament he carried into his batting today.

Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi removes KL Rahul with peach of a delivery in Ranji Trophy final

Here’s how fans reacted

100 in 153 balls for Mayank Agarwal as he stands up to the heat of four early wickets. Only his second hundred of the #RanjiTrophy season. Despite a superb knock, Karnataka still very much on the back foot but has denied J&K full satisfaction just yet. pic.twitter.com/1mQTZNpybv

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) February 26, 2026

Match saving 💯
Mayank agarwal pic.twitter.com/SLF16jaNM7

— Balunatesh (@Balunatesh) February 26, 2026

Mayank Agarwal, take a bow. An innings of character. Long way to go.

— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) February 26, 2026

100 off 153 balls — Brilliant century for Mayank Agarwal. Karnataka’s hopes rest on him… #RanjiTrophy

— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) February 26, 2026

A 💯 to remember for Mayank Agarawal 👏👏

He is fighting it out for Karnataka in the #RanjiTrophy Final 🫡

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/G0ytZLEyNB @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/5hcdYmmvuC

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2026

Mayank Agarwal brings up his 21st first-class hundred for Karnataka against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji trophy final 💯#MayankAgarwal #RanjiTrophy #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/5Nv96QPMYQ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 26, 2026

🚨 HUNDRED FOR MAYANK AGARWAL IN RANJI FINAL 🚨

Karnataka at one stage 57/4 and he scored a majestic Hundred against Jammu & Kashmir in the Final of this Ranji Trophy – What a remarkable Hundred by Mayank Agarwal. pic.twitter.com/zsTUbmNZWn

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) February 26, 2026

Mayank Agarwal stands between J&K and the #RanjiTrophy

— Fouad Farooq (@ffarooqb) February 26, 2026

Cometh the man, cometh the hour 💯🔥

With Karnataka struggling at 57-4, Mayank Agarwal stood tall.🫶🏻

A fighting century when it mattered the most 🔥🏏
#RanjiTrophy #MayankAgarwal pic.twitter.com/o5iuZLce3Q

— Arun Chaudhary🇮🇳 (@iarunchaudhary) February 26, 2026

HUNDRED FOR MAYANK AGARWAL IN RANJI FINAL 🚨

Karnataka at one stage 57/4 and he scored a majestic Hundred against Jammu & Kashmir in the Final of this Ranji Trophy – What a remarkable Hundred by Mayank Agarwal. pic.twitter.com/Z7kDdWHdPe

— Abhishek Vision (@AbhishekVisionX) February 26, 2026

Stand and Take a bow for Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal smashed a century against Jammu and Kashmir.

What a fight back for Karnataka when Early wicket gone of KL Rahul.#RanjiFinalpic.twitter.com/KlxKI6AUsM

— Ashu (@AshuKharwa66211) February 26, 2026

Outstanding Hundred For Mayank Agrawal in Ranji Trophy Final Against J&K.#KARvJK pic.twitter.com/9SMfpTTOc6

— 🚩🇮🇳 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐑 𝟏𝟖 ❤️ (@82_mohali__) February 26, 2026

CLUTCH IN THE FINAL 🏏🔥

Mayank Agarwal steps up with a crucial hundred when Karnataka were in trouble in the Ranji Trophy final. pic.twitter.com/iO2ptfSmGW

— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse) February 26, 2026

Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi falls in unusual fashion to Prasidh Krishna in Ranji Trophy Final 2026

Jammu and Kashmir’s Shubham Pundir celebrates his century (PTI Photo)

Ranji Trophy finals are often marathon affairs, and the ongoing summit clash between Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka is following that script. After J&K posted a commanding 584 in their first innings, Karnataka reached 35 for one at lunch on Day 3 but slipped to 98 for four in the second session.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With plenty of time left but a large deficit to overcome, a draw remains a possibility. Unlike league matches, however, the Ranji Trophy final must produce a winner. Thankfully, one key rule provides clarity: the first-innings lead determines the champion if no outright result emerges.

Essentially, if neither side can bowl the other out twice or chase the target, the team with the higher first-innings total claims the trophy. This ensures that sustained performance over the longer format is rewarded, particularly in multi-day matches where weather or pitch conditions can prevent a definitive finish.Here’s how the current final could play out:Scenario 1 – Karnataka take the first-innings lead:If Karnataka surpass J&K’s 584 by scoring 585 or more, they will gain the crucial first-innings advantage. Even if the match ends in a draw afterward, Karnataka will be crowned Ranji Trophy champions. This is the simplest path to the title for the southern side, though it demands overcoming a massive deficit.Scenario 2 – Jammu & Kashmir retain their lead:Should Karnataka fall short of 584, J&K will maintain the first-innings advantage. In that case, irrespective of remaining time or a drawn result, Jammu and Kashmir will be declared champions. Their strong batting performance and early bowling control currently put them in a commanding position.Scenario 3 – External interruptions:In the unlikely event of rain or other factors preventing Karnataka from completing their innings and no first-innings lead is established, tournament rules can default to group-stage points or prior performance. Nonetheless, the first-innings lead is typically decisive in finals.Jammu and Kashmir’s 584 was built through disciplined partnerships and lower-order resistance, giving them a strong platform. Their bowlers have also applied early pressure in Karnataka’s reply, removing key batsmen KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Smaran Ravichandran, and Karun Nair.

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Reference #18.c7f5d217.1772104484.54134de9

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.c7f5d217.1772104484.54134de9

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is fully prepared for future contingencies and will not be deterred by Pakistan’s nuclear threats, Western Army Commander Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar said on Thursday. He warned Pakistan that any future conflict would end with a decisive outcome on the ground.Addressing troops after an investiture ceremony at Dhyan Singh Stadium in Mamoon Military Station, Lt Gen Katiyar said Pakistan had sought a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor while simultaneously issuing nuclear threats. “They said if they go down, they will take half the world with them. We ignored those threats then, and we are even better prepared now, with a clear plan for the future,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.Calling out Pakistan’s military leadership ofor sustaining a “war-like situation” to remain relevant at home, the commander said India’s leadership was focused on national development, while Pakistan’s generals were driven by the need to retain power. He said Pakistan lacked the courage and capability for open combat and instead relied on proxy warfare to provoke escalation.“Pakistan repeatedly uses terrorist outfits to provoke India so that when we retaliate, it can project a war-like situation and rally domestic support,” he said, adding that Islamabad had misled its own people with a false narrative of victory and media propaganda. “This time, we will not give them that opportunity,” he added.Lt Gen Katiyar stressed that future operations would go beyond targeting bases and posts. “Our victory will be on the ground and so decisive that they will be forced to accept defeat before the world,” he said.Underscoring the role of Western Command formations, he told troops their preparedness would be critical in any future action. “You must be ready to enter enemy territory, seize key areas and inflict damage, while also protecting Jammu and Punjab,” he said, adding that the nation’s expectations demanded peak operational readiness.He said India’s preparedness should serve as a strong deterrent. “Our readiness must make the enemy think ten times before any misadventure,” he said.“The danger has not gone away. Our response must be stronger than before,” he said, adding that Pakistan had failed to learn from past conflicts, including the 1971 war and the Kargil conflict.