Under the punishing afternoon sun at Azad Maidan, hundreds gathered on Wednesday in a powerful show of resistance, turning one of Mumbai’s most historic protest grounds into a sea of placards, voices, and defianceA PROTEST AGAINST “CONTROL, NOT REFORM”The relentless heat did little to dampen the spirit at Azad Maidan, where members of the transgender, intersex, and LGBTQIA+ communities, along with allies, assembled for the ‘Chalo Mumbai Anyaay Ke Khilaf’ protest. Their unified demand: rejection of the recently passed transgender amendment bill, which they say threatens to strip the community of its fundamental rights and dignity.The protest was on the day Lok Sabha passed the bill on March 24 by voice vote, amid an Opposition walkout. Activists argue that the amendment removes the crucial provision of self-perceived gender identity, narrows the definition of who qualifies as transgender, and excludes several socio-cultural identities, including transmasculine individuals.

‘OUR IDENTITY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE’If the speeches voiced outrage, the posters carried the movement’s soul. Messages like “My Gender Is Not A Medical Test,” “Our Identity Is Non-Negotiable,” “Trans Rights Are Human Rights,” and “This Bill Isn’t Reform, It’s Control” captured the urgency and anger of the gathering. Others read: “Gender Aamchya Hakkcha, Naahi Konacha Baapcha” and “Kaheki Aatmanirbharta, When We Can’t Have AatmPehchaan.”Between chants, poetry readings, and impassioned discussions, the protest became a space not just of resistance, but of visibility and solidarity.VOICES FROM THE GROUNDAmong the many who spoke was equal rights activist Harish Iyer, who said, “I wish every minister in that house is blessed with a trans child and the heart to truly understand them. Only then will they know the sheer, unimaginable courage it takes to exist when the state actively refuses to understand you.”He added, “We know the grim political math, but we don’t gather just to mourn legislative defeats. We gather to remind ourselves that our rage is justified and our resolve is unbreakable. They have declared a war on our very existence, but we will fight this together, and we will win.”Drag performer and activist Sushant Divgikar (Rani KoHeNoor) added, “To strip an entire community of its dignity and integrity is deplorable and shameful to say the very least. I condemn very strongly the passing of such an archaic and draconian bill and I wish a speedy recovery to such ill minds that have decided to target one of the most marginalised communities in India.”For many parents, the bill struck a deeply personal chord. Meghna Kulkarni, a mother of a transgender child, said, “The Lok Sabha just told parents like me that protecting and affirming our transgender children makes us criminals. But you do not mess with a mother protecting her kids. We are standing our ground at Azad Maidan, and we will not let this government legislate our families out of existence.”‘LEGITIMACY DOES NOT COME FROM THE STATE’Renowned activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi asserted, “Our identity does not come from certification—it comes from existence.” Trans man and fitness icon Aryan Pasha echoed the concern, saying, “The State does not grant us legitimacy. We have always been legitimate. As a trans man, I already fight to be recognised. This Bill makes even that conditional.” Meanwhile, NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) petitioner Zainab Patel warned of the broader implications, “We’re not asking for permission to exist. Stop treating us like we need one. This Bill turns identity into paperwork, and dignity into an approval process. If identity needs verification, equality becomes conditional.”

Abhishek Bachchan is currently shooting for Shah Rukh Khan‘s ‘King’ which reportedly sees him in a negative avatar. While the actor has not shared details about his role, he recently confirmed that he’s a part of the film. Apart from Shah Rukh and Abhishek, the film also stars Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Jaideep Ahlawat and others. While Abhishek largely prefers to keep away from the limelight and isn’t always sharing things about his work and personal life on social media, his recent picture has become a talking point on the internet. A holistic wellness coach and author Vrindda Bhatt dropped a picture with Abhishek as she gave him her new book. But what got noticed is the ‘Guru’ actor’s physical transformation and never-seen-before avatar. Netizens were stunned by his new muscular look. As she shared this post, many people commented on it.Fitness trainer Shivoham commented on the picture and said, “@Bachchan loving the new look. God bless you. All the best for #KING” A user commented, “Damn he is huge and muscular now🔥” Another one wrote, “Abhishek is ageing like fine wine 🥰🥰🥰” Actor Bhaktyar Irani wrote, “@bachchan n body both coming soon… 🔥🔥🔥” A user said, “Damn! Abhishek’s physique 💪” A fan said, “Abhishek is looking damn 🔥”

Earlier in an interview with ETimes, Abhishek had spoken about re-inventing himself since the last few years and that this is is 2.0 version. He had said, “If you’re not going to keep reinventing yourself you’re going to become very boring to the public. If we’re talking 25 years, the youth that is going to watch the movies today wasn’t even born when I debuted. The largest segment of the audience is I think between 17 and 25. So the majority of them weren’t even born when I started. So I was already around and working when they were born and growing up. So I’m not their contemporary. The people who were the youngsters same age as me when I debuted are all parents today, some are grandparents. People who were acting and were seniors of mine when I debuted, some are still around some are not. The ones that are around still, you see them and analyse that they can have this kind of an inning because they are re-inventing themselves constantly. They are hungry. It’s very important. How many of my colleagues who were starting off around the time I was starting off, how many of them are still active actors today? Not many, a handful.”

Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed its most seismic shift to date. In a record-breaking transaction that has redefined the valuation of global sports franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been acquired for a staggering ₹16,706 crore (approximately $1.78 billion). The sale marks the exit of United Spirits Limited (USL) and the entry of a powerhouse consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group (ABG).

This valuation officially makes RCB the most expensive team in the history of the league, surpassing the previous benchmarks set during the 2021 expansion. The consortium represents a formidable blend of industrial might and financial expertise, featuring Blackstone’s BXPE, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, and the Times of India Group. As the ink dries on this all-cash deal, the primary concern for the ‘12th Man’, RCB’s fiercely loyal fanbase hasn’t been about the balance sheets, but rather the soul of the team: its name.

Ananya Birla breaks silence on RCB name change rumours after ₹16,700 crore deal

Whenever a legacy brand changes hands, rebranding is usually the first item on the corporate agenda. However, Ananya Birla, a key figure within the Aditya Birla Group and a prominent voice in the new ownership circle, has moved quickly to silence the speculation. Taking to social media, Birla reposted a clear confirmation on her Instagram story indicating that the ‘Royal Challengers Bengaluru’ moniker is here to stay.

For fans, this is a significant relief. The ‘RCB’ identity is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Bengaluru and the IPL. Coming off the high of their maiden IPL title in 2025, the brand’s equity is at an all-time high. To change the name now would risk alienating a demographic that has stuck by the team through nearly two decades of ‘near-misses’ before finally tasting glory. Birla’s subtle yet firm endorsement suggests that the new owners value the emotional heritage of the franchise as much as its commercial potential.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Who is Aryaman Birla? Meet the new chairman of RCB

Strategic continuity of RCB under the new consortium

The acquisition, which includes both the men’s IPL team and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) side, concludes a strategic review initiated by USL in late 2025. While the ownership structure is changing, the mission appears to be one of ‘evolution, not revolution.’ By retaining the name, the consortium, led by ABG’s Kumar Mangalam Birla and supported by the sports-investment savvy of Blitzer is signalling a commitment to continuity.

The deal highlights the skyrocketing trajectory of the IPL as a premier global asset. For United Spirits, the sale represents a successful exit from a non-core sporting venture at a peak valuation. For the Aditya Birla Group and its partners, it is an entry into the heart of India’s sporting economy. As the transition of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) completes, the focus will shift from the boardroom back to the pitch. With their identity intact and a fresh infusion of capital, RCB looks poised to build a dynasty that matches its record-breaking price tag.

Also READ: Consortium led by Aditya Birla Group acquires RCB in record-breaking deal ahead of IPL 2026

Gold appears poised to extend its rally toward the 155,000 level in the upcoming sessions. (AI image)

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold and silver prices may sustain their up move in the coming sessions, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

MCX Gold Price Outlook

On the weekly timeframe, MCX Gold has bounced back from recent lows, finding support near the 30-week moving average, indicating a likely resumption of the upward trend following a brief pullback. The metal is displaying an intermediate bullish stance, potentially creating a buying window. A firm close below key support, however, could trigger a more pronounced correction. Nevertheless, the broader uptrend remains intact as long as prices hold above the recent swing lows.In the coming week, the area around the weekly low of 137,000 is likely to serve as a key support zone, underscoring its technical significance. Any pullback toward this level could attract fresh buying interest, thereby limiting near-term downside risk. As long as prices hold above this mark, the broader bullish structure is expected to remain intact. However, a close below this level would negate the bullish outlook.Gold appears poised to extend its rally toward the 155,000 level in the upcoming sessions. This upward move would signal a rebound from support and could sustain near-term bullish momentum. Moreover, the consistent strength in price action supports the positive outlook and suggests the recovery may continue.In summary, gold maintains a bullish bias, supported by a positive underlying trend that points to further upside potential. As long as prices stay above the key support level of 137,000, the broader bullish structure should remain intact. With momentum indicators aligned and sentiment remaining favourable, the metal is likely to trade with a positive bias and continue its upward trajectory in the sessions ahead.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy

MCX Silver Price Outlook

From a weekly perspective, silver has staged a recovery off its support base while continuing to trade above a crucial moving average. Following the bounce from recent lows, the price structure reflects a positive tone. As the larger trend remains upward, short-term dips may offer accumulation opportunities, as long as the previous week’s low is not breached. Market participants should align their positions with the dominant trend and consider keeping protective stop-loss levels close to the latest weekly lows to effectively control risk.The market opened the week on a firm note, staging a recovery from recent lows and signalling continued upward strength. The positive outlook is likely to remain intact as long as prices hold above key weekly support levels. The first line of support is seen near the previous week’s low at 217,000, and a confirmed close below this point may challenge the current positive bias. Until then, short-term corrections are expected to invite buying interest, supporting the continuation of the broader upward trend.On the upside, silver looks poised to retest the breakdown level around the 260,000 resistance zone in the near to medium term. A sustained move toward this area would reinforce the ongoing bullish trend, backed by steady momentum and supportive technical indicators. Overall, as long as prices remain above the 217,000 support zone, the broader uptrend is expected to stay intact, potentially opening the door for further 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)

File Pic: Pat Cummins (R) and Ishan Kishan during IPL 2025. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Australia skipper Pat Cummins has offered an encouraging update on his recovery from a back injury, revealing that he is targeting a return midway through the IPL 2026 season while backing Ishan Kishan to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in his absence.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Cummins confirmed he has resumed bowling and is progressing steadily under a structured rehabilitation plan. “I’m still recovering from a back injury, but it’s good. I’m back bowling in the nets,” he said, indicating that his return to competitive action is on track.The SRH captain admitted he will miss the initial phase of the tournament but remains optimistic about a timely comeback. “The IPL is starting soon. I won’t make the start of that, but it shouldn’t be too long before I’m back out there playing,” he added in the episode reportedly shot last week.Cummins outlined a cautious approach to his recovery, revealing he is currently bowling every third day. “I’m back bowling. I’m bowling basically every third day at the moment. We’ve mapped out a plan to get me right by the middle of the tournament, so hopefully, if nothing goes wrong, I’ll play the back half plus the finals,” he said.The injury had earlier ruled him out of the T20 World Cup and restricted him to just one Test during the Ashes. Having suffered a minor setback during recovery, Cummins is now focused on ensuring he returns fully fit for the business end of the IPL.

In his absence, Sunrisers Hyderabad have entrusted the captaincy to wicketkeeper-batter Kishan, a move Cummins strongly endorsed. “Ishan’s had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so,” Cummins said, referring to Kishan’s leadership role with Jharkhand.Cummins also highlighted the importance of local players in bridging communication gaps within a diverse squad. “We’ve got quite an experienced bowling group of local guys… I’m definitely leaning on the local guys who do know them well — or even speak the language,” he explained.Sunrisers Hyderabad, who last won the IPL in 2016, will begin their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, hoping to stay competitive until their regular captain returns for the decisive phase.

Congress leader Dolly Sharma

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Dolly Sharma on Thursday alleged “widespread corruption” in Puducherry, claiming that people are being forced to pay a “30% commission” to get work done.Sharma also questioned the delay in granting statehood to Puducherry, despite the BJP being both in power at the Centre and part of the AINRC-led coalition government in the poll-bound Union territory.