Gold and silver prices climbed over 1 per cent on Wednesday amid escalating conflict between the US‑Israeli combine and Iran, driving safe haven demand.

MCX gold April futures gained 1.04 per cent to Rs 1,62,790 per 10 grams around 11.30 am on an intraday basis. Meanwhile MCX silver May futures gained 1.84 per cent to Rs 2,70,200 per kg.

Increased tensions in the Middle East and chances of energy disruption pushed investors toward safe‑haven assets and while concerns about inflation in the US led to investors considering prospects of the US Federal Reserve keeping interest rates unchanged for longer.

Gold and silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs), however, saw a steep correction on Wednesday despite gains in precious metals. Major silver ETFs dipped 7.12 per cent to 7.43 per cent, while Gold ETFs dropped between 3–3.87 per cent.

Spot gold rose around 1 per cent to $5,138.46 an ounce, while US gold futures for April delivery gained 0.5 per cent to $5,147.10. Gold has jumped 19 per cent year‑to‑date after surging 64 per cent in 2025, driven by geopolitical turmoil and strong central bank buying.

The dollar index surged 0.15 per cent to 99.20, making greenback-backed bullion expensive for buyers in overseas currencies, capping further gains in the yellow metal.

US President Donald Trump said American forces had struck numerous Iranian naval and air targets, while Iran targeted critical oil infrastructure across the Gulf region.

This led investors to pull back from equities amid fears of wider disruption to energy markets and shipping routes.

WTI crude climbed above $75 a barrel, extending a two-day gain of approximately 11 per cent. Brent traded near $81 a barrel as the widening Middle East conflict and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz kept supply risks firmly in focus.

Investors remain keen on cues from US Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing PMI, ADP Non-Farm Employment Change and Unemployment data for assessing the direction of Federal Reserve policy.

“Gold has support at Rs 1,58,000 and Rs 1,62,000 while resistance at Rs 1,75,000 and Rs 1,80,000. MCX silver has support at Rs 2,50,000 and Rs 2,70,000, and resistance is at Rs 3,00,000 and Rs 3,20,000,” an analyst said.

Elon Musk‑led social media platform X warned that it will suspend creators from its revenue‑sharing programme for 90 days if they post AI‑generated videos of armed conflict without disclosure about AI use.

X Product Head Nikita Bier announced the measure as part of its broader effort to curb manipulation and maintain access to authentic information during wartime.

Subsequent violations after initial suspension will result in a permanent suspension from the revenue-sharing programme.

“Today we are revising our Creator Revenue Sharing policies to maintain authenticity of content on Timeline and prevent manipulation of the program…With today’s AI technologies, it is trivial to create content that can mislead people,” Bier wrote on X.

“This will be flagged to us by any post with a Community Note or if the content contains metadata (or other signals) from generative AI tools,” he added.

The company recently introduced a ‘Made with AI’ label on the platform to flag to users content created with artificial intelligence. Amid the US‑Israeli military campaign against Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Elon Musk and Bier had recently announced that traffic on the platform had hit a new all-time record.

Bier had recently also warned that use of emails, iMessages and phone calls is becoming untenable due to a spam surge enabled by the rise of AI agent platform OpenClaw. Subsequently, the company went on to introduce what it called spam and automation detection measures.

US entrepreneur Musk’s net worth surged past the $800 billion mark after SpaceX acquired his artificial‑intelligence firm xAI, making him the richest person in history by a wide margin.

Musk’s net worth reached roughly $852 billion, almost $578 billion higher than the world’s second-wealthiest person, Google co-founder Larry Page, whose net worth is estimated at $281 billion.

The merger took the combined value of the company to $1.25 trillion and added about $84 billion to Musk’s fortune, according to reports.

Indian stock markets may look weak on the surface, but the current phase offers a strong buying opportunity for long-term investors, a report said on Wednesday.

The global brokerage Morgan Stanley believed that structural fundamentals of the Indian economy remain intact and earnings growth is set to improve further in 2026, even as markets struggle with near-term volatility.

The report said Indian equities are reacting more sharply to negative news than to positive developments, creating doubts among investors about possible structural problems.

However, Morgan Stanley disagrees with this view and sees the weakness as a result of market positioning and technical factors rather than any deep-rooted economic trouble.

According to the report, corporate earnings growth is already turning after a six-quarter slowdown and is likely to accelerate into 2026.

This improvement is expected to be supported by reflationary policies from the Reserve Bank of India and the government.

Rate cuts, bank deregulation, liquidity infusion, continued capital expenditure, tax relief measures and a relatively growth-supportive Budget are all contributing to a more supportive macroeconomic environment.

The brokerage noted that India’s post-Covid hawkish policy stance has now eased, creating better conditions for growth.

It also highlighted that trade agreements and improving relations with China have added to the positive backdrop.

The Indian currency is seen as undervalued, and domestic investor flows remain strong, offering stability to the market.

Despite these positives, stock performance has been disappointing. The trailing 12-month returns are among the weakest historically, and relative valuations are near previous lows.

The report noted that India’s share in global corporate profits is significantly higher than its weight in global indices, and the Sensex is trading at historically cheap levels when measured against gold. Foreign portfolio investor (FPI) positioning has also weakened in recent months.

Morgan Stanley attributed the recent underperformance partly to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Although India’s oil intensity has reduced compared to earlier years, the country still depends on oil imports. Any uncertainty in oil supply chains or production impacts investor sentiment.

The absence of a clear artificial intelligence (AI) theme in Indian markets has also weighed on performance, as global investors chase AI-linked stocks elsewhere. Some investors are concerned that AI disruption could affect India’s services exports.

India will face England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India secured a commanding victory over the West Indies to advance, despite starting their Super 8 campaign with a loss to South Africa.

In the other semifinal, South Africa will compete against New Zealand at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. As fans eagerly anticipate the matches, concerns about the weather persist, leaving many wondering what will occur if the games are cancelled due to rain.

If the India vs England match is washed out, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has scheduled a reserve day. If there is a delay, officials have an additional 90 minutes on Thursday and 120 minutes on Friday to ensure at least a five-over match is played.

If the match is abandoned, the outcome will be determined depending on the teams’ position in their respective group’s Super 8 points table.

In that scenario, England will advance to the final since they finished higher than India in their Super 8 group. England topped their group with 3 wins, remaining unbeaten with six points to their name, while India finished second with 2 wins and four points.

If both semifinals are cancelled, South Africa and England will advance to the T20 World Cup final, having topped their respective Super Eights table.

The upcoming match in Mumbai continues an exciting semi-final sequence. In 2022, England stopped India’s run in the penultimate stage before defeating Pakistan to win the trophy.

Two years later, the script flipped. Led by Rohit Sharma, India beat England in the 2024 semi-final and carried that momentum into the final, where they defeated South Africa in Barbados to win the title.

Notably, in recent editions, the team that wins the India-England semi-final has subsequently become the world champion, a pattern that makes Thursday’s match even more interesting to watch out for.

Maitlan Brown is eager to make an impact at the WACA Ground this week, but even if she doesn’t earn a maiden international cap in the one-off pink-ball Test against India, starting on Friday in Perth, the pacer is determined to embrace her return to the Australian fold.

The 28-year-old was brought into the squad as a late replacement after Kim Garth was sidelined with a quad injury. It marks Brown’s first inclusion in an Australian squad since 2021, recognition for a strong domestic season in which she has consistently impressed with her pace.

“It’s been so exciting”, Brown told the Scoop Podcast shortly after arriving in Perth on Tuesday. “Getting the phone call – when I saw (national selector) Shawn Flegler’s name pop up on my phone, you know there’s something going on when ‘Flegs’ calls. It’s just so nice to feel like all my hard work is really paying off and I’m super proud. Whether I play or not, I think it’s an awesome opportunity regardless and I’m just so excited to be back in and among the group,” she added.

Competition for a place in the playing XI remains stiff. Brown is expected to be in contention alongside established quick Darcie Brown, who is not related, and teenage left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton, who made her ODI debut last weekend.

Having been informed in January that she was on standby for the Test, Brown ensured she maintained her workload and match readiness in anticipation of a possible call-up.

“I was told before this tour that I was on standby, so I’ve training and making sure that my loads are pretty high, just in case I ended up getting the call up. (If selected) I just kind of have to go into this Test match backing all the physical prep that I’ve done in the preseason and then this season as well,” Brown said, saying she felt prepared if selected.

The multi-format series is currently in the hosts’ favour, who are leading 8-4. While India won the three-game T20I series 2-1 to go 4-2 up in the series, Australia went on to beat the World Champions 3-0 in the three-match ODI series to earn six points and take a lead over the visitors.

Australia will win the multi-format series if they manage to either draw or win the Test. If India emerge victorious in the pink-ball Test, the series will be levelled 8-8 and the trophy will be shared between the two nations.

The defending champions India will face two-time winners England in the second semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

India and England, one of cricket’s oldest rivalries, will add one more chapter with this clash. But, this is not the first time they have gone toe-to-toe against each other. Both teams are facing each other in a semi-final for the third straight time in a T20 World Cup.

From the past two World Cups, the winner of the England vs India semi-final clash has gone on to win the trophy.

The first major clash came in the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. England chose to bowl first and did an excellent job of controlling India’s powerful batting line-up. India managed 168 for 6 in 20 overs. The openers failed to give a strong start, but Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a half-century. Hardik Pandya then changed the momentum with a brilliant 63 off just 33 balls. For England, Chris Jordan was the standout bowler, taking three wickets.

However, what happened next turned into a nightmare for India. England’s openers, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler, dominated from the beginning. They chased down the target without losing a wicket and finished the match with four overs remaining. It was one of India’s most painful defeats in T20 cricket. After the loss, captain Rohit Sharma spoke about the need for the team to rethink and improve their approach to the format.

Two years later, India got the chance to settle the score in the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This time, India batted first on a challenging pitch in Guyana and posted 171 runs in 20 overs. Rohit Sharma led by example with a fine 57 off 39 balls. Suryakumar Yadav added 47, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with a quick 23 from 13 deliveries.

England struggled in reply. India’s bowlers used the conditions perfectly and never allowed the English batters to settle. The team was bowled out for just 103 in 16.4 overs. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets each, and Jasprit Bumrah picked up two. India secured a comfortable 68-run win. They later went on to lift their second T20 World Cup title after defeating South Africa in the final.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia, head coach Gautam Gambhir and others extended their wishes for Holi to all those celebrating and hoped the festival of colours would bring joy and happiness to everyone’s lives.

“May the colours of Holi fill your life with joy, happiness, and prosperity! Wishing a fun-filled celebration,” Saikia wrote on X.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir shared, “Wishing everyone a very happy & colourful Holi!”

Cricket Australia also extended its wishes via X post. “Wishing a very happy Holi to everyone who celebrates,” it said.

Earlier on Tuesday, former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, India stalwart Virat Kohli and several current and former members of the cricket fraternity extended heartfelt greetings to fans on the occasion of Holi and shared cheerful messages on social media.

“Happy Holi! Hope this day brings positivity, good health, and lots of happy moments your way. If you end up completely drenched, consider it a winning performance!” Tendulkar wrote on X.

Kohli shared a story on his Instagram that read, “Happy Holi. May this festival of colours bring success, happiness, and positivity to your life.”

The Former India captain, who plays only ODIs internationally, will next be seen in India’s squad that faces Afghanistan at home starting June 14.

Holi, known as the festival of colours, is celebrated across India with enthusiasm, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.

The Indian men’s T20I team is gearing up for the semi-final clash of the T20 World Cup against England, set to be played on Thursday at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Men in Blue are the defending champions at the tournament and are looking to script history by becoming the first team to lift the cup consecutively.

The other semi-final contest, meanwhile, will be played between South Africa and New Zealand at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.

The Indian women’s team, meanwhile, is in Australia for a multi-format tour. The Women in Blue clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1 but lost the ODI series by 3-0 then. The two times will conclude the series by facing off in a one-off pink-ball Test at Perth starting March 6.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), alleging a massive cover-up in the investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28.

This marks the third press conference by Rohit Pawar regarding the incident, following previous briefings on February 10 and 19.

Presenting video evidence and screenshots, Pawar claimed the official report is riddled with factual errors and appears designed to protect influential individuals and the aviation company, VSR.

Rohit Pawar expressed deep suspicion regarding the integrity of the probe. “I am not against VSR or the DGCA personally, but it is evident that someone is using the DGCA to shield these companies,” he stated.

“Is this ‘save-the-guilty’ program happening at the behest of a powerful individual? If so, the truth behind whether Ajit Dada’s death was an accident or a conspiracy will never surface,” he said.

Rohit Pawar highlighted several technical discrepancies in the AAIB report with regard to flight hours, fuel levels.

While the report suggests the aircraft had remaining flight hours, Pawar claimed the plane had exceeded its official engine life by over 3,000 hours.

“The aircraft reportedly carried 90-95 per cent fuel capacity,” he said.

Pawar questioned why such an excessive amount of fuel was loaded if the flight plan was standard, suggesting it might have been “intentional.”

He further brought to notice the left vs right discrepancy. Using a video of the crash, he pointed out a basic observational error. “The report claims the plane banked to the right, but the footage clearly shows it tilting to the left. If they can’t even get the direction of the fall right, how can we trust the rest of the report?” he asked.

Rohit Pawar mocked the seriousness of the investigators, noting that the official report erroneously refers to Baramati as a “district” and describes the Baramati Municipal Council as a “Municipal Corporation.”

“If they cannot get basic geography right after a month of investigation, how serious were they about the technicalities?” he asked.

He further noted that the report claims the plane hit trees, whereas the crash site only contained small shrubs that the aircraft never even touched.

He alleged that there seems to be a pre-planned conspiracy. He stated that locals reported seeing unidentified individuals conducting a reconnaissance of the area days before the crash.

“We demand that the CBI and CID investigate the criminal angle. When we ask the CID, they say they are waiting for the DGCA report. But this report is full of holes,” Pawar said.

He also questioned why the names of the investigation team members were omitted from the final document — a departure from standard practice seen in previous crash reports.

Rohit Pawar raised questions regarding the decision to fly in low visibility. He cited the Tyagi Committee recommendations (formed after the death of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy), which strictly prohibits VIP movement in poor visibility.

He demanded an FIR against ‘Aero’ company officials, alleging they provided false clearance regarding weather conditions.

Rohit Pawar concluded by stating that the absence of Black Box photos in the report further proves that facts are being manipulated to mislead the public.

Gujarat has set a target of vaccinating 5.50 lakh adolescent girls against cervical cancer under a statewide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation campaign launched from Ahmedabad, following the national roll-out announced last week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the nationwide drive on February 28 in Rajasthan.

The Gujarat leg of the campaign was formally launched at Sola Civil Hospital by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the presence of Health Minister Praful Pansheriya.

Health officials said the campaign is aimed at protecting 14-year-old girls from cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women and accounts for around 17.7 per cent of cases.

National data indicate that one woman in India is diagnosed with cervical cancer every four minutes and 12 seconds, and one dies from the disease every seven minutes.

Nearly 70 to 75 per cent of patients are diagnosed at the second or third stage, and the disease remains a leading cause of death among women aged 30 to 69 years.

In 2022, India recorded an estimated 1,27,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths linked to cervical cancer. Gujarat reported 4,928 new cases and 1,781 deaths during the same period.

Experts at the Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI) said concerns and misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine are unfounded.

They stated that the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing infection from high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.

Doctors explained that persistent HPV infection can develop into Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) over 10 to 20 years and may eventually progress to invasive cancer, making early vaccination a critical preventive measure.

Citing global evidence, they referred to findings by the World Health Organization’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, which has reported no causal link between HPV vaccination and infertility or serious side effects.

The vaccine has also been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In India, its inclusion in public health programmes has been supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization.

More than 100 countries, including Australia, United Kingdom and Canada, have incorporated the HPV vaccine into their national immunisation programmes.

Following the introduction of the vaccine in Australia in 2007, up to a 90 per cent reduction in HPV infections and high-grade cervical lesions has been reported.

Research in the United Kingdom has shown up to an 87 per cent reduction in cervical cancer incidence among girls vaccinated at 12 to 13 years of age.

State officials said the vaccine, which costs about Rs 3,000 per dose in the private market, is being provided free of charge under the programme at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore to the exchequer.

A total of 2,297 cold chain points have been activated to maintain storage temperatures between +2°C and +8°C.

Medical staff and emergency medicines have been stationed at vaccination centres to manage minor adverse reactions, while real-time monitoring of coverage and outcomes is being conducted through the TeCHO+ and SAFE-VAC digital platforms.

The campaign aligns with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, which calls for 90 per cent vaccination coverage among adolescent girls, screening of 70 per cent of women at ages 35 and 45, and treatment for 90 per cent of identified cases.

Indian carriers have taken initiatives to operate 58 flights on Wednesday to repatriate passengers stranded in the Middle East, even as most regional airspace remained closed or restricted amid escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

“Indian carriers are further planning 58 flights on 4th March, including 30 by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express. Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are also undertaking limited operations, subject to operational and airspace considerations,” said Civil Aviation Ministry.

Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated adjustments to their schedules, with long-haul and ultra long-haul operations being progressively resumed through alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace, the ministry added.

Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air will run multiple special flights from Gulf cities including Dubai and Fujairah, multiple reports said. The flights are scheduled to land at airports including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Thiruvananthapuram.

Authorities however urged travellers not to proceed to Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International Airport unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time.

Dubai airspace is partially open, with only few commercial flights permitted. Emirates and IndiGo are operating a few flights on Wednesday and posting updates on their websites.

Etihad Airways said scheduled flights from Abu Dhabi remained cancelled and that operations were suspended until 2 pm local time on March 5, adding that some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities.

Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are also undertaking limited operations, subject to operational and airspace considerations.

“Passenger safety remains paramount. All airlines have been advised to maintain transparent communication with passengers and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements concerning refunds, rescheduling, and passenger assistance,” the ministry said.

The Ministry is in continuous touch with airlines and is closely monitoring airfares to ensure that there is no undue surge in ticket prices during this period, it added.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday celebrated the festival of Holi at her residence and extended warm greetings to the people of the national capital.

Earlier in the day, the CM took to X to convey her wishes.

“Heartiest greetings to all of you on this auspicious occasion of Holi. May this festival of colours bring new hope, new enthusiasm, and prosperity to your lives. A developed Delhi is one where celebrations also become a medium of empowerment,” she wrote.

Highlighting her government’s focus on women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister said: “We have strived to connect every housewife, every daughter, every sister, every mother with respect and support this Holi. From the kitchen to the flight of dreams, we have resolved to recognise the strength of every home.”

“May this Holi not just be a celebration of colours, but a celebration of self-reliance. May prosperity reside in every home. May every family flourish. Wishing you all a happy Holi filled with love, security and prosperity.”

Speaking to IANS, BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva said, “This festival is a festival of colours and love. Everyone should come together and contribute to the development of Delhi and the country.”

Holi, a major Hindu festival celebrated since ancient times, marks the arrival of spring and symbolises new beginnings. The festival is associated with joy, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. Traditionally, celebrations begin with Holika Dahan, during which a bonfire is lit to symbolically burn away negativity and usher in a bright and colourful future.

The following day is marked by people smearing colours on one another, sharing sweets, and gathering with family and friends. Though rooted in Hindu tradition, Holi has evolved into a widely celebrated festival across communities and even internationally, promoting unity, harmony, and togetherness.

Kalimpong Candy, a locally made milk-based chocolate crafted by the Gorkha community, has enthralled connoisseurs for decades. It was first created in the early 1950s by a Christian missionary in Kalimpong, at a time when the hill towns of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong were vibrant with European settlers. Since then, Kalimpong Candy has become a signature product of the Kalimpong hills.

This roll-shaped confection, typically three to four inches long, adorns the glass shelves of local shops. Its ingredients are simple—condensed milk and sugar—yet the taste is exquisitely rich. The abundant supply of pure milk in the hills ensured the consistent preparation of this delightful sweet. Local manufacturers often say, “Once you take more, you desire,” and the saying truly captures its irresistible appeal.

Kalimpong Candy was first prepared by a 35-year-old Christian missionary, Andreas Bati, in the early 1950s. In the years following India’s independence, the candy satisfied the taste buds of people across Darjeeling and Sikkim. Encouraged by widespread appreciation, local producers gradually began exporting it to neighboring Bhutan and Nepal. Even today, tourists flock to local shops to purchase this cherished delicacy.

As a missionary, Andreas initially attempted to travel to Tibet to propagate his faith. However, he was restricted at the Indo-Tibet border and returned to Kalimpong, eventually deciding to settle there permanently. Kalimpong was already a favored destination among Europeans due to its panoramic views and salubrious climate. Besides teaching English, his primary vocation, Andreas was knowledgeable about cultivation and experimented with innovative farming techniques suited to the hilly terrain. He established the Swiss Dairy to generate income opportunities for indigenous people. His vision was not only entrepreneurial but also empowering—aimed at strengthening the local economy.

A local resident, Ilias Rai, recalls that her father worked in the milk unit. Milk was boiled for long hours in large iron pans until it condensed and released a heavenly aroma. After cooling, the thickened milk was hand-rolled into cylindrical shapes resembling lollipops.

Because of its taste and nutritional value, demand for Kalimpong Candy grew rapidly among people of all ages. To meet rising demand, machinery was introduced in the dairy unit. Alongside candy, curd and cheese were also produced. Some believe Kalimpong Candy preceded similar milk-based confectionery products later popularized by brands like Nestlé and Amul, reflecting Andreas’s early vision of diversification and community empowerment.

However, the business faced disruption in 1990 when the missionary returned to Sweden after his visa extension was refused. Gradually, the Swiss Dairy ceased operations in Kalimpong.

By then, local residents had mastered the art of preparing Kalimpong Candy. They began producing it in their homes, and today it thrives as a cottage industry in Kalimpong, with numerous small production centers operating across the town.

The candy is now available even in Siliguri, including shops along Sevoke Road, and in weekly Gorkha markets. Efforts are also being made to commemorate 75 years of its origin (that coincided last year) . According to officials of the Gorkha Territorial Administration, initiatives are underway to popularize Kalimpong Candy by opening kiosks at key tourist destinations in the hills.

The West Bengal Government’s Food Processing and Horticulture Department has also emphasized promoting this unique milk product. Tourism advocates have further introduced Kalimpong Candy to home stays across the Darjeeling and Sikkim hills.

Kalimpong Candy is more than just a sweet—it is a symbol of cultural exchange, local enterprise, and the enduring spirit of the hills.

(The writer is a Journalist , Views expresed are personal.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed Finland’s President Alexander Stubb to India, expressing confidence that the visit would elevate bilateral relations to “new heights” and strengthen cooperation across sector.‎

In a post on X, Modi wrote, “Welcome to India, President Alexander Stubb. I fully agree with you, your visit will take India-Finland relations to new heights. I eagerly look forward to our meeting tomorrow and to your keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue 2026.”

President Stubb is on an official visit to India, during which he is scheduled to hold talks with the Prime Minister and deliver the keynote address at the upcoming edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics. The annual event, organised in New Delhi, brings together global leaders, policymakers and experts to deliberate on pressing international issues.

India and Finland share warm and friendly relations, underpinned by cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, renewable energy, education and innovation. Finnish companies have a notable presence in India, particularly in clean technologies, telecommunications and sustainable solutions, while Indian IT firms are active in the Nordic nation.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries date back to 1949, and engagements at the leadership level have steadily expanded in recent years. Both nations have expressed interest in deepening collaboration in emerging technologies, digitalisation, climate action and sustainable development.

Modi’s remarks underscore New Delhi’s intent to further broaden strategic and economic engagement with Helsinki, with the upcoming bilateral meeting expected to review ongoing partnerships and explore new avenues of cooperation.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi marked the festival of Holi with party leaders and workers at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in the national capital on Wednesday, conveying a message of unity, harmony and festive cheer.

The celebrations at the AICC office were attended by senior party leaders, office-bearers and supporters, as the premises came alive with colours and greetings. Rahul Gandhi joined the gathering, interacting with workers and extending wishes on the occasion.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi extended his greetings, stating, “Heartfelt Holi greetings to all of you on the festival of colours and love. May the colours of Holi fill all your lives with new hopes, fresh enthusiasm, and countless joys.”

Party leaders present at the event expressed happiness over his participation in the celebrations.

Congress National Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate told IANS, “Holi is a festival of joy, happiness, and celebration. We are all excited that Rahul Gandhi is here today to celebrate Holi with us.”

Congress MP Mukul Wasnik told IANS, “Rahul Gandhi is one of the most important leaders of our country. Despite holding such a significant position, it means a lot that he joins us and celebrates festivals with all the party workers. Holi is a festival of joy and enthusiasm, and being a part of this celebration together carries great importance.”

Congress leader Sachin Pilot also highlighted the spirit of the festival, saying, “It is a festival of love and brotherhood. We should celebrate it together and spread happiness everywhere.”

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said the party members were enjoying the occasion.

“We are celebrating Holi and enjoying the festivities,” he told IANS.

Holi, among the most widely celebrated festivals in India, symbolises the victory of good over evil and signals the onset of spring. The festival is observed with colours, music and traditional customs, bringing people together in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration.

Lights, camera… English? Not if Viineet Kumar Siingh can help it.

In an industry that proudly calls itself Hindi cinema, a quiet language battle is playing out behind the scenes. And Viineet has just spilled the tea. The actor, known for his intense roles and sharp words, says he has one simple rule on set; if the dialogues are in Hindi, give him the script in Hindi too.

During a chat with IANS, Viineet opened up about a growing trend in Bollywood. Many scripts today are written in Roman script;Hindi words typed out in English letters. On top of that, some actors even rely on teleprompters.

When asked what he thinks about these changes, the ‘Chhaava’ and ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ actor did not dodge the question.

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He clearly said that he always asks filmmakers to give him his dialogues in Devanagari. Why? Because he is comfortable reading it and believes it makes more sense.

According to him, if actors are speaking in Hindi, then written script should also be in Hindi. For Viineet, it is not just about preference. It is about staying true to the language of the film.

Hindi films, English work culture?

Viineet also pointed out something many insiders quietly admit. While Bollywood makes films in Hindi, a lot of the work happens in English.

 

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A post shared by Viineet Kumar Siingh (@vineet_ksofficial)

From discussions to paperwork, English often becomes the default language on set. Viineet said this shift is noticeable. However, he also made it clear that everyone has the freedom to choose what works for them.

Still, if you ask him personally, he feels that working in the same language as the film creates better flow and understanding.

Nawazuddin said it first

Interestingly, Viineet is not alone in this thought.

Back in 2022, Nawazuddin Siddiqui also raised concerns about Bollywood scripts being written in Roman instead of Devanagari.

The ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ actor had spoken at a media event about how strange it feels that films are made in Hindi, but communication on set often happens in English.

He revealed that directors, producers, scriptwriters, costume designers, production designers (almost everyone) tends to speak in English during the filmmaking process. According to Nawazuddin, this sometimes even leads to confusion among the team members.

Holi colours, loud music, and a superstar on stage; what could possibly go wrong? Well, quite a lot, if you ask some fans who attended recent Mumbai concert of Karan Aujla.

The Punjabi hitmaker is currently touring India with his P-Pop Culture World Tour. But while the vibe was electric on paper, the ground reality in Mumbai left many fans upset, sweaty, and angry.

Mumbai concert faces heavy backlash

On March 3, Karan Aujla performed in Mumbai as part of his ongoing India tour. The show was planned as a big Holi celebration, and a massive crowd showed up ready to sing and dance.

But instead of just colours and cheers, social media soon filled with complaints.

Several attendees called it the “worst concert ever.” Many fans said poor management ruined what should have been a festive night. Overcrowding, lack of basic facilities, and poor arrangements were the biggest issues raised.

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Videos from the venue quickly went viral. In those clips, fans can be seen complaining about long lines for water. Some people reportedly fainted. A few even claimed cases of heatstroke because the event happened during the daytime heat.

One particular issue that angered many was the sprinkler system. According to fans, sprinklers were installed only in the Fan Zone. Those in the VIP and General zones said they were left struggling in the heat without any relief. For a Holi-themed concert, that did not go down well.

Karan Aujla breaks his silence

The backlash grew online, but Karan Aujla did not ignore it.

Later that same day, after performing in Pune, the singer reacted to the criticism on Instagram. In a short but direct message, he wrote: “Bombay, I think we need to add a night concert. Team Innovation, y’all coming back stronger or what??? (sic).”

With that one post, he hinted that he might return to Mumbai for another show, possibly at night, to make up for the disappointing experience.

Before Mumbai, the India leg of the P-Pop Culture World Tour kicked off in Delhi on February 28. The opening concert took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and drew over 75,000 fans.

It was a huge night.

Aujla performed some of his biggest hits, including “Softly,” “Tauba Tauba,” “Gangsta,” “Boyfriend,” “52 Bars.” He also surprised the crowd with a selection of 90s Bollywood songs. The night ended with a fireworks display that lit up the stadium sky.

The Delhi show set high expectations for the rest of the tour.

What’s next on the tour?

Despite the Mumbai controversy, the tour continues at full speed.

After Mumbai and Pune, Karan Aujla is scheduled to perform in Chandigarh on March 14, Indore on March 21, and Bengaluru on March 29.

The tour will also travel to Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow. The final show of the India leg is planned for Ludhiana on April 12.

For now, all eyes are on whether Mumbai will get that promised night concert and whether it will turn critics back into cheering fans.

Winter is not just whispering anymore. It may be marching straight into cinemas.

‘Game of Thrones’ could be heading to the big screen. Yes, you read that right. A film based on the epic fantasy world is quietly in development at Warner Bros..

The script is being written by Beau Willimon, the man behind House of Cards and a writer on Andor. According to Page Six, he has already submitted a draft. That means this is not just a rumor floating in the wind. It’s on paper.

Also Read: Warner Bros. Discovery declares Paramount Skydance bid ‘superior’; can Netflix top $83 billion offer in four days?

But wait. There is no director attached yet. No actors confirmed. No official green light either. So for now, it’s a royal maybe.

The merger drama: Will it survive?

Here’s where things get spicy.

Warner Bros. is currently in the middle of being sold to Paramount Skydance. If that big merger gets approved, new bosses could come in and cancel projects that are still in development. That includes this potential Westeros film.

At the same time, ‘Game of Thrones’ is one of the studio’s biggest and most valuable properties. It is basically a crown jewel. And Paramount CEO David Ellison has reportedly promised that once the companies merge, they plan to release 30 films in theatres. That’s a lot of movies. They will need strong titles. A dragon-sized franchise would definitely help.

So the project could be in danger. Or it could become a top priority. It all depends on the corporate chess game happening behind the scenes.

The plot: Aegon’s fire and blood

So what would the movie be about?

Reports say it will focus on Aegon I Targaryenm the founder of the Targaryen dynasty. This is the legendary conqueror who united the Seven Kingdoms centuries before the original TV series timeline.

Aegon I has never been shown on screen before. But his bloodline shaped everything that followed. That includes Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, the silver-haired queen who tried to claim the Iron Throne in the original series.

The Targaryen family has already proven to be gold for HBO. The hit prequel House of the Dragon, which returns this summer, explores their civil war history. Another spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has just wrapped its first season.

Clearly, dragons are still hot property.

A look back at the original phenomenon

The original ‘Game of Thrones’ series was based on best-selling novels by George RR Martin. It ran for eight seasons and became one of the biggest shows in TV history.

Set in fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, story followed multiple powerful families fighting for control of Iron Throne. At the same time, a deposed royal heir plotted her return from exile. Meanwhile Night’s Watch defended realm from terrifying threats beyond the Wall.

The show broke HBO viewership records and won a mountain of Emmy Awards. Critics praised its acting, complex characters, massive scale, and cinematic production quality.

But it was not without controversy. The series was often criticised for its heavy use of nudity and violence, including sexual violence. And the final season? That remains a sensitive topic. Many fans felt the shorter season rushed important storylines and delivered an ending that did not match the build-up of previous years.

So… will winter return this summer?

Right now, the movie exists as a script and an idea. No cast. No director. And, no confirmed release date.

But the world of Westeros is far from dead. If the merger goes smoothly and new leadership wants big theatrical hits, Aegon’s fiery conquest could be exactly what they need.

For now, fans can only wait. And as always in this universe, expect the unexpected.