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Sensex Rallies 250 Points, Nifty Tops 21,750 As Markets Extend Gains

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Sensex Rallies 250 Points, Nifty Tops 21,750 As Markets Extend Gains

Mumbai – Indian shares climbed in early trade on Friday, extending gains for the second straight session, helped by broad-based buying interest across sectors.

The BSE Sensex rose over 300 points to hit an intraday high of 72,156 in opening deals. The NSE Nifty 50 also added 91 points to touch 21,750.

Buying momentum was seen across the board barring pharma and healthcare stocks. Tech, IT, media, and realty stocks saw heightened interest from investors.

Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, NTPC, and HCL Tech were the prominent gainers on the benchmark Sensex index – rising between 1-2%.

In the broader market, midcap and smallcap stocks built on Thursday’s rally and gained up to 0.9% each. Nifty Realty also hit fresh 52-week highs led by Godrej Properties.

Analysts said the recovery in domestic stocks over the last two days helped erase some oversold conditions seen earlier this week amid mixed global cues.

In the currency market, the rupee opened marginally higher at 83.23 per dollar compared to the previous close of 83.27 aided by the uptick in domestic equities.

On Thursday, markets made a strong comeback attempt with Sensex rebounding 459 points and Nifty settling above 21,650 levels following late buying. Investors seemed to lap up stocks following the recent corrections.

The focus now turns to the Union Budget next week which will set the tone for the rest of the year. Volatility cannot be ruled out as traders roll over positions on expiry day today.

Terrible: India Expresses Concern Over Twin Blasts in Iran

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Terrible: India Expresses Concern Over Twin Blasts in Iran
Terrible: India Expresses Concern Over Twin Blasts in Iran

The twin blasts that targeted large crowds participating in an event marking the fourth anniversary of the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani have been described by leaders of Iran as a terror attack.


India on Thursday expressed shock over two twin blasts in the Iranian City of Kerman that ended up killing more than 80 people and injuring hundreds more and conveyed solidarity to the government and people of Iran.


The twin blasts ended up targeting large crowds of people who were participating in an event that marks the fourth anniversary of the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. The blasts have been described by Iranian authorities as terror attacks. However, no group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks, which has caused confusion and speculation in Iran.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X: “We are shocked and saddened by the terrible bombings in the Kerman City of Iran,”

“At this difficult time, we express our solidarity with the government and people of Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with the wounded,” he added.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has promised a harsh response to the bombings that ended up killing 84 people and injured more than 300 people. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council decided to meet on Thursday to discuss the process of finding and punishing the perpetrators of the attacks, the state media reported.

Amid the speculation that Arab separatist groups or the Islamic State may have been behind the terror attack, which has been described as the deadliest since 1979, Hammas said these attacks are aimed at disrupting the security and stability in Iran and serve the “sinister plans of the Zionist enemy.”

Ayodhya To Get AI Surveillance For Security Ahead Of Ram Mandir Opening

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Ram Temple In Ayodhya Decked Up As Week-Long Consecration Rituals Begin Today

Security agencies are planning to install artificial intelligence (AI) enabled surveillance systems in Ayodhya ahead of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22nd.

The AI pilot project will be tested initially to detect suspicious activities, track visitors, and raise automatic alerts around the temple area. If found effective, it may become an integral part of the security blueprint as devotees increase.

Already, extensive preparations are underway to secure the religious site and vicinity for the foundation ritual set to be attended by Prime Minister Modi along with over a lakh pilgrims.

An additional deployment of 11,000 state police and paramilitary troops will take place. This includes 26 companies of paramilitary forces and 8,000 civil policemen from UP’s ATS, and STF units alongside NSG commandos.

The AI system can quickly scan crowds, identify potential threats based on facial recognition data, and analyze trends using its reasoning capability. Any anomalies will trigger alerts to cops for swift follow-up. Manual checks are currently underway.

All residents, priests, drivers, and hotel staff in the high-security zone are being verified while traffic diversions will ensure easy movement of pilgrims during the event. Encroachments on key roads are also being removed.

The use of cutting-edge AI technology will boost existing surveillance infrastructure around the temple as Saryu River ghats prepare to host the consecration ceremony next week.

If the AI pilot succeeds as per officials, it can revolutionize security protocols and crowd management tactics at sensitive religious sites witnessing massive footfalls like Ayodhya.

Boney Kapoor Brought 13 Suitcases Of His Own Clothes For ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar’: Janhvi

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Boney Kapoor Brought 13 Suitcases Of His Own Clothes For 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar': Janhvi

Mumbai – Actor Janhvi Kapoor recently revealed that her father, producer Boney Kapoor got 13 suitcases filled with his clothes for his cameo in the upcoming film ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar’.

She made this revelation while appearing on ‘Koffee with Karan’ season 8 along with sister Khushi Kapoor. When host Karan Johar asked if their “traditional father” was comfortable with them dating, Janhvi said he has become very progressive.

However, Boney is obsessed with putting his airport looks on Instagram which he relentlessly spams to the family WhatsApp group, the siblings agreed. Janhvi disclosed that he even sends his photos to her directors and producers who are amused getting style updates from him.

On his acting debut with a cameo playing himself in ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar’, Janhvi said he was miffed on not being shown in the trailer. “He felt that was the USP of the film,” she quoted him as saying.

Khushi revealed that Boney Kapoor got 13 suitcases from home filled with the clothes that he wore for shooting, also styling himself. He even had it added in his contract that his clothes would be used, Janhvi added laughingly.

Also starring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar’ marks the first on-screen role for the veteran producer. His obsession with chronicling his fashion looks on Instagram is now infamous in B-town circles.

The revealing Rapid Fire round with the Kapoor siblings was full of funny banter providing insights into their family dynamics including father Boney Kapoor’s quirks. It left the stars and viewers thoroughly entertained.

DCGI Mandates Blood Banks Can Only Charge Processing Fees, And Caps Rates To Curb Exploitation

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DCGI Mandates Blood Banks Can Only Charge Processing Fees, And Caps Rates To Curb Exploitation

New Delhi – In a major decision, India’s drug regulator has directed all blood banks and centers to charge only processing fees for supplying blood units, asserting that “blood is not for sale”.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has capped the processing charges payable to blood centers at Rs 250-1,550 per unit of blood.

The binding order to all states and UTs came after the watchdog’s Drugs Consultative Committee decisively opined in a September meeting that blood centers should levy only processing costs.

The move aims to curb rampant overcharging and exploitation of vulnerable patients who rely on affordable blood transfusions from private hospitals and banks.

In the absence of donations, hospitals were charging astronomical amounts ranging from Rs 3,000-8,000 per blood unit, as per official sources. For rare groups, this cost spiked exponentially.

The DCGI communication stated the committee unanimously agreed that “blood is not for sale, it is only for supply” so only processing fees should apply to blood units.

By restricting charges to fixed processing costs based on blood components, the binding order brings uniformity and prevents arbitrary pricing by centers facing blood shortages.

All drug controllers have been directed to enforce compliance with these guidelines on charges within their jurisdictions applicable to blood storage centers and banks.

Patient groups have welcomed the decisiveness shown by the DCGI in capping blood processing charges. They said this records an important precedent against commercial exploitation of blood.

Achieve Glowing Bridal Skin This Winter With Skincare, Nutrition, And Stress Management

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Achieve Glowing Bridal Skin This Winter With Skincare, Nutrition, And Stress Management

New Delhi – With the winter wedding season underway, brides-to-be need a targeted skincare and self-care routine to get picture-perfect, radiant skin on their big day. Skin and health experts share tips to overcome issues like dryness, dullness, and blemishes exacerbated by harsh winters.

They recommend starting a customized regimen focused on hydration, nourishment, and relaxation at least 3 months before the wedding. This gives enough time for the skin to renew itself and respond to treatments.

As per nutritionist Shikha, one should follow a holistic plan with antioxidant-rich foods, collagen supplements, specialized serums, and adequate sleep to reveal a natural glow. She advises including glutathione tablets and plant-based collagen boosters in the diet.

An AM-PM skincare routine with ingredients like turmeric, vitamin C, and rosehip oil based on your skin type can tackle concerns like acne, pigmentation, and aging. Gentle exfoliation and weekly bioactive masks also help.

Staying hydrated with 2-3 liters of water and getting 7-8 hours of beauty sleep allows the skin to repair itself. Reduce wedding stress with yoga, meditation, and early facial treatments to prevent last-minute breakouts.

Ayurvedic expert Shreedha Singh says winter brides should focus on bringing moisture and warmth back to the skin disrupted by Vata dosha. Seek out soothing elements like aloe vera, honey, and kumkumadi tailam through facials and DIY Batanes.

Also, elevate your bridal glow by integrating activities like yoga and meditation into your routine. They can help relieve emotional stress that negatively affects skin health.

As per cosmetic engineer Dolly Kumar, include natural superfood ingredients like avocado, oats, honey, and brown sugar in homemade masks 1-2 times a week. This provides vital antioxidants and vitamins to restore your natural radiance.

India Logs 760 New COVID Cases, Active Infections At 4,423

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India Logs 760 New COVID Cases, Active Infections At 4,423

New Delhi – India on Thursday reported 760 fresh COVID-19 cases and two virus-related deaths, as per an update from the Union Health Ministry.

The latest fatalities include one death each from Kerala and Karnataka in the last 24 hours. The total number of active coronavirus infections currently stands at 4,423 across the country.

On Wednesday, India had seen 602 new cases and five COVID deaths nationally. The rise in cases this week comes after infections had ebbed to double digits in early December.

In Uttar Pradesh, a 63-year-old woman who had tested positive for COVID-19 recently died during treatment in Lucknow on Wednesday.

According to the state’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Manoj Agrawal, the patient was suffering from kidney injury, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and other comorbidities when she was hospitalized on December 31 last year.

She developed COVID pneumonia along with sepsis and type-2 respiratory failure throughout her treatment before succumbing to the illness yesterday.

This marks the first death of a COVID patient this year in Uttar Pradesh, which has seen a gradual uptick in coronavirus infections over the past few weeks in line with national trends.

However, authorities have stressed that the current trajectory remains under control and there are no reasons to panic. But they have urged citizens to get precautionary/booster vaccine doses and follow COVID-appropriate behavior.

Double Blasts At Qassem Soleimani Memorial Kill Nearly 100 In Iran

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Double Blasts At Qassem Soleimani Memorial Kill Nearly 100 In Iran

Nearly 100 mourners were killed and over 200 injured in two back-to-back explosions that rocked a cemetery in the Iranian city of Kerman during a memorial for slain military leader Qassem Soleimani on Wednesday.

The first blast was followed 20 minutes later by another heavier explosion as people had gathered to commemorate the fourth death anniversary of General Soleimani, Iran’s state media reported.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the carnage as an “act of terror” and vowed revenge against the “wicked perpetrators” behind one of Iran’s deadliest such attacks.

Soleimani headed the elite Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards before being assassinated in January 2020 by a US drone strike ordered by then-president Donald Trump. He was considered a national icon and revered as a war hero by supporters.

The memorial event at Soleimani’s gravesite in his hometown Kerman was rattled by two explosions from devices allegedly planted by “terrorists” and detonated remotely, a state official told news agency IRNA.

While no group immediately took responsibility, Iran has blamed militants from the Islamic State group for similar bombings in the past. However, the arch-rival US dismissed any role despite tensions over Soleimani’s killing that brought the nations close to open conflict.

The rare assault drew global condemnation from Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations. It threatens to ignite fresh turmoil as Iran’s leadership vowed revenge for the attack targeting Soleimani’s death anniversary memorial.

The loss of so many civilian lives has dealt a blow to Iran just as its economy was crippled by years of Western sanctions. The twin blasts that wreaked havoc signal major security failures amid ongoing regional tensions involving Tehran.

IndiGo Removes Fuel Surcharge On All Flights After Jet Fuel Prices Cut

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IndiGo Removes Fuel Surcharge On All Flights After Jet Fuel Prices Cut

New Delhi – India’s largest airline IndiGo on Thursday said it has removed the additional fuel surcharge levied on all domestic and international flights with immediate effect.

This comes after the government slashed jet fuel or Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices by 4% at the start of the new year.

An IndiGo spokesperson said the fuel charge, introduced in October 2022 when ATF prices were rising, has been removed as rates have softened now.

Earlier this week on 1st January, state-owned oil marketing companies had cut ATF prices by Rs 4,162 per kilolitre to Rs 101,993 in Delhi.

This reduction marked the third straight monthly cut in jet fuel prices, bringing total reductions to 45% of the hike seen between July and October when ATF rates touched record highs.

Since jet fuel makes up over 40% of an airline’s operational costs, the recent price cuts bring major relief to the struggling aviation sector amid slowing travel demand.

IndiGo said while ATF prices remain dynamic, it will continue to adjust components like fuel surcharge in airfares in line with market conditions.

The removal of additional charges may help IndiGo attract customers at a time when air passenger traffic has dipped.

Recently, the airline had also courted controversy when a passenger found an insect in the food served onboard a Mumbai-Delhi flight. IndiGo received a show cause notice from food regulator FSSAI over the incident and promised appropriate action.

Sensex Rallies Over 300 Points, Nifty Tops 21,550 As Markets Rebound

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Sensex Rallies Over 300 Points, Nifty Tops 21,550 As Markets Rebound

Mumbai – Indian equity benchmarks rebounded strongly on Thursday, recovering some of the losses suffered in the previous three trading sessions.

The BSE Sensex jumped 352 points to hit an intraday high of 71,708 in early deals. The NSE Nifty 50 also climbed over 99 points to touch 21,616.

The rally was led by financial, auto, and banking stocks, while IT and metal shares faced some profit booking after the recent upmove.

Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, NTPC, PowerGrid, and SBI were the top gainers on the Sensex, rising as much as 4%. On the flipside, TCS, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Tata Steel, and Maruti ended up among the laggards.

In the broader market, midcap and smallcap indices outshone benchmarks, surging up to 0.9% each. Realty stocks saw heightened interest, with the Nifty Realty index hitting 52-week high levels led by Godrej Properties, Oberoi Realty, and Prestige Estates.

Analysts attributed the rebound to the expiry of monthly derivatives contracts and value buying in oversold stocks after three days of consistent fall.

On Wednesday, the Sensex had plunged 527 points or 0.7% to end at 71,357, while the Nifty settled 142 points lower at 21,518 amid weak global cues. Investors were worried over growth concerns and the hawkish stance of central banks.

Meanwhile, the rupee opened mildly lower at 83.32 per dollar versus the previous close of 83.30 as rising crude oil prices and foreign fund outflows capped gains. Brent crude climbed to near $78.5 per barrel.

Going ahead, volatility is likely to be high due to the F&O expiry. Investors will also closely track the Union Budget for direction next week, experts noted.