Mumbai, Jan 12: Gold and silver prices touched record highs on Monday as markets reacted to the US Justice Department's escalation of tensions with the Federal Reserve and intensifying protests in Iran that heightened geopolitical risks.
MCX gold February futures surged 1.46 per cent to Rs 1,40,838 per 10 grams, while MCX silver March futures rose 3.66 per cent to Rs 2,61,977 per kg.
Spot gold price surged 1.45 per cent at $4,575.82 an ounce, after hitting a fresh record high of $4,601.17 level. Silver prices gained 4.85 per cent to touch $83.19, after hitting a record high of $83.88.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell disclosed that the central bank had received grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department tied to his June congressional testimony on renovations at the Fed’s headquarters. The development signalled sharp intensification of US President Donald Trump’s confrontation with the Fed and renewed concerns about the central bank’s independence.
The surge to fresh record highs was supported by rising geopolitical risks, increasing political pressure on the US Federal Reserve, and weaker-than-expected US employment data, which strengthened safe-haven demand, said Rahul Kalantri, VP Commodities, Mehta Equities Ltd.
Meanwhile, deadly demonstrations in Iran amplified safe‑haven flows, with markets weighing the chances of political upheaval and its implications for oil supplies. Trump had on Sunday indicated considering options on Iran, comments that added to uncertainty alongside other geopolitical flashpoints.
Last week’s US jobs report showed weaker‑than‑expected payroll gains, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will deliver further interest‑rate cuts this year.
"Gold has support at Rs 1,34,550-1,32,310 while resistance at Rs 1,41,350-1,43,670. Silver has support at Rs 2,48,810 to 2,44,170 zone while resistance at Rs2,55,810 to 2,59,470 zone," said analysts.
Gold gained over 4 per cent last week, while silver rallied more than 7 per cent. Russia's war in Ukraine, the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, and Washington's renewed signals over taking control of Greenland also act as tailwinds for rally of precious metals. (IANS)
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,” he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 8: The University of Kashmir (KU) has made the biometric attendance mandatory for the students of its affiliated colleges from Academic session 2026-27. The development comes in wake of the complaints about the thin attendance of the students in various private B.Ed colleges affiliated with the Kashmir University. A circular in this regard has been issued by the Assistant Registrar Dean Colleges Development Council (DCDC) of the University. "All the Chairpersons and Principals of private affiliated colleges of the University of Kashmir are hereby informed that biometric attendance for all the enrolled students and staff has been made mandatory from the year 2026-27," the KU circular reads. The Principals of all the affiliated colleges have been directed to install biometric attendance machines in their respective institutions on or before the commencement of the Academic year 2026-27 under intimation to the Dean College Development Council of the University. "The college shall also ensure proper upkeep, maintenance, and systematic preservation of all biometric attendance records for future reference and verification," it reads. The Colleges have been directed to comply with this directive "without fail." The move comes in wake of the inspections conducted last year by the DCDC of KU in various B.Ed colleges where most of the students were found absent. An official said that there were complaints about the poor attendance of the students in B.Ed colleges. "The students do not attend their B.Ed classes regularly which defeats the purpose of the course," the official said. Earlier, DCDC of KU earlier barred the B.Ed students to appear in teh semester exams for falling short of attendance. The decision was taken in wake of the surprise inspection conducted by Dean College Development Council (DCDC) in various B.Ed colleges of Kashmir in June-July month of 2025 and several students were found absent from the classes. Following this, the students were directed to attend supplementary classes to complete the recommended attendance for appearing in their exams. Also, the exam of these students was deferred by few months.
Baramulla, Jan 9: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla on Thursday said that the situation caused by the landslides on Ur-Baramulla was temporary and would be resolved once the excavation process of the road is completed. The statement comes amid the concerns over recurring landslides on the Uri–Baramulla road due to ongoing road widening project being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Talking to Kashmir Square, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa said that such issues are common during the construction of hill roads and should not be viewed as an unusual development. “There is no major issue. Whenever a hill road is constructed or widened, such problems are recurrent,” he said. He further said that the slopes usually take time to stabilise after excavation. "The excavation process affects the natural stability of the hillside and it generally takes one to two years for slopes to fully stabilise," he said. Minga Sherpa said several slope stabilisation measures are already in place to minimise risks. “Grouting has been done and protective walling has also been constructed at several points,” DC Baramulla told Kashmir Square. He further said that around 200 metres of excavation work is still pending on the stretch and the remaining cutting work is expected to be completed within a month. “Once the excavation is finished, the BRO and concerned agencies will carry out full-fledged slope stabilisation measures. After that, such incidents will not occur again,” he said. Over the past few weeks, the Uri–Baramulla road, a vital link connecting the border town of Uri with Baramulla district witnessed intermittent traffic disruptions due to landslides triggered by excavation work, raising safety concerns among commuters. The Baramulla–Uri National Highway remained closed on Thursday after another landslide struck the stretch - the third such incident reported in the last 20 days, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. A fresh landslide hit the highway on Thursday afternoon, forcing authorities to immediately halt traffic movement on the route as a precautionary measure. It was the third such incident in just 20 days on the Baramulla–Uri National Highway, following two earlier slides that also triggered full traffic halts and diversions through alternate routes. Only emergency vehicles were allowed to pass, while all routine traffic was stopped to avoid any untoward incident. An official said the road clearance operations were launched soon after the incident, with personnel and machinery mobilised to remove debris and stabilise the affected area. "The highway was made motorable again from the evening hours," he said. The closure of the main Baramulla–Uri National Highway compelled authorities to divert vehicles through the dilapidated Khadniyar–Gantamulla road.
Srinagar, Jan 8: The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has pulled up the officers vested with the powers of Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) as their additional assignment, for indulging in administrative works, beyond their domain. As per the order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, the officers having additional DDO powers, have been reprimanded for going beyond their role of duties. "It has come to the notice of the DSEK that many officers of the department vested with DDOs powers are affecting transfers and doing administrative works having no authority to do so," the order reads. As per the order, all these DDOs holding charge in additional capacity have been asked to utilise the powers for the purpose of drawing and disbursing salary and other financial matters within the limits of the authority. "The officers shall not exercise any administrative powers particularly with respect to the transfer of staff," it reads. The DSEK has warned of disciplinary action in case of violation of the order by any officers. "Any deviation from the instant order shall be viewed seriously and invite disciplinary action," it reads.
Mumbai, Jan 12: Gold and silver prices touched record highs on Monday as markets reacted to the US Justice Department's escalation of tensions with the Federal Reserve and intensifying protests in Iran that heightened geopolitical risks. MCX gold February futures surged 1.46 per cent to Rs 1,40,838 per 10 grams, while MCX silver March futures rose 3.66 per cent to Rs 2,61,977 per kg. Spot gold price surged 1.45 per cent at $4,575.82 an ounce, after hitting a fresh record high of $4,601.17 level. Silver prices gained 4.85 per cent to touch $83.19, after hitting a record high of $83.88. Fed Chair Jerome Powell disclosed that the central bank had received grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department tied to his June congressional testimony on renovations at the Fed’s headquarters. The development signalled sharp intensification of US President Donald Trump’s confrontation with the Fed and renewed concerns about the central bank’s independence. The surge to fresh record highs was supported by rising geopolitical risks, increasing political pressure on the US Federal Reserve, and weaker-than-expected US employment data, which strengthened safe-haven demand, said Rahul Kalantri, VP Commodities, Mehta Equities Ltd. Meanwhile, deadly demonstrations in Iran amplified safe‑haven flows, with markets weighing the chances of political upheaval and its implications for oil supplies. Trump had on Sunday indicated considering options on Iran, comments that added to uncertainty alongside other geopolitical flashpoints. Last week’s US jobs report showed weaker‑than‑expected payroll gains, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will deliver further interest‑rate cuts this year. "Gold has support at Rs 1,34,550-1,32,310 while resistance at Rs 1,41,350-1,43,670. Silver has support at Rs 2,48,810 to 2,44,170 zone while resistance at Rs2,55,810 to 2,59,470 zone," said analysts. Gold gained over 4 per cent last week, while silver rallied more than 7 per cent. Russia's war in Ukraine, the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, and Washington's renewed signals over taking control of Greenland also act as tailwinds for rally of precious metals. (IANS)
Srinagar, Jan 24: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department Kashmir on Friday urged stakeholders associated with craft sector to gain access to new and contemporary designs created in the Design Studio of the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) here.The initiative is aimed to further strengthen foothold in country and overseas markets,Apart from hand-knotted rugs, the Design Studio is also offering new designs for Kani and Sozni-embroidered Pashmina Shawls and Stoles, which are in tune with the buyers demand in the international market.In a handout issued here, Director IICT Zubair Ahmad said that the Design Studio in the Institute is well-equipped with the latest software and expert designers for creating new and contemporary designs, catering to the prevalent demand at the global level."The software has made creation of contemporary carpet and shawl designs easier, as compared to the traditional and archaic way of design development that used to consume months together for a group of persons, he said.Offering contemporary designs on nominal charges, Director IICT advised the concerned stakeholders to visit IICT premises at Nowshera, for a firsthand exposure experience."Recently, we have sold new Kani shawl and carpet designs to various business houses, which will surely boost sale of their products in overseas market. Zubair further said that as many as 2,687 carpet and 473 Kani shawl designs have been developed by IICT so far. Most of these designs have been provided to the handicraft stakeholders in the form of computerised design scripts, locally known as Taleem, on nominal charges, he added.