CENTRAL

Gold investment hits three-year high in first quarter on trade turmoil, WGC says
Global gold demand saw a slight increase of 1% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a significant 170% surge in investment. Spot gold prices have soared by 26% this year, hitting record highs amid market uncertainty. While jewellery consumption declined, central bank demand remained robust, aligning with the average of the past three years.

SC upholds validity of provisions of Consumer law fixing pecuniary jurisdiction bar
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of key provisions in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which define the monetary limits for filing cases in district, state, and national consumer forums. The court ruled that using the amount paid for goods or services (consideration) to determine jurisdiction is lawful and not discriminatory.

Canada elections 2025: Pro-Khalistan leader Jagmeet Singh breaks down after losing Burnaby seat, says he’ll step down as NDP leader
Jagmeet Singh, Indo-Canadian leader of NDP, will resign. He lost his seat in Burnaby Central, British Columbia, after the recent elections. Singh had supported the Khalistan movement. He thanked his team and congratulated Liberal leader Mark Carney. Singh expressed disappointment for the NDP candidates who lost. He will step down after the party selects an interim leader.

Bangladesh faces Taka 15,000 crore crisis as Central Bank halts circulation of notes with Bangabandhu’s image
Bangladesh Bank's halt on circulating newly printed banknotes featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has triggered an estimated Taka 15,000 crore financial loss and a shortage of clean currency. The interim government's directive to keep these notes locked in vaults has disrupted daily cash transactions, leaving the public struggling with old, torn notes.

Gold glitters with 25% return in 2025 this Akshaya Tritiya: Should you invest now?
As Akshaya Tritiya nears, gold remains a symbolic and strategic purchase despite record-high prices. Driven by global tensions, inflation, and central bank buying, gold's rally may persist. Experts suggest cautious, phased investing via ETFs or small purchases, blending tradition with financial prudence for long-term value and stability.

UCO Bank, Central Bank of India shares rally up to 7% after Q4 solid earnings
Kolkata-based UCO Bank reported a 23.7% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 665.72 crore for the March quarter, up from Rs 537.86 crore a year ago. Total income rose to Rs 8,136 crore from Rs 6,984 crore in the same period.
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US weather forecast: Tornado, storms to hit Central, Eastern and Southern states
Monday (April 28) is expected to mark the beginning of extreme weather conditions across multiple regions in the US, and the situation could remain the same for the coming few days. Several areas in the central US have been predicted to witness severe storms and tornadoes this week.
Lavish holidays? Get details ready for new ITR form
The Central Board of Direct Taxes is updating income tax return forms. This aims to address income underreporting. The new forms will seek more details on exemptions and expenditures. This includes information on expensive holidays. The goal is to identify discrepancies between income and spending. The department plans to incorporate some changes this assessment year.
NITI Aayog reviews role of central, state electricity regulators
India is set to overhaul its power sector regulations, prompted by NITI Aayog's study on the effectiveness of electricity regulatory commissions (ERCs). The study aims to strengthen these institutions to handle the evolving electricity landscape, including new market entrants and technologies.
India withdraw team from Central Asian Volleyball event in Islamabad
The Pakistan Volleyball Federation announced that India has withdrawn its team from the upcoming Central Asian Volleyball Championship in Islamabad, scheduled to begin on May 28. This decision follows increased diplomatic tension after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. India's withdrawal is disappointing, and organizers are considering Afghanistan or Sri Lanka as replacements in the tournament.
Israel's AI experiments in the war in Gaza raise ethical concerns
In the past 18 months, Israel has also combined AI with facial recognition software to match partly obscured or injured faces to real identities, turned to AI to compile potential airstrike targets, and created an Arabic-language AI model to power a chatbot that could scan and analyze text messages, social media posts and other Arabic-language data, two people with knowledge of the programs said.
Centre utilised over 98% of water resources funds in FY25, shows official data
Jal Shakti ministry spent most of its funds for water projects last fiscal year. The ministry utilized 98.39 percent of funds by March. Spending on Central Sector schemes was also high. Fund usage increased compared to the previous year. Streamlined processes and better coordination with states helped. Balances in state accounts reduced, indicating faster deployment.
US economy was already sputtering before trade pain from Trump's tariffs kicked in
Global economy faces challenges in early 2025. US GDP growth slows down significantly. Trade tensions and tariff policies impact international markets. Canada anticipates election amid trade war with US. China's industrial profits rebound, but tariffs pose risks. Europe focuses on GDP and inflation data. Latin America monitors economic indicators and central bank decisions.
Israel's AI experiments in the war in Gaza raise ethical concerns
The Gaza conflict saw rapid deployment of AI tools—from facial recognition to Arabic-language chatbots—raising both strategic advantages and ethical concerns over surveillance, misidentification, and unintended civilian harm. These technologies, developed by Unit 8200 and tech-industry reservists, mark a new era of real-time AI use in warfare, prompting urgent debate over accountability and the human cost.
Carney, Poilievre’s fate to be decided in these battlegrounds shaping Canada's next government
With Canada's election looming, ten key ridings are under the microscope, each telling a unique story of political drama. From tight races in Newfoundland and New Brunswick to high-stakes contests in Quebec and the GTA, these ridings could determine the next government and shape the political landscape for years to come
Gold's record-breaking surge likely to face headwinds as analysts advise caution
Gold has surged 26% YTD in 2025, hitting historic highs amid central bank buying, inflation fears, and geopolitical tension. Experts warn of short-term corrections as momentum slows despite robust long-term fundamentals.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah mocks PM Modi's vow to track, punish terrorists
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized Prime Minister Modi's vow to punish those behind the Pahalgam attack, recalling a similar promise after the 2019 Pulwama attack. He questioned the effectiveness of Modi's previous statements, highlighting the recent Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 deaths. Siddaramaiah also alleged that the attack indicates a failure of central intelligence.
RBI's 57.5 tonnes of gold purchase second-highest in 7 years
Geopolitical risks, the US Dollar's volatility, cloud over US government bonds have all contributed to bigger gold purchases, as many central banks looked to contain risks.
Why gold prices could surpass $4,000: JP Morgan’s bullish outlook explained
JP Morgan forecasts a significant rise in gold prices, predicting it could reach $3,675 per ounce by late 2025 and potentially surpass $4,000 by mid-2026. The surge is driven by macroeconomic concerns and geopolitical instability, with strong demand from central banks and investors. Uncertainty around global trade and U.S. policy is fueling central bank buying, as gold remains a trusted hedge against stagflation and recession.
CISF takes over security at Lengpui airport in Mizoram
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has officially assumed security responsibilities for Lengpui Airport in Mizoram, replacing the joint security arrangement previously managed by the Mizoram Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) since 1999. An initial contingent of 121 CISF personnel will be deployed, with plans to increase the force to 214.
Cryptocurrency campaigners call for Swiss central bank to hold bitcoin
Cryptocurrency campaigners have stepped up calls for the Swiss National Bank to buy bitcoin, saying the global economic turmoil triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs made it more important for the central bank to diversify its reserves.
One of the world’s most secretive nations set to welcome visitors with new E-Visa system
Turkmenistan is poised to ease travel restrictions with a new e-visa system, potentially opening its doors to more international visitors by eliminating the cumbersome invitation letter requirement. This policy shift aims to diversify the economy, strengthen regional ties, and boost tourism to attractions like the Darvaza gas crater. Implementation of the e-visa platform is expected within the year.
Flash flood warning issued in Texas as downpours and storms target north-central Texas
Central United States is bracing for showers and thunderstorms this week. The weather system may bring much-needed rain to drought-hit areas. However, it also raises concerns about potential flash floods. Meteorologists have issued flash flood warnings for north-central Texas. The storms could trigger tornadoes, drop hail, and cause significant damage.
Ashoka Buildcon shares gain 5% after Rs 569-crore Central Railway project win in Maharashtra
Ashoka Buildcon shares: The project, situated between Pachora and Jamner, encompasses engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities such as earthworks, the construction of major and minor bridges, road under-bridges, permanent way installations, and other associated civil infrastructure.
Italy expands wings in Central Asia aiming to emerge as key global player
Italy is increasing its presence in Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, aiming to become a European power center. Prime Minister Meloni will visit Kazakhstan, followed by the first Central Asia-Italy summit to strengthen strategic partnerships. Trade between the two nations is robust, with many Italian companies operating in Kazakhstan's resource-rich market.
Ishan Kishan storms back: Sun rises again as wicketkeeper returns to BCCI central contract list
Ishan Kishan has made a comeback to the BCCI central contract list, securing a Grade C position for the 2024-25 season. He was previously excluded from the 2023-24 list. Kishan had taken a break from cricket, missing both international and domestic matches. He returned to play in the IPL and also represented Jharkhand in domestic cricket.
Shreyas Iyer forces BCCI’s hand for central contract with a show too big to ignore
Shreyas Iyer made a strong comeback to Indian cricket after being excluded from the BCCI contract list. He showcased consistent performances and leadership skills. Iyer played a key role in Mumbai's domestic success and led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title. He emerged as India's top scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy.
BCCI Contracts: Rishabh Pant gets a raise, Shardul Thakur left out; here are the promotions and demotions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has revealed the central contracts for the Indian team. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are in the A+ category. Rishabh Pant got promoted to Grade A. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back in the list. Nitish Kumar Reddy and others received their maiden BCCI contracts.
BCCI Central Contract List: Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah stay on top with Rs 7 cr pay cheques, but guess who’s back
The BCCI has unveiled the central contracts for the Indian Men's cricket team for 2024-25, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja retain their A+ grade status. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have also been reinstated to the central contracts list.
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