Gold, silver and stocks rally: Is this relief real or just short-term optimism? Experts weigh in

PV Fintech has launched Pension Bazaar, a new digital platform designed to facilitate end-to-end retirement planning for Indian investors. The initiative was inaugurated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority's Chairperson and aims to address the significant gap in retirement preparedness across the country. According to the transcript, the platform focuses on 'securing individuals' financial health and social well-being through a structured and accessible approach' to long-term planning. This launch comes at a critical time, as data suggests that over 90% of individuals above the age of 50 regret not building a larger retirement corpus. With India's elderly population aged 60 and above expected to nearly double by 2050, Pension Bazaar intends to play a pivotal role in strengthening financial security for seniors. The platform seeks to provide a comprehensive solution for investors looking to manage their post-retirement life effectively through early and structured investments.

On this edition of India Today Global, the focus is on the escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has directly accused US President Donald Trump of inciting the nationwide protests that have gripped the country since late December. Khamenei labeled the unrest a 'sedition' and claimed it was a 'prelude to even bigger schemes' orchestrated by foreign influences. The Supreme Leader further held the US leadership responsible for the casualties reported during the demonstrations, calling Trump a 'criminal'. India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay reports that while the Iranian state claims to have contained the situation, the rhetoric remains high despite existing back channels between the two nations. The programme examines the implications of these accusations as Iran blames the CIA and the US State Department for encouraging Iranians to provide information on the IRGC and continue protesting.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to Nagpur, where he issued a stern warning regarding national security and self-reliance. During the inauguration of a medium-caliber ammunition facility, Singh remarked, 'Our neighbour is a bit crazy and it's impossible to predict what it might do.' Without naming Pakistan directly, the Minister highlighted the necessity of indigenous weapon production to counter unpredictable threats. He cited the successful use of the Nagashtra drone by the Solar Group during Operation Sindhur as a testament to India's growing military capabilities. The programme discusses India's shift towards becoming a global defence exporter, noting the supply of Pinaka rockets to Armenia. Singh emphasised that India must remain prepared at all times, as the timing of future conflicts remains uncertain. The report underscores the government's commitment to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the defence sector to ensure the nation is equipped with dangerous weapons for its enemies whenever the need arises.

In this news report, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) responds sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent rally in Singur, West Bengal. The TMC countered the Prime Minister's claims regarding a lack of investment in the state, asserting that 'Singur doesn't take kindly to liars, never has and never will.' The party further stated that Singur is the land that 'buried corporate land grab politics' and accused the Prime Minister of distorting facts and insulting the intelligence of the people of Bengal. India Today reporter Anupam Mishra provides insights into the escalating war of words between the TMC and the BJP ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The report highlights the political friction as both parties attempt to influence voter perception regarding industrial growth and investment data in the region. The TMC maintains that significant investments and new companies are indeed coming to West Bengal, contrary to the narrative presented by the BJP.