NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Aluminium prices fell by 0.97 per cent to Rs 106.65 per kg in futures trading today after speculators trimmed their exposures amid a weak global trend.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, aluminium for delivery in January declined by Rs 1.05, or 0.97 per cent to Rs 106.65 per kg in business turnover of 505 lots.
Similarly, the metal for delivery in February traded lower by Rs 1.05, or 0.96 per cent to Rs 106.85 per kg in 183 lots.
Market analysts said the fall in aluminium futures was mostly in tune with a weakening trend at the London Metal Exchange ahead of the outcome of US Federal Reserve’s meeting today.
Meanwhile, aluminium for delivery in three months fell 0.20 per cent to USD 1,754.50 a tonne on the London Metal Exchange. (AGENCIES)
Aluminium futures fall 0.97 pc on global cues
Zinc futures down 0.92 pc on global cues
NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Zinc futures prices today fell by 0.92 per cent to Rs 123.90 per kg as participants reduced their positions largely in line with a weakening trend overseas and subdued domestic spot demand.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, zinc for delivery in January traded lower by Rs 1.15, or 0.92 per cent, to Rs 123.90 per kg, with a business turnover of 782 lots.
The metal for delivery in February fell by Rs 1.15, or 0.91 per cent to Rs 124.85 per kg in a turnover of 182 lots.
Globally, zinc prices fell 0.40 per cent to USD 2,004 per tonne at the London Metal Exchange.
Marketmen said the fall in zinc prices at futures trade was mostly in line with a weak overseas as investors awaited outcome of the Federal Reserve’s meeting today and subdued demand at the spot markets. (AGENCIES)
Nickel futures down on spot demand, global cues
NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Nickel prices moved down by Rs 5.40 to Rs 887.30 per kg in futures trade today on sluggish demand from alloy-makers in the spot market amid a weak global trend.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, nickel for delivery in February fell by Rs 5.40, or 0.60 per cent, to Rs 887.30 per kg in business turnover of 431 lots.
Similarly, the metal for delivery in January moved down by Rs 5.30, or 0.59 per cent, to Rs 880.80 per kg in 1,708 lots.
Market analysts said besides subdued demand from alloy- makers in the spot market, weak trend in base metal in overseas markets as investors awaited outcome of the Federal Reserve’s meeting today, also put pressure on nickel futures.
Meanwhile, nickel for delivery in three months declined 0.10 per cent to USD 14,140 a tonne on the London Metal Exchange. (AGENCIES)
Copper futures dip 0.75 pc on lower global trend
NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Tracking a weak global trend and subdued domestic demand, copper prices fell by Rs 3.50 to Rs 449.50 per kg in futures trade today as speculators offloaded their positions.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, copper for delivery in February fell Rs 3.50, or 0.75 per cent, to Rs 449.50 per kg in business turnover 4,368 lots.
Likewise, the metal for delivery in April contracts declined by Rs 3.20, or 0.70 per cent, to Rs 456 per kg in 183 lots.
Market analysts attributed the fall in copper futures to a weak trend in the base metals at the London Metal Exchange (LME) ahead of outcome of the Federal Reserve’s meeting today.
Meanwhile, copper for delivery in three months fell 0.1 per cent to USD 7,140 a tonne at the LME. (AGENCIES)
Death of Mahatma Gandhi and Alibeg Prisoners
Bal K. Gupta
On January 30, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi (India). On that horrible day, I was 10 years old and held prisoner in Alibeg Prison(Pakistan). Following are excerpts from my book “Forgotten Atrocities: Memoirs of a Survivor of 1947 Partition of India”. Hope that those senseless killings are not repeated again.
“On November 25, 1947, there were nearly twenty five thousand Hindus and Sikhs living in Mirpur (Kashmir). During the city’s capture by Pakistanis, close to twenty five hundred were killed in the infernos that erupted due to Pakistani artillery fire. Another twenty five hundred escaped with the retreating Jammu and Kashmir army. The remaining twenty thousand were arrested by the invading Pakistani army and the Pathans, and marched in a procession towards Alibeg. Along the way, the Pakistanis and Pathans killed about ten thousand of the captured Hindu and Sikh men and kidnapped over five thousand girls and young women. About five thousand Hindus and Sikhs who survived the twenty-mile trek by foot were quickly imprisoned.
The Alibeg Prison (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) was located about two miles from Pakistan’s border. It was originally a large Sikh temple (Gurudwara) that was converted into a prison by the Pakistani army to detain Hindu and Sikhs prisoners. It was outrageous that a Sikh holy shrine was converted into a human slaughterhouse. By the end of December, the Pakistani soldiers had murdered about two thousand Hindu and Sikh young men. More than one thousand sick prisoners, particularly children and the elderly died of illness, food poisoning, or malnutrition. On average, the death rate was between fifteen to twenty prisoners per day until January 1948, when the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) arrived at the Alibeg Prison and helped stop the killing.
Back in New Delhi (India), Mahatma Gandhi was trying to stop the massacre of Muslims by Hindu and Sikh refugees who had arrived in India from Pakistan. These refugees were retaliating at the senseless killing and rapes, which they had suffered at the hands of Pakistani Muslims. Mahatma Gandhi had gone on a fast until death if the Hindus and Sikhs did not stop killing Indian Muslims. Hindu and Sikh leaders and refugees listened to the Mahatma’s call and stopped killing Muslims in India. Consequently, Mahatma Gandhi broke his fast.On January, 27, 1948 a delegation of Mirpur refugees in Delhi met Mahatma Gandhi to liberate Hindu prisoners from Alibeg. This delegation was led by Sardar Lal Singh Kakkaralong with many refugees from Mirpur. Pandit Nehru, Indian Prime Minister, was also present in this meeting. They told Mahatma Gandhi about the killing of Hindus and Sikhs in Mirpur and Alibeg and asked them to send army to liberate Alibeg prisoners. But Mahatma Gandhi told them that it was difficult for Indian army to go forward in those areas because of snow covered roads. Sardar Kakkar explained to the Mahatma that it never snowed in Alibeg and areas around Mirpur. Pandit Nehru only listened and did not make any comment. In the evening prayer meeting, Mahatma Gandhi made an appeal to Hindus and Muslims of the subcontinent in to stop killing of Hindus (in Pakistan) and Muslims (in India). This meeting did not bring any military action to liberate Alibeg prisoners. The delegation did not get a second chance for a follow up meetings with the Mahatma to press Alibeg prisoners’ case more forcefully. Unfortunately, on January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.
In AlibegPrison, Pakistani soldiers and prison guards broke the news of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination to the Hindu and Sikh prisoners. We felt sorrow on the tragic death of the Mahatma but did not have the liberty for a condolence meeting. We did not know the full details of Mahatma Gandhi’s death because we had been cut off from the rest of the outside world. The Pakistani soldiers placed the entire blame of the assassination on the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization. The Hindus and Sikhs in the prison were very sad to know that the killer of Mahatma Gandhi was a Hindu. The only news we ever got was from the discarded Pakistani Urdu newspapers that we picked up from the Muslim grocery stores of Alibeg.”
No change in foodgrain prices
CHENNAI, Jan 29: The prices of all commodities remained unchanged for the second consecutive day in the wholesale foodgrains market here today.
Following are the wholesale rates of various agri-commodities today (in rupees per quintal, except where stated otherwise): Thoor Dal Rs 7,200 Urad Dal Rs 7,200 Moong Dal Rs 9,400 Gram Dal Rs 3,900 Sugar Rs 2,850 Wheat Rs 2,600 Maida (90 kg) Rs 2,500 and Sooji (90 kg) Rs 2,600. (AGENCIES)
Cardamom futures remain higher on spot demand
NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Cardamom prices rose further by 0.97 per cent to Rs 764.70 per kg in futures trade today as speculators indulged in creating positions driven by strong demand at the spot market amid hopes of improved export demand.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, cardamom for March contracts rose by Rs 7.40, or 0.97 per cent, to Rs 764.70 per kg, with a trading volume of 97 lots.
The spice for delivery in February was trading up by Rs 5.40, or 0.74 per cent, to Rs 734.30 per kg, with a business volume of 218 lots.
Market analysts said rising spot and exports demand against restricted arrivals from producing regions, mainly influenced cardamom prices at futures market. (AGENCIES)
Rupee strengthens further against dollar; up 37 paise
MUMBAI, Jan 29: The Indian rupee strengthened further by 37 paise to 62.14 against the American currency in the late morning trade on persistent selling of dollars by banks and exporters.
This was on hopes of resumption of foreign capital inflows in view of firm equity market amid lower dollar overseas.
The rupee resumed higher at 62.28 per dollar as against the last closing level of 62.51 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market and firmed up further to a high of 62.11 before quoting at 62.14 per dollar at 1045 hrs.
It moved in a range of 62.11-62.30 per dollar during the morning trade.
Bank and exporters preferred to reduce their dollar position following recovery in the equity market, a forex dealer said.
The Indian benchmark sensex rose by 96.31 points or 0.47 per cent in the late morning trade.
In New York, the U.S. Dollar pared its gains against the yen yesterday after a round of tepid economic data, which included a surprise decline in orders for big-ticket items.
Meanwhile, the Turkish lira strengthened against the dollar in anticipation of a tightening in monetary policy by the European nation. (AGENCIES)
Crude palm oil futures soften on subdued demand
NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Crude palm oil prices fell 0.29 per cent to Rs 532.50 per 10 kg in futures trading today as speculators offloaded positions due to subdued demand in the spot market against sufficient supplies.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude palm oil for delivery in February softened by Rs 1.60, or 0.29 per cent, to Rs 532.50 per 10 kg in business turnover of 43 lots.
Likewise, the oil for delivery in January traded lower by Rs 1.50, or 0.28 per cent, to Rs 527.40 per 10 kg in 6 lots.
Analysts said offloading of positions by speculators amid subdued demand in the spot market against adequate supplies, mainly led to a fall in crude palm oil futures prices. (AGENCIES)
horoscope
Thursday Jan 30-2014
Aries : Boy! Are you ambitious today or what! You plan meticulously and perform impeccably. However, you will progress at snail’s pace. But don’t lose heart, as Ganesha showers his blessings on you, dear one.
Taurus : You will manage to achieve all short-term goals that you had set today and your focus will now shift to setting long-term ones. Work pressure will continue but you will make it a point to find some time to renew your leisure activities. Family and friends will also figure in your scheme of things, predicts Ganesha.
Gemini : You had better start sharing your feelings with your family today, says Ganesha. Also, it’s time to tell your family about your current financial status. It will help you feel better. Your energy levels will soar and you will approach everything with renewed vigour. Your spouse will bring good luck to you. How about a dinner extraordinaire with your loved ones?
Cancer : You may discuss certain serious issues with your beloved today, predicts Ganesha. Your time till afternoon will be spent in discussions and deliberations about the issue. However, this issue may not be enough in letting you off the hook on the work front. Think twice before you act.
Leo : Your mind will be filled with conflicting emotions, says Ganesha. You will feel extreme happiness one moment, and then will be depressed the next. You need to guard against mood swings and find a balance to achieve success in your work today. Financial gains are indicated.
Virgo : Surf’s up as you enjoy an unexpected achievement! But your joy ride today may well be spent in vexing about the problems you have. Expect to gain new money for a new venture. Your business will rise atop the highest wave today, foretells Ganesha.
Libra : Ganesha feels the day will be beneficial for you when it comes to transactions with the government. But you already expect that. It is more than likely that public servants will have encouraging and optimistic achievements lined up for their efforts. Your expertise may be put to test and it is your experience that will come in handy.
Scorpio : Your business associates will emerge as intangible assets for you today, says Ganesha. You will probably start off an innovative joint venture without any doubt or indecision. Hard work and enthusiasm are always a good combination for achieving success. Your skill and business sense will bring you positive feedback from your seniors, feels Ganesha.
Sagittarius : It is not your nature to warm the bench, but you will wake up feeling lazy and laid-back today, says Ganesha. This may be due to the fatigue of some recent endeavours. For a change, you will try and delegate your work and responsibility to those around you. Make sure that they you do so wisely as they may not live up to your standards, warns Ganesha.
Capricorn : Plans for expanding business may require you to take risks, leaving you in a dilemma on more than one occasion. In such desperate circumstances, following your instincts can lead you to success, advises Ganesha.
Aquarius : It’s a busy day at work, and you’re probably involved in some pending project work. It’s advisable that you don’t get complacent. Keep an eye on your opponents to have an edge over them, suggests Ganesha. Colleagues will be supportive, and so will family.
Pisces : Today is a day of mixed fortunes. So, while you may not win a gazillion dollars in the daily lottery, you might just end up winning a return air ticket to Timbuktu. No one has really been there, but it is better than nothing. However, the distress of those lost dollars is likely to be eased by the ecstasy awaiting you in the evening.