Bank of Baroda has launched a premium savings account ‘BOB Senior Citizen Special Honor’ specifically designed for senior citizens aged 60 and above, aiming to meet their health and financial needs. The account offers a comprehensive package of health services, banking facilities, and lifestyle benefits.

The bank has emphasized providing a convenient and secure banking experience for senior citizens through this initiative. The bank's Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Debadatt Chanda, mentioned that this account has been designed keeping in mind the needs of senior citizens, integrating health benefits, doorstep banking, and other facilities.

This reflects the bank's commitment to customer-centric services. Key features include health and wellness benefits through Practo, offering free online medical consultations for up to 6 family members, discounts of up to 15% on online medicine purchases, and up to 20% off on pathological tests. Doorstep banking includes two free doorstep banking services each month.

Lifestyle benefits include a free ‘BOB Land Rupee Select Debit Card’, free airport lounge access, and special benefits on gyms, spas/salons, golf, and OTT services. Banking benefits include a 50% discount on reverse mortgage loan processing fees, up to 20% off on locker charges, and free NEFT and RTGS transactions with a 50% discount on IMPS.

This premium account is available to senior citizens maintaining a monthly average balance of ₹1 lakh. The bank believes that this new offering will enhance the banking experience for senior citizens while making their lifestyle more convenient.

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The central government has granted permission to 15 major banks to import gold and silver from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029. This list includes prominent banks such as State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank.

Meanwhile, Union Bank of India and Sberbank have been allowed to import only gold during this period. This notification was issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The government's move aims to organize and make the import of bullion (gold and silver) transparent.

Importing only through authorized banks will facilitate transaction monitoring and help curb irregularities. Authorized banks by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) include Axis Bank, Bank of India, Deutsche Bank, Federal Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, Yes Bank, among others, which have been permitted to import both gold and silver. Meanwhile, India's gold imports fell to a nine-month low of $3.1 billion in March 2026.

In terms of volume, this was about 20-25 tons, significantly lower than the average of 62 tons over the past 12 months. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), this decline is attributed to reduced demand and supply disruptions from the Middle East, which is a crucial transit hub for India. There has been some improvement in gold prices in April.

Additionally, due to the decrease in imports and supply issues, discounts in the domestic market have also reduced. Listed jewelry companies performed well in the first quarter of 2026, benefiting from the wedding season, increased spending, and business expansion. Furthermore, investment in gold ETFs in India continued for the 11th consecutive month.

According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), there was a net investment of approximately ₹22.7 billion ($244 million) in ETFs in March 2026. The statement noted that investor interest in gold ETFs remains strong, and the increase in the number of accounts or folios indicates that this interest is growing, albeit slowly. The purchase of digital gold also remained robust, with approximately ₹30.3 billion worth of digital gold purchased through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in February, equivalent to about 1.9 tons in volume.

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In the Danapur area of Patna, Bihar, robbers disguised as customs officials looted 15 kilograms of gold in broad daylight, creating a sensation. The heist, valued at approximately ₹22 crore, has raised serious questions about security arrangements.

According to reports, the gold belonged to Sunilbhai Kishorbhai Fitchadiya, owner of the 'KV and Sons' firm located at Prahlad Plot Street No. 6 in Rajkot, and was being sent to Bihar through his employees. Mahesh Mamatora and Prince Rampariya arrived in Danapur with three bags filled with 15 kilograms of gold jewelry via the Saharsa Express train from Ahmedabad.

On Saturday afternoon, as both employees were leaving the railway station in an auto-rickshaw towards Bakarganj, they were surrounded by seven miscreants. Shortly after, other robbers arrived on a car and two motorcycles. The car had a police sticker, and the robbers were dressed in white shirts and khaki pants, making them appear like real officials.

The robbers identified themselves as customs officials and seized all three bags. They then left Prince Rampariya at the scene while taking Mahesh Mamatora away in the car to a distance before fleeing. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Khagoul police arrived at the scene and began an investigation.

The police recovered a stolen car, a motorcycle, and an empty bag used in the robbery. It is reported that the robbers removed and discarded the GPS device from the bag, indicating that the heist was well-planned. Upon learning of the incident, businessman Sunilbhai Fitchadiya and his brother Jigneshbhai rushed to Danapur.

Considering the seriousness of the case, the police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and are reviewing nearby CCTV footage. Initial investigations revealed that the robbers had been following the employees from the railway station.

Meanwhile, the biggest question arising is why such a large quantity of gold was being sent by train and how the robbers obtained precise information about it. The police believe that this robbery is part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy and that the culprits will be arrested soon, leading to the resolution of the case.

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Inderjeet Kaur Mannan, a 54-year-old from Vadodara, has once again demonstrated her indomitable will and strong determination by breaking her own record with over 3000 squats at an event. Known as the 'Squat Queen', Inderjeet's achievement is not only a result of her hard work but also serves as an inspiration for those facing physical challenges.

There was a time when doctors warned her that she would be unable to walk in the future due to arthritis. However, she did not let this difficult situation become her weakness. Despite pain and physical limitations, she maintained her fitness and activity through positive thinking, continuous practice, and strong willpower.

Recently, she surpassed her previous achievement by completing over 3000 squats at an event, which is a testament to her years of struggle and dedication. After being diagnosed with a disease in Mumbai, raising two children as a single mother has been challenging for her, but she never gave up. Inderjeet Kaur Mannan, a graduate in English, has also been active in sports and has played kabaddi at the national level.

She began her career in the education sector and continued teaching even after settling in Vadodara. For the past decade, she has been working as a freelance fitness coach and gym instructor. Inderjeet mentions that after being diagnosed with arthritis in 2006-07, she started running to keep herself active.

In 2017, she incorporated squats into her routine, and today she regularly performs 200 lunges and 300 squats along with weight training, cardio, and core exercises. She stated that initially, she faced a lot of difficulties due to arthritis and thyroid issues, but she did not give up. She began running and exercising, which strengthened her body, especially her legs.

Today, the results of her hard work are evident, and she is able to inspire others as well. Inderjeet Kaur Mannan's success proves that with determination, discipline, and positive thinking, any difficulty can be overcome.

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Punjab Kings achieved their second consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League by defeating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets with eight balls to spare. Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 50 runs, while Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya contributed 43 and 39 runs, respectively, in the seventh match of IPL 2026.

With this win, Punjab Kings topped the points table with four points. Chasing a target of 210 runs, the opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provided a solid start, adding 61 runs for the first wicket. In the fifth over, Matt Henry dismissed Priyansh Arya, giving Chennai their first breakthrough.

Priyansh Arya scored 39 runs, hitting three fours and four sixes. Prabhsimran Singh was run out in the ninth over after scoring 43 runs off 34 balls, which included six fours and one six. In the 12th over, Anshul Kamboj took the wicket of Cooper Connolly, who scored 36 runs off 22 balls with six fours.

In the 17th over, Anshul Kamboj dismissed Shreyas Iyer, marking Punjab's fourth wicket. Shreyas Iyer scored 50 runs off 29 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. In the next over, Matt Henry took the wicket of Nehal Badhera for 10 runs, putting Punjab Kings in a spot of bother.

Punjab Kings successfully chased down the target, scoring 210 runs for the loss of five wickets in 18.4 overs. Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis remained not out at 14 and 9 runs, respectively. This marks Chennai Super Kings' sixth loss at home, placing them at the bottom of the points table.

Matt Henry and Anshul Kamboj took two wickets each for Chennai. Earlier, Ayush Mhatre and Shivam Dube's impressive innings helped Chennai Super Kings set a score of 209 runs for five wickets against Punjab Kings. Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Chennai Super Kings had a shaky start, losing Sanju Samson for seven runs in the second over to Javier Bartlett. Ayush Mhatre then stabilized the innings alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, adding 96 runs for the second wicket. In the 12th over, Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad, breaking the partnership.

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 28 runs off 22 balls with two fours. In the next over, Vijaykumar Vaishak took the wicket of Ayush Mhatre, who scored 73 runs off 43 balls, hitting five sixes and six fours. Kartik Sharma was dismissed for one run as the fourth wicket.

Sarfaraz Khan scored 32 runs off 12 balls, hitting six fours and one six before being dismissed by Vijaykumar Vaishak. Chennai Super Kings set a massive score of 209 runs for five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Shivam Dube remained not out at 45 runs off 27 balls, hitting five fours and one six.

Prashant Veer remained not out at six runs. For Punjab Kings, Vijaykumar Vaishak took two wickets, while Javier Bartlett, Marco Jansen, and Yuzvendra Chahal took one wicket each.

Kiren Rijiju, a central minister, claimed that the NDA will win a record number of seats in the Kerala Assembly elections. He stated that he wants to assure the people of Kerala that whatever they do will be for the welfare of the people of India.

They will work with every community, unlike the Congress, which aims to create a vote bank among Muslims and seeks to please them just for votes. Rijiju questioned who made Muslims poor, asserting it was the Congress party. He mentioned that the Congress is now trying to mislead the Christian community, but no one is listening to them anymore.

The people of Kerala have understood the game plan of the communists and the Congress party, which have been exchanging power for years. Now is the time for a third party to get a chance. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, he remarked that no one takes him seriously anymore.

Meanwhile, another central minister, G. Kishan Reddy, wrote a letter to the people of Kerala, referencing the Congress party's 'fake guarantees' in Telangana and urging caution. In his letter, he noted that Kerala is known for its educated and aware citizens who make informed decisions before voting.

He observed that many leaders are coming to Kerala and making various promises ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. As a central minister and MP from Telangana, he has closely observed the situation there.

The Congress party had made six guarantees and over 420 promises related to farmers, women, youth, and the poor to come to power in Telangana. These promises were heavily publicized, involving major leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, but these guarantees have proven to be completely fake.

In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Gujarat CID arrested two individuals with approximately 12 kilograms of narcotics (ganja) during a special operation in the Mota Chiloda area. Officials reported this information on Friday.

Acting on specific information received during regular patrols, a team from the ANTF's Gandhinagar zone stopped a government bus at Chiloda Circle and apprehended two suspects accused of being involved in ganja smuggling. The accused have been identified as Viraj Solanki (26) from Daboda and Aditya alias Aadi Baraiya (22) from Chanakyapuri, Gandhinagar. According to officials, a total of 11.94 kilograms of ganja was seized during this operation, valued at 5.97 lakh rupees.

Additionally, two mobile phones worth 10,000 rupees were also confiscated, bringing the total value of the recovered items to 6.07 lakh rupees. The operation was conducted by a team led by Inspector N.R. Patel, which included officials such as K.M. Vadnagara, P.S. Jala, and P.M. Chavda, along with other staff and a technical expert.

A case has been registered under sections 8(c), 20(b)(2)(b), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Further investigation has been handed over to the Chiloda police station. This seizure is another step in the recent stringent actions against narcotics in Gujarat and other places.

Previously, in February, officials uncovered a large illegal cultivation of narcotics in Bhavnagar district and seized narcotics worth over 10.9 crore rupees, including ganja and opium, marking one of the largest seizures in the state to date. Earlier in March, law enforcement agencies also uncovered a large urban network for drug distribution and seized hybrid ganja worth over 26 lakh rupees from a rented apartment.

In another recent action, the ANTF seized 5.177 kilograms of ganja in the Prantij area of Sabarkantha district and arrested one suspect. Further investigation has been initiated to uncover the larger network associated with this supply.

Mumbai, April 3 — The younger generation is increasingly drawn to 'Bhajan Clubbing', a fusion of devotional songs with modern DJ beats and clubbing styles. This trend, which is not new in India, is gaining significant popularity.

Recently, a special event was held at Whistling Woods International, featuring Amey Dabali as the chief guest. Dabali has been performing Bhajan Clubbing shows in India for several years. Subhash Ghai, the filmmaker, expressed gratitude to Dabali in a post, noting that Bhajan Clubbing shows began in 2006 and that today, every Gen Z individual in India is excited about it.

This enthusiasm was palpable at Whistling Woods International, where Dabali and his talented team performed for 70 minutes, engaging students in discussions about emotions related to devotion. The event concluded by connecting all sentiments. Ghai thanked Dabali for this remarkable experience, wishing him continued blessings.

Dabali is known for his spiritual music and 'Bhajan Clubbing' events, having left a 15-year corporate career to perform over 2100 live music shows. He presents for the Indian armed forces under 'Mission for Nation' and is popular among youth for his unique style.

His music blends Bollywood, Sufi, Ghazal, folk, spiritual, and soft rock, offering a distinct experience by merging traditional bhajans and mantras with modern music, termed 'Bhajan Clubbing'. 'Ekam Sat', which translates to 'One Truth, One Humanity', is a global music program he also promotes.

Surat, April 3 — Eighty-year-old Devarajbhai Premjibhai Desai, a resident of the Mota Varachha area and originally from Ukharla village in Bhavnagar district, has presented an ideal of humanity and social service by staying away from superstitions throughout his life. His spirit of service has become an inspiration for society, both during his life and after his death.

Devarajbhai Desai, along with his family, contributed actively to various social and religious services. He provided food service at Madhavanand Ashram, engaged in cow service in Chhanod, and joined the Green Army to plant nearly 150 trees, promoting environmental conservation. The family has also organized programs to raise awareness about tree planting, eye donation, body donation, and organ donation on occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and death anniversaries.

After his passing, the family decided to dedicate his body for the study of medical college students, enabling them to gain in-depth knowledge of human anatomy. In this regard, the family filled out a pledge form expressing their sentiments in front of Dr. Prafulbhai Shiroya from Lok Drishti Eye Bank and Dineshbhai Jogani.

On this occasion, family members including his sons Dhansukhbhai Desai, Bipinbhai Desai, Praveenbhai Desai, granddaughter Dr. Smita Desai, along with Ashish, Jenish, Jigar, Bhargav, Parth, and Krishna, as well as relatives, friends, members of the Green Army, and people from the Patel community appreciated the Desai family's noble decision. By embodying the message "Donate blood while alive, and donate eyes, body, and organs when you go – this is the greatest donation," the Desai family has set an inspiring example for society.

New Delhi, April 3 — Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian all-rounder and World Cup winner, stated that cricketers should begin playing golf at a young age to cope with the stress of their main profession. After retiring from cricket, Yuvraj has taken up golf as a hobby and has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the second Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL).

As per agency report, during the unveiling of the 10 franchises of the IGPL, he expressed that cricketers should play both cricket and golf. He mentioned that he should have started playing golf earlier, as it could have benefited him in cricket, adding that golf truly helps relieve stress. The schedule for the IGPL is yet to be finalized. He noted that many foreign cricketers, especially from Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa, have been playing golf since childhood.

Yuvraj acknowledged that golf is often seen as an exclusive sport, but he believes it should be accessible to everyone through public golf courses. He emphasized the importance of introducing golf in schools, stating that every child should try every sport. Yuvraj recognized cricket as the most popular sport in India but insisted that golf is also an exciting game worth trying.

As a player who has represented India, he wants to contribute to other sports as well. He believes that the IGPL will make the sport exciting and raise awareness, encouraging more children to adopt it, watch it on TV, and be inspired to play. This will bring financial support to the sport and help secure children's futures, which he considers a responsibility.

This year's IGPL will feature 10 franchises and 15 tournaments throughout the year, including five international tournaments in Mauritius, Congo, South Africa, and Morocco. The IGPL has partnered with LIV Golf and has been integrated with the professional tour. The event was also attended by former tennis star and co-owner of the Kolkata franchise, Leander Paes, along with IGPL CEO Uttam Singh Mundi.