New Delhi: Goldprices maintained a rising momentum for the third consecutive session to reach another all-time high of Rs 89,796 per 10 grams on Thursday, following a firm trend in global markets.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), the precious metal contracts for April delivery hit a record high of Rs 89,796 per 10 grams in the morning trade.

Later, the yellow metal pared its gains and was trading Rs 268 or 0.3 per cent higher from the previous close at Rs 88,870 per 10 grams, with a business turnover of 13,084 lots.

Investors continued their safe-haven asset purchasing following the US Federal Reserve’s constant stance on the interest rate, according to analysts.

Globally, gold futures touched a lifetime high at USD 3,065.09 per ounce in New York.

“Gold rallies to another historic high in international markets after the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady as anticipated, but signalled a possible reduction in borrowing costs by half a percentage point by the end of this year,” Rahul Kalantri, VP of Commodities at Mehta Equities Ltd, said. Both dollar index and bond yields maintained at low also boosted gold prices, he added.

Mumbai, March 20: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said that Microsoft and Gates Foundation will provide support to make Maharashtra a role model in the country in digital governance and right to service, especially when the government has started the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Also, the Gates Foundation has shown its readiness to participate in the Lakhpati Didi initiative to fulfil the state government’s goal of making 25 lakh women entrepreneurs.

CM Fadnavis said this after meeting Microsoft co-founder, renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Gates Foundation Bill Gates.

The chief minister’s office in a release said that the duo also held a positive discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in health, agriculture and infrastructure.

CM Fadnavis said that as Maharashtra is going through a transformation phase, major projects are underway in infrastructure, agriculture, and health.

“Since there is a shortage of doctors in rural areas, the Gates Foundation should cooperate to provide quality health services and facilities. The Budget has also made provision for the use of AI in the health and agriculture sectors,” he added while giving the example of doubling the production of sugarcane in the Pune district using the technology.

CM Fadnavis told Bill Gates that the state government is trying to ensure that farmers have access to electricity during the day and for this, solar power is being used from 2022-23. From 30 per cent of electricity generation, now up to 52 per cent is being generated through solar, so farmers are getting electricity at a lower cost.

He also shared that there is a plan to make all the electricity feeders solar to provide them with electricity for 24 hours.

The Chief Minister also informed that an Innovation City is being set up in an area of 300 acres in Navi Mumbai.

Bill Gates assured to partner in technical assistance along with financial assistance for the Innovation City and other initiatives, according to the release.

Gates Foundation will provide technical and financial support to the state government to contain dengue in Gadchiroli district.

Bill Gates invited the chief minister to Seattle.

New Delhi, March 20: Siddhartha Mohanty, CEO and MD of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), said on Thursday that the nation’s largest insurer has consistently focused on reaching rural areas and economically and socially disadvantaged sections.

A day after a delegation of LIC agents met the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and raised issues regarding recent changes in rules which make insurance less affordable for the poorest, the LIC CEO denied such concerns, saying, “We aim to extend financial protection to every insurable individual at an affordable cost.”

“We want to clarify that LIC has introduced products that align with the New Product Regulations set by IRDA, effective from October 1, 2024, keeping policyholders’ interests at the forefront,” Mohanty said in a statement.

Stressing that LIC is committed to broadening life insurance coverage, Mohanty said that with a diverse portfolio catering to various customer segments and different strata of society, LIC fully complies with all regulatory requirements.

“As an example, our ‘Micro Bachat’ plan offers a minimum sum assured of Rs 1 lakh and is exempt from GST, ensuring accessibility. Post changes in product regulations, the commission has not been reduced for agents, it has been given in a staggered manner,” he informed.

Mohanty added that LIC remains dedicated to providing financial security to its policyholders while supporting its agency force’s well-being.

In his meeting with LIC agents, Rahul Gandhi said that the LIC was formed in 1956 to provide affordable insurance to all Indians. The Congress leader assured that he would raise this issue in Parliament.

Meanwhile, LIC recorded a 28.29 per cent surge in group yearly renewable premiums and a 7.9 per cent rise in individual premiums during the first 11 months of FY25, according to the latest industry data.

As of February 2025, LIC’s total premium collection stood at Rs 1.90 lakh crore, reflecting a 1.90 per cent increase from the Rs 1.86 lakh crore collected in the corresponding period of FY24.