Author: vitorcherulli

  • Gold Remains Elevated: MCX Trades at ₹1,51,360, Brent Crude at $102.13

    Gold Remains Elevated: MCX Trades at ₹1,51,360, Brent Crude at $102.13

    Gold prices remained at elevated levels on September 24, 2026. In India, 24-karat gold was quoted at ₹15,421 per gram, while 22K and 18K rates stood at ₹14,136 and ₹11,566, respectively. US gold rates also stayed high, with spot prices above $4,000 per ounce.

    Gold prices held firm on Thursday, September 24, although rates edged slightly lower after a recent rally. Investors are closely monitoring global inflation signals, interest-rate expectations, and developments in energy markets. In India, the latest retail rates show only a marginal increase from the previous session for major gold purities, while international prices remain above the $4,000-per-ounce mark. Rates can vary between jewelers and locations; the figures quoted below are indicative.

    Gold Rate in Indian Market Today

    24-carat gold is priced at ₹15,421 per gram in India on September 24. The rate for 22-carat gold stands at ₹14,136 per gram, while 18-carat gold is available at ₹11,566 per gram. On a 10-gram basis, the corresponding prices are ₹1,54,210 for 24K, ₹1,41,360 for 22K, and ₹1,15,660 for 18K gold. The latest rates represent a marginal increase of ₹1 per gram across the three purities compared with the previous day’s quoted rates.

    MCX gold futures traded lower in early activity. The October contract was around ₹1,51,360 per 10 grams, down 0.89% from the previous close at the time of the latest available update. Retail prices do not include GST, TCS, making charges, and other applicable levies, meaning the final amount paid by consumers can be higher.

    Gold Rate in the USA Today

    In the US, 24K gold is priced at $141.50 per gram, 22K gold at $136.50 per gram, and 18K gold at $111.70 per gram. All three rates were lower than the previous day’s levels. Meanwhile, the international spot market hovered around $4,285–$4,290 per troy ounce in early trading on September 24. The previous day’s close was around $4,283, according to live market data.

    Also Read: Uday Kotak Warns India’s Gold Import Bill May Hit $90 Billion in FY27, Seeks Panel

    Key Takeaways for Gold Buyers

    Gold continues to trade at historically high levels despite short-term fluctuations. In India, 24K gold remains above ₹15,000 per gram, while international spot gold is holding above $4,000 an ounce. For buyers, the quoted retail rates should be treated as a reference rather than the final purchase price. Jewelry bills will also reflect purity, making charges, GST, and other applicable costs. Global movements in the dollar, interest-rate expectations, inflation, and geopolitical developments will remain important factors for gold prices in the coming sessions.

  • Laptop Fan Running Loud? Top Causes and Easy Fixes

    Laptop Fan Running Loud? Top Causes and Easy Fixes

    Is your laptop fan suddenly roaring like a jet engine? A noisy fan isn’t just annoying—it’s often a warning sign that your system is working harder than it should. Understanding what’s causing the extra noise can help you fix the problem and keep your laptop cool, quiet, and running smoothly.

    Common Causes of a Loud Laptop Fan

    • Dust Buildup: Dust accumulates inside the vents and on cooling components, blocking airflow and forcing the fan to spin faster to compensate.
    • High CPU Usage: Demanding apps, background processes, or too many open programs increase the processor workload, which generates more heat and triggers louder fan activity.
    • Overheating: When internal temperatures climb too high, the laptop speeds up the fan to protect critical components and maintain performance.
    • Blocked Air Vents: Using your laptop on beds, cushions, or soft surfaces can cover the vents, trap heat, and make the fan work much harder.
    • Too Many Background Apps: Unnecessary applications running at the same time consume system resources, raising processor activity and causing the cooling fan to spin faster.
    • Outdated or Incompatible Drivers: Old drivers can create inefficient hardware performance, increasing resource use and contributing to unnecessary fan activity.
    • Malware or Unwanted Software: Malicious programs can quietly eat up processor resources, generating extra heat and making the fan run continuously at high speeds.
    • Poor Thermal Paste: Deteriorated thermal paste reduces heat transfer between the processor and cooling system, leading to higher temperatures and louder fan operation.

    How to Fix and Prevent a Noisy Laptop Fan

    • Clean the vents regularly: Use compressed air to gently remove dust from the air intake and exhaust areas.
    • Elevate your laptop: Place it on a hard, flat surface or a laptop stand to improve airflow underneath.
    • Close unnecessary programs: Shut down apps you aren’t using to reduce CPU load and heat generation.
    • Use a cooling pad: A cooling pad can help bring temperatures down during heavy workloads or gaming sessions.
    • Run a malware scan: Regularly check for malicious software that may be using resources in the background.
    • Update your drivers: Keep chipset, graphics, and BIOS drivers current to ensure efficient hardware performance.

    If the fan remains excessively loud after trying these steps, it may be worth having a professional inspect the internal cooling system and replace the thermal paste if needed.

  • Top Smartphone Deals You Can’t Miss: Nothing, Motorola, Realme, and More (2025)

    Top Smartphone Deals You Can’t Miss: Nothing, Motorola, Realme, and More (2025)

    Looking for the best smartphone deals right now? We’ve rounded up the most compelling offers on the latest devices, from the innovative Nothing Phone 3a Pro to the budget-friendly Realme Narzo 70 Turbo. Whether you’re after a flagship experience or solid mid-range performance, these deals deliver exceptional value.

    Nothing Phone 3a Pro

    The successor to the Phone 2a Plus features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Its triple-camera system includes a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP periscope lens. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and up to 12GB of RAM, it handles multitasking with ease. The 5,000mAh battery supports 50W fast charging. Pre-orders start March 11, 2025.

    Motorola Edge 50 Neo

    This model sports a 6.55-inch pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth visuals. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 695 chipset ensures efficient performance. The dual-camera setup comprises a 50MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. A 5,000mAh battery with 68W fast charging keeps you powered. Priced under ₹20,000, it’s a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

    Realme Narzo 70 Turbo

    Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, this phone delivers efficient performance. Its 6.67-inch FHD+ display offers a 120Hz refresh rate. The 50MP AI-enhanced main camera captures detailed photos, while the 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging provides extended usage. With up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, it’s built for multitasking. Also priced under ₹20,000, it offers excellent value.

    Vivo T4x

    The Vivo T4x features a 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor and up to 8GB RAM, it ensures smooth daily operation. The 50MP dual-camera setup captures sharp images, and the massive 6,500mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge offers exceptional battery life. It runs on Android 15 with Funtouch 15.

    Infinix GT 20 Pro 5G

    Tailored for gamers, the Infinix GT 20 Pro 5G packs the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset, up to 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage. Its 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display supports a 144Hz refresh rate. The flat design improves grip during intense gaming sessions. Slightly above ₹20,000, it provides robust performance for gaming enthusiasts.

    Tecno Pova 6 Pro

    This device stands out with its futuristic cyber-mecha design and mini-LED lighting. The Dimensity 6080 chipset ensures smooth performance. The 108MP primary camera captures high-quality photos. A 6,000mAh battery with 70W fast charging keeps you going. Priced under ₹20,000, it offers a unique blend of style and functionality.

    Poco X7 Pro

    The Poco X7 Pro features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 processor, it delivers smooth performance. The 64MP triple-camera system captures sharp images. A massive 6,550mAh battery with 90W fast charging ensures you stay connected longer. Priced under ₹35,000, it brings flagship features to the mid-range segment.

  • Canadian TSX Surges Over 200 Points as Tech and Mining Stocks Rally

    Canadian TSX Surges Over 200 Points as Tech and Mining Stocks Rally

    Canada’s main stock index, the S&P/TSX Composite, climbed more than 200 points on Monday, driven by gains in technology and base metals stocks. The index rose 202.75 points, or 0.57%, to close at 36,009.40, recovering from Friday’s close of 35,804.86.

    Technology and Mining Lead the Advance

    The information technology sector led the rally with a 3.0% gain, while base metals advanced 1.6% and financial stocks added 1.4%. However, energy and telecommunications shares declined, with energy falling 2.5% and telecoms down 1%, as oil prices slipped.

    US Markets Also Move Higher

    In New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 366.19 points (0.7%) to 52,048.83, the S&P 500 gained 114.20 points (1.5%) to 7,764.70, and the NASDAQ Composite climbed 599.55 points (2.3%) to 27,122.09. Lower oil prices and falling Treasury yields supported US equities, with semiconductor stocks boosting the NASDAQ.

    Oil Prices and Currency Movements

    The November crude oil contract fell $3.71 to $92.37 per barrel, pressured by potential diplomatic progress between the US and Iran and signs of recovering Saudi oil shipments. The Canadian dollar weakened slightly to 71.32 US cents from 71.42 US cents on Friday. Gold also declined, with the December contract dropping $41 to $4,383.90 an ounce.

    Investors are also monitoring comments from Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem and ongoing US-Canada trade tensions for clues on the economic outlook and interest rate path.

  • S&P Global Ratings Upgrades India’s FY27 GDP Forecast to 7%; RBI Rate Hike Expected

    S&P Global Ratings Upgrades India’s FY27 GDP Forecast to 7%; RBI Rate Hike Expected

    S&P Global Ratings raised India’s GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2027 (FY27) to 7% on September 23, 2026, up from the previous estimate of 6.6%. The upgrade reflects stronger-than-expected economic activity, driven by robust consumption, industrial output, goods exports, and government investment.

    The ratings agency also expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to implement a 25-basis-point rate hike during FY27, citing persistent inflation pressures and strong growth momentum. India recorded 7.8% growth in the June quarter, supporting the upward revision.

    S&P forecasts consumer inflation to average 5.1% in FY27, which could influence the RBI’s monetary policy. The agency noted that the balance of considerations is shifting toward higher interest rates, with risks from West Asia tensions and weather conditions adding to the outlook.

    Weather remains a concern, as cumulative rainfall stood 15% below normal through early September, potentially pressuring agricultural output and food inflation. Higher energy prices could further strain the rupee and inflation.

    The latest S&P forecast is above the RBI’s own projection of 6.7% and Fitch Ratings’ estimate of 6.4%, but aligns with Moody’s expectation of 7% growth for India in FY27. Looking ahead, S&P expects India’s growth to reach 7.2% in FY28 before easing to 7% in FY29, with domestic consumption and investment remaining central to the trajectory.

  • Brahma AI Secures $150M to Scale Enterprise AI Across Media, Sports, and Healthcare

    Brahma AI Secures $150M to Scale Enterprise AI Across Media, Sports, and Healthcare

    Brahma AI, the artificial intelligence company backed by Prime Focus, has raised USD 150 million in new funding to accelerate the expansion of its enterprise AI platform into media, sports, healthcare, and advertising. The round was led by Multiples Alternate Asset Management, which contributed USD 100 million, and values Brahma AI at approximately USD 2 billion.

    Prime Focus announced the funding on September 23, reinforcing its strategy of building Brahma AI as a standalone business while retaining a significant economic stake in the company.

    Expanding beyond entertainment

    Brahma AI’s platform helps large organizations manage content, produce visual assets, and deploy AI-powered tools for digital humans, voice, and multilingual workflows. The company already serves clients including Warner Bros., the NBA, and Mayo Clinic, and works with partners such as Google, Hakuhodo, and DNEG.

    According to Brahma AI’s founder and CEO, the new capital will support aggressive product development and global growth: “We are shortly launching interactive digital humans, we are building Brahma to be model agnostic, and we are taking our technology into entirely new use cases across sports, healthcare and advertising. We now have the firepower to invest aggressively in all of this, build out our presence in the Bay Area and significantly expand our global go-to-market organization.”

    Built on Prime Focus and DNEG technology

    Brahma AI’s technology was not built from scratch. It draws on years of work from the Prime Focus and DNEG ecosystem, including visual effects, content tools, and AI capabilities. The company also gained technology through its 2025 merger with Metaphysic, a deal that valued Brahma at USD 1.43 billion at the time.

    With the new funding, Brahma AI is positioning itself as a major AI platform player, moving beyond film and visual effects into industries where visual and digital content creation is rapidly growing. Prime Focus gains a new avenue to monetize its technology assets while maintaining exposure to the AI market’s upside.

  • Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones Launch with Interchangeable Cushions and Advanced Active Noise Cancellation

    Beats 360 Over-Ear Headphones Launch with Interchangeable Cushions and Advanced Active Noise Cancellation

    Beats has officially launched its latest over-ear flagship headphones, the Beats 360, in India and global markets. Priced at Rs. 42,900 in India and $349.99 in the US, the new headphones offer interchangeable ear and headband cushions, active noise cancellation (ANC), personalized Spatial Audio, and up to 32 hours of battery life.

    The Beats 360 are available in Black, Cloud, Pink, and Sky color options. Customers can purchase additional cushion kits separately, allowing them to change the headphones’ color and material. The detachable cushions use memory foam for comfort, and the headphones automatically adjust acoustic tuning based on the installed cushion configuration. The design folds flat and comes with a woven ripstop carrying case.

    These are Beats’ first over-ear headphones with an IPX4 rating, providing resistance against sweat and water splashes. The ANC system delivers up to 1.75 times more combined active and passive noise cancellation than the Beats Studio Pro. The headphones also support Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, and personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.

    Internally, Beats uses custom-designed drivers with dual neodymium magnets and a three-layer diaphragm. Nine microphones handle noise cancellation and voice pickup, with beam-forming technology to improve call clarity.

    Battery life is rated at up to 32 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled. A five-minute Fast Fuel charge provides up to one hour of playback. Charging is via USB Type-C. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.3, with support for both Apple and Android devices. Apple users get one-touch pairing, Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing, and Find My, while Android users get Fast Pair, Audio Switch, and Find Hub support.

    Orders opened through Apple’s website on September 22, with retail and in-store availability beginning September 24.

  • OpenAI and Anthropic Launch Affordable AI Models for Enterprise Customers

    OpenAI and Anthropic Launch Affordable AI Models for Enterprise Customers

    OpenAI and Anthropic Introduce Budget-Friendly AI Models

    Anthropic and OpenAI have launched new, more affordable artificial intelligence models within hours of each other, intensifying competition for enterprise customers. As businesses increasingly demand cost-effective AI solutions, both companies are focusing on reducing the price of deployment while maintaining high performance.

    Anthropic’s Claude Opus 5.5

    Anthropic introduced Claude Opus 5.5, which delivers performance comparable to its high-end Fable 5.1 model but costs about 40% less to operate than its predecessor, Opus 5. The model underwent external safety testing before its release. Opus 5.5 is priced at $4 per million input tokens and $20 per million output tokens, a 20% reduction from Opus 5. It is available through major cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Anthropic also plans to release Sonnet 5.5 and Haiku 5.5 in the coming weeks.

    OpenAI’s GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna

    OpenAI unveiled GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna as more affordable alternatives to its flagship GPT-6 Astra. The new models offer some of Astra’s capabilities while targeting everyday professional workloads and higher-volume usage. GPT-6 Sol costs $2 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens. GPT-6 Luna is even cheaper at $0.10 per million input tokens and $0.50 per million output tokens. OpenAI attributes the lower costs to improvements in inference and caching, with cached input-token reads eligible for discounts of up to 90%.

    The launches come as US AI companies face increasing pressure from lower-cost open-weight models, particularly those developed in China. The industry is shifting toward efficiency and pricing as key competitive factors alongside model performance.

  • Xbox Restructuring: 268 Jobs Cut as Halo Development Shifts to Activision

    Xbox Restructuring: 268 Jobs Cut as Halo Development Shifts to Activision

    Microsoft is eliminating 268 roles across its Xbox division as part of a broader restructuring, with Halo development moving to Activision and several studios being reorganized or divested.

    Halo Development Shifts to Activision

    Activision will take on the next mainline Halo title through a newly formed team that will stay separate from its Call of Duty development groups. Halo Studios will continue in a smaller capacity, supporting the Halo community and existing games on the market. Activision is also expanding its responsibilities to include Rare, the studio behind Sea of Thieves, and World’s Edge, the team overseeing the Age of Empires franchise.

    Studio Reorganization and Divestitures

    Bethesda will take responsibility for Obsidian Entertainment, while King will add Microsoft Casual Games to its operations. Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are being combined into a single studio focused on the Forza and Fable franchises.

    Xbox has also provided updates on previously announced studio exits. Compulsion Games and Double Fine have returned to independent ownership, and Undead Labs has transitioned out of Xbox. Its upcoming game, State of Decay 3, is expected to launch day one on Game Pass under its new publisher.

    Ninja Theory and Arkane Face Uncertainty

    Ninja Theory is facing a proposed closure after two separate agreements to sell the studio fell through. Xbox said it will begin consultation with employees regarding the proposed closure while continuing to explore other options. Consultations over the future of Arkane are also ongoing and expected to run through the end of the year.

    Broader Restructuring Context

    Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty said the changes completed since July, including studio divestitures, have taken the company roughly three-quarters of the way through the previously announced restructuring. The latest 268 cuts follow 1,600 Xbox layoffs announced in July. Microsoft has said its restructuring will affect 3,200 roles during its 2027 financial year. Xbox is expected to provide further updates during an October 6 company-wide town hall.

  • Apple Explores Screenless Fitness Band as Potential Whoop Rival

    Apple Explores Screenless Fitness Band as Potential Whoop Rival

    Apple is reportedly working on a screenless fitness band that could directly compete with Whoop in the health wearable market. According to Bloomberg, the company has tested prototypes in California after exploring the category for several months.

    Early-Stage Development

    The device is described as a thin fabric strap with a compact computing module that contains multiple health sensors. Apple has not yet decided whether the product will reach consumers. The project is still in an internal phase referred to as a “technology investigation,” and even if approved, a commercial launch could be delayed until 2028 or later.

    Health-First Design Without a Display

    Unlike the Apple Watch, the reported band would omit a screen entirely. Instead, its design would prioritize health tracking over apps, alerts, and music controls. Sensors would continuously collect biometric data, while connected devices would handle most user interactions.

    Apple executive chairman Tim Cook and services chief Eddy Cue are said to support the initiative. Engineers from Apple’s Vision hardware group have also contributed to prototype development. Apple declined to comment on the project or its launch plans.

    Expanding Apple’s Wearable Health Strategy

    A screenless tracker would put Apple in closer competition with Whoop, Oura, Garmin, and Google’s Fitbit Air. These products appeal to consumers who want continuous health monitoring without another bright display on their wrist.

    Apple has already added health-focused features to its latest Apple Watch lineup, including readiness information, advanced heart tracking, and biological age estimates. A screenless band could extend these capabilities to people who avoid traditional smartwatches.

    The device could also complement the Apple Watch rather than replace it. A display-free tracker may attract athletes, wellness-focused users, and those who prefer mechanical watches.

    Market Reaction and Outlook

    Apple’s reported interest had an immediate market impact. Garmin shares reportedly fell as much as 2.5% after the news surfaced, while Apple shares gained roughly 1% during the same period.

    Apple has not confirmed the product, so final features and release timing remain uncertain. Still, the reported prototype signals a possible expansion of Apple’s wearable ecosystem and a more direct challenge to dedicated fitness-tracker brands.