Gold crosses Rs 30,000-level, zooms Rs 960

June 2, 2012

aish

New Delhi, June 2: Gold prices breached Rs 30,000 mark for the first time today on heavy buying by stockists and retailers amid strong overseas trend, triggered by global financial uncertainty which has increased the metal's appeal as a safe investment haven.

Gold shot up by a hefty Rs 960 to touch a record high of Rs 30,300 per 10 grams in line with global rally where it jumped the most in ten months.

Traders said gold, both of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity, recorded the biggest single day gain of Rs 960 each to Rs 30,300 and Rs 30,160 per 10 grams, respectively.

Sovereign also shot up by Rs 350 to Rs 24,200 per piece of eight grams.

Marketmen said signs of weakening job growth in the US and deepening euro-zone debt crisis has increased metal's appeal. Increased demand from investors further fuelled the trading sentiment, they added.

In New York, gold jumped 4.24 per cent to USD 1,626.30 an ounce, the biggest rise since August 8.

Gold prices in global markets usually set the trend in the domestic markets.

Silver, in the bullion market here, also rose by Rs 650 to Rs 54,550 per kg in the local market. In New York, the metal rose by 3.5 per cent to USD 28.68 an ounce, the largest gain in two weeks.

Silver ready surged by Rs 650 to Rs 54,550 and weekly-based delivery by Rs 880 to Rs 54,510 per kg.

Silver coins spurted by Rs 1,000 to Rs 65,000 for buying and Rs 66,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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