12 equity mutual funds with over Rs 1,000 NAV offer upto 24% CAGR since their inception. Do you own any?

12 equity mutual funds with over Rs 1,000 NAV offer upto 24% CAGR since their inception. Do you own any?

Around 12 equity mutual funds had a net asset value (NAV) above Rs 1,000 as of March 2, 2026, offering up to 24% CAGR since inception, an ETMutualFunds analysis showed.

Out of these 12 funds, 11 have been in the market for more than 25 years. The exception was Sundaram Mid Cap Fund which has completed around 23.64 years in the market. All these schemes have offered double-digit returns of more than 17% since their respective inception.

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The schemes were from five different categories such as midcap, flexicap, ELSS, largecap, large & midcap fund. Three flexi cap funds and midcap funds each, two ELSS, two largecap and large & mid cap funds each had NAVs of more than Rs 1,000, the analysis further showed.

The top funds were midcap funds with the highest NAV. Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund had the highest NAV of Rs 4,312.4386. Launched in October 1995, the scheme had offered 22.08% CAGR since its inception.

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Franklin India Mid Cap Fund which has been in the market for around 32.27 years had a NAV of Rs 2,694.4574 and offered a CAGR of 18.94% since its inception.
The next three schemes in the list were flexi cap schemes. HDFC Flexi Cap Fund (Earlier known as HDFC Equity Fund) had a NAV of Rs 2,060.1270 and has completed 31.19 years in the market. The scheme offered 18.64% CAGR since its inception.
Aditya Birla SL Flexi Cap Fund (Earlier known as Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Fund) and Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund (Earlier known as Franklin India Equity Fund) had a NAV of Rs 1,849.3600 and Rs 1,627.1068 respectively. The schemes offered a CAGR of 20.88% and 17.58% respectively since their inception.
Nippon India Vision Large & Mid Cap Fund (Earlier known as Nippon India Vision Fund) had a NAV of Rs 1,482.6444 and gave 17.87% CAGR since its inception date in October 1995.

Franklin India ELSS Tax Saver Fund (Earlier known as Franklin India Taxshield Fund) which had been in the market for 26.92 years had a NAV of Rs 1,449.7716. This ELSS fund managed by Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund offered a CAGR of 20.32% since its inception in April 1999.

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HDFC ELSS Tax saver (Earlier known as HDFC Taxsaver) which had a NAV of Rs 1,424.8960 has been around in the market for 29.94 years. The scheme offered a CAGR of 22.78% since its inception.

Sundaram Mid Cap Fund (Earlier known as Sundaram Select Midcap Fund), launched in July 2002, has been around for 23.64 years and had a NAV of Rs 1,423.1334. The mid cap fund posted a CAGR of 23.35% since its inception.

HDFC Large Cap Fund (Earlier known as HDFC Top 100 Fund) had a NAV of Rs 1,159.0170 and has been there in the market for 29.41 years The scheme has given a CAGR of 18.29% since its inception.

ICICI Pro Large & Mid Cap Fund (Earlier known as ICICI Prudential Top 100 Fund) had a NAV of Rs 1,034.4200. This large & mid cap fund which has been around for 27.67 years offered a CAGR of 18.26% since its inception in July 1998.

Franklin India Large Cap Fund (Erstwhile known as Franklin India Bluechip Fund) had a NAV of Rs 1,025.3670 and has been in the market for around 32.27 years. The fund has offered a CAGR of 18.61% since its inception in December 1993.

These schemes have experienced multiple changes, including shifts in their benchmarks, making direct performance comparisons with their benchmarks impractical.

We considered all equity mutual funds excluding sectoral, thematic and equity oriented hybrid funds. We considered regular and growth options. We considered NAV of these schemes as on March 2, 2026 and calculated performance since their respective inception.

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Note, the above exercise is not a recommendation. The exercise was one to find which schemes had a NAV of more than Rs 1,000 and how they have performed since their respective inception. One should not make investment or redemption decisions based on the above exercise

One should always consider risk appetite, investment horizon, and goals before making an investment decision.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle.

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Senior Journalist and Padma Bhushan awardee HK Dua passes away at 88 | India News

Senior Journalist and Padma Bhushan awardee HK Dua passes away at 88 | India News

Senior journalist and Padma Bhushan awardee HK Dua passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday at the age of 88, his family said, according to The Tribune. He had been admitted to a private hospital three weeks ago and had been unwell. His cremation will be held at 12 noon on March 5 at the Lodhi Road Crematorium.Dua was the former Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune and served as media adviser to former Prime Ministers HD Deve Gowda and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also represented India as Ambassador to Denmark.He led The Tribune from 2003 to 2009 and was credited with enhancing the newspaper’s national standing and editorial credibility. Over a distinguished career spanning several decades, Dua held senior editorial positions at The Indian Express, The Times of India and Hindustan Times.In 2009, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, where he participated in debates on media freedom and public policy. He was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2008 in recognition of his contributions to journalism.Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed grief over Dua’s demise, recalling him as “an editor when being an editor still mattered.”In a post on X, Tewari said Dua stood by his convictions, refused to compromise editorial independence, and never sought favour from political leaders or media proprietors. He described him as a warm and unpretentious individual who spoke his mind with clarity and integrity. “Sad to learn about the passing away of Sh HK Dua. He was an editor when being an editor still mattered. Editor in Chief of Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express & The Tribune he chose to live by his convictions rather than become a lackey of the owners and kowtow to Politician’s for advertisement’s. Media Adviser to Prime Minister Late Sh. Atal Behari Vajpayee, Indian Ambassador to Denmark & nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Prime Minister Late Dr. Manmohan Singh. A very warm human being and totally unpretentious he knew how to call a spade a spade,” Tewari wrote on ‘X’.

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CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh Keeps 8 Departments

CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh Keeps 8 Departments

2 min readImphalMar 4, 2026 03:40 PM IST

The Manipur government on Wednesday distributed portfolios among the newly appointed council of ministers, with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh taking charge of eight departments in addition to retaining responsibility of those that have not been specifically allotted.

Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho were each assigned two departments, with Kipgen handling Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs and Hills, while Dikho was given charge of Public Health Engineering and Forests, Environment and Climate Change.

Konthoujam Govindas Singh was allocated the Home and Youth Affairs and Sports portfolios, while Khuraijam Loken Singh was allocated Arts and Culture Department and Tourism.

The allocation of portfolios came after Singh took oath as the new chief minister of Manipur on February 4, along with four MLAs as council of ministers.

According to a government notification issued by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, the portfolios were allocated by the governor, in pursuance of Rule 6(1) of the Rules of Business of the Manipur government, on the advice of the chief minister.

As per the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 the council of ministers cannot exceed 15 per cent of the strength of the respective Legislative Assembly. The 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly currently has 58 sitting MLAs, following the demise of National People’s Party MLA N Kayisii and BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte.

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Middle East Airspace Closures Disrupt Flights Amid US–Israel–Iran War

Middle East Airspace Closures Disrupt Flights Amid US–Israel–Iran War

The escalating war involving the United States and Israel in Iran has severely disrupted flight operations across the Middle Eaststranding tens of thousands of travellers and triggering widespread airspace closures, cancellations and emergency repatriation efforts.

With retaliatory strikes expanding into Gulf states, aviation experts warn that uncertainty remains high and disruptions could continue in the coming days and weeks — with ripple effects stretching well beyond the region.

Since the joint US–Israel strikes over the weekend, retaliatory attacks and rapid developments on the ground have created volatile conditions across the region. Iran has stated that hundreds of people have been killed.

Airspace closures across multiple Middle Eastern countries have forced airlines to either cancel services or reroute aircraft along significantly longer paths. Because Gulf airports function as major international transit hubs linking Europe, Africa and Asia, these operational changes are having global consequences.

According to an Associated Press report, long-haul carriers including Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, have temporarily suspended certain routes, citing airspace closures and safety requirements.

Reports from Cirium and Flightradar24, which track global flight movements, have been citing figures of roughly 1,500 to 2,000 cancellations per day across the region since the escalation began on February 28.

CATCH THE LATEST UPDATES ON THE MIDDLE-EAST CRISIS

Travel advisories and evacuation orders

The US Department of State has urged all US citizens to immediately leave Iran and Israel, as well as Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen using any available commercial transportation, the AP reported.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appealed to media outlets to help publicise evacuation options for Americans.

A woman reacts after she is reunited with her children, who were stranded in Dubai, upon their arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, on Tuesday. (AP Photo)

Meanwhile, China, Italy, France and Germany have initiated evacuation efforts for their citizens. Travellers are being advised to closely monitor updates from embassies, government advisories, airports and airlines.

Given the scale of cancellations and the number of stranded passengers, experts recommend reconsidering or postponing non-essential travel where possible.

Refunds, rebooking and travel insurance

Many airlines are offering refunds or free rebooking options, though these are typically limited to specific dates and routes. Travellers are being advised to review carrier policies carefully and consider purchasing refundable tickets for future trips to maintain flexibility.

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Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip, noted that acts of war and civil unrest are typically excluded from coverage because of their unpredictability, the AP reported. If an airline offers rebooking or refunds, additional claims may not be available, the report further mentioned.

The AP also quoted Christina Tunnah of World Nomads Travel Insurance, who stated that most policies exclude losses resulting from acts of war. Some compensation may be possible under “cancel for any reason” plans, but only if cancellation occurs within specific time frames.

Longer routes, rising costs and costly tickets

Beyond outright cancellations, airlines are now navigating longer alternative routes to avoid conflict zones and restricted airspace.

Industry norms require airlines to pay overflight fees when traversing other nations’ airspace, further raising costs. These extended flight paths increase fuel consumption and operational expenses.

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A woman arrives at the airport after being evacuated from the Middle East on a government flight, in Prague, Czech Republic, on Tuesday. (AP Photo)

Crude oil prices are closely tied to jet fuel costs, which accounted for approximately 30 per cent of airline operating expenses as of 2024, according to research from the International Air Transport Association, the AP reported.

Passengers have already reported steep ticket price increases. Experts indicate that immediate spikes largely reflect supply-and-demand imbalances after thousands of flights were cancelled. Many routes within the coming week are sold out or show extremely high fares for remaining seats.

While prices for flights booked further in advance appear relatively lower at present, analysts warn that prolonged conflict could quickly alter those conditions.

Repatriation flights and airline response

Repatriation efforts are accelerating amid mounting pressure to assist stranded travellers.

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France’s foreign minister announced that several repatriation flights from the Middle East are expected on Wednesday.

Indian carrier SpiceJet confirmed it will operate eight special flights from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday to bring stranded passengers home. The airline said it will run four services to Delhithree to mumbai and one to Kochi.

On Tuesday, SpiceJet had already operated four special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi.

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Eid Al Fitr 2026: Saudi Arabia announces Eid Al Fitr 2026 public holidays for government and private sectors | World News

Eid Al Fitr 2026: Saudi Arabia announces Eid Al Fitr 2026 public holidays for government and private sectors | World News

Saudi Arabia sets official Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday / Image: File

Saudi Arabia has officially announced the Eid Al Fitr 2026 public holidays for employees across the government, private and non-profit sectors, giving millions of workers clarity on their break at the end of Ramadan. The decision was confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which outlined the start date and duration of the holiday in line with labour regulations in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday dates

According to the ministry, the Eid Al Fitr holiday for the private and non-profit sectors will begin at the end of the working day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to 29 Ramadan 1447 AH. The break will last four days. Employees are therefore expected to remain off duty through Saturday, March 21, 2026, before resuming work based on their company’s official schedule.For the government sector, holiday schedules are typically issued through official circulars, with public employees also receiving several days off to mark the end of Ramadan. The announcement ensures alignment across sectors, allowing families to plan their celebrations and travel arrangements in advance.

How Eid Al Fitr 2026 dates determined?

Eid Al Fitr marks the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. If Ramadan completes 29 days, Eid is expected to begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026. However, if the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will complete 30 days and Eid would begin a day later. Official confirmation will be made by Saudi authorities after the moon-sighting committees complete their observations.Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the dates shift earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. This makes official announcements especially important for businesses, travel operators and residents planning ahead.

Preparing for Eid Al Fitr

With the dates now confirmed, the Kingdom is shifting into high gear for celebrations. Eid Al Fitr, which translates to the “Feast of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.

• Shopping and Travel: Airports and shopping malls across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam expect a massive surge in traffic as residents prepare for family gatherings and “Eidiah” (gift-giving).
• Moon Sighting: While the holiday dates are set, the official start of the month of Shawwal (Eid day) still depends on the traditional moon sighting. ^{If Ramadan lasts 30 days, Eid will fall on Friday, March 20; if it is 29 days, it will begin on Thursday, March 19.}
• Regional Context: Saudi Arabia’s announcement follows similar reveals from the UAE and Qatar, aligning much of the Gulf region for a synchronized period of rest and reflection.

Eid Al-Fitr across the kingdom

Eid Al Fitr is one of the most important celebrations in Saudi Arabia and across the Muslim world. The day begins with special congregational prayers held shortly after sunrise, followed by family gatherings, festive meals and the giving of Zakat Al Fitr, a charitable contribution made before Eid prayers.By announcing the Eid Al Fitr 2026 public holiday in advance, Saudi authorities have provided clarity and stability, ensuring smooth planning for government institutions, private businesses and millions of residents preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

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'Target for elimination': Israel's warning for Iran's next supreme leader

‘Target for elimination’: Israel’s warning for Iran’s next supreme leader

Netanyahu’s government’s warning for Iran’s next supreme leader

Israel warned on Wednesday that whoever Iran selects as its next supreme leader will be “a target for elimination.”Israeli defence minister Israel Katz wrote on X, “Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people—will be an unequivocal target for elimination.”

‘GATES OF HELL’: Iranian Army’s Rare Message To US & Israel; Promises ‘BIGGEST-EVER’ Strike Soon

“It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides. The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to prepare and act by all means to carry out the mission as an integral part of the objectives of Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’. We will continue to act with full force, together with our American partners, to crush the regime’s capabilities and create the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow it and replace it,” he added.The warning comes amid a major escalation in the region. On Saturday, a full-scale operation was launched targeting the Khamenei-led political establishment in Iran, with Israel joining under the codename Operation Lion’s Roar. The operation followed the killing of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which intensified the conflict.Follow US-Israel-Iran War Live UpdatesIsraeli media reported that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, has been chosen as his father’s successor. Senior Israeli officials told Ynet news that Iran’s Assembly of Experts is expected to formally announce Mojtaba Khamenei in the coming hours, though Iran state media has not confirmed the development.Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly played a key role in running his late father’s office and maintains close ties with the top leadership of the IRGC and the Quds Force. Israeli media described him as more hard-line than his father and involved in violent crackdowns on protesters in Iran. In November 2019, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Mojtaba, noting that he represented the Supreme Leader in an official capacity and worked closely with the IRGC-QF and Basij Resistance Force to advance regional and domestic objectives.Meanwhile, the IDF said a new wave of airstrikes is underway against Hezbollah sites in Beirut. Civilians near two buildings linked to the group were instructed to keep at least 300 meters away. Earlier strikes in Tehran targeted command centres of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force and internal security forces, as well as Iranian army logistics sites, missile launchers, and air defence systems.Israel had previously targeted a building associated with Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the new supreme leader, signaling the intensifying nature of the conflict.

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BJP announces candidates for 4 of 7 Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra; Ramdas Athawale, Vinod Tawde on list | India News

BJP announces candidates for 4 of 7 Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra; Ramdas Athawale, Vinod Tawde on list | India News

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday announced the names of four candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections from Maharashtra.

According to a party press release issued by the BJP’s central office in New Delhithe party’s Central Election Committee has approved the candidature of Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde, Maya Chintaman Inwate, and Ramrao Wadkute for the Upper House polls from the state.

The announcement comes ahead of the biennial elections to seven Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, which are scheduled to fall vacant this year.

Athawale, the leader of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, is a long-time NDA ally and currently serves as a Rajya Sabha MP. Tawde, a former Maharashtra minister and BJP national general secretary, has also been named among the nominees.

The BJP is yet to announce candidates for the remaining seats as political parties begin finalising their nominees for the Upper House contest from the state.

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Iran steps up attacks against US, strikes with drone near American consulate in Dubai | World News

Iran steps up attacks against US, strikes with drone near American consulate in Dubai | World News

As the US-Israel-Iran war enters its fifth day, Iran continues to step up its retaliatory attacks targeting American diplomatic missions in the Middle East, with the latest drone strike being launched near the US consulate in Dubai late Tuesday night. Following reports of the attack, the Dubai Media Office shared visuals informing the public that the fire had been extinguished, with Dubai authorities reaffirming “their commitment towards ensuring everyone’s safety and security.”

The Foreign Ministry of the UAE highlighted that the country was exposed to over 1,000 attacks from Iran since it launched retaliatory strikes in the region in response to US-Israeli strikes. These strikes, since February 28, have left three people dead in the UAE, with the country’s Defence Ministry claiming 58 residents of multiple nationalities to have sustained minor injuries.

The Ministry affirmed that it did not allow its territory to be used in any attack on Iran and that it did not take any decision to change its defensive stance towards the attacks, Reuters reported.

Flight operations impacted, evacuations underway

Tens of thousands of passengers remain stranded at major airports across the UAE, including the Dubai International Airport, in what appears to the worst crisis for air travel since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The governments of countries whose citizens reside in parts of the UAE have continued to direct efforts towards bringing stranded travelers back to their homes following the cancellation of over 20,000 flights in recent days. According to Flightradar24, about 21,300 flights have been cancelled at seven major airports, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi since the strikes started.

Amid the crisis, the demand for charter flights seems to have skyrocketed, with some paying up to 200,000 euros (USD 232,000) as major airports remains closed, the Associated Press reported. The travelers are preferring to pay large sums for luxury flights to Europe via airports that remain safe from Iranian drone and missile attacks.

The Emirates airline, meanwhile, has suspended all commercial operations to and from Dubai until 11:59 PM (UAE time) on March 4. Etihad Airways has halted all Abu Dhabi commercial services through March 5. Both carriers have warned passengers to not travel to the airport unless specifically contacted. Besides these airlines, Flydubai is operating a limited number of flights since Monday, mostly to repatriate stranded passengers, according to a Reuters report.

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Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, said that it has paused New York-Tel Aviv flights through March 22 owing to the conflict and was offering rebooking options and a travel waiver for affected customers through March 31, as per a Reuters report.

On Tuesday, Virgin Atlantic announced it would resume services as scheduled between London’s Heathrow Airport and Dubai or Riyadh.

The UAE government informed that 60 flights were operating in dedicated emergency air corridors to evacuate residents from the region. The next phase will see the operation of more than 80 flights, according to Reuters.

UAE cautions citizens

UAE authorities, in an alert, Wednesday, advised residents to avoid venturing near any debris or objects on the ground following air interceptions of Iranian missiles.

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“Do not approach, touch, or photograph any debris or objects that have fallen as a result of successful air interceptions, and allow the relevant authorities to assess the situation,” it said in a statement. “While some objects may appear harmless, interacting with them may pose safety risks,” it read.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi-based National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) also warned residents against leaving their homes or stopping vehicles to film when a warning alert is issued.

In a post on X, the authority wrote: “Alert for your safety — do not exit to film or record. Proceed immediately to a safe place and remain until the all-clear.”

India’s efforts

One of the key priorities of the Indian government amid the crisis remains the safety of its nearly 10 million citizens in the West Asian countries impacted by the war.

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Over the past few days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally spoken with leaders of several countries in the region viz., UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, expressing solidarity with them, and thanking them for their continued care and support of the Indian community. UAE has nearly 3.5 million Indians, Saudi Arabia 2.7 million, Kuwait about a million and Qatar another 8.5 lakh.

Moreover, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Wednesday announced that it had set up Special Control Room in view of the prevailing crisis.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the update on his X handle stating, “A Special Control Room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region.”

The Control Room can be contacted between 9 am and 9 pm on all days. It also shared emergency contact numbers of its embassies in West Asia.

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Flight operations by Indian airlines to and from West Asian countries are also slowly resuming, with airlines such as Air India now planning to deploy its wide-body aircraft of a higher capacity on its services to Jeddah and Dubai on March 3 and 4 to facilitate the return of passengers.

SpiceJet early Wednesday also announced eight more special flights to operate from Fujairah to India.

A day earlier, about 164 passengers who were stranded in Dubai also landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in mumbai. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had arranged a special flight from Fujairah to India.

US advice for citizens in UAE

Citing “serious safety risks,” the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio Tuesday urged American citizens to depart immediately from Middle Eastern nations, including Iran, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Gaza, West Bank, United Arab Emirates, via commercial means.

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The countries included in the advisory are Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel (including the West Bank and Gaza), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

The state department also issued helpline numbers for American citizens to provide them assistance by arranging for commercial means to depart from these countries in the Middle East.

It is also securing military and charter flights to evacuate Americans from the Middle East, a US State Department ‌official said on X on Tuesday, adding that it was in contact with nearly 3,000 US citizens.

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Yogi Adityanath on Holi| India News

Yogi Adityanath on Holi| India News

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the festivals of joy and enthusiasm can be celebrated in their true spirit only in an atmosphere of security and peace.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath showering petals on devotees during the Bhakt Prahlad Shobha Yatra in Gorakhpur on Monday. (HT) (HT_PRINT)

Launching the traditional Holi celebrations at the Gorakhnath Temple, the chief minister said Holi symbolises social harmony, enthusiasm and collective joy.

“Festivals of enthusiasm and happiness assume a celebratory form only when there is peace, a sense of security and mutual trust in society. Uttar Pradesh and the entire country are moving forward today with this sense of confidence,” he told mediapersons at the temple premises.

Adityanath said the rich tradition of India and the country’s ancestors had preserved the legacy of Holi for thousands of years and handed it down in the spirit of harmony, which the present generation is carrying forward with equal zeal.

He said that people from all sections of society were participating in the festival, experiencing joy, and making efforts to end any differences and promote a harmonious social order.

The chief minister said all Holika Dahan programmes across the state were conducted peacefully.

“Holika Dahan events were organised at more than 1.61 lakh places in the state in a peaceful and enthusiastic manner,” he said.

Describing Holika Dahan as an occasion to remember Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, Adityanath said divine incarnations inspire society to curb disorder and unrest, protect virtuous forces and defeat negative tendencies.

“If we discharge our roles with honesty in the spirit of Prahlad, Shabari or Arjuna, positive forces will be strengthened, and negative forces will automatically move towards defeat,” he said.

The chief minister also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a “New India” was emerging and moving rapidly towards becoming a developed nation.

“India today is firmly advancing on the path of heritage and development under the leadership of the Prime Minister. We can feel proud that in the Amrit Kaal of Independence, we have received such visionary guidance,” he said.

Adityanath extended his greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Holi and expressed hope that future generations would continue to celebrate the festival of harmony with the same enthusiasm for years to come.

He later participated in “Bhagwan Narsinghji ki Shobha yatra” and attended Holi celebrations.

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Dubai Airport issues warning over fabricated, digitally altered videos circulating online | World News

Dubai Airport issues warning over fabricated, digitally altered videos circulating online | World News

Dubai Airport/Representative Image

Dubai International Airport has issued a warning after misleading videos claiming incidents at the airport began spreading on social media. Authorities say the clips are digitally manipulated and false, urging the public to depend on official updates and avoid sharing unverified material that could lead to legal consequences.

Airport authority says circulating clips are fabricated

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has alerted the public about videos online that falsely claim to show incidents at the airport.

‘We Saw Missiles..’: Recalls Indian Who Witnessed Dubai Horror Amid US-Iran War, Returns Home Safely

In a statement posted online, the airport authority said the clips circulating on social media are “fabricated and digitally altered” and do not represent the actual situation at the airport.Officials stressed that the material being shared is misleading and urged people to rely on verified announcements issued through official channels for accurate updates.

Warning issued over sharing misleading content

DXB also cautioned social media users against forwarding or posting unverified material.Authorities noted that spreading such content can create confusion and misinformation, particularly when it concerns key public infrastructure. The airport reminded residents that sharing unverified posts may expose individuals to legal consequences under UAE regulations.

Authorities caution against old videos circulating online

The warning comes as several UAE authorities address the circulation of misleading content during a period of heightened regional attention.Government entities have flagged instances where old videos and images are being reposted and presented as recent incidents. The Dubai Media Office previously clarified that footage of past fires being circulated online was inaccurate and misleading.These alerts followed developments after Iran expanded retaliatory attacks on American targets in the Gulf region from February 28, which triggered a wave of unverified content on social media platforms.

Public Prosecution stresses responsibility to verify information

The UAE Public Prosecution has reminded residents to confirm the accuracy of information before sharing it online.Authorities warned that circulating rumours or unverified news can harm both individuals and the wider community. Officials also noted that spreading such content may carry legal penalties, reinforcing the need to rely on official sources when seeking information.

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'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust': Inside Masaan Holi at Manikarnika Ghat | India News

‘Ashes to ashes, dust to dust’: Inside Masaan Holi at Manikarnika Ghat | India News

(Photo credit: Instagram/Tasveerbaj)

Kashi opened in me,opened in the ghat,Holi opens in the spring.This isn’t just a song line echoing across India, it is an emotion that Banaras lives and breathes each year. In most parts of the country, Holi arrives in a riot of colour, gulal in the air, water guns primed, laughter echoing through narrow lanes. But on the ancient ghats of Kashi, Holi does not explode in pinks and yellows. Instead, it unfolds in muted greys, where devotees gather not with pichkaris and gulal, but with sacred ashes lifted from the cremation pyres that symbolise life’s final truth.Here, colour yields to cinder. Laughter melts into resonant chants of Har Har Mahadev. Celebration sheds its carnival skin and turns contemplative, less revelry, more reckoning.This is Masaan Holi also known as Bhasma Holi or Smashan Holi is the Holi of the cremation ground, where faith dances in the shadow of fire and mortality.

Varanasi (PTI Photo)

Where fire never sleeps

Masaan Holi unfolds primarily at Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, the two sacred grounds where funeral pyres burn almost continuously.The term “Masaan” comes from the Sanskrit “shmashaan”, meaning cremation ground. In this city of liberation, where life and death coexist without apology and where the funeral pyres burn eternally, the ashes of the departed become the medium of celebration.Masaan ki Holi involves the use of ashes from cremation pyres. Rooted in Shaivite traditions, Masaan Holi draws Aghori sadhus, ascetics, and devoted followers of Shiva-the seekers who choose to confront mortality rather than turn away from it. Devotees gently smear bhasm, or vibhuti (sacred ash) on one another, symbolising the unbroken cycle of birth and death.

But why is Masaan Holi celebrated?

To understand Masaan Holi, one must first step into mythology.The festivities begin a day after Rangbhari Ekadashi at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This day is believed to mark Goddess Parvati’s “gets” following her wedding to Shiva on Mahashivratri. While the divine wedding was celebrated in grandeur, legend says certain celestial beings, yakshas, gandharvas, kinnars were not part of the elite guest list.

So what did Shiva do?

According to lore, the ascetic god, dancer, mystic, and the original rule-breaker draped in leopard skin with a live serpent as ornament chose to celebrate with his underworld friendshis companions of the cremation grounds. At the Mahashmashanahe played Holi with ashes from burning pyres, dancing amid fire and smoke, chanting “Har Har Mahadev.”And thus began the tradition.

Entering the grey zone

As someone in her mid-20s, raised on stories of India’s layered spiritual traditions, I had long been curious about this praxis, this raw, unsanitised ritual. Social media has turned Masaan Holi into a viral sensation. Aesthetic reels of ash-smeared faces, slow-motion chants, cinematic smoke spirals. But what lies beyond the filtered frames?Determined to find out, I arrived in Banaras a day after Rangbhari Ekadashi. With only two days in hand the modest luxury of a journalist’s week off, I wrapped myself in full clothes, bracing for what most would call “colour play,” except here the colour was absent itself!Walking towards the ghats, the mood shifted. The closer I came to Manikarnika, the denser the throng. A swelling sea of humanity moved in waves, devotees, children perched on shoulders, saffron-clad ascetics, Aghori sadhus with ash-lined foreheads. The air thickened with chants and anticipation.And then the quirky chaos began.

(PTI Photo)

The human whirlpool

What looked from afar like spiritual fervour turned, up close, into a human traffic jam. I could not see the headcount hurricane but gosh it existed!A shoulder-to-shoulder brigade surging toward the same sacred point. Neither could I exit nor could I move!The crowd grew unruly. Elbows nudged, slippers slipped, and personal space evaporated into the smoky air. I found myself caught in a swirling whirlpool of bodies, a buzzing bunch where neither retreat nor advance seemed possible.Were they all devotees? Seekers of the divine? Some, surely. But others seemed to be thrill-chasers, intoxicated more by the spectacle than the sanctity. Pushes became shoves. Chants grew louder. For a moment, I felt less like a pilgrim and more like driftwood in a restless tide.There came a point when I had two choices, hold on to my breath or let go of my slippers.The slippers lost.To this day, they rest somewhere on the ghats of Manikarnika, an unintended offering to ghats in Kashi.In that crush, I remembered news reports of stampedes, of families separated, of chaos turning catastrophic. The thin line between devotion and disorder felt terrifyingly real.Yet, as abruptly as chaos peaked, calm appeared.Breaking free from the human huddle, I finally reached the ghat. The Ganga flowed with her usual indifference to human frenzy. I dipped my feet into the cold water, letting its quiet rhythm steady my racing thoughts.Nearby, the ritual began at the Mahashmashan Nath Temple where aarti flames flickered against the smoky backdrop. Devotees smeared ash on their foreheads and “Har Har Mahadev” rose in unison but not as noise, but as invocation.Ashes gathered from the pyres were handled with quiet reverence. The steady rhythm of drums filled the air, bhajans echoed across the ghats. The procession moved through the narrow pathways of the cremation ground, less a parade and more a pilgrimage.The symbolism is stark yet profound, everything turns to ash. Ego, beauty, status, ambition!In playing Holi with vibhutidevotees symbolically surrender vanity and embrace impermanence. It is purification not through colour, but through confrontation.Death is not denied here. It is acknowledged, even celebrated as a transition.

Devotees celebrate ‘Masan Holi’ at the Manikarnika ghat, in Varanasi. (PTI Photo)

A festival, transformed?

Locals spoke candidly about change.“Ever since social media made it famous, the essence has shifted,” one elderly resident told me. “There are fewer sadhus now, more artists or performers who dress up for the event.”He wasn’t entirely dismissive, just reflective.Artists now danced around sacred fire, their movements framed by a constant flicker of camera flashes. What was once an intimate, inward ritual now unfolds before an eager audience, its silence occasionally interrupted by the click of lenses and the hum of recording phones.Was he right? Maybe yes. Maybe not. Traditions evolve, after all. But the tension between sacred and spectacle was palpable.This year, for the first time, celebrations were restricted to within the Mahashmashan Nath Temple premises. Authorities did not allow the public to play with pyre ash directly on the ghats. Overcrowding, objections from members of the Kashi Vidwat Parishad and sections of the Dom Raja family, along with ongoing development work, made the situation difficult to manage.The concerns were about following scriptural norms and ensuring safety. With funeral processions moving alongside the celebrations, managing the space became challenging. While standing there with ash floating through the air like ghostly confetti, I realised something. Social media captures moments but there’s a big difference between watching something online and actually experiencing it.Masaan Holi demands immersion” means the festival cannot be understood through a quick video. It has to be felt !A one-minute reel may aestheticise the smoke. But it cannot convey the weight of mortality that lingers in the air. It cannot replicate the discomfort of being crushed in a crowd or the serenity of the Ganga’s touch moments later.Masaan Holi is not entertainment. It is an existential encounter.You arrive curious. You leave contemplative.

(Photo credit: Instagram)

Why I’d go back

Despite the chaos, despite the lost slippers and the human horde, if someone asks whether I would return? The answer is Yes!Because beyond the huge crowd and the performative enthusiasm, there was beauty. Raw, unsettling beauty.If myths are to be believed, Shiva himself dances here each year, carefree, ash-smeared, unbothered by worldly decorum. And in fleeting moments, amid chants and smoke, you almost feel that presence.Banaras has a way of dissolving certainty. It reminds you that life is fragile, ego is temporary, and death is not an end but a passage.Masaan Holi is Kashi’s paradox! Chaotic yet calm, macabre yet magnificent. It is where colourless ash becomes the brightest metaphor of all.And somewhere between the fire that never sleeps and the river that never stops flowing, you understand why this city plays Holi differently.Not with colours. But with impermanence.

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Caution, not panic: Anand Tandon urges measured approach amid market volatility

Caution, not panic: Anand Tandon urges measured approach amid market volatility

As geopolitical tensions roil global markets and Indian equities witness sharp intraday swings, investors are grappling with a familiar dilemma — buy the dip or sit tight?

Speaking to ET Now during a volatile trading session, Anand TandonIndependent Analyst struck a note of caution, arguing that the current correction, while uncomfortable, does not qualify as chaos.

“I would hesitate to call a 1% odd cut in the market as mayhem given where we are in the geopolitics and our own earnings growth versus valuation,” Tandon said, pointing out that Indian equities remain among the most expensive in the emerging market pack.

He noted that even without the trigger of tensions in the Middle East, domestic markets were trading at stretched valuations relative to growth prospects. “If you look at emerging markets generally, you are looking at markets which are likely to do 20% plus earnings growth and are trading at about two-thirds the valuation that we are in,” he observed.

According to Tandon, India’s growth may improve marginally this year compared to the previous one — but that optimism hinges on geopolitical stability. In such a backdrop, he sees little merit in aggressive dip-buying. “I do not think that there is any argument to be made for rushing out and buying in a hurry,” he said, advising investors to focus on fundamentally sound stocks that have corrected meaningfully and to wait patiently for attractive entry points.

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Banking: Selective Exposure Preferred
On the banking space, particularly public sector banks, Tandon acknowledged that valuations appear reasonable and balance sheets are cleaner than in the past. However, he flagged a potential risk as the credit cycle gathers pace.
“Credit growth has started to pick up again and companies have started to go out there and borrow, which means that there is a great opportunity to build up a crap portfolio — and I choose my words carefully,” he remarked, stressing the need for prudence in fresh lending.He cautioned that public sector banks are not always known for disciplined credit underwriting. While making an exception for State Bank of Indiaciting its strong credit history, he advised investors to tread carefully. “If you have to be in banking, which is something I would recommend that people continue to remain in, you are probably better off being among the larger banks in the private sector and the public sector,” he said.

Aviation vs Engineering: Clear Preference
When asked to choose between aviation and engineering, Tandon was unequivocal. “If the choice is between aviation and engineering, I would prefer engineering at any time,” he said.

While acknowledging that Larsen & Toubro is not cheap, he believes any meaningful correction could present a buying opportunity, especially given the company’s exposure to regions currently under conflict. “These are not companies that you get cheap very often,” he noted, adding that near-term execution challenges or earnings slowdowns should not overshadow long-term strength.

On aviation, he remained unconvinced. “I have never managed to find myself convinced that aviation is something that will be able to generate profits over a sustained period of time,” he said.

Autos and Ancillaries: Look Beyond the Obvious
Despite in-line February numbers and strong management commentary, auto stocks were among the worst hit in the session. Tandon attributed part of the weakness to heavy ownership in the sector.

“The numbers are coming through quite well and most of the management commentary seems to indicate that the order books are fairly robust,” he said, suggesting that domestic demand remains healthy.

However, he encouraged investors to look beyond frontline automakers. “There may be other ways to play that as well besides the auto, which is the auto ancillaries,” he said, recommending companies insulated from technological disruption and those with global exposure.

IT: No Immediate Triggers
On information technology, Tandon offered a blunt assessment. “Broadly, I see no reason for me to be very bullish on IT at this stage,” he said.

He believes investors must first assess the long-term impact of artificial intelligence before turning constructive on the sector. “We need to let the technology settle down and see how far AI is able to take things,” he said.

With domestic hiring trends flat to negative, he sees little evidence of near-term momentum. “We have negative to zero hiring in IT in the domestics in the current year, I think that tells its own story,” he added.

Geopolitical Wildcards
On the broader geopolitical shock, Tandon refrained from making bold predictions. “Clearly two options — one, the Iranian regime collapses immediately, in which case obviously all things can go up. On the other hand, you could have a missile from Iran go and hit one of the major platforms of the US and then you have trouble,” he said.

In the end, he admitted that forecasting outcomes in such an environment is futile. “Your guess is as good as mine, I do not think there is an answer one can make there.”

For investors navigating the crosscurrents of valuation concerns, sector rotation and geopolitical risk, the takeaway appears clear: discipline, patience and selectivity matter more than bravado.

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