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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Why Israel cannot bomb this Iranian nuclear facility
Why Israel cannot bomb this Iranian nuclear facility Jayanta Kalita Jun 20, 2025, 15:18 IST IST The Fordo uranium enrichment facility (satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies) lies an estimated 80 to 90 metres underground, placing it beyond the reach of any known aerial bomb in Israel's arsenal. This makes a successful airstrike on the site extremely difficult, if not impossible, without US assistance Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently asserted that missile strikes on Iran's nuclear sites had set the country's nuclear programme back a 'very, very long time'. However, Israel has yet to reach the Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is deeply embedded within a mountainside. Striking Fordo would require direct US involvement – a crucial decision US President Donald Trump appears to be considering amid the early days of the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Gold slips ahead of Fed decision — but could surge soon as Middle East conflict and rate cuts loom
Gold prices dip ahead of Fed decision but strong chances of future rate cuts and rising Israel–Iran conflict tensions could push gold higher again. Here's why investors are eyeing gold now and what could drive it in 2025. Gold prices slipped slightly on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, as traders turned their focus to the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy decision. But despite this minor pullback, experts believe gold could rally again soon as the Israel–Iran conflict continues and the U.S. economy shows signs that rate cuts may not be far off. Spot gold dipped around 0.2% to $3,383.17 per ounce, while gold futures in the U.S. fell 0.3% to $3,393.10 per ounce. That marked a slight pause in gold's recent upward trend, which has largely been driven by global tensions and fears of economic slowdown. Spot gold fell 0.2% to $3,383.17 per ounce. U.S. gold futures dropped 0.3% to $3,393.10 per ounce. This drop follows a 1% gain earlier in the week due to Middle East tensions. Profit-taking by traders caused the short-term dip, despite overall bullish sentiment. The key reason for gold's dip is the Federal Reserve's policy meeting, scheduled for this week. Right now, the central bank is expected to hold interest rates steady at 4.25% to 4.50%, but the bigger question is what comes next. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there's a 99.9% chance that the Fed will not change rates during this meeting. However, many analysts are betting on rate cuts starting later this year, especially as recent U.S. data shows signs of a slowing economy. For instance: Retail sales came in lower than expected. came in lower than expected. Housing data and industrial output also showed weakness. and also showed weakness. Unemployment claims have been ticking higher. When interest rates go down, gold tends to shine. That's because lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold. If the Fed hints at future cuts, it could give gold prices a fresh boost. The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% during this week's policy meeting. The CME FedWatch Tool shows a 99.9% probability of no rate hike. Traders are now betting on rate cuts by September 2025 or earlier. Lower rates reduce the cost of holding gold, which doesn't pay interest. Slowing U.S. economic indicators include: Retail sales have weakened. Industrial production showed signs of cooling. Housing market momentum has slowed. Initial jobless claims have risen in recent weeks. Even though gold dipped slightly on Tuesday, it's still holding near strong levels thanks to ongoing geopolitical risks. The Israel–Iran conflict continues to escalate, with missile strikes and drone attacks reported almost daily over the past week. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, and the situation remains highly unstable. As a result, many investors continue to view gold as a safe-haven asset, especially when global tensions rise. Just earlier this week, gold jumped over 1% due to fears that the Middle East conflict could widen. Though some traders booked profits after that rally, the underlying support for gold remains firm as long as geopolitical uncertainty continues. Goldman Sachs expects: $3,700/oz by end of 2025 $4,000/oz by mid-2026 expects: Bullish drivers include: Record gold purchases by central banks, especially in Asia and the Middle East. Ongoing global economic uncertainty. Expected rate cuts that favor non-yielding assets like gold. Elevated oil prices, with WTI crude trading at $76–$77 per barrel , increasing inflation concerns. Despite Tuesday's modest dip, several major banks still see gold climbing much higher in the months ahead. According to Goldman Sachs, gold could reach $3,700 by the end of 2025 and even hit $4,000 by mid-2026. Why are analysts so bullish? Central banks, especially in Asia and the Middle East, are buying gold at record pace to diversify away from the U.S. dollar. Continued economic uncertainty and the possibility of a recession are driving demand. Expected interest rate cuts later in 2025 will make gold even more attractive to long-term investors. In addition, oil prices remain elevated, trading around $76 to $77 per barrel, which adds to inflation concerns and typically supports gold prices. If you're a U.S. investor keeping an eye on gold, now may be a time to stay alert. While short-term fluctuations will happen — especially around big events like Fed meetings — the bigger picture still points to strength in gold. The combination of Federal Reserve policy shifts, Middle East tensions, and ongoing economic uncertainty creates a landscape where gold can play a meaningful role in protecting wealth. Many investors may choose to look at gold ETFs, physical bullion, or even gold mining stocks to gain exposure, depending on their risk appetite and investment strategy. Short-term dips like this are common around Fed announcements. Many are using this pause as a buying opportunity, especially if rate cuts are on the horizon. Investment options include: Gold ETFs Physical gold (coins, bars) Gold mining stocks Gold remains a key hedge against inflation, geopolitical risk, and economic slowdowns.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Why China building more nukes is worrying everyone
Why China building more nukes is worrying everyone Team TOI Plus Jun 18, 2025, 17:42 IST IST With 600 warheads already and 1,500 in sight, China is changing its nuclear strategy, according to a new global report. It also suggests that this is pushing India, the US, and the rest of the world into a dangerous new arms race without rules, transparency, or deterrence guardrails A new global assessment by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) warns that the world is entering a new and more dangerous nuclear age, as China continues to expand its arsenal at an unprecedented pace and regional conflicts risk tipping into nuclear crises. The report, released on June 16 as part of the SIPRI Yearbook 2025, notes that China has added around 100 warheads to its stockpile since January 2024, bringing its total to 600. Alarmingly, its arsenal is already more than triple India's current stockpile of 180 and well ahead of Pakistan 's 170. While the overall number of nuclear warheads globally has decreased slightly due to the dismantling of older weapons by the US and Russia , the number of operational and modernised nuclear warheads has only risen. SIPRI estimates that of the approximately 12,241 nuclear warheads in existence at the start of 2025, over 3,900 are deployed with operational forces, and more than 2,100 are in a state of high alert on ballistic missiles.
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
India hopeful of positive outcome from talks over China's rare earth import issue, says official
(AI image) India is hopeful of a positive outcome from its engagement with China to address issues related to Beijing's export curbs on rare earth magnets, which are mainly used in the auto sector, a top government official said on Monday. China's restrictions on the export of rare earth elements and related magnets are affecting the domestic auto and white goods sectors. The automobile industry has sought government support in expediting approvals from the Chinese government for importing rare earth magnets used in various applications, including passenger cars. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that these curbs are against all the countries and are not against India only. Since it is impacting the auto sector more, the government is in talks with both the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). "We are facilitating them to have discussions with their counterparts in China and at the diplomatic level the external affairs ministry and the department of commerce also have spoken to the Ambassador over there," he told reporters here. He added that both diplomatic and commercial discussions are going on with China on the issue. "We are making all the efforts to see that these essential items of imports can come to I feel that this diplomatic and commercial communication should yield a positive result," Barthwal said. China has brought a regime where "perhaps licences will be required, so we are facilitating our importers and our auto players in whatever way possible," he said. As per the industry sources, various domestic suppliers have already sought approval from the Chinese government through their local vendors in China. China controls over 90 per cent of the global processing capacity for magnets, used across multiple sectors including automobiles, home appliances and clean energy. The Chinese government has put restrictions, with effect from April 4, mandating special export licences for seven rare earth elements and related magnets. Critical materials include samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and lutetium, which are essential in electric motors, braking systems, smartphones and missile technology.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
What India's 10 worst air disasters tell us — A lot has to go wrong at once
What India's 10 worst air disasters tell us — A lot has to go wrong at once Team TOI Plus Updated: Jun 13, 2025, 13:55 IST IST Language barriers, long naps, bad lights — anything can set off a chain reaction that leads to an aviation disaster. But it's never down to just one mistake On a clear summer afternoon, an Air India flight sent out a Mayday call, stopped responding, and went up in flames before crashing into a medical college hostel — all within minutes of taking off from the Ahmedabad airport runway. All but one of the 242 people on board died. And some 50 to 60 students from the medical college were hospitalised. What went wrong? The answer, as would be the case for such accidents anywhere, can take months to piece together. But looking back at India's worst air disasters shows how quickly small lapses and misjudgments can add up.
