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Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring IS-inspired groups after the core Islamic State (IS-Central) urged "lone wolves" worldwide to carry out attacks to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the "Caliphate" declaration by ISIS in Ramadan 2014.Islamic State spokesman Abu Hudhayfah al-Ansari called on Muhajirin (foreign fighters) to join, citing the Caliphate's historical significance and global expansion up to Mozambique.Though ISIS traces back to 1999 with Jordanian extremist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, it officially became Islamic State in 2014, declaring Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as their Caliph.In a recent speech, Ansari praised the Moscow terror attack and urged Muslims to migrate to IS affiliates worldwide, stating, "Islam will eventually prevail as foretold by the Prophet." He also criticized al-Qaeda for deviating from their "path." In a 41-minute-long audio speech called “By Allah, this matter will be made possible,” he also slammed terror outfit al-Qaeda for straying away from their so-called “path”.Little is known about al-Ansari, who became spokesperson in August last year, replacing Abu Omar al-Muhajir after his arrest.In a previous speech, Ansari stated, "Monotheism is the goal, and jihad is the path...the war with the Jews will not end in a one-state or two-state solution as nationalists believe. It is a religious ideological war that will continue until we kill their antichrist."Ansari suggested various violent methods against "infidels," leading agencies to increase vigilance around Jewish establishments, community centers, and Chabad Houses in Delhi and Mumbai."Keeping in view the present scenario, local police should make adequate arrangements. Presence of uniformed officers at major gatherings and cultural sites should be increased to prioritize public safety, exercising an abundance of caution. Religious centers should restrict access, ensure security cameras and alarms are functional, conduct perimeter sweeps, and screen mail and packages," an internal note reads.(With inputs from TOI)

Indian stock exchanges NSE and BSE will remain closed for trading on two occasions in April. On April 11, equity markets will be shut on account of Eid-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) while on April 17, 2024, there will be no trading as the country will observe Ramnavmi. The days will be Thursday and Wednesday, respectively. Equity markets will remain closed once each in May, June, July, August, October and December and twice in November. November 1, Friday will be Diwali (Laxmi Pujan) and Muhurat Trading will be conducted by the exchanges and timings will be notified later.Any change in the holiday calendar will be announced through a separate circular in advance.The country's largest commodity market the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) will see no trading in the morning session between 9 am and 5 pm on both days in April. It will resume trading in the evening session between 5 pm and 11:30/11:55 pm. As for the non-agri commodity exchange NCDEX, it will also remain shut on both days. Also Read: Rs 16,600-cr worth block deals take place this week; Mankind Pharma, Shriram Finance see significant actionAs per the BSE holiday calendar, trading holidays have been announced on 14 days in 2024. So far, indices have been closed on four occasions this year -- Once on January 26 which is the Republic Day and three times in March on account of Maha Shivratri, Holi and Good Friday. This week had only three trading days.Indian benchmark indices ended Thursday in the green, posting their second successive positive closing aided by financial and auto stocks. While The S&P BSE Sensex settled at 73,651.35, higher by 655.04 points or 0.90%, the broader Nifty closed at 22,326.90, up by 203.25 points or 0.92%.In the March series, Nifty Index gained 1.6%, settling at 22,327 while Nifty Bank was up 2.2%, settling at 47,125. Amid this upward journey, the midcap index and small-cap Index closed with losses of 0.5% and 4.4%, respectively.