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New Delhi: An increase in the US military activities in Bangladesh's strategically placed Chittagong area, located close to borders of India and Myanmar, has raised eyebrows as it may have implications beyond Bangladesh. A modern tactical transport aircraft of the US Air Force, a C-130J Super Hercules, which usually operates from Yokota Airbase in Japan, landed at the Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong on Sunday in what was the latest development involving the US military in the area. The landing of the aircraft in Chittagong is not a mere coincidence as reports have emerged of the role of extra-regional players in the area with interests in India's northeastern region and Myanmar, claimed sources familiar with the region. Myanmar rebels are being wooed by both the US and China.Ever since the Muhammad Yunus-led regime came to power, the US military has often been seen visiting the area, either for surveys or joint exercises. A few months back, US and Bangladesh held bilateral military exercises - Operation Pacific Angel-25 and Tiger Lightning-2025 in Chittagong. Sources informed that yet another US-Bangladesh joint exercise is being planned in the Chittagong area with a batch of US troops landing in the area last week. Last month, the body of a US Special Forces Command (Airborne) officer was found in a posh Dhaka hotel. The Bangladesh military has not been comfortable with the presence of US troops in the country apart from the joint exercise.There have been allegations about the US role in orchestrating anti-Hasina movement that led to ouster of the Bangladesh PM through "street revolution" in August 2024. Hasina had alleged that she was ousted for her refusal to hand over St Martin's Island to the US.123907506

Gold was trading with mild weakness on Monday amid profit booking ahead of the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting this week whose outcome is awaited on Wednesday.October Gold futures were trading at Rs 1,09,180 on the MCX around 6:40 pm, down by Rs 190 or 0.17%. On the COMEX, the prices were flat at $3,685.60 per troy ounce, though with a slight negative bias. Gold got support as markets price in a possible 50 bps Fed rate cut after weaker jobs and payroll data while trade tariff uncertainty underpins the safe-haven demand, said Jateen Trivedi, Vice President, Research Analyst at LKP Securities, commenting on the current trends. He sees the current prices as stretched, raising the possibility of consolidation.Among the domestic factors, Indian rupee remains a key. Its continued weakness against the dollar has been supporting the bullion prices.1) Key support & resistanceGold October futures traded firm but faced resistance near Rs 1,09,700–1,09,900. On the downside, key support lies at Rs 1,08,850 followed by Rs 1,08,300. A decisive move above Rs 1,09,900 could extend gains towards Rs 1,10,400, while a slip below Rs 1,08,850 may invite short term selling pressure.2) RSIRSI (14) is at 50.77, indicating consolidation after an overbought phase. This neutral zone suggests the market is cooling off, and strength will be confirmed only if RSI trends higher above 60.3) Bollinger bandsPrices are moving closer to the mid-band after testing the upper band. The narrowing bands point toward consolidation in the near term, though expansion could reignite volatility.4) Moving averagesEMA-8 and EMA-21 are flatlining with price hovering around them, confirming a consolidation phase. Sustained trade above EMA-8 (Rs 1,09,300) will keep short-term bullish momentum intact.5) MACDMACD is still in positive territory but has flattened out, with the histogram narrowing. This suggests loss of momentum, hinting at sideways to corrective price action before the next directional move.Gold trading strategyGold has entered a consolidation zone after a sharp rally, but fundamentals remain supportive. A buy on dips strategy is advisable for the week. Buy near Rs 1,08,850 for targets of Rs 1,09,900/1,10,400 and a stop loss of Rs 1,07,450.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)