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Gold at ₹1.30 lakh, Silver near ₹1.92 lakh, per 10 grams

Gold and silver prices climbed across India on December 11, with both metals continuing their steady upward run driven by strong investor demand. In most major cities, 24-carat gold traded at around ₹1,30,480 per 10 grams, marking a modest but steady daily gain. The 22-carat variant hovered near ₹1,19,000 per 10 grams, reinforcing the broad rise across bullion categories.

Silver saw an even sharper jump. Rates reached ₹1,92,160 per kilogram, inching closer to the ₹2-lakh mark that analysts say may soon be tested if current global trends persist. Across cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, silver remained in the ₹1.91–1.92 lakh range, reflecting uniform upward momentum in retail markets.

The surge in precious-metal prices comes amid continued global uncertainty. With financial markets fluctuating and currencies facing pressure, investors are once again gravitating towards traditional safe-haven assets. Analysts note that gold and silver often gain in periods when risk appetite weakens, and the latest price action reflects that sentiment clearly.

Bullion dealers say footfall has remained steady despite the higher rates. However, jewellery buyers, especially those planning wedding purchases, are beginning to feel the pinch. Many are shifting to lighter designs or lower-karat options to manage rising costs. Traders also report that some customers are postponing major purchases, hoping for a correction later in the month.

For investors, the uptick reinforces gold and silver’s role as hedges against volatility. Experts advise monitoring price movements closely, as international developments could continue to influence domestic markets.

Prices are expected to remain elevated in the near term, with global cues, interest-rate trends, and currency movements likely to shape the next leg of the rally.

Also Read: Sensex advances 100 points, Nifty edges above 25,800

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Trump signals potential tariffs on Indian rice

US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States may impose additional tariffs on rice imports from India, citing concerns that Indian rice is being “dumped” at low prices. Speaking at a White House roundtable with US agricultural representatives, he questioned why India is allowed to export rice to the US and indicated that new duties could address the issue.

India already faces some of the highest tariffs globally on rice exports. Despite this, Indian rice—especially premium basmati—remains strong in the US market. According to the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), India exported around 274,213 metric tonnes of basmati rice, valued at US $337 million, and 61,341 metric tonnes of non-basmati rice, worth US $54.6 million, to the US in 2024–25.

IREF notes that Indian rice appeals to ethnic communities in the US, who prefer its aroma, texture, and cooking quality—qualities that US-grown rice often cannot match. Analysts say any new tariffs would likely have minimal impact on Indian exporters but could increase prices for US consumers. Many experts view Trump’s remarks as politically motivated, aimed at domestic farm interests ahead of upcoming elections rather than as a major shift in trade policy.

Market observers highlight that Indian rice exporters have diversified global markets, ensuring resilience against potential US trade restrictions. While US producers may gain politically from tariff discussions, the economic burden is expected to fall more on consumers than on Indian exporters.

This development underscores the complexity of global trade, where political moves, domestic industry pressures, and international demand intersect. Despite the uncertainty, Indian rice exporters remain confident in sustaining growth, supported by strong overseas demand, premium positioning, and established supply chains.

Also Read: CCI likely to probe IndiGo after flight chaos

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CCI likely to probe IndiGo after flight chaos

IndiGo is facing fresh regulatory and legal trouble as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is likely to launch a formal inquiry into the airline’s business practices. The move comes after IndiGo cancelled more than 5,000 flights in recent weeks due to severe crew shortages and operational disruptions.

The CCI is examining whether IndiGo, which holds nearly 65% of India’s domestic aviation market, may have misused its dominant market position and caused inconvenience to passengers by limiting services or imposing unfair conditions. If the regulator finds a prima facie case, a detailed antitrust investigation could follow.

At the same time, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified its scrutiny of the airline. The aviation regulator issued a show-cause notice to senior management after repeated flight disruptions linked to the implementation of new pilot duty and rest norms.

Adding to pressure, the Indian government has ordered airlines, including IndiGo, to cut flight operations by 5–10% to stabilise schedules and reduce passenger inconvenience. This has brought IndiGo’s stock into sharp focus in the markets.

If the CCI proceeds with a full probe and finds violations, IndiGo could face financial penalties, operational restrictions, and tighter regulatory oversight. The situation has raised wider concerns about India’s dependence on a single dominant airline and the need for stronger competition in the aviation sector.

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Gold at ₹1,29,430, silver climbs to ₹1,90,900

Gold prices edged lower slightly in early trade on Wednesday. The price of 24-carat gold fell by ₹10 and was trading at ₹1,29,430 per 10 grams. At the same time, silver prices moved in the opposite direction, rising by ₹100 to trade at ₹1,90,900 per kilogram.

The price of 22-carat gold also slipped by ₹10 and was quoted at ₹1,18,640 per 10 grams.

Gold rates differed across major cities. In Delhi, 24-carat gold was priced at ₹1,29,580 per 10 grams. In Mumbai and Kolkata, it was available at ₹1,29,430 per 10 grams. In Chennai, the price was slightly higher at ₹1,30,090 per 10 grams.

Market experts say the small fall in gold prices is due to mixed global trends and cautious buying by investors. International factors such as movements in the US dollar and expectations around interest rates are influencing gold prices.

Silver, however, showed some strength and moved up as demand remained steady, especially from industrial sectors.

Overall, the bullion market remained stable, with only minor changes in prices. Buyers and investors are closely watching global market signals and currency movements to understand the future trend in gold and silver prices.

Also Read: Sensex jumps 250 points, Nifty crosses 25,900

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Telangana Global Summit sees ₹2.5 lakh cr investments

The first day of the Telangana Rising Global Summit saw investment commitments of around ₹2.43–2.5 lakh crore, drawing global investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore opportunities across deep technology, renewable energy, aerospace, infrastructure, and urban development.

A standout announcement came from Trump Media & Technology Group, which pledged ₹1 lakh crore (about US $10 billion) for the development of Bharat Future City, a net-zero smart urban hub in South Hyderabad. The project highlights the summit’s focus on sustainable urbanization and advanced infrastructure.

Other major commitments included ₹1.04 lakh crore in deep tech and infrastructure led by Brookfield–Axis Ventures, ₹39,700 crore in renewable energy, including ₹31,500 crore from Evren‑Axis Energy for solar and wind projects, and ₹8,000 crore from MEIL Group for solar, pumped storage, and EV-linked infrastructure. GMR Group pledged ₹15,000 crore for aviation, cargo, and logistics as part of the ₹19,350 crore investment in aerospace, defence, and logistics, while advanced manufacturing and core industries attracted ₹13,500 crore focused on electronics, specialized components, and hydrogen technologies.

Over 35 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, reflecting strong interest in Telangana’s industrial and urban growth. Officials said the investments align with Vision 2047, aimed at transforming the state into a major economic and innovation hub with balanced growth across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, while promoting employment, sustainable development, and technology adoption.

Industry experts noted that the summit highlights Telangana’s rising profile as a preferred destination for global investment, particularly in green energy, high-tech industries, and urban infrastructure. The announced projects are expected to boost industrial output, create jobs, and advance sustainable urban development.

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Rupee slips, hovers around ₹90 against US dollar

The Indian rupee remained under pressure on Tuesday, opening at ₹90.15 per US dollar before recovering slightly to around ₹89.99 in early trade. The local currency has been struggling to hold gains as multiple factors continue to weigh on investor sentiment.

A major reason for the rupee’s weakness is the strong demand for dollars from importers. India’s heavy import requirements, particularly in oil and machinery, keep pushing up the demand for foreign currency. At the same time, foreign investors are pulling funds out of Indian equities, creating additional pressure on the rupee. Uncertainty surrounding India–US trade negotiations has also made investors cautious, further affecting the currency’s performance.

Rising crude oil prices are another factor contributing to the rupee’s decline. Higher oil prices increase India’s import bill, adding stress to the currency. Analysts say that unless global crude prices stabilize, the rupee may continue to face downward pressure in the near term.

The weak rupee has also impacted the stock markets. At the opening, the BSE Sensex fell over 600 points (about 0.7%), while the NSE Nifty 50 declined nearly 0.9%, reflecting investor concerns over currency volatility and its effect on corporate earnings.

Market participants are closely watching developments in global trade, crude oil prices, and foreign capital flows for clues on the rupee’s direction. Experts advise businesses and investors to stay alert and adopt hedging strategies where possible, given the current volatility in the currency market.

With multiple domestic and global factors influencing the rupee, the currency is expected to remain volatile in the coming days. Investors will keep a close eye on government policies, trade developments, and international market trends to gauge the rupee’s movement.

Also Read: Gold rises to ₹1,30,430, Silver falls to ₹1,88,900

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Gold rises to ₹1,30,430, Silver falls to ₹1,88,900

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, gold prices in India saw a modest rise, while silver experienced a small decline. Ten grams of 24-carat gold increased by ₹10, trading at ₹1,30,430. The 22-carat variant also rose by ₹10, reaching ₹1,19,560 per 10 grams. City-wise rates showed minor variations: in Delhi, 24-carat gold was priced at ₹1,30,580, while in Chennai it stood at ₹1,31,340. Similarly, 22-carat gold in Delhi was ₹1,19,710, and in Chennai ₹1,20,390. Other major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad recorded 22-carat gold at ₹1,19,560.

In contrast, silver prices fell slightly. One kilogram of silver traded at ₹1,88,900 in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, while Chennai reported a higher rate of ₹1,97,900.

Globally, US gold prices also edged higher, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors. Spot gold increased by 0.1% to $4,194.83 per ounce, while US gold futures for December delivery rose 0.2% to $4,223.60 per ounce. Meanwhile, silver slipped 0.1% to $58.05 per ounce. Other precious metals saw gains, with platinum up 0.4% to $1,649.46 and palladium rising 0.6% to $1,473.32.

The movements in precious metal prices are often influenced by global economic conditions, currency fluctuations, and investor sentiment. In particular, traders are closely watching the US Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting, where cautious signals on interest rates and monetary easing may affect gold and silver markets.

Overall, the early Tuesday session showed stability in gold with minor gains, while silver experienced a slight correction, reflecting a mixed but steady start for precious metals in India and abroad.

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UIDAI to end Aadhaar photocopies, digital checks mandatory

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is set to bring a major change in Aadhaar verification to strengthen privacy and security. Under the new rule, organisations such as hotels, event planners, shops, and other entities will no longer be allowed to collect or store physical photocopies of Aadhaar cards.

Any entity that wishes to carry out Aadhaar-based verification must first register with UIDAI. Only registered organisations will be authorised to access Aadhaar verification services. Once registered, they will verify identities digitally, either by scanning the Aadhaar QR code or using the upcoming Aadhaar mobile application. For locations with limited internet access, UIDAI will provide software tools (APIs) to enable offline verification.

The move is part of UIDAI’s push to enhance data security and prevent misuse. Physical copies of Aadhaar cards are vulnerable to being lost, misused, or stored insecurely. By shifting to a fully digital system, UIDAI aims to make Aadhaar verification more secure, reliable, and efficient.

The new rule also aligns with India’s digital data protection framework, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and is expected to reduce errors and delays associated with paper-based verification.

For individuals, the change means they will no longer need to submit photocopies of their Aadhaar cards. Showing the QR code on the card or via the e-Aadhaar app will be sufficient for verification.

The regulation has been approved but is yet to be implemented. UIDAI is expected to notify the final date soon. Once in effect, the initiative will mark a significant step towards a paperless, secure, and digital-first Aadhaar verification system, benefiting both individuals and organisations by simplifying the process and safeguarding privacy.

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DGCA gives IndiGo final 24‑hour response deadline

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given IndiGo a final 24‑hour extension to respond to a show-cause notice issued on 6 December, amid widespread flight cancellations and operational disruptions across the country. The airline is now required to submit its detailed response by 6 pm on Monday, failing which the regulator may proceed ex parte, relying solely on the available records to take further action.

The notice follows scrutiny over IndiGo’s handling of its flight operations after the implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. The DGCA highlighted significant lapses in planning, oversight, and resource management, which contributed to widespread cancellations and delays. In addition, the regulator flagged shortcomings in passenger support, including delays in providing refunds, assistance with rebooking, and updates regarding affected flights, citing violations of passenger-rights regulations.

IndiGo has taken several measures to mitigate the impact on passengers. The airline has automatically refunded cancelled flights and waived rescheduling and cancellation charges for journeys between 5 and 15 December. By Saturday, IndiGo had processed around ₹610 crore in refunds and returned approximately 3,000 lost baggage items, according to company sources. The airline also indicated that its operations are gradually stabilizing, with plans to restore most services, targeting about 1,650 flights per day by 10 December under revised rosters.

The DGCA’s show-cause notice underscores the regulator’s focus on compliance with operational and safety norms, particularly regarding pilot duty hours and adequate resource planning. Industry experts note that this marks a critical moment for IndiGo, which remains India’s largest carrier by market share, to demonstrate robust corrective action and rebuild passenger confidence.

The airline’s management has expressed commitment to fully cooperating with the DGCA and ensuring uninterrupted services. The next 24 hours are expected to be decisive, as the regulator evaluates whether IndiGo’s response addresses operational shortcomings and safeguards passenger interests.

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Gold at ₹1,30,140; Silver drops to ₹1,89,900

Gold and silver prices edged lower in the Indian market on Monday, reflecting muted global trends and cautious investor sentiment.

The price of 24-carat gold slipped by ₹10 per 10 grams, settling at ₹1,30,140 in major cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata. Meanwhile, 22-carat gold also saw a minor reduction, trading at around ₹1,19,290 per 10 grams. The slight dip in gold prices comes after recent sessions of mixed movement, as the market continues to react to global economic developments.

Silver witnessed a comparatively steeper fall. The price of silver dropped by ₹100 per kilogram, with the metal trading at ₹1,89,900 per kg. Traders noted that silver tends to be more volatile than gold due to its dual role as both an investment asset and an industrial metal, making its prices more sensitive to global demand and manufacturing trends.

Market experts said the decline in precious metal prices is largely influenced by expectations around interest rate policies in the United States. When interest rates are expected to remain high or rise further, non-yielding assets like gold and silver usually see reduced demand. Additionally, movements in the US dollar and global bond yields continue to impact bullion prices worldwide.

Despite the small correction, analysts believe the long-term outlook for gold remains positive due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty in several parts of the world. Many investors still view gold as a safe-haven asset during periods of instability.

In the coming days, prices of gold and silver are expected to remain volatile as markets react to upcoming global economic data, central bank signals, and fluctuations in currency and crude oil prices.

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