Every festive season, India’s cultural affinity for gold expresses itself in strong demand. (AI image)

By Navneet MunotIndia is a country of enormous diversity, with languages, customs and beliefs varying widely across regions. Yet one financial habit cuts across income levels and geography. Most households have grown up buying physical gold or silver every year on Akshaya Tritiya, Dhanteras or on other auspicious days. This was not driven by price charts or return calculations but because Gold was trusted as a store of value that could be passed down across generations. For many families, Land served a similar purpose as a tangible, secure asset. In the absence of a wide range of formal investment avenues, this instinct served Indian households well and helped India build a reputation as a ‘Nation of Savers’. The downside however was that a large share of this wealth remained idle. That is now beginning to change owing to sustained efforts of policymakers and industry to build confidence in India’s capital markets. As of FY25, Indian households had ~7% of their total assets in Equities vs only ~3% in FY15. Since January 2021, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) have infused over $250 billion into equity markets, providing stability even as Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out approximately ~$20 billion during the same period. Retail participation through mutual fund SIPs has been critical, with monthly SIPs rising to ~Rs 29k Cr in November 2025 from ~Rs 8k Cr in November 2019. Even so, financialization of savings has barely begun, with households still holding approx. two third of wealth in physical assets.A section 54F style Income Tax provision for physical asset monetisationToday, with numerous avenues available to invest savings more productively and with the economy in need of enormous financial capital to meet its growth objectives, the next phase of reforms must focus on monetising these assets in a productive way. The Union Budget could consider introducing a new provision in the Income Tax Act, modelled on Section 54F. If introduced, it should provide an exemption from long-term capital gains tax when proceeds from the sale of physical gold, silver or Land are reinvested into Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), with a lock-in of 5 years. Section 54F currently allows tax-free reinvestment of gains from any asset into a residential house. Extending a similar principle to financial assets would encourage households to rebalance a part of their portfolios in a tax-efficient manner.Why this reform matters now?Indian households are among the largest holders of precious metals in the world, with an estimated holding of ~25,000 tonnes of gold accumulated over generations. The recent surge in gold and silver prices has significantly increased the financial worth of families across India. At the same time, for a large number of households, this wealth remains largely notional.Secondly, most working Indians remain outside formal pension systems, even as life expectancy rises and healthcare costs increase. As ELSS’ provide transparency, professional management and potential inflation-beating returns in the long term, this reform could go a long-way in creating a credible retirement security. Far-reaching impact across economyFor households, the benefits could be tangible if the reform is introduced. Families that have seen the value of inherited gold or under-utilised land rise over time could monetise a portion and reinvest it into ELSS without immediate taxation. Over 10–20 years, such investments can materially strengthen retirement security or fund other financial goals. For the financial system, even a modest shift of household portfolios from physical to financial assets could translate into substantial, stable inflows. The 5-year lock-in would create a pool of patient domestic capital. Such flows help deepen market liquidity and crucially, cushion the market and the economy during bouts of FPI selling. A stronger domestic investor base is the best insurance against external volatility.From the Government’s perspective, the revenue risks appear limited. Many of these Gold and Land holdings are not being sold today and are being passed on through generations. When these get monetised, the Government can generate revenues from securities transaction tax, Stamp duty and GST on transactions/associated services that would not have occurred otherwise. Without requiring budgetary allocation, it uses the tax benefit to gently change behaviour, encouraging savers to become long-term investors. This should also aid Government’s efforts for formalisation of the economy. Every festive season, India’s cultural affinity for gold expresses itself in strong demand. This festive season, robust festival-driven purchases contributed to higher gold imports ($9.6Bn in Oct’25, $14.7Bn in Nov’25 vs Average of $3.3Bn for other months of CY25) adding to the current account deficit at a time when trade landscape is challenging. At the macro level, recycling household gold can gradually reduce dependence on incremental imports and ease current account pressure. More importantly, it would free up much needed financial capital needed to finance India’s growth ambitions. A Budget reform that could signal a maturing economyUnion Budgets are often considered a statement of Government’s intent. A section 54F-style exemption for reinvestment of proceeds from physical assets into financial products like MFs would signal confidence in India’s capital markets to the rest of the world. With emphasis on investor protection and investor education, such a measure can advance financial inclusion, macroeconomic resilience and the realisation of Viksit Bharat in the decade ahead. (Navneet Munot is MD & CEO of HDFC Asset Management Company)

Microsoft has vehemently denied widespread layoff rumors, with a top executive calling reports of up to 22,000 job cuts “completely false.” Speculation, fueled by past workforce reductions and a significant AI investment, suggested cuts across Azure, Xbox, and sales. However, the company insists these claims are entirely fabricated, aiming to quell anxieties about its future workforce.

Microsoft has aggressively pushed back against reports claiming the company plans to slash up to 22,000 jobs this month, with chief communications officer Frank Shaw directly calling the speculation completely false. The rumors started when investment site TipRanks reported Microsoft was preparing for widespread January layoffs affecting Azure Cloud, Xbox, and global sales teams—potentially cutting anywhere from 11,000 to 22,000 positions. As the claims spread across social media, Shaw stepped in with a definitive response: “100 percent made up / speculative / wrong,” on X.Windows Central had earlier indicated the reports were “false on the Xbox side at least,” before Shaw’s broader dismissal of the entire story.When met with skepticism in replies, he maintained his stance, telling one commenter he “eagerly awaits” the news he insists doesn’t exist.

Microsoft’s recent history with job cuts fuels speculation

The cynicism isn’t baseless. Microsoft has executed several brutal rounds of job cuts over the past year and a half, eliminating more than 15,000 positions throughout 2025. The most recent wave came last July when roughly 9,000 employees were let go, accompanied by studio closures and canceled game projects. Xbox chief Phil Spencer defended those decisions as essential for the company’s future, citing the need for greater operational efficiency.Microsoft’s $80 billion commitment to AI infrastructure—triple the previous year’s investment—has created widespread anxiety about where the money’s coming from. CEO Satya Nadella has openly called the company’s size a “massive disadvantage,” while setting what many consider unrealistic profit margins for Xbox. These factors have created a climate where layoff speculation finds fertile ground.

Why January became the focus of layoff rumors

Anonymous posts on the professional network Blind claimed middle management and legacy teams would be let go, while AI researchers would stay protected. The chatter drew additional attention from Microsoft’s history of January workforce changes, but Shaw’s strong denial suggests 2026 won’t mirror that pattern—at least not on the rumored scale. Windows Central sources had already noted rumors of early-2026 layoffs circulating internally before this latest speculation, making Shaw’s clear statement all the more meaningful for anxious employees.

US President Donald Trump has approved a new bill that allows massive duties on countries that import Russian petroleum products. The bill, ‘Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025’ threatens at least 500% tariffs on countries that “knowingly engage in the exchange.” US senator Lindsey Graham said that the bill, which is now headed for bipartisan approval aims to punish nations “who buy cheap Russian oil,” a move that could directly impact India’s energy imports and further strain its trade ties with Washington. The proposed legislation sets out sweeping punitive measures that would be triggered if the US President finds that Russian government or a person acting at Russia’s direction refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine. The measures will also be revoked in case a negotiated peace agreement is violated, another invasion of Ukraine or involved with overthrowing is initiated, dismantling, or seeking to subvert the Ukrainian government.

The bill states that Trump “must increase the rate of duty on all goods and services imported into the United States from countries that knowingly engage in the exchange of Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products to at least 500% relative to the value of such goods and services.”Also read: Donald Trump claims PM Modi ‘not that happy’ with steep tariffs, flags delays in Apache helicopter delivery In his post on X, Graham said, “After a very productive meeting today with President Trump on a variety of issues, he greenlit the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that I have been working on for months with Senator Blumenthal and many others.” Explaining the crucial timing of the bill, the executive further added, “Ukraine is making concessions for peace and Putin is all talk, continuing to kill the innocent.”“This bill will allow President Trump to punish those countries who buy cheap Russian oil fueling Putin’s war machine. This bill would give President Trump tremendous leverage against countries like China, India and Brazil to incentivize them to stop buying the cheap Russian oil that provides the financing for Putin’s bloodbath against Ukraine.” Earlier this week, Graham said that India was urging Washington to roll back steep tariffs imposed in August 2025, over the same issue. Graham claimed that India’s ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met him last month to highlight New Delhi’s reduced purchases of Russian oil and to seek relief from the additional 25% duties. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One alongside Trump, the senator said, “I was at the Indian Ambassador’s house a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how India is buying less Russian oil. And he asked me to tell the President to relieve the 25% tariff.” The tariffs were imposed in August, with the US arguing that India’s energy trade with Russia was indirectly supporting Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. With the extra levy, total duties on certain Indian goods rose to 50%. Trump has openly acknowledged that the tariffs have strained ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the House GOP Member Retreat, he said PM Modi was unhappy with the trade measures but pointed to a reduction in oil imports from Russia. “He’s not that happy with me because, you know, they’re paying a lot of tariffs now because they’re not doing the oil, but they are — they’ve now reduced it very substantially, as you know, from Russia,” Trump said.Also read: US says India sought relief from 25% duties, claims New Delhi ‘buying less Russian oil’ The US President has repeatedly warned India that tariffs could be increased further if it does not “help on the Russian oil issue,” directly linking trade pressure to the Russia–Ukraine conflict. He has argued that India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude fuel Moscow’s war machine in Ukraine. India, however, has maintained a firm stance, rejecting Trump’s earlier claim that PM Modi had assured him New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil, clarifying that no such conversation took place. As Washington moves closer to advancing the sanctions bill, the proposed legislation could raise fresh uncertainty for India.At the same time, Trump has positioned himself as a potential broker in the Russia–Ukraine war, holding talks with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though without any concrete breakthrough so far.

Pakistan kicked off their T20 World Cup preparations in style, cruising to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.

Electing to bowl first under cloudy skies, the visitors produced a disciplined bowling effort to bundle the hosts out for a modest 128. In response, a blistering half-century from Sahibzada Farhan ensured Pakistan chased down the target with 20 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed sizzle with bowling brilliance

The Sri Lankan innings never truly gathered momentum after being asked to bat. Pakistan’s new-ball pair of Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr. struck early blows, removing openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka inside the powerplay to leave the hosts reeling at 16/2.

While Janith Liyanage offered some resistance with a fighting 40 off 31 balls, he lacked support from the other end. The middle order crumbled against the spin variations of Abrar Ahmed (3/25) and the returning Shadab Khan (2/25). A late-order collapse saw Sri Lanka lose their last five wickets for just 22 runs, eventually being bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs.

Also READ: No Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan unveils provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

Sahibzada Farhan blazes away in chase

The match marked a successful return for all-rounder Shadab, who was named Player of the Match. Playing his first international game since his shoulder surgery, Shadab looked sharp with the ball, picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs. He later contributed a calm unbeaten 18 to guide the team home, proving his fitness and form ahead of the marquee tournament next month.

Defending a small total, Sri Lanka needed early wickets, but Pakistan’s openers had other ideas. Farhan launched a counter-attack, smashing a fluent 51 off just 36 deliveries (4 fours, 2 sixes). His aggressive intent in the powerplay effectively killed the contest early, despite Maheesh Theekshana (1/31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/17) picking up consolation wickets.

Although Pakistan lost a few quick wickets in the middle, the required run rate was never an issue. Shadab and Usman Khan (7*) finished the job clinically in the 17th over.

Pakistan won the 1st T20I by 6 wickets ⚡#SLvsPAK #ShadabKhan pic.twitter.com/R9dovhCT31

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 8, 2026

Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2025, T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday kicked off the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, sharing pictures from his visit to the Somnath temple in 2001 and describing the year-long celebrations as a tribute to country’s civilisational resilience.In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is about remembering “the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos,” even in the most challenging times.“Jai Somnath! Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, Somnath faced its first-ever attack. The attack of 1026 and the subsequent attacks couldn’t diminish the eternal faith of millions, nor break the civilisational spirit that rebuilt Somnath time and again,” PM Modi wrote.He added, “#SomnathSwabhimanParv is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos. However daunting the times were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our ethos unwavering.”The Prime Minister also shared glimpses from a programme held at Somnath on October 31, 2001, when the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Somnath temple was commemorated.“I am also sharing with you some glimpses of a program organized in Somnath on October 31, 2001. That was the year when we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Somnath Temple, which was reconstructed in 1951. In 1951, that historic ceremony was held in the presence of the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji. The efforts of great personalities including Sardar Patel and KM Munshi Ji in the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple were extremely commendable,” he said.PM Modi noted that the 2001 programme was attended by several senior leaders, including then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then Home Minister L. K. Advani.“In this program of the year 2001, the then Prime Minister Atal Ji and Home Minister Advani Ji and many dignitaries had participated. In the year 2026, we are also commemorating the 75th anniversary of the grand ceremony that took place in 1951!,” he added.The Somnath temple at Veraval in Gujarat was reconstructed in 1951, with the inauguration ceremony held in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K. M. Munshi.PM Modi is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 11 to take part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations.The Somnath Swabhiman Parv will be observed from January 8 to January 11, during which a series of programmes highlighting India’s spiritual heritage, cultural pride and social values will be organised.

PM Narendra Modi, on Thursday, extended his condolences over the passing of Agnivesh Agarwal, the 49-year-old Vedanta Group director. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “The untimely passing of Shri Agnivesh Agarwal is deeply shocking and saddening. The depth of your grief is evident in this touching tribute. Praying that you and your family find continued strength and courage. Om Shanti. Agnivesh Agarwal, son of metals tycoon Anil Agarwal, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest following a skiing accident in the United States. He had been receiving treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and was reported to be recovering before his sudden demise. Confirming the death, Anil Agarwal shared an emotional post on X, stating that his son had been “recovering well” before tragedy struck. “A sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us,” he said, recalling Agnivesh’s life and journey.

Who was Agnivesh Agarwal?

Agnivesh was the son of metals and mining magnate Anil Agarwal, who grew Vedanta Resources from a small scrap metal business into a London-headquartered global conglomerate. Agnivesh served as the chairman of Talwandi Sabo Power (TSPL), a Vedanta subsidiary that runs a thermal power plant in Punjab. He was born in Patna on June 3, 1976. Agnivesh studied at Mayo College in Ajmer and went on to establish Fujairah Gold, a metals refinery in the UAE. He also held the position of chairman at Hindustan Zinc, acquired by Vedanta from the government in 2002, from November 2005 to February 2019, before taking charge of TSPL in May 2019. Remembering his son, Anil Agarwal said, “Agnivesh was many things – a sportsman, a musician, a leader. He studied at Mayo College, Ajmer, went on to set up one of the finest companies Fujeirah Gold, became Chairman of Hindustan Zinc, and earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Yet, beyond all titles and achievements, he remained simple, warm, and deeply human.”Anil Agarwal further addded that Agnivesh strongly believed in building a self-reliant India. He would often tell him, “Papa, we lack nothing as a nation. Why should we ever be behind?” They shared a vision to ensure that no child goes hungry, every child has access to education, every woman can stand on her own feet, and every young Indian has meaningful work. Anil had also promised Agnivesh that more than 75% of what they earn would be given back to society.

Gold is well positioned to move toward the 144,000 level in the coming sessions. (AI image)

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold and silver prices are touching new record highs and this is a phase of consolidation, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group. He shares his views on gold and silver:

MCX Gold Price Outlook

MCX Gold is currently consolidating near its all-time high of 140,465. With prices rebounding from the lower end of the range, the current level within the consolidation is seen as a buying opportunity. A breakout above the recent highs is likely to reignite the bullish momentum. As long as prices stay above the breakout zone, the overall outlook for Gold continues to be bullish.From a technical stance, the 134,000 zone stands out as a strong support, representing the breakout above the prior swing high. Any pullback toward this level is likely to encourage fresh buying interest, helping to limit near-term downside. Sustaining above this support reinforces the bullish structure and keeps the positive momentum firmly in place.Gold is well positioned to move toward the 144,000 level in the coming sessions. This potential advance aligns with the broader bullish trend and highlights the strength of the prevailing market momentum. Moreover, a clear and sustained breakout above the intermediate resistance of the consolidation range could draw in additional buying interest, further strengthening positive sentiment and paving the way for an extended upward move.Overall, Gold is firmly positioned to sustain its positive bias, with the broader technical structure strongly supporting trend continuation. As long as prices hold above the critical 134,000 support, the bullish setup remains intact. With momentum indicators and overall market sentiment continuing to stay supportive, the precious metal appears well poised for further upside in the coming sessions.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy

MCX Silver Price Outlook

MCX Silver has marked a fresh all-time high this week, with prices consistently forming higher highs over the past several months. Despite the recent pullback, the overall bias remains positive, and any declines toward the lower end of the weekly range are likely to present buying opportunities. We recommend trading in line with the existing trend, which remains firmly bullish.Silver’s rebound from the support level highlights renewed strength in the trend and increases the likelihood of further upside. As long as prices remain above the weekly support levels, the bullish bias is expected to stay intact. The immediate key support is placed near the 231,000 level, which now serves as a strong base. Any pullback toward this area is likely to attract fresh buying interest, helping to stabilize prices and sustain the upward momentum.On the upside, Silver is strongly positioned to challenge the 275,000 resistance over the near to medium term. This anticipated move marks a continuation of the prior bullish phase and is firmly supported by robust market momentum and favourable technical indicators. Overall, as long as prices remain comfortably above the 231,000 support, Silver is expected to sustain its positive trajectory, with ample scope for further upside as bullish sentiment continues to build.

MCX Silver Trading Strategy

(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)