NEW DELHI: Flagging lapses by civic authorities, the Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that fatalities across the country are being caused not just by dog bites, but also by road accidents involving stray animals.A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria made the remarks while hearing pleas seeking modification of its earlier directions, filed by animal lovers as well as those demanding stricter enforcement of the court’s orders. The bench noted that several lawyers and animal rights activists had argued they were not heard before the November 7 order was passed.“The roads should be clear of dogs and stray animals. It is not only the dog bites but also the roaming of stray animals on roads that are proving dangerous and causing accidents. No one knows which dog is in what mood in the morning. Civic bodies have to implement the rules, modules and directions strictly,” the bench said, according to news agency PTI.Justice Mehta highlighted the seriousness of the issue, pointing out that two Rajasthan High Court judges had met with accidents in the past 20 days, with one still suffering from spinal injuries. “It’s a serious issue,” he told counsel appearing in the matter.Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a petitioner seeking modification of the earlier order, argued that the solution does not lie in rounding up all stray dogs. He said a scientific and globally accepted approach was needed to reduce human-animal conflict.Sibal urged the court to adopt the CSVR model—Capture, Sterilise, Vaccinate and Release—for controlling the stray dog population, submitting that this method would gradually bring down dog bite incidents. “Prevention is always better than cure,” Justice Nath remarked, adding that the court’s earlier directions were limited to removing stray dogs from institutional areas and did not override existing rules.‘Strict enforcement of existing rules’The bench clarified that its focus was on ensuring strict enforcement of existing rules, regulations, modules and standard operating procedures by states and civic bodies. “Some states have not responded to compliance with our orders and implementation of the arguments. We will be very harsh with those states. All the rules, regulations and SOPs need to be followed,” the court warned.When lawyers pointed out ongoing dog attacks, the bench said it was aware that children and adults were being bitten and, in some cases, losing their lives.At the outset, senior advocate Gaurav Agarwal, appointed amicus curiae in the case, informed the court that the National Highways Authority of India had prepared an SOP to comply with the court’s directions. “They have identified 1,400 km of road as a vulnerable stretch. However, after detection, the NHAI says that the state governments have to take care of it,” Agarwal said.The bench suggested fencing highways and expressways to prevent stray animals from entering roadways. Agarwal also told the court that states including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Punjab were yet to file compliance affidavits, while some submissions received so far were “disappointing”. Justice Nath said the court would deal with those states.‘If one tiger is a man-eater … ‘Continuing his submissions, Sibal said the response to the stray dog issue must reflect a mature and responsible society. “First of all, this is not an adversarial issue and we are here as dog lovers. If one tiger is a man-eater, we don’t kill all tigers,” he argued, stressing the need for sterilisation to systematically reduce dog populations. He claimed the CSVR model had brought down the stray dog population in Lucknow to almost zero.Sibal also cautioned that housing rabid and non-rabid dogs together could spread the disease. Responding in a lighter vein, the bench remarked, “The only thing missing is providing counselling to the dogs as well so that he doesn’t bite when released back.”Similar submissions were made by senior advocates Colin Gonsalves, Anand Grover and C U Singh, along with several animal rights activists who appeared in person. Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for NALSAR, Hyderabad, highlighted data pointing to an acute shortage of shelters for stray dogs.The hearing remained inconclusive and is set to continue on Thursday.The case stems from the apex court’s November 7 directions, issued after noting an “alarming rise” in dog bite incidents within institutional areas such as schools, hospitals and railway stations. The court had ordered the immediate relocation of stray dogs from such premises to designated shelters after sterilisation and vaccination, and directed that the animals should not be released back to the same locations.It also instructed authorities to remove all cattle and other stray animals from state highways, national highways and expressways, warning that repeated dog bite incidents reflected administrative apathy and a systemic failure to secure public spaces from preventable dangers.The Supreme Court is hearing the matter as part of a suo motu case initiated on July 28 last year, following media reports on stray dog attacks leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital.

Equity indices extended their decline on Wednesday, with the Sensex and the Nifty ending lower for a third consecutive session as sustained selling in heavyweight stocks, rising geopolitical unease and weak global cues dented investor confidence. The BSE Sensex has shed over 1,144 points in the past three sessions, sliding from a close of 85,762.01 on January 2 to an intraday low of 84,617.49 on Wednesday. The NSE Nifty 50 has declined nearly 1 per cent over the same period, pushing benchmarks firmly into the red for the week.By the close, the Sensex had pared some losses to end 102 points, or 0.12 per cent, lower at 84,961.14, while the Nifty slipped 38 points, or 0.14 per cent, to settle at 26,140.75.

Heavyweight stocks drag indices

Selling pressure in index heavyweights continued to exert disproportionate pressure on the benchmarks. HDFC Bank shares fell 1.7 per cent on Wednesday, while Reliance Industries declined 0.4 per cent. Trent dropped 1.4 per cent, extending weakness after plunging 8.6 per cent in the previous session amid concerns over intensifying competition in the retail segment.The drag from large-cap stocks was also evident earlier in the week, when HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries — the two heaviest constituents on the indices — fell 1.5 per cent and 4.3 per cent, respectively, amplifying benchmark losses.Dr V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, said recent market movements lacked clear direction, with a few mega stocks disproportionately influencing overall trends. “For instance, yesterday despite positive institutional buying Nifty drifted down by 71 points, mainly due to sharp declines in two stocks — Reliance and HDFC Bank. The large volumes in these two stocks in the derivative and cash markets indicate activity associated with the settlement day. In other words, the sharp dips in these stocks have nothing to do with their fundamentals; it is more technical in nature,” he said, as quoted ET.

Geopolitical shock adds to risk aversion

Global risk appetite was further shaken by political turmoil in Venezuela and uncertainty surrounding its petroleum reserves. Market sentiment turned cautious after a controversial US military operation on January 3 led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and their transfer to the United States to face criminal charges. Maduro remains in custody in New York.The developments have heightened broader geopolitical and policy-related anxieties. “Going forward, there is scope for high volatility caused by events and news,” Vijayakumar said, adding that “Trump tweets and actions can always influence the market. Another important event that investors should closely watch is a possible Supreme Court verdict on Trump tariffs very soon. If the verdict goes against the reciprocal tariffs, it will create huge volatility in stock markets.”

Weak global cues spill over

Indian equities also tracked declines across Asian markets, where shares retreated as investors assessed the fallout from the Venezuela crisis and uncertainty over global energy supplies. Japanese equities weighed on regional sentiment after China announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan that can be used for military purposes, following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan.The cautious tone across global markets spilled over into domestic trading, reinforcing the downward bias in Indian equities despite some support in commodity-linked stocks after an overnight rally in industrial metals.

Technicals point to consolidation, volatility risk

Technical indicators suggest the recent decline reflects a broader corrective or consolidation phase rather than a breakdown in the longer-term trend, though near-term volatility remains elevated.Jaykrishna Gandhi, Head–Business Development–Institutional Equities at Emkay Global, noted that since 1991 the Nifty 50 has seen seven major bullish cycles, typically followed by corrective phases. He said that post-2009, corrections have largely shifted from sharp price declines to time-wise consolidations, reflecting improved structural strength.According to Gandhi, the index has “recently completed a ~1–1.5-year time correction, which historically has been followed by the resumption of a bullish trend,” with upside potential seen “up to 28,500, with positional support band at 25,500–25,300.”On the sectoral front, he highlighted strength in pharmaceuticals, saying “Nifty Pharma has confirmed a breakout from an ‘inverted head and shoulder’ pattern, indicating bullish continuation with upside potential toward 24,000–24,500,” while adding that the bullish bias remains intact “above 23,500.”However, near-term signals point to choppiness. Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, said, “A strong close on Friday near the upper bollinger band suggests continuation of upside momentum. Oscillators are accommodative as well.” At the same time, he cautioned that “VIX being near record indicates potential for rise in volatility,” underscoring the risk of sharp swings despite a broadly constructive technical backdrop.(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)

SCSS accounts help earn interest payments on a quarterly basis. (AI image)

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme or SCSS is a popular Post Office investment and savings scheme for senior citizens and retired individuals. The government-backed scheme is seen as a guaranteed cushion for regular interest income flow, especially for individuals who are looking for high interest rates but low risk options.SCSS accounts help earn interest payments on a quarterly basis and with the investment limit doubled to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 15 lakh a few years ago, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme continues to attract substantial flows. But, is investment in SCSS sufficient for retirees? How do other investment options like bank fixed deposits, small savings schemes, mutual funds compare on a return and taxation basis? We break it down for you:

Senior Citizens Savings Schemes (SCSS): Eligibility, Investment Limits, Taxation – Top Points

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme Scheme – Top Points

Senior Citizens Savings Schemes (SCSS): Interest calculation

The interest on your SCSS account is calculated and paid on a quarterly basis from the date of deposit, for the quarters ending on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, and 31 December. According to the rules, the interest amount is credited to the SCSS depositor’s savings account on 1 April, 1 July, 1 October, and 1 January, respectively. Account holders may opt for automatic credit of interest to their savings account or through the ECS facility. Any interest not claimed in a quarter does not earn further interest.

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme Interest Calculations

At the current interest rate of 8.2%, if a senior citizen were to invest the maximum limit of Rs 30 lakh, the quarterly interest earnings would stand at Rs 61,500, which is Rs 2.46 lakh in a year. Over a period of 5 years, the total interest earnings on the Rs 30 lakh investment will stand at Rs 12,30,000/-

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS): Is it a good investment bet?

Experts are of the view that the guaranteed returns and an interest rate higher than most investment products makes SCSS an essential part of a senior citizen’s investment portfolio.Mohit Gang, Co-founder and CEO of Moneyfront explains that SCSS being a government-backed scheme works in its favour. “The scheme is currently offering 8.2% interest, which is higher than fixed deposit interest rates from all the banks,” he notes.“SCSS offers a regular income to senior citizens in the form of quarterly interest payouts on deposits up to Rs 30 lakh for a 5-year lock-in which is extendable by another 3 years. The deposit amount can also be claimed as a deduction under Section 80C,” he tells TOI listing the advantages of the scheme.Rohit Shah, Certified Financial Planner & Founder of Getting You Rich points out that the interest rate for SCSS is among the highest in government-backed small savings. It also typically beats senior-citizen bank fixed deposits on safety‑adjusted return, he says.“The appeal is clear: sovereign guarantee, quarterly interest for regular income, capital protection, and Section 80C benefit on investment up to Rs 1.5 lakh. For risk‑averse retirees who want predictable cash flows, it is a strong core product,” Rohit Shah tells TOI.

How does SCSS compare to bank FDs for senior citizens?

When SCSS is compared with bank fixed deposits on a post-tax basis, the picture becomes interesting. While both instruments generate interest income that is fully taxable as per the investor’s income tax slab, SCSS has a clear edge with its 8.2% rate compared to typical bank FD rates of around 7-7.5% for seniors.“More importantly, SCSS offers rate certainty. So once you lock in the 8.2%, it stays fixed for the entire 5-year tenure, regardless of future rate movements,” says Dev Ashish, SEBI Registered Investment Advisor and founder of StableInvestor.com.Mohit Gang of Moneyfront also notes that SCSS proves to be better than bank fixed deposits on a post-tax, inflation-adjusted return basis for senior citizens in India, primarily due to its higher interest rate and tax deduction benefits.

Senior‑citizen bank FDs generally offer around 6.5–7%. Some NBFC and corporate FDs may match or exceed SCSS’s 8.2%, but they come with higher credit and liquidity risk, which many retirees should avoid, says Rohit Shah.“Thanks to its rate advantage of roughly 100 bps over most bank FDs, SCSS will typically deliver superior post‑tax income for the same risk level. However, adjusted for inflation, both SCSS and FDs still struggle to fully keep pace with real‑life inflation, especially in healthcare and services,” he adds.According to Dev Ashish, there is one practical reality that often gets overlooked. Most retirees don’t have substantial income sources beyond their investments. Consider a senior citizen couple parking Rs 60 lakh in SCSS (Rs 30 lakh each). At 8.2%, this generates Rs 4.92 lakh in annual interest income.Even if we add another Rs 3-4 lakh from other sources, their total income typically stays well below Rs 8-9 lakh annually.Under the new income tax regime with its Rs 12 lakh tax-free threshold (via enhanced standard deduction and Section 87A rebate for income up to Rs 12 lakh), many retired couples will end up paying zero income tax on their investment income. This dramatically improves the post-tax returns from SCSS, he says.“So while we discuss taxation of interest income, the ground reality is that for a large section of middle-class retirees without pension or rental income, the effective tax impact on SCSS returns is often negligible. This makes the 8.2% rate even more attractive – you’re essentially getting the full gross return as your net return. This is a significant advantage that shouldn’t be underestimated when comparing SCSS with other investment options where capital gains are taxed irrespective of the quantum of gains,” he adds.

SCSS vs other investment options & the right portfolio mix

So, what are the alternatives to SCSS, how do they compare on a post-tax basis and what should be the right portfolio mix for senior citizens? Experts are of the view that SCSS is a very good investment option, others can be made use of for portfolio diversification.Mohit Gang elaborates:

How SCSS compares to other options

Rohit Shah lists some of the alternatives worth considering:•⁠ ⁠Government of India/RBI floating‑rate savings bonds (7‑year, floating coupon).•⁠ ⁠NSC (National Savings Certificates), with attractive compounded rates but lower liquidity.•⁠ ⁠Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS), which offers monthly payouts at slightly lower yields.“NSC can marginally outperform SCSS on returns but locks in money for longer and does not provide quarterly income. POMIS is useful for steady income but generally yields less than SCSS,” he says.

Is SCSS sufficient for retirement needs?

According to Dev Ashish, the real question isn’t just whether SCSS is good in isolation, but rather it’s about understanding where it fits in a senior citizen’s overall retirement portfolio, which not only needs to cater to their income needs but also keep an eye on moderate growth to ensure portfolio longevity in line with retirees’ life expectancy.He says that for someone worried about longevity risk and running out of money, parking a portfolio in annuities can also provide peace of mind, even if rates aren’t the highest.“While SCSS, in my view, is an excellent debt option – safe, high-yielding, and tax-efficient, it is still advisable not to treat it as the entire portfolio and rather a core part of the fixed-income (debt) side of the portfolio. It’s best to combine it with liquidity buffers and modest equity exposure for sustainable retirement, beat long-term inflation and preserve purchasing power,” Dev Ashish tells TOI.The approach he advocates is a bucketing strategy:The first bucket (typically 60-70% of the retirement corpus) should comprise debt instruments like SCSS, POMIS, PPF, debt funds, and annuities. This bucket generates regular income for day-to-day expenses. SCSS fits perfectly here as a core holding.But the second bucket is equally critical. This is the growth bucket where equity allocation (20-30% for most retirees) should be invested in well-diversified equity funds. Why? Because without equity exposure, your portfolio will struggle to beat inflation over a 20-30 year retirement period. The goal isn’t to chase returns but to ensure you don’t run out of money before running out of years.Mohit Gang is of the view that SCSS can serve as a core part of retirement but not as a standalone component in the portfolio because of limitations such as Rs 30 lakh individual limit, fully taxable interest and no equity-linked growth.He recommends an asset mix of 30% in SCSS + 30% in debt mutual funds + 20% in hybrid mutual funds + 20% Equity Funds.Rohit Shah also says that SCSS should be a core component, not the only one. “A sensible 60+ retirement portfolio should blend SCSS with other fixed‑income options (quality FDs, bonds, annuities) and a calibrated exposure to growth assets such as equity or conservative hybrid funds,” he tells TOI. The exact allocation must depend on each retiree’s risk profile, health, other income sources and legacy goals. The key is simple: use SCSS for stability and income, and complement it with carefully chosen products that offer liquidity and long‑term inflation protection, he advises.Bottom line – SCSS is a great investment product for senior citizens, but it is by no means sufficient and must be supplemented with other avenues.(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)

Another case of violence against a Hindu youth has been reported from Bangladesh, where a man identified as Mithun Sarkar died after being chased by a group of men who accused him of theft. During the chase, Sarkar jumped into a nearby water body and drowned.The incident took place in Mohadevpur area of Naogaon district in northern Bangladesh. Confirming the details, Naogaon Police Super Mohammad Tariqul Islam told ANI, “In the northern district of Naogaon in Bangladesh, in an area called Mohadevpur, a Hindu young man named Mithun Sarkar was chased by a mob accusing him of theft. He jumped into the water and after he jumped in, he died. The police were informed and they recovered his body with the help of the fire service.”

Islam added that authorities are probing the matter. “We are conducting a post-mortem on Mithun Sarkar’s body and investigating the incident,” he said, without sharing further details.The incident comes amid a surge in communal violence in Bangladesh as the country heads towards its 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to data released by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, at least 51 incidents of violence were recorded in December alone.These incidents included 10 murders, 10 cases of theft and robbery, and 23 instances involving the illegal occupation of homes, business establishments, temples and land, along with looting and arson. The group also documented four cases of arrest and torture on what it said were false allegations of religious defamation and links to “RAW”, one attempted rape, and three incidents of physical assault. The council noted that the pattern of violence has continued into the first week of January.Several fresh incidents were reported in early January. On January 2, 96 decimals of paddy land belonging to Satya Ranjan Das in Ramgati, Lakshmipur, were allegedly set on fire. A day later, businessman Khokan Chandra Das was hacked and set ablaze in Shariatpur, succumbing to his injuries. On the same morning, members of Milan Das’s family in Ward No. 4 of Amuchia Union under Boalkhali Upazila in Chattogram were reportedly held hostage during a robbery.Another robbery was reported the same day at the residence of Sanu Das in Homna, Cumilla, where miscreants allegedly looted 10 bhori of gold ornaments, 12 bhori of silver and cash amounting to 20,000 taka, the statement said.

Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene, long known for her staunch “America first” rhetoric, has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to completely terminate the H-1B visa program, a key pathway for skilled foreign workers, a significant number of whom are from India.The legislation, designated HR 6937, was filed in the House on January 2, and proposes to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to eliminate the H-1B visa category “and for other purposes.” According to immigration experts, while it is unlikely to secure the support needed to become law, it has ignited fresh debate on the H-1B program.

According to a report issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), of the total H-1B applications (including extensions) approved in fiscal 2024, 71% or about 2.8 lakh were for Indian beneficiaries. Chinese nationals, next in line, accounted for roughly 47,000 approvals, or just 12% of the total. While chances of this bill becoming law are slim, if passed it would impact Indians aspiring to work in the US.The bare details that are currently available on the official government website, provides for relevant amendments to the INA but there are no details available on transitional arrangements or exemptions for existing visa holders. The bill was immediately referred to several House committees, including ‘Judiciary, Energy and Commerce’, and ‘Ways and Means’, where it will face initial review.Greene, a Republican congresswoman from Georgia, has been a vocal critic of the H-1B system for years, consistently arguing that it undermines American workers by enabling companies, particularly in the tech sector, to recruit foreign labour at lower wage levels. In statements accompanying the bill’s introduction, she reiterated this stance, framing the legislation as a necessary step to protect US jobs and counter what she describes as “outsourcing and wage suppression.”On social media, Greene highlighted her long-standing commitment to reshaping immigration policy, asserting that the H-1B program has too often been abused by corporations that put profits over people.Introduction of this bill comes at a tumultuous moment in her political career. Once one of the most visible allies of President Donald Trump, Greene has recently experienced a very public falling out with him over a series of disputes, including her support for bipartisan efforts to release files connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The discord culminated in Greene’s resignation from the House effective January 5.

Gold prices slipped on Wednesday as investors booked profits after strong gains in recent sessions, while focus shifted to upcoming US economic data. On the domestic front, February gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) declined by Rs 633, or 0.46%, to Rs 1,38,450 per 10 grams, reflecting mild profit-booking.In the international market, Comex February gold futures fell by $21, or 0.47%, to $4,475.10 per ounce, consolidating near record levels.Meanwhile, Comex silver futures were trading lower by $1.41, or 1.74%, at $79.63 per ounce, after rising as much as 1.91% earlier to hover near a record at $82.58 per ounce. The white metal had touched a lifetime high of $82.67 per ounce on December 29.Commenting on the trend, Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities said, “Gold fell to around $4,480 per ounce on Wednesday, pausing its two-day gains as investors looked past geopolitical risks and focused on upcoming US economic data.”Here is how much gold costs in your city today:

Gold price in Delhi today

The price of 22K gold in Delhi is Rs 12,800 per gram, while 24K gold costs Rs 13,963 per gram.

Gold price in Mumbai today

In Mumbai, 22K gold costs Rs 12,785 per gram and 24K gold is priced at Rs 13,948 per gram.

Gold price in Bangalore today

In Bangalore, 22K gold costs Rs 12,785 per gram, while the price of 24K gold stands at Rs 13,948 per gram.

Gold price in Chennai today

In Chennai, 22K gold is sold at Rs 12,870 per gram and 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,040 per gram.

Gold price in Ahmedabad today

The price of 22K gold in Ahmedabad today is Rs 12,790 per gram, while 24K gold costs Rs 13,953 per gram.

Gold price in Hyderabad today

The 22K gold price in Hyderabad today is Rs 12,785 per gram, while 24K gold stands at Rs 13,948 per gram.

Gold price in Jaipur today

In Jaipur, 22K gold costs Rs 12,800 per gram and 24K gold is priced at Rs 13,963 per gram.

Gold price in Kolkata today

Kolkata markets price 22K gold at Rs 12,785 per gram, while 24K gold costs Rs 13,948 per gram.

Gold price in Bhubaneswar today

The 22K gold price in Bhubaneswar today is Rs 12,785 per gram, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 13,948 per gram.

NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “surrendering” under “pressure” and contrasted his leadership with that of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.Gandhi’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump, speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, claimed that PM Modi had sought an audience with him. “Prime Minister Modi came to see me, ‘Sir, may I see you please’. Yes,” Trump said.

Trump also referred to India facing steep tariffs, saying New Delhi was “paying a lot of tariffs now” and had “reduced” the purchase of Russian oil “substantially”.Gandhi shared a video message on X with the caption “Fark samjho sirji”.“I know these BJP–RSS people very well now. Put a little pressure on them, give them a little push and they run away in fear,” Gandhi said. “As soon as Trump signalled from there, they picked up the phone and said, ‘What are you doing Modi ji?’ Narendra surrendered and with ‘yes sir’, Narendra Modi ji followed Trump’s signal.”Drawing a comparison with the 1971 war, Gandhi said India had once stood firm despite US pressure. “You might remember a time when the phone call didn’t come — the Seventh Fleet had come. In the 1971 war, the Seventh Fleet came, weapons came, an aircraft carrier came. Indira Gandhi ji said, ‘I will do what I have to do.’ This is the difference,” he said, referring to the United States Seventh Fleet.Trump has imposed tariffs totalling 50% on Indian exports, including a 25% levy linked to India’s procurement of Russian oil.“I have a very good relationship with him. He’s not that happy with me because 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,” Trump said.The tariffs, imposed in August, have triggered multiple rounds of trade talks and at least four conversations between the two leaders, but have yet to yield a bilateral trade deal.Separately, Trump also said in his remarks that India had flagged delays in the delivery of Apache helicopters, claiming New Delhi has been waiting for the aircraft for five years.

Sources said Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was present in the area when the incident occurred.

NEW DELHI: Delhi police have arrested five people in connection with a stone-pelting incident that broke out near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area of the capital, where a demolition drive was carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Wednesday. Sources said that Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was present in the area when the incident occurred. The violence erupted while the MCD was conducting a court-mandated demolition on land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard. At least five police personnel were injured after some people allegedly pelted stones and glass bottles at the force. An FIR has been registered in the matter, and five people have been detained for questioning, police said. Delhi home minister Ashish Sood described the stone pelting as “unfortunate” and warned that violence would not be tolerated.

Demolition drive at Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque near Turkman Gate in Delhi on Wednesday. (Image Credit: Tarun Rawat)

He said some commercial establishments had illegally come up around the mosque and action was being taken in compliance with court directions. “Obstructing or disrupting work being carried out within the framework of law is completely unacceptable,” Sood said. He added that certain “criminal and mischievous elements” resorted to demonstrations and violence, which could not be tolerated, and said individuals involved in the incident had been identified and legal action was being taken against them. So far, five people have been caught in the case, he said. “I want to clearly state that Faiz-e-Elahi mosque is completely safe. The action is limited only to those illegal commercial establishments that fall within the scope of the court’s orders. There is no arbitrariness or mala fide intent on the part of the government in this matter,” Sood stated. The minister also appealed to people not to fall prey to provocation, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone who took the law into their own hands. He urged the public to cooperate with the administration in identifying anti-social elements and maintaining communal harmony. MCD deputy commissioner Vivek Kumar said no damage had been caused to the mosque during the drive. He said the demolition was carried out in compliance with a high court order and that around 36,000 square feet of encroached area was cleared. The cleared area included a diagnostic centre, a marriage hall and two two-storey boundary walls. The demolition continued through the night, he added. Kumar said debris sufficient to fill around 200 to 250 vehicles was still lying at the site and would be removed as part of the ongoing clean-up operation.The operationThe operation began soon after midnight, with about 17 bulldozers, excavators and other heavy machinery deployed at the site. Authorities said the action was meticulously planned, with the area divided into several zones under the supervision of senior officials. Rapid Action Force personnel were positioned at strategic locations, while additional police units were deployed to maintain law and order. Traffic advisories were issued in advance, alerting commuters to possible congestion around Ramlila Maidan and nearby roads. Traffic diversions were also put in place to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Delhi Police said the situation in the Turkman Gate area was under control and reiterated that court orders were being implemented in a professional and sensitive manner, while ensuring the safety of both residents and personnel.(With inputs from agencies)

Silver imports surged sharply in 2025, pointing to its growing strategic importance, amid rising industrial demand, supply constraints and geopolitical tensions, according to a report by Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).India was the world’s largest importer of refined silver. It is estimated to have imported silver worth $9.2 billion last year, a 44 per cent increase from the previous year, despite a steep rise in prices. Silver prices in India nearly tripled in rupee terms over the past year, climbing from around Rs 80,000–85,000 per kg in early 2025 to above Rs 2.43 lakh per kg by January 2026.The reported stated that silver’s rally has been driven not only by safe-haven buying amid geopolitical uncertainty, including recent developments in Venezuela, but also by a structural shift in global demand. More than half of global silver consumption is now industrial, with high demand in electronics, solar power, electric vehicles, defence equipment and medical technologies. Solar power alone accounts for about 15 per cent of global silver demand.Global trade in refined silver has expanded nearly eight-fold since 2000, reflecting the metal’s transformation from a traditional precious commodity into a critical industrial input. However, supply has failed to keep pace. Persistent annual supply deficits of 200–250 million ounces, combined with largely flat mine output, have tightened global markets.The report also mentioned China’s dominant role in silver processing. While China is the world’s largest processor of silver ores and concentrates, India remains primarily a consumer, importing more than one-fifth of global refined silver trade in 2024. GTRI revealed that India imported about $6.4 billion worth of refined silver that year, while exporting less than $500 million of silver products, pointing to heavy import dependence.Concerns over supply have intensified following China’s move to introduce a licence-based silver export curbs, effective January 1. The new system requires government approval for each export shipment, adding uncertainty to global supply chains.GTRI argued that India must rethink its approach to silver, treating it as a strategic industrial and energy-transition metal rather than merely a precious commodity. “India should recognise silver as a critical industrial and energy-transition metal, not merely a precious commodity, and integrate it into its minerals and clean-energy strategy,” said GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava.“This requires securing long-term supply through overseas mining partnerships and encouraging domestic refining and recycling capacity to reduce dependence on imported finished silver, and diversifying import sources beyond a few trading hubs. In a fragmenting global order, securing silver is becoming as important as securing energy. India’s policy framework must reflect that shift,” he added.The GTRI report also flagged inconsistencies in global trade data. In 2024, reported global imports of silver ores and concentrates exceeded exports by about $3.6 billion, suggesting under-reported or opaque trade flows, particularly involving a small group of supplier countries.