Silver has been regarded throughout history for its subtle sheen, attractiveness, and functionality. Ancient humanity discovered silver as one of the first metals and provided us with jewelry, utensils, money, and items of decoration. The ancient Greeks and Romans, and Indians appreciated silver for its physical qualities and gave it meaning in symbols typically described in terms of purity, clarity, and protection.
From a scientific viewpoint, silver is a precious metal and has a host of unique properties. Silver is the best metal conductor of heat and electricity, and in modern industry, it is prized for use in electronics, solar cells, and medicine.
Unlike gold, silver is found naturally without enhancements or processes, but silver tarnishes in the presence of air and moisture; a means to take silver back to its luster includes gentle cleaning or polishing. Culturally, silver is a part of traditions throughout the world. In India, for example, silver is a sign of wealth, as well as a part of religious ceremonies and holidays.
Silver is used in jewelry and bowls for gifts in celebration of various life celebrations, including those that stand for new life, and denote purity and wellness through these transitions in life. Still today, it appears silver remains a top two symbol of identity in maintaining its aesthetic attraction in people's fashion.
On this India Today special report, Maria Shakil examines the significant crash in precious metal prices as gold and silver hit their lower circuits just ahead of the Union Budget. Maria Shakil noted that there has been a 'sudden increase post 2024 in the last two years and the increase has been rather sharp from 2025 January onward' before the current downturn. The programme explores the factors behind this parabolic rise and subsequent crash, including profit booking, the 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) among investors, and global geopolitical uncertainty. Analyst Rajiv Mantri contributes to the discussion, suggesting that the price volatility reflects a larger narrative regarding the status of the US dollar in the international economy and the search for safe-haven alternatives. The report provides a detailed graphic assessment of how prices have moved over the last year, highlighting the impact of global turbulence on Indian commodity markets.
On this special budget broadcast, financial expert Manish Singh discusses the key triggers for market sentiment ahead of the Union Budget announcement. Singh highlights that the 'only statement which the markets would be watching out for carefully would be the taxation part, LTCG, STCG, STT' and suggests a need to lower these to ease market worries. The discussion covers critical fiscal metrics, including a projected fiscal deficit of 4.2% and a nominal GDP growth assumption of 10.5%. Singh anticipates that FY26 capital expenditure numbers might be reduced, potentially leading to elevated capex of approximately 12.5 lakh crore for FY27. The transcript also notes a significant crash in gold and silver prices at the market open, with the Nifty showing nervousness. Other experts point to volatility in the metals index and potential movements in defense, railways, and PSU stocks as the budget speech commences on an unusual Sunday session.
On this India Today special, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran discusses the critical economic challenges and priorities outlined in the Economic Survey. Addressing the issue of Chinese overcapacity, Nageswaran states, 'It is not just only a threat to India, it's a threat to many other countries in the region, but that is something that we need to factor in.' He emphasizes that India must improve its competitiveness by lowering input costs and addressing inverted duty structures. The CEA also provides a unique perspective on rising gold and silver prices, noting a 'latent wealth effect' for Indian households. On the currency front, he argues that a strong and stable Rupee is achieved through manufacturing excellence and export competitiveness rather than just services. Furthermore, Nageswaran explores the role of Artificial Intelligence, suggesting it can complement human resources in sectors like healthcare while stressing the need to respect and develop traditional manual skills to co-exist with evolving technology.
In this special report, Chief Economic Advisor Dr. V. Ananta Nageshwaran discusses the Economic Survey 2025-2026 following its tabling in Parliament. Speaking with Siddharth Zarrabi, Neha Batam, and Maria Shakeel, Dr. Nageshwaran highlights the 'reform yatra' and the synergy between Union and state governments in deregulation. He notes, 'We are prepared and that's it' regarding global geopolitical turbulence, emphasizing that preparation is an ongoing process. The discussion covers the impact of trade deals with the European Union, the potential for job creation in labour-intensive sectors, and the role of Artificial Intelligence in India's growth. Dr. Nageshwaran also addresses the Indian rupee's competitiveness, suggesting that a weaker currency currently benefits manufacturing exports. He provides insights into the upcoming overhaul of macro statistics and the reliability of India's statistical systems amidst international scrutiny. The programme explores the priorities of the Indian economy as it moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.
In this India Today exclusive, Chief Economic Advisor Dr V Ananta Nageshwaran discusses the Economic Survey 2025-2026 following its tabling in Parliament. Speaking during an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, Dr Nageshwaran highlights the 'reform yatra' and the synergy between Union and state governments in deregulation. He notes, 'We are prepared and that's it' regarding global geopolitical turbulence, emphasising that preparation is an ongoing process.
This news report examines the critical economic and political landscape ahead of the Union Budget 2026. The speaker highlights that the Indian rupee has hit a 'new low for the rupee' by crossing the 91 mark per dollar, exacerbated by global uncertainties and a 50% US tariff imposition on India. The transcript details how these tariffs include a 25% additional levy linked to Russian oil purchases. Beyond economic volatility and the surge in gold and silver prices, the report outlines the opposition's strategy to challenge the government during the budget session. Key flashpoints include the G. Ramji law, the scrapping of MGNREGA, and new UGC 2026 norms regarding caste tensions. Additionally, the opposition plans to raise concerns over India-China bilateral ties and the alleged misuse of central agencies. With upcoming elections in four states and Puducherry, the bulletin underscores the high stakes of the fiscal announcements amidst ongoing trade talks with the United States and recent free trade agreements with the European Union.
This edition of The News Today with Rajdeep Sardesai focuses on the landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union. Finalised after nearly two decades of negotiations, the pact seeks to open up a combined market of two billion people by cutting import duties on key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and textiles.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the sharp sell-off in the Indian equity markets where the Nifty dropped over 1.2% in a single session. Ashu Madan, MD of JM Financial, describes the current market state as an 'unfortunate panic reaction' driven by global geopolitical shocks and expiry-related volatility. While equities faced intense selling pressure, particularly in the real estate and auto sectors, bullion reached record highs with gold crossing the Rs 1.5 lakh mark. Madan advises retail investors against 'catching a falling knife' and suggests that the current period is one of long-term consolidation. He identifies PSU banks, led by SBI, and the metals sector as the only remaining safe havens. The programme also features insights from HCL Tech CEO C Vijay Kumar on AI's impact on IT services and Prahlad Joshi on India's renewable energy goals, providing a comprehensive overview of the shifting global economic landscape.
The visit of the President of the United Arab Emirates to Delhi marks a significant step in bolstering India-UAE relations, especially amid rising tensions in West Asia. Both countries signed key agreements on strategic defence partnership, space cooperation, and UAE's investment in the Dholera region. The quote, 'the president of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in Delhi,' highlights the visit's importance. The discussions covered diverse sectors such as LNG, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, food security, and civil nuclear cooperation, underlining a shared vision for expanding economic and strategic collaboration. The visit also carries cultural significance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting traditional gifts to UAE dignitaries, reflecting warmth in bilateral ties.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating trade tensions between the United States and the European Union. European Council President Antonio Costa has called for an emergency meeting in response to US President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 10% tariff on EU nations starting February 1st, 2026, unless they support a US takeover of Greenland. Costa stated that the European Union is 'very firm in defending international law' and is currently coordinating a joint response among member states. The bulletin also highlights the potential impact on India, as EU officials are set to attend Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Reporter Karishma suggests this friction could accelerate the India-EU trade deal, providing a 'silver lining' for Indian markets in sectors like pharmaceuticals and renewables. Meanwhile, US officials argue Greenland is vital for polar security, while European leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Clare Somers back Denmark's sovereignty.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the high-stakes Mumbai civic polls where Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have alleged large-scale voter fraud. The Thackeray brothers claim that the indelible ink used during voting is being deliberately wiped off to enable malpractice, a phenomenon they have termed 'ink fraud'. Uddhav Thackeray cited a video clip allegedly showing the ink being erased from a voter's finger. However, the State Election Commission has firmly rejected these claims. Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare stated that a 'fake narrative' is being built, clarifying that the silver nitrate ink used is the same as in parliamentary elections and has been in use via marker pens since 2010. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also dismissed the allegations, with Fadnavis demonstrating on camera that the ink could not be removed. The Commission stressed that digital registration makes double voting impossible and warned of strict legal action against anyone attempting to erase the ink to vote again.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and the controversy surrounding the indelible ink used during polling. Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare has clarified that the ink, made from silver nitrate, is the same as that used by the Election Commission of India. Addressing concerns raised by political leaders like Raj Thackeray regarding new 'pens', Waghmare stated, 'If someone tampers and votes again, then we will register the case.' He further emphasized that the ink has been in use since 2010 and dismissed claims of it being easily removable as a 'fake narrative'. The State Election Commission has warned that FIRs will be filed against individuals attempting to remove the ink to engage in electoral malpractice. The programme explores the efforts to restore public faith in the voting process amidst allegations of ink tampering and the challenges of preventing multiple voting in different polling stations.
Amidst escalating tension, Iran has now threatened to hit US bases in the region if Washington strikes Tehran.
Former Indian envoy Talmiz Ahmad analyzes escalating Iran-US tensions, providing a perspective on the ground reality in Tehran following a high-level call between Iranian and Indian foreign ministers. Ahmad notes there is 'no evidence of a pullback' from American military rhetoric and attributes widespread Iranian protests to 'extreme economic privation,' while suggesting they lack the leadership for regime change. He also critiques India's 'low-key approach' to the crisis. Domestically, the focus shifts to electoral practices, with a significant 'cash for votes' controversy in Maharashtra ahead of the BMC elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Jayesh Vani alleges widespread corruption and failure of police to act. The report also examines the broader culture of election freebies, highlighting the 'Gift Raj' in Tamil Nadu and an incident in Madhya Pradesh where gifted silver coins were found to be fake. Additionally, the bulletin covers a political storm at Lucknow's KGMU following 'love jihad' allegations and vandalism.
On this Get Real India report, Dharmendra Sahu investigates a shocking case from Madhya Pradesh where retired railway employees were gifted fake silver coins. What was intended as a gesture of appreciation by the West Central Railway Zone turned into a 'bitter betrayal' when jewellers revealed the coins were mostly copper with minimal silver content. The discrepancy was discovered when former employees attempted to sell the coins to capitalize on rising silver prices. A vigilance inquiry has since revealed that the coins were supplied by an Indore-based firm following an order placed in January 2023 for 3,640 gold-plated silver coins. Of these, 3,631 reached the general store in Bhopal. The suspected fraud amounts to nearly 2,500 rupees per coin. Retired employees expressed that they feel 'cheated and insulted' by the incident, which has raised serious questions regarding the railway's procurement and purchase processes. The report highlights the emotional and financial impact on the veterans who served the national carrier.
On this business report, anchor Abha Bakaya tracks the Indian markets as precious metals reach unprecedented levels. Abha Bakaya notes that 'both MCX Silver and Gold continue their bull run and in fact trending at new record highs', with silver jumping 7,000 rupees. The bulletin covers the World Bank's 7.2% GDP growth forecast for India in FY26 and the upcoming Q3 results for Infosys. Market experts Sharad Avasthi and Shailendra Bhatnagar join the discussion to analyze the sustainability of the metal rally and the outlook for the IT and PSU banking sectors. The programme also highlights the 1,907 crore IPO filing by logistics firm Shadowfax and high-level trade talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding critical minerals and defense cooperation.
On this Business Today report, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has accused the Trump administration of intimidation. Powell declared the move is a 'consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President'. The bulletin also covers crucial domestic updates, including a statement from the SEBI Chairman that approval for the long-awaited NSE IPO could come this month. This comes as Indian markets remain weak, with the Nifty falling nearly 650 points last week. Other key headlines include Reliance Industries pausing its lithium-ion battery cell project, new crypto KYC rules being unveiled, and precious metal prices hitting new records amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Expert describes gold as “more balanced and safer”, while cautioning that silver’s sharp rise could lead to profit booking due to its high volatility.
Indian markets see the Sensex slip by 200 points to hover near 84,500, influenced by negative global headwinds and FII outflows. Market expert Avinash Gorakshakar analyzes the day's action, pointing to the upcoming Budget 2026 and its potential capital market reforms, such as Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax relief, as key factors for market sentiment. In regulatory news, the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the RBI regarding the enforcement of Digital Lending Directions 2025 and privacy concerns over lending apps. Corporate updates include a setback for Cipla, as the USFDA flagged compliance issues at a partner's facility, impacting the oncology drug Lanreotide. Conversely, jewellery stocks like Titan and Senco Gold rallied amid rising gold prices and strong festive demand. The report also provides a sectoral outlook, with IT emerging as a top gainer, and highlights stock picks including Lupin and Apollo Hospitals, alongside a look at technology from CES 2026.
