Gold climbs Rs 100 to new record high of Rs 1,13,100 in Delhi markets
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI): Gold prices hit a fresh lifetime high of Rs 1,13,100 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday, advancing by Rs 100 on sustained buying by stockists, according to the All India Sarafa Association.
Gold prices have been on a bull run this year, skyrocketing by Rs 34,150 or 43.25 per cent, from Rs 78,950 per 10 grams on December 31, 2024.
The precious metal of 99.5 per cent purity also advanced Rs 100 to touch a fresh record peak of Rs 1,12,600 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes).
"Gold prices have reached all-time highs as market risks have escalated, such as inflationary worries, mounting public debt, and weakening US growth. Exchange-traded fund flows, especially in Asia, have been a swing factor for gold prices," said Renisha Chainani, Head - Research at Augmont.
According to Sandip Raichura, CEO – Retail Broking & Distribution and Director at PL Capital, gold has had a blockbuster year, with domestic prices up more than 40 per cent in 2025.
"The surge has been driven by heavy central bank buying, strong inflows into exchange-traded funds, expectations of multiple rate cuts, and persistent geopolitical tensions linked to tariffs," Raichura said.
These factors have made gold the safe-haven of choice, though fresh allocations at record levels now carry the risk of volatility, he added.
In the international market, however, gold prices softened, with spot gold trading 0.52 per cent lower at USD 3,621.91 per ounce. Spot silver also slipped 0.35 per cent to USD 41.01 per ounce.
"Investors are awaiting the latest US consumer inflation report, which is scheduled to be released later in the day.
"The report is expected to provide further clarity on inflation, potentially influencing the magnitude of the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cut next week," said Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities.
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Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
