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Silver is nicknamed the ‘devil’s metal’ in investment circles due to its notorious price volatility. Unlike gold, which tends to have steady value, silver can experience sudden and dramatic fluctuations. These rapid swings offer opportunities for high profits but also carry significant risks, making it a challenging investment for cautious investors.
If you have torn or damaged currency notes, there is no need to worry. As per RBI rules, notes above ten rupees can be exchanged at banks. Dirty or slightly torn notes are replaced fully. Notes missing some features get partial value. Fully burnt or badly damaged notes can be exchanged at RBI regional offices.
The Defence Ministry is expected to approve several indigenous defence projects today. These include an air defence system for Delhi, drones for the Army, missiles for the Navy and Air Force, tank upgrades, and new rockets. The council may also discuss leasing US Sea Guardian drones and buying refueller aircraft to strengthen India’s defence capabilities.
West Bengal Assembly LoP Suvendu Adhikari will lead a 6-member delegation to Bangladesh’s Deputy Commissioner today to raise demands over the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das and minority atrocities under Muhammad Yunus. 5 members, Sarbananda Abadhut, Mahakal Giri, Sanjay Shastri, Sanjay Hela, Krishna Mataji, represent the Hindu saint society.
Air pollution is India’s biggest health crisis since Covid, with a hidden surge of undiagnosed airway diseases worsening yearly, warn UK-based doctors. Linked to rising cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, experts urge early detection, treatment, and science-driven policies. PM2.5 caused over 17 lakh deaths in 2022, with transport emissions a major contributor.
Violence broke out in Jaipur’s Chomu town after police tried to remove stones outside a mosque. A crowd attacked police with stones, injuring several officers. Tear gas was used to control the situation. Authorities suspended internet services for 24 hrs, deployed extra forces, detained suspects, and urged people to stay calm as peace was restored.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin will inaugurate the third agriculture expo-cum-seminar tomorrow, December 27, in Tiruvannamalai, organized by the TN Agriculture Department. The two-day event will showcase modern technologies, crop varieties, organic farming, livestock, and agro-industries. CM Stalin will distribute ₹669 crore in welfare benefits to 80,571 farmers.
Andhra Pradesh Municipal Minister P Narayana started the foundation work for the new High Court in Amaravati. Designed by Norman Foster and Partners, the B+G+7 building will have 52 court halls, with the Chief Justice’s court on the eighth floor. Construction is part of seven iconic city projects and aims for completion by 2027.
Banks in several parts of India, including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank and Central Bank, will remain closed today, December 26, due to Christmas celebrations. The holiday follows the RBI bank holiday calendar, as many regions observe post-Christmas festivities, leading to bank closures across select states today.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed hope that experts will solve Delhi’s air pollution problem. The city’s AQI briefly improved to 220, but Anand Vihar remained very poor. Health experts warn of long-term pollution risks, including respiratory and heart diseases, with hospitals seeing a 20–30% rise in patients over December.
The IMD issued red and orange alerts for very dense fog across several UP districts, including Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Raebareli. Red-alert areas may see visibility below 50 metres, while orange-alert districts could experience 50-200 metre visibility. The warning, issued on X, covers over 40 districts, advising caution due to severely reduced visibility conditions.
PM Modi will participate in “Veer Baal Diwas” at Bharat Mandapam today, honouring Sahibzades Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. The event features his address, participation of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winners, and nationwide activities like storytelling, poetry, poster-making, and essay competitions celebrating their courage and sacrifice.
A road accident in Nallagatla, Nandyal, killed four people instantly and left two critically injured. A speeding car lost control, crossing the divider and colliding head-on with a CGR Travels bus. The deceased, all from Hyderabad, were trapped in the car. Police launched rescue operations, and the injured were hospitalized. Investigation continues.
A bus crash in Zontecomatlan, eastern Mexico, on Christmas Eve killed 10 people, including nine adults and one child, and injured 32 others, authorities said. The bus was traveling from Mexico City to Chicontepec. Fatal road accidents, often due to speeding or mechanical failure, are common in Mexico, with a similar November crash in Michoacan.
Indian doctoral student Shivank Avasthi, 20, was shot dead near University of Toronto Scarborough, prompting a brief campus lockdown. The Indian Consulate expressed anguish and is assisting his family. Students criticized poor lighting, weak security, and limited suspect information. Avasthi, a life sciences student and cheerleader, was fondly remembered by peers.