Gold and silver prices fell sharply on Thursday even as fresh policy changes began taking shape across finance, labour and travel services. One kilogram of silver slipped by ₹5,494 to ₹2.17 lakh, while 10 grams of 24-carat gold fell ₹2,305 to ₹1.40 lakh, according to the latest bullion rates reported by IBJA-based market trackers.

The drop continues a volatile week for precious metals. Silver has now fallen by more than ₹21,000 in three days, while gold has weakened by about ₹16,000 this month, after hovering above recent highs earlier in the week. Market updates from multiple Indian bullion trackers showed prices swinging sharply intraday, with some reports noting a partial rebound after the initial fall.

EPFO services pause

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s online claim-processing portal is shut from 26 to 28 June because of system migration and software upgrading, according to official updates reported on Wednesday and Thursday. During this window, PF withdrawal, e-passbook access and several digital services are expected to remain unavailable until the upgrade is completed.

EPFO has said the move is meant to make the platform faster and more reliable in the long run, and reports suggest the organisation is preparing a future rollout of UPI- and ATM-based PF withdrawal. For salaried employees who rely on online claims, the temporary shutdown could cause short delays, especially for urgent requests filed close to the maintenance window.

Passport fees go up

From 1 July, passport applications and re-issues will cost more, after the Ministry of External Affairs revised the fee structure. A normal 36-page passport will cost ₹2,500 instead of ₹1,500, while Tatkaal service will rise to ₹5,000 from ₹3,500.

The new rates also increase fees for 60-page passports and for replacement cases where a passport is lost or damaged. Some reports note separate concessions for certain age groups, but the broad change means applicants planning travel or document renewal in early July may want to apply before the revision takes effect.

Amazon’s big bet

Amazon has also announced a fresh $13 billion investment in India to expand AI and cloud infrastructure, following CEO Andy Jassy’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With this addition, Amazon’s planned India investment between 2026 and 2030 has been put at $48 billion overall, according to reports from Wednesday and Thursday.

The company says the spending will support its long-term business in India and deepen its digital infrastructure footprint. Analysts say the move signals continued foreign confidence in India’s tech market, especially as demand rises for cloud, AI and logistics capacity.

Markets and fuel

Today is a market holiday on account of Muharram, so NSE and BSE will remain shut, with trading resuming on Monday, 29 June. Petrol and diesel prices have not changed today, according to the latest city-wise fuel updates.

The government has also restored commercial LPG supply by lifting sector-wise restrictions, a move aimed at easing pressure on industries after recent supply constraints. Taken together, the updates point to a busy policy week for households and businesses alike.

Petrol prices continued to remain high across several Indian states on Friday, keeping concerns over inflation and transportation costs in focus among consumers.

Fuel rates in India vary from state to state due to differences in Value Added Tax (VAT), transportation charges and local levies. In several regions, petrol prices have remained above the ₹100 per litre mark for an extended period.

Energy market analysts said fluctuations in international crude oil prices and currency exchange rates continue to influence domestic fuel costs. State taxes also play a major role in determining final retail prices for consumers.

Economists noted that rising fuel prices often have a direct impact on household budgets, transportation expenses and the overall cost of goods and services. Commercial vehicle operators and small business owners have also expressed concerns over increasing operational costs linked to fuel rates.

Oil marketing companies revise petrol and diesel prices regularly based on global market conditions. Consumers are advised to check updated rates through official fuel retailers and authorised platforms for accurate daily pricing information.

Meanwhile, inflationary pressure linked to fuel costs continues to remain an important economic issue as households across the country closely monitor changes in petrol and diesel prices.