Date: August 22, 2025 Animal welfare organizations welcomed the SC’s modified order, stating that it upheld scientific ABC principles of sterilization, vaccination, and release. However, they urged the court to provide clearer definitions for terms like “aggressive dogs,” as ambiguity remained around certain directives—especially regarding feeding zones and enforcement
The recent surge in gold prices has fueled a significant increase in gold loan demand across India. According to CRISIL Ratings, June 2024 saw a substantial 20 percent rise in gold loan applications compared to May 2024, highlighting the growing popularity of this financial option. Gold loans offer a quick and convenient way to access funds in emergencies, allowing borrowers to avoid selling their gold assets. These loans are often more affordable than personal loans because they are secured by gold, resulting in lower interest rates. Paisabazaar data reveals that the most competitive gold loan interest rates start at 8.8 percent. Below is a list of the top ten banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) offering the lowest interest rates on gold loans:
Indian Bank: Offers gold loans with an interest rate starting at 8.8 percent for a loan amount of Rs 5 lakh over a 2-year term, resulting in a monthly EMI of Rs 22,796.
ICICI Bank: Provides gold loans at an interest rate from 9 percent onwards for Rs 5 lakh with a 2-year tenure, translating to a monthly EMI of Rs 22,842. Canara Bank also offers similar rates.
State Bank of India (SBI): As the largest public sector bank, SBI offers gold loans starting at 9.05 percent for Rs 5 lakh over a 2-year period, with a monthly EMI of Rs 22,853.
HDFC Bank: Known for its competitive rates, HDFC Bank offers gold loans beginning at 9.10 percent for Rs 5 lakh with a 2-year tenure, resulting in a monthly EMI of Rs 22,865.
Punjab National Bank (PNB): Offers gold loans with an interest rate starting at 9.25 percent for a Rs 5 lakh loan over a 2-year period, resulting in a monthly EMI of Rs 22,899.
CSB Bank: Provides gold loans at an interest rate starting at 9.49 percent for Rs 5 lakh over 2 years, translating to a monthly EMI of Rs 22,954.
DCB Bank: Offers gold loans starting at 9.55 percent for Rs 5 lakh with a 2-year tenure, resulting in a monthly EMI of Rs 22,968.
Manappuram Finance: This leading NBFC offers gold loans with an interest rate starting at 9.9 percent for Rs 5 lakh over 2 years, translating to a monthly EMI of Rs 23,049.
Muthoot Finance: Provides gold loans at an interest rate starting at 10.5 percent for Rs 5 lakh with a 2-year tenure, resulting in a monthly EMI of Rs 23,141.
This information is sourced from the official websites of the respective banks and NBFCs as of August 20, 2024. The list is arranged in ascending order of interest rates, with the institution offering the lowest rate listed first. The EMI calculations assume zero processing and other charges for simplicity.