The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The J&K Handicapped Association staged a protest at Press Enclave in Srinagar on Wednesday, urging the Jammu and Kashmir government to address the long-pending demands of persons with disabilities, including enhanced social security, employment opportunities and better accessibility to public services.

The Association called for the immediate appointment of a Disability Commissioner, claiming that the post had remained vacant for around one-and-a-half years and that the vacancy was affecting the protection of the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

The protesters demanded full implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, across Jammu and Kashmir, a special recruitment drive for qualified candidates with disabilities, and an increase in the monthly pension from ₹1,250 to ₹3,000.

They also sought implementation of reservation provisions in government and semi-government employment, including 4% reservation in promotions and transfers for employees with disabilities, and the re-advertisement of backlog vacancies dating back to 1998.

The Association called for greater representation of persons with disabilities in elected and government bodies, including the Assembly, municipalities and panchayats. It also sought their inclusion in decision-making committees and district development meetings.

On education, the protesters demanded improved accessibility in educational institutions, better reservation opportunities in colleges and universities, accessible textbooks and digital platforms, and the establishment of Braille schools in every district.

The Association also sought accessible roads, bridges, parking areas, government offices and banking facilities. It called for separate service counters for persons with disabilities in government offices, semi-government institutions and banks.

Among its employment and financial demands, the Association sought low-interest loans, subsidies, employment opportunities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and other government schemes, exemption from job application fees, tax relief, and at least 4% reservation in shopping complexes and plots developed by government departments.

The protesters further demanded comprehensive health coverage, free medical treatment, a 50% concession in electricity and water charges, and the establishment of advisory bodies to ensure that the concerns of persons with disabilities are reflected in policy decisions.

They also called for government and semi-government websites and mobile applications to be made accessible.

The Association urged the government to move beyond assurances and take concrete, time-bound measures to address its demands.

It said persons with disabilities should have equal access to employment, education, healthcare and public services, along with meaningful representation in decision-making, to safeguard their rights, dignity and independence across Jammu and Kashmir.

Gold has always been regarded as a valuable asset to hold in a diversified portfolio. As financial solutions and platforms take a giant leap forward, there are now several gold-linked solutions that investors could not previously get without buying jewellery or storing gold at home.

These platforms may offer digital gold, gold ETFs and gold mutual funds or other market-linked variants. The structure, cost, liquidity and risk profile of each product are unique. Knowing these can be useful for investors in choosing a gold investment that aligns with their investment goals and timeframe.

What Is a Gold Investment App?

A gold investment app is an online platform that enables people to acquire gold investment products with the help of their mobile phone or computer. Depending on the platform, a user can buy, possess and sell a variety of gold products online.

The specific products on offer will vary based on the app and regulatory requirements. Many platforms offer digital gold transactions, and investment platforms might offer access to exchange-traded products, mutual funds or other securities based on gold.

Digital Gold Through Investment Apps

Digital gold allows investors to purchase gold in smaller quantities through an online platform. The purchased quantity is generally represented digitally, while the corresponding physical gold is held in a vault or custody arrangement according to the provider's terms.

One of the main features of digital gold is fractional ownership. Investors can purchase a small quantity instead of buying a full coin or bar. Depending on the provider, the holding may also be sold online or converted into physical gold subject to applicable minimum quantities, delivery charges and other conditions.

Gold ETFs as an Online Investment Option

Gold Exchange Traded Funds, or Gold ETFs, are market-linked products designed to provide exposure to the price of gold. They are traded on stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell units through a trading account during market hours.

Gold ETFs can be considered by investors who already have a Demat and trading account and want exchange-traded exposure to gold. The investment value can fluctuate according to gold prices and market conditions. Investors should also consider the fund's expense ratio and tracking difference.

Unlike digital gold, Gold ETFs are securities traded through the stock market. Their structure, costs and taxation can therefore differ from those applicable to digital gold.

Gold Mutual Funds

Gold mutual funds provide another route for investors seeking exposure to gold without directly purchasing physical metal. These funds generally invest in Gold ETFs or related gold-linked instruments.

Investors can access mutual funds through various digital investment platforms. Depending on the scheme, they may also have the option of investing through systematic investment plans. This can be useful for investors who prefer to invest smaller amounts periodically rather than making a single purchase.

The fund's expenses, underlying investments, taxation and exit-related charges should be reviewed before investing. Returns are not fixed because the value of the investment is linked to the performance of the underlying assets.

Factors to Check Before Investing Online

Investors should first learn about the product and how it is provided and/or managed. The documentation and the regulatory status should also be considered prior to transferring funds.

Another key factor to consider is the cost. Depending on the product, investors may incur spreads, brokerage, fund expenses, platform charges, storage costs or delivery charges. With a long-term investment, even modest expenses can have a significant impact.

Liquidity is also a factor to take into account. Investors should be aware of the investment amount and/or transaction size requirements, as well as the time and circumstances in which they can sell their investments.

Taxation may vary among investment options and may be subject to various holding periods and types of assets. Investors need to review current tax laws on the product before making an investment.

Using Gold as Part of a Portfolio

The prices of gold can rise or fall due to various reasons such as changes in the global economy, interest rates, and currency fluctuations and investor demand. Thus, there is no guaranteed gold income.

Online gold investment can be a part of an investor's portfolio instead of the whole portfolio. It is important to take into account other financial objectives, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance when determining the amount of money to put in gold.

Conclusion

Gold investment apps have simplified the process of investing in various types of gold-related investments via digital platforms. The differences between digital gold and Gold ETFs and gold mutual funds include (but are not limited to) the structure of the ownership, the ease of transferring ownership, the expenses associated, and the minimum amount required to open an account.

Investors should consider the above and take risks when choosing an option. While platforms like Jio Finance can offer a digital approach to investing in gold, the decision to invest should be tailored to an individual's financial goals, investment horizon, and portfolio needs, rather than convenience.

NEW DELHI — The opposition INDIA bloc is preparing to stage a major protest in New Delhi on Monday, October 12, against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, amid continuing political tensions following Saturday’s police action against protesters and opposition leaders.

According to Hindustan Times, citing sources, the opposition alliance is planning a large-scale demonstration after protests on Saturday demanding Kumar’s resignation and raising concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to extend her stay in the national capital and participate in Monday’s demonstration, cancelling her scheduled return to Kolkata.

Banerjee was detained by Delhi Police on Saturday after staging a sit-in near the South Avenue bus stand, according to media reports.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was also detained after joining the protest over the CEC controversy.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee were among others detained during the police action. Dipke and two other CJP leaders, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were subsequently ordered released by a court on Sunday, while most other detainees from Saturday’s crackdown had also been released, according to Reuters and The Times of India.

The police action came amid heightened security arrangements across the capital, with restrictions affecting access to 45 Metro stations on Saturday. Mobile internet services were also temporarily suspended in parts of central Delhi. Reuters reported on Sunday that Metro stations had reopened and internet services had been restored.

The controversy centres on the SIR exercise, which opposition parties allege has resulted in irregularities and the deletion of eligible voters from electoral rolls. The INDIA bloc has demanded Kumar’s resignation and called for greater accountability in the functioning of the poll panel.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of electoral manipulation and maintained that the revision exercise is being conducted in accordance with established procedures.

Monday’s proposed demonstration is expected to bring together leaders and representatives of several opposition parties as the political confrontation over electoral-roll revision continues.

The latest mobilisation follows a series of protests, detentions and legal proceedings concerning the Election Commission, with the opposition seeking to sustain pressure on the Centre and the poll panel over its handling of the electoral process.