<h1>Gold and silver surge as central bank independence concerns, tariff draft and weaker dollar spur demand and rate cut bets</h1> Gold and silver prices rose sharply amid currency weakness and global market moves after the US President removed a Federal Reserve governor, raising legal and governance concerns about central bank independence and prompting expectations of lower interest rates that favor non-yielding metals. The US issued a draft notice proposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian products effective Aug 27, creating trade law uncertainty and market pressure on the rupee. Ongoing central bank gold purchases and geopolitical tensions were cited as demand drivers. Market participants will monitor upcoming US macroeconomic releases and potential regulatory or trade actions that could affect monetary and trade policy.