Mumbai, Jan. 12 -- Silver surged more than 6% to above $84.5 per ounce on Monday, scaling fresh record highs as a potent mix of rate-cut expectations and rising geopolitical risks ignited safe-haven demand. The rally drew added momentum from a softer US dollar, with the dollar index easing toward 98.5. Investor nerves remained on edge as nationwide protests in Iran entered a third week, drawing sharp warnings from US President Donald Trump and counter-cautions from Tehran against any external intervention. Markets also leaned bullish on precious metals after a softer-than-expected US jobs report reinforced expectations of two Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year, even as policymakers are seen holding rates steady in the near term. In t...