New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Gold prices extended gains for the third straight session, with February futures on the MCX rising another 9% or Rs.15,000 per 10 grams to a fresh record high of Rs.1,80,799 per 10 grams, crossing the Rs.1.80 lakh mark for the first time. The rally has pushed prices up by 31% so far in January.

In the international market, spot gold prices topped $5,600 per troy ounce, taking the month-to-date surge to 30%. In the previous session, spot prices closed 4.6% higher, marking the biggest one-day gain since the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Silver prices have also made a sharp jump, with the March silver futures contract gaining Rs.34,682 per kilogram on MCX, registering another historic high of Rs.4,20,04...