New Delhi, Jan. 5 -- Gold and silver prices kicked off the week on a strong note, with both precious metals rallying sharply during Monday's session. The US military operation in Venezuela over the weekend, which led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, stoked fresh geopolitical concerns, supporting the continued rally in safe-haven assets.

The February gold futures contract on MCX opened higher at Rs.1,36,300 per 10 grams, compared to the previous close of Rs.1,36,761, and scaled to the day's high of Rs.1,38,200, a Rs.2,439 surge.

By 8:10 PM IST, MCX gold was trading Rs.2,037, or 1.50%, higher at Rs.1,37,798 per 10 grams. The spot gold price also rose 2.3% to $4,425 per ounce.

Silver prices also resumed higher following a muted...