Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and step brother of Akhilesh Yadav, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 38 after suddenly falling ill.

A downsizing in the prime minister's convoy was implemented in his recent domestic visits, official sources said.

The Indian government has increased import duties on gold and silver from 6 per cent to 15 per cent to curb inbound shipments of precious metals amid a rising import bill due to the West Asia crisis.