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<p data-start="77" data-end="266"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">For the first time in over three decades, central banks worldwide are holding more gold than US government bonds, signalling a significant shift in reserve management.</span></p>
<p data-start="268" data-end="481"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Traditionally, most nations kept their reserves largely in US dollars, euros, and American government bonds, known as Treasuries, with only a smaller portion in gold. Now, gold has overtaken bonds in prominence.</span></p>
<p data-start="483" data-end="801"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to the European Central Bank&rsquo;s International Role of the Euro 2025 report, central banks collectively hold over 36,000 tonnes of gold. At current market prices, this stockpile is valued at more than $3.6 trillion, compared with $3.8 trillion in US Treasuries, based on the US Treasury&rsquo;s June 2024 survey.</span></p>
<p data-start="803" data-end="908"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The shift has been driven largely by rising gold prices, which have exceeded $3,500 an ounce this year.</span></p>
<p data-start="910" data-end="1375"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Experts cite three main reasons for this trend. &ldquo;First, gold cannot be frozen or seized. After Russia&rsquo;s dollar and euro reserves were blocked in 2022 following its war in Ukraine, countries began seeking 'sanctions-proof' assets,&rdquo; analysts explain. &ldquo;Second, concerns about America&rsquo;s rising debt make many central banks cautious about holding too much in US bonds. Third, diversification matters, as central banks want a mix of currencies and gold to spread risk.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p data-start="1377" data-end="1811"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Data from the World Gold Council (WGC) highlights the surge in gold buying. Central banks purchased 1,082 tonnes in 2022, 1,037 tonnes in 2023, and 1,045 tonnes in 2024&mdash;more than double the purchases a decade ago. In 2025, the pace slowed slightly, with 244 tonnes added in the first quarter and 166 tonnes in the second. Analysts at Metals Focus, a London consultancy, expect total purchases this year to reach around 1,000 tonnes.</span></p>
<p data-start="1813" data-end="2053"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Surveys suggest the trend will continue. The WGC&rsquo;s Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey 2025 found that 43 percent of central bankers plan to add more gold in the coming year, while 95 percent believe global gold holdings will keep rising.</span></p>
<p data-start="2055" data-end="2365"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">India has also been steadily increasing its reserves. By March 2025, the Reserve Bank of India held about 880 tonnes of gold, accounting for roughly 12 percent of the country&rsquo;s total reserves. &ldquo;For India, this strategy helps boost confidence in the rupee during times of currency volatility,&rdquo; officials note.</span></p>
<p data-start="2367" data-end="2505" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, higher global gold prices also place pressure domestically, as they clash with India&rsquo;s traditionally strong demand for the metal.</span></p>
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For first time in 30 years, global reserves in gold surpass US Treasuries amid debt

Central Banks Favor Gold Over US Bonds

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<p data-start="83" data-end="415"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Punjab Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday announced that the State Excise Department has uncovered a major racket involving the refilling of premium scotch and whiskey bottles with low-quality alcohol. The operations also led to the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit liquor.</span></p>
<p data-start="417" data-end="601"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The raids, conducted in the Ludhiana (East) range based on intelligence inputs, were supervised by Excise and Taxation Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal along with other senior officials.</span></p>
<p data-start="603" data-end="922"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Our teams acted with precision to not only seize illegal stock but also to expose a new modus operandi where criminals are endangering public health by refilling premium bottles with low-quality liquor. This is a clear case of fraud and a serious threat to consumer safety, and we will not tolerate it," Cheema said.</span></p>
<p data-start="924" data-end="1443"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the first operation, enforcement teams dismantled a sophisticated network in Ludhiana refilling high-end imported liquor brands, including Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and Chivas Regal, with cheaper Indian Made Foreign Liquor and Punjab Medium Liquor. Two suspects, Amit Vij and Pankaj Saini, were apprehended. Authorities recovered 106 empty bottles, 39 refilled bottles, bottling accessories, and a vehicle. An FIR has been filed at Police Station Division 3 in Ludhiana, and investigations are ongoing.</span></p>
<p data-start="1445" data-end="1770"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a separate operation, excise officials intercepted Vikramjeet Singh in Samrala with 60 bottles of illicit liquor labeled "For Sale in Chandigarh only." The consignment had been illegally smuggled into Punjab, leading to his arrest. A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914.</span></p>
<p data-start="1772" data-end="2270" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Minister Cheema stressed that the Excise Department will continue rigorous enforcement drives across the state, including surprise inspections and coordinated inter-state operations, to dismantle illegal supply chains and prevent the circulation of spurious and non-duty-paid alcohol. He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local excise or police authorities, emphasizing that public cooperation is key to eliminating the menace of illicit liquor in Punjab.</span></p>
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<div class="pointer-events-none h-px w-px" aria-hidden="true" data-edge="true"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]</span></div>

Punjab Racket Busted Over Fake Scotch Bottles

Punjab Excise uncovers illegal refilling of premium scotch with cheap liquor, arrests made

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<p data-start="62" data-end="261"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">India&rsquo;s horticulture sector has shown remarkable growth over the past decade, supported by government efforts to diversify into high-value agriculture and boost farmers&rsquo; income.</span></p>
<p data-start="263" data-end="550"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">As of 2024-25 (second advance estimates), horticulture production rose from 280.70 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 367.72 million tonnes. This includes fruit production of 114.51 million tonnes, vegetables at 219.67 million tonnes, and 33.54 million tonnes from other horticultural crops.</span></p>
<p data-start="552" data-end="904"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">From 2014-15 to 2023-24, fruit output increased from 866 lakh metric tonnes to 1,129.7 lakh metric tonnes, a 30% rise, while vegetable production grew from 1,694.7 lakh metric tonnes to 2,072 lakh metric tonnes, marking a 22% increase. Productivity also improved, with fruits reaching 15.80 tonnes per hectare and vegetables 18.40 tonnes per hectare.</span></p>
<p data-start="906" data-end="1225"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">&ldquo;The horticulture sector has witnessed notable progress through targeted government schemes and initiatives addressing key challenges while unlocking the sector&rsquo;s full potential. The focus remains on enhancing crop quality, increasing production, and improving farmers&rsquo; access to markets,&rdquo; an official statement said.</span></p>
<p data-start="1227" data-end="1582"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, launched in 2014-15, aims to ensure holistic growth across all states and union territories. Independent impact assessments, including by NITI Aayog, and regular monitoring by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, have helped restructure the scheme and address field-level challenges.</span></p>
<p data-start="1584" data-end="1826"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Key initiatives include establishing Centres of Excellence for demonstration and training, the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme to leverage regional strengths, and a clean plant programme to provide disease-free planting material.</span></p>
<p data-start="1828" data-end="2071"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The government also supports the establishment of nurseries and tissue culture units, the expansion and rejuvenation of orchards and gardens, and the promotion of protected cultivation through polyhouses and greenhouses for high-value crops.</span></p>
<p data-start="2073" data-end="2393"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Additional interventions include promoting organic farming and certification, developing water resources and watershed management, and creating post-harvest and marketing infrastructure such as pack houses, cold storages, pre-cooling units, refrigerated transport, ripening chambers, and integrated cold chain systems.</span></p>
<p data-start="2395" data-end="2534" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">These measures are part of India&rsquo;s broader effort to strengthen the horticulture sector and expand its role in domestic and global markets.</span></p>
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<div class="pointer-events-none h-px w-px" aria-hidden="true" data-edge="true"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]</span></div>

India’s Horticulture Output Hits 367.72 M Tonnes

Government schemes drive record growth in fruits, vegetables, and high-value crops

<p data-start="221" data-end="562"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">India has taken another big step in digital governance as nearly 2,000 government services are now accessible through DigiLocker and e-District platforms across all 36 states and union territories. The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) announced that citizens can seamlessly use these services anytime and anywhere.</span></p>
<p data-start="564" data-end="909"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The integrated platforms cover a wide range of needs, from essential certificates and welfare schemes to utility payments and other citizen services. This marks a significant advancement in the government&rsquo;s Digital India vision, ensuring convenience, transparency, and efficiency while reducing paperwork and fostering mobile-first governance.</span></p>
<p data-start="911" data-end="1245"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">DigiLocker has established itself as a core pillar of India&rsquo;s digital public infrastructure by addressing issues of interoperability, security, and multi-stakeholder coordination. Its reliable framework has created a trusted space for digital documents and services, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for millions of citizens.</span></p>
<p data-start="1247" data-end="1628"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Among the states, Maharashtra currently provides the highest number of services at 254, followed by Delhi with 123, Karnataka with 113, Assam with 102, and Uttar Pradesh with 86. Kerala and Jammu &amp; Kashmir each offer 77 services, Andhra Pradesh 76, Gujarat 64, Tamil Nadu and Goa 63 each, Haryana 60, and Himachal Pradesh 58. Altogether, 1,938 services are now active nationwide.</span></p>
<p data-start="1630" data-end="1863"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Looking ahead, NeGD plans to expand further by adopting artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Training sessions and workshops will also be organized to improve awareness and ensure stronger delivery at the state level.</span></p>
<p data-start="1865" data-end="2070"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The move highlights the government&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to making governance more citizen-friendly through technology, aligning with the larger goal of building a digitally empowered and inclusive India.</span></p>
<p data-start="2072" data-end="2415"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since its establishment in 2009, NeGD has played a central role in implementing the Digital India programme, offering technical and advisory support to central and state ministries. It has developed and manages several key national platforms, including DigiLocker, UMANG, myScheme, API Setu, India Stack Global, Meri Pehchaan, and OpenForge.</span><br><br><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]</span></p>

NeGD integrates 36 states with DigiLocker, boosting Digital India with seamless access

2,000 e-Govt Services Now on DigiLocker

<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">With the Philippines having liberalised food imports from India, a delegation of rice exporters will be visiting the Southeast Asian country next month as part of a move to step up exports.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">The Philippines has agreed to remove restrictions on the import of Basmati rice. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">This move is expected to significantly boost India's high-quality rice exports to the country and eventually lead to higher incomes for Indian farmers, a senior official said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">A high-level delegation from the Philippines, led by Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. visited India earlier this month and held discussions with officials of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Indian Rice Exporters Federation to pursue this goal.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">The Philippines delegation, headed by Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. agreed to increase imports of key Indian food products, including rice, buffalo meat, vegetables, fruits, and peanuts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">The discussions resulted in a commitment to prioritise imports from India, helping diversify the Philippines' supply base amid global trade uncertainties. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">The decision to lift restrictions on Basmati exports was also taken at these discussions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">The deal marks a key development in Indo-Philippine relations and reflects both nations&rsquo; intent to work together in agriculture, trade, and economic growth. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">With global supply chains facing uncertainty due to geopolitical shifts, such partnerships are becoming increasingly vital.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">The Philippines aims to reduce dependence on Chinese products, enhance food security, and foster stronger Indo-Philippine economic relations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">The agreement would contribute to "improved food security, economic expansion, and diversified trade" between the two nations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">India exported agricultural products worth $ 413 million to the Philippines in 2024, which forms a mere 2% of the Philippines' total agricultural imports.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">As part of the stepped-up efforts to enhance bilateral trade, a delegation of the Philippines' food importers will also participate in "World Food India" from September 25-28, which is India's largest food trade fair, and the International Rice Conference on October 30-31.</span></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">&mdash;IANS</span></strong></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;"> </span></p>

Indian rice exporters plan trade boost with Philippines

Philippines lifts curbs on Basmati, boosting India’s food exports and farmer incomes

India To Boost Food Exports To Philippines

South Korean soldiers fire warning shots border

UNC: 30 North Korean troops crossed MDL, South Korea responded with warning shots

30 N. Korean troops cross border, S. Korea fires

Sacred to Spectacle: The Changing Face of Navratri

Navratri turns from sacred festival to social spectacle as glamour and profits rise

Gujarat BJP leaders hint at a major cabinet expansion and a new state president soon

Gujarat Cabinet Reshuffle on the Horizon

Congress alleges voter fraud in Gujarat rolls

Navsari constituency under scrutiny as Congress claims thousands of fake or duplicate vote

Porn site uploads fake images of Meloni, Elly Schlein, Ferragni; outrage sparks

Meloni, Women Targeted in Italy Deepfake Scandal

Unexpected Gujarat Cabinet Meeting Sparks Buzz

PM Modi’s visit coincides with sudden 5 PM cabinet meeting, fueling reshuffle speculation

Tragedy at Alexandria Beach: 6 Students Drown

Field trip turns deadly as waves sweep away students; 24 others injured

US F-35 fighter jets deployed in Korea for joint drills

Amid rising tensions, US may keep F-35 jets in Korea beyond joint exercise phase

US F-35 jets eye permanent Korea stationing

Karnataka Man Kills Daughter Over Inter-Caste Love

Kalaburagi man murders daughter, burns body after family opposes inter-caste affair

Mandaviya inaugurates Commonwealth Weightlifting in Ahmedabad

Commonwealth Weightlifting 2025 begins in Ahmedabad with 291 athletes from 30 nations

Mandaviya Opens Commonwealth Weightlifting 2025

<div>Ahmedabad&rsquo;s Crime Branch has arrested Ramesh Danabhai Desai, a key suspect in a high-profile 2010 murder case in Vejalpur.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The case, which had remained unsolved for over a decade, involved the brutal murder of Manish Sahay, whose body was discovered tied and hidden under a kitchen platform at his rented home.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>He was found dead in his rented apartment, with his body concealed beneath a kitchen platform. The accused, Ramesh Danabhai Desai, reportedly had a homosexual relationship with Gupta. The murder occurred after a violent argument, where Desai attacked Sahay with a metal object.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Desai allegedly murdered Sahay following a dispute on June 29, 2010. After the crime, he stripped Sahay's body, taped it, wrapped it in cloth, and concealed it beneath sand and cement under the kitchen sink of their rented Ahmedabad home.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Sahay's decomposed body was discovered days later, leading to an extensive investigation that ultimately resulted in Desai's arrest over a decade later.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>According to Crime Branch officials, Ramesh fled the scene in 2010 and evaded law enforcement by assuming a false identity.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Recently, investigators identified his movements and tracked him from Mumbai to Rajasthan. The suspect initially presented fake identification but was ultimately identified due to regional speech patterns and distinct mannerisms.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>In his confession, Ramesh reportedly detailed a personal dispute that escalated, leading to the murder.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>--IANS</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Accused went underground with false identity