New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices stayed in ascending order for the second straight day, climbing Rs 2,650 to a fresh peak of Rs 1,40,850 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday, tracking robust trends in the global markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity closed at Rs 1,38,200 per 10 grams on Monday.

So far this year, gold prices in the domestic market have jumped by Rs 61,900, or 78.40 per cent, from Rs 78,950 per 10 grams recorded on December 31, 2024.

Silver also rallied for the second consecutive day, surging Rs 2,750 to touch a record of Rs 2,17,250 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes). In the previous session, the white metal settled at Rs 2,14,500 per kg after registering a sharp rise of Rs 10,400 per kg.

"An unprecedented rally continues in bullion, with spot gold nearing another milestone at the USD 4,500 mark.

"The latest round of rallies is driven by expectations that the Federal Reserve will deliver more than one rate cut in 2026, alongside rising geopolitical tensions that are strengthening the safe-haven appeal of gold and silver," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.

During the calendar year, silver prices have added Rs 1,27,550, or 142.2 per cent, from Rs 89,700 per kilogram recorded on December 31, 2024.

On Tuesday, spot gold increased by USD 54.3, or 1.22 per cent, to hit a record of USD 4,498 per ounce in the international markets.

"Gold has extended its sharp rally to almost USD 4,500 per ounce on geopolitical jitters and weaker dollar as markets expect the Federal Reserve to cut rates more than two times next year," Praveen Singh, Research Analyst, Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said.

During the calendar year, spot gold prices have surged by USD 1,892.23, or 72.62 per cent, from USD 2,605.77 per ounce, recorded on December 31, 2024.

Meanwhile, spot silver rose 1.4 per cent to breach the USD 70-per-ounce mark for the first time in the overseas trade. So far this year, silver prices have soared by USD 41.03, or 141.62 per cent, from USD 28.97 per ounce, recorded on December 31, 2024.

"Investors will now turn their attention towards the second estimate of third-quarter US GDP data, which is due later in the day and might provide clues into the health of the US economy and the future course of Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook," Renisha Chainani, Head - Research at Augmont, said.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.

The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.

This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.

The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”

“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.

Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.

In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.

Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.

This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.

Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.

Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.