reserves

India's foreign exchange reserves increased for the eighth consecutive week, reaching $688.129 billion. The rise was primarily driven by an increase in foreign currency assets, although gold reserves saw a slight decline. Year-on-year, the reserves have grown significantly, reflecting the strength and adequacy of India's external buffer.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been aggressively buying gold for the last few years. Analysis of World Gold Council data shows that the percentage of gold in India’s total foreign exchange reserves has spiked in the last few years.

Uttar Pradesh's tiger reserves and forest divisions are set for a grassland management overhaul, collaborating with IGFRI to cultivate perennial grasses. This initiative aims to provide year-round grazing for herbivores, the prey base for tigers and leopards. The program seeks to mitigate crop raids, human-wildlife conflict, and fire hazards associated with dominant dry grass species like Saccharum munja and Vetiver.

The Reserve Bank of India significantly increased its gold reserves by 57.5 tonnes in FY25 amidst global financial instability and rising gold prices. This acquisition, the second largest since 2017, aligns with a global trend of central banks bolstering gold holdings.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the national census, while criticizing the BJP and RSS for their historical opposition to reservation. He accused them of creating confusion for political gains, emphasizing the Congress party's long-standing demand for a caste census, as highlighted in their previous letter to the Prime Minister.

India and Pakistan, once sharing economic fates, now exhibit a stark contrast in foreign exchange reserves. India's reserves soared to over $688 billion due to liberalization, a booming service sector, and consistent policies. Pakistan's reserves struggle at $15 billion, hampered by political instability, reliance on external aid, and limited export diversification.

Responding to safety concerns after a child's attack, Pench Tiger Reserve initiated Mowgli Bal Udyans, creating 26 community-led play parks in forest buffer villages. These parks, fostering child welfare and conservation, now include reading rooms and libraries. The initiative has garnered strong community support, promoting education, environmental responsibility, and improved relations between villagers and the forest.