According to reports, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) had commissioned a scientific analysis to find out gold buried below the surface in Pennsylvania.

The FBI had reportedly got a warrant to seize the gold if it was found by the geophysicist as testing hinted at nine tons of mass with density which seemed like gold.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/priest-turns-porn-star-at-83-481866">Also Read:&nbsp;Priest turns porn star at 83</a>

The gold apparently belonged to the civil war era even as a team consisting of father and son suspected the FBI may have double-crossed them and could have taken the gold with them.

The court ordered records to be released on the FBI's alleged treasure hunt&nbsp;where gold was apparently lost on its way to Philadelphia in 1863.

Watch:&nbsp;France returns 26 looted royal treasures to Benin

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The entire saga came to light after Dennis and Kem Parada sued the Justice Department for the records after the FBI refused to help. FBI posted it on its website informing that it conducted a massive excavation in 2018. However, no gold was found as it pointed out that no "metal" or "other relevant materials" were found.

The excavation had led to hundreds of photos in black and white as the FBI patrolled the area and "secured the site around the clock for the duration of the excavation.”

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) had commissioned a scientific analysis to find out gold buried below the surface in Pennsylvania.

According to reports, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) had commissioned a scientific analysis to find out gold buried below the surface in Pennsylvania. The FBI had reportedly got a warrant to seize the gold if it was found by the geophysicist as testing hinted at nine tons of mass with density which seemed like gold. Also Read: Priest turns porn star at 83 The gold apparently belonged to the civil war era even as a team consisting of father and son suspected the FBI may have double-crossed them and could have taken the gold with them. The court ordered records to be released on the FBI's alleged treasure hunt where gold was apparently lost on its way to Philadelphia in 1863. Watch: France returns 26 looted royal treasures to Benin The entire saga came to light after Dennis and Kem Parada sued the Justice Department for the records after the FBI refused to help. FBI posted it on its website informing that it conducted a massive excavation in 2018. However, no gold was found as it pointed out that no "metal" or "other relevant materials" were found. The excavation had led to hundreds of photos in black and white as the FBI patrolled the area and "secured the site around the clock for the duration of the excavation.” (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FBI authorised a gold digging hunt in Pennsylvania; what did they find?

Commissioned by a private collector, UK's Royal Mint has unveiled a 15-kilogram huge gold coin to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee.

Giant gold coin unveiled to celebrate Queen’s platinum jubilee

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen on Thursday bagged a gold medal after beating Jutamas Jitpong of Thailand 5-0 in the 52kg final of the Women`s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul. Nikhat joins six-time champion M.C Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny R.L and Lekha C. to become the fifth Indian woman boxer to win the world title.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-open-2022-pv-sindhu-kidambi-srikanth-get-off-to-winning-starts-saina-nehwal-crashes-out-480165">Thailand Open 2022: PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth get off to winning starts, Saina Nehwal crashes out</a>

Earlier on Wednesday, Nikhat had pulled off a comprehensive 5-0 win against Brazil`s Caroline De Almeida in the 52kg semifinal.

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen on Thursday bagged a gold medal after beating Jutamas Jitpong of Thailand 5-0 in the 52kg final of the Women`s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul.

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen on Thursday bagged a gold medal after beating Jutamas Jitpong of Thailand 5-0 in the 52kg final of the Women`s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul. Nikhat joins six-time champion M.C Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny R.L and Lekha C. to become the fifth Indian woman boxer to win the world title. ALSO READ | Thailand Open 2022: PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth get off to winning starts, Saina Nehwal crashes out Earlier on Wednesday, Nikhat had pulled off a comprehensive 5-0 win against Brazil`s Caroline De Almeida in the 52kg semifinal.

Women's World Boxing: India's young star Nikhat Zareen wins gold, defeats Jutamas Jitpong in 52kg final

Gold is the most sought-after precious metal in the world. Sure there are metals rarer than gold but the yellow metal has enticed humankind for more than a millennium.

So how about a star made of gold? The concept is certainly novel for us dwellers of solar system which has hydrogen-helium-based star.

So this 'gold standard' star is named HD 222925. It is 1,460 light-years away from Earth. It's not completely made of gold but large number of elements. Scientists have been able to find 65 separate element in this star. That's the maximum number of elements found in a single object outside solar system. The star is at the end of its life as a red giant.

"To the best of my knowledge, that's a record for any object beyond our Solar System. And what makes this star so unique is that it has a very high relative proportion of the elements listed along the bottom two-thirds of the periodic table. We even detected gold," said astronomer Ian Roederer of the University of Michigan.

"These elements were made by the rapid neutron capture process. That's really the thing we're trying to study: the physics in understanding how, where and when those elements were made."

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

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Gold is the most sought-after precious metal in the world. Sure there are metals rarer than gold but the yellow metal has enticed humankind for more than a millennium.

Gold is the most sought-after precious metal in the world. Sure there are metals rarer than gold but the yellow metal has enticed humankind for more than a millennium. So how about a star made of gold? The concept is certainly novel for us dwellers of solar system which has hydrogen-helium-based star. So this 'gold standard' star is named HD 222925. It is 1,460 light-years away from Earth. It's not completely made of gold but large number of elements. Scientists have been able to find 65 separate element in this star. That's the maximum number of elements found in a single object outside solar system. The star is at the end of its life as a red giant. "To the best of my knowledge, that's a record for any object beyond our Solar System. And what makes this star so unique is that it has a very high relative proportion of the elements listed along the bottom two-thirds of the periodic table. We even detected gold," said astronomer Ian Roederer of the University of Michigan. "These elements were made by the rapid neutron capture process. That's really the thing we're trying to study: the physics in understanding how, where and when those elements were made." Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

This star is made of gold, but it's dying

The Akshaya Tritiya festival is observed by Hindus and Jains all around the world. This day, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is considered to be one of the most auspicious. It falls on a Tuesday this year (May 3).

According to the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third tithi (lunar day) of Shukla Paksha in the Vaishakha month. According to the Gregorian calendar, it occurs between April and May.

One of the most significant practises on this day is worshipping Lord Vishnu. The Sanskrit meaning of Akshaya Tritiya, the two words, is extremely important to Hindus. "Akshaya" means "never fading," while "Tritiya" refers to the third day of Vaishakha month's illuminated half.

It has a backstory:

According to the legend, a lot of events occurred on Akshaya Tritiya, making it an auspicious day.

According to mythology, the Treta Yuga, the second of the four yugas, began on Akshaya Tritiya, when Lord Vishnu's sixth avatar, Parshuram, was born.

On this day, Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, is said to have begun narrating the epic to Lord Ganesh.

Lord Krishna ran into his childhood friend Sudama on this occasion.

On Akshaya Tritiya, according to another legend, the Ganga descended from heaven to Earth.

Significance

On this day, both buyers and sellers prepare for a successful transaction. Hindus and Jains, in particular, celebrate the day with passion and joy, purchasing gold in the hopes of drawing good fortune.

In Jainism, the day of Akshaya Tritiya honours Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, who completed his one-year fast by drinking sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. On this day, people who practise Varshi-tap, a year-long alternate fasting day, finish their tapasya by drinking sugarcane juice.

Timings of Puja

According to Drik Panchang, the Akshaya Tritiya Puja Muhurat will begin at 05:39 am on May 3 and end at 12:18 p.m.&nbsp;

The Tritiya Tithi will begin on May 3 at 5:18 a.m. and end on May 4 at 7:32 a.m. It is between 05:39 a.m. on May 3 and 05:38 a.m. on May 4 that is the best time to buy gold.

The Akshaya Tritiya festival is observed by Hindus and Jains all around the world. This day, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is considered to be one of the most auspicious.

The Akshaya Tritiya festival is observed by Hindus and Jains all around the world. This day, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is considered to be one of the most auspicious. It falls on a Tuesday this year (May 3). According to the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third tithi (lunar day) of Shukla Paksha in the Vaishakha month. According to the Gregorian calendar, it occurs between April and May. One of the most significant practises on this day is worshipping Lord Vishnu. The Sanskrit meaning of Akshaya Tritiya, the two words, is extremely important to Hindus. "Akshaya" means "never fading," while "Tritiya" refers to the third day of Vaishakha month's illuminated half. It has a backstory: According to the legend, a lot of events occurred on Akshaya Tritiya, making it an auspicious day. According to mythology, the Treta Yuga, the second of the four yugas, began on Akshaya Tritiya, when Lord Vishnu's sixth avatar, Parshuram, was born. On this day, Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, is said to have begun narrating the epic to Lord Ganesh. Lord Krishna ran into his childhood friend Sudama on this occasion. On Akshaya Tritiya, according to another legend, the Ganga descended from heaven to Earth. Significance On this day, both buyers and sellers prepare for a successful transaction. Hindus and Jains, in particular, celebrate the day with passion and joy, purchasing gold in the hopes of drawing good fortune. In Jainism, the day of Akshaya Tritiya honours Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, who completed his one-year fast by drinking sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. On this day, people who practise Varshi-tap, a year-long alternate fasting day, finish their tapasya by drinking sugarcane juice. Timings of Puja According to Drik Panchang, the Akshaya Tritiya Puja Muhurat will begin at 05:39 am on May 3 and end at 12:18 p.m. The Tritiya Tithi will begin on May 3 at 5:18 a.m. and end on May 4 at 7:32 a.m. It is between 05:39 a.m. on May 3 and 05:38 a.m. on May 4 that is the best time to buy gold.

Akshaya Tritiya 2022: India has a day dedicated to buying gold. But what's the story behind it?

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest since mid-March, as the Russia-Ukraine crisis soured risk sentiment and drove investors to the safety of bullion.

Gold hits over 1-month high as Ukraine crisis weakens risk appetite

Gold was headed for biggest quarterly gain since pandemic-led surge in mid-2020. Gold's safe-haven appeal is also understood to have been bolstered by Ukraine crisis.

Spot gold XAU= was up 0.4% at $1,940.95 per ounce by 12:22 p.m. EDT (1622 GMT). For the month, bullion was up about 1.7%.

US gold futures GCv1 rose 0.4% to $1,946.90.

"The geopolitical situation has been dragging for a month now and inflation data continues to rise. So the overall sentiment in this market right now is people looking for safety," RJO Futures senior market strategist Bob Haberkorn said.

Gold is considered a safe investment during times of political and financial uncertainty.

Data showed U.S. consumer spending slowed significantly in February, while price pressures continued to mount, with the largest annual spike in inflation since the early 1980s. (Full Story)

Russia's invasion, which began on Feb. 24, has fuelled a rally in oil prices and industrial metals.

"We could see a pullback in gold if there is some positive news that comes out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but I think traders will look at that as a buying opportunity because of inflation fears," Haberkorn said.

The Federal Reserve has hinted toward aggressive rate hikes this year to fight against soaring inflation, which investors fear could send the U.S. economy into a recession.

A pullback in benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yields on Thursday also supported gold. US/

Silver XAG= inched 0.1% higher to $24.86 per ounce. Platinum XPT= fell 0.7% to $983.50. Both metals were set for quarterly gains.

Palladium XPD= rose 0.2% to $2,269.97 and was headed for its biggest quarterly jump since March 2020.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Gold was headed for biggest quarterly gain since pandemic-led surge in mid-2020. Gold's safe-haven appeal is also understood to have been bolstered by Ukraine crisis.

Gold was headed for biggest quarterly gain since pandemic-led surge in mid-2020. Gold's safe-haven appeal is also understood to have been bolstered by Ukraine crisis. Spot gold XAU= was up 0.4% at $1,940.95 per ounce by 12:22 p.m. EDT (1622 GMT). For the month, bullion was up about 1.7%. US gold futures GCv1 rose 0.4% to $1,946.90. "The geopolitical situation has been dragging for a month now and inflation data continues to rise. So the overall sentiment in this market right now is people looking for safety," RJO Futures senior market strategist Bob Haberkorn said. Gold is considered a safe investment during times of political and financial uncertainty. Data showed U.S. consumer spending slowed significantly in February, while price pressures continued to mount, with the largest annual spike in inflation since the early 1980s. (Full Story) Russia's invasion, which began on Feb. 24, has fuelled a rally in oil prices and industrial metals. "We could see a pullback in gold if there is some positive news that comes out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but I think traders will look at that as a buying opportunity because of inflation fears," Haberkorn said. The Federal Reserve has hinted toward aggressive rate hikes this year to fight against soaring inflation, which investors fear could send the U.S. economy into a recession. A pullback in benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yields on Thursday also supported gold. US/ Silver XAG= inched 0.1% higher to $24.86 per ounce. Platinum XPT= fell 0.7% to $983.50. Both metals were set for quarterly gains. Palladium XPD= rose 0.2% to $2,269.97 and was headed for its biggest quarterly jump since March 2020.

Gold poised for biggest quarterly gain in almost 2 years

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif on Sunday praised Rohit Sharma's captaincy, saying that everything the right-handed batter is touching, is turning to gold.

Kaif hailed Rohit's moves of shifting Shreyas Iyer to No.3 in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka in the absence of Virat Kohli.

"Be careful to shake hands with Rohit Sharma these days. Anything he touches turns to gold. Shreyas at No.3, rotation of players, bowling changed. Every move, a masterstroke. #Goldentouch @ImRo45," tweeted Kaif.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-admitted-to-hospital-after-being-hit-on-head-by-a-nasty-bouncer-during-2nd-t20i-against-sl-457011">Ishan Kishan admitted to hospital after being hit on head by a nasty bouncer during 2nd T20I against SL</a>

India has now gone 11 matches without being defeated in the shortest format, and they are just one more win away from equalling the world record.

Shreyas Iyer smashed a stylish fifty before Jadeja slammed 45 in 18 balls to help India defeat Sri Lanka in the second T20I by seven wickets on Saturday.

With this win, India also sealed the two-match T20I series (2-0) with a game to go.

The third T20I between both sides will be played on Sunday.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif on Sunday praised Rohit Sharma's captaincy, saying that everything the right-handed batter is touching, is turning to gold. Kaif hailed Rohit's moves of shifting Shreyas Iyer to No.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif on Sunday praised Rohit Sharma's captaincy, saying that everything the right-handed batter is touching, is turning to gold. Kaif hailed Rohit's moves of shifting Shreyas Iyer to No.3 in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka in the absence of Virat Kohli. "Be careful to shake hands with Rohit Sharma these days. Anything he touches turns to gold. Shreyas at No.3, rotation of players, bowling changed. Every move, a masterstroke. #Goldentouch @ImRo45," tweeted Kaif. ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan admitted to hospital after being hit on head by a nasty bouncer during 2nd T20I against SL India has now gone 11 matches without being defeated in the shortest format, and they are just one more win away from equalling the world record. Shreyas Iyer smashed a stylish fifty before Jadeja slammed 45 in 18 balls to help India defeat Sri Lanka in the second T20I by seven wickets on Saturday. With this win, India also sealed the two-match T20I series (2-0) with a game to go. The third T20I between both sides will be played on Sunday.

'Anything he touches turns to gold': Md. Kaif praises Rohit Sharma after India beat Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I

After borrowing from global bodies, the Imran Khan govt is eyeing the vault of its own people. It plans to borrow gold from Pakistani citizens to boost foreign exchange reserves. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Pak govt eyes citizen's gold to escape financial woes

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (February 21) ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. In a televised address, Putin ordered to despatch Russian peacekeepers to Ukraine's two breakaway regions - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (February 21) ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. In a televised address, Putin ordered to despatch Russian peacekeepers to Ukraine's two breakaway regions - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russia-Ukraine crisis impacted the prices of some of the commodities worldwide. The prices are expected to rise further: Here's a list: Gold Gold prices are already rising globally amid the ongoing conflict and after Putin's latest move to deploy troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, the gold hit a near nine-month high on Tuesday (February 22). Spot gold XAU= was up 0.2% at $1,909.60 per ounce by 0332 GMT, after scaling its highest since June 1 at $1,913.89 per ounce earlier. US gold futures GCv1 gained 0.6% to $1,911.50. Jeffrey Halley, who is a senior market analyst at OANDA, said: "With the situation deteriorating seemingly by the day in Eastern Europe, there is very little reason to be negative on gold at the moment." Halley added, "Rising stagflationary pressures around the world are also underpinning the precious metal, a situation that will be exacerbated by massive Western sanctions on Russia if they come to play." ALSO READ | US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine Aluminium The escalating border tensions between Russia and Ukraine could result in soaring prices of Aluminium as Russia accounts for approximately 6 per cent of the global aluminium supply. The conflict could result in a potential supply shock in the aluminium market, which is already tight. In recent days, Aluminum prices have risen about 15 per cent till Feb 21. The prices are near multi-year highs and there's a possibility that it could still rise further. Christopher LaFemini, who is a Jefferies analyst quoted as saying by Oilprice.com that when the conflict ends, aluminium prices might decline but will rise again because the deficit would persist. Oil After Putin's latest announcement, oil jumped to a seven-year high. Important to note that Russia is an oil and gas powerhouse, as the country is pumping about nine million barrels of crude oil a day. Crude - already up more than 20 per cent this year on surging demand - piled higher still on Tuesday, with Brent closing in on the $100 mark for the first time since 2014. Hopes of an Iran nuclear deal, which could see Tehran resume global oil exports, were unable to temper the gains. The jump in oil is compounding worries about inflation around the world, with the Federal Reserve coming under intense pressure to tighten monetary policy to prevent prices from running out of control. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine: Key points from his crucial address Natural gas The ongoing conflict could result in much higher prices for natural gas as Russia is a leading producer of natural gas. As per BP data, the country pumped about 639 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2021, which was nearly 17 per cent of global production of 3.854 trillion cubic meters. West claims that Russia is using natural gas as a tool to take advantage of the crisis situation. The claims also state that Russia delays in the certification of Nord Stream 2, which is a system of offshore natural gas pipelines in Europe, running under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. Copper Russia produced 920,000 tonnes of refined copper in 2021, which is about 3.5 per cent of the world's total, the USGS data tells. As per a report by Oilprice.com, UMMC and Russian Copper Company are the other two major producers. Europe and Asia are two major export markets for Russia and the ongoing conflict is likely to impact exports resulting in higher prices globally. Cobalt The Russia-Ukraine conflict could also result in rising prices of Cobalt. Russia produced 7,600 tonnes of cobalt last year, more than 4 per cent of the world total, as per the data from the US Geological Survey (USGS). ×

These commodities could become super expensive amid escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis

In order to supplement its dwindling foreign exchange reserves, the Pakistan government is considering a proposal to borrow gold biscuits and bars from the people to increase foreign exchange reserves.

Pakistan government eyes citizens' gold to boost forex

To boost its dwindling foreign exchange reserves, Pakistani government is now looking at the vault of its citizens. What is interesting is that Pakistan seems to be planning with a scheme that would translate the gold that is held by the households and citizens in Pakistan into foreign currency to enhance its foreign exchange reserves, listen in.

Pakistan eyes citizens' gold to boost foreign exchange reserves

Gold bars from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and jewellery from India, are two key items that are getting significant duty cuts under the India-UAE Free trade agreement, which was signed amid much fanfare in Delhi on Friday.&nbsp;

Commerce Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam speaking to a group of reporters on Saturday said, "We are a major importer of gold. India imports 800 tons of gold every year. To UAE, we have given Tariff rate quota (TRQ) of 200 tons, with tariff in perpetuity will be one per cent less, than whatever is the tariff charged to the rest of the world".&nbsp;

This gives UAE 1 per cent price advantage in gold bars, which gives the west Asian country an upper hand in gold trade with India.

On India's side, the big gain is that Indian jewellery gets zero duty access to the UAE market. UAE currently has a 5 per cent duty on Indian jewellery which will be done away with when the FTA comes into implementation in the first week of May.&nbsp;

Overall, the gems and jewellery sector will get an edge with international jewellery operations, which is expected to shift to India from Singapore and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Secretary Subrahmanyam explained, "UAE becomes a very big entry point for us to enter into rest of the world, Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. The jewellery sector is gung ho".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-uae-counterpart-to-hold-virtual-meet-trade-pact-to-be-signed-452989">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi, UAE counterpart to hold virtual meet; Trade pact to be signed</a>

As per estimates, Indian jewellery export can increase by 200 per cent in the next 3 years.

The FTA or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aims at increasing the bilateral non-oil trade between the 2 countries to $100 billion annually. Currently, the trade stands at $60 billion.&nbsp;

This is India's first comprehensive trade agreement in a decade and under the deal, duty gets eliminated on 80 per cent of tariff lines.

UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri in response to WION's question after the signing of the pact said, "Everyone is on reform part for the economy given that we have gone through pandemic that has hit the world...this agreement comes at an early stage of the year, it really gives recovery for the economy"

Substantial net gains for India have particularly been in labour-intensive industries - gems and jewellery, textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, plastics, furniture, agricultural and wood products, engineering products, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and automobiles. Indian exporters will gain market access in the UAE but also provide wider access to the much larger Arab and African markets.

Highlighting how the pact opens markets for Indian goods, Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal said, "UAE, over the year, has built a reputation of a trading hub on which people have the faith that it works seamlessly, very smoothly and created the strong backbone of financial systems, port system, logistics chain and deepening of exports will certainly help us gain access to other countries".

Interestingly, a separate annexe on pharmaceuticals has been incorporated to facilitate access to Indian pharmaceutical products by giving them regulatory approval in 90 days.&nbsp;

The ​signing of FTA comes when India is celebrating 75 years of Independence &amp; UAE is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation.

Gold bars from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and jewellery from India, are two key items that are getting significant duty cuts under the India-UAE Free trade agreement, which was signed amid much fanfare in Delhi on Friday.

Gold bars from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and jewellery from India, are two key items that are getting significant duty cuts under the India-UAE Free trade agreement, which was signed amid much fanfare in Delhi on Friday. Commerce Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam speaking to a group of reporters on Saturday said, "We are a major importer of gold. India imports 800 tons of gold every year. To UAE, we have given Tariff rate quota (TRQ) of 200 tons, with tariff in perpetuity will be one per cent less, than whatever is the tariff charged to the rest of the world". This gives UAE 1 per cent price advantage in gold bars, which gives the west Asian country an upper hand in gold trade with India. On India's side, the big gain is that Indian jewellery gets zero duty access to the UAE market. UAE currently has a 5 per cent duty on Indian jewellery which will be done away with when the FTA comes into implementation in the first week of May. Overall, the gems and jewellery sector will get an edge with international jewellery operations, which is expected to shift to India from Singapore and Hong Kong. Secretary Subrahmanyam explained, "UAE becomes a very big entry point for us to enter into rest of the world, Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. The jewellery sector is gung ho". Also read | PM Modi, UAE counterpart to hold virtual meet; Trade pact to be signed As per estimates, Indian jewellery export can increase by 200 per cent in the next 3 years. The FTA or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aims at increasing the bilateral non-oil trade between the 2 countries to $100 billion annually. Currently, the trade stands at $60 billion. This is India's first comprehensive trade agreement in a decade and under the deal, duty gets eliminated on 80 per cent of tariff lines. UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri in response to WION's question after the signing of the pact said, "Everyone is on reform part for the economy given that we have gone through pandemic that has hit the world...this agreement comes at an early stage of the year, it really gives recovery for the economy" Substantial net gains for India have particularly been in labour-intensive industries - gems and jewellery, textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, plastics, furniture, agricultural and wood products, engineering products, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and automobiles. Indian exporters will gain market access in the UAE but also provide wider access to the much larger Arab and African markets. Highlighting how the pact opens markets for Indian goods, Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal said, "UAE, over the year, has built a reputation of a trading hub on which people have the faith that it works seamlessly, very smoothly and created the strong backbone of financial systems, port system, logistics chain and deepening of exports will certainly help us gain access to other countries". Interestingly, a separate annexe on pharmaceuticals has been incorporated to facilitate access to Indian pharmaceutical products by giving them regulatory approval in 90 days. The signing of FTA comes when India is celebrating 75 years of Independence & UAE is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation.

All that glitters! gold bars and jewellery get duty cuts under India, UAE FTA

When Turkish finance minister Nureddin Nebati this week announced plans to encourage households to convert their gold holdings into Turkish liras in a bid to shore up Turkish central bank reserves, he was targeting people like Esra G.

Ms. G., whose last name has been abbreviated to preserve her anonymity, has had a life-long troubled relationship with gold. When she was barely three years old, her distaste for it as an adornment was already so strong that she dumped all her gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings into the Bosporus.

Nonetheless, Ms. G. grew up to be an avid collector of gold, including an assortment of five- and 10-gram Credit Suisse coins. As a young woman, Ms. G. preferred antique silver jewelry and wouldn’t wear gold but kept her gold collection under her pillow.

"Gold is a tradition. It grows out of a deep-seated distrust of governments and currencies and has been handed down from generation to generation. They didn't take money. They took gold," she said. "I'm a child of that system. ... I want the gold where I can touch it and feel it."

It is the many people like Ms. G. that Mr. Nebati is targeting. The minister told investors in London this week that he hoped his scheme would convert 10 percent of the estimated US$250-300 billion worth of gold squirreled away in the homes and back yards of Turkey, much of it by women.

Ayse Esen, head of a leading Turkish gold refinery, shared Mr. Nebati's estimate. "We are aware of the fact that there is around 3,000-5,000 tonnes of gold saved under mattresses, which amounts to an informal economy with a size of $200-300 billion," Ms. Esen, CEO of Istanbul Gold Refinery (IAR), said.

According to the World Gold Council, official Turkish gold reserves dropped from a high of 583 tonnes in July 2020 to 392 tonnes a year later.

Speaking to Sabah, a pro-government daily, Ms. Esen, probably unwittingly, suggested that convincing Turks to convert their gold could prove to be an uphill battle. She noted that a program launched ten years ago by the refinery and commercial banks had so far netted a mere 100 tonnes of hidden gold.

Lack of confidence in the government is only part of the problem. As important is the fact that much of Turkey's gold hoard is non-negotiable because it is held in the form of jewelry. Turkey's 40,000 jewelers turn approximately 150 tonnes of gold into jewelry a year.

Mr. Nebati reportedly told investors that some 30,000 gold shops would purchase privately held jewelry as part of his scheme and sell it to one of five government-contracted refineries that are believed to include IAR. The refineries would convert the jewelry into bullion that could be added to the central bank’s reserves.

It's not clear why Mr. Nebati believes his scheme would work this time around when earlier attempts failed. One such effort involved creating a facility that allowed holders of gold to deposit it with banks in exchange for gold certificates that would have been negotiable on a gold exchange.

Ms. G., the woman who doesn't like gold jewelry, vowed already decades ago that she would never trust a bank with her gold, even though she doesn't hesitate to deposit money in a bank.

She, like many Turks, is historically suspicious of authority, and many of them see hoarding gold not only as a safe investment but also as a reserve that can't be taken away from them. It also doesn't violate the Islamic ban on interest.

In the early 19th century, Turks hoarded gold to evade Ottoman taxes, which were based on what taxpayers physically possessed when the tax collector came around. As a result, Ottoman subjects bought gold and buried it not to be counted and taxed. Despite the Ottomans' later introduction of paper money, Ottoman subjects continued to view gold as their most secure form of investment because of inflation.

"People did not trust it,” said a gold trader. "The certificate had no relationship to the gold. It was devalued by inflation, and people have distrusted paper money ever since. . . . Gold has become a symbol of distrust of the state."

"I've been in this business for decades and have seen a lot of change. One thing never changes, and that is gold. Our money is worthless; gold is much better. Besides that, gold is part of our history," added a jewelry repair shop owner.

Trust as much as tradition may prove to be Mr. Nebati’s Achilles heel.

By attracting hidden gold, Mr. Nebati aims to help the government stop the freefall of the Turkish lira, which lost more than 40 percent of its value last year and halt the spiralling out of control of inflation that last month hit 36.1 per cent.

Many blame the crisis on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s idiosyncratic push to cut interest rates based on his unorthodox belief that this would lower consumer prices.

As a result, a whopping 75 per cent of respondents in a survey in December by Metropoll, a Turkish polling company Metropoll, said their trust in the government’s economic policies had decreased. More than half of those polled said they disapproved of Mr. Erdogan’s performance.

Mr. Erdogan has undermined the independence of the Central Bank, fired three of its governors and other officials opposed to his interest cuts in the last two years, changed finance ministers four times since 2018, and spun conspiracy theories by blaming a mysterious foreign interest cabal for Turkey’s economic plight.

Public distrust recently manifested itself further in a wave of protests over massive electricity price hikes as millions struggle to pay ballooning bills and inflation threatens to force businesses into bankruptcy.

Mr. Erdogan has recently suggested that he would halt or slow down the lowering of interest rates as a series of emergency measures helped the lira recover some of its value against the dollar.

The measures pushed Mr. Erdogan’s approval rating up by two points to 40.7 per cent in January, still far behind the 54.4 per cent who evaluate the president’s performance negatively.

Polls show that Mr. Erdogan would lose to Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu - both from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party Chairwoman Meral Aksener, at the next elections.

Mr. Erdogan’s numbers hardly project the degree of confidence that Mr. Nebati is likely to need to persuade his intrinsically skeptical compatriots from parting with their precious gold.

Said a former Istanbul banker: “People are unlikely to put their holdings at risk for a scheme that does not guarantee their ability to preserve whatever wealth they have. Certainly not at a time of economic turmoil and a widening gap in trust.”

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

When Turkish finance minister Nureddin Nebati this week announced plans to encourage households to convert their gold holdings into Turkish liras in a bid to shore up Turkish central bank reserves, he was targeting people like Esra G.

When Turkish finance minister Nureddin Nebati this week announced plans to encourage households to convert their gold holdings into Turkish liras in a bid to shore up Turkish central bank reserves, he was targeting people like Esra G. Ms. G., whose last name has been abbreviated to preserve her anonymity, has had a life-long troubled relationship with gold. When she was barely three years old, her distaste for it as an adornment was already so strong that she dumped all her gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings into the Bosporus. Nonetheless, Ms. G. grew up to be an avid collector of gold, including an assortment of five- and 10-gram Credit Suisse coins. As a young woman, Ms. G. preferred antique silver jewelry and wouldn’t wear gold but kept her gold collection under her pillow. "Gold is a tradition. It grows out of a deep-seated distrust of governments and currencies and has been handed down from generation to generation. They didn't take money. They took gold," she said. "I'm a child of that system. ... I want the gold where I can touch it and feel it." It is the many people like Ms. G. that Mr. Nebati is targeting. The minister told investors in London this week that he hoped his scheme would convert 10 percent of the estimated US$250-300 billion worth of gold squirreled away in the homes and back yards of Turkey, much of it by women. Ayse Esen, head of a leading Turkish gold refinery, shared Mr. Nebati's estimate. "We are aware of the fact that there is around 3,000-5,000 tonnes of gold saved under mattresses, which amounts to an informal economy with a size of $200-300 billion," Ms. Esen, CEO of Istanbul Gold Refinery (IAR), said. According to the World Gold Council, official Turkish gold reserves dropped from a high of 583 tonnes in July 2020 to 392 tonnes a year later. Speaking to Sabah, a pro-government daily, Ms. Esen, probably unwittingly, suggested that convincing Turks to convert their gold could prove to be an uphill battle. She noted that a program launched ten years ago by the refinery and commercial banks had so far netted a mere 100 tonnes of hidden gold. Lack of confidence in the government is only part of the problem. As important is the fact that much of Turkey's gold hoard is non-negotiable because it is held in the form of jewelry. Turkey's 40,000 jewelers turn approximately 150 tonnes of gold into jewelry a year. Mr. Nebati reportedly told investors that some 30,000 gold shops would purchase privately held jewelry as part of his scheme and sell it to one of five government-contracted refineries that are believed to include IAR. The refineries would convert the jewelry into bullion that could be added to the central bank’s reserves. It's not clear why Mr. Nebati believes his scheme would work this time around when earlier attempts failed. One such effort involved creating a facility that allowed holders of gold to deposit it with banks in exchange for gold certificates that would have been negotiable on a gold exchange. Ms. G., the woman who doesn't like gold jewelry, vowed already decades ago that she would never trust a bank with her gold, even though she doesn't hesitate to deposit money in a bank. She, like many Turks, is historically suspicious of authority, and many of them see hoarding gold not only as a safe investment but also as a reserve that can't be taken away from them. It also doesn't violate the Islamic ban on interest. In the early 19th century, Turks hoarded gold to evade Ottoman taxes, which were based on what taxpayers physically possessed when the tax collector came around. As a result, Ottoman subjects bought gold and buried it not to be counted and taxed. Despite the Ottomans' later introduction of paper money, Ottoman subjects continued to view gold as their most secure form of investment because of inflation. "People did not trust it,” said a gold trader. "The certificate had no relationship to the gold. It was devalued by inflation, and people have distrusted paper money ever since. . . . Gold has become a symbol of distrust of the state." "I've been in this business for decades and have seen a lot of change. One thing never changes, and that is gold. Our money is worthless; gold is much better. Besides that, gold is part of our history," added a jewelry repair shop owner. Trust as much as tradition may prove to be Mr. Nebati’s Achilles heel. By attracting hidden gold, Mr. Nebati aims to help the government stop the freefall of the Turkish lira, which lost more than 40 percent of its value last year and halt the spiralling out of control of inflation that last month hit 36.1 per cent. Many blame the crisis on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s idiosyncratic push to cut interest rates based on his unorthodox belief that this would lower consumer prices. As a result, a whopping 75 per cent of respondents in a survey in December by Metropoll, a Turkish polling company Metropoll, said their trust in the government’s economic policies had decreased. More than half of those polled said they disapproved of Mr. Erdogan’s performance. Mr. Erdogan has undermined the independence of the Central Bank, fired three of its governors and other officials opposed to his interest cuts in the last two years, changed finance ministers four times since 2018, and spun conspiracy theories by blaming a mysterious foreign interest cabal for Turkey’s economic plight. Public distrust recently manifested itself further in a wave of protests over massive electricity price hikes as millions struggle to pay ballooning bills and inflation threatens to force businesses into bankruptcy. Mr. Erdogan has recently suggested that he would halt or slow down the lowering of interest rates as a series of emergency measures helped the lira recover some of its value against the dollar. The measures pushed Mr. Erdogan’s approval rating up by two points to 40.7 per cent in January, still far behind the 54.4 per cent who evaluate the president’s performance negatively. Polls show that Mr. Erdogan would lose to Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu - both from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party Chairwoman Meral Aksener, at the next elections. Mr. Erdogan’s numbers hardly project the degree of confidence that Mr. Nebati is likely to need to persuade his intrinsically skeptical compatriots from parting with their precious gold. Said a former Istanbul banker: “People are unlikely to put their holdings at risk for a scheme that does not guarantee their ability to preserve whatever wealth they have. Certainly not at a time of economic turmoil and a widening gap in trust.” (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Turkish gold conversion plan likely to falter on lack of public trust

India's Arif Khan on Sunday finished 45th out of 89 participants in the men's giant slalom event at the ongoing Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

The Jammu and Kashmir-born Indian skier finished in 2:47.24 - 37.89 seconds off the first place.

With the 45th place finish at the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre, Arif Khan now holds the record for the best finish by an Indian in men's giant slalom at the Winter Olympics.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-roc-storm-to-victory-in-cross-country-skiing-relay-claim-gold-medal-452930">Beijing Olympics: ROC storm to victory in cross-country skiing relay, claim gold medal</a>

Beijing 2022 marked India's 11th Winter Olympics appearance.

Marco Odermatt claimed the gold medal in the men's giant slalom event with a combined time of 2:09.35 from the two runs.

Lara Gut-Behrami won the same discipline for Switzerland in the women's event on Friday with Beat Feuz also winning the men's downhill to give Switzerland three gold medals in Alpine skiing so far at Beijing 2022.

Holding his nerve after going into the second run just 0.04 seconds ahead of Stefan Brennsteiner of Austria, Odermatt roared in delight on seeing he'd won the Olympic title 0.19 seconds ahead of a still delighted Zan Kranjec.

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-urges-give-peace-a-chance-after-ukrainian-skeleton-slider-calls-for-no-war-in-ukraine-452908">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-urges-give-peace-a-chance-after-ukrainian-skeleton-slider-calls-for-no-war-in-ukraine-452908">IOC urges give peace a chance after Ukrainian skeleton slider calls for 'no war in Ukraine'</a>

The Slovenian claimed silver after a superb second run enabled him to climb onto the podium from eighth place after the first run to a silver medal in a time of 2:09.54.

Despite an error, France's Mathieu Faivre claimed the bronze medal in 2:10.69, rising an impressive 10 places after the first run.

India's Arif Khan on Sunday finished 45th out of 89 participants in the men's giant slalom event at the ongoing Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. The Jammu and Kashmir-born Indian skier finished in 2:47.

India's Arif Khan on Sunday finished 45th out of 89 participants in the men's giant slalom event at the ongoing Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. The Jammu and Kashmir-born Indian skier finished in 2:47.24 - 37.89 seconds off the first place. With the 45th place finish at the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre, Arif Khan now holds the record for the best finish by an Indian in men's giant slalom at the Winter Olympics. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: ROC storm to victory in cross-country skiing relay, claim gold medal Beijing 2022 marked India's 11th Winter Olympics appearance. Marco Odermatt claimed the gold medal in the men's giant slalom event with a combined time of 2:09.35 from the two runs. Lara Gut-Behrami won the same discipline for Switzerland in the women's event on Friday with Beat Feuz also winning the men's downhill to give Switzerland three gold medals in Alpine skiing so far at Beijing 2022. Holding his nerve after going into the second run just 0.04 seconds ahead of Stefan Brennsteiner of Austria, Odermatt roared in delight on seeing he'd won the Olympic title 0.19 seconds ahead of a still delighted Zan Kranjec. ALSO READ: IOC urges give peace a chance after Ukrainian skeleton slider calls for 'no war in Ukraine' The Slovenian claimed silver after a superb second run enabled him to climb onto the podium from eighth place after the first run to a silver medal in a time of 2:09.54. Despite an error, France's Mathieu Faivre claimed the bronze medal in 2:10.69, rising an impressive 10 places after the first run.

Beijing Olympics 2022: Swiss skier Marco Odermatt bags gold, India's Arif Khan settles at 45th in giant slalom

American Nathan Chen achieved a spectacular redemption when he claimed the men's figure skating title in dazzling fashion at the Beijing Olympics, completing a four-year journey to the exhilarating tunes of Elton John on Thursday.

The 22-year-old, who left empty-handed after a meltdown in Pyeongchang in 2018, stood by the edge of the rink to soak up the atmosphere during warm-up and then skated carefreely to "Rocket Man" to add to his world record in the short programme for a total of 332.60.

Wearing a Vera Wang-designed orange and purple top decorated with stars in space in a nod to his medley of Elton John songs, Chen displayed power, grace and precision, effortlessly landing his quadruple jumps as he triggered some rare cheering from a usually near-silent crowd.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-the-garlic-girls-overcame-abuse-to-return-to-the-olympics-451795">How the ‘Garlic Girls’ overcame abuse to return to the Olympics</a>

Japan`s Yuma Kagiyama (310.05) was a distant second and fellow Japanese Shoma Uno (293.00) came third, but 'Rocket Chen'&nbsp;showed he was a class above as he landed his fourth quadruple jump.

"I never really thought that I'd be able to actually make it this far in my career. I'd always, of course, dreamed about making an Olympics and winning the Olympics, but I was like, that's hard, I don't know if I can make that happen," Chen said.

"I haven't really had time to process fully, but it's amazing so far."

Yuzuru Hanyu, who was hoping to win the event for the third time in a row, finished fourth on 283.21. All attention was on the Japanese great after his long-awaited, delayed arrival&nbsp;in Beijing, but the 27-year-old fell out of contention with a disastrous short programme.

He was also looking to become the first skater to land the quadruple Axel in competition but failed to deliver, falling again on a quadruple Salchow.

WELCOME RESPITE 
 
Hanyu, looking tired and at times struggling to steady his breath to contain his emotions, said he was disappointed at his failed attempt but that he had "given it his all".

"It wasn't fun at all," he said of his Olympic experience, describing it as painful and difficult.

Asked if he would compete at the world championships or keep attempting the '4A', he said, "I need some more time to think about it."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/korean-dress-controversy-at-beijing-olympics-china-denies-cultural-appropriation-after-row-451778">Korean dress controversy at Beijing Olympics: China denies 'cultural appropriation' after row</a>

Chen, coming into the Olympics having been defeated only once since his Pyeongchang setback, at last year's Skate America, delivered a masterclass to become the first American to win the men's title since Evan Lysacek in Vancouver in 2010.

Kagiyama, Uno and Hanyu watched in awe as Japan's double Olympic champion knew he would have to make way for Chen, who exited the ice showing unusual signs of jubilation.

"I think that I can't regret the performance I gave," said Uno, praising Chen`s class and consistency.

Chen's smile and gesture brought a welcome respite in an otherwise tense atmosphere at the Capital Indoor Stadium where the buzz was centred on day-old reports - still unconfirmed - that Russian Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old gold medal favourite in the women's competition - had tested positive for a banned drug.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-medals-ceremony-of-figure-skating-team-event-won-by-russia-delayed-over-legal-issue-451686">Beijing Olympics: Medals ceremony of figure skating team event won by Russia delayed over legal issue</a>

Valieva was part of the six-person Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team that won gold on Monday. Medals from that event have yet to be awarded with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) citing unspecified legal reasons for the delay.

She turned up for practice on an adjacent rink, before Chen's performance grabbed the attention, at least for a memorable four and a half minutes, and signalled the end of Hanyu's domination.

American Nathan Chen achieved a spectacular redemption when he claimed the men's figure skating title in dazzling fashion at the Beijing Olympics, completing a four-year journey to the exhilarating tunes of Elton John on Thursday.

American Nathan Chen achieved a spectacular redemption when he claimed the men's figure skating title in dazzling fashion at the Beijing Olympics, completing a four-year journey to the exhilarating tunes of Elton John on Thursday. The 22-year-old, who left empty-handed after a meltdown in Pyeongchang in 2018, stood by the edge of the rink to soak up the atmosphere during warm-up and then skated carefreely to "Rocket Man" to add to his world record in the short programme for a total of 332.60. Wearing a Vera Wang-designed orange and purple top decorated with stars in space in a nod to his medley of Elton John songs, Chen displayed power, grace and precision, effortlessly landing his quadruple jumps as he triggered some rare cheering from a usually near-silent crowd. ALSO READ: How the ‘Garlic Girls’ overcame abuse to return to the Olympics Japan`s Yuma Kagiyama (310.05) was a distant second and fellow Japanese Shoma Uno (293.00) came third, but 'Rocket Chen' showed he was a class above as he landed his fourth quadruple jump. "I never really thought that I'd be able to actually make it this far in my career. I'd always, of course, dreamed about making an Olympics and winning the Olympics, but I was like, that's hard, I don't know if I can make that happen," Chen said. "I haven't really had time to process fully, but it's amazing so far." Yuzuru Hanyu, who was hoping to win the event for the third time in a row, finished fourth on 283.21. All attention was on the Japanese great after his long-awaited, delayed arrival in Beijing, but the 27-year-old fell out of contention with a disastrous short programme. He was also looking to become the first skater to land the quadruple Axel in competition but failed to deliver, falling again on a quadruple Salchow. WELCOME RESPITE Hanyu, looking tired and at times struggling to steady his breath to contain his emotions, said he was disappointed at his failed attempt but that he had "given it his all". "It wasn't fun at all," he said of his Olympic experience, describing it as painful and difficult. Asked if he would compete at the world championships or keep attempting the '4A', he said, "I need some more time to think about it." ALSO READ: Korean dress controversy at Beijing Olympics: China denies 'cultural appropriation' after row Chen, coming into the Olympics having been defeated only once since his Pyeongchang setback, at last year's Skate America, delivered a masterclass to become the first American to win the men's title since Evan Lysacek in Vancouver in 2010. Kagiyama, Uno and Hanyu watched in awe as Japan's double Olympic champion knew he would have to make way for Chen, who exited the ice showing unusual signs of jubilation. "I think that I can't regret the performance I gave," said Uno, praising Chen`s class and consistency. Chen's smile and gesture brought a welcome respite in an otherwise tense atmosphere at the Capital Indoor Stadium where the buzz was centred on day-old reports - still unconfirmed - that Russian Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old gold medal favourite in the women's competition - had tested positive for a banned drug. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Medals ceremony of figure skating team event won by Russia delayed over legal issue Valieva was part of the six-person Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team that won gold on Monday. Medals from that event have yet to be awarded with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) citing unspecified legal reasons for the delay. She turned up for practice on an adjacent rink, before Chen's performance grabbed the attention, at least for a memorable four and a half minutes, and signalled the end of Hanyu's domination.

Beijing Olympics 2022: Nathan Chen of US wins long-awaited skating gold

Norway's Therese Johaug put on a staggering late burst to snatch the gold medal in the 10 km classic race at the Beijing Games on Thursday to win by four-tenths of a second from Finland's Kerttu Niskanen.

Krista Parmakoski took the bronze medal, 31.1 seconds behind her Finnish teammate, but she never threatened the top two as Johaug secured her second individual gold medal of the Games in thrilling fashion.

"I felt I had the necessary power in the final stretch. I felt good. This was fun," she said.

"I was portioning out my efforts. If you give too much towards the top of the hill, it can hurt you in the last few kilometres. I wanted to keep my power for the final stretch. I felt good at the end."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-posts-on-athletes-abuse-deleted-from-chinese-social-media-platforms-452023">Beijing Olympics: Posts on athletes abuse deleted from Chinese social media platforms</a>

The raw, biting cold of Saturday`s skiathlon was replaced by blazing sunshine and temperatures just below freezing, but a strong headwind at the start line reminded racers that the task ahead of them would not be an easy one.

Johaug built up a lead of 11.8 seconds over the first 1.8 km, but she was quickly reeled in by Parmakoski and Niskanen with Tatiana Sorina representing the Russian Olympic Committee also in the mix.

Johaug dropped behind but quickly got herself back neck and neck with Niskanen as the pair crossed the 3.6 km marker in&nbsp;exactly the same time of 10:47.7.

Known for her concise classical technique, Niskanen made her break at the midway point of the race and looked to have built up a comfortable lead of 11 seconds at the 6.3 km mark, but if she thought Johaug was out of contention, she was sorely mistaken.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-2022-russian-figure-skater-kamila-valieva-at-practice-after-reports-of-failed-drug-test-451986">Beijing Olympics 2022: Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at practice after reports of failed drug test</a>

The Norwegian blasted past sprint bronze medallist Jessie Diggins despite starting a minute behind her as she thundered up a late climb, and knowing victory was within her reach Johaug left nothing to chance.

She barrelled around the rest of the course, poling powerfully up the final straight in an incredible display of stamina to throw down the gauntlet to Niskanen.

Though the Finn dug deep, she could not match the intensity of the 33-year-old Norwegian and Niskanen collapsed after crossing the line a mere 0.4 seconds behind the winner.

Norway's Therese Johaug put on a staggering late burst to snatch the gold medal in the 10 km classic race at the Beijing Games on Thursday to win by four-tenths of a second from Finland's Kerttu Niskanen.

Norway's Therese Johaug put on a staggering late burst to snatch the gold medal in the 10 km classic race at the Beijing Games on Thursday to win by four-tenths of a second from Finland's Kerttu Niskanen. Krista Parmakoski took the bronze medal, 31.1 seconds behind her Finnish teammate, but she never threatened the top two as Johaug secured her second individual gold medal of the Games in thrilling fashion. "I felt I had the necessary power in the final stretch. I felt good. This was fun," she said. "I was portioning out my efforts. If you give too much towards the top of the hill, it can hurt you in the last few kilometres. I wanted to keep my power for the final stretch. I felt good at the end." ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Posts on athletes abuse deleted from Chinese social media platforms The raw, biting cold of Saturday`s skiathlon was replaced by blazing sunshine and temperatures just below freezing, but a strong headwind at the start line reminded racers that the task ahead of them would not be an easy one. Johaug built up a lead of 11.8 seconds over the first 1.8 km, but she was quickly reeled in by Parmakoski and Niskanen with Tatiana Sorina representing the Russian Olympic Committee also in the mix. Johaug dropped behind but quickly got herself back neck and neck with Niskanen as the pair crossed the 3.6 km marker in exactly the same time of 10:47.7. Known for her concise classical technique, Niskanen made her break at the midway point of the race and looked to have built up a comfortable lead of 11 seconds at the 6.3 km mark, but if she thought Johaug was out of contention, she was sorely mistaken. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics 2022: Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at practice after reports of failed drug test The Norwegian blasted past sprint bronze medallist Jessie Diggins despite starting a minute behind her as she thundered up a late climb, and knowing victory was within her reach Johaug left nothing to chance. She barrelled around the rest of the course, poling powerfully up the final straight in an incredible display of stamina to throw down the gauntlet to Niskanen. Though the Finn dug deep, she could not match the intensity of the 33-year-old Norwegian and Niskanen collapsed after crossing the line a mere 0.4 seconds behind the winner.

Beijing Games: Norway skier Therese Johaug wins gold in 10 km cross-country classic

People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube.

But that giant cube weighing 186 kilograms was not made of any ordinary metal. It was reportedly made from pure 24-karat gold, and it has been positioned in the middle of the park’s Naumburg Bandshell venue.

The main brain behind this artwork is a German artist named Niclas Castello.

“Never before in the history of humanity has such an enormous amount of gold been cast into a single, pure object. Gold — the eternal metal. Symbol of the sun, of light, of the good,” he said in the description of his artwork.

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Although the artist isn’t interested in selling, the cube has been valued at about $11.7 million, as the gold was purchased at $1,788 per ounce.

But as per reports, the artwork was merely a sideshow to draw the people’s attention to the artist's own cryptocoin known a ‘Castello Coin’.

And he also plans to launch a related NFT that is set to go on auction later this month, the Daily Mail reported.

According to New York Times, 43-year-old Castello showcased the gold cube for only one day in order to emphasise the rarity of the artwork.

Giving shape to the giant piece of structure was no mere feat.

Castell’s team said that a special handmade kiln was created to accommodate the volume of the gold. The kiln was heated up high enough to melt gold bars at 1,100 degrees Celsius for it to be recast.&nbsp;

The Castello CUBE was manufactured in the Art Foundry H. Rüetschi in Aarau, Switzerland.

(With inputs from agencies)

People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube.

People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube. But that giant cube weighing 186 kilograms was not made of any ordinary metal. It was reportedly made from pure 24-karat gold, and it has been positioned in the middle of the park’s Naumburg Bandshell venue. The main brain behind this artwork is a German artist named Niclas Castello. “Never before in the history of humanity has such an enormous amount of gold been cast into a single, pure object. Gold — the eternal metal. Symbol of the sun, of light, of the good,” he said in the description of his artwork. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Niclas Castello (@niclas.castello) × Although the artist isn’t interested in selling, the cube has been valued at about $11.7 million, as the gold was purchased at $1,788 per ounce. But as per reports, the artwork was merely a sideshow to draw the people’s attention to the artist's own cryptocoin known a ‘Castello Coin’. And he also plans to launch a related NFT that is set to go on auction later this month, the Daily Mail reported. According to New York Times, 43-year-old Castello showcased the gold cube for only one day in order to emphasise the rarity of the artwork. Giving shape to the giant piece of structure was no mere feat. Castell’s team said that a special handmade kiln was created to accommodate the volume of the gold. The kiln was heated up high enough to melt gold bars at 1,100 degrees Celsius for it to be recast. The Castello CUBE was manufactured in the Art Foundry H. Rüetschi in Aarau, Switzerland. (With inputs from agencies)

Pure gold cube worth $11 mn appears in New York, and it has a crypto connection

A passenger smuggling gold was nabbed from the airport in Hyderabad, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana on Tuesday.

The Hyderabad Customs department acted based on a tip-off that a man from Sharjah was smuggling gold paste, following which the accused was detained.

Upon searching his belongings, the officials found that he had concealed gold in paste form inside the bandages and tied it to his calves of both legs. The bandage was cut, and the paste was recovered.

The customs officials recovered 970 grams of gold worth more than Rs 4.7 million (US $63,642 approx.) from the male passenger.

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On 09.01.22 Hyderabad Customs booked a case for smuggling of gold against a male pax arriving by Flight G9-450 from Sharjah.970 grams of gold valued at Rs. 47.55 lakhs recovered &amp; seized. Gold in paste form was concealed inside the bandages tied to calves of both the legs. <a href="https://t.co/zdrPGTgudJ">pic.twitter.com/zdrPGTgudJ</a>
— Hyderabad Customs (@hydcus) <a href="https://twitter.com/hydcus/status/1480399615895638018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The man, who has not been named by the officials so far, travelled by an Air Arabia Flight from Sharjah on January 9.

This is the fourth time in the past one month that gold smugglers were busted from airports in southern India.

On December 28, a male passenger from Dubai was detained at Hyderabad airport after officials found that he had hidden the gold in the form of paste inside his rectum.

The recovered gold weighed 1.19 kg and is valued at Rs 5.9 million (approx. US $80,000).

Similarly on December 24, a 38-year-old Sudanese national&nbsp;was caught with 535gm of gold paste worth Rs 2.6 million (approx. US $35,000) hidden in capsules inside her rectum at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport.

On December 11, the customs officials at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad recovered 7.3 kg gold from four Sudanese who had concealed it in their rectum.

The passengers, including two women, had arrived from Dubai by flight no AI 952.

On suspicion, the customs officials checked them. According to the department, they had concealed the gold valued at about Rs 36 million (US $4 million approx.) in their rectum. This was recovered and seized.

(With inputs from agencies)

A passenger smuggling gold was nabbed from the airport in Hyderabad, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana on Tuesday. The Hyderabad Customs department acted based on a tip-off that a man from Sharjah was smuggling gold paste, following which the accused was detained.

A passenger smuggling gold was nabbed from the airport in Hyderabad, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana on Tuesday. The Hyderabad Customs department acted based on a tip-off that a man from Sharjah was smuggling gold paste, following which the accused was detained. Upon searching his belongings, the officials found that he had concealed gold in paste form inside the bandages and tied it to his calves of both legs. The bandage was cut, and the paste was recovered. The customs officials recovered 970 grams of gold worth more than Rs 4.7 million (US $63,642 approx.) from the male passenger. On 09.01.22 Hyderabad Customs booked a case for smuggling of gold against a male pax arriving by Flight G9-450 from Sharjah.970 grams of gold valued at Rs. 47.55 lakhs recovered & seized. Gold in paste form was concealed inside the bandages tied to calves of both the legs. pic.twitter.com/zdrPGTgudJ — Hyderabad Customs (@hydcus) January 10, 2022 × The man, who has not been named by the officials so far, travelled by an Air Arabia Flight from Sharjah on January 9. This is the fourth time in the past one month that gold smugglers were busted from airports in southern India. On December 28, a male passenger from Dubai was detained at Hyderabad airport after officials found that he had hidden the gold in the form of paste inside his rectum. The recovered gold weighed 1.19 kg and is valued at Rs 5.9 million (approx. US $80,000). Similarly on December 24, a 38-year-old Sudanese national was caught with 535gm of gold paste worth Rs 2.6 million (approx. US $35,000) hidden in capsules inside her rectum at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. On December 11, the customs officials at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad recovered 7.3 kg gold from four Sudanese who had concealed it in their rectum. The passengers, including two women, had arrived from Dubai by flight no AI 952. On suspicion, the customs officials checked them. According to the department, they had concealed the gold valued at about Rs 36 million (US $4 million approx.) in their rectum. This was recovered and seized. (With inputs from agencies)

Gold smuggler tries to one-up customs at Indian airport, plan backfires

Indian businessman Piyush Jain was arrested on suspicion of tax evasion on the night of December 26 after government authorities searched his properties for more than 40 hours in what turned out to be possibly the largest cash seizure in recent history.

According to sources, a total of Rs 2.8 billion (approximately $38 million) in cash has been confiscated from Jain-linked sites, with more expected to emerge as the marathon searches enter their fourth day. The funds were allegedly related to a goods transporter's dispatch of products using false invoices and no e-way bills.

Officials from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are conducting raids in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.&nbsp; 
 
“Piyush Jain has accepted that the cash recovered from the residential premises is related to the sale of goods without payment of GST. In view of the overwhelming evidences available on record indicating large scale evasion of GST by Odochem Industries, Kannauj," the DGGI was quoted as saying by ANI.&nbsp;

A team of 50 tax officials, comprising units from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat (Ahmedabad), were involved in search operations.

Sources privy to the probe said Jain was taken to a safe house and questioned for several hours. A set of questions were posed to him, but he was not able to satisfy the investigators.

Jain was arrested for evasion of tax and making multiple invoices in the name of fake firms.

The following are the specifics of the large sums of money, jewellery, and other valuables discovered from his properties:&nbsp;

Biggest recovery

"This is the biggest recovery in the history of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)," said Vivek Johri, the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

According to DGGI sources, the searches, which started on Friday, unearthed Rs 1.7 billion from Jain`s Anandnagar house in Kanpur and Rs 1.1 billion in unaccounted cash from his Kannauj house.

Ahmedabad recovered Rs 10 crore more cash from the factory and residence of perfume businessman Piyush Jain, who is the promotor of Odochem Industries in Kannauj district in Uttar Pradesh, official sources said.

Unaccounted sandalwood oil, perfumes worth crores have also been seized from Jain's factory, sources said. 
 
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(Images of cash seized during the raid.)

Over 40 raids and more than 10 cash counting machines

The marathon raids and searches at Jain's properties have been ongoing for the past 40 hours and will continue for the next few days.

At work, there are over 10 cash counting machines. According to reports, the guy had his own cash counting machine.

25 kilogrammes of gold and 25 kilogrammes of silver

To investigate the truth of his claims, the investigating officers are engaged in breaking the safe and walls of his ancestral Chhipaiti house in Kannauj. Agencies have also recovered 250 kg of silver and 25 kg of gold from the Kannauj residence.

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Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) raid continues at the premises of businessman Piyush Jain in Kannauj 
 
Jain has been arrested by DGGI under section 67 of CGST Act, and he will be produced before a court today. <a href="https://t.co/dUX37ew8tz">pic.twitter.com/dUX37ew8tz</a>
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1475350151380160513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nine drums of 'sandal' oil&nbsp;

There were also nine drums of'sandal' oil discovered here, as well as bundles of Rs 2,000 notes recovered from cardboard boxes. A note counting machine was also discovered at the home of the businessman.

Meanwhile, Piyush's Kannauj home has been discovered to have a cellar. The investigating team is also concerned about the presence of further hidden lockers within Piyush Jain's home's walls. A team of architects and professionals has been dispatched from Lucknow to find them.

40 firms and 300 keys

Piyush Jain claimed to own around 40 companies. Two of them are rumoured to be located in the Middle East.

Around 300 keys were taken from four Jain-related homes. According to sources, locksmiths have also been called in because some locked doors cannot be unlocked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian businessman Piyush Jain was arrested on suspicion of tax evasion on the night of December 26 after government authorities searched his properties for more than 40 hours in what turned out to be possibly the largest cash seizure in recent history.

Indian businessman Piyush Jain was arrested on suspicion of tax evasion on the night of December 26 after government authorities searched his properties for more than 40 hours in what turned out to be possibly the largest cash seizure in recent history. According to sources, a total of Rs 2.8 billion (approximately $38 million) in cash has been confiscated from Jain-linked sites, with more expected to emerge as the marathon searches enter their fourth day. The funds were allegedly related to a goods transporter's dispatch of products using false invoices and no e-way bills. Officials from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are conducting raids in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. “Piyush Jain has accepted that the cash recovered from the residential premises is related to the sale of goods without payment of GST. In view of the overwhelming evidences available on record indicating large scale evasion of GST by Odochem Industries, Kannauj," the DGGI was quoted as saying by ANI. A team of 50 tax officials, comprising units from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat (Ahmedabad), were involved in search operations. Sources privy to the probe said Jain was taken to a safe house and questioned for several hours. A set of questions were posed to him, but he was not able to satisfy the investigators. Jain was arrested for evasion of tax and making multiple invoices in the name of fake firms. The following are the specifics of the large sums of money, jewellery, and other valuables discovered from his properties: Biggest recovery "This is the biggest recovery in the history of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)," said Vivek Johri, the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). According to DGGI sources, the searches, which started on Friday, unearthed Rs 1.7 billion from Jain`s Anandnagar house in Kanpur and Rs 1.1 billion in unaccounted cash from his Kannauj house. Ahmedabad recovered Rs 10 crore more cash from the factory and residence of perfume businessman Piyush Jain, who is the promotor of Odochem Industries in Kannauj district in Uttar Pradesh, official sources said. Unaccounted sandalwood oil, perfumes worth crores have also been seized from Jain's factory, sources said. (Images of cash seized during the raid.) Over 40 raids and more than 10 cash counting machines The marathon raids and searches at Jain's properties have been ongoing for the past 40 hours and will continue for the next few days. At work, there are over 10 cash counting machines. According to reports, the guy had his own cash counting machine. 25 kilogrammes of gold and 25 kilogrammes of silver To investigate the truth of his claims, the investigating officers are engaged in breaking the safe and walls of his ancestral Chhipaiti house in Kannauj. Agencies have also recovered 250 kg of silver and 25 kg of gold from the Kannauj residence. Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) raid continues at the premises of businessman Piyush Jain in Kannauj Jain has been arrested by DGGI under section 67 of CGST Act, and he will be produced before a court today. pic.twitter.com/dUX37ew8tz — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) December 27, 2021 × Nine drums of 'sandal' oil There were also nine drums of'sandal' oil discovered here, as well as bundles of Rs 2,000 notes recovered from cardboard boxes. A note counting machine was also discovered at the home of the businessman. Meanwhile, Piyush's Kannauj home has been discovered to have a cellar. The investigating team is also concerned about the presence of further hidden lockers within Piyush Jain's home's walls. A team of architects and professionals has been dispatched from Lucknow to find them. 40 firms and 300 keys Piyush Jain claimed to own around 40 companies. Two of them are rumoured to be located in the Middle East. Around 300 keys were taken from four Jain-related homes. According to sources, locksmiths have also been called in because some locked doors cannot be unlocked. (With inputs from agencies)

Tax raids on Indian perfumer underway: Rs 2.8 billion, 25 kg gold and 250 kg silver recovered so far

Numerous people are always on the lookout for great investment options. Some of these people invest in shares while some find gold to be more rewarding. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But if a new study is to be believed, buying Lego sets can actually be more profitable. &nbsp;

The study, which was published on last Friday, said that shopping for Lego sets can be a great way to build a sound investment portfolio. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-in-39-years-inflation-surged-by-68-in-the-us-435978" hreflang="en">For the first time in 39 years, Inflation surged by 6.8% in the US</a>

The researchers at the Higher School of Economics in Russia, who conducted the study, found that there could be profitable gains made from investing in "more unusual goods whose purchase might seem less serious" like Lego sets, Barbie dolls, etc. &nbsp;

Victoria Dobrynskaya, associate professor, economic sciences, HSE University, said, "We are used to thinking that people buy such items as jewellery, antiques or artworks as an investment.” &nbsp;

Several deals are conducted on the secondary Lego market. It is a big market, which is not well-known to traditional investors. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-bank-regulators-are-trying-to-oust-a-trump-holdover-436058" hreflang="en">How bank regulators are trying to oust a Trump holdover</a>

Factors like a limited production run, a collector special edition and scarcity in market, boost prices of products over the years, found the study. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The average return on Lego sets may be 10%-11% annually, which is more than stocks, bonds or gold. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The value of a Lego set is only worthwhile if it has been kept for more than three years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Numerous people are always on the lookout for great investment options. Some of these people invest in shares while some find gold to be more rewarding. But if a new study is to be believed, buying Lego sets can actually be more profitable.

Numerous people are always on the lookout for great investment options. Some of these people invest in shares while some find gold to be more rewarding. But if a new study is to be believed, buying Lego sets can actually be more profitable. The study, which was published on last Friday, said that shopping for Lego sets can be a great way to build a sound investment portfolio. Also Read: For the first time in 39 years, Inflation surged by 6.8% in the US The researchers at the Higher School of Economics in Russia, who conducted the study, found that there could be profitable gains made from investing in "more unusual goods whose purchase might seem less serious" like Lego sets, Barbie dolls, etc. Victoria Dobrynskaya, associate professor, economic sciences, HSE University, said, "We are used to thinking that people buy such items as jewellery, antiques or artworks as an investment.” Several deals are conducted on the secondary Lego market. It is a big market, which is not well-known to traditional investors. Also Read: How bank regulators are trying to oust a Trump holdover Factors like a limited production run, a collector special edition and scarcity in market, boost prices of products over the years, found the study. The average return on Lego sets may be 10%-11% annually, which is more than stocks, bonds or gold. The value of a Lego set is only worthwhile if it has been kept for more than three years. (With inputs from agencies)

Invest in Lego, not gold to get more returns, says study

Will 2021 be the year for Bitcoin? The cryptocurrency has registered a staggering rally but Bitcoin's meteoric rise comes at huge cost. It is a major energy consumer, in fact, it consumes more energy that several nations, here's a report.

Bitcoin is a major energy consumer, explaining the cryptocurrency's meteoric rise

Every morning, Amake Yessoufou makes the rounds of the sewing workshops of Ouidah, a small coastal town in the south of&nbsp;Benin, and collects scraps of&nbsp;fabric&nbsp;used by tailors to make clothes.

In the past,&nbsp;waste&nbsp;fabric&nbsp;clogged up the gutters of Ouidah, but Yessoufou is part of one effort to change that culture and make the most of recycling materials.

When Yessoufou ends her tour, the 28-year-old, who is deaf and mute, joins the "Colour Indigo" workshop, a&nbsp;project&nbsp;transforming&nbsp;waste&nbsp;fabric&nbsp;into&nbsp;decorative objects.

Employing around 30 people, including 10 living with a disability, the&nbsp;project&nbsp;has found a loyal following and even ships some objects overseas.

"I had never imagined that scraps of&nbsp;fabric&nbsp;could be useful. At first, I was amazed and astonished but afterwards, I understood that textile&nbsp;waste&nbsp;is worth&nbsp;gold&nbsp;if it is&nbsp;recycled," says Lucrece Sossou, a local seamstress.&nbsp;

In the workshop, Anne-Marie Afoutoutou leaves her wheelchair at the foot of a pile of scraps of&nbsp;fabric. On a small wooden chair, she braids pieces of laundry sorted by colour.&nbsp;

Over the course of the day, the piles of&nbsp;fabric&nbsp;disappear and all manner of objects take shape, from placemats and rugs to earrings, sold at between seven and 40 euros a piece.

One "Colour Indigo" client is Marcel Adjanohoun, head of several hotels in Ouidah -- a tourist destination 40 kilometres (25 miles) along the coast from Cotonou, the economic capital.&nbsp;

"These are objects that speak to me a lot, so I use them to decorate my hotel," explained the entrepreneur.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Braiding the pieces of&nbsp;fabric&nbsp;to make objects has significantly changed the lives of the workers, most of whom use crutches or wheelchairs.

Contrary to what some argue, working with people living with a disability does not affect the productivity of the company in any way, says Nadia Adanle, the business manager.

Thanks to her work, Afoutoutou can "finally provide for her needs", whereas before, she says, she could "not put anything aside".

"The way society looks at me has changed a lot since I leave the house every morning to go to work," she says, her eyes riveted on the thin braids.&nbsp;"Today, I feel valued."

Every morning, Amake Yessoufou makes the rounds of the sewing workshops of Ouidah, a small coastal town in the south of Benin, and collects scraps of fabric used by tailors to make clothes.

Every morning, Amake Yessoufou makes the rounds of the sewing workshops of Ouidah, a small coastal town in the south of Benin, and collects scraps of fabric used by tailors to make clothes. In the past, waste fabric clogged up the gutters of Ouidah, but Yessoufou is part of one effort to change that culture and make the most of recycling materials. When Yessoufou ends her tour, the 28-year-old, who is deaf and mute, joins the "Colour Indigo" workshop, a project transforming waste fabric into decorative objects. Employing around 30 people, including 10 living with a disability, the project has found a loyal following and even ships some objects overseas. "I had never imagined that scraps of fabric could be useful. At first, I was amazed and astonished but afterwards, I understood that textile waste is worth gold if it is recycled," says Lucrece Sossou, a local seamstress. In the workshop, Anne-Marie Afoutoutou leaves her wheelchair at the foot of a pile of scraps of fabric. On a small wooden chair, she braids pieces of laundry sorted by colour. Over the course of the day, the piles of fabric disappear and all manner of objects take shape, from placemats and rugs to earrings, sold at between seven and 40 euros a piece. One "Colour Indigo" client is Marcel Adjanohoun, head of several hotels in Ouidah -- a tourist destination 40 kilometres (25 miles) along the coast from Cotonou, the economic capital. "These are objects that speak to me a lot, so I use them to decorate my hotel," explained the entrepreneur. Braiding the pieces of fabric to make objects has significantly changed the lives of the workers, most of whom use crutches or wheelchairs. Contrary to what some argue, working with people living with a disability does not affect the productivity of the company in any way, says Nadia Adanle, the business manager. Thanks to her work, Afoutoutou can "finally provide for her needs", whereas before, she says, she could "not put anything aside". "The way society looks at me has changed a lot since I leave the house every morning to go to work," she says, her eyes riveted on the thin braids. "Today, I feel valued."

Benin project turns waste fabric into recycled 'gold'

Many of us give up our hobbies once professional life begins. But as a nurse in the UK found out, our hobbies sometimes make us strike gold, quite literally.

Buffy Bailey, a nurse working with UK's National Health Service was using a metal detector in a field in York, UK when it started buzzing. On digging the surface, she found a very small golden piece which she took to be an everyday object probably bought by someone from a gift shop.

The small piece however, felt heavier for its size and exquisite artistry on it did appear to set it apart from curios on sale in a gift shop.

It turned out that the small piece was made of gold. It was a bible made in gold. And to top it all, it may have been owned by the medieval aristocracy or even royalty.

The gold bible was found on land near to a property once owned by Richard the Third, a King of England who ruled in 15th century.

As per news reports, the gold bible weighs 5 grams and is either 22 or 24-carat gold.

The discovery of the gold Bible is being compared to that of Middleham jewel, a gold pendant set with a blue sapphire.

The gold bible is currently being assessed by the Yorkshire Museum in York. But it is estimated that value of the Bible would exceed USD 1.3 million.

Many of us give up our hobbies once professional life begins. But as a nurse in the UK found out, our hobbies sometimes make us strike gold, quite literally. Buffy Bailey, a nurse working with UK's National Health Service was using a metal detector in a field in York, UK when it started buzzing.

Many of us give up our hobbies once professional life begins. But as a nurse in the UK found out, our hobbies sometimes make us strike gold, quite literally. Buffy Bailey, a nurse working with UK's National Health Service was using a metal detector in a field in York, UK when it started buzzing. On digging the surface, she found a very small golden piece which she took to be an everyday object probably bought by someone from a gift shop. The small piece however, felt heavier for its size and exquisite artistry on it did appear to set it apart from curios on sale in a gift shop. It turned out that the small piece was made of gold. It was a bible made in gold. And to top it all, it may have been owned by the medieval aristocracy or even royalty. The gold bible was found on land near to a property once owned by Richard the Third, a King of England who ruled in 15th century. As per news reports, the gold bible weighs 5 grams and is either 22 or 24-carat gold. The discovery of the gold Bible is being compared to that of Middleham jewel, a gold pendant set with a blue sapphire. The gold bible is currently being assessed by the Yorkshire Museum in York. But it is estimated that value of the Bible would exceed USD 1.3 million.

Nurse finds gold Bible worth USD 1.3 million in a field

A <a href="https://www.change.org/p/hr-ce-minister-tamilnadu-tamil-nadu-cm-don-t-melt-temple-gold-temple-jewels-not-government-property">Change.org petition</a> against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to melt temple gold has gone past 40,000 signatures and is gaining further traction.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the petition, which is addressed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and officials under him, the secular government does not have any role to decide, which jewels are to be melted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45a30141-48ca-4d7a-a207-ee965971de98" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pet.jpg" />

It also claims that the government’s hasty actions are violating the orders of the Madras High Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The DMK-led state government had recently announced their plan to melt temple gold (received as donation from devotees) and deposit it in nationalised banks and use the funds so obtained for the maintenance of temples. The government maintains that its Hindu religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&amp;CE) department has appointed a panel headed by three former judges to oversee this process.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-finance-minister-participates-in-aiib-board-meet-424258" hreflang="en">Indian finance minister participates in AIIB board meet</a>

Quoting a Madras High Court suo motu judgement from June this year, the petition cites that gold audit for temples had not been done for the last 60 years and that there has been no inventory and centralised registry of the jewels.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It adds that the court had directed the relevant State Government Department (HR&amp;CE) to conduct an external audit by India’s Comptroller Auditor General (CAG), under the expertise of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), besides creating a central registry and updating the details of the jewels, on a website that can be accessed by the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The petition alleges that the government has been rushing through in their decision and actions to melt temple gold.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In this regard, it is pointed out in the petition that temple trustees are the sole decision-makers on issues pertaining to melting of temple gold, etc and that the HR&amp;CE department does have the right to decide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delayed-again-who-seeks-more-clarifications-on-made-in-india-covid-shot-covaxin-424319" hreflang="en">Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin</a>

It adds that trustees have not been appointed in several temples for many years. The illegality in allowing temples to function without trustees is also being highlighted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Petitions against this move of the MK Stalin government continue to be heard by the Madras High Court. During an earlier hearing, the government had pointed out that about 500 kg of temple gold had been melted since 1977.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the petitioners opposed to this move and maintain that the government’s function was only to administer the temples and that it did not have the authority to touch the temple gold that was donated by devotees. They also raise questions over whether the antique gold ornaments also were being melted and whether there were clear records for the same.&nbsp;

A Change.org petition against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to melt temple gold has gone past 40,000 signatures and is gaining further traction. According to the petition, which is addressed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and officials under him, the secular government does not have any role to decide, which jewels are to be melted.

A Change.org petition against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to melt temple gold has gone past 40,000 signatures and is gaining further traction. According to the petition, which is addressed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and officials under him, the secular government does not have any role to decide, which jewels are to be melted. It also claims that the government’s hasty actions are violating the orders of the Madras High Court. The DMK-led state government had recently announced their plan to melt temple gold (received as donation from devotees) and deposit it in nationalised banks and use the funds so obtained for the maintenance of temples. The government maintains that its Hindu religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has appointed a panel headed by three former judges to oversee this process. Also Read: Indian finance minister participates in AIIB board meet Quoting a Madras High Court suo motu judgement from June this year, the petition cites that gold audit for temples had not been done for the last 60 years and that there has been no inventory and centralised registry of the jewels. It adds that the court had directed the relevant State Government Department (HR&CE) to conduct an external audit by India’s Comptroller Auditor General (CAG), under the expertise of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), besides creating a central registry and updating the details of the jewels, on a website that can be accessed by the public. The petition alleges that the government has been rushing through in their decision and actions to melt temple gold. In this regard, it is pointed out in the petition that temple trustees are the sole decision-makers on issues pertaining to melting of temple gold, etc and that the HR&CE department does have the right to decide. Also Read | Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin It adds that trustees have not been appointed in several temples for many years. The illegality in allowing temples to function without trustees is also being highlighted. Petitions against this move of the MK Stalin government continue to be heard by the Madras High Court. During an earlier hearing, the government had pointed out that about 500 kg of temple gold had been melted since 1977. However, the petitioners opposed to this move and maintain that the government’s function was only to administer the temples and that it did not have the authority to touch the temple gold that was donated by devotees. They also raise questions over whether the antique gold ornaments also were being melted and whether there were clear records for the same.

Online petition against India's TN govt move to melt temple gold gains traction

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday, as concerns over a potential fallout of Chinese property developer Evergrande`s unsolved debt crisis provided some respite to the safe-haven metal against a firmer dollar and elevated U.S. Treasury yields.

Spot gold was steady at $1,749.86 per ounce by 0454 GMT, while U.S. gold futures edged 0.1% down to $1,749.80.

"Gold seems content to range between $1,740 and $1,760 at the moment with Asian buyers adding to longs on dips with Evergrande and China growth fears encouraging regional buyers to add more weight in gold as a haven play," Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at OANDA said.

Investors continued to fret over China Evergrande Group, which has 30 days to make the payment before it falls into default while its wealth management unit is now being investigated.

But, bullion prices were capped by a stronger dollar and higher benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yields that hovered near a three-month peak.

Investors now eye Congressional testimony from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell due later in the day, after he said the central bank would move against unchecked inflation if needed.

U.S. central bank officials also tied reduction in Federal Reserve`s monthly bond purchases to continued job growth, with a September employment report now a potential trigger for the central bank`s bond "taper."

While gold is often considered a hedge against higher inflation, a rate hike would increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no interest.

Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world`s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.3% to 990.32 on Monday.

Silver fell 0.3% to $22.59 an ounce.

Platinum was flat at $980.62, while palladium rose 0.2% to $1,968.83.

(Reporting by Eileen Soreng in Bengaluru; Editing by Ramakrishnan M., Rashmi Aich and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday, as concerns over a potential fallout of Chinese property developer Evergrande`s unsolved debt crisis provided some respite to the safe-haven metal against a firmer dollar and elevated U.

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday, as concerns over a potential fallout of Chinese property developer Evergrande`s unsolved debt crisis provided some respite to the safe-haven metal against a firmer dollar and elevated U.S. Treasury yields. Spot gold was steady at $1,749.86 per ounce by 0454 GMT, while U.S. gold futures edged 0.1% down to $1,749.80. "Gold seems content to range between $1,740 and $1,760 at the moment with Asian buyers adding to longs on dips with Evergrande and China growth fears encouraging regional buyers to add more weight in gold as a haven play," Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at OANDA said. Investors continued to fret over China Evergrande Group, which has 30 days to make the payment before it falls into default while its wealth management unit is now being investigated. But, bullion prices were capped by a stronger dollar and higher benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yields that hovered near a three-month peak. Investors now eye Congressional testimony from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell due later in the day, after he said the central bank would move against unchecked inflation if needed. U.S. central bank officials also tied reduction in Federal Reserve`s monthly bond purchases to continued job growth, with a September employment report now a potential trigger for the central bank`s bond "taper." While gold is often considered a hedge against higher inflation, a rate hike would increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no interest. Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world`s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.3% to 990.32 on Monday. Silver fell 0.3% to $22.59 an ounce. Platinum was flat at $980.62, while palladium rose 0.2% to $1,968.83. (Reporting by Eileen Soreng in Bengaluru; Editing by Ramakrishnan M., Rashmi Aich and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)

Gold holds firm as Evergrande crisis offsets firmer dollar, yields

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday, as concerns over a potential fallout of Chinese property developer Evergrande’s unsolved debt crisis provided&nbsp; 
some respite to the safe-haven metal against a firmer dollar and elevated U.S. Treasury yields.

Spot gold was steady at $1,749.86 per ounce by 0454 GMT, while U.S. gold futures edged 0.1% down to $1,749.80.

 
“Gold seems content to range between $1,740 and $1,760 at the moment with Asian buyers adding to longs on dips&nbsp;with Evergrande and China growth fears encouraging regional buyers to add more weight in gold as a haven play,” Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at OANDA said.

Investors continued to fret over China Evergrande Group , which has 30 days to make the payment before it falls into default while its wealth management unit is now being investigated.

But, bullion prices were capped by a stronger dollar and higher benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yields that hovered near a three-month peak.

Investors now eye Congressional testimony from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell due later in the day, after he said the central bank would move against unchecked inflation if needed.

U.S. central bank officials also tied reduction in Federal Reserve’s monthly bond purchases to continued job growth, with a September employment report now a potential trigger for the central bank’s bond “taper.”

While gold is often considered a hedge against higher inflation, a rate hike would increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no interest.

Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.3% to 990.32 on Monday.

Silver fell 0.3% to $22.59 an ounce.

Platinum was flat at $980.62, while palladium rose 0.2% to $1,968.83.

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday, as concerns over a potential fallout of Chinese property developer Evergrande’s unsolved debt crisis provided some respite to the safe-haven metal against a firmer dollar and elevated U.

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday, as concerns over a potential fallout of Chinese property developer Evergrande’s unsolved debt crisis provided some respite to the safe-haven metal against a firmer dollar and elevated U.S. Treasury yields. Spot gold was steady at $1,749.86 per ounce by 0454 GMT, while U.S. gold futures edged 0.1% down to $1,749.80. “Gold seems content to range between $1,740 and $1,760 at the moment with Asian buyers adding to longs on dips with Evergrande and China growth fears encouraging regional buyers to add more weight in gold as a haven play,” Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at OANDA said. Investors continued to fret over China Evergrande Group , which has 30 days to make the payment before it falls into default while its wealth management unit is now being investigated. But, bullion prices were capped by a stronger dollar and higher benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yields that hovered near a three-month peak. Investors now eye Congressional testimony from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell due later in the day, after he said the central bank would move against unchecked inflation if needed. U.S. central bank officials also tied reduction in Federal Reserve’s monthly bond purchases to continued job growth, with a September employment report now a potential trigger for the central bank’s bond “taper.” While gold is often considered a hedge against higher inflation, a rate hike would increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no interest. Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.3% to 990.32 on Monday. Silver fell 0.3% to $22.59 an ounce. Platinum was flat at $980.62, while palladium rose 0.2% to $1,968.83.

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras. The mint has launched a gold bar with Hindu Goddess of wealth Lakshmi on it.

The gold bar weighs 20 g and is made up of 999.9 fine gold. It will be presented to customers in a specially designed henna patterned sleeve.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-gains-as-soft-dollar-lifts-bullion-appeal-fed-in-focus-416319">Gold gains as soft dollar lifts bullion appeal; Fed in focus</a>

The Royal Mint website says that the gold bar is 'an auspicious gift which unites British minting excellence and time-honoured traditions

The gold bar has been designed by Emma Noble and has a thickness of 2.1 mm. Each gold bar will come with a unique serial number.

The gold bar will be available for purchase on the official Royal Mint website. Each bar has been priced at 1080 Pounds.

Gold is often bought as an investment and gold bars are not only purchased for the intrinsic value of the metal in it but designs and themes also add a value of collectibility. This may further increase the price.

The gold bar with Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi on it is likely to be a hit among Indians and British Indians in the UK.

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras.

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras. The mint has launched a gold bar with Hindu Goddess of wealth Lakshmi on it. The gold bar weighs 20 g and is made up of 999.9 fine gold. It will be presented to customers in a specially designed henna patterned sleeve. Also Read | Gold gains as soft dollar lifts bullion appeal; Fed in focus The Royal Mint website says that the gold bar is 'an auspicious gift which unites British minting excellence and time-honoured traditions The gold bar has been designed by Emma Noble and has a thickness of 2.1 mm. Each gold bar will come with a unique serial number. The gold bar will be available for purchase on the official Royal Mint website. Each bar has been priced at 1080 Pounds. Gold is often bought as an investment and gold bars are not only purchased for the intrinsic value of the metal in it but designs and themes also add a value of collectibility. This may further increase the price. The gold bar with Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi on it is likely to be a hit among Indians and British Indians in the UK.

UK Royal Mint launches gold bar featuring Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of wealth

Gold prices firmed on Monday, propped up by a subdued dollar and slight retreat in the U.S. Treasury yields, with investors gearing up for speeches from U.S. Federal Reserve policymakers this week for cues on the central bank`s rate hike timeline.

Spot gold was up 0.4% at $1,757.00 per ounce, as of 0656 GMT, while US&nbsp;gold futures were up 0.4% at $1,758.50.

The dollar index softened, making bullion cheaper for holders of other currencies. Meanwhile the benchmark 10-year Treasury yields eased after hitting their highest since early-July.

"Gold is still looking slightly precarious where it is right now, and it`s probably bouncing off key technical level around $1,750," IG Market analyst Kyle Rodda said.

A slew of Fed officials are due to speak this week including Chairman Jerome Powell, who will testify this week before Congress on the central bank`s policy response to the pandemic.

"There`ll be a lot of questions being put to Fed speakers about what the dot plots implied last week and whether there is higher risk of heightened inflation going forward and that rate hikes could be coming in the first half of 2022," Rodda added.

Gold is often considered a hedge against higher inflation, but a Fed rate hike would increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no interest.

Investors also kept a close watch on developments in debt-laden property giant China Evergrande saga as the firm missed a payment on offshore bonds last week, with further payment due this week.

The People`s Bank of China continues to inject liquidity into markets indicating some systemic risks in the market and supported the bullion, Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, said.

Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world`s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, increased 0.1% to 993.52 tonnes on Friday.

Gold prices firmed on Monday, propped up by a subdued dollar and slight retreat in the U.S. Treasury yields, with investors gearing up for speeches from U.S. Federal Reserve policymakers this week for cues on the central bank`s rate hike timeline.

Gold prices firmed on Monday, propped up by a subdued dollar and slight retreat in the U.S. Treasury yields, with investors gearing up for speeches from U.S. Federal Reserve policymakers this week for cues on the central bank`s rate hike timeline. Spot gold was up 0.4% at $1,757.00 per ounce, as of 0656 GMT, while US gold futures were up 0.4% at $1,758.50. The dollar index softened, making bullion cheaper for holders of other currencies. Meanwhile the benchmark 10-year Treasury yields eased after hitting their highest since early-July. "Gold is still looking slightly precarious where it is right now, and it`s probably bouncing off key technical level around $1,750," IG Market analyst Kyle Rodda said. A slew of Fed officials are due to speak this week including Chairman Jerome Powell, who will testify this week before Congress on the central bank`s policy response to the pandemic. "There`ll be a lot of questions being put to Fed speakers about what the dot plots implied last week and whether there is higher risk of heightened inflation going forward and that rate hikes could be coming in the first half of 2022," Rodda added. Gold is often considered a hedge against higher inflation, but a Fed rate hike would increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no interest. Investors also kept a close watch on developments in debt-laden property giant China Evergrande saga as the firm missed a payment on offshore bonds last week, with further payment due this week. The People`s Bank of China continues to inject liquidity into markets indicating some systemic risks in the market and supported the bullion, Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, said. Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world`s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, increased 0.1% to 993.52 tonnes on Friday.

Gold gains as soft dollar lifts bullion appeal; Fed in focus

Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level.&nbsp;

Cool haircuts are passe. Colouring your hair is oh-so-common. The next level thing is to replace all your hair. And while you're at it, why not use gold chains for that extra glitz.

Dan Sur has done just that. He is a rapper in Mexico. The 23-year-old recently got his hair replaced with gold chains through surgery.

The reason?

He wanted to do something different and he says that nobody has ever done it. He underwent the surgery in April this year and his Instagram page has his goldilocks everywhere. As per New York Post, It appears that Dan Sur is the first rapper in history to have chain hair.

The rapper even wrote in one of his video posts that he wanted to do something different since colouring hair was something everybody did. He may be the first one to have had chain hair but he doesn't want people to immediately start aping his style.

What next? Rap battle with 2 Chainz?

Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level.

Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level. Cool haircuts are passe. Colouring your hair is oh-so-common. The next level thing is to replace all your hair. And while you're at it, why not use gold chains for that extra glitz. Dan Sur has done just that. He is a rapper in Mexico. The 23-year-old recently got his hair replaced with gold chains through surgery. The reason? He wanted to do something different and he says that nobody has ever done it. He underwent the surgery in April this year and his Instagram page has his goldilocks everywhere. As per New York Post, It appears that Dan Sur is the first rapper in history to have chain hair. The rapper even wrote in one of his video posts that he wanted to do something different since colouring hair was something everybody did. He may be the first one to have had chain hair but he doesn't want people to immediately start aping his style. What next? Rap battle with 2 Chainz?

Rapper replaces his hair with gold chains through surgery

Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar clinched a gold medal for India on the closing day of the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. The 22-year-old won the gold in the men's singles SH6 category on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-suhas-yathiraj-clinches-silver-in-mens-singles-badminton-sl4-event-410777" hreflang="en">Tokyo Paralympics: Suhas Yathiraj clinches silver in men's singles badminton SL4 event</a>

This is India's fifth gold medal in the coveted tournament ad now has taken their medal tally to 19. It is also the country's 2nd gold medal in badminton at the Paralympics.&nbsp;

The fifth gold medal is India's new best going past their previous-best tally of 4 medals.&nbsp;Nagar defeated Hong Kong's Chu Man Kai in an intense clash that ended in 21-17, 16-21, 21-17.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and congratulated the young shuttler. He wrote: "Happy to see our Badminton players excel at the Tokyo #Paralympics. The outstanding feat of @Krishnanagar99 has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold Medal. Wishing him the very best for his endeavours ahead."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy to see our Badminton players excel at the Tokyo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a>. The outstanding feat of <a href="https://twitter.com/Krishnanagar99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Krishnanagar99</a> has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold Medal. Wishing him the very best for his endeavours ahead. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a> <a href="https://t.co/oVs2BPcsT1">pic.twitter.com/oVs2BPcsT1</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1434371944686620673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, India's ace para-shuttler Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj scripted history as he became the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics. The 38-year-old clinched a silver medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event at the ongoing Tokyo Games after losing to Lucas Mazur of France.&nbsp;

Pramod Bhagat won India their first gold in badminton at the Paralympics.

Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar clinched a gold medal for India on the closing day of the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. The 22-year-old won the gold in the men's singles SH6 category on Sunday.

Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar clinched a gold medal for India on the closing day of the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. The 22-year-old won the gold in the men's singles SH6 category on Sunday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Paralympics: Suhas Yathiraj clinches silver in men's singles badminton SL4 event This is India's fifth gold medal in the coveted tournament ad now has taken their medal tally to 19. It is also the country's 2nd gold medal in badminton at the Paralympics. The fifth gold medal is India's new best going past their previous-best tally of 4 medals. Nagar defeated Hong Kong's Chu Man Kai in an intense clash that ended in 21-17, 16-21, 21-17. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and congratulated the young shuttler. He wrote: "Happy to see our Badminton players excel at the Tokyo #Paralympics. The outstanding feat of @Krishnanagar99 has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold Medal. Wishing him the very best for his endeavours ahead." Happy to see our Badminton players excel at the Tokyo #Paralympics. The outstanding feat of @Krishnanagar99 has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold Medal. Wishing him the very best for his endeavours ahead. #Praise4Para pic.twitter.com/oVs2BPcsT1 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2021 × Earlier, India's ace para-shuttler Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj scripted history as he became the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics. The 38-year-old clinched a silver medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event at the ongoing Tokyo Games after losing to Lucas Mazur of France. Pramod Bhagat won India their first gold in badminton at the Paralympics.

Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar wins gold for India in men's singles SH6 category

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