<h1>Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme Second Tranche Sees Surge with 3.16 Lakh Applications, 2,790 Kg Gold, Rs. 726 Crore Total.</h1> During the second tranche of the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme, held from January 18 to 22, 2016, banks received 3.16 lakh applications for 2,790 kilograms of gold, totaling Rs. 726 crore. The scheme, aimed at reducing physical gold demand and encouraging financial savings, showed increased investor interest compared to the first tranche. Major banks like SBI and ICICI Bank were among the top receivers. The government promoted the scheme through various media channels. The SGBs, issued by the RBI, have a minimum investment of two grams, a maximum of 500 grams per person annually, and offer a 2.75% annual interest.