world gold council

A recent surge in gold import duty has fueled a wave of smuggling, with illicit gold now available at discounts of up to Rs 10 lakh per kilogram. This creates a significant price disparity with legally imported bullion, mirroring trends seen after a similar duty hike in 2013. Industry experts warn of escalating unofficial imports.

India's gold demand is projected to drop by 50-60 tonnes in 2026, a 10% decrease, following a significant import duty hike. The world gold council notes this could also boost unofficial gold inflows, a trend observed historically with higher duties. Consumer sentiment and economic factors will also play a role.

India's gold demand has plummeted by nearly 70% following a government increase in import duty from 6% to 15%. This, coupled with rising fuel and food prices, has significantly dampened consumer sentiment and spending on discretionary items like gold.

India has appointed economist Neelkanth Mishra as its new Executive Director at the World Bank. He will represent India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Mishra's expertise in finance and policy will shape global development discussions. This appointment highlights the growing role of Indian professionals in international institutions. His tenure begins soon, succeeding Parameswaran Iyer.

Randhir Singh, India’s first Asian Games shooting gold medallist and a veteran sports administrator, passed away at 79 after battling age-related illnesses. A five-time Olympian, he later served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association and President of the Olympic Council of Asia, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Indian and Asian sports.

Randhir Singh, a celebrated shooter and administrator, has died at 79. He was a pioneer in Indian shooting, winning gold at the 1978 Asian Games. Singh also served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association for over two decades. His contributions shaped sports governance and strengthened India's international presence. Tributes highlight his leadership and dedication to athletes.

India's enduring love for gold spans centuries, evolving from tradition to modern investment. Women hold vast reserves, and the market is set for significant growth. Digital gold and ETFs are gaining traction alongside traditional jewellery. Gold remains a symbol of prosperity, security, and auspiciousness for Indians across generations.

Gold and silver prices are expected to trade within a narrow band this week, with investors closely watching US-Iran peace talks and key global economic data. Analysts noted that while gold's momentum appears steady, silver shows positive movement. Geopolitical tensions and central bank buying are also influencing precious metal markets.

RBI is not alone in repatriating its gold reserves. Several central banks like France’s Banque de France, Germany’s Deutsche Bundesbank, Serbia’s National Bank have done the same - buy why?

In an urgent meeting held in Hiroshima, representatives from Antarctic Treaty countries gathered to confront the increasing dangers posed by climate change and rising tourist activity. Once a sanctuary for scientific exploration since 1959, Antarctica now grapples with the consequences of melting ice that threatens the survival of majestic emperor penguins and attracts global interest in its untapped resources.

Gold price prediction today: Any upside in gold and silver prices may face resistance at higher levels, says Vedika Narvekar, Research Analyst - Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers.

Industry stalwart Ravi Pandit, co-founder and chairman of KPIT Technologies, passed away at 75 after a brief illness. A visionary in mobility technology and sustainability, Pandit also championed civic and educational initiatives. His contributions extended to policy-making, including his role in the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the HRIDAY initiative, aiming for inclusive growth through clean energy.

India's central bank significantly boosted its gold reserves, bringing back 104 metric tonnes domestically between October 2025 and March 2026. This move, amid global geopolitical tensions and a decline in foreign currency assets, saw gold's share in forex reserves rise to 16.7%. Globally, central banks are increasingly repatriating gold, reflecting a growing trend towards bolstering national sovereignty.

Gold price prediction today: Gold and silver prices are likely to be range bound this week, says Vedika Narvekar, Research Analyst - Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers.