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ASIS Chapter Meet & AGM 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success at Bharat Diamond Bourse

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In a vibrant confluence of security, cyber, and risk management professionals, the ASIS International Mumbai Chapter successfully hosted its Annual General Meeting and Chapter Meet 2025 at the prestigious Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai. The event drew an impressive gathering of nearly 130 seasoned experts and rising leaders from across the industry, transforming the iconic venue into a dynamic hub of strategic dialogue, professional camaraderie, and forward-looking governance.

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The highlight of the day was the keynote address by the distinguished D. Sivanandhan, former Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, and former Director General of Police, Maharashtra, as well as the founder of the impactful ROTI BANK initiative. Speaking on the critical theme of “Public-Police Partnership: A Strategic Imperative for Crisis Management & Business Continuity,” Sivanandhan delivered a compelling 40-minute presentation that held the audience in rapt attention. With a rare blend of authority, insight, and lived experience, his talk was both mesmerizing and deeply instructive, drawing richly from the core ideas of his recently released book. The hall was so silent during his address that one could hear a pin drop, a testament to the power and relevance of his message on how strong public-police collaboration can transform a metropolis into a safer, more resilient city to live and work in.

Following the keynote, the much-anticipated book launch of “The Brahmastra Unleashed” took center stage, graced by industry stalwarts who formally unveiled the publication. The launch was not just a celebration of authorship but a recognition of a body of work that promises to shape thinking and practice in the security domain for years to come.

Adding further prestige to the occasion,Mehul Shah, Vice President of Bharat Diamond Bourse and Chairman of the Gemmological Institute of India, was present to felicitate Sivanandhan. In his interaction with the media, Shri Shah warmly welcomed all professionals to the BDB, emphasizing that in today’s complex and often unfavourable global environment, the coming together of top security leaders from diverse organizations is a heartening and positive sign.

He remarked, “When the world faces uncertainty, it is reassuring to see leaders gather, share insights, and build connections that strengthen our collective resilience. The Bharat Diamond Bourse is proud to host such a distinguished gathering and stands ready to welcome all professionals who contribute to a safer, more secure society. My best wishes to ASIS International for its elections and for all its efforts to serve the profession and society at large.”

The intellectual momentum continued with a high-impact panel discussion on “Building Resilience & Business Continuity in an Unpredictable World.” Moderated by Col. Sam, the panel featured an esteemed lineup of Col. Manjit Singh, Usha Suryavanshi, Rajesh Shekhawat, and Capt. Shantanu Krishna. The discussion was incisive, practical, and rich with real-world examples, offering valuable frameworks for organizations to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from disruptions in an era of constant change.

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In a touching moment of recognition, the ASIS Mumbai Chapter also felicitated Sampat Suryavanshi, a distinguished corporate security professional, for his exceptional contributions and unwavering support during the tragic 26/11 terror attacks, recently being honoured by the National Security Guard at the Gateway of India while commemorating the courage and sacrifices of that harrowing chapter in the city’s history.

Alongside the knowledge sessions, the Mumbai Chapter also conducted its annual elections, which concluded smoothly and democratically. The newly elected office bearers for the year 2026 were warmly welcomed: Rakesh Kherwa as Chapter Chair, Marsh Miranda as Chapter Secretary, and Aabid Khan as Chapter Treasurer. Their election marks a new chapter of leadership, collaboration, and service for the Mumbai Chapter.

As the event drew to a close, the air was charged with optimism, purpose, and a shared sense of mission. In a world where threats are evolving and challenges are multiplying, gatherings like the ASIS Mumbai Chapter Meet & AGM 2025 stand as a powerful reminder that unity, knowledge, and leadership are the true cornerstones of a secure and resilient future. Here’s to many more such moments of connection, learning, and impact.

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National News

Outstanding gold-backed loans  surge by  128% from a year earlier

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India’s appetite for borrowing against gold is reshaping the country’s credit landscape. Outstanding gold-backed loans have surged 128% from a year earlier, crossing Rs.4 lakh crore ($48 billion) for the first time, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India. As of Jan. 31, loans secured by gold jewellery stood at Rs.4,00,517 crore, marking one of the fastest expansions in retail credit in recent years.

The boom in gold loans has helped propel overall non-food bank credit growth to 14.4% year-on-year. Personal loans now account for 34.5% of total bank lending, outpacing other segments and underscoring a broader shift toward consumer-driven credit expansion

Gold loans alone contributed roughly 9% of incremental bank credit during the period. Between January 2024 and January 2026, outstanding gold-backed credit rose by nearly Rs.3.1 lakh crore—an increase of about 338% over two years—more than quadrupling the size of the portfolio.

Two factors are driving the surge. First, gold prices have climbed roughly 152% over the past two years, increasing the collateral value of household holdings. Second, regulatory guidance requiring banks to classify loans secured by gold explicitly as gold loans has sharpened reporting and accelerated balance-sheet growth in the segment.

The trend highlights a distinctive feature of India’s financial system: households’ vast stock of physical gold, long viewed primarily as a store of wealth, is increasingly being mobilized as collateral for formal credit.

While personal lending and credit to nonbank financial companies within the services sector continue to expand rapidly, industrial credit remains uneven. Loans to micro, small and medium enterprises are growing steadily, but borrowing by large corporations has stayed relatively muted.

Since March 21, 2025, banks have added Rs.21.8 lakh crore to their non-food loan books, translating into 12% growth for the financial year to date. Yet it is gold—rather than factories or infrastructure—that is emerging as one of the most dynamic engines of India’s current credit cycle.

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