National News
AUGMONT WEEKLY BLOG:Gold on beast mode as Liberation Day approaches
Gold has continued its terrific run, on beast mode, hitting $3177 (Rs 91400) to set another milestone, as uncertainty about tariffs that would drive inflation and deteriorate economic development boosted safe-haven demand and maintained gold on track for its best quarter since 1986. The buying demand in gold continues unabated, with markets scrambling for shelter in the traditional store of wealth amid concerns over US President Donald Trump’s tariff plans on ‘Liberation Day’, April 2.
What is Liberation Day?
As per Wikipedia, “Liberation Day is a day, often a public holiday, that marks the liberation of a place, similar to an Independence Day. Liberation marks the date of either a revolution, as in Cuba, the fall of a dictatorship, as in Syria, or the end of the occupation by another state, as in the Netherlands, thereby differing from the original independence day or creation of statehood, while in Italy commemorates the victory of the Italian resistance movement against Nazi Germany and the Italian Social Republic, a puppet state of the Nazis and rump state of the fascists, the culmination of the liberation of Italy from German occupation and the Italian civil war in the latter phase of World War II”.
US Liberation Day on April 2
Donald Trump has threatened a “Liberation Day” with tariffs on countries having persistent trade deficits with the US. On Wednesday, April 2, the world will learn about Donald Trump’s new style of doing business with almost everyone. That is when the White House will unveil its tariff plan, which includes duty increases for all countries that trade products and services with the United States. Trump has not hinted at imposing a levy on gold, but the prospect of such a move has pushed prices to their current levels. Is gold taxed on imports? We find out on Wednesday. Until then, speculation is likely to continue in full swing.
Trump rattling the markets
Furthermore, US President Donald Trump shook markets last week by placing 25% tariffs on all non-American vehicles and light trucks ahead of the so-called reciprocal tariffs, which are scheduled to take effect on April 2. On Sunday, Trump expressed his rage and frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening large tariffs on Russian energy and even bombings in Iran. He also stated that if he believes Moscow is impeding his efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, he will slap secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on Russian oil customers. Trump also slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, warning that he would suffer serious consequences if he pulled out of the important rare earth minerals deal. This further weighs on investors’ sentiment and contributes to the global flight to safety.
What next?
Bullion is up around 18% this year after climbing more than 27% in 2024, owing to a favorable monetary policy background, significant central bank buying, and demand for exchange-traded funds, among other things. This comes on top of continuing concerns over slowing US economic growth, which drives stagflation fears, pulling the US Dollar down and providing more support to gold.
The next resistance for gold is $3210(~Rs 92000) while Silver is stuck in the range of $33 to $35, prices need to sustain above its $35 resistance to head higher towards $38.
National News
India Hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 In Mumbai
Kimberley Process Meeting Focuses On Monitoring, Compliance and Sustainable Diamond Trade
The Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 commenced in Mumbai under India’s Chairship. The meeting, being held from May 11 to May 14, 2026, has brought together representatives from Kimberley Process Participants, Observers, and industry stakeholders from across the world to deliberate on key issues related to the global trade in natural diamonds.
Addressing the gathering, KP Chair 2026, Suchindra Misra, stated that the Kimberley Process has played an important role in supporting peace, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening legitimate diamond trade across producing nations. He emphasised the need to further strengthen trust in the system, enhance cooperation among participants, and ensure that the Kimberley Process remains relevant and effective in a changing global environment.
He also highlighted that natural diamonds represent a sustainable product and that the Kimberley Process continues to remain one of the most progressive certification systems globally.
The Intersessional Meeting will include discussions and meetings of various Working Groups and Committees over the coming days. The deliberations will focus on implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), monitoring and compliance mechanisms, artisanal and alluvial diamond production, statistics, and measures aimed at strengthening trust in the natural diamond value chain. The proceedings of the Intersessional Meeting will continue till May 14, 2026.
The meeting is also expected to provide an opportunity for Participants and Observers to exchange views on emerging challenges and collaborative approaches for enhancing consumer confidence in ethically sourced natural diamonds.
Senior officials of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, representatives from Kimberley Process Participants, members of the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition members, and other stakeholders are participating in the Intersessional Meeting.
Quote attributed to Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC :
“India today stands at the heart of the global natural diamond industry, not only as the world’s largest cutting and polishing center, but also as one of the fastest-growing diamond jewellery markets globally. As an industry, we remain committed to strengthening consumer confidence, promoting transparency, and working together with global stakeholders to ensure that natural diamonds continue to remain a symbol of trust, aspiration, and shared prosperity across the world.
GJEPC, as co-organizer of the Intersessional under India’s Kimberley Process Chairship, is pleased to support this important global platform that will help strengthen confidence, enhance compliance, and reinforce the credibility of the global diamond ecosystem.”
India’s Chairship theme for 2026 focuses on the 3Cs — credibility, compliance, and consumer confidence in the natural diamond sector, with emphasis on strengthening the future of responsibly sourced natural diamonds through constructive dialogue and international collaboration.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 (2000), is an international initiative aimed at preventing the flow of conflict diamonds into the legitimate diamond trade. At present, the Kimberley Process has 60 Participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its Member States participating as a single bloc.
India assumed the Chairship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening responsible sourcing, transparency, and sustainability in the global diamond sector. As one of the world’s leading centres for diamond cutting and polishing, India continues to play an important role in advancing the objectives of the Kimberley Process.
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