National News
Bluestone in talks with Peak XV Partners, Steadview Capital Think Investments for Pre-IPO Round
Bluestone, a jewellery brand, is in talks to negotiate an investment of around Rs 830 crore from Peak XV Partners, Steadview Capital, and Think Investments.
Bluestone, a jewellery brand, is in talks to negotiate an investment of around Rs 830 crore from Peak XV Partners, Steadview Capital, and Think Investments.
The pre-IPO round will combine share sales by early investors with new capital, aiming to value the omnichannel retailer at approximately Rs 7,500 crore ($900 million) before the infusion, as per the report.
Venture capital firm Peak XV Partners will reportedly invest around Rs 415 crore in the round. A source speaking to the Economic Times said, “Peak XV is in talks to lead the funding amid a wider inclination for venture funds to tap domestic brands and offline retailers.”
Further, some family offices via special-purpose vehicles might also reportedly participate in the round. The round is expected to be closed in the next few days.
In September 2023, Bluestone raised $65 million from a group of investors at a valuation of $410 million.
National News
Smuggled Gold Distorting India’s Bullion Market
Sharp Rise In Smuggled Gold, Driven Largely By The May 2026 Hike In Import Duty To 15%, Which Has Made The Grey Market Significantly Cheaper Than Legal Channels and Squeezed Legitimate Dealers and Jewellers
India’s bullion market is being skewed by a sharp rise in smuggled gold, driven largely by the May 2026 hike in import duty to 15%, which has made the grey market significantly cheaper than legal channels and squeezed legitimate dealers and jewellers.
Market distortion and price gap
- Smuggled gold is now selling at discounts of up to Rs 8,000 per 10 grams compared with official prices, creating a wide arbitrage that undercuts compliant traders.
- Industry executives warn that this price gap is a clear signal of an active grey market, disadvantaging genuine bullion dealers and organised jewellers who pay full duty and taxes.
Scale of illegal inflows
- Industry estimates suggest more than 100 tonnes of gold could enter India through illegal channels in 2026, echoing past surges in smuggling after earlier duty hikes.
- Despite the higher tariff, India’s gold import bill rose 24% to a record $71.9 billion in FY26, even as physical volumes fell to about 721 tonnes, indicating persistent demand being met partly via unofficial routes.
Enforcement response
- Revenue intelligence agencies, particularly the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), have intensified operations against organised smuggling networks using airports, land borders, coastal routes and domestic road transport
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