JB Insights
GJEPC’s 51st India Gem & Jewellery Awards held in Jaipur
Presiding Guest Gautam Adani says technology & sustainability are twin pillars of our future
Shri 24 awards presented at IGJA 2023-24

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presented the coveted 51st India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA) held in Jaipur, honouring the leading exporters of the gems & jewellery industry. GJEPC presented a total of 24 IGJ Awards: 14 – Industry Performance Awards; 7- Special Recognition Awards; 2 – Felicitation Awards; and 1- Bank supporting the Gems & Jewellery Industry Awards. Pramod Agrawal (Chairman, Derewala Industries Ltd) wins the Lifetime Achievement Award
Business tycoon Shri Gautam Adani (Chairman, Adani Group) graced GJEPC’s 51st edition of the IGJ Awards as Presiding Guest. Representing GJEPC were Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Nirmal Bardiya, Regional Chairman, Rajasthan, GJEPC; Shri Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, and Shri Sachin Jain, Regional CEO – India, World Gold Council and Shri Gopal Kumar, Director and General Manager, Gemfields India Pvt. Ltd was also present along with the who’s who and doyens of India’s gem & jewellery industry.
While addressing a packed hall of diamond, gem and jewellery trade, Shri Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said, “Technology and sustainability are the twin pillars of our future. As we embrace the digital age, let’s ensure our growth is both innovative and responsible. Empowering and uplifting our skilled artisans and craftsmen with digital tools will propel our jewellery heritage to new heights. Ultimately, our youth are the architects of tomorrow. Let’s nurture their potential, and create an India that shines brightly on the world stage.”
Adani further added, “Innovation and sustainability are not just trends but the foundation for the future of the gem and jewellery industry. From advanced manufacturing techniques to smart wearables, technology is revolutionizing the jewellery industry, offering endless opportunities for customisation and connection. The gem and jewellery industry must embrace change, challenge the status quo, and adapt to evolving consumer needs to remain a global leader.”
Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC addressing the audience said, “Think big, innovate relentlessly, and embrace technology—the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry is brighter than ever. With robust retail growth, projects like the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai, Jaipur’s Gem Bourse, and the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC are transforming the landscape. Supported by visionary government policies and FTAs, our industry is poised to scale new heights. Together, we can position India as a global leader in gems and jewellery, setting benchmarks for innovation, excellence, and sustainability.”



The selection criteria this year included export performance, value addition, employment generation and investment in R&D among other parameters. In recognition of the business excellence demonstrated by companies that are helping to strengthen ‘Brand India’, GJEPC not only felicitate industry players for their exemplary performance, but also recognizes entities such as banks which play a key role in the growth of the sector.
IGJA has evolved over the years to embrace new categories, including social responsibility, innovation, and entrepreneurship, reflecting the dynamic nature of our industry.

JB Insights
Sovereign Bond Yields and The Strategic Pivot To Gold
When Government Bond Yields Rise Alongside A High Debt-To-GDP Ratio, Debt Servicing Costs Consume A Larger Share Of The Country’s Revenue. This Forces Central Banks To Adjust Their Reserve Assets Toward Zero-Risk Alternatives Like Gold.
Global finance is currently facing a big problem: government borrowing costs are rising sharply around the world, making it much harder for countries to manage their debt.
Here is what is happening and why it matters:
1. Rising Borrowing Costs: G7 vs. India
Between February and September 2026, government bond yields (the interest rate governments pay to borrow money) rose across major economies. However, some countries handled it better than others:
- G7 Nations (Rich Economies): The average 10-year yield surged by over 1.1 percentage points as investors demanded higher interest to hold government debt.
- India: India’s 10-year government bond yield rose by only 0.4 percentage points over the same period, showing much better stability due to strong domestic demand and steady central bank policy.
2. Historic Debt Levels
Global public debt is projected to pass 100% of global GDP by 2030. The world has not seen public debt this high since the end of World War II in 1945.
- Higher Interest Expenses: Countries must now spend a larger portion of their tax revenue just to pay interest on past loans, leaving less money for public services, infrastructure, and business investments.
- Refinancing Risk: Millions of dollars in old, low-interest bonds are maturing. Governments are forced to replace them with new bonds at much higher interest rates.
3. Why Central Banks Are Buying Gold
Because of these debt risks, foreign central banks are changing how they hold their emergency reserve funds:
- US Treasuries Are Losing Appeal: Big government deficits mean the US is issuing massive amounts of new bonds. This oversupply, combined with high inflation and market swings, makes US debt feel less safe to foreign investors.
- The Pivot to Gold: Central banks are diversifying away from US dollars and buying record amounts of physical gold (over 1,000 metric tons per year). Gold carries zero default risk, cannot be frozen by foreign governments, and holds its value during fiscal crises.
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