National News
Gold prices touch Rs 1 lakh/10 gm mark: AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
Gold prices reached a record high of $3397 (~Rs 96747) on exchanges and nearly Rs 1 lakh in the spot market after adding 3% GST. Concerns over global economic growth as a result of the escalating Sino-U.S. trade war are driving the rise, with a weaker dollar adding to the momentum.
Fundamentally, markets are pricing in increased geopolitical risks, fueled by U.S. trade tensions and stagflation concerns, while persistent central bank demand adds to price pressures. On April 2, US President Donald Trump imposed “reciprocal tariffs” on dozens of countries, and while his administration has suspended duties for some, it has escalated its trade war with China.
China cautioned countries on Monday not to strike a bigger economic deal with the United States at its expense, a move Trump is allegedly looking for from countries seeking tariff reductions or exemptions. Meanwhile, Trump launched a slew of attacks on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Thursday, as his administration considers firing him.
On the geopolitical front, Russia and Ukraine accused one other of hundreds of strikes that breached President Vladimir Putin’s one-day Easter ceasefire, with the Kremlin claiming there was no instruction to extend the pause in frontline fighting.
The next potential milestone for gold could be around $3500 (~Rs 100,000) if this rally continues further, but positioning may appear crowded in the short run, and technical indications suggest near-term overbought circumstances. However, one must exercise extreme caution because prices have skyrocketed in a relatively short period. If prices fall below $3300 (~Rs 94300), profit-booking can lower prices to around $3100 (~Rs 90000). Silver prices have been trading in the range of $32 (~ Rs 94000) and $33 (~ Rs 97000) and to to continue same range in the coming week
National News
India-Oman CEPA Opens New Export Corridor As First Gold Jewellery Shipment Departs From Kolkata
First Duty-Free Gold Jewellery Consignment Under The India-Oman CEPA Departs From Kolkata, Paving the Way For Stronger Trade Ties and An Estimated Fivefold Growth In Exports To Oman Over The Next Three Years.
In a significant milestone for India’s gems and jewellery sector, the first shipment of gold jewellery from Kolkata to Oman under the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was dispatched today, marking the commencement of direct duty-free exports from Eastern India to the Sultanate of Oman. The maiden consignment, exported by Kolkata-based jewellery manufacturer Wonder Jewels, was flagged off in the presence of Smt. Arti Saxena, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Kolkata (Airport & Air Cargo Complex) and Shri Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman, Eastern Region, GJEPC and other officials.
The India-Oman CEPA, which came into force on 1 June 2026, provides duty-free access for Indian gold jewellery and diamonds in the Omani market, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian products and creating new opportunities for exporters. The agreement is expected to strengthen direct trade links between the two countries while reducing dependence on intermediary trade routes.
Oman represents a promising destination for Indian gems and jewellery exports. India’s exports of gems and jewellery to Oman currently stand at around USD 35 million, including approximately USD 10 million in gold jewellery exports. Industry estimates indicate that exports to Oman could increase to nearly USD 150 million over the next three years, driven by improved market access and growing demand for Indian jewellery in the region.
Commenting on the development, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:

“We have already witnessed the positive impact of India’s trade agreements, particularly the India-UAE CEPA and the India-Australia ECTA, in expanding market access and creating new opportunities for our exporters. Despite geopolitical uncertainties and the challenges posed by evolving tariff regimes during FY 2025-26, the gems and jewellery sector delivered exports of nearly USD 28 billion, reflecting the resilience of the industry and the benefits of market diversification.
We are confident that the India-Oman CEPA will further strengthen India’s presence in the Gulf region and open new avenues for export growth. We thank the Government of India for its continued efforts to secure trade agreements that support the growth and global competitiveness of our industry.”
Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman, Eastern Region, GJEPC, said:
“The first shipment from Kolkata under the India-Oman CEPA highlights the growing role of Eastern India in India’s gems and jewellery export ecosystem. Direct duty-free access to the Omani market will eliminate the need for costly routing through the UAE, making Indian jewellery more competitive while enabling faster deliveries and greater efficiency. The agreement opens up new business opportunities for exporters from the region, and we expect this development to encourage more companies to explore Oman and the wider Gulf market.”

Industry stakeholders believe the India-Oman CEPA will further strengthen bilateral trade and position Oman as an important gateway for Indian jewellery exports to the wider Gulf region.
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