National News
GRT Jewellers Launches Empowering Podcast Series ‘Born to Sparkle’ Celebrating Women Trailblazers
Debut Episode Features Singer Shakthisree Gopalan in a Candid Conversation on Identity, Strength & Self-Love
GRT Jewellers is stepping beyond the sparkle of showroom lights into the world of storytelling with the launch of its first podcast series, Born to Sparkle. This inspiring new series shines a spotlight on women leaders who have challenged conventions, pursued their passions, and created their own unique paths to success.
The inaugural episode features renowned singer-songwriter and music producer Shakthisree Gopalan in a heartfelt conversation with RJ Mercy John. Centered on the question, “What’s the one piece of advice you’d give young women chasing their spark?”, Gopalan shares a powerful message of self-love, inner strength, and boldly embracing one’s identity. Her story sets the tone for a series dedicated to authenticity, resilience, and feminine power.
Streaming now on YouTube, Born to Sparkle promises deeply personal narratives and reflections from influential women who continue to shine in their respective fields. The podcast aligns with GRT’s ongoing mission to connect with audiences in meaningful ways that go beyond traditional retail.
This launch follows another milestone moment for the brand, as GRT recently entered the Guinness World Records for designing the world’s heaviest gold earrings—3.5 kg jhumkas made from 22kt gold, honoring South Indian heritage.
Founded in 1964, GRT Jewellers operates 62 showrooms across India and one in Singapore, offering a wide range of jewellery crafted in gold, diamond, silver, and platinum. With Born to Sparkle, the brand adds a new dimension to its legacy—celebrating brilliance not just in jewellery, but in the women who wear it.
National News
Gold Industry Proposes New Strategy To Cut Imports and Boost Local Economy
Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) Has Proposed A Two-Track System To Manage Gold More Efficiently
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to reduce gold imports and foreign travel, major Indian bullion and jewellery bodies have submitted a new plan to the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The strategy aims to lower the nation’s trade deficit by tapping into the estimated 30,000 tonnes of gold sitting in Indian households.
This move comes after India’s gold imports jumped 24% to a record $71.9 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, with over 721 tonnes of gold brought into the country.
The New Strategy: Two Separate Systems
The Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) has proposed a two-track system to manage gold more efficiently:
- For Exporters: Imported gold should be strictly saved for jewellery exporters using one-year Gold Metal Loans (GML).
- For Local Buyers: Domestic demand should be met entirely by recycling household gold. This gold would be collected from citizens, refined locally, and sold back through jewellers and retailers.
Under this plan, people who deposit their idle gold could earn 2% to 2.5% interest, while businesses taking gold loans would pay an interest rate of 3% to 4%.
Fixing Why Past Schemes Failed
Previous government gold schemes failed to gain traction primarily because they left out local jewellers and lacked a proper banking structure. Without a joined-up system, institutions faced high financial risks from changing gold prices.
To fix this, trade bodies are calling for a complete system that includes:
- Direct involvement of trusted local jewellers. The schemes did not take off in the past because jewellers were not part of them. About 10% to 20% of family gold is held as bars or coins.
- Strong bank backing and secure storage vaults across the country.
- Tax incentives, such as removing the 3% GST loss when physical gold is converted into Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR), and offering income tax relief on the interest earned.
Industry Support
Industry experts say a smooth system is already possible. Collection and purity testing centres have confirmed that collected household gold can be processed within 48 hours and safely moved to secure, bank-approved vaults.
Representatives from the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) recently held discussions with RBI officials to fast-track these changes.
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