National News
Surge in gold import drives India’s trade deficit to $41.68 billion
India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to a record $41.68 billion in October, as gold imports trebled and outbound shipments registered their sharpest contraction in 14 months. The surge reversed the recent trend of narrowing deficits, raising concerns over external imbalances amid global economic uncertainties.
Merchandise imports jumped to $66.1 billion from $52.3 billion a year earlier, while exports grew only marginally to $44.3 billion, according to provisional data from the Commerce Ministry. Gold imports more than doubled, crossing $7 billion, as jewellers stocked up for Dussehra and Diwali sales, marking the peak festive season.
Gold imports surged 199.2 per cent year-on-year to $14.72 billion in October, fuelled by pent-up demand and the festival season. Silver imports rose sixfold to $2.72 billion, driven by increased shipments of plain silver from a free-trade agreement partner country, government officials said.
Analysts noted that while the seasonal jump in bullion demand is temporary, it added pressure on the rupee and may influence the Reserve Bank of India’s stance on currency management. Non-oil, non-gold imports also showed an uptick, signaling revival in domestic consumption.
Economists expect the deficit to ease in the coming months as festive purchases taper, but warn that elevated gold demand and volatile crude prices could keep the external gap above comfort levels through the December quarter.
National News
Bhima Gold Unveils Ashtalakshmi Coin Collection for Akshaya Tritiya, Blending Devotion with Exquisite Design
A culturally rooted, insight-led launch that reimagines festive gold buying through storytelling, symbolism, and spiritual relevance.
In a move that blends cultural storytelling with product innovation, Bhima Gold has unveiled its Ashtalakshmi Coin Collection for Akshaya Tritiya – positioning gold not just as a purchase, but as a deeply symbolic expression of prosperity, faith, and intent.
Timed with one of India’s most significant gold-buying occasions, Akshaya Tritiya, the launch reflects a deeper cultural shift in consumer behaviour. While the festival continues to drive strong purchase intent, there is a growing preference for meaningful, purpose-led buying experiences over purely transactional consumption.
Aligned with this evolving mindset, the Ashtalakshmi coin collection has been thoughtfully conceptualised to blend tradition with deeper symbolism. Inspired by the eight sacred forms of Goddess Lakshmi, each coin represents a distinct dimension of prosperity—from wealth and nourishment to courage, knowledge, and continuity.

By bringing together Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi, the collection reframes gold coins from being a generic festive purchase to a story-driven, culturally immersive product experience – one that resonates across generations and belief systems.
This launch also aligns with Bhima Gold’s larger centenary narrative of “Together Purever,” which focuses on legacy, shared traditions, and evolving consumer meaning. The collection becomes an extension of that philosophy – reinforcing how heritage brands are reinterpreting tradition for a more aware and emotionally driven consumer.
Customers can pre-book their favourite jewellery by paying just 10% in advance & get their jewellery on Akshaya Tritiya at the lowest rate, which gives customers more flexibility and helps them plan their purchases with greater confidence, especially at a time when gold prices are high.
Akshaya Tritiya has traditionally been associated with intention, belief, and the aspiration for prosperity, extending beyond a purely transactional act of buying gold. The Ashtalakshmi Coin Collection has been conceptualised to reflect this deeper cultural and spiritual significance, with each coin designed to carry a distinct meaning and sense of purpose. The initiative also aligns with evolving consumer preferences, where there is a noticeable shift towards jewellery that offers emotional, cultural, and spiritual resonance in addition to intrinsic value.
With gold prices near record highs and consumer sentiment becoming more considered, Bhima’s Ashtalakshmi Coin Collection signals a broader shift in the category — from price-led promotions to meaning-led engagement, where design, storytelling, and cultural relevance drive both differentiation and demand.
As legacy brands navigate a new era of conscious consumption, Bhima Gold’s latest offering highlights how tradition can be reimagined as experience, making gold buying not just an act of investment, but an expression of identity and belief.
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