National News
Tiffany & Co. Acquires Historic Titanic Pocket Watch for $1.97 Million
Tiffany & Co. has set a new record with the acquisition of a rare 18k gold pocket watch for $1.97 million. The timepiece, once owned by Captain Arthur H. Rostron of the RMS Carpathia, was a gift from three Titanic survivors—Mrs. John B. Thayer, Mrs. John Jacob Astor, and Mrs. George D. Widener—who expressed their gratitude for his heroic efforts in rescuing passengers after the Titanic sank.
The pocket watch, purchased from Henry Aldridge and Son Ltd., is engraved with a heartfelt message from the survivors and features the monogram “AHR” on its caseback. This historic artifact honors Captain Rostron’s courage and pivotal role in saving hundreds of lives. Christopher Young, Vice President of Creative Visual Merchandising at Tiffany & Co., emphasized the significance of the acquisition, stating that it highlights the brand’s long-standing connection to history and its role in the luxury world.
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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