Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (VBJ Since 1900), India’s most trusted heirloom jewellery brand joined hands with Ignition presented by Shiv Nadar foundation, Chennai edition, a stage that united young professionals, like-minded individuals from varied disciplines. Ignition is a platform created and curated by the award-winning journalist Shoma Chaudhury under the umbrella of her company Lucid Lines Productions, to deepen public discourse. The event took place at ITC Grand Chola and was attended by over 500 powerful voices from the city.

Speaking about the association, Amarendran Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ Since 1900, said, “We are proud to be associated with Ignition presented by Shiv Nadar foundation, Chennai edition as we share similar principles and ideologies. Ignition presented by Shiv Nadar foundation, Chennai edition celebrates accomplishments and encourages younger generation. These healthy conversations truly ignite the minds and promotes diverse thinking amongst the youth. As a 125-year-old brand, we have the responsibility towards the society, and this is one small step towards that direction.” 

Adding a rich cultural layer to this event, VBJ Since 1900 showcased a curated selection of its heritage and contemporary jewellery through a specially designed display panel at the venue. 

Hosted by veteran journalist, Shoma Chaudhury, the event brought together India’s most influential minds — Sanjaya Baru (Policy Analyst and Author), Dr. Ambrish Mithal (Padma Bhushan awardee), D.P. Srivastava (former Ambassador to Iran), Kabir Taneja (Strategic Affairs Expert), and Wellness Advisor Richa Gangani offered a compelling exchange of ideas.

Central banks have accumulated over 1,000t of gold in each of the last three years, up significantly from the 400-500t average over the preceding decade. This marked acceleration in the pace of accumulation has occurred against a backdrop of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, which has clouded the outlook for reserve managers and investors alike.

2025 Central Bank Gold Reserves (CBGR) survey, conducted between 25 February and 20 May, helps us shine a light on the continued importance of gold reserve management in these challenging times. This year we set a new benchmark, drawing in 73 responses – the highest since our survey commenced eight years ago.

Key highlights

• Similar to findings from previous surveys, central banks continue to hold favourable expectations on gold. Respondents overwhelmingly (95%) believe that global central bank gold reserves will increase over the next 12 months. 
• This year, a record 43% of respondents believe that their own gold reserves will also increase over the same period. Interestingly, none of our respondents anticipate a decline in their gold reserves.
• Gold’s performance during times of crisis, portfolio diversification and inflation hedging are some key themes driving plans to accumulate more gold over the coming year. In addition, gold’s unique characteristics and role as a strategic asset continue to be valued by central banks: its performance in times of crisis, ability to act as a store of value, and its role as an effective diversifier, continue to be cited as key reasons for an allocation to gold.
• The majority of respondents (73%) see moderate or significantly lower US dollar holdings within global reserves over the next five years. Respondents also believe that the share of other currencies, such as the euro and renminbi, as well as gold, will increase over the same period.
• The survey highlighted an uptick in respondents who actively manage their gold reserves, from 37% in 2024 to 44% in 2025. While enhancing returns remained the primary reason for this, risk management leapfrogged tactical trading as the second most selected reason.
• The Bank of England remains the most popular vaulting location for gold reserves amongst respondents (64%); a significantly higher percentage of respondents reported some domestic storage of gold reserves this year than they did last year (59% in 2025 vs 41% in 2024). Just 7% of respondents indicated that they plan to increase domestic storage of gold reserves over the next 12 months.

The brilliance of Jaipur’s gems and jewellery industry lit up the Novotel Jaipur Convention Center as JAS: The Premium B2B Show was inaugurated today. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Princess Diya Kumari , our Inaugural Guest, and Chief Guest  C.K. Venkatraman, MD – Titan Company Ltd along  with  Pramod  Derewala, Chairman – NGJCI, and  Yogendra  Garg, Regional Chairman – GJEPC, inaugurated JAS: The Premium B2B Show with ribbon cutting, lamp lighting, inspiring addresses, and warm mementos.

Committee members —  Alok Sonkhiya President,  Ashok Maheshwari Convenor, JAS,  Neeraj Lunawat Honorary Secretary,  Raju Mangodiwala Vice President & Co-Convenor, JAS,  Ajay Godha Joint Secretary, and  Naresh Agroya Co-Convenor, JAS & Coordinator, JEA — extended heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries and guests.