National News
Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers Partners with Ignition presented by Shiv Nadar Foundation, Chennai Edition
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.
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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