Sutanuka Ghosal

Kalyan Jewellers reported strong first-quarter revenue growth, supported by resilient domestic demand, healthy international performance and rapid expansion of recycled gold usage. The company also added new stores and said it entered the current quarter with positive momentum ahead of festive demand.

India's gem and jewellery exports to the UK are expected to triple after the FTA begins. The agreement grants duty-free access for nearly ninety-nine percent of Indian exports. This will enhance the price competitiveness of Indian jewellery in the British market. The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council anticipates exports reaching two point five billion dollars. This trade pact aims to expand overall bilateral trade between the two nations.

Gold and silver prices declined significantly in Mumbai trading on Wednesday. This retreat followed global bullion market weakness and US President Donald Trump's comments. Crude oil prices surged, stoking inflationary concerns and impacting investor sentiment. Analysts noted that rising inflation and a stronger US dollar reduced gold and silver's appeal. Investors now await US Federal Reserve meeting minutes for interest rate guidance.

Soybean sowing has accelerated across key Indian states after a monsoon delay. Nearly ninety percent of targeted areas in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are covered. Maharashtra has completed eighty to ninety percent of its soybean planting. The Soybean Processors Association of India expects total acreage to exceed last year. Favorable rainfall will determine the final soybean production outcome this season.

In a significant move, lab-grown diamond brand Aukera raised ₹90 crore in debt financing, spearheaded by Alteria Capital. This influx of capital is earmarked for enhancing retail presence and advancing product innovation. Aukera's strategy includes opening additional outlets in both familiar and new cities, as the company targets the upscale segment of the booming market, ensuring a robust balance sheet for upcoming industry shifts.

Gulf hostilities impacting the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted Indian commodity markets. Gold and silver prices have fallen sharply, while exports face challenges. Tea and basmati rice shipments are currently at a standstill due to the situation. Exporters fear escalating freight costs and delayed payments for their goods. Businesses are preparing for potential inflation and supply chain pressures ahead.

NSE has partnered with Augmont Enterprises to expand the Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) ecosystem, aiming to unlock India's vast household gold holdings. The initiative seeks to improve liquidity, enable exchange-traded ownership of physical gold, reduce import dependence and create a transparent, SEBI-regulated marketplace for the precious metal.

NCDEX will launch Guar Korma futures on July 24, giving exporters, processors and feed manufacturers a SEBI-regulated platform to hedge price risks. The contract completes the exchange-traded guar derivatives ecosystem, improves price discovery and is expected to support India's export-driven guar industry amid volatile global feed markets.

India's gems and jewellery sector began its first export to the United Kingdom. This inaugural shipment valued at ten million dollars marks a significant trade milestone. The new free trade agreement offers zero-duty access to nearly all Indian jewellery exports. Industry experts anticipate a substantial growth in exports to the UK market. This pact aims to boost investments and create employment across the value chain.

India misses billions in apparel exports due to poor supply chain coordination. Improved planning and execution can boost garment exports significantly. Factories operate at lower sewing efficiency and struggle with on-time deliveries. Exporting fabric instead of garments reduces value addition and earnings. Addressing these issues will unlock substantial export potential for India.