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Different DLT Operators in India: A Brief Guide for Bulk SMS Compliance

  Complete Guide to DLT Operators in India for Bulk SMS Registration In India, sending Bulk SMS — whether for marketing , transactional alerts , or OTP delivery — now requires compliance with new regulations introduced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) . Under these guidelines, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) registration has become mandatory for all businesses and organizations that want to continue sending SMS to their clients and customers. DLT platforms help reduce spam, prevent fraud, and maintain transparency in the bulk messaging ecosystem by securely storing sender identities, templates, and consent records on a shared system. What Is DLT Registration? Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is a blockchain-based platform that keeps a digital record of all SMS-related information like sender IDs, content templates, opt-ins, and more. All telecom operators in India have integrated their own DLT portals where businesses must register to send bulk SMS lega...

India International Bullion Summit (IIBS): A Landmark Gathering of 400+ Leaders from the Bullion and Jewellery Industry

 A Power-Packed Gathering of India’s Bullion and Jewellery Industry: Highlights from the IIBS Delegate Participation The recently released Delegate List for IIBS (India International Bullion Summit) reflects the sheer scale, diversity, and influence of participants from across the bullion, jewellery, refining, banking, logistics, fintech, and commodity trading ecosystem. With 400+ registered delegates , the event stands out as one of the most comprehensive industry gatherings in recent times. The participation underscores the growing importance of structured dialogue, policy engagement, and collaboration within India’s precious metals market. Strong Representation Across the Bullion Value Chain The delegate list showcases participation from every major segment of the bullion and jewellery ecosystem , including: Gold and silver bullion traders Jewellery manufacturers and retailers Refiners and recyclers Importers and exporters Banks, NBFCs, and commodity finance...

Gold plunges by 20%, and Silver by 45%: What next?

 Gold and Silver See Sharp Correction Amid Extreme Volatility: What Lies Ahead for Bullion Markets? The global bullion market has witnessed extraordinary volatility, with gold and silver prices experiencing one of their sharpest short-term corrections in recent years. After touching historic highs, gold plunged nearly 20% while silver corrected by around 45% within just three days , erasing a large portion of their year-to-date gains. Such sudden price movements have caught investors by surprise and raised critical questions about the sustainability of the ongoing bull run in precious metals. This article breaks down the key drivers behind the sharp correction, the disconnect between paper and physical markets, and what investors can expect going forward. Record Highs Followed by a Sudden Fall Over the past year, gold and silver delivered a powerful rally, with gold crossing $4,600 (around ₹1,40,000) and silver moving past $83 (around ₹2,60,000) . The rally accelerated in Ja...

Extension of Tax Deduction Period for IFSC Units and Rationalized 15% Tax Rate from FY 2026–27

 Extension of Deduction Period for IFSC Units and Rationalization of Tax Rate: A Major Boost for Global Financial Services India’s ambition to become a global financial hub has taken a significant step forward with the proposed amendments relating to units operating in the International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs). The latest provisions focus on extending the tax deduction period and rationalizing the tax rate after the expiry of deductions, making IFSCs far more competitive on the global stage. These changes are especially relevant for businesses, offshore banking units (OBUs), and international investors planning long-term operations in India. This article explains the existing provisions, the proposed amendments, and their overall impact on IFSC units. Background: Existing Tax Benefits for IFSC Units Under Section 147 of the Income-tax provisions , units set up in an IFSC, including Offshore Banking Units (OBUs), are currently eligible for a 100% tax deduction on cer...

New Custom Duty on Gold and Silver Effective from 31 January 2026

  New Custom Duty on Gold and Silver Effective from 31 January 2026 The Government of India has announced revised custom duty rates on precious metals , effective 31 January 2026 . This update directly impacts the bullion market, jewellers, traders, investors, and industries that rely on gold and silver imports. The change reflects ongoing efforts to regulate imports, stabilize domestic markets, and manage foreign exchange outflows. Updated Custom Duty Rates (From 31.01.2026) As per the latest notification, the new custom duty values are: Gold: ₹ 9,52,128 Silver: ₹ 20,957.76 These revised rates will apply to all eligible imports from the effective date and will influence landed costs, pricing strategies, and market sentiment. Impact on the Gold Market Gold continues to be a cornerstone of Indian culture, investment portfolios, and the jewellery industry. The revised custom duty on gold is expected to: Increase landed cost of imported gold , especially for bullio...

Physical Silver Market Update: Supply Is Tightening Fast

 Physical Silver Market Update: Supply Is Tightening Fast The global physical silver market is entering a period of acute stress, and the warning signs are no longer subtle. Major refiners are pulling back, delivery timelines are stretching, and premiums across the supply chain are exploding. What was once a quiet tightening has now become a visible supply squeeze—one that investors, manufacturers, and bullion buyers can no longer ignore. Refiners Are Hitting the Brakes Some of the world’s most important silver refiners are already feeling the pressure: Perth Mint and Metalor have reportedly stopped accepting new silver orders altogether. Argor-Heraeus and Nadir are facing severe production backlogs , with deliveries pushed out into April–May timeframes. When refiners of this size and reputation slow or halt new orders, it’s a clear signal that available raw material is constrained and production capacity is stretched thin. This isn’t a localized issue—it reflects a broader im...

India Opens Second Round of Gold TRQ Allocation Under India-UAE CEPA: A Major Opportunity for Trade and Industry

 India Opens Second Round of Gold TRQ Allocation Under India-UAE CEPA: A Major Opportunity for Trade and Industry The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India, has issued a significant Public Notice (No. 45/2025-26) on January 23, 2026, announcing the second round of allocation for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for gold imports under tariff head 7108 through the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for the financial year 2025-26. What's New in This Announcement? This development comes as a follow-up to the earlier Public Notice no. 31/2025-26 and Trade Notice no. 16/2025-26 dated October 29, 2025, which established that gold TRQ allocation would be conducted through a competitive bidding/tender process. The current notice invites fresh bids and tenders for the second round, offering a substantial allocation opportunity for eligible participants. Key Highlights at a Glance Total Allocation Quantity: The second round offers an allocati...