Author: Neel Achary

Gold Slides As Markets Brace for Central Bank Decisions

By:- Joseph Dahrieh, Managing Director at Tickmill

Gold prices retreated on Monday as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of a crucial week for global monetary policy. A series of interest rate decisions from major central banks, including those in the United States, the euro area, the United Kingdom and Japan, are expected to provide important signals for financial markets. While interest rates are widely expected to remain unchanged, market attention will focus on forward guidance and policymakers’ assessment of inflation risks.

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to drive gold prices. Higher oil prices continue to fuel global inflation concerns. The latter could push central banks toward a more cautious monetary policy, potentially supporting bond yields and limiting gold’s upside potential in the near term.

At the same time, persistent instability in Eastern Europe continues to reinforce gold’s safe-haven appeal, as the prospect of a ceasefire appears increasingly distant. Structural demand also remains supportive. Central banks have maintained steady purchases in recent quarters, reflecting a broader shift toward diversifying reserves.

Champion Makes Its India Debut, Bringing Proven Global Performance to Local Industries

• Reciprocating Compressors — rugged, versatile units for light to heavy-duty industrial use.
• Rotary Screw Compressors – engineered for robust, reliable performance, delivering long‑term value
• Air Treatment Products — dryers, filters, condensate drains and separators to protect systems & downstream equipment. 

250 Plus Entrepreneurs from 24 Cities Converge in Surat for CorporateConnections India’s BHAF 2026

Surat, India Mar 16th: Surat emerged as the meeting point of India’s entrepreneurial leadership as CorporateConnections® India hosted BHAF 2026 The Big Hairy Audacious Forum, bringing together over 250 prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the country.

The two-day flagship forum, held on 13–14 March 2026 at the Surat Marriott Hotel, created a powerful platform for collaboration, insight sharing, and relationship building among some of India’s most dynamic business owners.

Built around three core ideas: Learn. Network. Celebrate. BHAF continues to be the most anticipated annual gathering of the CorporateConnections India community.

The 2026 edition marked the largest BHAF event so far, reflecting the rapid growth of the network, which now spans 24 cities across India with more than 1,000 members representing diverse industries.

BHAF has evolved significantly since its inception. The first edition was held online, followed by BHAF 2023 in Delhi, BHAF 2024 aboard the Cordelia Cruise, and BHAF 2025 in Kolkata, with the 2026 edition in Surat setting a new benchmark in scale, participation, and impact.

The forum featured an inspiring lineup of renowned business leaders and industry experts who shared their journeys, leadership lessons, and insights into scaling businesses in India’s rapidly evolving economy.

Notable Speakers included:

• Hitesh Chimanlal Doshi, Chairman & Managing Director, Waaree Group, one of India’s largest solar energy companies
• Amit Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, CarDekho Group, and a leading voice in India’s startup ecosystem
• Ravi Kant, Former CEO & Managing Director, Tata Motors, who delivered a leadership session focused on growth and transformation
• Vaishali Wagle, Founder & CEO, Zenesse, who shared insights on leadership, culture, and organizational transformation

A major highlight of the forum was a panel discussion titled “Scaling from ₹100 Cr to ₹1000 Cr” featuring leading entrepreneurs including:

• Vikas Nahar, Founder & CEO, Happilo
• Dipak Sanghavi, MD & CEO, Nilon’s Enterprises
• Ramesh Agarwal, Founder, Agarwal Packers & Movers
• Rishikesh SR, Co-Founder, Rapido

The panel explored strategies, leadership mindset, and operational discipline required to build large-scale enterprises in India’s competitive business landscape.

Beyond the stage, BHAF created numerous opportunities for members to engage through structured one-to-one networking sessions, industry roundtables, and collaborative discussions, reinforcing CorporateConnections’ philosophy of building meaningful, trusted relationships among entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The forum concluded with a grand Gala Night and Awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements and contributions of members across the CorporateConnections India community.

BHAF 2026 was hosted under the leadership of CorporateConnections India National Directors, Yash Vasant and Gaurav VK Singhvi, who have played a key role in building one of the most dynamic regions within the global CorporateConnections network.

Gaurav VK Singhvi, National Director, CorporateConnections India, said: “The strength of CorporateConnections lies in the depth of trust among its members. Seeing more than 250 entrepreneurs from across India come together in Surat for BHAF 2026 demonstrates how powerful a community of like-minded leaders can be when they gather with the intention to grow together.”

Yash Vasant, National Director, CorporateConnections India, added: “BHAF is where the spirit of our community truly comes alive. It is a space where entrepreneurs step away from the pressures of daily business to learn from each other, exchange perspectives, and build relationships that often evolve into long-term collaborations.”

As CorporateConnections India continues to expand across industries and cities, BHAF remains a cornerstone event where ideas evolve into partnerships and connections transform into meaningful opportunities for growth.

With its scale, participation, and high-impact conversations, BHAF 2026 in Surat has set a new benchmark for leadership-driven business forums in India.

The $4.6 Billion Mistake: India Chased Silver to $120 — Then Blinked at the Dip – Vallum Capital

 

GLOBAL: Silver ETF Net Flow Phase Analysis  |  Jan 2022 – Feb 2026
Source: Morningstar period-end cumulative flows (HS338–HS345), distributed by momentum  •  Silver in USD/oz
No	Phase	Period	No. of	Silver Price	Silver Price	Silver Price	India Total	India Avg/Mo	India Total	India Avg/Mo	Global Total	Global Avg/Mo	India	Global
			Months	Start (USD/oz)	End (USD/oz)	Return %	Net Flows (₹ Cr)	(₹ Cr)	Net Flows (USD Mn)	(USD Mn)	Flows (USD M)	(USD M)	Behavior	Behavior
1	Selling	Jan 2022 – Feb 2025	38	$24.00	$32.10	33.80%	13,306.80	350.2	1,574.80	41.40	-4,055.50	-106.7	Steady buying; ₹350 Cr avg/mo;	Structural exit; −$4,056M total;
2	Buying	Mar 2025 – Aug 2025	6	$33.20	$39.10	17.80%	10,485.90	1,747.60	1,240.90	206.80	4,853.50	808.9	Accelerating inflows;	Strong coordinated buying;
3	Selling	Sep 2025 – Jan 2026	5	$42.50	$120.00	182.40%	38,885.80	7,777.20	4,601.90	920.40	-3,549.70	-709.9	FOMO peak; ₹7,777 Cr avg/mo;	Sold into the rally; −$3,550M;
4	Buying	Feb-26	1	$81.58	$81.58	0.00%	-850	-850	-100.6	-100.6	1,787.90	1,787.90	Panic sell; −₹850 Cr; India exits at the correction	Bought the dip; +$1,788M; SLV alone +$1,953M

Data Source: Morningstar period-end cumulative flows (HS338–HS345) | Silver ETFs: SLV, SIVR, PHAG | Silver price in USD/oz

 

Phase 1 — While the West Was Walking Away, India Was Just Walking In
For nearly three years — from January 2022 to February 2025 — global institutional funds were quietly but steadily exiting silver ETFs. They pulled out over $4,056 million in total, month after month, averaging $107 million in outflows every single month. Silver wasn’t exciting to them anymore. Indian retail investors, however, were just discovering it. During the same period, they poured in $1,574.8 million — steadily, patiently, at roughly $41 million a month. They were buying what the world was selling. In hindsight, not a bad instinct — just early.

 

Phase 2 — A Brief Moment When Everyone Agreed From March to August 2025, something rare happened:
Indian and global investors were finally on the same side. As silver climbed from $33 to $39, global funds deployed $4,854 million in six months. Indian inflows surged to $206.8 million per month. Both camps were bullish, both were buying, and the trade was working. But global funds had a plan. Indian investors had momentum.

Phase 3 — The Divergence That Defined Everything Then silver went parabolic.
From September 2025 to January 2026, it surged 182% — from $42.50 to $120. This is where the story splits sharply. Global institutional funds used the euphoria to exit. They sold $3,550 million into the rally — methodically, without flinching, taking profits as retail crowds piled in. Indian investors, meanwhile, flooded in with $4,601.9 million in just five months — their largest buying spree ever — right at the top of the market. This is textbook FOMO: buying because prices are rising, not because value exists.

Phase 4 — The Correction Reveals the Truth February 2026.
Silver falls back to $81.58. Indian retail investors panicked and pulled out $100.6 million — selling at the very bottom of the correction. Global funds did the opposite. They bought $1,788 million in a single month, calmly accumulating as others fled. Global funds sold high and bought low. Indian retail investors bought high and sold low — the oldest and most painful mistake in investing. The Lesson This isn’t a story about silver. It’s a story about how information, patience, and discipline separate institutional capital from retail emotion. Markets will always offer inflection points — moments where the smart money pivots and the crowd follows too late. The $4.6 billion that Indian investors deployed at peak prices wasn’t a failure of intent. It was a failure of timing — driven by the most human of instincts: the fear of missing out. The best trades are rarely the loudest ones.

Aaryans Presents an Exclusive Showcase of Joy Mitra’s Latest Collection ‘LAKSHMI’ in New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 16: Aaryans announces an exclusive presentation of celebrated designer Joy Mitra’s latest collection, “LAKSHMI / SHE,” at its South Extension flagship store in New Delhi. The showcase highlights a refined interpretation of occasion wear that draws inspiration from the enduring cultural symbolism of the Indian woman as Lakshmi—representing prosperity, strength, and grace.

Conceived as a thoughtfully curated occasion-wear destination, Aaryans was established with the belief that exceptional fashion begins with the integrity of textile, craft, and design intent. Rooted in India’s rich textile heritage, the store brings together tradition and contemporary aesthetics through a carefully selected roster of designers whose work reflects authenticity, depth, and lasting relevance.

Designer Joy Mitra enters this narrative with “LAKSHMI / SHE,” a collection that reimagines the timeless idea of the Indian woman as Lakshmi for the present day. Rather than approaching the concept through nostalgia, the collection presents garments that are both rooted in tradition and fluid in contemporary expression—ceremonial yet effortlessly wearable.

The collection features luxurious textiles including brocades, silks, chanderis, and ajrakhs, enhanced by intricate hand embroidery techniques such as zardozi, aari work, French knots, and mirror work. The silhouettes move seamlessly between sarees, cholis, kurta sets, and velvet kaftans, creating pieces where ornamentation and structure exist in quiet harmony. The result is a collection that feels modern in form while retaining a vintage sensibility—imbued with memory yet designed for the present.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the collection, Joy Mitra said, “LAKSHMI / SHE is my way of honouring women not as symbols, but as lived realities—strong, layered, intuitive, and deeply rooted. The collection is built on textiles and techniques that carry history, but the silhouettes speak to the present. It’s about holding space for tradition while allowing it to evolve.”

A graduate of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Joy Mitra launched his eponymous label in 2008 with a debut at India Fashion Week. His creative journey has taken him from Kolkata’s vibrant art and cultural circles to international runways across cities including New York, London, Dubai, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Fiji, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. His work is known for its strong commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical design practices.

Today, Joy Mitra’s designs are stocked at some of India’s most respected fashion destinations including Ensemble, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, Ogaan, Aza, Elahe, Collage, and Anantam.

At Aaryans, this collaboration adds to a growing design vocabulary that includes designers such as Kavita Bhartiya, Mayura Kumar, I AM Design, Siddharth Bansal, Kritika Dawar, and 5 Elements. The collaboration further reinforces the store’s vision of becoming a definitive occasion-wear destination in South Delhi—one that values craftsmanship as much as contemporary relevance.

The presentation of “LAKSHMI / SHE” invites guests to experience the collection within the intimate setting of the Aaryans flagship space, where fabric, form, and craftsmanship come together to create a quiet yet powerful celebration of design.

Boopin Strengthens India Presence with New Gurgaon Office, Accelerating Growth Across North India

Gurugram, India Mar 16th: Boopin, one of the fastest-growing global digital marketing agencies, has announced the launch of its new office in Gurgaon, marking a significant milestone in the company’s India growth strategy. The expansion strengthens Boopin’s footprint in the National Capital Region and positions the agency to better serve clients across North India’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

With the addition of the Gurgaon office, Boopin now operates across 8 countries and more than 10 cities worldwide, reinforcing its status as a globally connected agency delivering locally relevant marketing solutions. In India, the agency now has a two-city presence, with its Bangalore office serving South India while the new Gurgaon hub focuses on North and East markets.

Boopin has earned recognition for its client-centric approach and ability to deliver tailored, performance-driven marketing solutions that combine creativity, data intelligence, and technology. The Gurgaon office will further strengthen the agency’s ability to deliver integrated digital strategies, performance marketing, and brand transformation programs for businesses across sectors.

Commenting on the expansion, Venu Madhav, General Manager & India Head, Boopin, said: “We are delighted to expand our presence in North India with the launch of our Gurgaon office. This strategic move allows us to be closer to our clients in one of India’s most vibrant and dynamic markets. North India offers immense opportunities for brands to grow, and our goal is to help them unlock that potential through innovative, data-driven marketing solutions.”

He further added, “Nearly two-thirds of our growth comes from referrals and recommendations by existing clients, which reflects the trust we have built by consistently delivering measurable value. As we expand our presence in North India, it was important for us to bring on board a senior leader who embodies reliability, strategic thinking, and a consistent track record of building strong client partnerships. Anuj Gupta is a natural fit for this vision, and with his leadership we look forward to strengthening our regional presence while continuing to help brands achieve meaningful and sustainable business growth.”

 

To lead this expansion, Boopin has appointed Anuj Gupta as Head – North & East. With more than two decades of experience in integrated marketing and media, Mr. Gupta brings deep expertise in building brand strategies and driving business growth for leading companies across India.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Gupta said: “It is an exciting opportunity to establish and grow Boopin’s presence in North & East India. I look forward to collaborating with ambitious brands in the region to create impactful digital growth stories and deliver marketing solutions that drive real business outcomes.”

Over the course of his career, Gupta has held leadership roles at leading global agency networks including Havas Media Group, Starcom, Carat, Mudra Max, and Cheil Worldwide. In his most recent role as Senior Vice President at Havas Media, he led strategic mandates for marquee brands such as DS Catch Spices, DS Corporate, Magicbricks, Sheela Foam, FMC, Zupee, and many other clients.

The Gurgaon launch underscores Boopin’s commitment to deepening its engagement with Indian brands, expanding its regional capabilities, and accelerating its growth trajectory in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies.

As Boopin continues its global expansion, the new North India hub will play a pivotal role in strengthening client partnerships, driving innovation, and delivering transformative marketing solutions for businesses across the region.

India Gate launches India’s 1st-ever Oil Control Pack with India Gate Uplife Go Less Range

New Delhi, Mar 16: India Gate Uplife, the health-focused foods brand from India Gate Foods, part of KRBL Limited, has announced the launch of its innovative ‘Go Less’ oil control packaging format under its India Gate Uplife range of healthy oils. Designed for urban, health-conscious consumers- the new packaging aims for precision pouring and mindful consumption. With this format, India Gate addresses an often-overlooked concern in the Indian kitchen which is uncontrolled usage of oil. 

 Building on its promise of making the health journey easier to follow consistently, India Gate Uplife has introduced a breakthrough packaging innovation designed to translate intent into everyday action. Recognising that oil consumption is often difficult to monitor in routine cooking, the brand identified a clear gap between health aspirations and actual kitchen behaviour. This insight led to the development of India’s first-ever ‘Go Less’ oil control pack in a PET bottle, purpose-built to enable measured pouring and greater control with every use. By combining functional design with behavioural insight, the innovation empowers consumers to make more mindful choices effortlessly, helping reduce excess usage while supporting long-term health and wellness goals.

On the packaging launch, Ayush Gupta, Head India Business, KRBL Limited, said

“Building on the successful launch of India Gate Uplife, we are committed to expanding the brand with a clear ambition to establish a meaningful presence in the proactive health and wellness space, evolving into a trusted lifestyle partner for young, emerging India. Anchored in the enduring trust of India Gate, our focus is on purposeful innovations that make healthier living simpler and more accessible in everyday routines. The introduction of the Go Less packaging format is a natural extension of this vision- it is not just about offering the right oil, but also about enabling mindful consumption through thoughtful design.” 

Commenting on the packaging launch, Kunal Sharma, Vice President – Marketing and Organised Trade, KRBL Limited, said,

“At India Gate Uplife, we are focused on health-conscious consumers, and this new packaging has been thoughtfully designed to help them use less oil in their everyday cooking. As a brand, we have listened closely to our customers’ feedback and introduced this product to address their need for better portion control and mindful consumption.”

The India Gate Uplife Oil range is available in both the oil variants, India Gate Uplife Weight Watchers and India Gate Uplife Gut Pro. Exclusively launched on Swiggy Instamart, the new pack is rapidly gaining traction and is prepared to expand across major modern trade and e-commerce platforms over the next few months. Designed for convenience and control, the bottle features a precision cap for measured pouring and textured grip with ergonomic curves that ensure firm and comfortable handling, along with a transparent oil scale on the side to help consumers easily track usage. Its unbreakable and reusable format enhances durability while minimising contact with air and water, thereby reducing the risk of oxidation and helping maintain the oil’s freshness and quality.