All posts by Neel Achary

By: Rania Gule, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com – MENA

The gold market is experiencing an exceptional surge, with prices breaking through the $5,300 per ounce level and approaching $5,375 in early Asian trading, following a previous jump to around $5,420. In my view, these moves are not merely a passing speculative wave but reflect a comprehensive repricing of geopolitical risks in light of the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with the potential for the conflict in the Middle East to broaden. When gold breaks historical highs in a short period, the key message the market sends is that precautionary demand outweighs all other considerations, including yield assessments and opportunity costs.

Statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about continuing operations until achieving American objectives have heightened market anxiety. From my perspective, the most dangerous aspect of these developments is not the military event itself but the prolonged uncertainty. Markets can absorb sudden shocks, but they react more strongly to open-ended conflicts lacking a clear timeline. Therefore, I believe that the geopolitical risk premium embedded in gold prices will not dissipate quickly but will remain priced in as long as the escalation rhetoric continues and the likelihood of reciprocal responses increases.

Another notable factor is the sharp rise in oil prices, which has revived inflation fears. The relationship here is complex: higher oil prices due to geopolitical risks boost demand for gold as a safe haven, but at the same time create inflationary pressures that could force the Federal Reserve to pause its monetary easing. Historically, gold has benefited from low interest rate environments, but the current situation is different; we are witnessing gold rising despite lower expectations for rate cuts. In my opinion, this confirms that the geopolitical factor temporarily outweighs the monetary factor, and investors prefer hedging against systemic risks even if the cost of holding a non-yielding metal rises.

Market expectations suggest that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates unchanged until summer, while Trump has called for cuts. This divergence between political rhetoric and monetary policy deepens the uncertainty. In my view, any hawkish signal from Fed officials, such as John Williams or Neel Kashkari, could temporarily support the dollar and trigger a technical correction in gold. However, I see such a pullback, if it occurs, as limited unless there is a clear easing of geopolitical tensions. In other words, the current fundamental drivers supporting gold are not purely monetary but relate to global risk management.

Staying above the $5,300 level reflects strong buying interest and a readiness to defend this zone as a new support level. If inflows into gold funds and institutional hedges continue, we may see a retest of $5,450–$5,475 in the near term. Nevertheless, I caution against short-term over-optimism; fear-driven markets can reverse sharply if signs of sudden easing appear. Therefore, I expect high volatility in the coming sessions, with a general upward bias as long as political conditions remain largely unchanged.

Crucially, gold is no longer moving only as a traditional hedge but as a mirror of the global financial system’s state. In an environment where geopolitical risks intersect with inflationary pressures and monetary policy complexities, gold becomes a tool for reallocating risk within investment portfolios. From this perspective, I believe strategic investors will continue to increase their allocations to the yellow metal—not only as a hedge against war but also against potential monetary policy disarray if global economic pressures intensify.

That said, an alternative scenario of rapid de-escalation could reduce the risk premium. In such a case, gold might undergo profit-taking and fall below $5,200. However, I expect any decline to attract new buyers, especially amid ongoing uncertainty about inflation and interest rates. Thus, my view leans toward a continued medium-term uptrend, even if short-term technical corrections occur.

In conclusion, gold surpassing the $5,300 mark is not a fleeting event but signals a new phase in global risk pricing. As long as U.S.–Iran tensions persist and oil prices continue to stoke inflation fears, gold will remain supported by safe-haven flows. Sharp fluctuations may occur around Federal Reserve announcements, but the likely trend, in my estimation, remains upward, with potential targets above recent peaks if current conditions continue. In this opaque environment, gold, in my opinion, remains the clearest compass for gauging global market anxiety.

Gurgaon, Mar 03: Savills India, the Indian arm of global real estate advisory firm Savills, marked Women’s Day 2026 by reinforcing its commitment to building a workplace rooted in trust, flexibility and long-term career development.

Following a series of structured discussions with women employees across levels, Savills India has observed a marked increase in workplace trust and overall organisational confidence. The conversations reflected tangible progress across employee benefits, continuous learning opportunities, work-life balance, psychological safety and long-term career commitment — underscoring sustained efforts to strengthen inclusion and everyday workplace experience.

To celebrate this milestone, the organisation is hosting a week-long series of initiatives aligned with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, “Give to Gain.” The programme includes:

• Leadership Inspiration Day featuring senior women leaders sharing their professional journeys

• Candid Conversations, designed as safe spaces for dialogue around career growth and confidence

• Wellness Day focused on preventive health and well-being

• Community Service Day encouraging employees to give back

• Breakfast Club – Women in Focus, aimed at strengthening cross-functional mentorship and networking

Commenting on the initiative, Anurag Mathur, CEO, Savills India, said:

“A strong organisation is built on trust, transparency and structured growth pathways. We are committed to ensuring that our people strategy enables employees to perform at their best, grow with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the long-term success of the business.”

Adding to this, Kaushik Chakraborty, Chief People Officer, Savills India, stated:

“The increase in trust reflects consistent leadership effort rather than a single initiative. In real estate, attracting women is only the first step — the real responsibility lies in ensuring they experience continuity, safety and growth visibility across different life stages. This is central to retention and to building a more balanced and future-ready workforce.”

Savills India has prioritised practical support mechanisms to help women navigate career progression alongside personal responsibilities. Initiatives such as Mentor MOMS and MOM & ME provide structured transition support and caregiving flexibility. Access to counselling, wellness programmes and open dialogue platforms further strengthens psychological safety and day-to-day support.

The organisation has also enhanced mentorship frameworks, leadership accessibility and family-inclusive milestones to create clearer pathways for sustained career growth.

Looking ahead, Savills India plans to expand mentorship programmes, strengthen returnship opportunities and increase participation of women in business-critical roles — reinforcing its commitment to building a workplace where individuals can contribute with equal confidence and opportunity.

Bengaluru, Mar 03: The Flipkart Group announced the appointment of Somnath Das as Vice President, Supply Chain, and Digbijay Mishra as Vice President, Corporate Communications. These appointments strengthen Flipkart’s senior leadership bench across critical operational and strategic functions as the company continues to operate at a national scale and build institutional capabilities to support its long-term growth roadmap.

Somnath will lead supply chain operations for the Large business, focusing on strengthening network efficiency and driving technology-enabled supply chain capabilities as Flipkart continues to scale across India.

He brings over two decades of experience across CPG, retail, and food and beverage sectors. Prior to joining Flipkart, he served as Senior Vice President at Jubilant FoodWorks, leading manufacturing and supply chain operations, and has previously held leadership roles at Reliance Retail (Grocery), Nivea India, Marico Ltd, and PepsiCo India.

Digbijay will lead Corporate Communications for the Flipkart Group, driving an integrated communications strategy and stakeholder engagement across the organization.

He brings over a decade of experience across India’s digital economy. Previously Deputy Bureau Chief (Startups) at The Economic Times, he most recently founded Ringsight Advisory, advising founders and investors on narrative strategy and strategic communications.

Seema Nair, Chief Human Resources Officer, Flipkart, said,

“As Flipkart continues to operate at scale across India’s fast-evolving commerce ecosystem, strengthening leadership across both core operational and strategic functions remains central to our long-term roadmap. Somnath’s experience in building high-efficiency supply networks and Digbijay’s understanding of India’s digital economy landscape will help us further institutionalize capabilities and drive sustained growth.” 

Somnath Das, Vice President, Supply Chain, Flipkart, said, ‘

“Flipkart operates at a significant scale, where operational excellence and disciplined execution are essential. I look forward to strengthening network effectiveness and building resilient, technology-enabled supply chain capabilities that support sustained growth while elevating customer experience across India.”

Digbijay Mishra, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Flipkart Group, said,

“Flipkart has played a defining role in shaping India’s digital commerce ecosystem. I look forward to working across the Group to build a strong, transparent, and forward-looking narrative that reflects its scale, innovation, and long-term ambition.”

  Director Jong-Jin Lee and Executive Vice President Myung-Ho Lee of HANMI Semiconductor attended the grand opening ceremony of Micron’s first semiconductor manufacturing facility in India on February 28. During the event, HANMI Semiconductor received a commemorative plaque for DDR5 DRAM produced in India from Micron Chairman and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra.

SEOUL, South Korea (Mar 3) — HANMI Semiconductor today announced that it attended the grand opening ceremony of Micron Technology’s semiconductor facility in Sanand, Gujarat, India, on February 28. The facility marks Micron’s first semiconductor manufacturing plant in India.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who delivered a commemorative address, along with senior government officials, Micron Chairman and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, and other key executives.

HANMI Semiconductor was invited as a key equipment supplier to Micron’s India facility, reaffirming its position as a key strategic partner.

Micron’s plant in India is an advanced packaging facility backed by a total investment of USD 2.75 billion and supported by financial incentives from the Government of India. Aimed at strengthening the country’s semiconductor industry, the project has been designated as a national strategic initiative, with the Government of India providing 50% of the investment in subsidies and the State of Gujarat contributing an additional 20%. The facility is expected to serve as a strategic hub for testing and packaging high-performance AI memory products, including multi-die GDDR (Graphics DRAM) and enterprise SSDs (stacked NAND Flash).

The DDR5 DRAM currently being produced in Gujarat, India, is based on Micron’s most advanced DRAM technology, utilizing its latest 1-gamma process node. Micron announced that it plans to begin packaging and testing tens of millions of chips this year, with production expected to scale to hundreds of millions next year. Accordingly, it is expected that KRW 2 trillion (approximately USD 1.4 billion) will be invested in advanced semiconductor packaging equipment, including TC bonders used for stacking AI memory semiconductor chips.

The facility also holds historic significance as the first project approved under the “India Semiconductor Mission 2.0” and as the first semiconductor manufacturing facility established in the country. It is widely regarded as a major milestone in India’s advancement toward becoming a key hub in the global semiconductor supply chain. Through the initiative, the government has introduced an incentive program of approximately USD 10 billion to advance the country’s ambition of becoming a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.

Advanced bonding technology and rapid technical support are critical to ensuring the stable operation of the new facility. As a core supplier to Micron, HANMI Semiconductor plans to fly in engineers to India to provide on-site technical support and operate training programs, reinforcing its long-term strategic collaboration. Building on this partnership, the company received the “Outstanding Supplier Performance Award” from Micron in 2025.

“HANMI Semiconductor’s participation in Micron’s grand opening of semiconductor facility in India and the roundtable reaffirms our position as a key supplier in the global semiconductor supply chain,” said a HANMI Semiconductor official. “As Micron’s key supplier, we will continue to dispatch engineers to India and provide close technical support to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.”

Bangalore, India Mar 02: Recent rapid evolution in the technology space has led to significant shifts and new considerations for the audit profession as well. IT audit and assurance professionals can arm themselves with new tools to help them keep pace, including ISACA’s newly updated IT Audit Framework (ITAF): A Professional Practices Framework for IT Audit. The revamped 5th edition now incorporates updated terminology, refreshed examples, and expanded scope to better address emerging technologies, digital trust considerations, and evolving audit practices.

A longtime mainstay for audit and assurance professionals, ITAF was last updated in 2020. The comprehensive IT audit framework establishes standards that address IT audit and assurance practitioners’ roles and responsibilities, ethics, expected professional behavior, and required knowledge and skills; defines terms and concepts specific to IT audit and assurance; and provides guidance and techniques for the planning, performing and reporting of IT audit and assurance engagements. 

ITAF, 5th Edition, enhances clarity, integrates ISACA’s newest resources, including AI audit guidance, and aims to support both traditional assurance functions and modern audit teams using data analytics, automation, agile methods, and AI. The new framework places greater emphasis on governance, transparency, and readiness for advanced technologies while providing more practical, flexible, and globally relevant guidance, including through: 

• Modernization of content and scope: The 5^th edition updates terminology, definitions, and examples to reflect today’s technologies—such as cloud computing, AI/ML, and business automation—moving beyond the traditional IT control focus of the previous edition.

• Integration of digital trust and emerging technologies: The new framework incorporates digital trust concepts throughout planning, fieldwork, and reporting, and adds guidance for AI/ML auditing aligned with ISACA’s AI audit guidance and the broader digital trust ecosystem.
• Increased flexibility, practicality, and usability: This updated edition introduces language suitable for organizations of all sizes, adds practical examples, and improves clarity through a modernized layout.
• Expanded audit practices and governance expectations: The new version broadens the scope of IT audit to include data analytics, agile auditing, continuous assurance, and AI governance, with enhanced expectations for transparency, ethical technology use, and oversight of automated systems. 

This latest edition of ITAF also includes an updated ITAF Companion Performance Guidelines 2208: Information Technology Audit Sampling that provides IT audit and assurance professionals with guidance in the design, selection, and evaluation of audit samples to obtain sufficient and appropriate evidence supporting audit conclusions. The updated guidelines better reflect data-driven and technology-enabled audit sampling approaches. 

“As technology rapidly advances, it is essential for IT audit and assurance professionals to keep pace with changing tech and industry standards to ensure they are most effective in conducting engagements and ensuring their organizations comply with mandatory requirements,” said Mary Carmichael, Executive Advisor and Principal Director, Strategy and Risk at Momentum Technology, ISACA Vancouver Chapter board member, and the lead developer for ITAF, 5th edition. “The expanded and updated ITAF gives IT auditors a robust tool and trusted guidance for navigating today’s new challenges and ensuring trust in an increasingly complex and interconnected digital ecosystem.” 

Noida, Uttar Pradesh  Mar 02:  Ofis Square successfully hosted the much-anticipated FoodTech Meetup on 28 February 2026 at its Sector 62, Noida facility, bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders shaping the future of India’s food and beverage industry. The meetup was organized in collaboration with StartupNews.fyi and served as a powerful networking and knowledge-exchange platform for emerging and growth-stage FoodTech ventures. 

The event witnessed participation from over 50 founders and more than 15 active investors and ecosystem enablers, creating a dynamic environment for strategic conversations and partnerships. Representatives from leading investment networks and venture firms including Indicorn Angels, The StepUp Ventures, ValueBridge Capital, Delhi Angels Den, GetVantage, WEIN Capital, and SmartFin Capital engaged directly with startup founders, discussing funding strategies, market expansion, rapid commerce opportunities, and sustainable scaling models. 

Throughout the evening, founders shared insights into building resilient cloud kitchens, scaling D2C food brands, optimizing supply chains, and navigating evolving consumer preferences. Conversations also explored performance marketing efficiencies, packaging innovation, cost management strategies, and the role of technology in enhancing operational excellence. The meetup created an open forum for real-world problem solving, with investors offering candid feedback and guidance based on active market trends. 

Speaking about the initiative, Surabhi Mittal, Director Brand and Corporate communication, Ofis Square said, “At Ofis Square, we believe innovation thrives where meaningful conversations happen. Hosting the FoodTech Meetup reinforces our commitment to building a collaborative ecosystem where founders and investors can connect beyond formal boardrooms. The energy in the room reflected the immense potential of India’s FoodTech sector and the power of community-driven growth.” 

She further added, “Food and technology are converging at an unprecedented pace. By providing a space where operators, capital partners, and innovators can interact transparently, we are helping accelerate smarter, more sustainable growth journeys. This meetup is part of our larger vision to position Ofis Square as a catalyst for sector-focused entrepreneurial communities.” 

As a leading coworking and innovation hub in Noida, Ofis Square continues to host curated meetups, founder roundtables, and industry-focused networking events aimed at strengthening India’s startup ecosystem. With a growing portfolio of community initiatives, the company remains dedicated to empowering ambitious founders with not just infrastructure, but access, insights, and opportunity.

Mar 02: IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, today announced the launch of daily, direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai, effective 29 March 2026. The new route will be operated using IndiGo’s A320 aircraft. This announcement follows the recent reinstatement of IndiGo’s services to Guangzhou, highlighting the airline’s focus on improving connectivity and enabling smoother travel between India and China. Customers can plan and book their travel through IndiGo’s official website www.goIndiGo.in, mobile app, or authorised travel partners.

Shanghai, China’s premier global financial centre and a major innovation hub, is an essential addition to the 6E network. With continued growth in exports from West Bengal to China in FY25-26, including marine products, leather goods, and specialized textiles, direct air connectivity will further strengthen trade flows between the two countries.

Vinay Malhotra, Global Head of Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of our new daily, direct connectivity between Kolkata and Shanghai, China, in addition to our flights to Guangzhou. This development underscores our commitment to connecting India to key global destinations. Shanghai is the country’s biggest city, a global financial hub, and famous for its dazzling futuristic skyline complemented with historic architecture. This addition to our network will play an important role in facilitating bilateral trade and is expected to boost tourism and promote greater cultural exchange between the two nations.”

 By Mr. Naval Kagalwala, COO & Head of Product, Shriram Wealth Ltd 

Global events may drive near-term volatility, long-term outlook unchanged

“We remain focused on aligning portfolios with clients’ objectives, investment horizon and risk profile. Market events, such as those witnessed over the weekend, have occurred multiple times in the past and typically lead to short-term volatility, followed by a period of stabilisation.

Any correction, if it plays out, could help rationalise valuations further in India, which continues to remain among the fastest-growing major economies. Importantly, this is not an India-specific event. Near-term spillovers, if any, would largely be through spike in oil prices and certain other segments which rely on exports / imports. However, with OPEC mulling an increase in production and other options also available, India could explore alternate sources and routes. The supply-side pressures could moderate over time.

With several global markets impacted simultaneously, capital flows may be re-evaluated, and India could be seen as a relative safer destination given its domestic demand strength. Domestic investor participation has been healthy, with liquidity on the sidelines that has historically tended to come into equities during periods of correction.”

Kolkata, Mar 02: In a heartfelt gesture to support and serve the community during the holy month of Ramadan, OYO Hotel Vaibhav in Ajmer has announced complimentary stays for guests observing the sacred period. Located in the Naya Bazar area near the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, OYO Hotel Vaibhav aims to provide comfort, dignity, and convenience to travelers and devotees visiting during Ramadan.

Guests can avail of this special Ramadan offering by booking their stay through the OYO app or website using the coupon code RAMADANVAIBHAV, or by directly contacting the hotel’s reservations team for further details. The initiative is valid through March 19, subject to availability and applicable terms.

The hotel will also facilitate early morning arrangements aligned with Sehri timings and ensure a peaceful environment for guests observing Roza.

Elaborating more about the scheme, Aditya Goyal, Managing Director, Hotel Vaibhav said ““It has been ten years since we began offering this service to our guests during the holy month of Ramadan. Through this initiative, we hope to support visitors in their spiritual journey and ensure that everyone can experience the sanctity of this period with comfort and dignity, irrespective of their financial circumstances.”

Ajmer is an important destination for devotees during Ramadan because of the presence of the revered shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, where they can seek blessings, participate in various rituals, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month. During Ramadan, the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer sees a huge influx of devotees from all over the world, who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings.