Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has purchased a premium land parcel worth ₹3.31 crore in Ayodhya’s high-profile real estate development project ‘The Saryu’. The project is developed by The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), a well-known name in India’s luxury plotted development segment.

According to reports from news agency ANI and official company statements, the deal involves a land parcel measuring approximately 2,134 square feet. The investment places Ranbir Kapoor among a growing list of high-profile personalities investing in Ayodhya’s rapidly expanding real estate market.

‘The Saryu’ is a premium 75-acre plotted development located along the banks of the sacred Saryu River. The project is designed as a luxury lifestyle destination and includes modern infrastructure, landscaped green zones, and high-end amenities. It features a grand clubhouse, more than 35 lifestyle facilities, and plans for a luxury vegetarian hotel developed in partnership with The Leela Hotels group on a five-acre area. Ranbir Kapoor’s investment follows a similar move by veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who also purchased land in the same project earlier. With this, Ranbir becomes the second major Bollywood actor to invest in the development, further increasing its visibility among celebrity investors.

In a statement shared by the developer, Ranbir Kapoor expressed a deep emotional connection with Ayodhya. He said that it feels as though the city has “chosen him” and described Ayodhya as an integral part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. He added that his investment in ‘The Saryu’ would become part of his family’s legacy and a long-term association with the historic city. The project developer, The House of Abhinandan Lodha, was founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Abhinandan Lodha. The company has positioned itself as a leader in the premium plotted development space, focusing on emerging cultural and tourism-driven destinations across India. According to Lodha, Ayodhya is undergoing a major phase of cultural and economic transformation, driven by infrastructure development, tourism growth, and increasing global attention.

He further stated that investments from prominent personalities like Ranbir Kapoor reflect a broader trend where buyers see Ayodhya not just as a spiritual destination but also as a strong long-term investment opportunity. The rising demand for real estate in the region is being fueled by improved connectivity, large-scale infrastructure projects, and the city’s growing global prominence following the development of the Ram Mandir. Interestingly, Ranbir Kapoor’s investment comes at a time when he is preparing for one of the most ambitious projects of his acting career. He is currently playing the role of Lord Ram in director Nitesh Tiwari’s epic film ‘Ramayana’. The timing of his investment has drawn attention, as both his professional role and personal investment connect him closely with Ayodhya and its cultural significance.

The film ‘Ramayana’ is among the most expensive projects ever made in Indian cinema, with an estimated budget of around ₹4,000 crore. It is being produced in two parts and is expected to be a global-scale visual spectacle. The first part is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026, while the second part is expected in Diwali 2027. The cast of the film includes several prominent actors. Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi will play Sita, Yash will appear as Ravana, Sunny Deol will take on the role of Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey will be seen as Lakshman. Veteran actor Arun Govil, who famously played Lord Ram in the 1987 television series ‘Ramayan’, will appear in the role of King Dasharatha, adding a layer of legacy casting to the project.

The film is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for delivering one of India’s highest-grossing films, ‘Dangal’. The music is being composed by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman along with Hollywood music legend Hans Zimmer, making it a global collaboration in terms of sound and score design. The production is being handled by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, DNEG, and Monster Mind Creations. The film will also be released in IMAX format and is expected to set new benchmarks in visual effects and storytelling. The VFX work is being handled by Oscar-winning studio DNEG, known for its work on major Hollywood blockbusters.

Ranbir Kapoor’s investment and his role in ‘Ramayana’ together highlight a growing trend where Indian cinema and real estate narratives are increasingly intersecting with cultural and religious tourism hubs like Ayodhya. The city, which has long been a significant spiritual destination, is now rapidly emerging as a major real estate and investment hotspot. As Ayodhya continues its transformation, investments from celebrities and major business groups are expected to rise further. For Ranbir Kapoor, this purchase is not only a financial decision but also a symbolic association with a city that holds deep cultural importance in India’s history and mythology.

With his portrayal of Lord Ram and his investment in Ayodhya’s development project, Ranbir Kapoor’s connection to the city now extends from reel life to real life, making it one of the most talked-about celebrity investment stories of the year.

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Gold Price and Silver Price witnessed a sharp decline in India on May 15, with silver falling by ₹19,693 per kilogram and gold becoming cheaper by nearly ₹3,000 per 10 grams. According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the fall marks one of the steepest single-day corrections in recent months, driven by volatility in global markets and shifting investor sentiment.

The price of one kilogram silver dropped from ₹2.87 lakh to ₹2.68 lakh, while 24-carat gold declined to ₹1.58 lakh per 10 grams from ₹1.61 lakh recorded earlier. The sudden movement has created uncertainty among traders and buyers in the domestic bullion market.

Sharp Decline in Bullion Rates

Market data shows that both precious metals have seen significant correction from their recent peaks. Gold, which had touched an all-time high of ₹1.76 lakh per 10 grams on January 29, has now fallen by nearly ₹18,000 over the past 106 days. Similarly, silver has witnessed a sharper decline, dropping from its peak of ₹3.86 lakh per kilogram to ₹2.68 lakh currently. Traders say this volatility reflects global uncertainty in commodity markets and changing demand patterns. Retail buyers in several cities reported reduced footfall at jewellery stores following the sudden price drop, as many investors are waiting for further correction before making fresh purchases.

Market Volatility and Global Factors

Experts attribute the decline in Gold Price and Silver Price to fluctuations in global bullion demand, strengthening of the US dollar, and changing expectations around interest rates in major economies. Commodity analysts suggest that precious metals often react sharply to geopolitical developments and monetary policy signals. Recent international tensions and economic adjustments have created instability in safe-haven investments like gold and silver. Domestic market prices in India are also influenced by import costs, as the country meets nearly 99% of its gold demand through imports, making it highly sensitive to global price movements.

Government Appeal on Gold Purchase

The price movement comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged citizens to reduce non-essential consumption of imported commodities, including gold. Addressing public gatherings, the Prime Minister suggested that households should avoid purchasing gold for one year to help conserve foreign exchange reserves. He stated that India’s heavy reliance on imported gold places pressure on the country’s external balance. Officials noted that India’s annual gold import bill stands at nearly ₹6.4 lakh crore, making it one of the largest import categories after crude oil. The appeal was aimed at encouraging responsible consumption amid global economic uncertainty.

Investor Sentiment Remains Cautious

Following the sharp fall, investors and traders remain divided on the future direction of bullion prices. Some market participants believe the correction may continue in the short term, while others expect stabilization depending on global interest rate trends.

Jewellers across major markets have reported mixed responses, with some customers opting to wait for further price drops, while long-term investors see the current levels as a potential buying opportunity. Analysts say that bullion traditionally performs well during economic uncertainty, but rising interest rates and strong equity markets often reduce its appeal as an investment asset.

Year-to-Date Price Movement

Data shows significant fluctuations in bullion prices over the past few months. At the beginning of the year, gold was priced around ₹1.33 lakh per 10 grams, which surged sharply to ₹1.76 lakh before correcting again. Silver followed a similar pattern, rising rapidly to ₹3.86 lakh per kilogram before witnessing a steep fall. The sharp swing highlights the highly volatile nature of precious metal markets in the current global environment.

Impact on Buyers and Jewellery Market

The decline in Gold Price and Silver Price is expected to benefit retail buyers in the short term. However, jewellers are cautious as frequent price fluctuations make it difficult to maintain stable pricing for customers. In wedding and festive demand segments, buyers often wait for price stability before making bulk purchases. Industry experts say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether demand revives or remains subdued.

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Sensex Falls 400 Points as Auto, Bank Stocks Face Selling Pressure

Market sentiment weakens amid broader Asian selloff; FII outflows continue

Indian equity markets slipped into the red on Friday, with the Sensex declining 400 points to trade at 77,450 while the Nifty fell 130 points to settle around 24,200. The half-a-percent decline reflected broader weakness sweeping across Asian bourses, even as selective buying in pharma and IT counters provided some respite.

Selling Spree in Auto and Banking

The downturn was largely driven by heavy selling in auto and banking stocks, sectors that have traditionally anchored market movements. Analysts attributed the weakness to profit-taking after recent gains and concerns over global interest rate trajectories. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical and IT shares managed to attract investor interest, suggesting a defensive shift in market positioning.

The decline came as no surprise, given overnight weakness in American markets. The S&P 500 fell 0.38 percent, the Dow Jones lost 0.63 percent, and the Nasdaq slipped 0.13 percent on Thursday evening. Across Asia, the story was similar – South Korea's Kospi fell 1.05 percent, Japan's Nikkei dropped 1.05 percent, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 1.24 percent.

Foreign Investors Turn Sellers

Underlying the market weakness was continued outflow pressure from foreign investors. On Thursday, FIIs sold shares worth ₹341 crore, continuing a pattern of net selling that has accumulated to ₹39,164 crore over the past month. In contrast, domestic institutional investors remained net buyers, purchasing ₹441 crore worth of shares on the day and ₹31,092 crore over the last 30 days.

Yesterday's Close Still Negative

Friday's decline built on Thursday's weakness, when the Sensex had lost 114 points to close at 77,845 and the Nifty slipped 4 points to 24,327. That day had seen strength in auto and realty stocks offset by weakness in FMCG, suggesting volatility across sectors.

What's Next

Market participants remain cautious as global cues continue to dominate local sentiment. Analysts expect support levels around 24,100 on the Nifty and 77,200 on the Sensex in the near term. However, the persistence of FPI selling and soft global growth signals suggest further downside risks unless sentiment shifts.

Traders are now eyeing inflation data and commentary from central banks globally for fresh directional cues. Domestic earnings season will also be critical in determining whether current valuations hold or face further compression.

In a significant milestone for the commercial real estate landscape, Venus Group has completed transaction of 2,07,838 sq. ft. of premium office space at Stratum at Venus Grounds in Ahmedabad, to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). This marks one of the first instances of developer-led office assets from Ahmedabad being institutionalised under a REIT framework.

The identified office inventory, strategically spread across multiple floors at Stratum, Nehrunagar, Ahmedabad, has been leased and monetised through PropShare Celestia, India’s first SM REIT platform. This reflects strong investor confidence in high-quality, income-generating commercial assets from emerging markets.

The asset is fully leased to a diversified and reputed tenant mix, including multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies, reinforcing its strong positioning and long-term value potential.

The third SM REIT scheme by PropShare Celestia opened with an issue size of ₹244.65 crore and witnessed robust investor participation. Open for subscription from April 10 to April 16, the issue was oversubscribed 1.33 times, reflecting a growing appetite for institutional-grade commercial assets beyond metro cities.

Stratum at Venus Grounds, stands as a benchmark Grade-A commercial development and an IGBC Platinum-rated green building. Spread across one of the largest land parcels in the micro-market, the project offers approximately 1 million sq. ft. of built-up area with large, efficient floor plates tailored for modern business requirements. A key highlight is its 16,000 sq. ft. Activatrium, designed to foster collaboration, engagement, and a vibrant corporate ecosystem.

Commenting on this achievement, Rajesh Vaswani, Managing Director, Venus Group, stated, “We are proud to see global capital being brought into Ahmedabad through PropShare Celestia. This marks a defining moment in the evolution of the city’s commercial real estate landscape. We remain committed to driving greater participation and enabling larger, high-value transactions, as Ahmedabad continues to establish itself as a credible destination for premium occupiers and long-term investment.”

With the REIT listed as SM REIT, this development further strengthens Ahmedabad’s positioning in the institutional real estate space, aligning it with global investment practices where premium commercial assets are structured for broader investor participation.

Gold prices extended losses on Tuesday, reflecting a cautious global trend. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for June delivery slipped marginally by 0.03 per cent to ₹1,53,900 per 10 grams in early trade. Silver futures for May delivery also declined by 0.62 per cent, trading at ₹2,50,971 per kilogram.

This movement marks a continuation of the softening trend seen in recent sessions, keeping bullion under pressure.

Metro Price Snapshot

In the physical market, gold rates across major Indian cities remained largely stable with minor variations. According to market data, Delhi recorded 24-carat gold at ₹15,544 per gram, while 22-carat stood at ₹14,250 and 18-carat at ₹11,662 per gram.

Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru reported similar trends, with 24-carat gold priced at ₹15,529 per gram. Prices for 22-carat and 18-carat gold stood at ₹14,235 and ₹11,647 respectively.

Chennai Remains Costlier

Southern markets showed a slightly higher trend. Chennai reported the highest rates among metros, with 24-carat gold at ₹15,600 per gram.

The 22-carat and 18-carat variants were priced at ₹14,300 and ₹11,855 per gram respectively. Market observers attribute this difference to local demand patterns and logistical costs.

Silver Tracks Weakness

Silver prices mirrored gold’s downward trend in both futures and spot markets. The decline of over 0.6 per cent in MCX futures indicates subdued industrial and investment demand in the short term.

Analysts note that silver remains more volatile due to its dual role as both an industrial and precious metal.

Global Pressure Builds

Internationally, gold prices remained under pressure, hovering below $4,800 per ounce. According to global market trackers, investor sentiment stayed cautious due to geopolitical developments and macroeconomic concerns.

The ongoing tension involving the United States and Iran, along with uncertainty around diplomatic negotiations, has created volatility in global markets.

Inflation, Rates Impact

Rising concerns over inflation and potential interest rate hikes by central banks have weighed on bullion prices. Higher interest rates tend to reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold.

Reports suggest that gold has already fallen more than 8 per cent since the beginning of the Iran-related conflict, reflecting a shift in investor positioning.

Outlook Remains Cautious

Market experts indicate that bullion prices may remain range-bound in the near term. Investors are closely watching geopolitical developments and central bank signals for further direction.

Going ahead, analysts expect volatility to persist, keeping gold prices under pressure unless there is a clear shift in global economic or political conditions.

Gold and Silver May Turn Cheaper After Budget 2026

Buying gold and silver could soon become easier on the pocket. Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, scheduled for February 1, the government is considering a reduction in customs duty on gold and silver from 6% to 4%. If announced, gold prices may drop by nearly ₹3,000 per 10 grams, while silver prices could decline by around ₹6,000 per kilogram.

At present, in January 2026, 24-carat gold is trading at around ₹1,68,475 per 10 grams, while silver is priced at approximately ₹3,57,163 per kg. A duty cut could bring short-term relief to consumers and investors amid record-high commodity prices.

Why Gold and Silver Prices Rose Sharply in 2025

Gold and silver delivered exceptional returns last year. In 2025, gold prices surged nearly 75%, while silver jumped a massive 167%. Experts point to multiple global and domestic factors behind this rally:

 Global tensions and wars: Rising geopolitical risks pushed investors towards gold as a safe-haven asset.

 Weak US dollar: Rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve weakened the dollar, making dollar-priced commodities like gold and silver more attractive.

 Central bank buying: Global central banks crossed 32,140 tonnes of gold reserves by December 2025, supporting prices.

 Industrial demand for silver: Over 50% of silver is used in solar panels, EV batteries and semiconductor chips.

 Limited mining supply: Demand rose faster than supply, creating a shortage.

Will Budget 2026 Duty Cut Impact Gold Prices?

Currently, gold attracts a total tax of about 9%, including import duty and GST. According to experts, reducing the import duty on gold could help curb smuggling and narrow the gap between international and domestic prices. In the July 2024 budget, a similar duty cut boosted jewellery demand by nearly 10%.

However, analysts caution that the impact may be temporary. International market trends play a bigger role in determining long-term gold prices.

Should You Invest in Gold and Silver Now?

Market experts advise investors not to rush into bulk purchases before the budget. Naveen Mathur of Anand Rathi suggests a “buy-on-dips” strategy, while Motilal Oswal’s Navneet Damani expects high volatility in early 2026 but remains positive on the long-term outlook.

Two popular ways to invest:

 Physical gold and silver: Coins and bars from trusted sellers.

 Gold and Silver ETFs: Safer, digital options with guaranteed purity.

Why This Matters Right Now

With Budget 2026 around the corner and commodity markets at elevated levels, any policy move can directly impact household savings, jewellery demand and green energy manufacturing. A duty cut could offer short-term relief and boost consumption.

Interestingly, Indian households hold nearly 34,600 tonnes of gold—worth about ₹348 lakh crore—highlighting the metal’s deep cultural and financial significance.

Bottom line: Keep an eye on Budget 2026 announcements, track global cues, and invest in gold and silver gradually rather than all at once.

In a historic moment for India’s bullion market, silver price record levels were shattered as the white metal crossed the ₹4 lakh per kilogram mark for the first time, while gold surged to an all-time high of ₹1.83 lakh per 10 grams. The rally marks the fourth consecutive day of record-breaking gains, reflecting heightened global uncertainty, strong investment demand, and currency pressures.

Gold and Silver Touch Fresh All-Time Highs

According to the All India Sarafa Association, 24-carat gold prices in Delhi climbed sharply on January 29, reaching ₹1.83 lakh per 10 grams. At the same time, silver prices stunned the market by crossing ₹4 lakh per kg in the national capital—an unprecedented milestone.

On the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures for the February 27, 2026 expiry also breached the ₹4 lakh/kg mark for the first time, reinforcing bullish sentiment across the precious metals market.

Silver’s Stunning Rally Explained

Silver has delivered extraordinary returns over the past year. In 2025 alone, prices jumped by ₹1,44,403 per kg—an increase of nearly 167%. From ₹86,017 per kg on December 31, 2024, silver closed 2025 at ₹2,30,420, and the upward momentum has continued into early 2026.

Notably, silver ETFs and mutual funds have also posted strong gains, attracting retail and institutional investors alike.

Why Gold Prices Differ Across Cities

Gold rates issued by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) exclude:

 3% GST

 Making charges

 Jewellers’ margins

This explains price variations across cities. Importantly, the RBI uses IBJA rates to set Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) prices, while banks rely on them to determine gold loan values.

3 Major Reasons Behind Gold’s Price Surge

 1. Global Tensions and the Greenland Issue

US President Donald Trump’s comments on Greenland and tariff threats against Europe have triggered market volatility, pushing investors toward safe-haven assets like gold.

 2. Record Weakness in the Rupee

With the rupee falling to a historic low of ₹91.10 against the US dollar, import costs have surged, driving domestic gold prices higher.

 3. Central Bank Buying Spree

According to the World Gold Council, central banks—including the RBI—continue aggressive gold purchases, tightening supply and supporting prices.

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3 Key Reasons for Silver’s Sharp Rise

Strong industrial demand from solar energy, electronics, and EVs

 Fear of US tariffs, leading to stockpiling by American firms

 Advance buying by manufacturers to avoid supply disruptions

What’s Next for Gold and Silver?

Market experts remain bullish. Research Head Dr. Renisha Chainani predicts gold could touch ₹1.90 lakh per 10 grams in 2026 if geopolitical risks persist. Silver prices are also expected to remain elevated near ₹4 lakh per kg.

Smart Buying Tips for Investors

 When Buying Gold

 Always choose BIS-hallmarked gold

 Cross-check daily prices using IBJA sources

 How to Identify Genuine Silver

 Magnet test

 Ice test

 Smell test

 Cloth test

The latest silver price record and gold’s historic surge underline the growing importance of precious metals in today’s uncertain economic climate. With global tensions, currency weakness, and industrial demand driving prices, gold and silver remain key assets for investors seeking stability and long-term value.

Commodity-Based Mutual Funds Steal the Spotlight in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, commodity-based mutual funds have emerged as the surprise winners in India’s investment landscape. While benchmark indices like the Sensex and Nifty posted modest year-to-date gains of around 9%, commodity-linked investment products—especially those focused on precious metals—delivered significantly higher returns, outperforming many equity mutual funds.

A one-year performance review of mutual fund schemes across asset classes shows that gold and silver-focused funds dominated return charts, reflecting strong investor interest in safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.

Silver ETFs and FoFs Lead Performance Charts

Among the standout performers in 2025 were silver-focused Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Fund of Funds (FoFs). Schemes such as:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Silver ETF FoF

ICICI Prudential Silver ETF FoF

Nippon India Silver ETF FoF

reported returns exceeding 130% over the past year, driven by a sharp rally in silver prices in both domestic and global markets.

Navy Vijay Ramavat, Managing Director at Indira Securities, said precious metals clearly dominated mutual fund performance this year. He noted that overseas funds investing in global gold mining companies also benefitted from the sustained uptrend in bullion prices.

“The strong rise in gold and silver supported commodity-based mutual funds across markets,” Ramavat said, adding that multi-asset and hybrid funds with commodity exposure also gained from balanced allocation strategies.

Experts Warn Against Chasing Short-Term Commodity Rallies

Despite the stellar performance, market experts advise caution. Commodities are cyclical by nature and prone to sharp corrections after steep rallies.

According to Ramavat, investors should focus on:

Long-term asset allocation

Individual risk appetite

Investment time horizon

Portfolio diversification

rather than making decisions based purely on recent returns.

Equity Mutual Funds Show Selective Strength

Equity mutual funds were not entirely left behind in 2025. Sectoral funds, especially those focused on banking and financial services (BFSI), delivered strong returns.

Manish Talwar, Founder of Goalstox, highlighted that schemes like Quant BFSI, DSP BFSI, and SBI BFSI generated over 20% annual returns, supported by the resilience of large banks and financial stocks.

He added that large-cap and flexi-cap equity mutual funds outperformed mid- and small-cap peers, as investors preferred stability amid market volatility. Hybrid and balanced funds also offered better risk-adjusted returns.

Why Commodity-Based Mutual Funds Matter Now

Vishranth Suresh, CEO and Co-founder of AssetPlus, said 2025 reinforced the importance of disciplined investing across cycles. While gold and silver delivered exceptional one-year gains, he emphasized that timing and allocation remain critical due to commodity volatility.

“Commodities offer opportunity but demand caution,” Suresh said.

Overall, 2025 highlighted the growing relevance of commodity-based mutual funds, ETFs, and FoFs as strategic portfolio components. Their strong performance, especially in gold and silver, underscored the value of diversification during uncertain market conditions—reminding investors that balance, not just returns, is key to long-term wealth creation.