Why do Indians buy so much gold?

India is the largest buyer of gold in the world. Roughly 700 tonnes or about 33% of the total gold mined in the world is consumed in India. That makes India the largest trader of gold.

The fundamental reasons for buying gold jewellery are rooted in Indian culture especially during weddings. Lot of modification has happened to our traditions but gold purchase on the occasion of wedding has not changed much. Though the newer generation is not too fond of wearing or flaunting gold jewellery, the demand for gold jewellery has not gone down. We end up buying 950 tonnes of gold every year.

Why should the government worry when we are actually saving and creating wealth as we buy gold?

 At the individual level, it seems to be highly beneficial in buying gold but there are serious consequences at the national level.  For us to understand this we need to get into a bit of detailing. The top five producersof gold in the world are China, USA, Australia, South Africa and Russian Federation.  India does not produce much of the gold consumed. That means we need to buy gold from these countries. Gold nearly constitutes 12% of the total imports and comes only next to crude and capital good. This causes problems in forex and you wonder what the problem is. When we import gold we need to pay in foreign exchange and we roughly require USD 60 billion worth of dollars. This directly affects the value of rupee negatively and thus creating further gold prices raises especially petrol and diesel. Another reason why gold may not be great to the economy is its unproductive nature. Gold does nothing but remain idle in safes or bank vaults. Other financial instruments like fixed deposits, investment policies, shares, bonds etc is a great source of productive funds for corporate and government bodies, creating positive impact on the economy. This is making the government skittish. Government wants to discourage import of gold and hence have recently hiked the import duty. We believe this might not create too much impact on the demand as people might absorb the price rise and may even end up assuming to have created wealth. Increase in import duty may encourage smuggling and black economy. If the finance minister openly declares that the import duty will be brought down at a particular date, then the investors may refrain from investing in gold till that period. 

Indian Gold Coin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched three programmes aimed at reducing physical gold demand and attracting tonnes of gold from households into the banking system.

The three schemes that Modi introduced are Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS), Gold Sovereign Bond Scheme and the Gold Coin and Bullion Scheme. Modi also unveiled the first ever national gold coin minted in India with the national emblem of Ashok Chakra engraved on it.

The Gold Monetisation Scheme will replace the existing Gold Deposit Scheme, 1999. However, deposits outstanding under the Gold DepositScheme will be allowed to run till maturity unless the depositors prematurely withdraw them.

The Gold Monetisation Scheme is aimed at tapping part of an estimated 20,000 tonnes of idle gold worth Rs. 5,40,000 crore in family lockers and temples into the banking system.

The Gold Sovereign Bond will be issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the government with an interest rate of 2.75%. The bonds will be sold through banks and designated post offices.

Describing the schemes as “sone pe suhaga” (icing on the cake), Modi said gold has often been a source of women’s empowerment in the Indian society, and these schemes will underscore that sense of empowerment.

“Women in India usually don’t own house or a car in their name, but gold is a matter of their strength. India has 20,000 tonnes of idle gold. It is an important aspect of women empowerment,” Modi said while speaking at the launch, “people should take advantage of the golden opportunity to help India march to a golden period.”

The Prime Minister said there is no reason for a country with so much gold lying idle to remain poor. With some efforts and right policies India can get rid of this tag (of a poor nation), he said. Recalling India's tradition of saving and culture of empowering women with gold, he said in a lighter vein that even the Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan will have to recognise the difference between "arthashastra (economics) and grahshastra (home economics)". 

Ice Cream Treats To Make At Home This Summer

Whether you’re always craving for something cold and yummy after a tiring day at work or preparing for your next house party these instant ice cream recipes will make you rethink your store-bought ice cream. All you need is a mixer and some creative skills to make these incredibly delicious frozen treats.

Carrot cake ice cream
A two ingredient treat you just won’t get enough of.

Ingredients
-          2 cups heavy whipping cream

-          1 can sweetened condensed milk

-          1 teaspoon vanilla

-          1 teaspoon cinnamon

-          1½ to 2 cups carrot cake crumbles and some for garnishing

-          ¼ cup golden raisins

Prepare
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment beat your cream until stiff and fold in the sweetened condensed milk. Add remaining ingredients and put in the freezer for 6 hours.

Avocado Ice Cream
Healthy and delicious, this is best to eat your way to glowing skin.

Ingredients
-          5 avocados

-           2 cups heavy whipping cream

-          1½ to 2 cups condensed milk

Prepare
Beat whip cream until stiff. Smash the avocados and stir them in to the condensed milk and fold the whipped cream in. Put in the freezer until solid.

Spicy chocolate ice cream
The perfect choice for couples, try this for a romantic night.

Ingredients
-          2 ½ cups chilli & lime dark chocolate bar

-          Half can sweetened condensed milk

-          1/2 tsp vanilla

-          2 tbsp whipping cream

-          1 cup whipping cream

Prepare
Melt the chilli and lime dark chocolate bar and allow it to cool slightly. Whip the cream until peaks hold. Mix the melted chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Add 2 tablespoons of whipping cream to thin the mixture. Gently fold chocolate mixture into the whipped cream. Place in freezer for 8 hours.

Peanut Butter Brownie Batter Swirl Ice Cream
Who can resist peanut butter and brownie!

Ingredients
-          1 1/4 cup dry brownie mix

-          2 tbsp. oil

-          4 tbsp. water

-          2 cups heavy whipped cream

-          1 can sweetened condensed milk

-          1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

-          1/2 cup chopped mini Reeses peanut butter cups

Prepare
Stir brownie mix, oil and water. Beat the whipped cream into the mixture. Stir condensed milk and peanut butter until creamy and pour into the whipped cream and beat. Pour 1/3 of the cream mixture into a freezer safe container. Drop 1/3 of the brownie batter in the mixture and swirl gently with a knife. Repeat twice. Freeze until solid.

Why Vitamin B Is So Vital For Women?

We’ve heard it several times right—The B group of Vitamins are absolutely necessary for the body. But have you actually deciphered why our doctors can’t stop stressing on the intake of this nutrient? Here’s why they’re so important for the body.

Vitamin B1

Also called thiamine, Vitamin B1 acts as a co-enzyme in oxidising sugar in order to produce energy for the proper functioning of the body organs. It also helps improve brain function by improving memory and concentration. The best thing is that it will de-stress you by calming your nerves.

Where to get it: Sunflower seeds, barley and green peas are known to be rich in Vitamin B1.

Vitamin B5

This vitamin is essential for the formation of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids while also stimulating adrenal hormones. A deficiency of vitamin B5 limits fat metabolism. This is when the excess fats are pushed through the skin as sebum, which is a catalyst for acne, which essentially means that if you’re looking for healthy skin (and who isn’t?) you should get your daily dose of this vitamin.

Where to find it:  Broccoli, avocados and potatoes.

Click to read full article: 

Homemade Hair Packs for Monsoon!

While the monsoon brings with it a fair share of romance, chances are your hair isn’t taking too well to the rains after all! It is only fair that you take some extra care of your tresses and pamper them with some extra love. And it is not even too much hassle with a few easy-peasy home packs. Here’s how...

For damage free hair
For unruly hair that is unhealthy and damaged this pack comes in handy to do some damage control. Mix in curd, lemon and mustard oil to make a hair pack and let it dry, then wash off with water. Now heat some hibiscus leaves in water and bring to boil. Squeeze a lemon into it and apply it onto your hair. Leave it for around 20 minutes and again wash it off with a mild shampoo.

For an oil free scalp
For a clean, oil free scalp mix in two egg yolks, an egg white, lemon juice and a few drops of honey. Generously apply it onto your hair, let dry and wash off with a deep cleansing shampoo. This should leave your scalp oil free and hair supple.

For straight and frizz free hair
Mix in equal quantities of vinegar and honey in a cup of hot water and let it stand still for a few minutes. Then apply it onto your hair, leave it on for a few minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo. This should straighten out the monsoon frizz and deep condition your hair.

Read on for hair care tips 

My Gold Guide!!

Jewellery may be made from a wide range of materials. Gemstones and similar materials such as amber and coral, precious metals,beads, and shells have been widely used, and enamel has often been important. In most cultures jewellery can be understood as a status symbol, for its material properties, its patterns, or for meaningful symbols. Jewellery has been made to adorn nearly every body part, fromhairpins to toe rings. The patterns of wearing jewellery between the sexes, and by children and older people can vary greatly between cultures, but adult women have been the most consistent wearers of jewellery; in modern European culture the amount worn by adult males is relatively low compared with other cultures and other periods in European culture.

Modern fine jewellery usually includes gold, white gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, or silver. Most contemporary gold jewellery is made of an alloy of gold, the purity of which is stated in karats, indicated by a number followed by the letter K. American gold jewellery must be of at least 10K purity (41.7% pure gold), (though in the UK the number is 9K (37.5% pure gold) and is typically found up to 18K (75% pure gold). Higher purity levels are less common with alloys at 22 K (91.6% pure gold), and 24 K (99.9% pure gold) being considered too soft for jewellery use in America and Europe. 

MyGoldGuide

My Gold Guide

The gems and jewellery industry plays an important part in the Indian economy. In addition to boasting a large gems and jewellery market, India has a unique situation in terms of both demand and supply. The domestic gems and jewellery industry had a market size of INR 251,000 Cr in 2013, with a potential to grow to INR 500,000–530,000 Cr by 2018.

The demand in India can be segmented into consumption and investment. Unlike most other countries, investment demand for gold is important in India and accounts for about 45 percent of total market demand. Around 57 percent of the investment demand comes from bars and coins, while the rest comes from jewellery. The high investment demand is driven by a lack of alternative financial institutions for a large section of society, a perceived capacity to hedge against inflation, ability to invest smaller value in gold, high returns in gold over the past 12 years and ease of investing unaccounted money in gold. Also, while the volume demand for gold as jewellery has remained more or less constant over 2005 to 2013, the volume demand for gold bars and coins have grown at a CAGR of around 13 percent in the same period. 

Solly Sport Life

The crusader of stylish work wear in the form of 'Friday Dressing', Allen Solly now introduces its young, vibrant and eclectic brand of men's casual wear, Solly Sport. 

Tennis fans have much reason to cheer, as Solly Sport has an exclusive licensing agreement for India with the most prestigious tennis event in the world, The Championships, Wimbledon! 

The brand effortlessly weaves together a sporty feel with British imagery to give the collection a modern, irreverent edge. New-age twists to classics, vibrant colours, stylish linens, ombre shirts - the collection boasts of all these and so much more. For the man who loves the open skies and the sunny outdoors, there's also beach-inspired florals, cheery cotton shorts, sun-bleached neons and nautical prints. 

Designed in collaboration with the French design firm, Groupe Carlin International, the silhouettes are effortless and form fitting while premium fabrics focus on comfort with linens, seersucker and lightweight cottons making indelible style statements. 

Think fresh, expressive and energetic, think Solly Sport!

So why are you still here? .... The game is calling

Shopping Sites That Help You Stay Trendy When On Vacation

The Beach Company

Whether its kaftans, flip flops or tote bags, we love thebeachcompany.in. They offer collections for men, women and kids with varied options in clothes and accessories. If you are looking for colourful, trendy stuff with fun prints for your beach holiday, you have landed at the exact right place.

ONLYURS

Going to countryside for a holiday? Shop at onlyurs.com. We love their collection of separates, jackets and boots that is perfect to spend the holiday looking stylish and boho chic all day.

Peppercloset

An adventurous break is all you need at the end of a hectic year. Peppercloset.com offers multiple options in denim, shorts and accessories to spend your holiday in sporty chic style.

Fun Ways to Wear Digital Prints

Digital prints were once considered a fashion statement that the arty folk generally sported. But with designers now exploring their adventurous sides, digital prints got introduced to the runways and now to the streets. Though they may seem to be only for the daring, believe us, everyone can master the art of wearing digital prints. Scroll through our guide for some quick tips.

Serious yet arty

Opt for an artfully done top or bottom like this skirt that reminds one of an old palace. While wearing such a print keep your other separates and accessories minimal for it to be the statement maker.

₹1,200; Available on shop.whatwhenwear.in

Go quirky with a cover-up

If you love minimal digital prints then this jacket should be your wardrobe staple. Throw it on just anything – jeans and a tee, a chudidar and kurta or a dress, we guarantee you many compliments.

₹4525, Available at MAALGAADi. MAALGAADi , Block M , 6/1 , 4th Main Road , Chennai – 600090.

The Prettiest Hair Accessories to Buy Today

All of us wonder what to do with our hair each morning! We try on braids and ponytails only to realise that our strands look best left open or tied in a bun. How about trying out some cool accessories to add some style to your mane instead? Check these out....we bet you would want them...now!

Two in oneThis one that is an ear cuff-cum-hair chain is perfect for those Friday party nights. Jazz it up with a high ponytail or leave your hair open and team it with a short dress. Finish the outfit with shoes with edgy spike details.
₹799; Available on stylefiesta.com.

Go boldPonytails are no longer a boring style to sport at parties with this spikey, head-turning copper band. Opt for a high ponytail with a shimmer dress and you will be one bold diva at your party!
₹599; Available on kiosha.com.

Chains for your headThis stunning head chain in gold instantly uplifts any casual or work outfit. Comfortable yet glamorous, you just have to tie your hair in a bun for it to take centre stage.
₹899; Available on youshine.com.

Quirky Food Combinations You Simply Must Try!!

Fruit and cheese, sugar and spice, sweet and savoury—food combinations are an interesting thing. More often than not, we like to stick to our traditional notions, making a classically cooked dish that we’re happy to eat. But every now and then, a burst of flavour can take us by surprise and arrest our taste buds. Today, we’re helping you out with the tasting game (for better or for worse) and giving you five tried, tested and declared delicious quirky food combinations. We hope you’re left smacking your lips as hard as we did after some sampling.

Red Hot Chilli Chocolate

Whether it’s a straight up bark of bitter chocolate paired with red hot chilli, hot truffles or a lip-smacking dish of chilli con carne (beef chilli with chocolate)—when chilli and chocolate are paired together, the flavours released are rich and delicious. Any seasoned cook will tell you that the best dishes have a perfect balance of flavours—whether it’s sweet and sour or in this case sweet, bitter and hot.

Pears and Parmesan

A great dessert dish, ripe pears and parmesan makes for a classic combination. Add in some salad greens and balsamic vinaigrette to make for a spectacular salad. The fresh crisps of pear with the crumbly, texture of the cheese will make for an unexpected but delightful taste.

Fried Chicken and Waffles

Sweet, buttery waffles, saturated in a pool of sticky maple syrup paired with crispy fried chicken. This traditionally American pairing comes from the country’s soul food tradition as a breakfast or brunch meal. The unusual food pairing is a beloved one and one that has influenced generations of families. The crispiness of the chicken and waffles pairs beautifully together as does the sweetness of the soft meat with the butter and maple syrup. Not the best for your cholesterol, but our mouth is already watering at just the thought of this delicious combination, which sounds pretty simple to whip up too!

5 Makeup Essentials for the Working Girl

To start off, you want a product that gives you everyday coverage—this means you need something that is light and malleable, so you don’t feel like you’ve got a heavy, cakey layer of product slapped on to your face as you juggle meetings in the conference room.

Recommeds: Lakmé Face Magic – Skin Tints Soufflé

If you have slightly more problematic skin, which is in need of something stronger than a skin-soufflé, we recommend you opt for something that will deliver medium to high coverage, but yet remains a product that has a silky and delicate texture and superior blending qualities.

Recommeds: Lakmé Face Magic – Skin Tints Crème

Makeup certainly can be a powerful thing and when you find the ultimate product for your peepers, complete with a fairy-wand, you know that there’s no turning back.

Recommeds: Lakmé Eyeconic Curling Mascara

When you’re at the office, you want to have on a face that looks effortless, chic and uncomplicated. There is nothing to be gained by having your peers feel like you spent the better half of your morning on sculpting your game face

Recommeds: Lakmé 9to5 Matte Lip Colour (Beige Post)

Quirky Styles You Need To Try Today!!

Reveal your inner gypsy

Rock a boho print skirt by pairing it with denim shirt and sneakers. A striking day look, this skirt will turn heads and make a great impression.

Pants

Be casual, be cool! A pair of casual trousers is all you need! Choose one in prints; throw on   a tank top to run errands, in style!

Prints

Who doesn’t love a mix of funky, casual and super chic? This skirt is a must-have for all your night out plans. Jazz this up a little with a sequin top and killer heels.

Ethnic chic

Wear this pencil skirt in a quirky ethnic print to work for a daring impact. Add a touch of formal chic with a crisp white shirt and complete the look with nude pumps.

5 Must Haves for Your Work Wardrobe

Dressing for the office can be tricky especially if you are working in a corporate environment. Stiff trousers, a crisp white shirt and pointed heels...this can get so boring and monotonous. What if we say you can wear a white dress to work? Nothing like it, right! It’s all about choosing the right cut and colour when it comes to formal wear and we promise it wouldn’t look boring and yet sync in with the working culture. Here are 5 pieces every modern working woman should own.

Little white dress
Opt for a more structured, A-line dress in white that is made of cotton or linen. You could also opt for a boxy cut with power shoulders if you want to make a statement at work. Wear it with black pumps and complete the look with gold studs and a monochrome bag for a chic yet formal look. This dress by American Swan with a sweetheart neckline, A-line cut and a belt to cinch the waist is perfect and feminine for formal brunches.

₹2,499; Available on www.Americanswan.com.

Statement earrings
It is the best way to make a statement at work without looking too overpowering. Opt for edgy earrings in silver or gold and wear them with feminine blouses and formal shirts to really make an impact. We love this pair from BlueStone and we would wear it with a formal black dress.

₹6,606; Available on www.Bluestone.com.

Black blazer
Yes, it is the foundation of any work wardrobe but we are bored of the regular black one. Give your work ensemble a twist by wearing a black blazer in lace or with embellished details. This one from Lifestyle could be worn in several ways – with white trousers and a shirt or even with a formal dress, and is a great transition from work to play.

₹1,499; Available at Lifestyle. Lifestyle store, 10208, Karol Bagh, Padam Singh Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Contact no: 011 2875 5052.

Nude pumps
Never underestimate the power of nude. Give your black pumps a miss and wear nude flats or heels with your formal attire. Match your bag to your shoes for a colour co-ordinated and impactful look. This chic pair from Veruschka with a contrast gold heel is sure to earn you many compliments, and will ensure that you’re considered both, professional yet very stylish.

₹4,000; Available at Veruschka by Payal Kothari. Veruschka, Ave 29, Kohinoor Mansion, Hughes Road, Off Peddar Road, Mumbai.

Office Wardrobe for Working Women

For your wardrobe selections, choosing a flattering silhouette in a palette dotted with neutral hues and darker textures, often accented with a statement colour, is an ideal amalgamation of stylish chic and discreet glamour.

For a fresh, elegantly appropriate spin on 9 to 5 dressing, it is imperative to pair your wardrobe selection with a comfortable yet trendy pair of heels or flats. Opting for the colour black in a range of different styles ensures that you can pair your selection with multiple different outfits, while still allowing your colleagues to sit up and take notice!

Celebrity Style Guide - Sonal Chauhan’s Glam Look

Known for her endlessly long pins, Sonal Chauhan did not fail to impress us at Karan Johar's Marqueecollection launch for Vero Moda. She wore a stunning outfit and her perfect figure did complete justice to her look. We are so impressed Sonal, you couldn’t have picked anything better!

Outfit
She picked Alice + Olivia separates in a classy nude hue with black lace detailing. We love how her legs look in those shorts – so very chic. Also, the choice of lace is a perfect combination of girly and bold, we think!

Shoes
A nude pair of pumps perfectly complemented her outfit.

Hair and makeup
Her hair was tied back in a ponytail with a bouffant and her makeup was simple and nude with a pop of light pink on her lips. Pretty and just perfect, we say!

Bridal Trends for the Wedding Season

We spotted plenty of hot trends we thought some deserved our special attention! So if you are confused about whether to pick that floral lehenga or mirror work blouse, read on!

   

Bridal Trends for the Wedding Season!

Your wedding is just around the corner and you are wondering what kind of outfit you should wear? This year at the Lakmé Fashion Week we were crushing on everything bridal.  While we spotted plenty of hot trends we thought some deserved our special attention! So if you are confused about whether to pick that floral lehenga or mirror work blouse, read on!

Mirror work

Whether you are wearing this trend with a saree or ghagra choli make sure you accessorise with a maang tika.

Floral print

Florals spell elegance and are easy to wear. Anushree Reddy gave the print a new dimension by blending in zari work in her ghagra choli at the Lakmé Fashion Week.

Nargis Fakhri in Varun Bahl dress

While wearing the two pieces together to give the illusion of one interesting dress worked in theory, the all-embellished top half and ruffle-rich bottom half made for a rather unflattering silhouette in reality.

Wearing a Malini Ramani top over a Varun Bahl dress was Nargis Fakhri.