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Gold purchases across Hong Kong have gathered pace as households and small investors stock up on bullion and coins ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations, with dealers reporting brisk trade while global prices hover close to historic highs.

Retail counters in districts such as Sheung Wan, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay have seen steady queues for small bars and commemorative coins traditionally exchanged as gifts during the festive season. Traders say customers are focusing on one-tael bars and smaller denominations that are easier to present in red packets, reflecting a blend of cultural practice and financial caution.

International gold prices have been supported by expectations of looser monetary policy in major economies, persistent geopolitical tensions and sustained central bank buying. Spot prices have traded near record levels in recent weeks, reinforcing bullion’s appeal as a store of value. Silver has also drawn interest, though gold remains the dominant choice for gift-giving in Hong Kong.

Local jewellers and bullion dealers describe a noticeable shift in purchasing patterns compared with previous years marked by pandemic restrictions and subdued retail activity. Cross-border travel between Hong Kong and mainland cities has normalised, reviving tourist flows that are critical for the territory’s jewellery trade. Shop owners say visitors from across the boundary are contributing to higher volumes, particularly in high-purity investment-grade products.

Industry data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department show that jewellery, watches and clocks sales have rebounded since border controls were lifted, though monthly figures remain sensitive to price swings. Analysts note that high gold prices can dampen jewellery demand, yet investment-led buying often offsets this when households view bullion as a hedge against currency volatility or equity market fluctuations.

The Lunar New Year period is traditionally one of the busiest seasons for precious metals across Chinese communities worldwide. Gold symbolises prosperity and good fortune, and gifting bullion is considered auspicious. Dealers in Hong Kong say that beyond cultural motivations, clients are also reacting to global uncertainties, including conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and uneven economic growth in major markets.

Bank wealth managers in the city report increased inquiries about gold-backed exchange-traded funds and structured products linked to precious metals. While retail investors still favour physical holdings for gifting, more sophisticated clients are diversifying through financial instruments. Analysts at several global banks have projected that gold could remain supported if the US Federal Reserve begins cutting interest rates later this year, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.

At the same time, some economists caution that demand could moderate if prices extend gains too rapidly. Jewellery manufacturers operate on tight margins, and elevated bullion costs can squeeze profitability or prompt consumers to reduce the weight of items purchased. Silver, which trades at a lower price point, has benefited from substitution among price-sensitive buyers, though its cultural resonance is weaker than gold’s.

Central bank purchases have emerged as a significant structural driver in the global market. Data from the World Gold Council indicate that official sector buying has reached multi-decade highs, led by emerging market institutions seeking to diversify reserves. This trend has added a floor to prices even as speculative positioning fluctuates on futures exchanges in New York and Shanghai.

Hong Kong’s role as a conduit for precious metals into mainland markets remains important, despite structural shifts in trade flows over the past decade. The territory’s free-port status and established refining and logistics infrastructure continue to attract regional trading activity. Market participants say that any sustained premium between onshore and offshore prices can influence cross-border arbitrage and inventory movements.

Currency dynamics also play a role. The Hong Kong dollar’s peg to the US dollar means local bullion prices closely track movements in the greenback. A softer US currency typically supports higher gold prices globally, while a stronger dollar can temper gains. For residents holding savings in local currency, gold’s performance is effectively tied to broader US monetary policy.

Retailers note that beyond bars and coins, demand for lightweight jewellery pieces suitable for gifting children has risen. Designers are incorporating zodiac motifs for the coming year, adding a seasonal dimension to sales. Some shops have introduced limited-edition products to capitalise on festive sentiment, combining craftsmanship with investment appeal.

Quantum computing is emerging as a strategic lever for India’s ambition to secure a leading role in the global technology order, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu arguing that early investments and coordinated policy could reshape the country’s IT and industrial landscape. Speaking in Amaravati, Naidu said quantum technologies had the potential to redefine computing power, cybersecurity, materials science and drug discovery, placing India at a critical juncture as global competition accelerates.

Naidu’s remarks came as Andhra Pradesh positions itself as a focal point for quantum research and commercialisation through its Quantum Valley initiative, which aims to bring together academic institutions, global technology firms and startups on a single platform. The programme is designed to move beyond theoretical research and translate quantum science into deployable applications, an area where many countries are racing to gain first-mover advantage.

Quantum computing differs fundamentally from classical computing by using quantum bits, or qubits, that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows certain calculations to be performed exponentially faster, opening pathways in optimisation problems, climate modelling, financial risk analysis and cryptography that are currently beyond reach. Governments in the United States, China and the European Union have committed billions of dollars to quantum research, viewing it as both an economic and national security priority.

Naidu said India’s strength lay in its deep pool of engineering talent and its established position in information technology services, but warned that relying solely on legacy software models would leave the country vulnerable as the technology cycle shifts. He argued that quantum computing, when combined with artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors, could create a new technology stack in which India could compete at the highest level rather than remain a downstream adopter.

The Andhra Pradesh government has pitched Quantum Valley as a long-term ecosystem rather than a single project. Plans include dedicated research facilities, incentives for private investment, and partnerships with universities and multinational technology companies working on quantum hardware, algorithms and error correction. Officials involved in the programme say the aim is to create an environment similar to established innovation clusters, where research, talent and capital reinforce one another.

India’s broader policy environment has also begun to align with these ambitions. The national quantum mission, approved by the Union government, outlines funding for quantum computing, communications and sensing over the coming years, with a focus on building indigenous capabilities. Research groups at institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science and several Indian Institutes of Technology are already active in quantum algorithms and materials research, while startups are exploring niche applications in logistics, finance and healthcare.

Industry analysts note that quantum computing remains at an early stage globally, with practical, large-scale systems still years away. Current machines are limited by qubit stability and error rates, and most commercial use cases are experimental. However, the pace of progress has intensified, with steady advances in hardware architectures and hybrid models that combine classical and quantum computing. Countries that invest early in skills and research infrastructure are expected to gain disproportionate benefits once the technology matures.

Naidu acknowledged these challenges, stressing that quantum computing should be approached as a marathon rather than a sprint. He said sustained investment, patient capital and close collaboration between government, academia and industry would be essential to avoid fragmented efforts. He also emphasised the importance of education and workforce development, arguing that quantum science should be integrated into advanced engineering curricula to build a pipeline of specialised talent.

Supreme Court scrutiny of WhatsApp’s data practices intensified as the top court questioned whether the messaging platform’s policies align with constitutional guarantees on privacy and informed consent, while warning its parent company that operating in the country requires adherence to domestic law. The bench’s observations came amid an ongoing legal challenge to the 2021 privacy policy and regulatory penalties that have placed Meta and WhatsApp under sustained pressure from both courts and competition authorities.

At the centre of the proceedings is the 2021 update to WhatsApp’s terms, which expanded data-sharing with its parent entity, Meta Platforms. Petitioners have argued that the policy compelled users to accept broader data sharing to continue using the service, undermining free consent and diluting privacy protections recognised as a fundamental right. Judges asked pointed questions on whether users were given a genuine choice, and whether the policy met standards set by constitutional jurisprudence on proportionality and necessity.

The court also weighed in on enforcement actions taken by competition regulators, including a penalty of Rs 213 crore imposed for alleged abuse of market dominance through the policy change. While the competition case proceeds separately, the bench indicated that regulatory findings cannot be viewed in isolation when fundamental rights are implicated. The judges sought clarity on how WhatsApp segregates user data, what information is shared across Meta’s ecosystem, and whether safeguards claimed by the company are verifiable in practice.

During the hearing, the bench underlined that digital platforms operating at scale must respect constitutional norms. A warning was issued that companies unwilling to comply with domestic law cannot insist on unfettered market access. The remark was interpreted as a signal that economic presence does not confer immunity from judicial scrutiny, especially when services have become essential communication infrastructure for millions.

WhatsApp, represented by senior counsel, maintained that the 2021 update did not expand data sharing with Meta for personal messaging, stressing that end-to-end encryption remains intact. The company argued that the policy clarified existing practices related to business messaging and interoperability, and that users who did not accept the update could continue using core features for a limited period. Counsel also pointed to privacy controls and transparency reports as evidence of compliance.

Judges, however, questioned whether technical assurances suffice when consent mechanisms are contested. They asked if an opt-out that effectively restricts service access can be considered voluntary, and whether users were adequately informed of the scope and implications of data sharing. The court referenced earlier rulings that emphasise informed consent as a cornerstone of data protection, especially where asymmetry of power exists between platforms and users.

The case unfolds against a broader regulatory backdrop. A comprehensive digital personal data protection framework is being operationalised, setting clearer obligations for consent, purpose limitation and data minimisation. While the new regime applies prospectively, the court signalled that constitutional standards apply regardless of statutory timelines. The bench noted that platform conduct during transitional periods remains subject to judicial review.

Industry observers say the proceedings could have ripple effects across the technology sector. Messaging and social media platforms rely on integrated data ecosystems to monetise services, particularly through business messaging and targeted advertising. Judicial insistence on granular consent and strict separation of data could require costly re-engineering of systems and clearer disclosures to users.

For Meta, the stakes extend beyond this single policy. The company has faced competition probes and content moderation challenges across multiple jurisdictions, reflecting a global push to rein in Big Tech. A strong judicial stance in one of its largest markets may influence how policies are drafted elsewhere, especially in countries with robust constitutional privacy protections.

India has set out a strategic roadmap to accelerate domestic capabilities in robotics and physical artificial intelligence, signalling a push to reduce dependence on imported hardware and proprietary software while positioning the country as a competitive global supplier of intelligent machines. The plan, prepared by the Technology Advisory Group for Emerging Technologies, places indigenisation, software sovereignty and sector-focused deployment at the centre of the national approach, with healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and media production identified as priority domains.

The roadmap comes as governments worldwide race to translate advances in artificial intelligence into physical systems that can operate autonomously in real-world environments. While software-led AI has seen rapid adoption, policymakers argue that long-term economic and strategic gains will hinge on control over robotics hardware, operating systems and embedded intelligence. India’s proposal reflects concerns that reliance on imported robots and closed platforms could expose critical sectors to supply-chain risks and limit domestic innovation.

At its core, the strategy seeks to build a full-stack robotics ecosystem, spanning sensors, actuators, edge computing, operating software, cloud integration and safety certification. Officials involved in drafting the document have stressed that the objective is not isolation but resilience, with domestic alternatives developed alongside international collaboration. The roadmap calls for common standards and open architectures to prevent vendor lock-in and to allow startups and research institutions to build interoperable systems.

Healthcare has emerged as an early focus area, driven by workforce shortages and rising demand for precision care. The roadmap highlights surgical assistance, rehabilitation devices, hospital logistics robots and elder-care support systems as near-term opportunities. Policymakers note that such applications demand high reliability and ethical safeguards, reinforcing the need for locally controlled software stacks and transparent algorithms. Parallel efforts are proposed to strengthen clinical validation pathways and align regulatory approvals with global benchmarks.

Manufacturing and logistics form another pillar, with the document pointing to collaborative robots, autonomous guided vehicles and smart warehousing as tools to raise productivity and improve workplace safety. India’s manufacturing sector, dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, has historically lagged in robot adoption due to cost and skills barriers. The roadmap recommends targeted incentives, shared testing facilities and modular designs to lower entry thresholds, alongside large-scale skilling programmes to train technicians, operators and system integrators.

Agriculture features prominently, reflecting policy priorities around food security and rural incomes. The plan outlines the use of robotics for precision spraying, harvesting, soil analysis and post-harvest handling. Developers are encouraged to design systems suited to fragmented landholdings and diverse crops, rather than importing models built for large, mechanised farms elsewhere. Officials argue that domestically developed agricultural robots could also find markets across Asia and Africa, where similar conditions prevail.

An unusual inclusion is the media and creative sector, where robotics and physical AI are seen as enablers of immersive production, automated camera systems and smart broadcasting infrastructure. The roadmap suggests that integrating robotics with virtual production and generative tools could lower costs for newsrooms and studios while enhancing safety in hazardous reporting environments.

Beyond sectoral applications, the strategy places strong emphasis on software sovereignty. It calls for homegrown robotics operating systems, simulation platforms and AI frameworks that can be audited and customised. While global open-source projects are acknowledged as valuable foundations, the document urges sustained public funding to ensure domestic stewardship and long-term maintenance. Data governance and cybersecurity are flagged as critical, particularly for robots deployed in sensitive locations.

Financing and procurement reforms form another strand. The roadmap proposes dedicated funding windows for deep-tech robotics ventures, longer grant cycles to reflect extended development timelines and clearer pathways from research labs to commercial deployment. Public procurement is positioned as a market-shaping tool, with government agencies encouraged to pilot domestically developed robots in hospitals, warehouses and public infrastructure.

The roadmap also addresses ethical and social dimensions, including job displacement concerns and safety standards. Rather than framing robotics as a threat to employment, the document argues that productivity gains can create new roles in design, maintenance and supervision, provided reskilling keeps pace. It recommends national guidelines for human–robot interaction, liability frameworks and continuous monitoring of societal impact.