India Should Focus on Incremental Changes in KP

Mumbai (By Suresh Chotai): More than two decades after the Kimberley Process (KP) was born, the diamond industry still faces an uncomfortable truth: the global system designed to keep “Conflict diamonds” out of the market is stuck in the past. The Kimberley Process defines conflict diamonds narrowly—stones used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. That definition made sense in the early 2000s, when conflicts in Sierra Leone and Angola shocked the world. But today, violence linked to

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India Should Focus on Incremental Changes in KP

Mumbai (By Suresh Chotai): More than two decades after the Kimberley Process (KP) was born, the diamond industry still faces an uncomfortable truth: the global system designed to keep “Conflict diamonds” out of the market is stuck in the past. The Kimberley Process defines conflict diamonds narrowly—stones used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. That definition made sense in the early 2000s, when conflicts in Sierra Leone and Angola shocked the world. But today, violence linked to

Read More »

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Belgium Approves New “Carat” Tax Proposal

Antwerp: Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen reports that Belgium’s Federal Council of Ministers has finalized and approved the legislative framework accompanying the budget proposal, including the new tax proposal for the diamond industry. According to Belgium’s Minister of Finance, Van Overtveldt, the new tax system, calculated as 0.55% of turnover, will result in an additional €50 million in tax revenue,

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Euro MPs Vote to Ban Conflict Minerals

Brussels: In a surprise decision, the European Parliament recently voted to ensure that as with diamonds and other precious stones, European Union (EU) importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold for manufacturing consumer goods, be certified by the EU to ensure they do not fuel conflicts OR human rights abuses in conflict areas. The decision to ban was unexpected because

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India Condemns Discriminatory Practices

Mumbai: A news report appeared in some newspapers has alleged that Harikrishna Exports declined job to a person on basis of religion. Chairman of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Mr. Vipul Shah has issued a statement in this reference which says, “The Gem & Jewelry industry of India condemns discriminatory practices in employment and trading, be it

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Charges Dropped Against Rafael Marques

Luanda: The defamation case against Rafael Marques de Morais over his scathing depictions of Angola’s diamond industry has been dropped, reports JCKonline. “I confirm the withdrawal of the charges,” he said via email. Marques was being charged by leading generals in the Angolan military over his book, Blood Diamonds: Corruption and Torture in Angola, which includes tales of corruption sometime-graphic

Read More »

Belgium Approves New “Carat” Tax Proposal

Antwerp: Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen reports that Belgium’s Federal Council of Ministers has finalized and approved the legislative framework accompanying the budget proposal, including the new tax proposal for the diamond industry. According to Belgium’s Minister of Finance, Van Overtveldt, the new tax system, calculated as 0.55% of turnover, will result in an additional €50 million in tax revenue,

Read More »

Euro MPs Vote to Ban Conflict Minerals

Brussels: In a surprise decision, the European Parliament recently voted to ensure that as with diamonds and other precious stones, European Union (EU) importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold for manufacturing consumer goods, be certified by the EU to ensure they do not fuel conflicts OR human rights abuses in conflict areas. The decision to ban was unexpected because

Read More »

India Condemns Discriminatory Practices

Mumbai: A news report appeared in some newspapers has alleged that Harikrishna Exports declined job to a person on basis of religion. Chairman of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Mr. Vipul Shah has issued a statement in this reference which says, “The Gem & Jewelry industry of India condemns discriminatory practices in employment and trading, be it

Read More »

Charges Dropped Against Rafael Marques

Luanda: The defamation case against Rafael Marques de Morais over his scathing depictions of Angola’s diamond industry has been dropped, reports JCKonline. “I confirm the withdrawal of the charges,” he said via email. Marques was being charged by leading generals in the Angolan military over his book, Blood Diamonds: Corruption and Torture in Angola, which includes tales of corruption sometime-graphic

Read More »

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