Federation of Indian Granite & Stone Industry
Bengaluru, 13th February 2025: “It is time we encourage “Make in India” and Indian youth and offer them more opportunities, improve their skills and eventually grow the stone & granite industry from ₹ 50000 crore to ₹ 100000 crore. Today upgradation of technology has made processing of stones very efficient,” stated Shri Krishan Kumar Vishnoi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industries, Govt of Rajasthan while inaugurating the STONA 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre here today.
Commending the organizers for their outstanding exhibit, bringing under one platform the various stakeholders of the natural stone industry, both at the national and international level, besides lending a stage to traditional artisans, Shri Vishnoi thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
Suggesting FIGSI to look into various aspects of global development in terms of technology intervention, and processing of waste generated at the quarrying sites, through research and development in their Centres of Excellence, he added, “This will also bring in value addition and provide skill sets to labour associated with the natural stone industry.”
The 16th edition of the bi-annual STONA, the third largest international Stone Fair, opened its doors to a packed audience in Bengaluru today at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. STONA 2025 is host to over 3500 stalls spanning over an area of more than 46,000 Sqm with country pavilions from 18 countries.
Referring to the current challenges faced by the natural stone industry, Mr Krishna Prasad, President FIGSI, said, “We look forward to the new amendments from the State to iron out the challenges the industry is currently facing.”
Besides the stalls, STONA 2025 will also be hosting a seminar pertaining to geology, on the topic of ‘Skilling and use of technology for safe and sustainable mining’ where scientists and eminent speakers will participate. Given the strong intent to promote stone artisans of India, the Stone Fair also has a special set of stalls called Shilpgram where close to 25 artisans from across the country have their stalls, exhibiting their skills and wares.
“The Shilpgram initiative of STONA facilitates direct interaction of artisans with prospective buyers, both at the national and international level, giving them exposure to what the market needs as well as to the consumers on the extent of skills that our traditional artisans harbour”, added Mr Manoj Kumar Singh, Secretary, FIGSI.
Commenting on the sustainability quotient of the natural stone industry, especially the quarry waste, Mr S Krishna Prasad stated, “Currently the accumulation of quarry waste is posing a threat to environment. Yet, this waste can be constructively utilised as a value added product such as in the use of aggregates, M-sand, usage in road construction and much more. The waste needs to be viewed as an asset and used in accordance.”
The Shri Ram Universal School Comes to Jaipur
Jaipur, February 13, 2025: The KGK Foundation, in collaboration with the Shri Ram Group of educational institutions, is delighted to announce the opening of The Shri Ram Universal School (TSUS) in Jaipur. With over 50+ schools across 20+ cities, it is now Jaipur’s turn to experience a legacy of outstanding education.
This initiative marks a significant milestone, uniting KGK Group’s more than a century-long legacy of trust and integrity with Shri Legacy’s nine decades of shaping young minds. Bringing to Jaipur the visionary ideals behind Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), India’s top-ranked commerce college for over 12 years, and Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), consistently among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions, this collaboration promises an environment where students can thrive, excel, and uphold a tradition of holistic learning and academic excellence.
Spread across a substantial area, TSUS Jaipur is dedicated to fostering integrity, sensitivity, and a profound connection to India’s rich cultural heritage. The school offers classes from Nursery to classes 9 & 11, following the CBSE curriculum, and emphasizes both academic excellence and overall growth to nurture future leaders.
Expressing his vision for the new school, Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Trustee of the KGK Foundation, said, “At KGK, our commitment to social responsibility transcends business, focusing on impactful initiatives in healthcare, education, and beyond. We strive to nurture future-ready generations through holistic education, fostering adaptability, critical thinking, and resilience. By establishing world-class educational institutions like The Shri Ram Universal School in Jaipur, and with aspirations to develop our own schools in the near future, we aim to empower young minds to thrive and become catalysts for positive change in an ever-evolving world.”
TSUS Jaipur is devoted to inspiring students to accomplish excellence and enjoy the learning journey. The school promotes a conducive environment where every child is encouraged to dream big and work towards their goals. The curriculum is meticulously designed to deliver a comprehensive education that transcends academics, ensuring a 360-degree development.
Students are motivated to explore their interests through various co-curricular activities such as pottery, theatre, creative writing, dance, and environmental programs like Shri Paryavaran. Additionally, practical learning is emphasized with well-equipped labs for computers, mathematics, science, robotics, and more, providing hands-on experience.
The school also focuses on student development via a house system, student council, and editorial board, which help build confidence and leadership skills. Moreover, educators at TSUS Jaipur utilize innovative teaching methods and consistently upskill to provide the best learning experience.
The school campus features world-class facilities, including a library, AV room, modern classrooms, and essential services like sickbay, transport, and professional counseling. Sports and fitness are essential parts of school life, with activities ranging from basketball and skating to indoor activities like chess, yoga, and aerobics.
The Shri Ram Universal School Jaipur is dedicated to building futures and honoring legacies, fostering an environment where tradition and modern learning come together to offer the best for every child.
MAXHUB Showcased AI-Enabled V7 Series and U3 Series at CMDA IT Expo
New Delhi, 13th February 2025: MAXHUB, a global leader in collaborative technology, participated in the annual CMDA IT Expo, held on February 10-11, 2025, at The Westin Pune, India. Organized by the Computer Media Dealers Association (CMDA), the event brought together leading IT vendors and manufacturers to showcase the latest innovations in technology. MAXHUB seized the opportunity to highlight its AI-enabled V7 Series interactive flat panel displays along with U3 series, E21 series, and MTR solutions emphasizing their potential to revolutionize both the corporate and education sectors.
At the expo, MAXHUB demonstrated how the V7 Series could transform meeting rooms, boardrooms, and collaborative workspaces. The V7 Series, equipped with advanced AI capabilities, was designed to enhance collaboration, streamline processes, and improve engagement across industries.
For the corporate sector, the V7 Series offered a powerful tool to create interactive and engaging learning environments. The 50MP AI-powered camera with intelligent tracking ensured that educators and students remained in focus during virtual or hybrid lessons. The 4K interactive display delivered a high-definition visual experience, making lessons more immersive and impactful. AI-driven audio enhancements, including Auto Framing, Speaker Tracking, and noise reduction, ensure clear communication, even in noisy classroom settings.
Wireless collaboration through ultrasonic and peer-to-peer (P2P) screen sharing simplified connectivity, allowing educators and students to share content seamlessly. This feature made lessons more dynamic and interactive, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
For the corporate sector, the V7 Series redefined how businesses conduct meetings and collaborate. The AI-powered Trident Lens System, combined with the 4K interactive display, provided a superior visual experience, making presentations and discussions more engaging. Advanced audio technology, including AI noise reduction and adaptive spatial sound, ensured crystal-clear communication during meetings, even in large or noisy conference rooms.
“The V7 Series represents a significant leap forward in how technology can enhance both education and corporate collaboration,” said Pankaj Jha, Managing Director of MAXHUB India. “We were thrilled to showcase this innovative solution at the CMDA IT Expo, where educators, IT professionals, and corporate leaders could experience its potential to transform their respective environments.”
The CMDA IT Expo served as a platform for IT professionals, educators, and corporate leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies. MAXHUB’s participation highlighted its commitment to delivering innovative, AI-driven solutions tailored to the evolving needs of both the education and corporate sectors.
Valentine’s Day Gifting Zed Black & Ultra Soft Toys
Zed Black’s La Riva Gift Box is a luxurious Valentine’s Day gift that combines the timeless elegance of Oudh with a romantic ambiance. This exquisite set includes a reed diffuser, scented candle, essential oil, incense sticks, and an elegant incense holder. Each item is carefully crafted to create an unforgettable experience, perfect for couples who cherish luxury and intimacy.
Gift this thoughtful and timeless set to create unforgettable moments with your loved one, filled with the deep, woody aroma of Oudh that lingers, just like love itself.
Ultra Soft Toys
Ultra Soft Toys introduces its exclusive Valentine’s Day gift range, curated to make the day of love unforgettable. The collection features adorable plush toys that symbolize warmth, comfort, and emotional connection. From cuddly teddies to quirky octopuses, each toy is designed to bring joy beyond February 14th. Choose from 10 unique designs, including a lovable pup holding a red heart, a sweetheart teddy with a red pouch, and a reversible mood-change octopus. Plush toys are more than just gifts; they provide emotional comfort and reduce stress. Make this Valentine’s Day extra special with Ultra Soft Toys’ exclusive range, perfect for expressing love and affection to partners, friends, and family members.
Hindustan Zinc Champions Women’s Inclusion in STEM
Udaipur, 13th February 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, proudly celebrated the International Day of Women & Girls in Science by recognizing the outstanding contributions of women across its operations. With one of India’s largest cohorts of over 200 women engineers working in mines and smelters, the company is leading the way in reshaping the metals industry.
With a gender diversity ratio of approximately 25%, Hindustan Zinc employs over 700 women in core operations, a figure that stands significantly higher than many of its peers in India’s core manufacturing, metal, and mining sectors. The company has also set remarkable industry benchmarks—India’s first women mine managers in underground mining and the country’s first and second all-women underground mine rescue teams operate within Hindustan Zinc’s sites.
Women at Hindustan Zinc are making groundbreaking contributions in engineering, research, geology, and lab sciences, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering female talent in STEM fields. Notably, over 70% of the women employees at Hindustan Zinc have a background in science, actively driving technological advancements in mining, engineering, and core operations. As a global producer of metals used in high-tech applications, Hindustan Zinc values diverse perspectives that lead to robust decision-making. This approach is supported by career-enhancing opportunities, including night shifts, meaningful job roles, and progressive workplace policies that enable women to thrive professionally.
Hindustan Zinc is actively transforming the mining and metal industry by integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, digitalization, robotics, and automation, eliminating the need for manual labor and making mining more accessible to a diverse workforce. The company’s digital mines, featuring tele-remote underground mining, real-time analytics, and automation, provide equal career opportunities for all in a fast-evolving industry.
Reaffirming this commitment, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, stated: “Hindustan Zinc is dedicated to increasing female representation in our workforce to 25% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. By investing in women, particularly in science and mining, we are building a future where female talent in traditionally male-dominated fields is not just recognized but celebrated. Our push for women in leadership is not just about gender parity—it is about harnessing diverse perspectives for problem-solving and decision-making in complex environments.”
Sheeba Mashruwala, Head of Research & Development – at Hindustan Zinc, said, “The company not only provided specialized training to enhance my technical skills but also built a strong mentorship network to navigate industry challenges. Hindustan Zinc fosters a gender-agnostic environment, where skills and performance matter most, helping me thrive.”
Beyond direct employment, Hindustan Zinc’s social impact initiative, Zinc Kaushal Kendra, has trained over 500 women through pre-vocational science-related courses such as nursing and electrical work, enhancing their employability and financial independence.
As India’s leading mining and metals company, Hindustan Zinc is at the forefront of fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce by breaking barriers and redefining industry standards. Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to supporting women across all life stages has led to progressive policies such as spouse hiring, year-long sabbaticals for childcare, mental and physical health leave policies, and career-enhancing opportunities. By creating a workplace where science-driven innovation and gender diversity thrive, Hindustan Zinc is setting a new benchmark for inclusivity in the mining and metals industry.
Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE: 500188 and NSE: HINDZINC), a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, reflecting its operational excellence, innovation, and leading ESG practices. The company also launched EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc brand. Produced using renewable energy, EcoZen has a carbon footprint of less than 1 tonne of carbon equivalent per tonne of zinc produced, about 75% lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company and is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Transforming the lives of 1.9 million people through its focused social welfare initiatives, Hindustan Zinc is among the Top 10 CSR companies in India. As an energy transition metals company, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for a sustainable future.
IIM Raipur Strengthens Alumni Bonds Across India with Memoria 25 Chapter Meets
Mumbai, 13th February 2025: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, celebrated its alumni and hosted alumni meet “Memoria 25 Chapter Meets” at Mumbai and Hyderabad on February 9, 2025, with enthusiasm and camaraderie.
The day witnessed enthusiastic participation of alumni from various batches along with faculty members for an evening of networking, reminiscing, and insightful discussions reaffirming the institute’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections. The alumni represented a diverse mix of batches, predominantly from PGP, along with a few from EPGP and other executive programs.
The Hyderabad edition welcomed 28 alumni from diverse batches actively engaging with them in rekindling connections & strengthening alumni engagement. The highlight of this evening was the announcement of upcoming City Chapter Elections, encouraging the alumni to take an active role in maintaining the alumni-alma mater connection. The Mumbai Chapter Meet featured a musical performance that created an atmosphere of warmth and joy and brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
The evening was filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and warmth. The stories exchanged, both humorous and insightful, created a strong sense of belonging. The night concluded with a group photograph for the faculty and alumni to cherish their memories.
Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur shared, “Our alumni are our brand ambassadors, and we are very proud of them. We are fortunate to have old grades who are always ready to offer their time and expertise by voluntarily taking part in the institute’s development. These gatherings with our esteemed faculty members are more than just reunions, they are a testament to our renewed promise of continued engagement and stronger alumni-institute relations.”
The meet is also scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, Guwahati, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Delhi in the coming days of February and March. In addition, IIM Raipur is all set to host the “Annual Home Coming Meet – MEMORIA 2025” at the Raipur campus in March 2025.
Tembo Global Industries Q3 FY25 Revenue Up 42.6 Percent with Strategic Growth
Tembo Global Industries Limited (TGIL), a leading engineering and infrastructure solutions provider, has announced strong financial results for Q3 FY25, showcasing significant growth across key financial metrics. The company continues to strengthen its market position with a strong order pipeline, strategic expansions, and successful capital-raising initiatives.
Key Financial Highlights (Consolidated):
- Revenue: Rs. 16,449.91 lakhs in Q3 FY25, a 42.6% year-on-year growth from Rs. 11,537.25 lakhs in Q3 FY24.
- Total Income: Rs. 16,890.06 lakhs in Q3 FY25, compared to Rs. 11,835.84 lakhs in Q3 FY24.
- EBITDA: Rs. 3,096.69 lakhs for Q3 FY25, demonstrating strong operational performance.
- Profit Before Tax (PBT): Rs. 2,529.27 lakhs in Q3 FY25, a notable increase from Rs. 595.35 lakhs in Q3 FY24.
- Net Profit: Rs. 1,631.27 lakhs for Q3 FY25, compared to Rs. 444.79 lakhs in Q3 FY24.
- Earnings Per Share (EPS): Rs. 14.69 (Basic) for Q3 FY25, compared to Rs. 4.01 in Q3 FY24.
Business and Operational Updates:
- Interim Dividend Declared: The Board of Directors has declared an interim dividend of Rs. 1 per equity share (10%) for FY25. The record date for the dividend is February 14, 2025, with payout completion within 30 days.
- Leadership Strengthening: Mr. Kiran Mukadam has been appointed as the new Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, bringing over 15 years of experience in corporate law, compliance, and administration.
- Strategic Expansion: The company completed the acquisition of a 75% stake in Tembo PES JV Pvt Ltd as part of its ongoing expansion strategy
Subsidiaries and Associates:
The interim financial statements of certain subsidiaries and associates, including Tembo Global LLC, Tembo USA Inc, Tembo Global Infra Limited, and Tembo PES JV Pvt Ltd, were not reviewed. These entities collectively reported:
- Total Assets: Rs. 5,939.21 lakhs
- Total Revenues: Rs. 3,595.84 lakhs
- Total Net Profit: Rs. 1,122.90 lakhs for the nine months ended December 31, 2024
While some financial information remains unaudited, Tembo Global maintains a robust review process to ensure transparency. Additionally, the acquisition of a 75% stake in Tembo PES JV Pvt Ltd was accounted for using the pooling of interest method as a common control acquisition, reinforcing the company’s strategic expansion and industry capabilities.
Capital Raising Initiatives:
Tembo Global successfully raised capital through multiple transactions:
- 19,79,000 equity shares issued at Rs. 285 per share, raising Rs. 56.40 crores from non-promoter category allottees.
- 8,10,000 share warrants issued at Rs. 285 per warrant to promoter category allottees, with an upfront payment of Rs. 5.77 crores.
- 18,00,000 previously allotted warrants converted into equity shares, raising Rs. 41.40 crores post full payment.
- Total Share Warrants Value: Rs. 41.40 crore.
- Paid-up Capital Increase: From 11,103,746 to 14,882,746 equity shares post-allotments.
- Closing Stock Valuation: Based on management representation.
All allotments complied with SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018, reflecting strong investor confidence.
Management Commentary:
Mr. Sanjay Patel, Managing Director of Tembo Global Industries Limited, stated:
“We are pleased to report another strong quarter of financial performance, reflecting our resilience and strategic growth initiatives. The significant increase in revenue and profitability underscores our focus on operational efficiency, market expansion, and value creation for stakeholders. With a robust order pipeline and a diversified business model, we remain optimistic about sustaining our momentum in the coming quarters.”
Kapture CX automates Automotive giant Autopedia’s customer support
India, February 2025: Autopedia is a leader in Indonesia’s automotive sector with a state-of-the-art online car buying and selling ecosystem. Recognized for serving more than 100,000 customers annually, the company has onboarded Kapture CX to enable seamless omnichannel customer support across multiple touchpoints within a unified dashboard.
Autopedia has a vast business model. It engages with businesses ranging from car and motorcycle auctions and also helps customers with car and motorcycle prices as an aggregator. However, managing a huge volume of customer inquiries to consistently maintain a 40% market share requires robust customer support. The implementation of Kapture CX will provide omni-channel support by managing customer interactions across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, email, and website forms.
Kapture CX will also enable quicker ticket resolution through an automated ticketing system for escalation and resolution, providing timely responses. With its built-in SLA tracking, the AI-powered CX automation platform will ensure that each ticket is handled within a predefined timeframe.
“Kapture CX is thrilled to partner with Autopedia,” said Gaurav Juneja, CRO of Kapture CX, “Autopedia is doing exceptional work, and we are honored to provide them with a comprehensive customer support management solution. This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering Indonesian businesses to transform their customer experiences. We eagerly anticipate witnessing Autopedia’s continued success and expansion within the Indonesian market through our implementation.”
As part of the integration, Kapture CX will enable seamless customer management by maintaining detailed customer profiles and integrating data with external systems, ensuring a holistic view of each interaction. In addition, it will also streamline employee management by tracking agent availability, defining roles, and controlling user access for optimal resource allocation and security. Subsequently, this will act as a comprehensive solution for Autopedia to improve both customer experience and internal operations with higher efficiency.
Commenting on the decision to onboard Kapture CX, Jonathan Weiyn, Head of Digital Business of Autopedia said, “We’re excited to partner with Kapture CX to enhance our customer support capabilities. Kapture CX’s robust platform will empower us to provide exceptional service to our growing customer base in Indonesia. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering seamless and personalized customer experiences.
To provide Autopedia with comprehensive support, Kapture CX will also share customizable reports and dashboards with in-depth insights into ticketing and agent performance. It will also capitalize on its integration capabilities to synchronize data effortlessly with Autopedia’s internal system via APIs for a real-time performance tracking delivery.
To further enhance efficiency, Kapture CX equips agents with a knowledge base, including decision trees and SOPs, to ensure quick and effective ticket resolution.
Aditya Krishnatray Wins Hearts with Romantic Track SajnaVe
Delhi, February 13, 2025 – Aditya Krishnatray, the rising star, is back with another heart-pleasing romantic track, the #SajnaVe, co-starring Simran Ghadai. Produced by Paperstone Productions and directed by Gurdev Aneja, this beautiful piece is presented by Vine Arora and sung by The Deep Gagan. The song, released on February 5, is already more than 1 lakh hits on Paperstone Productions’ official YouTube channel ideal beginning for Valentine’s Week.
Marking his second collaboration with Simran Ghadai and Paperstone Productions, Aditya continues to impress with his effortless charm and compelling screen presence. His debut music video, ‘Tu Hi Meri Rabb Hai’, released in July 2024, garnered over 43K views, establishing him as a promising face in the romantic music video space.
Aditya’s performance in #SajnaVe has been widely appreciated, with audiences praising his natural expressions, intense chemistry with Simran, and ability to convey deep emotions with ease. His growth as an actor is evident, making this new track a must-watch for fans of romantic melodies.
Speaking about the song, Aditya shared, “Romance is an emotion that connects universally, and #SajnaVe is special because it captures that feeling beautifully. Working with Paperstone Productions again has been an amazing experience, and I’m grateful for the love and support from the audience.”
The song is now streaming on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Gaana, JioSaavn, and Spotify, promising to be a Valentine’s favorite.
Boho Bazaar Returns To Delhi For Its 6th Edition This February
Boho Bazaar – Delhi’s Most Epic & Biggest Flea Market is back with its 6th edition with Presenting Partner Bajaj Chetak. The event will take place from the 15th – 16th of February 2025, at Gate No. 14 of JLN Stadium from 12 PM to 10 PM.
A Shoppers Paradise
Step into a world of endless charm and treasure at this one-of-a-kind flea market, where over 300 passionate vendors come together to showcase their unique, handpicked creations. The 6th edition of Boho Bazaar shall offer an unparalleled variety of products, including lifestyle essentials, exclusive fashion finds, exquisite home decor, stylish apparel, trendy accessories, pet goods, unique artisanal merchandise, and gourmet delights. Shoppers can also take advantage of exclusive discounts and exciting surprise giveaways so explore, shop, and let every aisle surprise you!
Lively Entertainment Options
This shopping extravaganza is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a wholesome entertainment experience. With special recreation and workshop zones, visitors can engage in a plethora of creative activities ranging from caricature portraits, face painting, and pottery to resin art making.
The event offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere with 10+ talented homegrown artists and live bands setting the stage with captivating performances that’ll ensure memories last a lifetime.
Exquisite Culinary Delights
Indulge in a gastronomical journey featuring over 50 meticulously curated food stalls that cater to the most discerning palates. From flavourful street food to artisanal desserts and Modern-Indian cuisine to Asian-inspired dishes, the event is a haven for food enthusiasts.
Elevate your dining experience with Kingfisher’s refreshing Ultra Max, BOHO’s premium blended whisky, and an array of expertly crafted exotic cocktails, perfectly complementing the diverse culinary offerings.
Organiser and Co-Founder of Boho Bazaar, Digant Sharma, expressed his excitement, saying, “The 6th edition of Boho Bazaar is set to be the biggest and most vibrant shopping and entertainment festival yet. This year, we’ve gone all out to curate a diverse range of unique pop-up stalls, immersive activities, and engaging workshops to ensure an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Whether you’re a shopaholic, a foodie, or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something special waiting for everyone!”