Anil Agarwal Foundation’s flagship Nand Ghar Reaches 8,000
Chandigarh, 9th April 2025: Nand Ghar, the flagship initiative of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), has achieved a significant milestone by transforming 8,044 Anganwadis into modern centres of holistic development for women and children. Spread across 15 states in India, this expansion underscores Vedanta’s commitment to rural development, impacting over 3 lakh children and 2 lakh women with early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill development.
Nand Ghars are modernised anganwadis with provision of state-of-the art facilities. In addition to enhanced infrastructural facilities, Nand Ghar incorporates smart education tools, interactive e-learning modules, BaLA designs, and smart TVs to make learning engaging for children aged 3-6 years. Each center is equipped with child friendly furniture, access to electricity, safe drinking water, and hygienic sanitation facilities, fostering a safe and nurturing environment. Beyond education, Nand Ghars combat malnutrition by facilitating fortified meals to children and essential nutritional support for pregnant and lactating mothers. Integrated healthcare services, including immunization drives and routine check-ups, further strengthen community well-being. Nand Ghar is also strengthening women empowerment by engaging community women in skill-building activities such as handicrafts, food processing, and retail, enabling them to earn an average monthly income of up to INR 10,000.
As Nand Ghar continues to scale its impact, last year marked significant achievements for the program. To combat malnutrition, Nand Ghar launched a two-phase distribution of protein-rich millet shakes, benefiting children across six states. Patented and FSSAI certified, this millet shake contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals and is crafted from a blend of ragi, bajra, foxtail and kodu millets. With the government’s focus on promoting the consumption of millets in daily diet, Nand Ghar’s initiative reaffirms its alignment with the national vision of fostering nutritional security through sustainable and locally sourced superfoods.
In March this year, AAF proudly inaugurated Maharashtra’s first-ever Nand Ghars, launching 25 new centers in Thane. Expanding its reach further, the Foundation is committed to establishing 20,000 more Nand Ghars across Rajasthan over the next two years, transforming rural communities on a scale.
The initiative is well-aligned with the Government of India’s vision for women and child development. The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) empowers and supports mothers and their children under six years through various programs ensuring comprehensive childcare support in a secure environment with trained staff, educational resources, nutritional support, and activities for holistic child development. With around 14 lakh Anganwadi centres serving over 7 crore children under six years across the country, Nand Ghar’s model contributes significantly to enhancing the existing ecosystem and amplifying the government’s efforts in ensuring the well-being of children and women in rural India.
Speaking on the achievement, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd., stated, “The journey of building 8,000 Nand Ghars reflects our deep commitment to transforming lives at the grassroots. These centers are not just reimagined Anganwadis, they are spaces of opportunity where children learn, grow, and thrive, and where women gain the tools to lead empowered, self-reliant lives. It is incredible to witness how Nand Ghar is evolving into a nationwide movement- one that is creating real change. Our partnership with the Government and the Ministry of Women & Child Development continues to strengthen this mission, helping us scale with purpose and bring meaningful change to communities across India.”
Adding to this, Mr. Shashi Arora, CEO, Nand Ghar, commented, “At Nand Ghar, we are committed to holistic community development, where impact is measured not just in numbers but in the lives we transform. By integrating smart learning, digital tools, and sustainable nutrition programs, we are redefining the Anganwadi ecosystem in India. Over the past year, we have introduced cutting-edge digital learning modules and expanded nutrition programs to ensure that every child receives a balanced meal daily aligned with the Poshan 2.0 guidelines. Flagship initiatives such as Khaana Khaaya Kya?, the millet bar and shake distribution drive, and our digital smart learning model have further reinforced our commitment to child development and women’s empowerment. We will continue to deepen our impact within communities, ensuring that early childhood education, nutrition, and women empowerment drive for meaningful and sustainable change.”
WCD’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Department is celebrating its 50 years in 2025, and Nand Ghar continues to set benchmarks in early childhood care and women’s empowerment. With this milestone, the program is reaffirming its mission to uplift India’s rural communities, ensuring that the nation’s children and women have access to quality resources for a brighter and healthier future.
Sarbananda Sonowal: Union Government’s Push for Modern Maritime Education at IMU Kochi
Kochi, April 9, 2025: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for girls hostel building and virtually inaugurated infrastructure development projects across six campuses of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) for the upgradation of maritime Education and Infrastructure. The projects, with a total estimated cost of Rs 67.77 crore, were announced during a ceremony held at the IMU campus in Kochi.
Among the key projects is a new girls’ hostel at IMU Kochi, for which Shri Sonowal laid the foundation stone in person. Developed at a cost of Rs 13.11 crore, the facility will significantly improve residential accommodation for female maritime students.
Simultaneously, the Minister also virtually inaugurated several infrastructure projects across five IMU campuses—Chennai, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai Port, and Visakhapatnam. These include the installation of state-of-the-art simulators, establishment of solar power plants, enhancement of sports facilities, and renovation of student hostels—all aimed at boosting the quality of both academic and residential experiences.
The ceremony also witnessed the presence of Shri Hibi Eden, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) representing Ernakulam, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Sunil Mukundan, MD, INdia Ports Global, B Kasiviswanathan, IRSME, Chairperson, Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor of IMU; and other senior officials and stakeholders from the maritime education sector.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sonowal reiterated the Union Government’s resolve to transform maritime education in India by providing world-class infrastructure and training environments.
“These 17 projects mark a significant step in our mission to strengthen India’s maritime education landscape. With modern infrastructure and advanced facilities, we are enabling students to excel and meet global maritime standards,” he said.
The event concluded with an interactive session featuring discussions on the future of maritime education, innovation in training, and the roadmap for continued infrastructure development across IMU campuses.
IAAPI Appoints New Office Bearers for 2025-26 at Amusement Industry Maha-Kumbh
The IAAPI Expo 2025, known as the Maha-Kumbh of the Amusement Industry, witnessed a momentous occasion as IAAPI announced its new leadership for the 2025-26 term. Stepping into key leadership roles, Mr. Ankur Maheshwary has been appointed as the new Chairman, with Mr. Prashant Kanoria as 1st Vice Chairman and Mr. Maneesh Verma as 2nd Vice Chairman.
As the leadership transitions on April 1, 2025, Mr. Shrikant Goenka, the current Chairman, reflects on a tenure marked by transformational achievements. His leadership has propelled IAAPI to new heights of brand visibility, policy advocacy, and industry-wide influence. From a revitalized brand identity to enhanced technology adoption and an upgraded expo experience, his vision has reshaped IAAPI’s standing in the amusement and attractions sector.
When Mr. Goenka took the helm, the world was still recovering from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. IAAPI members faced financial struggles, operational setbacks, and an uncertain future. The industry was in firefighting mode, trying to reclaim its foothold after years of losses. Under his leadership, IAAPI not only stabilized but emerged stronger than ever. His tenure saw unprecedented policy advocacy with the Tourism Ministry, creating a roadmap for government collaboration and industry growth.
One of the most remarkable achievements under his leadership has been IAAPI’s rebranding and digital transformation, making it a modern, dynamic, and future-ready association. The biggest-ever IAAPI Expo with record-breaking visitor footfall is a testament to the strong foundation he has laid.
As IAAPI moves forward with its newly appointed leadership, the association continues to build on a strong vision, a renewed strategy, and ambitious goals for the future. The groundwork laid under Mr. Goenka’s leadership will serve as a launchpad for even greater success, ensuring that IAAPI continues to be a leading voice in the global amusement industry. His contributions and expertise will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in shaping IAAPI’s journey ahead.
Kalyan Jewellers Q4 Performance: 37% Revenue Boost
Chandigarh,9th April: The recently concluded quarter has been a very fulfilling one recording consolidated revenue growth of approximately 37% when compared to the same period in the previous financial year despite extreme volatility in the gold prices.
Our India operations witnessed revenue growth of approximately 39% during Q4 FY2025 as compared to Q4 FY2024, driven primarily by robust wedding demand. The quarter recorded healthy same-store-sales-growth of approximately 21%.
We launched 25 Kalyan showrooms in India during the recently concluded quarter, and another 3 showrooms during the first week of April 2025.
In the Middle East, we witnessed revenue growth of approximately 24% when compared to the same period in the previous financial year driven primarily by same-store-sales-growth. Middle East contributed approximately 12% to our consolidated revenue for the recently concluded quarter.
Our digital-first jewellery platform, Candere, recorded a revenue de-growth of approximately 22% during the recently concluded quarter as compared to the same period during the last year.
We launched 14 Candere showrooms during Q4 FY 2025.
As communicated earlier, for FY 2026, we have drawn up plans to launch 170 showrooms across Kalyan and Candere formats – 75 Kalyan showrooms (all FOCO) in non-south India (including 5 larger-format flagship Kalyan showrooms), 15 Kalyan showrooms (all FOCO) across south India and international markets and 80 Candere showrooms in India. We have completed signing LOIs for the Franchisee Owned Company Operated (FOCO) showrooms planned for the year in India.
We are upbeat about the ongoing quarter and are witnessing encouraging trends in the advance collections for both Akshaya Tritiya as well as for wedding purchases for the festive/wedding season.
As of March 31, 2025, our total number of showrooms across India and the Middle East stood at 388 (Kalyan India – 278, Kalyan Middle East – 36, Kalyan USA – 1, Candere – 73).
More Than Half of India Likely to be Middle Class by 2030
Mumbai, 9th April, 2025: Boutique cultural strategy firm, Folk Frequency, has released its latest future-forward research report, ‘India 2030’ — a strategic playbook designed to help brands navigate India’s rapidly changing cultural and consumer landscape. The comprehensive report, which decodes 30+ cultural shifts, offers valuable perspectives on the changes in India’s economy and digital transformation.
Key Findings from the ‘India 2030’ Report
The New Indian Middle Class:
The India 2030 report reveals that India’s middle class will make up more than half of the population, shifting consumption from necessity-driven to experience-first. It further states that the demand for experiential products like casual dining (+49%) and fine dining (+55%) is soaring. This middle class is new in the sense that they are rising out of generational poverty. They are the first in their families to get educated, to earn early in jobs beyond domestic or unorganized labor.
Digital Consumption Reshaping Influence – But Algorithms Reinforce Old Biases:
57% of India’s internet users are in rural and tier-2+ cities, yet ad targeting and content curation still favor metros and English speakers. Because of AIs inherent bias against regional languages, a huge percentage of targeting is being wasted, as it does not reach true aspirational audiences in India, the report indicated.
Higher Literacy Reshaping Consumer Expectations:
The report finds that India’s higher education landscape is undergoing significant transformation, guided by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. A central objective of the NEP is to achieve a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035, a substantial increase from the 26.3% recorded in 2018. India’s literacy rate has also steadily climbed, reducing extreme poverty from 22.5% in 2011 to 10.2% in 2019. More than just economic upliftment, improved literacy is changing mindsets and making consumers more financially aware, brand-conscious, and critical of marketing claims. They now expect transparency and accountability, higher product service and standards, and greater brand trust and storytelling.
Women are India’s New Economic Powerhouse:
The report also indicates that more than half of medical students in India are women, and 14% of businesses are now female-led. In luxury markets, women accounted for 64% of growth in single-malt sales. Products designed for women, rather than adapted for them, will win over consumers. Niche and differentiated products with female aesthetic, handling, and dimensions that feel comfortable, not just ‘not bad’, will appeal to female consumers.
Gen-Z and Alpha Will be India’s Biggest Consumers:
93% of Indian Gen Z and Alpha are key decision-makers in family travel and expect brand alignment with values, inclusivity, and sustainability. Younger Indians are largely growing up westernised through education and exposure to social media. There is a clash of values when it comes to oppression and unsustainable practices in Indian culture – no matter how ancient those may be. They are looking back to Indian history, joining diverse global fandoms, and standing up for what they believe is right, pushing the culture towards a more ‘rights based’ inquiry system that strongly punishes unethical behaviour and cancels businesses and brands that indulge in the same.
Gayatri Sapru, the Founder of Folk Frequency and an Independent Anthropologist, said, “I have seen firsthand how wide the gap is between culture, data, and business strategy. Many of the analyses today are rehashing what is common knowledge because of lack of depth and rigour. This one is different. It is original and rigorous, and offers precise cues on evolving needs, identities, narratives, and positioning to help brands future-proof their relevance.”
In 2022, Folk Frequency unveiled another report titled ‘Girl Uninterrupted’ that transformed how brands saw heartland Indian Gen Z and became a go-to playbook for Fortune 50 companies. ‘India 2030’ takes this further, offering a radical, rooted way to decode the country’s next decade.
ZEISS Strengthens Operations with New Quality Excellence Center in Ahmedabad
9th April 2025, Ahmedabad, India – ZEISS, a leading provider of measurement solutions, has inaugurated of its first Quality Excellence Center (QEC) in Gujarat, making it the sixth QEC in India. This strategic expansion underscores ZEISS’s commitment to India’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector by providing cutting-edge quality assurance solutions and technical expertise closer to key industrial hubs.
Gujarat, known for its strong industrial ecosystem, has emerged as a major center for manufacturing, automotive, electric vehicle, medical and engineering industries. With the rise of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and increasing demand for high-precision manufacturing, the new ZEISS Quality Excellence Center will serve as a crucial enabler for businesses looking to achieve world-class quality standards.
Mr. Aveen Padmaprabha, Head – Industrial Quality Solutions at ZEISS India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Inauguration of ZEISS Quality Excellence Center in Ahmedabad aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. This will be our sixth QEC and by establishing a dedicated Center in this region, we aim to support industries with advanced metrology solutions, application engineering expertise, and hands-on customer training, ensuring that manufacturers can enhance their quality control processes and drive greater efficiency.”
“Every measurement and analysis conducted here will have a far-reaching impact across industries such as Automotive, Medical, Electronics, and Electric Vehicles (EV). We aim to pursue excellence at every level for our customers, from the smallest detail to their most ambitious goal.” Aveen Padmaprabha further added.
The newly inaugurated center is equipped with ZEISS’s latest coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), optical 3D scanners, and surface measurement systems. It will provide comprehensive services including product demonstrations, training sessions, application support, and consultation to help manufacturers optimize their inspection workflows and maintain the highest quality standards.
The Quality Excellence Center is part of ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions’ broader strategy to further expand its services across India, ensuring customers have easier access to state-of-the-art metrology technology and expertise. This expansion follows the successful establishment of similar centers in other key industrial locations, reinforcing ZEISS’s position as a trusted partner in industrial quality assurance.
With this move, ZEISS India’s Industrial Quality Solutions division will continue to empower manufacturers in Gujarat and across India with precision measurement solutions that drive innovation, reliability, and efficiency in mass production.
Technology and Services available at the latest Quality Excellence Center include:
- Dimensional measurement and inspection
- Surface and form measurement
- Material analysis
- Reverse engineering
- Training and support
Kotak Life Wins ‘Best Organisation for Women’ for Second Consecutive Year
Mumbai, April 09, 2025: Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd. (Kotak Life) has once again been honoured as one of ET NOW’s Best Organisations for Women 2025. This recognition reaffirms Kotak Life’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace. The company believes that true inclusion is a continuous journey—driven by everyday actions and a shared commitment to progress.
Ruchira Bhardwaja, Chief Human Resources Officer, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance said, “Winning the Best Organisation for Women award for the second year in a row reaffirms our belief that inclusion is not a milestone—it’s a mindset. We remain committed to creating a workplace where every woman can thrive, lead and shape the future”.
Kotak Life remains dedicated to strengthening diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring that every individual—regardless of gender—can build a fulfilling and rewarding career within the organisation.
The ET Now “Best Organisation for Women” award evaluates companies based on multiple parameters including women diversity, leadership representation, women empowerment initiatives, learning & development programs and overall workplace culture.
Black Box Appoints Jai Venkat to Drive Revenue Strategy in the Americas
Chandigarh, April 9, 2025: Black Box®, a leading digital infrastructure solution provider, today announced the appointment of Jai Venkat as the company’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) in the Americas. Venkat will lead revenue strategy & execution, driving growth, bolstering account management, and accelerating revenue across all industry verticals and horizontal practices. He will report directly to Black Box CEO Sanjeev Verma and will be a member of the Executive Leadership team. His appointment is part of Black Box’s broader strategic investment in refining its go-to-market strategy and strengthening leadership across key industry sectors and service lines to drive growth.
“Jai’s proven track record in driving transformation, building high-performing sales & horizontal practice organizations to deliver results in complex, global environments make him the ideal fit to lead our growth and revenue strategy,” said Black Box CEO Sanjeev Verma. “As we continue to strengthen our go-to-market execution and deepen our customer relationships along with our strong partner ecosystem, Jai will play a key role in aligning sales, solutions, marketing, and strategic initiatives to fuel our next phase of growth.”
Venkat joins Black Box with more than three decades of experience leading sales, services, and transformation initiatives at global technology firms. Prior to joining Black Box, he held senior executive leadership roles at Allied Digital, Zones, DXC Technology, HP Enterprise, Cognizant, Capgemini, and Infosys.
“Black Box is at a pivotal point in its growth journey, with strong momentum across verticals & horizontal practices and a compelling vision for the future,” said Venkat. “I’m excited to be part of the outstanding Black Box team. Together, we will advance a transformative, customer-centric sales & solutions approach that drives long-term value for clients and stakeholders.”
Poonawalla Fincorp Launches New Shopkeeper Loan Business
Chandigarh, April 09, 2025: Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Cyrus Poonawalla Group promoted NBFC, focused on Consumer & MSME Lending, has today announced the launch of its Shopkeeper Loan Business. The solution addresses key financial challenges faced by small retailers and kirana stores, including cash flow, inventory, and customer management, while enhancing their operational efficiencies.
Building on its vision to become the preferred financier for the self-employed segment, PFL aims to enhance the competitiveness of small retail businesses through its customized financial solutions.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arvind Kapil, Managing Director & CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp, said: “India’s small retailers are the backbone of our consumer economy, yet their growth is often constrained by limited access to timely credit. With our Shopkeeper Loan, we are taking a decisive step to bridge this gap — offering tailored financial solutions that address their working capital needs and support long-term business resilience. By combining our risk-first and customer-centric approach, we aim to empower these businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive retail environment.”
Small retailers and kirana stores form an integral part of India’s traditional domestic trade, contributing significantly to local economies across semi-urban and smaller towns. However, they have historically relied on family funding. PFL believes there is a great and attractive opportunity to bring them into formal credit.
The company aims to provide tailored financial solutions to small retailers and kirana stores across India. In the first phase, PFL is operationalizing 44 locations and institutionalizing its systems for a customer-centric approach. With the launch of the Shopkeeper Loan Business, PFL has now launched 4 new businesses.
By providing targeted financial solutions through its risk-first approach, PFL aims to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and long-term growth prospects of India’s critical small-business retail ecosystem. The company continues to focus on simplifying lending, creating customer delight, and enhancing experiences, which remain its top priorities.
Swan Defence and GRSE Sign MoU to Boost Indigenous Commercial Shipbuilding
Mumbai, April 09, 2025: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (“SDHI”), a key private player in commercial & defence shipbuilding, ship repairs, and heavy fabrication in India, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE). The MoU signed on April 7, 2025, at GRSE Bhavan, marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous commercial shipbuilding ecosystem. The collaboration is in line with the Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and reinforces SDHI’s commitment to building world-class maritime infrastructure in the country.
The partnership aims to jointly pursue opportunities in the construction of commercial vessels and offshore structures, with an eye on catering to both global markets and domestic maritime priorities. The association will allow Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited and GRSE to combine their capabilities in design, infrastructure, and project execution to create a robust and scalable model for commercial shipbuilding. This MoU is also expected to facilitate the sharing of facilities, co-development of standard vessel platforms, and coordinated project management strategies to enable faster turnaround and greater cost-efficiency.
The partnership also envisions the evolution of a strong vendor and supply chain ecosystem, driven by shared sourcing and procurement efficiencies. Furthermore, the MoU lays a strong emphasis on building skilled manpower to support the long-term growth of the shipbuilding sector. Both companies have agreed to work together not only on the construction front, but also in areas such as vessel trials, ship repair—laying the foundation for a sustainable and comprehensive model of industrial cooperation.
The MoU between SDHI and GRSE signifies a shared vision to advance India’s shipbuilding capabilities and create future-ready infrastructure that supports maritime innovation, economic development, and job creation.