Udaipur, 16^th April 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, marks a significant stride with the launch of digital-first logistics management system, Zinc Freight Bazaar. This pioneering initiative positions Hindustan Zinc as one of the first among non-ferrous metals companies in India to introduce an innovative logistics platform designed to empower customers, enhance experience and simplify the logistics process. The platform features live tracking, logistics planner, bidding tool and host of affiliated logistics service partners.

Traditionally, the zinc procurement process required customers to shuttle between multiple systems for logistics coordination and shipment tracking, often leading to operational inefficiencies. This platform offers a streamlined, end-to-end digital solution that empowers business teams to procure critical metals with ease.

Zinc plays an indispensable role in galvanization, safeguarding steel from corrosion and supporting critical industries such as infrastructure, automotive, renewable energy, electronics, high-tech manufacturing, defence, and electric mobility. Designed with a sharp focus on user experience, Zinc Freight Bazaar facilitates robust production planning and enables customers to make well-informed logistics decisions. The platform is tailored to meet the nuanced requirements of its customers.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, we have always prioritized a customer-first approach to enhance the critical metal buying experience. With the integration of digitalization, we are taking a decisive step forward in delivering a seamless, tech-enabled experience. This platform simplifies procurement and reinforces our commitment to building a future-ready supply chain. As India’s economy continues to expand, the role of zinc in infrastructure development becomes increasingly vital. This platform will empower manufacturers with improved production planning while providing a unified solution for logistics management.”

Hindustan Zinc’s offering includes London Metal Exchange (LME) registered world-class products like Special High-Grade Zinc, High Grade Zinc, Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc EcoZen, Prime Western Zinc, Continuous Galvanizing Grade Zinc, Special High Grade Jumbo Zinc, High Grade Jumbo Zinc, Hindustan Zinc Die Casting Alloy 3, Hindustan Zinc Die Casting Alloy 5, Special High-Grade Lead among other variants.  As a fully integrated mine-to-metal producer, Hindustan Zinc ensures a steady and reliable supply chain, guaranteeing uninterrupted delivery of critical metals to global markets.

Hindustan Zinc offers one of the world’s largest zinc product portfolios, serving over 40 countries with a strong focus on customer innovation. The company’s zinc products are the first in India to be Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verified, ensuring transparency in environmental impact, and are certified by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) for quality. Additionally, the company also has REACH quality certification for exporting its products to Europe.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company 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.

New Delhi, 16 April 2025: MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare company, has released a study revealing a sharp rise in emotional stress among the millennial workforce. MediBuddy’s psychological consultation data from October to December 2024 reveals alarming mental health trends among the millennial workforce, with anxiety and stress emerging as dominant concerns affecting nearly half of all cases.

The study, which analysed data from 2,400 consultations taken by expert psychologists for clients across various age groups and genders, brings to light the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in workplace environments, particularly for young professionals aged 20–40 who exhibit the highest prevalence of anxiety and stress-related conditions.

The data shows that anxiety related issues remain the most prevalent condition overall, comprising 32.28% of all consultations, followed closely by stressor related concerns at 17.15%, together accounting for nearly 50% of all mental health consultations.

The study reviewed specific reasons causing these mental health issues. Among Gen Z, young men frequently face burnout due to professional and societal pressures, while young women often struggle with financial instability and the demand for social validation, influenced by societal norms and digital exposure. Relationship-related stress and body image concerns were noted as significant mental health challenges for both genders in this age group.

For millennials, several factors contribute to rising mental health concerns. Work-life imbalance is a key issue, as individuals struggle to balance career growth, financial security, and personal milestones, leading to chronic stress. Digital burnout, fueled by constant connectivity, erodes the boundaries between work and personal life, making it difficult to disconnect and recharge. Economic uncertainty further exacerbates anxiety, fostering feelings of career instability and financial pressure. Women, in particular, face the added challenge of balancing career advancement with family responsibilities, which often affects their physical and mental well-being.

The study also highlights the role of social media in exacerbating these issues, as social comparison fosters unrealistic performance expectations and amplifies emotional distress. Gender-based analysis reveals notable differences: males reported higher anxiety-related complaints (16.95% compared to 15.20% in females), while females exhibited higher stress levels (9.11% versus 7.97% in males). Depression affected both genders equally, with rates of 2.48% in males and 2.44% in females. This highlights the difference in presentation of mental health issues, response to triggers and coping mechanisms among the genders.

One of the pressing concerns is the age-based prevalence of mental health issues, with the 20-30-year age group reporting the highest rates of anxiety (16.50%) and stress (8.46%), followed by the 30-40-year group with 11.02% anxiety and 6.14% stress prevalence.

Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy, speaking on the findings, said, “These results highlight a critical mental health crisis affecting our most productive workforce demographic. Emotional stress and anxiety are silent tormentors that can have far-reaching consequences on productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. The high-pressure nature of modern careers, coupled with lifestyle instability, is driving this rise. A key challenge is that many young people lack exposure to effective coping strategies and emotional resilience training, leaving them ill-equipped to handle stress. Unrealistic expectations from themselves and others, fueled by social comparisons and professional pressures, further intensify feelings of inadequacy and stress. Through early intervention, regular mental health screenings, and expert-led therapy sessions, we aim to equip employees with the tools to manage stress and improve emotional well-being.”

The study underscores the need for comprehensive mental health support in professional environments. Organisations must prioritise mental wellness through targeted interventions, including stress management programs, digital detox initiatives, and mental health counselling, to empower employees to navigate these pressures and foster a healthier, more balanced work environment.

Chandigarh, April 16, 2024: Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Cyrus Poonawalla Group promoted NBFC focused on Consumer & MSME Lending, has expanded its portfolio of secured lending products with the launch of its Gold Loan Business. This new offering provides a secure, fast, and transparent financing solution for individuals and businesses, catering to diverse financial needs such as business expansion, agriculture costs, and personal expenses.

With faster approvals in less than 30 minutes, minimal documentation, and multiple repayment options, customers can unlock the value of their gold without selling it – ensuring financial flexibility while preserving long-term wealth.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arvind Kapil, MD & CEO, Poonawalla Fincorp, said, “Our gold loan offering represents a natural progression in our secured lending portfolio, combining traditional value with modern convenience. We have designed this product with the customer journey at its core, respecting both the emotional and financial value of gold. At Poonawalla Fincorp, customer asset safety and transparency remains paramount, while delivering reliable and premium services.”

Gold holds significant importance in Indian households as a reliable source of wealth and security, serving as a strategic asset for those needing quick access to funds. The gold loan market in India represents a substantial opportunity, with projections indicating robust growth over the next several years across both urban and rural markets. Other than being a secured business, gold loan offers the strength of low credit risk and resilience during economic uncertainty. PFL is strategically positioned to capture this growing opportunity through its customer-centric approach and commitment to delivering premium services tailored to borrowers’ needs.

To strengthen its presence across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with a secured product, PFL plans to open 400 new branches in a phased approach over the next four quarters. The company facilitates loan access through its branches and localized outreach, having onboarded industry professionals to provide tailored financial solutions and enhance customer experiences across regions.

Built on the pillars of trust, transparency in valuation, security, and governance-first, PFL’s Gold Loan offers reliable solutions to address customers’ financial needs. The company maintains its risk-first approach to delivering timely financial solutions that bridge the credit gap while empowering customers to retain their precious assets. It remains committed to simplifying lending, creating customer delight, and enhancing experiences, which are the company’s top priorities.

16^th  April, 2025: AGI Glaspac, India’s leading container glass bottle manufacturer, has once again certified as one of India’s Best Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute for the 04^th consecutive year. This recognition underscores AGI Glaspac’s commitment towards creating and sustaining an ideal environment for its employees, associates, and partners .

The Great Place to Work certification is based on a comprehensive assessment of employee experiences, workplace culture, leadership effectiveness, and HR policies. AGI Glaspac’s continued acknowledgment underscores its strong commitment to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, trusted, and inspired to achieve excellence .

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being, AGI Glaspac has implemented several key initiatives. These include the establishment of a POSH committee, conducting POSH awareness sessions, and implementing progressive HR policies in Telangana to ensure a safe and equitable workplace. Additionally, to support new employees and enhance their integration, AGI Glaspac has introduced the Kit and Buddy Program, designed to provide structured onboarding support through detailed SOPs.

Mr. Rajesh Khosla, CEO, AGI Glaspac, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating: “Being certified as a Great Place to Work for the 4^th consecutive year is a reflection of our commitment to fostering a collaborative, rewarding, and empowering workplace. Our dedication to employee experience, a positive work environment, talent development, and career growth programs further solidifies our position as an employer of choice at a national level.

We are honoured to be Certified as a Great Place To Work, and we are committed to building an even stronger company.”

New Delhi, April 16, 2025: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, partners with Optiemus Electronics Ltd. (OEL) to manufacture its next-generation AIoT products in India, in a significant step towards strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem and supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

As part of its long-term vision to strengthen domestic manufacturing, realme aims to produce all of its AIoT product portfolio in India, including earphones, smartwatches, and tablets. Beginning this year, key products such as the realme Buds T200 series, realme Buds Wireless series, and realme Buds Air series will start rolling off local production lines.

In parallel, realme is also accelerating efforts to source a majority of critical components, such as PCBAs, batteries, mechanics, cables, and chargers, from within India. Beyond addressing the growing needs of Indian consumers, realme is also evaluating opportunities to export Made-in-India AIoT products to global markets, establishing India not just as a manufacturing base but as a global hub for innovation and production.

Together, realme and OEL target to manufacture 5 million AIoT devices annually while generating over 2,000 new employment opportunities in India. This partnership will also contribute to the creation of a stronger local supply chain and skilled workforce to support high-volume and high-quality production.

The collaboration has already taken off with the commencement of production for the realme Buds T200 Lite—an advanced earbud that delivers crystal-clear calling via Dual Mic AI Deep Call Noise Cancellation, powered by DNN voice recognition technology.

realme’s spokesperson on the partnership said, “India is a dynamic and fast-growing market for next-generation AI-enabled hearables, wearables, and power management devices. We are excited to partner with Optiemus Electronics Ltd. (OEL) to bring the manufacturing of all our high-performance and value for money AIoT devices to India. This collaboration will enable us to expand our manufacturing base to cater to domestic demand, while also reinforcing our commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. At the same time, it opens up new opportunities to extend our global footprint through world- class manufacturing capabilities established here in India.”

Mr. Ashok Gupta, Chairman, Optiemus Group said, “We are thrilled to sign up this partnership with realme as we believe in realme’s philosophy of ‘Make it real.’ The fusion of AI and IoT is making hearable-wearable products and power devices smarter, more efficient and thus deliver a great value. We are thoroughly delighted to be an eminent part of this AI based product evolution. OEL will continue to play its role in shaping electronics manufacturing in India, generate more employment opportunities, and forge the path ahead to become Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

While Nvidia dominates the AI chip landscape, a wave of ambitious startups is working on next-gen processors to challenge its grip—especially in data centers and at the edge. These startups are exploring a wide range of technologies, spanning advanced optical systems and purpose-built edge AI chips, to drive the next era of AI computing.

Celestial AI

Based in Santa Clara, Celestial AI is reinventing how data moves inside AI systems with its Photonic Fabric, an optical interconnect that promises to crush bandwidth and latency limits. The company raised $175 million in a hotly pursued Series C round with backing from AMD, Samsung, and Porsche SE. Already seeing interest from major hyperscalers, Celestial AI bolstered its edge by acquiring key IP from Rockley Photonics, making it a major force in silicon photonics for AI infrastructure.

SiMa.ai 

SiMa.ai, based in San Jose, delivers a software-first machine learning system-on-chip (MLSoC) platform designed specifically for edge AI. Its Modalix chip family supports everything from computer vision to large multimodal models—all with 10x performance-per-watt improvements over existing solutions. With $270 million in total funding and recent partnerships with Lanner, Arrow, Supermicro, and Cvedia, SiMa.ai has positioned itself as the go-to solution for efficient, scalable AI at the edge.

Enfabrica

Enfabrica, headquartered in Mountain View, is building ultra-fast connectivity solutions tailored for AI workloads. Its flagship chip, the Accelerated Compute Fabric SuperNIC, supports massive throughput—up to 3.2 TB/s—along with robust Ethernet and PCIe capabilities. With a fresh $115 million Series C fundraise, Enfabrica is gearing up to roll out its game-changing silicon to high-performance GPU clusters in data centers.

Hailo

Tel Aviv-based Hailo is building low-power AI chips optimized for GenAI workloads in devices like PCs and smart vehicles. Its latest Hailo-10 chip pushes high-performance AI processing with minimal power draw. With $120 million raised and tie-ups with Raspberry Pi, Adlink, and SolidRun, Hailo is fast becoming a key player in cost-effective AI acceleration at the edge.

Groq

Groq, another Mountain View startup, is focused on AI inference at blazing speeds. Its unique language processing unit (LPU) powers both cloud-based and on-premise AI deployments. With $640 million secured in Series D funding and a $2.8 billion valuation, Groq is scaling fast. The company has signed strategic deals with Carahsoft and Aramco to bring its compute power to the public sector and massive data centers across the Middle East.