New Delhi, Feb 18: Ambuja Cements, the 9th largest building materials solutions provider globally and part of the diversified Adani Portfolio, as part of its CSR, inaugurated a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Lab at the Ambuja Cements supported Zilla Parishad Primary School in Upparwahi, Chandrapur. The event was held in the presence of Block Education Officer Mr. Kalyan Jogdan, school and Panchayat representatives, and Ambuja Cements staff.

During the event, students demonstrated various models developed in the newly established STEM Lab, reflecting experiential learning and scientific curiosity. The presentations impressed the Chief Guest, who interacted with the students, appreciated their efforts, encouraged them to continue exploring science and technology, and distributed chocolates as a token of appreciation.

Ambuja Cements’ continued CSR support for education initiatives, has encouraged the school to aim for state-level recognition. The school administration has also secured first place in the State Government’s Mazi Shala drive and winning a prize of ₹11 lakh.

The Block Education Officer acknowledged Ambuja Cement’s consistent support in strengthening infrastructure and enhancing the quality of education across Upparwahi and surrounding areas. The programme also featured an interaction session where student Ms. Nisha Kanarkar interviewed the Chief Guest, who responded enthusiastically. Along with the STEM Lab, a cement concrete road was also inaugurated, contributing to improved local infrastructure.

Century Tower completes handovers two months ahead of schedule in Business Bay as wider delay threat looms

 

Dubai, UAE, Feb 18: With rising construction costs reshaping the economics of Dubai’s real estate market, a project in Business Bay has shown that timely delivery remains the most powerful asset for developers.

 

Century Tower, a 23-floor residential building comprising 210 units, has completed handovers two months ahead of schedule, a rarity in today’s property sector.

 

Developed by AMBS Real Estate Development, with sales led by fäm Properties as master agent, the project is a reminder that finishing projects on or ahead of schedule can make all the difference in an increasingly competitive real estate landscape.

 

Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, says the message to developers across Dubai is that, regardless of how well a project sells on launch, the priory is to start construction immediately.

 

“Developers who have launched projects, whether fully sold or partially sold, must recognise that the market pricing they relied on two or three years ago, or even one year ago, is no longer relevant. Construction costs have increased and are still rising,” said Al Msaddi.

 

“The longer that construction is delayed, the higher the cost the developer has to absorb, and the primary driver, inflation, is forecast to continue rising over the coming years. Developers must do their homework, select proven contractors, secure materials early, and build realistic timelines into their financial models from day one.”

 

A Turner & Townsend report revealed a notable 2025 increase in the price of construction materials, which now amount to around 60% of construction baseline costs in the UAE.

 

Concrete, MEP, plastics, timber and structural steel prices are forecast to rise again this year, while supply chain issues continue to compound delays. Developers are increasingly buying materials in bulk to reduce lead times and limit cost exposure.

 

Off-plan demand remains dominant in Dubai real estate. Data from DXBinteract showed that first sales from developers accounted for 12,106 transactions totalling AED52B in January, compared with 5,362 resales valued at AED 20.5B.

 

But the pressure is on developers to match demand with delivery. Investors and end users attracted by quality construction and design are more focused than ever on how soon their income-generating assets, or homes, will go from off-plan to ready.

 

In the case of Century Tower, more than 90% of the apartments were sold on the launch day in June 2024. By then, unlike typical off-plan projects that go to market before construction starts, building work was already well advanced.

 

“This response to property launches has generally become much more considered in recent years, as investors and end users take more time and care to analyse projects, and do their own market research,” said Al Msaddi.

 

“Buyers look beyond the marketing renders and location promises. They want to see that the developer has a trusted reputation for quality construction and timely delivery. This is another sign of market maturity. Early completions help alleviate common concerns about off-plan projects, and reinforce buyer confidence in those who deliver on their promises.”

 

Century Tower was designed to meet a gap in the market for uniquely crafted residences in Business Bay’s Golden Triangle. The building’s design, layout and specifications were the result of in-depth market research and analysis by fäm Properties to match investor and buyer needs.

New Delhi, Feb 18: Garmin, a global leader in GPS-enabled wearables and cycling technology, has announced a strategic retail partnership with Giant Bicycles India, one of the most respected names in the cycling ecosystem. This collaboration brings together Giant’s strong presence in India’s cycling market and Garmin’s expertise in ride tracking, navigation, endurance monitoring, and training insights. While Giant offers high-quality bicycles trusted by enthusiasts and competitive riders, Garmin provides advanced cycling computers and bundles (which have HRM with Speed and Cadence sensors), TACX indoor trainers, smartwatches, power meters, power pedals, smart bike lights with rear view radar alerts, best in class 4K ride recording cameras, performance trackers, and related accessories designed to support riders before, during, and after every ride. Together, the brands aim to make advanced performance technology more accessible to cyclists within trusted retail environments.

As part of the initial phase, Garmin is now available at select Giant retail stores in Mumbai, Pune, and Jaipur. Customers visiting these stores can explore Garmin’s cycling ecosystem alongside Giant’s bicycle range, enabling informed purchase decisions based on both equipment and performance technology.

Garmin’s cycling portfolio includes advanced TACX indoor trainer which compliments Giant Cycles, giving the cyclists an option to cycle indoors with same Giant Bicycle and replicate same terrains indoors and training as actual outdoor, cycling computers with bike-specific mapping and detailed performance monitoring, power meters and power pedals for deeper training analysis, smart lighting systems with rearview radar that alerts riders to approaching vehicles, 4K ride recording cameras, as well as GPS smartwatches and performance trackers that support endurance and fitness goals. By placing these products within Giant’s retail network, the partnership supports cyclists who are increasingly looking for data-driven tools to improve performance, safety, and ride planning.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Deepak Raina, Director, AMIT GPS & Navigation LLP., said:

“Data has become central to how cyclists understand and improve their performance. Access to accurate ride metrics, training insights, and navigation information helps riders make better decisions and measure real progress over time without compromising on the safety on roads by increasing situational awareness. Through our partnership with Giant Bicycles India, we are bringing reliable, data-driven technology closer to cyclists at the point where they invest in their riding journey.”

Adding to this, Varun Bagadiya, Director, Giant Bicycles India, said: “We are pleased to partner with Garmin, a brand synonymous with precision and performance. Offering Garmin’s full product portfolio at our stores allows us to deliver a more comprehensive experience to cyclists, supporting them not just with world-class bicycles but also with advanced performance technology.”

Cycling in India continues to see steady growth, particularly in urban markets where community riding groups, endurance events, and performance-focused training are becoming more common. Through this partnership, both brands aim to support serious cyclists, fitness-driven riders, and aspirational enthusiasts seeking dependable performance technology.

Feb 18: hubergroup Chemicals is expanding its portfolio with a new brand of high-performance additives: ELARA. The launch marks a significant step in the company’s evolution from a supplier of printing ink raw materials to a comprehensive partner for the coatings, inks, and adhesives industries. ELARA will make its official debut at PAINT INDIA 2026 in Mumbai, as a clearly structured additive portfolio supporting formulators in facing today’s complex technical and regulatory challenges.

As markets demand higher performance, compliance with increasingly complex regulations, and greater sustainability, additives have become the silent enablers behind modern formulations. hubergroup Chemicals responds to this shift with ELARA – a product range that combines scientific precision with practical usability across diverse application areas.

“With ELARA, we are taking another decisive step in our strategic transformation,” says Premal A. Desai, CEO of hubergroup. “We are expanding our horizons beyond traditional applications and positioning hubergroup Chemicals as a strong, future-oriented partner for formulators worldwide. ELARA stands for our ambition to shape chemistry responsibly while enabling our customers to innovate with confidence.”

Additives as silent enablers of modern formulations

Whether dispersion, wetting, process stability or surface quality – additives play a decisive role in the performance and reliability of modern coating and ink systems. With ELARA, hubergroup Chemicals consolidates its deep expertise in polymer and surface chemistry into a clearly structured, application-driven additive platform.

The name ELARA, inspired by one of Jupiter’s moons, symbolises stability, precision, and orientation within complex systems. Each product has been developed for a clearly defined function – delivering maximum impact both individually and as part of a perfectly balanced formulation.

A structured portfolio for defined formulation challenges

Under the claim “Shaping chemistry. Expanding horizons.”, ELARA brings together high-performance dispersing and wetting additives tailored to the requirements of modern formulations:

• ELARA Disperion 400: Non-aqueous dispersing agents for organic and inorganic pigments, carbon blacks, extenders, and matting agents. Designed for high pigment loading, excellent colour development, and robust process stability in solvent-based, solvent-free and UV/EB systems.
• ELARA Disperion 500: Aqueous dispersing agents delivering high colour consistency, reproducible quality and broad binder compatibility. Suitable for VOC-free and biocide-free formulation architectures in coatings and printing inks.
• ELARA Wetora 300: Versatile wetting agents for water-based, solvent-based, solvent-free and UV-curable systems. They improve substrate wetting, support uniform pigment incorporation and help reduce surface defects – even on challenging substrates.

“ELARA represents a new level of system understanding,” says Franziska Trapp, Technical Marketing Manager Coatings at hubergroup Chemicals. “Each additive line is developed with the formulator’s reality in mind – balancing technical performance, regulatory compliance, and processing efficiency.”

A portfolio shaped by chemistry and responsibility

The ELARA range reflects hubergroup Chemicals’ deep expertise in polymer and surface chemistry. Many grades are solvent-free or VOC-reduced, aligning with global sustainability goals. At the same time, the portfolio is designed for broad compatibility across solvent-based, water-based, and UV-curable systems, giving formulators maximum design freedom and security of supply.

Precision chemistry with a clear growth roadmap

From the outset, ELARA is designed as a scalable additive system. A defined development roadmap includes the future introduction of defoamers, humectants and rheology modifiers. This creates a forward-looking additive platform that addresses both current and emerging industry needs. The ELARA portfolio will be available globally from March 2026. hubergroup Chemicals’ dedicated experts provide formulation guidance to optimise performance and ensure reliable implementation across diverse application areas.

Kandi Murshidabad, Feb 17: Senco Gold & Diamonds, one of India’s largest gold and diamond jewellery retail chains, has opened its 86th franchise store in, Kandi, Murshidabad, further strengthening its presence in its home state of West Bengal.

Spread across 2,400 sq. ft. designed to create a warm and inviting ambience for customers, the new store, located at Kandi Bus Stand, offers customers an elevated and immersive gold, diamond, platinum and silver jewellery shopping experience.

“We are delighted to expand our presence in West Bengal with our new store in Kandi. People here have always enjoyed a deep cultural connection with precious jewellery, and we are proud to bring them Senco Gold & Diamonds’ legacy of trust, fine craftsmanship, and design innovation. Residents of Murshidabad will now get a first-hand experience of Senco’s distinctive blend of traditional artistry and modern aesthetics,”

Joita Sen, Director, Senco Gold & Diamonds.

From lightweight daily wear jewellery, contemporary as well as intricately handcrafted traditional designs, festive favourites, statement bridal creations as well as jewellery for men, the store showcases a range of the brand’s signature collections, reflecting Senco’s legacy of purity and design excellence. 

“Senco Gold & Diamonds has always been known as a brand that prioritises credibility, quality and consumer trust. We are honoured to have this franchise partnership with them and display their variety of designs while showcasing the craftsmanship of their karigars at our store,”

Mr. Md. Zakir Hussain, Franchise Partner.

Senco Gold & Diamonds continues to expand its pan-India presence with around 200 stores nationwide, including 86 franchise stores as well as two showrooms in Dubai, reinforcing its position as a trusted jewellery brand across geographies.

Mumbai’s iconic Oberoi Mall is all set to host the 4th edition of its much-anticipated signature event, The Pooch Party, on Sunday, 22nd February 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the West Plaza.

After three successful editions, most recently welcoming over 80 dogs and 150+ pet parents, the much-loved event returns in collaboration with Puppy Atlas, once again creating a vibrant and dedicated space for Mumbai’s growing community of canine lovers.

Designed as an evening of fun, bonding, and celebration, The Pooch Party promises an engaging lineup of activities for pets and their humans alike, along with a designated corner for adoptions. 

Event Highlights Include:

• Interactive Entertainment: Emcee-led games, an exciting canine fashion walk, and a lively dog talent hunt
• Memorable Moments: Live caricature sessions with pets and creative DIY name-tag stations
• Pet Retail & Welfare: Curated kiosks featuring pet brands, along with a special Adoption Corner dedicated to helping dogs find their forever homes

With its continued focus on community engagement and inclusive experiences, Oberoi Mall remains committed to curating unique events that bring people, and their pets together.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, 22nd February 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Venue: West Plaza, Oberoi Mall, Goregaon (East)
• Entry: Open to all dogs and dog lovers

Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Feb 18: AM Group, the leading energy transition platform backed by the founders of Greenko Group, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Invest UP, Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) at Davos, Switzerland on 20 January 2026 to establish a 1 GW High Performance Compute Hub, has commenced development of its mega AI project.

AM AI Labs, an affiliate of the AM Group, was issued a letter of intent by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) today towards allocation of land parcels to establish the first two phases comprising 150 MW and 200 MW respectively of the cumulative 1 GW AI and High-Performance Computing data center in UP.

Key features of the project:

• Scale and speed: 350 MW compute capacity to come online by 2028 with full 1 GW online by 2030 translating into $25 billion investment and deployment of ~500,000 high performance chips.
• Fully vertically integrated: When fully realized, the world’s first and largest fully vertically integrated AI platform, spanning owned carbon free power, data center infrastructure, high performance chips, a complete software stack, applications, and flexible consumption models from AI Pods as a Service to Tokens as a Service.
• Unmatched energy economics: Firm and on demand carbon free energy at significantly below global rates, enabled by renewables and strategic pumped storage assets managed through an in-house intelligent cloud energy architecture.
• Optimized from photon to token: Every layer from energy generation through data center design, liquid cooling, interconnect topology, accelerator selection, and software is engineered together, resulting in the most competitive electrons to tokens economics.
• Global and domestic applications: Indiais the second largest AI tokens consumption market. AM AI’s domestically generated tokens for AI embedded advanced applications and frontier models would serve the domestic as well the global markets for training, inference and other advanced use cases.

This project will be one of the largest investments in the country to date, aligned with the Indian Government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The project is expected to attract significant foreign direct investment and generate thousands of high skilled jobs, positioning Uttar Pradesh as India’s premier AI infrastructure destination.

 AMG AI Labs: Full Stack AI Platform

AMG AI Labs has built a comprehensive platform supporting the full lifecycle of AI development from training to production inference. The end-to-end software stack encompasses provisioning, orchestration, virtualization, inference and training frameworks, security, networking, compliance, and storage. Intelligent workload scheduling routes every job to the optimal accelerator for cost, performance, and latency, maximizing utilization across the heterogeneous fleet.

The platform’s architecture agnostic design supports GPUs and other accelerators. The leadership team brings 300+ combined years of GPU and AI stack experience from Apple, AMD, NVIDIA, Cisco, and Intel.

Leadership Perspectives

“This is an enormously ambitious project, and that is exactly what excites us. AM Group has done this before. In green hydrogen and ammonia, we set out to deliver the lowest cost molecules in the world, and we are doing it.

We bring the same conviction to AI. Our goal is to deliver the lowest cost, most efficient AI tokens on the planet, powered by clean energy we own and operate. By integrating the full value chain from power generation through silicon to token delivery, we can optimize across layers in ways that no single segment player can.

Uttar Pradesh and India deserve world class AI infrastructure, and with the support of the State Government, we are building it.”

— Anil Chalamalasetty, Group Chairman, AM Group

 

AD Ports Group, BUA Group, and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Feb 17: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BUA Group, one of Africa’s largest foods, mining, manufacturing, and industrial conglomerates, and MAIR Group (ADX: MAIR), a strategic investment company focused on grocery retail and commercial real estate in the UAE, to explore the development of integrated sugar refineries and edible oil facilities in Abu Dhabi and select international markets.

 

The partnership aims to create a world-class food manufacturing and processing ecosystem with the ambition of establishing the region’s largest agri-food hub, serving both regional and global demand. In line with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, the initiative would support economic diversification, stimulate industrial growth, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global centre for agri-food trade and distribution.

 

The MoU covers potential projects at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, and in Africa and Latin America, leveraging Khalifa Port’s advanced infrastructure and multimodal connectivity to advance AD Ports Group’s growing global presence in the agro-industrial sector, the Group is already developing agri-bulk handling and storage infrastructure with partners in Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

 

The MoU will also assess opportunities in grains, pulses, animal feed, agricultural commodities, and associated maritime, logistics, port, and distribution solutions.

 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “This MoU reflects our ambition to expand AD Ports Group’s role across strategic agro-processing value chains and contribute to the UAE National Food Security 2051. By combining our integrated end-to-end trade and logistics capabilities, with BUA Group’s agro-industrial expertise and MAIR Group’s strategic focus on the food sector, we will explore opportunities that strengthen food supply chains, drive industrial value creation, and deepen trade ties between Africa and the UAE, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”

 

Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said: “This strategic partnership marks a major milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. As one of Africa’s leading conglomerates, we are proud to collaborate with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in support of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. Together, we aim to create a future-ready food processing ecosystem that strengthens cross-continental trade, enhances supply chain resilience, and delivers sustainable economic value for generations to come.”

 

Nehayan Hamad Alameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of MAIR Group, said: “This partnership brings together complementary strengths across investment, industrial development, and logistics. MAIR Group’s focus on grocery retail, commercial real estate, and supply chain infrastructure positions us well to support the integration of agro-industrial and food industries. By exploring opportunities in sugar refining, edible oils, and broader food processing, we are contributing to a more integrated and resilient food ecosystem that supports national and regional food security.”

MUMBAI, Feb 17: Anchored by one of the largest and most technologically advanced banqueting destinations in India, Fairmont Mumbai positions itself as the most definitive address for weddings, receptions, large-scale celebrations, and global conventions. With expansive venues, architectural drama, and a deeply personalised service philosophy, the hotel ushers in a new era of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions)

From 2,000-guest galas to intimate corporate gatherings, Fairmont Mumbai seamlessly bridges scale with soul & good taste, delivering experiences that feel monumental yet meticulously curated.

Where Grandeur Meets Precision

Fairmont Mumbai’s event spaces are envisioned as immersive environments—architecturally bold, technologically seamless, and intuitively designed to bring ambitious visions to life. State-of-the-art, plug-and-play infrastructure ensures effortless execution, while layered design details infuse each venue with timeless elegance.

Golden accents lend understated opulence, while carpets inspired by Paithani sarees—crafted by artisans from Maharashtra—anchor the spaces in regional heritage. Even at a monumental scale, the service philosophy remains bespoke, ensuring every celebration feels considered, fluid, and deeply personal.

Innovative ceiling structures with a 100-tonne hanging capacity enable breathtaking aerial performances and large-format productions, while a dedicated car lift allows luxury vehicles to arrive seamlessly—transforming automotive showcases into moments of theatre.

A Dazzling Stage for Grand and Intimate Moments

Designed as a versatile canvas for celebration and connection, Fairmont Mumbai’s MICE portfolio includes:

• Infinity Ballroom: A spectacular 21,000 sq. ft. ballroom paired with an equally expansive 21,000 sq. ft. pre-function area featuring two live theatre kitchens, accommodating up to 2,000 guests.
• Eon Ballroom: A refined, high-energy venue with a built-in bar, ideal for stylish soirées and exhibitions.
• The Vantage: A 12,000 sq. ft. rooftop venue with sweeping views of the city and airport, designed for exclusive open-air celebrations.
• Grand Terminus: A sophisticated business centre equipped with advanced technology for board meetings, conferences, and intimate gatherings.

“Fairmont Mumbai’s banqueting and MICE offering has been thoughtfully conceived as a destination in itself—where scale is matched by precision, and grandeur is delivered with intent. From hosting India’s largest celebrations to facilitating focused, high-level conversations, every space is designed to feel intuitive, immersive, and deeply personal. Our vision is to set a new benchmark for landmark events in the city, where every gathering is elevated through design, technology, and the signature Fairmont approach to service.” – Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai

“Fairmont Mumbai represents a defining moment in our vision to create world-class destinations that shape the future of hospitality in India. The scale and ambition of its banqueting and event spaces reflect a commitment to building enduring landmarks—spaces designed not just for today, but for generations of celebrations to come. In partnership with Fairmont, we have created an address where architecture, heritage, and contemporary luxury converge to host the country’s most iconic moments.” – Nitan Chhatwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Shrem Group

The New Landmark for Defining Celebrations

In a city that celebrates without pause, Fairmont Mumbai stands as the ultimate destination for events that demand scale, sophistication, and soul—setting a new benchmark for landmark celebrations in India.

Kolkata, Feb 17: A new era of senior living is emerging in Kolkata, where ageing is no longer synonymous with slowing down, but with living intentionally. At the forefront of this transformation is Primus Ganges at Srijan Ganga City, a landmark collaboration between Srijan Realty and Primus Senior Living, India’s leading professional senior living operator.

For decades, Kolkata’s seniors primarily aged within ancestral homes, guided by tradition and familial obligations. Today, a cultural shift is underway. Seniors are choosing independence, wellness, and community on their own terms — marking a transition from passive ageing to active, purposeful living.

“Kolkata’s residential conversation is maturing,” says Keshav Agarwal, Director, Srijan Realty. “Today’s seniors are not downsizing — they are right-sizing. They want independence without isolation, support without stigma, and community without compromise. Primus Ganges reflects that evolution.”

Primus Ganges offers thoughtfully designed studios, 1 BHK, and 2 BHK residences ranging from 500 sq. ft. to 1,311 sq. ft., balancing elegance with functionality. Residences feature barrier-free layouts, safety-conscious designs, and abundant natural light, ensuring comfort and empowerment rather than institutional management.

Beyond architecture, the community emphasizes structured wellness, preventive healthcare, and seamless support. With over 3,500 senior homes under development across six cities, Primus Senior Living brings trained care teams, technology-enabled monitoring, curated engagement programs, and on-call medical assistance to every resident.

“Senior living is not about adding more years to life,” says Adarsh Narahari, Founder & MD, Primus Senior Living. “It is about adding more life to every year. At Primus Ganges, seniors don’t just age safely — they age actively, with strength, dignity, and community.”

The development also addresses the “worry gap” families experience when adult children are geographically dispersed. By fostering meaningful social connections, daily engagement, and preventive wellness, Primus Ganges ensures reassurance and fulfillment for both residents and families.

With Kolkata’s strong healthcare infrastructure, cultural vibrancy, and sense of belonging, the city is poised to lead Eastern India’s senior living evolution. Primus Ganges represents the professionalization of ageing ecosystems, blending intelligent design with integrated care, where dignity, vitality, and purpose define the second innings.

Kolkata’s seniors are no longer waiting for life to slow down. With developments like Primus Ganges, the city’s second innings is intentional, vibrant, and future-ready.