Category: Business

Bengaluru, March 22: India reinforced its position as a global jewellery powerhouse with the inauguration of the 4th edition of IIJS Bharat – Tritiya 2026, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). As one of the country’s leading B2B jewellery trade shows, the event serves as a key sourcing platform for the upcoming festive and wedding seasons, bringing together stakeholders from across the global gem and jewellery ecosystem.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Smt. Gunjan Krishna, IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka. The event was attended by Guests of Honour A. Prasanna Anguraj, Managing Director, Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai, and Pratap Madhukar Kamath, Managing Director, Abaran Timeless Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., along with senior GJEPC leadership and key industry stakeholders.

Supported by the Government of Karnataka and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the 2026 edition marks a significant scale-up, featuring over 1,100 exhibitors across 1,900+ stalls. Spanning three expansive halls, the exhibition offers a comprehensive sourcing platform across gold, diamond, silver, and studded jewellery, alongside loose natural diamonds, coloured gemstones, couture jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, and machinery and allied segments.

Highlighting the industry’s resilience, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, noted that India’s gem and jewellery exports reached ₹2.28 lakh crore between April 2025 and February 2026, registering over 4% growth despite a 44% decline in traditional markets such as the United States. He emphasised that strategic market diversification, evolving design innovation, and new free trade agreements are helping the sector navigate global challenges while unlocking new opportunities.

 This year’s edition has also attracted participation from over 270 new companies, reflecting the sector’s expanding footprint and dynamism. Running concurrently is the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) Bharat – Tritiya 2026, showcasing advanced machinery, allied products, and packaging solutions, further strengthening the link between manufacturing excellence and retail demand.

Underscoring Karnataka’s support, Smt. Gunjan Krishna highlighted the participation of exhibitors and visitors from over 500 cities and 40 countries, calling it a testament to the industry’s global relevance. She emphasised the need to move towards high-value, design-led luxury segments while leveraging India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.

In a significant development, GJEPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Jewellers’ Association Bengaluru (JAB), aimed at strengthening the regional jewellery ecosystem, enhancing industry participation, and creating new growth opportunities through the IIJS platform.

The exhibition also features a Crafts Pavilion celebrating India’s GI-tagged jewellery traditions, including Banaras Meenakari, Cuttack Tarakasi filigree, Thewa jewellery of Rajasthan, and Hupari silver craft—highlighting the country’s rich artisanal legacy.

Adding to the experience, The Select Club presents a curated luxury segment showcasing high-end couture jewellery, while Innov8 Talks at the Launch Pad hosts thought leadership sessions, panel discussions, and product launches focused on emerging trends and innovation in the sector.

The event also includes a Networking Night and the IIJS Icon Awards, recognising excellence within the industry, along with the Hidden Star Awards that honour the contributions of retail merchandising teams.

With over 15,000 retailers expected from 500 cities across India and international participation from 40 countries, IIJS Bharat – Tritiya 2026 is set to serve as a powerful platform for business networking, knowledge exchange, and global market expansion—further strengthening India’s position on the world jewellery map.

Mumbai, Mar 21: As Luxor group brings America’s No.1 iconic creative brand Crayola to India, Amitabh Bachchan has extended his wishes to the company, calling the moment “a beginning” for creativity and expression in the country.

The veteran actor’s message comes at a time when Luxor, long associated with writing instruments in India, expands its portfolio to strengthen the creative tools category through its partnership with Crayola.

The launch signals a renewed focus on nurturing imagination and hands-on creativity among young audiences, with Luxor aiming to make globally trusted creative products more accessible across India.

Mr Bachchan’s note adds cultural resonance to the launch, spotlighting the growing importance of creativity as a core part of learning and self-expression.

Dubai, UAE, 21st March, 2026: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA. 

Announced at a ceremony in Madrid, ahead of this weekend’s ABB FIA Formula ECUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, the winners demonstrated leadership and innovation across key areas insustainable tourism, showcasing environmental, social and economic impact, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy. 

FIA President and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, commented: “The diversity and quality of our inaugural winners highlights the growing global momentum behind sustainable sports tourism. 

“These awards celebrate sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth, and together with UN Tourism, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability while building a future where sport continues to unite people across borders.”

 Awards winners

Most Sustainable Sport Event – Winner: Secto Rally Finland – Pioneering ISO 20121 & Spark the Future Sustainability Forum (AKK Sports Ltd., Finland). 

Community Impact in Sports Tourism – Winner: Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail (Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency & Argeus Travel & Events, Türkiye). 

Innovation in Sports Tourism Development – Winner: Saalfelden Leogang – Nature-Driven Performance in Eco-Friendly Mountain Bike Tourism (Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH, Austria).  

Outstanding Public-Private Parntership in Sports Tourism – Winner: MadCup Universe (MadCup S.L., Spain).  

FIA President’s Exceptional Award – Winner: Tirana – European City of Sports 2023 (Municipality of Tirana, Albania).  

UN Tourism Secretary-General Exceptional Award – Winner: WRC UENO Rally of Paraguay 2025 (SENATUR, Paraguay).

UN Tourism Secretary-General, H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais said: “When UN Tourism and the FIA signed the Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, we committed to advancing together a more sustainable sports tourism industry.

“Last night, that commitment became a reality with the inaugural ceremony for the Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism. This milestone proves that our collaboration is now a global platform recognizing sustainability, innovation, and community impact, turning our shared vision into a powerful legacy for the sector.”

A total of 70 applications were submitted by organisations worldwide, including federations, tourism boards, governments, NGOs, companies and universities, with 28 shortlisted for the final, where the winners were selected by a seven-member jury of experts. 

A joint initiative between UN Tourism and the FIA, the awards recognise the projects and events that are successfully integrating sport and tourism with sustainable development.

Chandigarh, Mar 21: Tata Steel has marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the inauguration of India’s first scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) plant at the Hi-Tech Valley in Ludhiana. Built with an investment of approximately ₹3,200 crore, the plant has an annual production capacity of 0.75 million tonnes.

 The state-of-the-art facility is designed to keep CO₂ emissions below 0.3 tonnes per tonne of steel produced, aligning with Tata Steel’s long-term commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, along with Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Steel, and T. V. Narendran, CEO & Managing Director, alongside senior government officials and company representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, N. Chandrasekaran said,

“As India moves toward a climate-conscious future, sustainability has become a national priority requiring collective action. Tata Steel’s Ludhiana EAF plant reflects the Tata Group’s long-term commitment to building a greener and more resilient industrial future.”

T. V. Narendran added,

“The Ludhiana EAF is a key milestone in our journey to achieve net zero by 2045. It highlights our approach to investing in circular economy-driven technologies that reduce resource consumption while maintaining global competitiveness. We are grateful for the continued support of the Punjab Government and look forward to creating long-term value for local communities.”

Designed to support low-carbon steel production, the plant will utilize around 50% renewable energy and rely entirely on 100% steel scrap as raw material. Approximately 40% of the scrap will be sourced from Tata Steel’s recycling facility in Rohtak, Haryana.

The facility will manufacture construction-grade steel rebars under the company’s flagship retail brand Tata Tiscon, further strengthening Tata Steel’s presence in the construction sector.

Over the past three years, Tata Steel, through the Tata Steel Foundation, has actively engaged with local communities around the Ludhiana plant. Initiatives have focused on healthcare, education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment. Key programs include skill development for ITI students, livelihood opportunities for women, installation of solar-powered street lights, promotion of climate-resilient farming practices, community-based waste management systems, enhancement of school infrastructure, and scholarships for meritorious students.

This milestone underscores Tata Steel’s commitment to sustainable industrial development while contributing to India’s transition toward a greener, low-carbon economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, said, “Bangalore has been an important market for us, with customers who value craftsmanship and design in fine jewellery. With our fourth store in the city, we are excited to deepen our engagement with customers and offer them a jewellery destination that celebrates artistry and thoughtful design. As we continue expanding across India, our focus remains on delivering exceptional craftsmanship, contemporary design, and a memorable jewellery-buying experience.”

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Government of India has clarified that there is no proposal to increase urea prices, stating that the recent reduction in bag size is intended to promote balanced fertilizer use and improve soil health.

According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the size of urea bags has been reduced from 50 kg to 45 kg, and in some cases to 40 kg, as part of a policy initiative to curb excessive usage and encourage more efficient application by farmers.

Officials said the move is aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices without increasing the financial burden on farmers. The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of a 45 kg bag of neem-coated urea remains ₹242 per bag, while sulphur-coated urea is priced at ₹254 for a 40 kg bag, excluding applicable taxes.

Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel stated that the measure is designed to ensure judicious fertilizer use while maintaining affordability.

The government emphasised that the initiative supports long-term soil health and balanced nutrient application, aligning with broader goals of sustainable agriculture and improved farm productivity.

Agra, March 21 (BNP): Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh visited Agra, Uttar Pradesh, to review the progress and future potential of key sectors including carpets, handicrafts, footwear, and technical textiles.

During the visit, the Minister toured a carpet manufacturing facility and assessed sustainable production practices such as the use of vegetable dyes, organic wool, and eco-friendly processes. He noted that such initiatives align the industry with global sustainability and quality standards.

Interacting with exporters and designers, Singh discussed evolving global trends and emphasised the importance of promoting alternative fibres like banana fibre. He highlighted the need to strengthen the “India Handmade” brand and encouraged the use of indigenous tools such as Vision NXT for trend forecasting and design innovation.

The Minister also visited a footwear manufacturing unit, where he reviewed the integration of technical textiles in improving product quality and export potential. He appreciated the role of young professionals in driving innovation within the sector.

A stakeholder meeting was held with representatives from the footwear and technical textiles industries, where discussions focused on expanding the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, enhancing product design, and shifting towards high-value, export-oriented manufacturing.

Singh underlined that technical textiles will play a key role in transforming India’s footwear industry into a globally competitive and design-driven sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting both traditional sectors such as carpets and handicrafts, as well as emerging segments like technical textiles.

The visit also included a handicrafts exhibition showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of local artisans.

Officials said the visit highlighted the importance of sustainability, innovation, and technology adoption in strengthening India’s textile ecosystem and boosting its global competitiveness

New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): T. N. Natarajan has taken charge as Director (Commercial) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), effective March 19, 2026.

With over 32 years of experience, Natarajan has built a distinguished career within SAIL since joining the organisation as a Management Trainee in 1993. Over the years, he has held key positions across production, logistics, supply chain management, and strategic marketing.

He is credited with driving sustained business growth and expanding market presence by strengthening key customer relationships and scaling regional sales. His contributions include enhancing SAIL’s footprint in high-value sectors such as infrastructure, fabrication, and oil and gas.

Natarajan has also played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s marketing approach from traditional commodity-based selling to a more solution-oriented and customer-centric model, introducing innovative service frameworks to meet evolving market demands.

Known for his leadership in building high-performing teams and strengthening distribution networks, he has contributed to improving market share, profitability, and brand visibility.

Officials said his appointment is expected to further strengthen SAIL’s commercial strategy and support its long-term growth and value creation objectives.

New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): Krishna Kumar Thakur has assumed charge as Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited, the country’s largest iron ore producer.

A 1998 batch officer of the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS), Thakur brings over two decades of experience in human resource management and administration across Indian Railways and central public sector enterprises.

During his tenure in Indian Railways, he handled key HR functions in major divisions including Solapur, Bhopal, and Mumbai. As Chairman of the Railway Recruitment Cell, Western Railway, he oversaw large-scale recruitment, facilitating the induction of around 12,000 employees.

He has also worked with RITES Limited, where he was involved in an international train operations project in Saudi Arabia, and served as head of HR at Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, contributing to policy reforms and streamlining HR processes.

Prior to joining NMDC, Thakur served as Director (HR) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, where he led initiatives in HR, legal, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) domains. His work included restructuring HR functions, introducing uniform incentive schemes, and implementing multi-skilling initiatives to improve workforce efficiency and retention.

An alumnus of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Thakur holds a postgraduate degree in Literature and a PGDM in Human Resources from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Officials said his extensive experience is expected to strengthen NMDC’s human resource framework and support the organisation’s focus on employee development and operational excellence.