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The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Veerendrakumar remembered on his fifth death anniversary
A host of leaders from various political parties paid homage to M.P. Veerendrakumar, the late socialist leader, on his fifth death anniversary at an event organised by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), here on Wednesday (May 28, 2025). M.A. Baby, general secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], said that for Veerendrakumar, socialism was not an overcoat for gaining power. He always held to the dictum that human life should be devoid of exploitation of nature. Mr. Baby also said that the late socialist leader always stood with the poor and dispossessed population. K.C. Venugopal, general secretary (organisation), All-India Congress Committee, claimed that proprietors were setting the agenda for the news media these days. He said that in an era of compromises, the voice of the poor and the voice of truth would not get much space in the media. Though democracy should have a space for criticism, any dissent could also invite action by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Directorate of Enforcement. K.N.A. Khader, Indian Union Muslim League leader, and M.V. Shreyams Kumar, RJD State president, among others, were present.
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Malabar Gold & Diamonds weighs entry into lab-grown diamond segment
New Delhi: Malabar Gold & Diamonds is exploring an entry into the lab-grown diamond market with a distinct branding strategy, joining a small but growing list of large jewellery retailers eyeing the nascent segment. The company is studying consumer interest in lab-grown diamonds and evaluating how best to position its offering, said M.P. Ahammed, chairman of the Kerala-headquartered group. 'We want to come in with a different proposition with a separate identity and not mix it with natural diamonds, as customers are different. We will formalize something,' he said on the sidelines of a press conference in Delhi. Malabar has not yet set a timeline for its venture. 'Malabar is always open to understanding customer needs. Lab-grown is definitely in the market…We are still doing the research and understanding whether consumers like it. We don't want to do anything with a short-term view,' added O. Asher, managing director. If it moves ahead, Malabar would be among the few national jewellery chains in India to enter this space. Last year, Senco Gold Ltd began piloting lab-grown diamonds under a sub-brand called Sennes. India's overall diamond market is estimated at $6.2 billion in FY25, with lab-grown diamonds accounting for just $0.4 billion, according to Wazir Advisors. Both segments are expected to grow, with natural diamonds projected to reach $8.6 billion and lab-grown $0.6 billion by FY28. While India and China have emerged as major producers of lab-grown diamonds, retail adoption in both markets has been slow, executives said. Lab-grown diamonds are typically priced at a significant discount to natural ones and have found takers among a mix of jewellery startups and traditional family-run jewellers looking to diversify. Malabar, which primarily caters to the wedding segment with gold jewellery as its mainstay, also retails solitaires and engagement rings. The company operates over 390 stores across 13 countries and reported an annual turnover of $6.2 billion calendar year 2024. The company is also responding to the impact of high gold prices, which have weighed on consumer demand. In April, gold touched a high of ₹ 96,875 per 10 grams, prompting a visible correction in volumes, as per industry executives. 'Consumers with a budget of ₹ 1 lakh cannot increase their spending, so we have seen a correction in volumes,' Asher said. 'We are trying to take more market share by coming up with different programmes and categories of products. We are also offering jewellery in various carats.' 'Due to a jump in gold prices, consumers with a budget of Rs1 lakh cannot increase their budget, so we have seen a correction in volumes. What we are able to do—we are trying to take more market share by coming up with different programs and different categories of products. We are also coming in various carats (of gold). So it's a different business plan we are coming up with so consumers can still afford gold jewellery," he said. Malabar plans to introduce more 18-carat and 14-carat designs to offer value-conscious customers more options, mirroring a shift seen across the organised jewellery sector. 'We are trying to explore a little bit in 18 karat,' Asher added. 'We have come up with various innovations to reduce the budget without reducing the look.' The company aims to open at least 50 new stores in India this fiscal as it expands its retail footprint.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Three-day Spices Show begins in Gudalur
The 11th Spices Show was inaugurated at the Morning Star Higher Secondary School in Gudalur here on Friday. The show was inaugurated in the presence of Tamil Nadu Minister of Information and Publicity M.P. Saminathan, Chief Whip of the Tamil Nadu government and Coonoor MLA K. Ramachandran, Nilgiris Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tannneeru, and Nilgiris District Superintendent of Police, Hundreds of kilograms of various spices, produced locally and from across the State were used in the creation of exhibits that resembled the Coonoor Railway Station, butterflies, a map of India and of jallikattu. The Nilgiris district administration said that the show-piece feature at the Spices Show was an exhibit resembling the Coonoor Railway Station, which was 13-feet-long, 5-feet in height and 4-feet in width. It is estimated to weigh around 274 kg. The administration also stated that stalls featuring spices and produce from 36 private enterprises and 16 government departments were on show during the show. They added that the Spices Show was organised to spread awareness among farmers and the public about the spices that can be produced and traded in the region. The Spices Show will be held till May 11 (Sunday). Meanwhile, the Ooty Rose Show, one of the main attractions of the summer festival season, will be inaugurated on May 10 (Saturday).
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Alva's Education Foundation hosts Manipur's ‘Sajibu Cheiraoba' festival in Moodbidri
In a vibrant celebration of cultural unity, Alva's Education Foundation hosted 'Sajibu Cheiraoba', a major festival of the Meitei culture, for Manipuri students at Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology in Moodbidri on Sunday. Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan, who was the chief guest at the event, emphasised the importance of respecting and embracing diverse cultures. 'Manipuri students who come here in pursuit of education should grow as an integral part of the coast, fostering brotherhood,' he said. Sharing his recent experience of visiting Manipur, Mr. Muhilan said he was deeply impressed with the rich culture, cuisine, language, and traditions of Manipur. 'The adventurous stick dance performed by the Alva's Manipuri students here today brought me even closer to understanding the vibrant culture of Manipur. It is truly commendable that college students have mastered and presented such a dynamic dance form,' he noted. Kaini Cecilia, a professor from Father Muller Nursing College, Mangaluru, expressed her delight over attending the celebrations with a team from the North East People's Association of Mangaluru (NEPAM). She encouraged the Manipuri students to explore the traditional cuisine of the coastal region, noting that food often leaves a lasting impression of any place one visits. Alva's Education Foundation Trustee Vivek Alva, highlighted the region's reputation for education, sports, culture, and tourism. Referring to the recently-held Karavali Utsav in Mangaluru, he said that it had successfully showcased the rich culture and culinary traditions of Mangaluru. The Sajibu Cheiraoba festival exemplifies the spirit of unity and familial bonds that Meitei culture promotes. The event featured an energetic showcase of Manipuri martial arts and cultural dances by Manipuri students. Attendees also enjoyed authentic Manipuri dishes such as Eromba, Ooti, Champhut, Kampha, and Chicken, Paneer Sana Thongba, prepared by the Manipuri students, a release from the foundation said.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Prof MP Gupta assumes charge as IIM Lucknow Director
Prof. M.P. Gupta assumed charge as director at the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow on Wednesday, succeeding Prof. Archana Shukla, the institute said in a release. Before this appointment, Prof. Gupta served as a Modi Foundation Chair Professor in the Department of Management Studies at IIT Delhi . Prof. Gupta earned his (1983) from HBTU, Kanpur, (1985) and Ph.D. (1990) from IIT Delhi. He began his academic career at IIT Roorkee before joining IIT Delhi in 1997. He has been a Professor since 2008 and held the prestigious Modi Foundation Chair Professorship. Alongside his academic career, Prof. Gupta has held several key administrative roles. He was Head of the Department of Management Studies at IIT Delhi from 2016 to 2019 and served as Professor-in-charge/ Dean (Planning) in 2015–16. In 2020, he played a foundational role in establishing the School of Management & Entrepreneurship (SME) at IIT Jodhpur, serving as its first Head. Prof. Gupta is known for his pioneering contributions to the field of e-governance in India. His extensive research output includes over 260 research papers published in national and international journals and conference proceedings. He has supervised 38 doctoral theses and led 25 global, sponsored, and consultancy projects. He has co-authored the book, Government Online, and edited the volumes Towards E-government and Promise of E-governance. His research has directly contributed to national initiatives such as the Digital India and Smart City programs . He led an EU-funded project, EU-India Cooperation Platform in Future Internet and Electronic Media, which fostered international partnerships and facilitated the introduction of the 'FIWARE' platform in India, now being showcased in World Bank–backed smart city pilots. Beyond academia, Prof. Gupta has actively contributed to national ICT policy through his involvement in several central and state government committees.
