Latest news with #Pratihari
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Govt starts household gadgets repair training for prisoners
1 2 3 4 5 6 Bhubaneswar: The state govt on Wednesday launched a vocational training scheme for prisoners at Bhubaneswar's Jharpada special jail. The programme focuses on providing practical lessons to inmates, enabling them to learn repair and servicing of household electrical appliances, including fans, mixers and air coolers, amongst other gadgets. The initiative was implemented under the govt's Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha project, which utilises current and new training facilities through industrial collaborations to provide skill development training to youths. The skill development department engaged a private company to provide training to about 30 inmates, including both under trial prisoners and convicts. "The programme seeks to enhance inmates' technical knowledge and repair capabilities for household appliances, while improving their employment and entrepreneurial prospects post-release. This initiative aims to foster self-sufficiency, boost confidence, and maintain dignity amongst prisoners, while supporting their rehabilitation and social reintegration with industry-recognised certifications," the jail's senior superintendent, Manoranjan Pratihari, said. Prison officials note that this programme will enable vocational advancement, allowing inmates to acquire practical skills for future employment or self-employment. It contributes to improved behaviour, as the training reduces idle time and promotes disciplined conduct. "This initiative could potentially reduce repeat offences, as skilled inmates are more likely to find meaningful employment and avoid criminal activities," said Pratihari. Prison authorities indicated plans for additional skill-based training programmes. A few years ago, the prisons directorate introduced bakery, beautician, salon and hairstyling courses at Choudwar jail in Cuttack, benefiting the inmates. At Jharpada special jail, inmates received training in song, dance, music, drama and radio jockey courses. Some learnt art, painting and handicraft skills. Across state prisons, inmates produce items related to handloom, fabrics, dairy, carpentry, phenyl, mustard oil, flour, turmeric and fly ash bricks. "We plan to introduce some new age trades that are in demand these days and can ensure quick employment for inmates once they are released from jails," a prison official said.
News18
28-04-2025
- Business
- News18
Akshaya Tritiya 2025: How Gen Z, Gemstones, and New Traditions Are Shaping Jewellery Choices
Last Updated: This Akshaya Tritiya, jewellery isn't just an investment in value. It's an investment in stories, in memories, and in identity. Akshaya Tritiya, one of India's most auspicious festivals, has always been deeply associated with prosperity, new beginnings, and timeless traditions. For generations, buying gold on this day has been considered a sacred way to invite abundance into one's life. But today's consumers—especially Gen Z and millennials—are evolving how they celebrate, choosing jewellery that's not just traditional, but also personal, versatile, and deeply meaningful. 'Akshaya Tritiya is a celebration of prosperity, new beginnings, and the values we hold close, making deep, meaningful time for Indian families," says Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, De Beers India. 'At Forevermark India, we see a growing emotional connection with natural diamond jewellery during this occasion. Formed over billions of years, these rare treasures of the Earth carry a sense of permanence, authenticity, and beauty that transcends generations." While gold remains a cherished part of the Akshaya Tritiya tradition, discerning buyers are expanding their horizons. Pratihari notes that many are moving beyond conventional choices, seeking pieces that reflect their individuality and deeper emotional connections. 'Natural diamonds and other gemstones are becoming powerful alternatives — vibrant in expression, rich in meaning, and symbolic of modern aspirations," he adds. 'More than adornment, they represent love, legacy, and the desire to celebrate life's milestones with something truly lasting." Indeed, gemstones are finding a new place in festive jewellery boxes. Aditi Daga, co-founder, Angara, highlights this evolution, explaining, 'While gold remains a deeply rooted part of the tradition, today's consumers are blending legacy with lifestyle, choosing pieces that resonate personally and can move seamlessly from rituals to everyday elegance. They want pieces they can live in, celebrate with, and pass down." Interestingly, Angara's very first Akshaya Tritiya season has already witnessed a surge in interest around coloured gemstones, particularly among Gen Z and millennials—a trend partly influenced by skyrocketing gold prices. 'These young buyers are gravitating towards meaningful gemstone jewellery that offers versatility, emotional connection, and lasting value," she says. 'It's not a question of tradition vs. trend but about how tradition evolves with intention." The numbers tell their own story: gemstones like rubies have appreciated over 1000% in value over the last two decades, making them not just beautiful, but also a smart investment. This spirit of evolution is especially evident among younger consumers. MP Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, shares, 'Gen Z's flair for fashion finds a perfect avenue for exploration in jewellery, as they embrace bold, expressive styles and merge timeless elegance with a modern twist. Whether it's statement chokers or heavy gold necklaces—once reserved for bridal trousseaus—today's youth pair them effortlessly with intricately crafted earrings and bangles." Gold remains beloved, but its form is more playful and experimental. From evergreen chandbalis and jhumkas to sleek diamond studs and lightweight bracelets, Gen Z is curating collections that mirror their individuality and vibe. Ahammed notes that the vibrant charm of coloured gemstones is adding an exciting new dimension to layered looks, perfectly complementing this eclectic spirit. A New Era of Jewellery Tradition As Akshaya Tritiya continues to be a day steeped in heritage, it's also becoming a reflection of how traditions adapt with time. Whether it's a timeless gold necklace, a fiery ruby ring, or a pair of sleek diamond studs, today's buyers are making choices that honor the past while embracing the present. In doing so, they are redefining prosperity — not just as material wealth, but as personal meaning, connection, and self-expression. This Akshaya Tritiya, jewellery isn't just an investment in value. It's an investment in stories, in memories, and in identity.
Reuters
29-01-2025
- Business
- Reuters
De Beers sees India as a bright spot, notes early recovery signs in US
NEW DELHI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - India has been emerging as a bright spot for the cut and polished diamonds amidst a slowdown in key markets such as the U.S. and China, Amit Pratihari, managing director, De Beers India told Reuters on Wednesday. India is the world's largest centre for cutting and polishing diamonds, accounting for nine out of 10 diamonds polished globally, according to Indian government data. However, the country's cut and polished diamond exports fell this year because of weak demand from China and the U.S., forcing the industry to focus on the growing domestic market that surpassed China last year to become the world's second-largest. "China has completely slowed down in the luxury segment ... We see India growing very strongly," Pratihari said in an interview. De Beers, a unit of Anglo American (AAL.L), opens new tab, is the world's top diamond producer by value and India's number one supplier of rough diamonds. However, there were some early signs of recovery in the U.S. and "big growth" in the Middle East, Pratihari said. "In next couple of months, we expect recovery," he said. Weak exports demand for polished diamonds forced Indian processors to trim imports of rough diamonds by 22% to $7.9 billion during April to December, according to India's Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). De Beers is adjusting prices of rough diamonds to support the midstream industry - companies that buy rough diamonds from miners and sell them after cutting and polishing to retailers - in the face of polished diamond prices falling more than those of rough diamonds, he said. "Miners are controlling the supply so more rough does not come into the market that would put additional pressure on the polished prices. But the pressure on polished prices is in midstream as in retail there is no change," he said. India's cut and polished diamond exports fell by 8.3% to $9.76 billion in April-December compared with the 2023 period, according to GJEPC.
