Author: Rabindra

Q2 Results Dalmia Bharat ltd : Capitalizing on a positive outlook

New Delhi, Oct 16^th, 2023: Dalmia Bharat Limited, (BSE: 542216, NSE: DALBHARAT), a leading cement manufacturing company, reported its consolidated financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2023.

1. Financial Highlights for the Quarter and half year ended September 30, 2023

(Figures in Rs. Crores unless mentioned otherwise)

Commenting on the quarter gone by, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “We see a multi-year strong cement demand trend continuing, as India is undergoing a large-scale metamorphosis. We were one of the first ones to foresee this upcycle and started building our capacity ahead of time. In the last 3.5 years, we have added ~17.2 MnT cement capacity, which is ~65% growth over FY20 capacity. In line with our vision to reach 110 -130Mnt by 2031, we are continuing to make consistent strides in that direction and capitalize upon the huge opportunity ahead of us.”

Mr. Mahendra Singhi, Managing Director and CEO – Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited said, “With the reduction in fuel prices, increased usage of Renewable power and improvement in KPIs, we were able to deliver 55% YoY improvement in our EBITDA, which stands at Rs 589 Cr. During first half of the year, we commissioned 5.1 MnT of cement and 0.5 MnT clinker capacity in the East and South region.” He further mentioned, “We continue to demonstrate our commitment towards the environment as we have further brought down our carbon footprint to 456 kg CO₂ per ton of cement which is one of the lowest in the global cement sector.”

1. Key updates for the quarter

• Commenced commercial production from the new Greenfield Cement Grinding unit at Sattur, Tamil Nadu having manufacturing capacity of 2.0 MnT.
• Commenced commercial production of clinker 0.5 MnT at Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu increasing total clinker capacity to 22.2 MnT.
• The Board of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a material wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has recommended Mr. Puneet Dalmia as CEO & MD of the company with effect from December 8, 2023 with the culmination of Mr. Mahendra Singhi’s decade long successful tenure as its MD & CEO. Further, Mr. Mahendra Singhi will continue as a Director and Strategic Advisor to MD & CEO for a smooth transition and harness his experience in the transformational phase of the DCBL’s journey.
• The Board of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a material wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, at its meeting held on 14^th October 2023 has approved the proposal to increase cement grinding capacity by 0.5 MnT at Rohtas Cement Works, Bihar at an estimated cost of Rs 91 Cr, which is expected to be completed in FY25.
• In line with the Capital Allocation framework, the company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 4 per share.

1. Key Recognitions during the quarter

• Six of our plants bagged total 8 awards under the Excellent Energy Efficient category at the 24th CII National Energy Award 2023
• Two of our plants also won at the Manufacturing Today Conference & Awards 2023
• Dalmiapuram unit won the CII SR Waste Management Competition 2023 for Best Solid Waste Management Award
• Our ‘Home Maker’ digital campaign won Silver for Excellence in Omni-channel Marketing at the Datamatix Summit Awards by Adgully
• Won the Best Supply Chain Company Award at the 15th ELSC Leadership Awards 2023

Savour a Navratri Delight at The Ashok

Mumbai, 16th Oct 2023: The iconic Ashok Hotel in New Delhi unveils an exclusive Saatvik thali tailored for the Navratri season. This special thali comprises a diverse range of vegetarian dishes, including Jeera Lassi, Paneer Makhni, Sitafal ki Sabzi, Aloo tamatar tari, Bhuni Shakarkandi, Kuttu Ki poori, Sama ke Chawal, Saboodana Tikki, Aloo Chaat, Cucumber Raita, Saboodana Papad, and Sama ke Chawal ki phirnee.

The culinary experts at The Ashok have taken great care in crafting a fasting thali that is not only gratifying to the palate but also promises a truly delightful experience. The thali has been thoughtfully designed, prioritising safety and satisfaction to guarantee a wholesome and pleasurable fasting journey.

The Navratri thali is prepared using fasting-appropriate ingredients and is served on an EPNS platter, elegantly lined with banana leaves. To elevate the overall dining experience, it also includes a complimentary soft beverage.

Time: 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM

Date: 15th October – 23rd October 2023

Venue: The Coffee Shop, The Ashok, New Delhi

Start-O-Vation Organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce gives a road map for deep tech startups in India

16th October 2023, New Delhi: In a move that would augment innovation and funding in the deep-tech industry, the government will soon table a Cabinet note on the ‘draft national deep-tech policy’.

The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) has recommended the creation of a National Consortium and a Working Group that will propose a comprehensive policy framework to address the needs and strengthen the Indian deep tech startup ecosystem.

Chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the apex-level National Consortium represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders. At the ‘Start-o-Vation’ event organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Sood said, “Start-ups in particular have room for growth, but it’s crucial for them to be truly innovative, paving the way for groundbreaking developments over the next few years. I want to highlight the National Deep Tech Startup Policy, a product of extensive stakeholder consultation, which builds upon the existing national startup policy. The aim is to fine-tune the startup policy to cater to the unique needs of deep tech ventures. We are moving a Cabinet note to this effect in consonance with DPIIT.”

Under the overall guidance of the National Consortium, steered by the Expert Working Group, a draft version of the National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) has been developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultative process involving startups, incubation centres, industry associations, academic institutions and relevant government agencies.

Deep tech ventures require deeper insights into funding, long-term sustainability, and other critical aspects. Through these policy interventions, we hope to bolster the deep tech startup ecosystem. Currently, there are approximately 11,000 such startups in sectors like space and quantum technology, and even telecommunications, he emphasised.

Speaking at the ‘Start-O-vation’ Summit, Nikhil Kanodia, Chairman of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), commended the ICC for its enthusiastic efforts to foster and promote StartUp India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The summit aims to bring together startup innovators, venture capitalists, high-net-worth individuals, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas and discover tomorrow’s unicorns.

“We welcome the government putting a dedicated focus on deep tech startups and committing significant time and resources to the cause. We are sure this policy will take the Indian deep tech startup ecosystem to the global scale,” Mr Kanodia said.

Among the steps proposed is the setting up of a dedicated ‘deep tech capital guidance’ fund in which the government, private limited partners and foreign investors anchor certain commitments to a new fund or an existing fund in the form of fund of fund (FoF) structure. The draft policy has identified 10 sub-sectors within deep tech including robotics, computer vision, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.

The policy recommended providing for certain fiscal incentives such as tax rebates to attract domestic general partners and limited partners from the investor community, if they allocate a certain percentage of their corpus to deep tech startups.

This year’s Start-O-Vation Summit, in collaboration with Invest India, the national investment promotion agency, promises a fusion of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, all working towards boosting the Indian startup ecosystem.

The summit has played a pivotal role in connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with industry experts since its inception in 2015, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills, ideas, and potential contributions to India’s economy through startup pitching events.

The theme of this year’s summit is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 speech: “I see startups, technology, and innovation as exciting and effective instruments for India’s transformation.” In line with the current entrepreneurial landscape, the focus is shifting towards technology and product innovation, with the government’s Startup India initiative nurturing entrepreneurship, spurring innovation, and creating employment opportunities.

Start-O-Vation brought together more than 200 attendees, including founders, venture capitalists, state government representatives, financial institutions and policymakers. The event featured a series of panel discussions with esteemed speakers from various fields, including Padmashri Ajai Chowdari, Co-Founder, HCL; Bhawna Agarwal, Country Head, HPE and serial entrepreneur Mukesh Bansal.

The summit hosted panel discussions and startup pitching events, making it a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the recognition of promising startups. The government’s support for startups is discussed, including the government e-marketplace (GeM), which allows startups to sell products to the government. Aastha Gruber also mentions programs where startups can collaborate with various ministries to address specific challenges.

Maharashtra Tourism woos travellers and investors from Japan through multi-city meetings and road shows

The Maharashtra Tourism delegation, led by Mr. Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra, Mrs. Radhika Rastogi, IAS Principal Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra, and Dr. B.N. Patil, IAS Director, Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra, embarked on a successful journey to Japan, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening tourism ties between Maharashtra and Japan. The delegation participated in the India Mela at Kobe, followed by impactful meetings and road shows across Shirahama, Okayama and Osaka from October 7th to 11th October, 2023.

The Maharashtra Tourism delegation actively engaged in the India Mela at Kobe, organized by the Indian Consulate in Osaka-Kobe, Japan, from 7th to 9th October, 2023. Maharashtra Tourism Delegation interacted with the Indian Consulate in Kobe and met with Mr. Nikhilesh Giri, Consule General of India at Osaka-Kobe. The state showcased its rich heritage and culture through a booth space.

A cultural troupe from Maharashtra mesmerized the audience with Lavani, Kohli dance, regional drama and folk performances. The consumer-driven event attracted over 3,000 Japanese visitors, creating widespread interest in Maharashtra as a prime tourism destination. The dissemination of promotional material further fueled curiosity, with many visitors expressing their intent to visit Maharashtra soon.

On 9th October, 2023, a strategic discussion was held in Shirahama, where the Maharashtra Tourism delegation engaged with Mr. Taniguchi, Vice President of Wakayama wrestling association and local MLA of Shirahama. Discussions centered around exploring the exchange of wrestlers between Wakayama and Maharashtra, aiming to boost Sports Tourism in the state.

On the same day, the delegation visited Adventure World in Shirahama, engaging in a significant meeting with Mr. Takahama, Chief Manager of Adventure World. Adventure World houses various kinds of rare animals and features a plethora of tours and attractions. The primary objective was to gain insights into the operational model of the park with the potential of developing similar theme parks in Maharashtra. The meeting which was also attended by Mr. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Hon’ble Minister for Forests, Cultural Affairs and Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra marked a crucial step in enhancing the tourism landscape in Maharashtra.

On the 10th of October 2023, there was a tactical meeting between Mr. Kishimoto Shuhei, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture, and the Maharashtra Tourism delegation. Discussions centered around the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) previously signed between Maharashtra and Wakayama to foster tourism promotion and exchange. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen cultural, tourism, and economic ties between the two regions, offering exciting opportunities for mutual growth.

This was followed by a meeting with Mr. Omori, the Mayor of Okayama city. At this meeting, the Maharashtra Tourism Delegation extended a warm invitation to Mr. Omori, for the forthcoming Mumbai Festival in January 2024. Mr. Ohmori graciously accepted the invitation, and conveyed his sincere intent to attend the festival, underscoring the growing goodwill and collaboration between Okayama City and Maharashtra.

Next, The Maharashtra Tourism delegation had the privilege of engaging with the esteemed Councillors of Okayama City. The delegation extended an invitation to the Councillors to visit and experience the Mumbai Festival scheduled in January 2024. They expressed interest in sending a delegation comprising approximately 30 Councillors of Okayama City, alongside Economic Mission delegates to attend the Mumbai Festival.

This collective enthusiasm underlines the growing bond between Okayama City and Maharashtra, fostering cultural exchange and international friendship. Furthermore, the Councillors expressed a keen interest in private investments within the tourism sector, signifying their desire to explore new avenues of economic collaboration. The occasion also witnessed a warm welcome by the President of the Okayama India Friendship Association, Mr. Moriyama, who was keen to strengthen diplomatic ties.

Media interviews were conducted at Okayama with Mr. Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra. These interviews spanned both print and electronic platforms, providing a formal avenue for the Minister to articulate the tourist attractions and investment opportunities in Maharashtra.

These meetings were followed by a welcome dinner hosted by Mr. Matsuda and Mr. Mori of the Okayama Chamber of Commerce.

On 11th October, 2023, a significant Road Show unfolded in Okayama, bringing together Chamber of Commerce members, industrialists, and tourist companies. Mr. Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra delivered an engaging address, followed by insightful presentations from Dr. B.N. Patil, IAS Director, Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra and Mrs. Radhika Rastogi, IAS Principal Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra. Discussions revolved around Maharashtra’s diverse and captivating tourism prospects, fostering stronger connections and exploring collaborations between Okayama and Maharashtra.

Next, there was a Road Show in Osaka wherein travel agents and tour operators were invited, and introduced to the wonders of Maharashtra. Dr. B.N. Patil, IAS Director, Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra, commenced the event with an engaging presentation that showcased the appeal of Maharashtra’s diverse attractions to Japanese travellers particularly the Buddhist circuit, forts, wildlife and hill stations.

Following this, Mr. Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra, emphasized the government’s dedication to promoting tourism and encouraging collaborations with local businesses. An interactive quiz, hosted by Mrs. Radhika Rastogi, IAS Principal Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra, tested the audience’s knowledge of Maharashtra’s culture and landmarks. This not only educated but also engaged the attendees. Subsequently, B2B interactions offered a platform for participants to explore potential partnerships and discuss tour packages.

The evening concluded with a delectable dinner featuring some dishes representative of Maharashtrian cuisine. This event not only informed but also fostered connections, promoting tourism and cultural exchange between Japan and Maharashtra.

This comprehensive journey stands as a pivotal moment in enhancing diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between Maharashtra and Japan. The Maharashtra Tourism delegation looks forward to building upon these foundations and ushering in a new era of collaboration and friendship to drive tourist traction and investments to Maharashtra.

Lighting the Way to Joy and Togetherness with Ficus Fine Living Candle Stands

The Diwali spirit in the air is truly special, and with the excitement of celebrating the festival of lights approaching, it’s time to rekindle the spirit of joy, hope, and harmony. This Diwali Ficus Fine Living brings forth dazzling and aesthetically pleasing candle stands for you. Embrace the age-old tradition of lighting candles to encourage a feeling of warmth and togetherness with candle holders from Ficus Fine Living, as it symbolizes the triumph of light and goodness over darkness. Candles have traditionally played an important role in celebrations across cultures, and what better way to showcase them than with Ficus Fine Living’s gorgeous candle stands.

Ficus Fine Living offers vintage and contemporary candle holders that can help you create a lovely and enticing atmosphere in your home. The entire table setting is lit up when a candle’s beauty and light are combined, imparting a festive vibe to your space. These gorgeous candle stands made of stained glass evoke a sense of tradition and celebration of both charming and functional purpose, making them a versatile and pleasant addition to any space.

Ficus Fine Living’s candle holders are essential elements that significantly enhance the influence of candles as decorative accents in your household. Whether you are preparing for a festive celebration or simply seeking to create an inviting and refined environment, these stunning candle holders’ pieces weave an enticing atmosphere and serve as versatile and indispensable additions to your decor. The candle stand acts as a focal point in any space, drawing the viewer’s attention and creating a sense of balance and harmony in the overall décor.

In the spirit of the season, Ficus Fine Living is offering a special Diwali candle stand collection featuring a variety of beautifully crafted candle holders suitable for every celebration. Let this Diwali be a beacon of hope, love, and unity as we come together to celebrate with the soft, enchanting glow of candles adorned by these magnificent stands. May your Diwali be filled with light, laughter, and lasting memories.

MIA by Tanishq Unveils ‘starburst’ Collection, a Celestial Ode for Dasara Celebrations

Bengaluru, 14 October 2023: As Dasara festivities are on the horizon, Mia by Tanishq introduces the ‘Starburst’ collection, a cosmic-inspired ode in jewellery. This collection captures the essence of the sun, moon, stars, and planets, resonating with the festive spirit of Dasara. With prices starting from ₹2999 onwards, ‘Starburst’ offers a diverse range, ensuring that every woman’s jewellery reflects her individuality. This Diwali, let ‘Starburst’ be the guiding star to illuminate your celebrations.

Crafted in exquisite 14kt gold, ‘Starburst’ serves as a radiant reminder that every woman carries a fragment of the universe within her. The collection draws inspiration from the sun, moon, and stars, bringing the cosmos to life in every intricate detail. Each piece is a work of art, with highlights including a low neckline elongated chain adorned with celestial motifs, a true masterpiece that mirrors the beauty of the night sky.

In addition, the collection introduces a modernized version of the timeless Chand Bali earrings, offering a contemporary twist on a cherished classic. From regal blue sapphire arm cuffs exuding sophistication to unique statement earrings, each piece makes a bold impression. ‘Starburst’ also features hand jewellery like modern haathphools and nail rings, diamonds encrusted within moon and star settings, and pieces representing the sun-moon duality. Through the launch of the Starburst collection during the festive campaign, Mia aims to remind each customer of their stellar potential and experience timeless and dazzling pieces that encapsulate celestial and cosmic themes in vibrant, larger-than-life designs, featuring shimmering diamonds clustered together- perfect for Diwali gifting and self-indulgence.

Speaking on the collection, Ms. Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia by Tanishq, expressed, “Each one of us carries potential as limitless as the universe. Mia’s ‘Starburst’ collection is a tribute to this cosmic beauty within you and a gentle reminder that you are quite literally made of stardust.

With a vast range of over 200 designs that include tiny studs to statement danglers, modern forms to contemporary chandbaalis for fusion wear, there’s something for everyone in the Starburst collection. The design story also enabled reimagining traditional motifs like Navratnas, Nakshatras into unique, different and yet extremely relatable styles adding to their versatility in usage. Pendants, earrings, finger rings, bracelets, necklace, sets matching or in combination – there is something for everyone whether you are looking to blend in or stand out. With most of the collection between ₹3000 to ₹70000, it makes for an excellent precious and memorable gift for loved ones. Do check out our limited-edition neckpiece which is an ode to the universe that cradles us.”

As the season of celebrations dawns upon us, seize the perfect moment to surprise your loved ones with Mia’s festive collection, creating heartwarming memories together. Throughout the festive season, ‘Starburst’ will empower today’s discerning fashionistas, adding grace and striking designs to make a statement for traditional festivities, dance nights, parties, or even as an everyday adornment.

National Cinema Day Draws 6+ Million Moviegoers to Indian Cinemas

National, 14th October 2023: The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) is delighted to confirm that a record number of cinemagoers went to the movies, on Friday 13th October, to celebrate National Cinema Day. More than 4,000 screens participated in the initiative, including cinema chains like PVRINOX, CINEPOLIS, MIRAJ, CITYPRIDE, MUKTA A2, MOVIE TIME, WAVE, M2K, MOVIEMAX, RAJHANS, NY CINEMAS, DELITE and many others.

The second National Cinema Day received a big thumbs up from the cinemagoers across the country with shows starting as early as 6.00 a.m., it was a major success in bringing together millions of film fans of all ages to enjoy movies on the big screen. A record number of 6+ Million (estimated) moviegoers visited their local cinema to celebrate the National Cinema Day. In every corner, audiences of all ages came together to record an unprecedented demand for movie tickets, and the country’s cinema operators reported house-full shows throughout the day, making 13 October the second highest-attended day of the year 2023.

National Cinema Day’s success in consecutive years is just another reminder of how much we love going to the movie theatres. The overwhelming response to this initiative reaffirms the timeless and enduring appeal of the theatrical experience. We extend our heartfelt “Thank You” to the millions of movie fans who made this year’s National Cinema Day a massive success.

Enzo Oliveri Kitchen: A Taste of Sicily in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, October 14, 2023: Indismart Hotels, the hospitality sister concern of India’s premiere Hospitality Management School, International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has delightfully announced the opening of its exclusive Italian Restaurant, Enzo Oliveri Kitchen, in Bengaluru. The restaurant has been curated by the iconic Italian Chef, Chef Enzo Oliveri, renowned over the world as the Sicilian Chef, and served his recipes in his signature style.

Enzo Oliveri Kitchen offers a variety of authentic Italian dishes, such as Fish with Pistachio crust, Lamb Shank and the Chicken Diavola apart from the Italian favourites – mouth-watering, hand-rolled, thin crust Pizzas and perfectly prepared Pastas. The Veg lovers will also find delicious options reflecting the home-made flavours of Italy, right here in Bengaluru. The scrumptious Italian desserts like Tiramisu that played a major role in making the cuisine a household name across the world are served with Chef Enzo’s flamboyant and authentic style. With chosen ingredients from Italy and herbs handpicked for freshness and flavour, the Enzo Oliveri Kitchen offers a mouthwatering treat to the ever-experimenting foodies of Bengaluru.

The grand launch of the restaurant took place on October 14, 2023, at 4 pm, at the Chocolate Hotel, Indiranagar in the heart of Bengaluru. The event was graced by the presence of Chef Enzo Oliveri and Dr Suborno Bose, along with other eminent personalities from the hospitality industry, media, and academia like Sir Alfonso Taglia Ferri, Hon’ble Consul General. Italian Embassy, Ms Uzma Irfan, Director, Corporate Communications, Prestige Group, Mr Suresh Hinduja, acclaimed Food Critic and Author and Mr Manoj Mathew, Sr. Vice President, Tamara Leisure Experiences among a galaxy of Bengaluru’s Crème-de-la-Crème. The guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet of Sicilian delicacies, along with live music and entertainment.

Dr. Suborno Bose, the Chairman, Indismart Group, said, “We are very excited to bring Enzo Oliveri Kitchen to Bengaluru, as part of our vision to provide world-class hospitality as we strive to usher a new era of 21st century Hospitality to India. We are honoured to collaborate with Chef Enzo Oliveri, who is a master of Sicilian cuisine and a global ambassador of Italian culture. We hope that our restaurant will be a destination for food lovers who want to experience the true flavours of authentic Italy, right here in Bengaluru.”

Chef Enzo Oliveri said, “I am thrilled to partner with Dr Suborno Bose and open my restaurant in Bengaluru, which is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a diverse culinary scene. I have always been passionate about sharing my Sicilian heritage and cuisine with the world, and I look forward to introducing it to the people of Bengaluru. I invite everyone to come and join me at Enzo Oliveri Kitchen and enjoy a taste of Italy in India.”