Dalmia Bharat Limited Growth Story Remains Intact

Q3 FY25 Highlights

Volume declined 2.0% YoY to 6.7 MnT

EBITDA/T stood at Rs 765/T

Executed Renewable Power Agreements under Group Captive for 21 MW (in addition to 278 MW already executed in H1FY25)

Net Debt to EBITDA stood at 0.55x

Dalmia Bharat Limited, (BSE: 542216, NSE: DALBHARAT), a leading cement manufacturing company, reported its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “After multiple years of high growth, India witnessed a slightly slow start to the year, but government's continuous focus on investment-led growth coupled with the strong structural growth drivers underpin my confidence in a rebound of the Indian economy. In this backdrop, I believe cement demand growth will regain momentum. Our capacity expansion plans are on track as we will reach 49.5 MnT by the end of this year.”

Mr. Dharmender Tuteja, Chief Financial Officer – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said “Cement demand growth in Q3 fell short of our earlier expectations. Our volumes de-grew by 2% YoY while EBITDA fell 34.5% YoY to Rs 511 Cr with persistent softness in cement prices. With demand now gaining traction and prices showing signs of optimism, we are confident about a stronger performance in the upcoming quarters.” He further added, “Our strong Balance Sheet with a healthy leverage ratio ensures that we are well-positioned to pursue the next phase of expansion.”

Key updates

Completed debottlenecking at Rajgangpur, Odisha (0.6 MnT) and Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh (0.3 MnT). Total Clinker capacity increased to 23.5 MnT.

In line with the commitment towards RE100 by 2030, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has entered into multiple Renewable Power Agreements under the Group Captive, which will secure 21 MW of RE power. This is in addition to 278 MW of power agreements signed earlier in H1 FY25. Thus, we have collectively signed agreements for 299 MW of RE power. Commissioning of these are ongoing and will continue in phases in FY25 & FY26.

Commissioned 4 MW captive solar power plant at Medinipur, West Bengal and 46 MW RE capacity under Group Captive, increasing our total operational RE capacity to 252 MW.

ICRA ESG has assigned a Combined ESG rating of 78 (strong) to Dalmia Bharat, underscoring our status as one of the leaders in sustainability within the Indian cement sector.

Key Recognitions during the quarter

Won 1st Prize in National Energy Conservation Award by Bureau of Energy Efficiency in energy conservation - Cement Sector for Kapilas Cement Works

Won Tamil Nadu Best Employer Brand Award 2024 by HRD Congress

Won ISEI Safety Award for excellence in Safety, Health & Environment for Dalmiapuram.

Coca-Cola India’s Maidaan Saaf initiative At Maha Kumbh 2025 Is Enabling A Swachh Kumbh Experience For Devotees

As the world gathers for Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the largest cultural events, India’s commitment to environmental sustainability is highlighted through the Swachh Kumbh initiative. At the heart of this effort is the ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, a partnership led by Coca-Cola India in partnership with PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF) and the Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) highlighting social and environmental innovation.

As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, Coca-Cola India has created and distributed 21,500 jackets made from recycled PET for sanitation workers, boatmen, and waste management volunteers. This includes 10,000 jackets for sanitation workers involved in the Swachh Kumbh initiative, 10,000 life jackets for boatmen across 4,000 boats to ensure their safety during river crossings, and 1,500 jackets for volunteers working on waste management. These jackets not only ensure the safety and easy identification of workers but also highlight the potential of recycled plastic, encouraging visitors to rethink how waste can be repurposed.

Additionally, Coca-Cola India has installed 1,000 changing rooms for women, made entirely from recycled multi-layer plastic waste, along the 12 km stretch of the river ghats. These rooms, designed to provide privacy and ventilation, feature illustrations by top Indian artists that turn waste segregation and recycling into engaging, fun, and educational visuals.

“At Coca-Cola India, we are committed to creating impactful change by integrating sustainability into large-scale events like Maha Kumbh 2025. The Maidaan Saaf campaign is a testament to how partnerships for collection and innovative practices can turn waste into opportunity. By encouraging collective responsibility and promoting recycling, we aim to inspire visitors to adopt environmentally conscious habits and contribute to a cleaner, greener future, " said, Saloni Goel, Senior Director, ESG Value Creation, Coca Cola India

Coca-Cola's hydration carts, positioned every 400 meters, include built-in bins for bottle collection and feature creative artwork that encourages visitors to participate in waste segregation, turning waste into a valuable resource. Additionally, Coca-Cola India has placed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at railway stations, food courts, and key locations to collect and recycle PET waste, alongside partnerships for effective waste management. Additionally,

Through the ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, Maha Kumbh 2025 demonstrates how faith and sustainability can coexist, setting a global example of environmental stewardship. By making small, conscious efforts, participants contribute to a cleaner and greener planet, ensuring that the legacy of both the event and the environment is safeguarded for future generations.

Bengaluru Based AJAX Engineering Unveils SmartBots Powered By Concrete AI At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

 

* The SmartBots by Concrete AI represent an upgraded version of the Concrete GPT, the first of its kind AI driven platform for the construction and concreting industry in India, launched by AJAX Engineering

* The newer version of the platform features Smart Audio and Video Bots that support advanced voice and visual interactions, currently available in English and Hindi languages

AJAX Engineering, India’s leading concreting equipment manufacturer, unveiled SmartBots powered by Concrete AI, an upgraded version of its AI-driven platform launched earlier in July 2024. Building on the capabilities of the earlier version, ConcreteAI introduces Smart Audio and Video Bots to address the industry’s growing demand for intuitive and role-specific guidance. The addition of the bots takes user interaction to the next level by offering highly contextual, real-time assistance tailored to the unique challenges of the construction industry.

For professionals operating within the construction industry, the Smart Audio Bot enables instant voice-driven access to troubleshooting guides, maintenance protocols, and compliance requirements, cutting downtime on project sites. The Smart Video Bot introduces dynamic, role-specific visual guidance, with avatars designed to walk users through intricate processes such as equipment calibration, workflow optimization, or advanced technical training. By delivering step-by-step instructions in an intuitive, multimedia format, it helps bridge knowledge gaps and reduces dependency on external expertise. These bots also address a critical need for inclusivity in a multilingual workforce, currently supporting interactions in English and Hindi. This ensures that diverse user groups—from site operators to decision-makers—can navigate complex operations effortlessly, making the SmartBots powered by Concrete AI a more accessible, efficient, and productivity-driven solution.

Building upon the foundation of Concrete GPT by retaining key features like its integration with OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Perplexity Models, the platform’s vast repository of research materials and technical resources has been updated with the latest industry trends and regulatory guidelines. Beyond offering immediate technical support, the SmartBots powered by Concrete AI continues to serve as a hub for skill development and training, empowering professionals, students, and suppliers to optimize workflows, adopt sustainable practices, and make data-driven decisions for enhanced project outcomes.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shubhabrata Saha, Managing Director and CEO of AJAX Engineering, said, “The construction industry is evolving, and it is imperative to provide tools that simplify decision-making and improve productivity. The SmartBots powered by Concrete AI, offers a more intuitive way for professionals to access vital technical insights, streamline workflows, and enhance project outcomes. This platform reflects AJAX’s vision of empowering the industry with cutting-edge, AI-enabled solutions while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.”

During the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, visitors experienced live demonstrations of the Smart Bots, which showcased real-time interactions and insights tailored to user needs. AJAX’s stall also featured interactive stations equipped with tools for exploring the platform’s functionalities. Apart from this, AJAX Engineering also showcased live demonstrations of their 3D Concrete Printing machine, an immersive VR experience of their SLCMs, and their Self Propelled Boom Pumps. They also announced the launch of their CEV 5-compliant machines, reinforcing their commitment to building sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced solutions for the construction industry.

o9 Opens Office In Hyderabad To Support Global Workforce And Client Base

* o9 launches a strategic collaboration with Young India Skills University to enhance training among graduates in supply chain and logistics management

o9, a leading enterprise AI software platform provider for transforming planning and decision-making, today announced the opening of its newest office in Hyderabad, India, the Company’s third in the country. The Hyderabad office will support o9’s growing global workforce and client base. The o9 team in India carries out research and development, product management, software implementation, and customer support, and the Hyderabad office will be a hub to support the expansion of these operations in the region. 

Additionally, on January 27, o9 will launch “o9 Digital Supply Chain Essentials Professional Certification” program, through a strategic collaboration with Young India Skills University (YISU), Telangana, a State University located in Hyderabad that aligns skills-integrated education with industry demand. This certification program pilot is expected to help upskill recent university graduates with the practical knowledge and industry-relevant training necessary to enhance job readiness. Through this strategic collaboration, o9 and YISU aim to further develop the skills of emerging supply chain professionals and build specialized expertise to support Telangana's strategic partners.

“As Hyderabad and the greater Telangana region continue to invest in technology infrastructure and attract world-class software and technology talent, o9 is dedicated to supporting the professional development and advancement of the region’s workforce by providing an innovative hub to foster professional collaboration and world-class supply chain management training opportunities through our partnership of Young India Skills University,” Chakri Gottemukkala, Co-Founder and CEO of o9, said. “We look forward to contributing to the continued development and growth of the technology sector in Hyderabad for many years to come.”

Learn more by visiting www.o9solutions.com.

AI, Reels, Creators, And WhatsApp Driving Lead Gen For Auto OEMs And Dealerships, Reveals Meta And FADA Whitepaper

Meta, FADA’s ‘Move With Meta’ Initiative Has Successfully Upskilled 6,000+ Auto Dealerships Since 2023, surpassing the initial commitment of 3,000 dealerships, and taking the total number of upskilled dealerships to 10,000

72% of new automotive buyers have discovered a brand on the Meta family of apps: Meta x Kantar study

* 72% of automotive buyers find creator content on Instagram Reels helpful for vehicle evaluation: Meta x Kantar study

Meta and Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) unveiled a joint whitepaper and playbook highlighting the changing consumer behavior and preferences in the automotive segment driven by digital adoption. With digital influencing consumer behavior and powering the growth of the sector, the findings and recommendations from the whitepaper can unleash digital transformation of auto OEMs and dealerships across India.

In 2023, Meta and FADA had launched ‘Move with Meta’, an upskilling and enablement program to upskill more than 3000 auto dealers across the country. The initiative aimed to help them build a social presence and digitize their customer outreach and lead generation using the Meta Platforms.

Since its launch, the program has delivered exceptional results, driving a 3X growth in dealer digitization and successfully upskilling 6,000+ dealers through the hyperlocal program, surpassing the initial commitment of 3,000 dealers. More than 3000 auto dealers had been upskilled before the start of the program, which takes the total number of auto dealers that have been upskilled to 10,000.

The program resulted in improving leads and sales for auto dealers with 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency reported by dealers. In addition, the program has directly impacted sales for leading auto OEMs across the country.

C S Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said, “At FADA, our vision is to empower dealers nationwide with the right digital tools and insights to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Through our partnership with Meta, we’ve not only exceeded our commitment of upskilling 3,000 dealers—surpassing 6,000—but we’ve also seen a 3X increase in digitization and a marked 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency. This whitepaper underscores the potential of AI, Reels, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to strengthen customer relationships and drive growth. We look forward to scaling this collaboration further, bridging the digital gap in automotive retail, ensuring that dealers across India are future-ready, and remain agile in these dynamic times.”

Saugato Bhowmik, Director, Auto, CPG, and D2C for Meta in India said, “Our platforms and products are well positioned to enable rapid and efficient digital customer acquisition and engagement for auto dealers in a hyperlocal manner. Over the last two years we’ve upskilled nearly 10,000 dealers along with FADA to digitize their outreach and experiences through our unique hyperlocal solutions and key products ranging from Reels and AI to messaging. We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with FADA and take on the ambitious target of upskilling 5000 more dealers in the next 2 years. This program has not only benefitted thousands of auto dealers but also proven to drive strong sales results for leading OEMs.”

Auto OEMs have reported strong sales and lead generation impact because of the program.

Virat Khullar, Group Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Limited said “We’re excited to see outstanding business results through our partnership with Meta and OnlineSales on the Hyperlocal program. Together, we’ve developed a custom model that efficiently onboarded over 600 dealers in record time. In H2 '24, Meta’s hyperlocal program drove a remarkable 37% growth in sales compared to H1, while delivering 29% reduction in Cost per Retail.  As we move forward, we’re eager to scale this partnership further, leveraging cutting-edge AI and messaging solutions to unlock even greater opportunities.”

Manjari Upadhye, Chief Marketing Officer, Auto, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited said “Our partnership with Meta has helped amplify the impact of our passenger vehicle launches. Mahindra has leveraged the best and latest in technology to drive launch impact through Meta’s family of Apps. Some of the key activations include leveraging WhatsApp for Thar ROXX launch, using Partnership ads for driving consideration for XUV 700 (Intent went up +3.3 pts) and the Auto Industry’s first chat-based car configurator on Messenger and Instagram Direct for XUV 3XO, which saw 29% increase in conversation volumes. Our collaboration with Meta has driven significant impact, leading to bookings and sales, and setting new benchmarks in the industry.”

Looking ahead, Meta and FADA aim to further scale the program by upskilling 5,000 additional dealers over the next two years, reinforcing their commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the automotive sector. FADA currently represents 15,000 auto dealers across the country.

Key Insights from the Auto Playbook 2025

Source: New Automobile Buyers Consumer Journey Study by Kantar Profiles. Meta-commissioned online survey with respondents aged 18-64, India, 2023.

Meta’s influence in driving discovery & evaluation, powered by AI: 72% of new automotive buyers who were surveyed in this research discovered the brand on the Meta family of apps. Further, 69% stated that the Meta family of apps played a role in their purchase decision.

WhatsApp Leads Buyer-Dealer Communication: Among new automobile buyers, 48% used WhatsApp to directly connect with dealerships for vehicle availability inquiries, making it the most preferred communication channel. Moreover, 47% expressed interest in receiving service reminders via messaging platforms.

Advantage+ Placements Revolutionizing Advertising: To improve cost per lead and lead volume by Meta for their Hyperlocal dealer campaigns, Hyundai India, used AI-powered Advantage+ Placements to place their dealer ads across all Meta surfaces. They saw 18% an increase in Lead Volume and 34% decrease in Cost Per Lead.

Reels and Creator Content Drive Purchase Decisions: 72% of automotive buyers find creator content on Instagram Reels helpful for vehicle evaluation, with 41% regularly engaging with vehicle-related Reels. By partnering with creators, dealers can build authenticity and amplify their reach.

ORRA Fine Jewellery's 'Diamond Festival’ Presents Customers With Stunning Collections And Incredible Discounts

* Experience Unmatched luxury Of ORRA Fine Jewellery With Exclusive Offers And Limited-Edition Collections, Available Only From Jan 18 To Feb 17, 2025

ORRA Fine Jewellery is inviting patrons / customers to bask in the brilliance of their 'Diamond Festival.' This exclusive festival promises an unforgettable journey through the world of fine jewellery, where customers can explore our latest collection, showcasing the finest diamonds in captivating designs. The Diamond Festival has emerged as a celebration of luxury, and this year, each piece has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of contemporary fashion while preserving the timeless charm of diamonds. What’s more is that the brand will also have some first-time offers that you surely don’t want to miss!

The Diamond Festival holds profound significance at ORRA Fine Jewellery, transcending beyond a mere showcase of exquisite diamonds. It symbolizes a commitment to everlasting beauty, precision, and trust. In a world where trust is paramount, ORRA's Diamond Festival becomes a trusted companion in crafting unforgettable memories.

Starting from 18th January to 17th February, patrons will have the unique opportunity to discover an array of stunning diamond pieces that reflect the vibrant energy of the season. And for the first time ever, ORRA will be offering an exclusive discount on the diamond value—a truly unique offering to elevate your jewellery collection.

To make it even more special, ORRA will offer additional discounts and special offers for its curated collections, promising a seamless blend of grace and style for every discerning customer.

Additionally, customers will also get an opportunity to explore a limited-edition diamond jewellery  box-sets curated for Republic Day and Valentines Day, allowing them to mark the occasion with patriotic elegance.

Visit your nearest ORRA Fine Jewellery store to avail these exclusive discounts:

Get 25% off on Diamond Value

0% Interest EMI Facility

0% Deduction on your old gold jewellery exchange

*Terms and Conditions apply.

About ORRA Fine Jewellery:

The journey of a million gazes began in 1888 before it metamorphosed into ORRA Fine Jewellery. From sculpting and manufacturing diamonds to crafting and retailing the finest diamond and gold jewellery, ORRA Fine Jewellery has come a long way since its inception. Today, ORRA Fine Jewellery is one of India's finest diamond jewellery retail chains, having spread its glow with 97 stores in 40 cities and has consistently been at the forefront of design, leadership, and product innovation with 5 global design centres.

Master craftsmen who have inherited the centuries - old legacy of jewellery making, brilliantly cut Belgian diamonds, delicate designs in diamond jewellery, elaborate bridal sets in coloured stones, the 73-facet patented ORRA Crown Star, the one-of-its-kind ORRA Fine Jewellery store. These are just some of the facets that go into making ORRA Fine Jewellery - The Ultimate Diamond Destination.

For more information, visit – https://www.orra.co.in

Quest Global Wins Great Place To Work Certification In India For Fourth Consecutive Year

Quest Global, one of the world’s leading engineering services firms, has been Certified as a Great Place To Work® in India for the fourth consecutive year. This prestigious Certification reflects Quest Global’s commitment to the overall well-being of its people and fostering a culture of high trust and high-performance.

In the 2025 evaluation, Quest Global received an impressive 77% Trust Index™ overall score. This reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering an exceptional culture, where the credibility of management, respect for people, workplace fairness, pride, and camaraderie are not just metrics but lived experiences.

Great Place To Work Certification™ is the gold standard that organizations around the globe aspire to accomplish. This recognition is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to creating an environment that goes beyond work tasks – one where employees thrive, feel respected, and actively contribute to the company’s success.

“Achieving the Great Place To Work Certification for the fourth consecutive is a source of enormous pride for us. It is an endorsement of our consistent efforts to create a healthy and inclusive work environment. The satisfaction of our employees is at the very core of our operations and their personal and professional growth remains our utmost priority. Our vision is to establish Quest Global as the organization of choice for talent and this certification reinforces our belief that we are on the right path." said Reshmi Stephen, Global Head – HR Business Partnership, Quest Global.

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. In India, the institute partners with more than 1,800 organizations across 20+ industries annually to help them build a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture designed to deliver sustained business results. The institute’s research shows great workplaces are characterized by outstanding leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver the same experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level.

About Quest Global 

Founded in 1997, Quest Global is one of the world’s leading engineering research and development (ER&D) services companies. Quest Global believes engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For more than 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, the team at Quest Global lives and works in 18 countries, with 78 global delivery centers and offices, driven by 20,000+ extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, and faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, med-tech & healthcare, rail, communications, and semiconductor industries.