Bengaluru-based CognitiveLab Wins 2024 Meta Llama Impact Grant For Its Nayana Project Advancing Multilingual AI

Meta has announced the recipients of the 2024 Llama Impact Grants, recognizing innovators using open-source large language models to tackle critical social challenges. Among this year’s global winners is CognitiveLab, an India-based research lab whose project Nayana is revolutionizing AI accessibility for linguistically diverse communities. The Llama Impact Grant will help scale Nayana’s multilingual, multimodal capabilities, expanding access to AI across more than 22 languages and reaching over three billion people worldwide.

Launched in 2023, the Llama Impact Grants support transformative uses of Meta’s open-source models: Llama 2, Llama 3, and now Llama 4, that demonstrate measurable social impact.

Headquartered in Bangalore, CognitiveLab is a mission-driven, open-source-first AI research lab focused on developing state-of-the-art technologies that are accessible, transparent, and community-powered. The lab has pioneered open infrastructure projects such as the Indic LLM Leaderboard and released benchmark datasets widely adopted by global researchers.

Nayana, developed by CognitiveLab, is a multilingual, multimodal, multitask language model that integrates advanced Llama technology to automate document and image processing across diverse languages, including several low-resource Indic languages. The model includes robust text, vision, and speech capabilities and has already outperformed industry standards in OCR for 10 Indian languages.

Speaking on the announcement, Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy, Meta India, said, “Open-source AI is a powerful tool to bridge digital divides, especially in a diverse country like India. With the 2024 Llama Impact Grant, we’re proud to support the Nayana project. Its work embodies the spirit of open innovation—making advanced AI usable for billions of people. Llama 4 was designed with accessibility, flexibility, and scalability at its core—and we’re excited to see how CognitiveLab will leverage this foundation to drive real-world impact.”

Shashi Kumar, Founder, CognitiveLab, added, “Our vision is to democratize AI in a way that’s inclusive and equitable. The Llama Impact Grant enables us to supercharge our efforts with Nayana - expanding language coverage, enhancing multimodal capabilities, and building high-quality training datasets for low-resource language communities. Open-source and Llama have empowered us to build world-class systems like Ambari and Nayana with minimal resources. This grant is a milestone in our journey to build impactful, indigenous AI solutions for the global south.”

CognitiveLab plans to use the grant to expand Nayana’s language support, increase the model’s multimodal integration, and develop optimized deployment tools for low-resource settings. The lab will also release new speech-text-image datasets, improve its Indic tokenizer, and set new benchmarks for multilingual AI systems through community collaboration.

With over 1 billion global downloads and more than 85,000 derivative models, the Llama family of open-source AI models, now in its fourth generation, has become the foundation for a growing ecosystem of socially impactful solutions. India remains one of the top markets for Llama adoption, where innovators like CognitiveLab are leveraging these tools to solve complex local challenges and foster inclusive digital growth.

IGI School Of Gemology Introduces Comprehensive "Diploma In Pearls" Program

* Empowering Professionals with Expertise in Pearl Identification, Grading, and Market Insights Through a Hands-On, Industry-Focused Program

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) School of Gemology announces the launch of its exclusive "Diploma in Pearls" program. This intensive 5-day course offers a comprehensive exploration of pearls, combining in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training. The Diploma will provide ongoing opportunities for aspiring gemologists and jewelry professionals, enhancing their expertise and career prospects. Enrollment for the inaugural batch is now open. This course will be held at IGI’s Mumbai campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director and CEO of IGI, said, "The IGI School of Gemology is committed to providing world-class education in gemology. Our 'Diploma in Pearls' program offers enthusiasts and professionals alike a unique opportunity to master pearl identification and grading, gain hands-on practical training, and learn from expert faculty. With pearls playing a growing role in the global jewelry market, this diploma is the perfect stepping stone for those looking to enhance their expertise in the field. Understanding the intricacies of pearl certification is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust in the marketplace."

* The curriculum covers a comprehensive range of topics, including the following:

Pearl Origins and History – Explore the cultural and historical significance of pearls and learn about the anatomy of pearl-producing oysters and mussels.

Types and Imitations – Identify different pearl varieties and how to distinguish them from  simulants and examine common pearl treatments and their effects.

Grading Criteria – Understand the key factors used to evaluate pearl quality and value.

Hands-On Analysis – Develop analytical skills through basic and advanced pearl assessments and benefit from guided practical sessions led by industry professionals.

Market Readiness – Gain insights into practical applications and market trends.

"Diploma in Pearls" program is ideal for a diverse range of professionals, including sales associates, managers, business owners, buyers, manufacturer's sales representatives, brokers, appraisers, wholesalers, diamond and jewelry designers, gem lab personnel, and anyone keen on becoming a gem expert.

For more information about future batches and enrolment details, visit IGI's School of Gemology website.

Greenlam Industries Launches Its First Exclusive Dealer Display Showroom In Karnataka At Sapthagiri Panel Products Ltd., Bengaluru

Greenlam Industries, a leading provider of integrated substrate and surface solutions, across more than 120 countries, proudly announces the launch of its first exclusive dealer display showroom in Karnataka. Strategically located at NO. 275/8, New Timber Yard Layout, Mysore Road, next to N.A.K. Kalyana Mantappa, Bengaluru – 560026, the 2,400 sq. ft. showroom reflects over a decade of trusted presence in the interior solutions industry.

The newly launched showroom houses a complete portfolio of Greenlam’s premium offerings including Greenlam Laminates, Decowood Veneers, Mikasa Flooring, Mikasa Staircase Solutions, Mikasa Doors & Frames, and Mikasa Plywood. Designed as a one-stop solution for interior needs, the showroom brings together a rich tapestry of colours, textures, and finishes, curated to inspire homeowners, architects, designers, and contractors alike.

Sapthagiri Panel Products Pvt. Ltd. is celebrated in the industry for its unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Now, with this strategic collaboration, Greenlam and Sapthagiri aim to elevate the customer experience in Karnataka by offering a premium and immersive space where the interior fraternity can engage with innovative, design-forward products.

The showroom features Greenlam’s wide range of premium laminates in diverse finishes, designs, and colors—offering stylish, durable surfacing solutions. It also showcases Decowood Veneers, crafted from over 200 exotic wood species like oak, walnut, and mahogany, enhanced with TD technology to highlight natural grain patterns.

Complementing this, Mikasa Floors present a robust three-layer construction made from real hard wood, a stabilizing core, and a balancing layer. These floors are equipped with the innovative PlankLoc™ glue-free locking system, ensuring durability and ease of installation—ideal for modern, high-traffic spaces. Mikasa Staircase Solutions include pre-finished treads, risers, and nosing for easy installation, while Mikasa Doors & Frames provide sleek, factory-finished units. The range is completed with versatile Mikasa Plywood, making the showroom a one-stop destination for premium interiors.

The showroom was inaugurated by Mr. Saurabh Mittal, Managing Director & CEO of Greenlam Industries Limited, alongside Mr. Anil TN, Partner at Sapthagiri Panel Products Pvt. Ltd. The grand launch event was attended by over 120 industry professionals, including architects, OEMs, contractors, and clients, marking a significant moment in Greenlam’s expansion in South India.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Saurabh Mittal, Managing Director and CEO of Greenlam Industries Ltd., said,

“The opening of this new showroom in Bengaluru marks a strategic milestone in Greenlam’s journey to bring world-class surfacing solutions closer to the design and architecture community in Karnataka. This space is not just a showcase of our expansive product range, it is a hub for inspiration, innovation, and collaboration. From premium laminates and decorative veneers to engineered wood floors, doors, and plywood, we aim to provide designers, architects, and homeowners with comprehensive, hands-on experience of our offerings.

We are equally excited to collaborate with Sapthagiri Panel Products Pvt. Ltd., a partner whose commitment to excellence and customer service reflects our own. Together, we look forward to setting new benchmarks in quality, service, and design in this dynamic market.”

As Karnataka’s first exclusive Greenlam Laminates and Wood & Allied Products dealer display showroom, this new centre stands as a testament to Greenlam’s commitment to design excellence, performance, and sustainability.

About Greenlam Industries

Greenlam Industries Limited ranks among the top three laminate manufacturers globally and is a leading integrated substrate and surface solutions provider. The company offers a wide range of products to customers in over 120 countries, consistently delivering innovation and quality. Its diverse product portfolio includes decorative laminates and compacts, interior and exterior cladding, restroom cubicles and locker solutions, decorative veneers, engineered wood flooring, doors, plywood and pre-laminated chipboards. 

With five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located across India—in Behror (Rajasthan), Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh), Prantij (Gujarat), Tindivanam (Tamil Nadu), and Naidupeta (Andhra Pradesh)—Greenlam is committed to both quality and environmental responsibility. The company ethically sources its raw materials and holds numerous sustainability certifications, including FSC®, PEFC™, ISO 14001, GRIHA, GREENPRO, REACH, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001. Its products are globally certified with CE, UL, NSF, SEFA, Green Label, Greenguard, NEMA (for the US and North America), and BS EN standards. Greenlam is also ISO 9001 certified for Quality Management Systems and holds SEDEX certification for Ethical Trade Initiatives, ensuring its products are both safe and eco-friendly. 

Supported by an expansive global sales and distribution network, Greenlam is always prepared to assist in transforming your spaces with seamless expertise. 

For more information, visit: https://www.greenlamindustries.com/ 

NUVOCO Vistas Announces Its Financial Results For Q4 And FY25

* Achieved historical quarterly highest consolidated EBITDA of Rs. 556 Cr. in Q4 FY25

* Deleveraging initiative continued with Net debt reduction of Rs. 390 Cr. YoY to Rs. 3640 Cr.

* Received NCLT nod for Vadraj Cement acquisition, enhancing cement capacity to 31 MMT by FY27

* Cement volume for FY25 closed at 19.4 MMT

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., a leading building materials Company in India, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. With 25 MMTPA of combined installed capacity, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. is the 5th largest cement group in India and amongst the leading cement players in East India. The Company is on track to achieve 31 MMTPA cement capacity by Q3 FY27 post NCLT approving the Resolution Plan for acquisition of Vadraj Cement Limited (VCL).

The Company achieved a consolidated cement sales volume of 5.7 MMT in Q4 FY25, with full-year volume reaching 19.4 MMT. Consolidated revenue from operations grew 4% YoY to Rs. 3,042 Cr. in Q4, bringing FY25 revenue to Rs. 10,357 Cr. The Company also reported its highest-ever quarterly consolidated EBITDA of Rs. 556 Cr. in Q4 FY25, with full-year EBITDA at Rs. 1,391 Cr. Furthermore, the Company stayed committed to its deleveraging agenda reducing its net debt by Rs. 390 Cr. YoY to Rs. 3,640 Cr.

FY25 marked a year of resilience and recovery for the cement industry, with demand picking up steadily after a muted first half. Nuvoco capitalized on this rebound with targeted initiatives that delivered volume growth, especially in the second half. Cement demand remained robust across two consecutive quarters, supported by increased Central and State Government Capex in infrastructure and housing. Throughout the year, the Company maintained a sharp focus on operational excellence. This is reflected in achieving the lowest blended fuel cost in the last 14 quarters at Rs. 1.43 per Mcal, reinforcing Nuvoco’s position amongst the industry's lowest in power and fuel costs.

The Company undertook key marketing initiatives to enhance its brand presence. These included the ‘Sarthi Programme at Maha Kumbh 2025’, which provided an immersive experience to over 25,000 visitors, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its channel partners and influencers. Additionally, the launch of ‘Sabse Khaas Pehelwaan’, Haryana’s premier wrestling championship, helped strengthen Duraguard Cement’s brand by aligning it with the strength and resilience of wrestling champions. Furthermore, the Company also commenced production of Duraguard Microfiber Cement at Haryana Cement Plant to cater to Northern market.

The RMX business, with 58 operational plants, is gaining healthy momentum, contributing to overall growth. In the MBM business, products such as tile adhesive, construction chemicals, cover blocks, and block jointing mortar are experiencing strong sales momentum, further accelerating performance.

The Company continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability with lowest carbon emissions in the industry, with 457 kg CO2 per ton1 of cementitious materials.

Commenting on the performance of the Company, Mr. Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., stated, “Despite a subdued demand environment in the first half of FY25, the Company witnessed a strong rebound in the second half. The Company responded swiftly by capitalising on emerging opportunities to strengthen its market presence. Back-to-back quarters of improved demand, coupled with our sharp focus on premiumisation, contributed to enhanced realisations leading to the Company achieving historical quarterly highest consolidated EBITDA.”

He further remarked, “We remain optimistic about the cement demand in near to medium term. As we look ahead, our focus will be on scaling growth and expanding our market footprint. Moving ahead, the Company will focus on growth and expanding market footprint with Vadraj Cement acquisition elevating capacity to 31 MMTPA by Q3 FY27. The Company will continue to drive key initiatives pertaining to premiumisation, geo-optimisation and cost optimisation. This aligns with our renewed mission of being a Trusted Building Materials Company Creating Value for Our Stakeholders.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Sells 27,324 Units In The Month Of April 2025

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recorded a growth of 33% in April 2025 over the same period last year, selling 27,324 units. In April 2025, domestic sales stood at 24,833 units, while exports contributed 2,491 units. In April 2024, TKM had sold 20,494 units.

The growth momentum was sustained despite a maintenance shutdown from April 21-25, 2025, undertaken for the upkeep of machinery and equipment to maintain operational efficiency, productivity, and safety.

The company closed the last fiscal year with its highest-ever sales in India, reaffirming growing customer trust and the market’s preference for quality, reliability, and robust after-sales support.

Speaking on the sales momentum, Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said, “The sustained growth is a testament to our unwavering commitment to offering the Indian market the right products and technologies at the right time. Our multi-pathway approach, which provides diverse technology options, has enabled us to respond positively to shifting customer needs and has ensured strong demand across our line-up. We are also encouraged by the positive response to the recently introduced Urban Cruiser Hyryder, now equipped with enhanced safety, comfort, and convenience features — further strengthening its appeal among customers.

Looking ahead, we will continue to be guided by customer voices, responding with agility and precision in introducing products and value-added services that align with rising expectations.”

Samsung's Premium AI-Integrated QLED TV Series And Crystal Clear 4K UHD TV Now Live On Amazon And Flipkart

* The QLED Series features advanced AI technology that intelligently optimizes picture and sound based on user preferences and viewing conditions

* Consumers can enjoy access to a wide range of free channels, offering diverse entertainment options at no additional cost

* The new lineup will be available for purchase starting May 1, 2025, on Amazon, Flipkart, and Samsung.com

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, announced the launch of its new range of AI-powered QLED TV and Crystal Clear 4K UHD TV, available on Amazon, Flipkart, and Samsung.com starting May 1, 2025.  Designed to deliver the ultimate home entertainment experience, the new lineup includes the QLED series - QEF1, equipped with cutting-edge AI technology, and the Clear 4K UHD series – UE81, UE84, UE86, engineered to provide exceptional clarity, color, and detail for an immersive viewing experience.

At the center of the launch is the QLED TV, featuring Real and Safe Quantum Dot Technology to deliver stunning color accuracy and durability. Featuring True Quantum Dots for unparalleled color precision, these TVs are also free from Cadmium, a harmful substance known to be a cancer-causing agent, ensuring both safety and superior performance.

Powered by Samsung’s latest Q4 AI Processor, the TV analyzes and optimizes content in real-time with sharper visuals, clearer sound, and a more personalized viewing experience. Leveraging Samsung Vision AI, it intelligently enhances picture quality by recognizing scenes, objects, and faces for lifelike details, while also ensuring precise color volume with Pantone Validated Colors for true-to-life hues. To ensure peace of mind, the TV is secured with Samsung Knox Security, protecting users’ data and connected devices. Additionally, the new lineup offers access to Endless Free Content, delivering a world of entertainment with no additional Cost.

Samsung’s new UHD models deliver crystal-clear 4K resolution, powered by the advanced Crystal 4K Processor, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. With 4K Upscaling, the models also enhance lower-resolution content to near 4K quality. Featuring PurColour, they offer lifelike colors for a truly immersive viewing experience. The integrated OTS Lite technology delivers dynamic sound with virtual top channel audio, creating an enriched audio experience. With access to endless free content, these models make premium entertainment accessible to a broader audience.

Viplesh Dang, Senior Director, Visual Display Business, Samsung India, said, “At Samsung, we continuously push the boundaries of innovation to deliver products that redefine home entertainment. With launch of our AI-enhanced QLED and Crystal Clear 4K UHD TVs, we are elevating the viewing experience for consumers, offering advanced entertainment. These models, powered by Samsung Vision AI, deliver intelligent scene recognition for enhanced picture quality, making every frame more immersive. This launch reflects our dedication to delivering intelligent viewing experiences to more homes, meeting the evolving needs of our consumers with innovation, convenience, and reliability”

Customers can look forward to benefits like discounts of up to 35%. The new Samsung Online TV lineup is available with 12 month No Cost EMI starting at just INR 3,333/month for QLED models and INR 2,500/month for UHD models. Customers can also avail an instant bank cashback of up to INR 3,000.  With innovative features and exclusive launch offers, this new range is set to transform living spaces into cinematic hubs.

Key Features of QLED TV

Real and Safe QLED

Samsung’s Real and Safe QLED TVs are built with 100% Color Volume-certified Quantum Dot technology, delivering vibrant, lifelike visuals. Certified for safety by trusted global institutions, these TVs are also free from Cadmium, a harmful substance known to be a cancer-causing agent, ensuring a healthier and worry-free viewing experience for all.

Q4 AI Processor

The Samsung Q4 AI Processor enhances the TV viewing experience by intelligently optimizing both visuals and sound in real time. It upscales content to detailed 4K resolution, ensuring an immersive experience tailored to the surroundings and the content being viewed.

Pantone Validation

Pantone Validation guarantees superior color accuracy by meeting Pantone’s stringent testing standards. This validation ensures the authentic reproduction of Pantone colors and skin tones, providing an immersive viewing experience that mirrors the creator’s original vision.

Samsung Vision AI

Samsung Vision AI brings intelligent enhancements to TVs with real-time AI upscaling, smart features like Generative Wallpaper, and SmartThings. It adapts visuals, sound, and interactions based on the environment and user needs. Advanced AI capabilities offer a truly personalized and immersive viewing experience.

Samsung Knox Security

Samsung Knox is Samsung’s commitment to security, providing defense-grade protection across devices. It offers a comprehensive suite of security features, customizable to meet diverse business needs. With Knox, businesses can confidently safeguard their data and operations.

SmartThings

The SmartThings app on Samsung TVs allows you to control and automate your TV and other smart devices, enhancing your home experience. By using SmartThings, you can control appliances, lights, and security cameras directly from the TV. To set it up, simply navigate to the SmartThings option in the TV's menu and follow the prompts to connect your devices.

Key Features of Crystal Clear 4K UHD TVs

Crystal Processor 4K

The Crystal Processor 4K provides enhanced picture quality with precise colour mapping. This powerful processor ensures that every shade of colour is displayed as intended, offering a lifelike 4K resolution for all content.

PurColor

With PurColor, consumers can enjoy an above and beyond experience while watching their favorite content by enjoying real life color expression on the screen. It enables the TV to express a vast range of colors for optimal picture performance and an immersive viewing experience. With One Billion True Colors, this distinctive technology brings reality to the TV screen, with existing colors being showcased in their original state.

Multi Voice Assistant

Consumers can pick their favorite voice assistant that is built-in into the new Crystal Vision 4K UHD TV for an advanced control in their connected home. They can choose between Bixby or Amazon Alexa and cherish an optimal home entertainment experience from the coziness and comfort of their living couch.

OTS Lite

OTS Lite (Object Tracking Sound Lite) uses Samsung’s AI algorithms to track on-screen movements and precisely match sound locations using multi-channel speakers. 3D surround sound with our virtual top channel audio allows you to be immersed in the audio experience.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the world of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN. 

UP42 And Maxar Partner To Broaden Global Access To The Most Advanced Commercial Geospatial Intelligence

UP42 customers are now able to task Maxar’s industry-leading constellation and access very high-resolution imagery to deliver mission-critical insights in near real-time

UP42 has partnered with Maxar, the leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights, to make Maxar’s very high-resolution satellite imagery and tasking products available in the UP42 platform, broadening global access to the most advanced commercial geospatial intelligence.

UP42 customers can now directly task Maxar’s very high-resolution constellation, including its WorldView Legion satellites. With Maxar’s constellation able to revisit some Earth locations up to 15 times per day, UP42 customers will be able to access this advanced geospatial intelligence in near real-time. Soon, customers will also be able to order 30 cm-class and 50 cm-class imagery from Maxar’s archive, which can be combined with advanced AI and machine learning technologies to analyze patterns of life.

"Maxar’s integration marks a major milestone for UP42, providing our customers with greater flexibility, scale, and precision," said Jussi Koski, CPO at UP42. "The ability to directly task Maxar satellites, along with upcoming archive access, makes UP42 a comprehensive source for leading geospatial data."

UP42’s streamlined satellite tasking interface unlocks multi-AOI uploads, instant price estimates, and order tracking. This enables customers across civil government and a wide range of commercial industries—including oil, gas, mining and energy—to tackle some of their biggest real-world challenges, from infrastructure monitoring to environmental compliance.

“UP42 is a mission-critical partner for civil and commercial customers around the world, and by joining Maxar’s Partner Ecosystem, UP42 can give those customers access to more advanced geospatial intelligence that helps them act and decide with more confidence,” said Anders Linder, SVP and General Manager of Maxar Intelligence’s International Government business.

Customers can now task Maxar’s very high-resolution multispectral and panchromatic imagery on the UP42 platform in both mono and stereo formats.

To learn more, visit https://up42.com/marketplace/data/tasking/maxar-tasking.

About UP42

UP42 was founded in 2019 with a clear purpose: to transform how organizations order, access, and analyze Earth observation data. Our platform brings together the world’s leading geospatial providers, and offers a single touchpoint to access, manage, and process data at scale. From vegetation management and infrastructure monitoring to disaster response, UP42 helps organizations across industries find solutions to complex problems through Earth observation. Our expert support team and detailed documentation guide our users through every step. Visit us at up42.com.

About Maxar Intelligence 

Maxar Intelligence is a leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights. Operating the most advanced commercial Earth observation constellation on orbit, we use the power of very high-resolution satellite imagery and software technology to deliver mission success on Earth and in space. Our secure, AI-powered products and services deliver ground truth in near real-time to keep nations safe, improve navigation, protect our planet, speed up disaster response and more. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.