India Drives Global Growth For Natural Diamond Jewellery As Tier 2 And Tier 3 Cities Gain Momentum

India’s natural diamond jewellery market is witnessing robust growth, with demand value reaching approximately INR 80,000 crore in 2024, according to insights shared by De Beers Group during CEO Al Cook’s recent visit to India.

India has become the world’s second-largest natural diamond jewellery market, accounting for 12% of global demand value in 2024, up from 8% in 2021. India recorded 12% year-on-year growth, highlighting the market’s resilience and structural strength.

Long recognised as the global hub for diamond cutting and polishing, processing over 90% of worldwide diamond volumes, India is increasingly shaping the demand side of the industry. Rising consumer confidence, higher disposable incomes and aspirational spending are extending diamond adoption well beyond metropolitan centres. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities now account for more than one-third of India’s natural diamond jewellery demand, supported by the rapid expansion of organised retail, broader access to financing and deeper consumer awareness.

Indian consumers are also trading up in value. The average price of a diamond jewellery piece increased from INR 1.24 lakh in 2022 to INR 1.41 lakh in 2024, while the average size of the largest diamond in a piece rose from 0.64 carats to 0.79 carats over the same period. Diamond ownership among Indian women reached 15% in 2024, reflecting steady growth in household penetration.

Commenting on India’s strategic importance, Al Cook, CEO, De Beers Group, said, “India represents the strongest growth opportunity for natural diamonds globally. Rising incomes, a rapidly expanding middle class and a deepening emotional connection with natural diamonds as symbols of enduring value are reshaping the market. India is expected to remain a key engine of global diamond growth, with demand continuing to expand across cities and generations.”

Reflecting De Beers Group’s long-standing focus on transparency and consumer trust, recently published Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines on diamond nomenclature and disclosure are expected to further strengthen confidence in the Indian.

With India’s GDP and personal disposable income projected to grow at approximately 11% annually in the near term, natural diamond jewellery being both the most desired gift to receive and the most desired purchase to make for oneself, and high-income households on the rise, the outlook for natural diamonds remains robust. The market’s younger, more regionally diverse consumer base, including Gen Z and Millennials, signals growing adoption of self-purchase, everyday diamond jewellery, and long-term brand engagement.

As demand broadens geographically and regulatory frameworks reinforce transparency, India is set to continue anchoring the global diamond value chain while driving the next phase of market growth.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

Understanding The Brain-Glucose Connection: What Alzheimer’s, Diabetes And CGM Have In Common

Some changes with age are expected—like stiffer joints or needing a little extra time to remember things. But when memory loss becomes persistent or begins interfering with everyday life, it could be a sign of something more serious. Alzheimer’s Disease, a progressive neurological disorder, affects more than 50 million people globally—and nearly 4 million in India alone.

When it comes to protecting brain health in people with diabetes, one critical factor is often underestimated: glucose stability. Emerging research now shows a clear link between insulin resistance and cognitive decline. In fact, some scientists refer to Alzheimer’s as “Type 3 diabetes” due to the role insulin dysfunction plays in the brain. For people managing diabetes—especially older adults—this connection raises an urgent question: how can we better manage blood sugar to protect cognitive function?

Dr Abhijit Bhograj, Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Manipal Hospital, Hebbal, Bangalore, “We now understand that blood sugar variability, particularly in older adults, can negatively impact brain health. Continuous glucose monitoring allows us to track and manage those fluctuations more precisely. These insights give us a chance for early intervention that may help slow the cognitive effects of insulin resistance in the brain. Importantly, CGMs also allow you to set optional alarms that alert you when glucose levels are too low or too high, enabling faster, safer action.”

Beyond personal insights, CGM technology has transformed diabetes care by enabling real time data sharing with caregivers and healthcare providers. This creates a continuous support loop, especially beneficial for older adults, or those experiencing early signs of cognitive decline, who may face challenges with consistent self – monitoring.

Dr. Vivek Iyer, head medical affairs for Abbott’s diabetes care business in South Asia said, “Smart technology like CGMs, is transforming diabetes care - enabling more than just self-monitoring. It builds vital connections between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Even when someone is managing diabetes remotely or facing memory challenges, their support network can stay informed and act quickly. This real-time connectivity can be the difference between stable glucose and a crisis, ultimately supporting better brain health.”

In the context of Alzheimer’s risk and cognitive aging, CGM devices go beyond glucose tracking—they are lifelines for proactive care, empowering families and care teams with real time data to act early and make the difference.

Insulin resistance in the brain could be a key factor in Alzheimer’s: Research now highlights a strong link between cognitive decline and diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and those with Type 1 diabetes are more susceptible to age related cognitive decline. Research points to insulin resistance in the brain, which hampers the brain’s ability to use glucose effectively—a possible early trigger for Alzheimer’s.

Blood sugar spikes may contribute to harmful brain proteins: High blood sugar levels have been associated with increased beta-amyloid protein buildup—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease. These proteins disrupt communication between brain cells and accelerate cognitive decline. This connection is why some experts now call Alzheimer’s “Type 3 Diabetes.”

Technology like CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) helps prevent more than diabetes complications: CGM devices like Freestyle Libre 2+ track glucose levels in real time, giving people insight into how their diet, activity, sleep, and stress affect their blood sugar. For individuals with diabetes, this isn’t about managing complications—it could also help reduce the risk of long-term cognitive issues.

A brain-healthy diet helps stabilize glucose and reduce dementia risk: Diets like MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) combine leafy greens, berries, legumes, and healthy fats. These foods not only support cardiovascular and metabolic health—they may also slow cognitive aging. Gut-friendly foods like fermented soy and fibre-rich vegetables also support brain function via the gut-brain axis.

Early lifestyle changes and real-time data offer new hope: While Alzheimer’s has no cure yet, early prevention and proactive care make a real difference. Monitoring glucose patterns through CGM, paired with dietary changes and physical activity, can help individuals and families take control—potentially reducing the burden of both Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

As the connection between diabetes and cognitive decline becomes increasingly evident, it’s clear that managing blood glucose is about far more than just preventing diabetes complications—it’s about preserving brain function, independence, and quality of life.

Air India Super League Season 2 Concludes With Strong Pan-India Participation

* Travel High Titans Wins In Travel Trade, Ceva In Cargo Category

• Over 70 teams across trade and cargo partners competed across five metros

• Finale of the tournament was held in New Delhi on 15 February 2026

Air India has successfully concluded Season 2 of the Air India Super League, the flagship pan-India cricket tournament bringing together travel partners and cargo partners from across the country. The tournament saw spirited participation across regional rounds held in Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai, culminating in the semi-finals and finals held in Delhi on 15 February 2026 at Vinay Marg Sports Complex, Chanakyapuri.

Designed as both, a competitive sporting event and a dynamic networking platform, the Air India Super League (AISL) 2026 aimed to foster camaraderie between Air India and its valued partners, including Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and Online Travel Agents (OTAs).

Over the course of the tournament, more than 60 matches were played, drawing participation from over 70 partner organisations. All matches were live streamed on YouTube, enabling families, colleagues and industry peers to join in and cheer from across India.

Travel High Titans won the Air India Super League 2026 under the travel partner category while Ceva from Mumbai was the winner in the cargo category.

The tournament also featured an array of trophies, medals, and certificates to honour outstanding performances. The Round Robin Winner trophy was awarded to the top team from each of the four cities and competed for the ultimate championship title at Delhi. Participants and winners were also recognized in multiple categories, including Man of the Match, Best Fielder, Most Catches in Air India Super League 2026, Player of Air India Super League 2026, among others.

“AISL 2026 presents a key opportunity for Air India to engage and deepen relationships with its travel partners from across India. Our partners are central to Air India’s transformation journey, and we are working closely with them to drive growth, innovation, and seamless connectivity, shaping the future of travel in India and beyond,” said Manish Puri, Head of Global Sales, Air India Group.

“This season of AISL was particularly special for us, as it marked the debut of the cargo category. Through initiatives like AISL, we are reinforcing our commitment to building deeper, long-term partnerships that go beyond business transactions and create a strong, collaborative ecosystem,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India.

AISL was conceived as a platform to celebrate partnerships beyond the boardroom, fostering solidarity among travel and cargo partners through the shared spirit of sport. With growing participation and nationwide engagement, the league continues to strengthen Air India’s relationships across its partner ecosystem.

Air India recently also participated at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai and will also showcase it’s offerings at South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2026 to strengthen its presence in the travel trade industry. Through these platforms, the airline aims to build stronger connections with trade partners, showcase its offerings, and explore new opportunities for growth.

About Air India group

The Air India group – comprising of full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 57 domestic and 49 international destinations across five continents.

Returning to the Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India group is in the midst of a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed an order for 570 new aircraft. In 2024, sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara were successfully merged into Air India Express and Air India, respectively, and the Airline opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy. A new flying school is scheduled to open in 2026, and construction of a greenfield maintenance base, to be operational in 2026, is underway. In addition to receiving new aircraft, all existing aircraft are progressively undergoing a full interior refit.

With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

For more stories on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom

Ambuja Cements Organises Industrial Exposure Visit For SEDI Ambujanagar Trainees

· Ambuja Cements, through Project Udaan facilitated an industrial exposure visit for trainees from BPO, GDA and HAT trades at SEDI Ambujanagar.

· Trainees visited the Thermal Power Plant, Ambuja Cements Plant and BCT Muldwarka to gain practical industry insights.

· The initiative enhanced trainees’ understanding of industrial operations and workplace practices.

Ambuja Cements, the 9th largest building materials solutions provider globally and part of the diversified Adani Portfolio, organised an industrial exposure visit for trainees under Project Udaan from its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) Ambujanagar, aimed at strengthening practical learning and industry readiness.

As part of the programme, trainees from the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), GDA (General Duty Assistant) and HAT (Hospital Assistant Technician) trades visited key facilities at Ambujanagar, including the Ambuja Cements Plant and the Thermal Power Plant, where they were introduced to operational processes, safety practices and workplace systems.

The exposure visit also included a tour of BCT Muldwarka, offering trainees a broader perspective on industrial logistics and infrastructure. During the visit, officials clearly explained the key aspects of each facility and addressed trainee queries,

Such visits reinforce Ambuja Cements’ commitment to skill development and employability by bridging classroom learning with real-world industrial exposure.

Tata Power Turns Rooftop Solar Into An Emotional Proposition With ‘Yeh On Toh Quality Lifelong’

In a category dominated by savings, subsidies and specs, Tata Power is celebrating emotion and lifelong trust.

With its new campaign for Tata Power Solaroof, anchored in the line “Yeh On Toh Quality Lifelong,” the brand reframes rooftop solar from a functional installation to a lifelong relationship.

The insight is cultural: Indian homes are built on permanence. Trust is lifelong. Love is lifelong. Responsibility is lifelong. So why shouldn’t your Rooftop Solar be?

The campaign redefines Tata Power Solaroof as an emotional commitment rather than just a functional utility. By shifting the focus from saving on electricity bills to securing a future, the brand positions these panels as a "partner in permanence" that offers the same enduring trust as the Tata name. Ultimately, the campaign elevates the product into a badge of assurance and a silent guardian for the home, ensuring that quality and peace of mind last a lifetime.

Commenting on the campaign, Jyoti Kumar Bansal – Chief Brand & Communications, Tata Power said: “ The “Lifelong” campaign brings alive Tata Power Solaroof’s core proposition “Yeh On Toh Quality Lifelong” in a unique and emotional narrative that shifts the conversation from mere savings on electricity bills to the lifelong promise of reliability (efficiency) and peace of mind (emotional efficiency) that distinguishes us from all other players in the market.

It brings alive our brand as a part of the consumers’ life, securing a future, powering dreams through seasons and generations. As market leaders, we are proud to be bringing new customers into the category every day with not only unique product solutions but also storytelling that gives them comfort and pride.”

Backed by tangible proof points: a 25-year module warranty, 3.5 lakh+ installations, 4.4 GW+ rooftop capacity and up to 80% bill reduction, the emotional narrative is supported by scale and credibility.

As India accelerates toward decentralized clean energy adoption, further catalysed by the Government of India’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to solarize one crore households, Tata Power’s latest campaign underscores its role as a trusted enabler in this national mission.

In a cluttered renewable energy space, “Yeh On Toh Quality Lifelong” positions Tata Power Solaroof not just as a solar solution, but as a promise.

Because the best investments aren’t temporary. They’re lifelong.

Vedanta Delivers India’s Largest Employee Equity Grant In Manufacturing Of ₹2,500 Crores

· Shares granted at Re 1, among India’s lowest ESOP pricing

· 80% share value appreciation in latest vesting cycle

· ₹300 crore+ wealth generated from ESOP 2022 vesting

· 1,200 first-time ESOP recipients in 2025

Vedanta Limited (NSE: VEDL), India’s leading metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power, and technology conglomerate, has generated a cumulative financial impact of nearly ₹2,500 crores for employees through sustained Employee Stock Option (ESOP) grants in the last 5 years, underscoring one of India’s most significant broad-based wealth creation initiatives. Most recently, this includes stock options worth over ₹500 crores under ESOP 2025, empowering nearly 1,200 first-time recipients, including freshers.

Vedanta’s ESOP model is among the most inclusive in the country, covering nearly 40% of its workforce across plants, functions, and career levels. With more than 20 years of continuous ESOP administration, employee ownership has become deeply embedded in the organisation’s culture. It extends grants to freshers and early-career professionals, who are eligible for allocations amounting to nearly 30% of fixed pay over the standard three-year vesting cycle, making Vedanta one of the only conglomerates offering ESOPs to freshers.

A distinguishing feature of Vedanta’s ESOP structure is that shares are allotted at a deeply discounted price of Re 1, reinforcing Vedanta’s commitment to shared ownership and long-term value creation with minimal upfront investment. With steady share price appreciation over the years, particularly noteworthy now as Vedanta’s shares are seeing all-time highs, ESOPs have enabled thousands of employees to achieve major life milestones such as purchasing homes, funding higher education, buying their first car, supporting their families, or building long-term savings.

The most recent vesting cycle of ESOP 2022 has delivered more than 80% share value appreciation, generating more than ₹300 crore+ in wealth for employees, reflecting the strong linkage between organisational performance and employee reward.

This approach emanates from Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal’s vision of empowering employees, accelerating career progression, and creating equitable financial opportunities across the organisation, especially for young professionals and women.The Vedanta ESOP programme’s performance-linked structure recognises sustained contributions in areas critical to Vedanta’s future, including automation, digitalisation, AI-driven innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.

Vedanta is reshaping compensation norms in Indian manufacturing by placing equity ownership in the hands of engineers, young professionals, plant teams, and middle management, groups traditionally excluded from equity-linked rewards in many industries. This democratisation of wealth-creation reinforces the organisation’s belief that employees should directly benefit from the value they help build.

About Vedanta Limited

Vedanta Group is a global leader in critical minerals, metals, energy, and technology, with operations spanning India, South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. As the world’s largest integrated producer of zinc, the fourth-largest global producer of silver, and one of the top producers of aluminium globally, Vedanta plays a pivotal role in the global supply of essential materials for the energy transition. The Company is also India’s only private oil and gas producer and one of the largest private power producers. A global ESG champion, Vedanta is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Through its transformative social impact initiatives, the company has improved the lives of millions of people in underserved regions. For more information, please visit www.vedantalimited.com.

TVS Motor Ignites Landmark Second Year At Rann Utsav, Powering India’s Experiential Tourism Through Motorcycling

Five bespoke custom motorcycles interpret the landscapes and cultures of the Rann of Kutch

Community rides and motorsports experiences reinforce Rann Utsav, Gujarat as a must-visit experiential destination

Over 100 Riders from TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG) and TVS Ronin CuLT (Culture, Lifestyle, and Travel) Community Undertake First-Ever West Chapter Ride to the Rann

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a leading global manufacturer in two and three-wheeler segment, is pioneering a new era of experiential tourism by curating motorcycling-led adventures to unlock India's most iconic destinations. In its landmark second year at Rann Utsav, Gujarat, TVSM positions the Rann of Kutch as a must-visit global festival, drawing riders from across India and overseas to experience the vast white expanse of the Rann, the iconic ‘Road to Heaven’, and its starlit desert skies.

Building on its maiden association with the festival last year, this edition saw over 100 motorcycle enthusiasts, including riders from countries such as Italy and Mexico, explore the white salt plains over two days through community rides, bespoke custom motorcycles, and motorsports showcases. The growing scale of participation underscores Rann Utsav’s evolution into a motorcycling-led experiential tourism destination.

Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat said, “The Rann Utsav continues to redefine how destinations can be experienced, blending culture, landscape, and innovation in meaningful ways. The growing participation of riders and communities this year demonstrates how initiatives like this expand the appeal of the Rann of Kutch beyond traditional tourism formats. Collaborations with industry leaders such as TVS Motor Company help strengthen India’s experiential tourism narrative, positioning the Rann of Kutch as a destination that resonates not only nationally, but globally.”

Against this broader vision of positioning India’s destinations globally, Rann Utsav has emerged as a powerful example of how culture, landscape and contemporary experiences can come together to create sustained tourism appeal.

“The Rann of Kutch stands as one of India’s most remarkable expressions of culture and heritage. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s long-standing vision and encouragement to promote India’s destinations, and experiential tourism has been a strong source of inspiration for TVS Motor. It is an honour to take this vision to the next level by pioneering motorcycling-led adventures that position India’s treasures on the global tourism map,” said Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company.

West Chapter Ride with TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG) and TVS Ronin CuLT Community Brings Over 100 Riders to the Rann

The first-ever West Chapter ride of the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG) and TVS Ronin CuLT community brought together more than 100 participants from Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. The long-distance ride reinforced the Rann as a destination best experienced on two-wheels, combining highways, rural routes, and the vast salt desert landscape into a shared journey of exploration.

TVS Premium Arena Showcases Performance DNA And Motorsports Experiences

The TVS Premium Arena came alive as a high-energy showcase of performance, motorsports, and product versatility. The zone spotlighted TVS Racing’s legacy alongside TVS Apache’s performance DNA and the CuLT imagery of the TVS Ronin through dynamic displays of motorcycles, race machines, accessories, and merchandise.

Motorsports and riding experiences formed a key pillar of engagement, including:

TVS Apache Pro Performance stunt showcases

TVS Ronin Drift-R flat track training and customer experiences

TVS Racing FMX showcases

TVS Apache RTX adventure training and experiences

An exclusive Women’s Drift-R Championships

Rann Utsav Custom Series Brings Together Design, Craft And Exploration-Inspired Engineering

At the heart of the collaboration was the TVS Rann Utsav Custom Series, a curated set of five bespoke motorcycles conceived as cultural interpretations of the Rann of Kutch. Drawing from the region’s vast salt flats, dramatic skies, star-filled nights, and living craft traditions, the series translates landscape and heritage into form, colour, and purpose.

Four motorcycles - TVS Ronin, TVS Apache RTR 200, TVS Apache RTR 310, and TVS Apache RR 310 were reimagined as part of “The Rann of Kutch Edition – A Symphony of Salt and Sky.” Developed in collaboration with Eimor Customs, the hand-painted designs reflect the striking contrast of the Great Rann, where ever-changing skies meet endless white salt plains. A posterised colour language, meticulously applied as fine art across key body panels, is complemented by bespoke laser-cut stainless-steel badges marking each motorcycle as part of this limited series.

Completing the collection is a specially modified TVS Ronin, built around the theme “Unscripted Exploration.” Inspired by the terrain and spirit of the Rann, the motorcycle features dual-purpose tyres, a custom-modified front mudguard, and a reinforced rear rack with modular luggage. Ajrak-inspired leather accessories and camel-toned hand-stitched elements pay tribute to local heritage, while a Sky Blue to Salt White gradient finish captures the quiet transition of dawn over the salt desert.

Second Edition Reinforces A Long-Term Experiential Vision

By returning to the Rann of Kutch for a second consecutive year, TVS Motor reaffirms its intent to build a long-term experiential platform with Gujarat Tourism, one that brings together performance, community, design, and culture to showcase India’s landscapes through a distinctive rider-led lens. The collaboration extends a national invitation to riders to #ExploreTheUnexploredRann, discovering the region through exploration, creativity, and the joy of motorcycling.