Category Archives: Business & Economy

Bilal Mir’s Solar Car ‘RAY’ Set for Launch in Srinagar

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Photo Credit: Basit Zargar

Srinagar:

After three years of relentless efforts, mathematics teacher Bilal Ahmad Mir is set to launch his solar-powered car, RAY, revolutionizing eco-friendly transportation. The much-anticipated vehicle will hit the roads on Monday, February 10, marking a significant step in clean energy innovation.

Mir, who entirely self-funded his project with an investment of ₹20-22 lakh, embarked on this journey in 2022. He extensively studied automobile designs from the 1950s to modern-day luxury cars, incorporating cutting-edge technological advancements into his solar vehicle. His research, published in six countries, has earned him the moniker ‘Elon Musk of Kashmir’.

The RAY solar car boasts a 1 kW solar-powered engine, a high-tech Battery Management System (BMS), and autonomous parking sensors. Its gull-wing doors, embedded with solar panels, enhance both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Unlike traditional electric cars that require sunlight for charging, RAY can charge itself even in cloudy or snowy conditions.

Mir initially caught the attention of Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, but a potential collaboration fell through due to technical constraints. Despite this, Mir remains optimistic about his prospects in the global market.

While Indian manufacturers are producing electric vehicles, Mir believes his solar innovation faces no domestic competition. Instead, he aims to compete with international firms like Lightyear and Aptera Motors, both pioneers in solar-powered vehicles. His research continues to receive global recognition, further strengthening his reputation in the field.

The prototype of RAY was developed by modifying a 1988 Nissan Micra, a process that took Mir 13 years of dedication. The car, which features a dual power system—solar energy and a rechargeable battery—will officially launch on February 10 and is expected to hit the roads by June 2025. However, Mir remains tight-lipped about future production plans.

As the world shifts toward sustainable solutions, Bilal Mir’s innovative solar car serves as an inspiration for India’s clean-energy future.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation / by Radiance News Bureau / February 11th, 2025

Grand inauguration of ‘Beary Mela-2025’ in Dubai

KARNATAKA / Dubai, U.A.E :

Dubai: 

The ‘Beary Mela-2025’ was inaugurated in a grand ceremony at the Etisalat Academy Ground on Sunday.

Organised under the aegis of the UAE Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), the event was inaugurated by S.M. Rasheed Haji, President of the Mangaluru Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), who extended his best wishes.

Speaking as the chief guest, Zakariya Jokatte, CEO of Al Muzain in Saudi Arabia, stated that the Beary community is known for its peaceful and harmonious nature. He emphasised the importance of preserving the community’s culture and continuing initiatives that benefit the community.

During the event, he announced that the next Beary Mela would be organised in Saudi Arabia after the Eid celebrations in 2026.

Hidayath Addoor, President of the UAE chapter of BCCI, delivered the presidential address.

Other dignitaries present included Umar U.H., President of Beary Sahitya Academy, Golthmajalu Razak Haji, Badruddin, Imtiyaz, and Ronald Martis.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 09th, 2025

Indian Nawayath Forum elects new office bearers for 2025-2028 term

KARNATAKA :

Mangalore:

The Indian Nawayath Forum (INF) has appointed its new office bearers for the term 2025-2028, with Aftab Kola assuming the role of President. Hashim Mohtesham (Barni) and Fayyaz Mohtesham have been named as the first and second Vice Presidents, respectively.

Adil Nagarmat has been entrusted with the responsibilities of General Secretary, while Gufran Lanka will serve as Secretary. The forum’s financial management will be overseen by Treasurer Ummer Khalifa, and Faizan Lanka has been designated as the Internal Auditor.

The Indian Nawayath Forum, a prominent organization working for the upliftment and welfare of the society, plays a crucial role in social, educational, and cultural initiatives. With a strong commitment to community development, the newly appointed team aims to carry forward the organization’s objectives and address various issues concerning the Nawayath people.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 10th, 2025

High on herbs

Dehradun / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Meraj Manal is taking ayurveda places.

He can afford to hand out fistfuls of Liv.52 to anyone feeling liverish, although he would prefer to sell the pill. As Meraj Manal says, one Liv.52 is bought every second somewhere in the world. The only ayurveda pill among the 12 bestselling medications in India, Liv.52 has powered its manufacturer The Himalaya Drug Co into the ranks of Big Pharma in India.

But ask Manal to sell a slice of his privately-held company and you are shown the door. Many consumer care companies have tried to acquire a stake in Bangalore-based Himalaya. Dealmakers know it is not up for sale, but they do not give up hope or stop making bids.

Why should they? Himalaya, started by Manal’s father, the late M. Manal, in 1930 to make herbal tablets in the Himalayan town of Dehradun, is today an established brand in over 70 countries with about 160 products – 66 in pharma, 63 in personal care, nine in baby care and 22 in animal care.

After India, its three top markets are West Asia, Russia and the CIS, and South East Asia. In 1999, Himalaya took its personal care range into global markets, piggybacking the equity of its pharma products.

Figures are not available, but Manal says turnover has crossed Rs 1,000 crore on the back of Liv.52, some similar pills and the personal care products. “Liv.52 is one of the biggest successes of my father,” says Manal, Chairman of Himalaya Global Holdings, which owns the nine operating subsidiaries in different regions.

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I get 3 or 4 offers a year: Meraj Manal

Meraj Manal, 62, has always let his business heads to do the talking. In a rare interview with BT’s K.R. Balasubramanyam, he explains why he does not want outside investments, and why values count more than profits. Edited excerpts

How did your father get into the herbal medicine business?
My father spent his lifetime gathering knowledge about traditional household remedies, standardising them, testing them for safety and efficacy and demonstrating them to doctors. He was the first who thought of producing herbal medicines in tablet form so doctors can prescribe them… Whenever he heard about a remedy, he would jot it down on a plain card to work on them later. We have tens of thousands of such cards stored in boxes. Our toothpaste is a product from one such card scribbled 40 years ago.

Why are you still not a public company?
I don’t want a rupee from anyone other than the bank, because it is difficult to explain what we do to a shareholder. Can I accept outside investments and allow these cards (pointing to the stacks of his father’s cards) to disappear? Our whole philosophy, our value system is so different, how do I explain this to investors? All my children – four daughters and three sons – think so.

Do you get offers?
I receive three or four offers a year. Multinationals have spoken to me and one of them even said we are the nugget of the herbal industry. If I accept these offers and put that money in a bank, I would no doubt get millions every month… What will I do with that money? I don’t want the liability of someone else’s money with me, big or small. Once you accept outside investment, they will start advising us on things like cutting the number of curries in the lunch at our canteen… or the staff transport. They will ask us why you are doing this and that. There is no “why” here. This is how it is. Since we are closely held, I have the luxury to say profits are not everything.

How much of your revenues goes into R&D?
In this company, there is no limit on expenses on R&D. That is the only division without a budget. These (pointing to the cards) have to be converted into products.

How are you professionalising the company?
As you grow, you need people who know more than you do. You cannot reach the next step unless you professionalise…. We will reserve the holding company for family members and the subsidiaries will have only professionals. We have separated ownership from management. Family members will be responsible for nurturing our value system. I don’t want family members on the business side. If they have energy, they are free to go out and pursue their interests.

So a family member becomes part of the holding company by default?
Admission is not by default. They must have something to contribute….My son heads the US business, and not because he is my son, but because he is a professional who knows the US market the best. He is doing remarkably well.

What about this Deputy Chairman’s post?
I created the post two years ago and appointed Ravi Prasad for a very special reason. To send a strong message that the operational head does not have to be a Manal. People were astonished and are happy about the decision. Like any CEO of any other region, my son too reports to Ravi. (Ravi Prasad was elevated as Executive Chairman in October. He leads the global management team.)

Are you satisfied with your growth?
The growth we have had is more than satisfactory. If I want more than that, then we are greedy. We crossed Rs 1,000 crore in revenues last year. I don’t know much about finances. Professionals handle that. I just sign on the papers. …When I joined the business in 1965, the revenues were Rs 40 lakh…. The way we are growing in North and South America tells me that 20 years from now, they could possibly be our largest markets by volume.

Where is Himalaya headed?
We will never move from our core competence. I am not for diversifying. I am not a person who can do other things. Opportunities for growth are unlimited and there is no real need to diversify. Our global operations have taught us many things. The country does not matter. As long as there are homes with people, we will go there.

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Research backbone
Although Himalaya’s reliance on Liv.52 has come down after both its new as well as old pharma products picked up steam in the market, and it launched personal care products, it all began with this blockbuster, whose recipe was among the many jotted down by Manal’s father on a card.

(Himalaya’s future lies in thousands of similar cards with notes that are stacked in boxes in Manal’s room.) The 52nd formula was a hit. Manal senior’s aim had been to make herbal remedies available in tablet form, scientifically tested for efficacy, identified by name and prescribed by doctors. The passion for research continues.

Ravi Prasad

Himalaya has raised its research, development and manufacturing standards so that its products clear regulatory hurdles abroad. “Apart from ayurvedic institutions, we also do clinical trials in leading allopathic institutions both in India and abroad,” says Ravi Prasad, Executive Chairman of Himalaya Drug Company, who leads the team of professionals worldwide.

“The regulatory picture is not clear in many countries and in some countries our standards have been recognised as the benchmark,” he says. Himalaya’s R&D facility, he says, is one of the biggest for an ayurveda manufacturer, with about 120 multidisciplinary scientists. As Manal proudly declares, R&D is the “backbone” of the company.

Himalaya knows the key to growth lies in its ability to create more patents. The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted it patents for its sunscreen, under-eye cream, laxative, sedative, immunestimulant, anti-acne range and hairloss cream, and 76 applications are pending. It has just released in the US markets a new type of tablet in which the binders are also derived from herbs. “No company has done this before, and we have filed for a process patent,” says Ravi Prasad. Until the 1990s, Himalaya’s portfolio had only pharma remedies. It entered the equally lucrative consumer care market with some 20 products under the Ayurvedic Concepts range in 2001. Two years later, it created the umbrella brand Himalaya Herbal Healthcare. It also began opening exclusive outlets: there are 130 shops in India and 25 in Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa and the Cayman Islands.

Dream run
According to Ravi Prasad, Himalaya’s personal care products are growing much faster globally than pharma products, because pharma faces tough regulations in some countries. As of now, Himalaya gets 58 per cent of its revenues from pharma products, but that seems set to change. Saket Gore, Business Head of the consumer products division, says: “Today, we are the market leaders in face washes in the UAE, India and Malaysia.”

According to The Nielsen Co figures for April-June 2010, Himalaya face washes had a 17.8 per cent market share in India, less than two percentage points behind multinationals Hindustan Unilever Ltd and L’Oreal. Himalaya’s individual products also face competition from firms that are strong in one or just a few products, such as Colgate in toothpaste and Fair & Lovely in face masks. Doctors have been Himalaya’s biggest brand ambassadors in pharmaceuticals.

Philipe Haydon, President & CEO for pharmaceuticals, says Himalaya is in touch with about 3.75 lakh doctors and reaches 94 per cent of pharma retailers. “We are the modern face of ayurveda in India and our medical representatives promote products with scientific detailing,” says Haydon, who is also the CEO of the Asia Pacific region. In ayurveda retail, Himalaya competes with the likes of Dabur, Charak, and Baidyanath

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Odd man out
In a crowd of allopathy

RankDrug/ Company
1 Corex/ Pfizer
2 Phensedyl / Nicholas Piramal
3 Voveran/ Novartis
4 Augmentin/ GSK
5 Human Mixtard/ Abbott
6 Revital/ Ranbaxy
7 Dexorange/ Franco-Indian
8 Zifi/ FDC
9 Monocef/ Aristo Pharma
10 Becosules/ Pfizer
11 Taxim/ Alkem
12 Liv. 52/ Himalaya

Source: Indian Pharmaceutical Market rankings based on Org SSA report / Aug 2010

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Internationally, consumer care and pharma contribute equally to revenues. “In 20 years from now, North and South America could possibly be our largest markets by volume. They are very big on herbal medicine,” says Manal. These markets are headed by his son Nabeel, 36.

The Prognosis
Industry observers believe that while Himalaya has built a cult in Liv.52, it needs more such blockbusters to make up for its low-key marketing and a distribution network weaker than that of rivals such as Dabur India.

“Today, the brand Himalaya is recognised and closely associated as a natural remedy, but on the personal-care front it sends out no cues to a consumer. This is important in the FMCG category where it competes with many others,” observes Kannan Sitaram, a former chief operating officer of Dabur.

Analysts say that opening shop-in-shops and branded stores is a good strategy. “But brandbuilding investments are required so that consumers will walk into a shop only for the Himalaya display. Also, being positioned as a mass brand, it needs greater presence and investment in distribution,” says Sitaram. But the company has to figure out if its returns are justified. “After all, rentals are going up,” he says.

In pharma, Himalaya is stronger. “It has very sharply- positioned products for the eyes, liver, bones and so on. It is also present in areas that are not crowded. Besides, it spends huge sums on R&D and can compete with some of the best pharma companies in India,” says R.B. Smarta, Managing Director, Interlink Marketing Consultancy.

This also gives it an edge in global markets, where the demand for natural, ayurvedic and herbal remedies is growing. “They have very precise and extensive documentation on each of their ingredients, that can withstand the rigor of clinical trials. Their patents also stand them in good stead,” says Smarta.

By buying raw materials directly from growers, collectors and nongovernmental organisations, Himalaya keeps costs under control. Recently, it signed an agreement with the Sikkim government to prepare farmers in organic farming of herbs and sustainable collection. In September, Himalaya, along with a few others, came under fire from the Centre for Science and Environment or CSE, which claimed that Himalaya’s honey contained antibiotics beyond the stipulated standards. Ravi Prasad denies the charge. “The same batch was tested at three independent laboratories and none found any trace of antibiotics.

Our technical team will soon meet the CSE with these findings and seek its comments,” he says.

No entry
Manal does not run day-to-day affairs and has professionalised the company by elevating Ravi Prasad as the executive head, so that his father’s legacy grows independent of the family. “My father’s life’s mission was to help people and we will move in his footsteps,” says Manal, who follows the modest example set by his father. (In September, when Ravi Prasad called on Manal at his apartment in Dubai, the chairman travelled with him to Himalaya’s office in the Metro and then took a bus to attend another meeting.)

Of Manal’s seven children, only Nabeel works for the company. Two daughters are married and homemakers, and the other two daughters and a son are still studying. One son works in the financial sector in the US. Manal is content with bank funding, and proud of his 40-yearold relationship with Union Bank of India. In turn, M.V. Nair, the bank’s Chairman and Managing Director, says its long relationship with Himalaya is a wonderful example of a banker- entrepreneur growth story.

Himayala’s requirement of funds depends on projects. It borrowed Rs 100 crore two years ago from the bank to make its manufacturing unit in Bangalore compliant with European and American standards.

Dealmakers and investment bankers are not put off by Manal’s “No Entry” board. Recently a personal-care multinational contacted Bangalore’s Viedea Capital Advisors, looking for a sizeable stake in Himalaya. Deepak Srinath, cofounder of Viedea, says: “The management did not entertain any conversation on the subject.”

Himalaya, Srinath says, is a dream mandate for any investment banker because it has all the ingredients that a PE or strategic investor looks for – a highly credible brand name, an impressive product portfolio, a professional management and profitability.

“Also, the promoters have a reputation for being ethical,” says Srinath. According to the India head of an American PE firm, Himalaya is an ideal target since its capex needs are not large and can be met by internal accruals and bank funding. Such companies usually give robust returns.

But Manal is focused on different things: “The scope for growth is unlimited. As long as there are homes with people, that family is our customer. We don’t recognise borders.”

With inputs by Shamni Pande

source: http://www.businesstoday.in / Business Today.in / Home> News> BT Magazine> Features / by K R Balasubramanyam / Print edition / November 28th, 2010

American Specialty Foods Co wins prestigious Westford Award for Business Excellence

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA/ Maryland, U.S.A / Dubai, U.A.E :

Dubai: 

American Specialty Foods Co has been honored with the prestigious Westford Award for Business Excellence in the Food & Beverage category. The award was presented at a grand ceremony held at Madinat Jumeirah, Mina Al Salam, Dubai, on January 24, 2025.

The award was received by the company’s Founder and CEO, Hany M. Haneef, along with Co-founder and Director, Shahanaz Haneef. Expressing his gratitude, Haneef stated, “I am truly honored to receive this award. It belongs to our incredible team, partners, and supporters. Success is built on dedication, teamwork, and excellence. This is just the beginning; there is so much more ahead.”

Established in 2013, American Specialty Foods Co has grown into a leading provider of premium global food solutions. Headquartered in Maryland, USA, the company also has offices in New York, Mexico, the UK, and the UAE. With a distribution network spanning over 50 countries, the company offers more than 20 specialty food categories and actively participates in major international food trade events worldwide.

The Westford Awards recognize outstanding business achievements across various industries, providing winners with greater visibility and networking opportunities. “This recognition further cements American Specialty Foods Co’s position as a leader in the specialty food and beverage sector,” a statement from the company added.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / January 31st, 2025

Nuruddin wins accolades for designing Science Fair of Assam Sahitya Sabha

ASSAM :

Nuruddin Ahmed standing in front of the arch of Science Fair

Two decades ago, Nuruddin Ahmed created a stir by bringing the sinking of the Titanic to life on stage in live theatre.

Over the years, he has also brought to life the 5,000-year-old Maya civilization and Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandava kingdom from the Mahabharata, in Durga Puja mandaps.

A National Award-winning sculptor and art director, Ahmed is currently leading the Pathsala session of the Assam Sahitya Sabha. He has previously made headlines for displaying models of iconic structures like the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, and the Great Wall of China during Durga Puja.

Nuruddin Ahmed played a significant role in organising the 77th Pathsala session of the Assam Sahitya Sabha. The first-ever Science Fair held on the Sahitya Sabha grounds from January 31 to February 4 attracted lakhs of visitors from across India and abroad.

For those unfamiliar, the Assam Sahitya Sabha is a key guardian of Assam’s cultural and literary heritage, playing a vital role in promoting the language, culture, literature, and dignity of the northeastern state.

A scene inside the Science Fair

The organization, founded in 1917 by pioneers like Padmanath Gohanibarua and Sarat Chandra Goswami, is celebrating its 108th year by hosting a science fair alongside its literary activities for the first time.

In an interview with Awaz-the Voice, Assam, Nuruddin Ahmed shared that, while he has been involved in sculpture and art direction for decades, this is his first time organizing such a large-scale science fair.

“I have organized many science fairs and also worked with the Assam Science Technology & Environment Council. The Pathsala session of the Assam Sahitya Sabha features 21 departments related to science and technology,” he said. These include institutions such as the Indian Army, National Science Centre, Aryabhatta Science Centre, Oil Corporation of India, Numaligarh Oil Refinery, Assam Agricultural University, North Eastern Space Application Centre, Tezpur University, Gauhati University, and the Shipping Corporation of India.

“This initiative by the Assam Sahitya Sabha is a welcome move and will play a crucial role in fostering a scientific mindset among the youth,” said Nuruddin Ahmed, a Sangeet Natak Academy Award winner.

Science Fair at Pathsala

Nuruddin Ahmed has been designing arches for the venue of the Assam Sahitya Sabha sessions held in different parts of Assam for the past three decades. He was also closely involved during the 1987 session at Pathsala, Bajali district.

At that session, Nuruddin worked on the museum and archway. He is proud of his association with the Pathshala Sahitya Sabha session after 38 years and thanked the local MLA and Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass for this.

“I have a special passion for the Pathsala session. The Sahitya Sabha session was held here in 1987. “I am grateful to the welcoming committee president and Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass for giving me this opportunity this time”, Ahmed said. 

The art director told Awaz that he began decorating the venue on January 19 and completed the work by January 30 and handed it over to the management committee. A group of 16 artists collaborated to decorate the Science Fair for the public, with Nuruddin Ahmed’s two sons, Dwip and Raj Ahmed, also contributing to success of the event..

Nuruddin Ahmed, who has revived the traditional arches of temples and sculptures in various parts of Assam, has prepared the tableau of the state of Assam for several Republic Days.

Nuruddin Ahmed has been creating and painting idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses for many years. Despite facing challenges at the beginning, as idolatry is forbidden in Islam, his works are now embraced with love and reverence by both Hindus and Muslims.

The Pandal of Indian Army at the Science Fair

During the Sharadiya Durga Puja last year, Nuruddin Ahmed brought Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandava kingdom in the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata, to life. His creation received praise at the Athgaon Public Durga Puja Mandap in Guwahati. Indraprastha, which means “The city of Indra,” is believed to have been located in the area where present-day New Delhi stands.

The Assam Sahitya Sabha is the guardian of Assam’s cultural and literary heritage. It has played a great role in promoting the language, culture, literature and dignity of the North Eastern Space Application Centre.

The organization was founded in 1917 by pioneers like Padmanath Gohanibarua and Sarat Chandra Goswami. In its 108th year for the first time a science fair is being organized along side literary activities.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mukut Sharma, Guwahati / February 05th, 2025

India’s Top Muslim Business Tycoons: Shaping the Nation’s Global Prestige

INDIA :

From technology to hospitality, Muslim businessmen are raising India’s stature on the global stage

New Delhi :

In the ever-evolving world of business, several prominent figures are not just shaping the Indian economy but also placing the country on the global map. Among them, six Muslim businessmen stand out, with their remarkable ventures spanning across various sectors, such as technology, healthcare, retail, and hospitality. These influential entrepreneurs are enhancing India’s image worldwide, further solidifying its position in the global business arena.

Azim Premji – The Tech Magnate Azim Premji, often regarded as the richest Muslim businessman in India, has played a pivotal role in the growth of India’s technology sector. As the chairman of Wipro, one of the country’s largest IT companies, Premji’s leadership has helped the company expand its reach across various international markets. His contributions extend beyond the business world as well. “India’s rise in the global tech landscape is closely tied to Wipro’s innovation and excellence,” said Premji. Through Wipro, Premji has established himself as a philanthropist, with substantial donations to charitable causes.

Meraj Manal – The Herbal Business Visionary Meraj Manal, the driving force behind the success of ‘Himalaya,’ India’s prominent herbal company, is known for his dedication to promoting natural wellness. His business expertise has helped Himalaya expand into a globally recognised brand, selling products in over 90 countries. Manal attributes his success to innovation and a commitment to quality. “We’re not just selling products; we’re selling a way of life,” he shared. His continued success has played an essential role in reinforcing the global appeal of Indian herbal and natural products.

Rafiq Malik – Footwear Industry Leader Rafiq Malik, founder and owner of ‘Metro,’ one of India’s leading footwear brands, has seen significant international growth. His entrepreneurial vision has positioned Metro as a key player in the retail space, both in India and abroad. Under his leadership, Metro has expanded its footprint, contributing to the growing demand for Indian brands in global markets. “Metro is about more than just shoes; it’s about delivering quality and style to every customer,” said Malik.

Yusuf Ali – Hospitality and Retail Mogul Yusuf Ali, owner of ‘Lulu,’ one of the largest retail chains and shopping malls in many world countries and in India, has firmly placed his mark in the retail and hospitality sectors. With Lulu Mall’s presence in multiple countries, his business is recognised globally. From large-scale shopping centres to luxury hotels, Yusuf Ali’s diverse portfolio is a testament to his entrepreneurial prowess. “Our mission is to provide an unparalleled shopping experience for our customers, no matter where they are,” Yusuf Ali explained.

Other Notable Names
While Premji, Manal, Malik, and Yusuf Ali are among the most prominent, several other Muslim businessmen are also contributing significantly to India’s economic growth. Their ventures span multiple industries, from healthcare to infrastructure, highlighting the diversity and dynamism of Muslim entrepreneurs in India.

These businessmen not only continue to lead successful ventures but also serve as role models for the younger generation, proving that entrepreneurship knows no bounds. Through their business acumen, these individuals are ensuring that India continues to grow as an economic powerhouse on the global stage.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editors Pick> India / by Team Clarion / December 07th, 2025

Three Malegaon Textile Park firms first to get Zed Certification in Malegaon

Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA :

Three textile manufacturers operating in Malegaon Textile Park Wednesday January 29, 2025 became the first from the City to apply for the Zed Certification.

Tarique Faizee and Zahid Faizee of Dilip Industries with MD Geete Infosis Ashwin Geete and President MIMA Aleem Faizee after taking oath of Zed Peldge Wednesday January 29, 2025. (Photo: ummid.com)

Malegaon :

Three textile manufacturers operating in Malegaon Textile Park Wednesday January 29, 2025 became the first from the City to apply for the Zed Certification.

The MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification is an extensive drive by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) to create awareness amongst the MSMEs about Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices, and motivate and incentivise them for ZED Certification.

Zed Workshop

Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA) and Geete Infosis India had joined hands to spearhead the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme in Malegaon and the neighboring districts.

Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA) has been instrumental in the establishment of the Textile Park in Malegaon and modernisation of the textile industry in the City whereas Geete Infosis is one of the leading Accredited Assessment Agencies working for the Zed Certification Scheme in different states of India including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

To create awareness about the Zed Certification Scheme, Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA) and Geete Infosis had with the support from the All India Momin Conference Malegaon and other organisations working for powerloom, plastic, and soap manufacturing sectors organized a workshop in the Textile City on January 28, 2025. The workshop was attended by all the leading industrialists and manufacturers of the City.

MIMA, Geete Infosis joint workshop on Zed Certification held in Malegaon on January 28, 2025. (Photo: ummid.com)

Zed Certification of three industries

Following the launch of the Zed Certification Scheme in Malegaon Tuesday, Ashwin Geete, Founder and Managing Director of Geete Infosis, led his team to formally start the necessary inspection of factories and manufacturing units running at Malegaon Textile Park in Sayane MIDC Area of the City.

“We conducted the necessary inspection of three textile industries as per the Ministry of MSME and Quality Council of India guidelines on Wednesday and registered them for Zed Certification”, he told ummid.com.

“They are Dilip Industries, Gold Coin Fabrics and Awaz Creation. These industries have registered for Zed Certificate Bronze – the basic and first level of the scheme”, he said.

Sajid Ghulam Jaffer of Gold Coin Fabrics and Aleem Faizee of Awaz Creation with MD Geete Infosis Ashwin Geete after taking oath of Zed Peldge Wednesday January 29, 2025. (Photo: ummid.com)

All the three are members of Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA) and operating at Malegaon Textile Park in Sayane MIDC area since 2014.

He further said that a team of 12 Zed Facilitators and Field Officers will start working in Malegaon from February 01, 2025 in order to bring more industries and manufacturers under the Zed Certification Scheme.

Zed Pledge

As a first step to enroll for the Zed Certification, the three industrialists of Malegaon Textile Park were administered the oath of “Zed Pledge” as the Ministry of MSME and Quality Council of India guidelines for the guidelines. The Zed Pledge said:

“We undertake to conform to the values of Zero Defect Zero Effect in our enterprise and ensure that our processes shall be environmentally sound and socially responsible with safe and high quality products.

“We will give back, in every way we can, to our people, our community and to our planet”, the Zed Pledge reads.

Envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, the Zed Certification Scheme was launched in 2022. So far thousands of industries, including over 525,000 in Gujarat alone, have received the Zed Certificates.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Business & Economy / by ummid.com staff reporter / January 30th, 2025

Tahsildar of Humnabad Anjum Tabassum Honoured on National Voters’ Day

Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) / Humnabad (Bidar District), KARNATAKA :

Humnabad:

Anjum Tabassum, Tahsildar of Humnabad in Bidar district of Karnataka was presented with an award for her excellent performance as Assistant Electoral Registration Officer during Parliamentary elections 2024.

State governor Thawarchand Gehlot gave away the award to her on National Voters’ Day in Bengaluru on January 25.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to her outstanding efforts and dedication during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Her hard work has paid off, and this award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her commitment to ensuring free and fair election.

Anjum Tabassum Lashkari from Gulbarga cracked the Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) in 2014. She did her masters from Gulbarga University and had schooling earlier in Shahbad town.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / January 27th, 2025

Uppinangady’s Abdul Gaffar successfully transports 100 stingless bee colonies to Gujarat

Uppinagady (Puttur Taluk, Dakshina Kannada Distric), KARNATAKA :

Puttur :

In a significant achievement, Abdul Gaffar, a resident of Berikey House, Nekkilady, Uppinangady, has successfully transported 100 stingless bee colonies along with bees to Gujarat. The transportation was carried out via train from Mangaluru to Gujarat, passing through Bengaluru.

A Gulf returnee, Gaffar initially took up beekeeping as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his passion soon turned into a full-time profession. He attributes his success to the guidance of Manmohan Arambya, who directed him to RUDSETI Ujire for scientific training in beekeeping.

Today, Gaffar manages an extensive collection of bee colonies, including 2,000 stingless bee colonies, 500 cerana bee colonies, and 10 white stingless bee colonies, known as Lisotrigona.

Notably, he is the only beekeeper in Karnataka to own Lisotrigona colonies. As part of his contribution to research, he has also donated one Lisotrigona colony to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru.

Gaffar has expanded his work beyond beekeeping. He now deals in high-quality honey, bee pollen, beeswax, bee comb, and bee propolis. Additionally, he has designed innovative beehives tailored for stingless bees, making beekeeping more accessible and efficient. With the increasing demand for stingless bee colonies due to their medicinal benefits, his work has gained widespread recognition.

Acknowledging his journey, Gaffar expressed gratitude to his mentor Manmohan Arambya, RUDSETI Ujire, and senior researchers from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru—Dr Shashidhar and Dr K T Vijayakumar—for their unwavering support and guidance.

His remarkable success stands as an inspiration, highlighting the potential of beekeeping as a promising profession and contributing to the preservation of these essential pollinators.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / January 29th, 2025