Kishangarh, Jan 20: There was a time when luxury in Indian interiors announced itself through gloss, reflection, and visual excess. Today, that language feels increasingly out of step with how spaces are designed, lived in, and valued. In its place, a quieter and more grounded idea of luxury is emerging—one rooted in material integrity rather than surface spectacle.

The new Indian luxury does not seek attention. It holds space.

From Surface Appeal to Lasting Substance

Across contemporary Indian homes and hospitality projects, designers are gravitating toward materials that feel calm, stable, and enduring. Finishes chosen to impress at first glance are giving way to surfaces that age gracefully and support long-term living.

This shift signals a deeper design maturity. Luxury is no longer defined by how quickly a space dazzles, but by how naturally it integrates into everyday life. Materials are selected for their ability to soften light, anchor architecture, and create visual continuity rather than momentary impact.

Why Shine Is Losing Its Allure

Highly reflective finishes once symbolised refinement. Today, they often feel visually restless—particularly in Indian interiors, where abundant natural light reveals their glare throughout the day. What once felt opulent can now feel overwhelming.

Subtler textures, warmer tones, and solid materials offer a more composed alternative. They allow proportion, scale, and architectural intent to lead, creating spaces that feel considered rather than performative.

Stone and the Language of Quiet Luxury

Natural stone has become central to this evolving aesthetic. Its weight, permanence, and tactile presence introduce a sense of reassurance that trend-driven materials struggle to replicate. Rather than dominating a space, stone establishes a steady visual rhythm—one that supports rather than competes with design.

This philosophy is reflected in the approach of Tilak Marbles, where collections are curated with architectural longevity in mind. Warm-toned marbles, restrained veining, and balanced surfaces are designed to integrate seamlessly into spaces instead of defining them overtly.

Commenting on this shift, Mr. Praveen Gangwal, Founder of Tilak Marbles, notes:

“Luxury today is less about immediate impact and more about how a space feels over time. Solid, understated materials bring a sense of calm that shiny surfaces often cannot sustain.”

He adds:

“When materials are honest and well chosen, they don’t need embellishment. They allow design to mature naturally, alongside the people who live with it.”

Silence as a Design Value

Silence in interiors is not emptiness—it is clarity. It reflects the intentional removal of excess so that material quality, light, and proportion can be fully experienced. Quiet luxury favours coherence over contrast, and depth over display.

Warm, grounded palettes support this philosophy by creating environments that feel emotionally steady. They invite touch, respond gently to light, and remain visually calm even as the space evolves over time.

A More Enduring Definition of Luxury

The new Indian luxury is defined not by shine, but by confidence. It values materials that endure, spaces that feel settled, and design decisions that do not demand constant reinforcement.

Subtle.
Solid.
Silent.

In this emerging design language, luxury is no longer something that announces itself. It is something that stays.

Bengaluru, Jan  20: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, continues to invest in and strengthen its compliance governance framework to ensure fairness, authenticity, and trust across the platform. These systems are designed to operate with consistent standards, internal control, and audit-ready processes across the organisation. This proactive, layered approach is critical for governing a marketplace with millions of listings and over 1.4 million sellers. By combining sophisticated technology, structured human oversight, and formalized compliance policies, Flipkart maintains a trusted, well-governed environment, enabling genuine businesses to thrive and ensuring customers receive safe, quality products. 

Flipkart’s first line of defense is a standardized, risk-based onboarding and monitoring system designed to prevent non-compliant and fraudulent sellers from entering or operating on the platform.

Advanced Seller Vetting

New sellers onboarding with Flipkart are vetted using a risk-based model that moves beyond document submission. In addition to GSTIN and PAN checks, the onboarding system verifies the seller’s device, address, and pincode against historic fraud patterns using internal data models. All GST details undergo two-factor authentication, helping prevent misuse of credentials. These checks are further supported by fraud linkage analysis, ensuring that sellers with prior violations cannot re-enter the platform. 

Accountability & Real-Time Monitoring

Flipkart’s monitoring architecture pairs AI-led scale with human supervision and auditability, ensuring that automation is embedded within documented review processes, audit trails, and escalation protocols. The company’s real-time infringement scanning system identifies text and logo infringements on products using detection models, leading to manual validation and subsequent delisting of confirmed infringing items. Additionally, the Marketplace Quality Control team scans millions of listings monthly to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements. In addition to tech-based measures, Flipkart conducts on-ground seller inspections and geo-tagged address verification, including surprise audits of certain sellers for whom heightened observation is indicated.

To amplify vigilance across the ecosystem, Flipkart has also launched an internal employee campaign that enables employees to identify and report seller or consumer abuse patterns ranging from fake listings and multi-account misuse to return manipulation and promotional fraud.

Institutionalizing the Seller Compliance and Transparency Framework Across the Marketplace

Central to this framework is the institutionalization of transparency as a seller’s right of due process. At the point of onboarding, sellers receive a detailed compliance snapshot, including the mandatory ‘Seller Terms of Use’. Ongoing awareness is driven through monthly compliance flyers, pre-festive conclaves, theme-based webinars, compliance policy communication, and escalation-triggered communication. Sellers also have visibility into listing takedowns via reason codes on their dashboards, with the opportunity to contest claims with proof of authorization or purchase. The framework is governed through dedicated compliance, trust and safety, and marketplace risk teams with structured reporting to senior leadership.

Flipkart’s governance systems are focused on early interception rather than merely reactive takedowns. Between October 2024 and October 2025, more than 10 million listings were actioned for counterfeit or compliance policy violations at the source, and 13,000 sellers were removed from the platform. Furthermore, Flipkart’s ‘Brand Assure’ program empowers trademark-registered brand owners to flag non-authorised listings or sellers, with the Trust & Safety team reviewing reported incidents in real time. As of December 2025, the program has onboarded over 11,000 brands and helped them resolve thousands of infringement incidents, including brand name, copyright, design, and logo infringements. The initiative has contributed to a substantial reduction in customer-reported fakes for the onboarded brands. These actions are executed through documented enforcement protocols to ensure consistency, proportionality, and due process.

Sakait Chaudhary, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketplace at Flipkart, said,

“Fostering a trusted and compliant marketplace is fundamental to Flipkart’s operations. We continuously invest in a strong compliance framework, powered by tech-led risk detection and real-time monitoring. This proactive approach and a robust system allow us to remove friction for our genuine seller partners while ensuring our customers always access safe, quality products from verified sources. Strong marketplace governance is not just a trust imperative; it is core to building a resilient, scalable digital commerce platform over the long term.”

The company’s investment in this compliance ecosystem is core to its broader vision of building a resilient, transparent, and responsibly governed digital commerce platform.

For a deep-dive into how Flipkart strengthens trust and platform integrity, read this Q&A with SVP and Head of Marketplace, Sakait Chaudhary. He details Flipkart’s ‘Seller-First’ compliance philosophy and due diligence processes that help provide a fair ground for its seller partners and ensure a safe shopping experience for its customer

New Delhi, Jan 20: Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth announces the official selection for the 12th edition of the annual film festival scheduled to take place from Jan 28 till Feb 3, 2026 across several locations in India.

Smile Foundation, one of India’s leading development organisations, will host the 12th edition of the annual Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to India.

The theme of this year’s festival is Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, which is being celebrated in partnership with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

This year too, SIFFCY will be organised in a hybrid format, enabling the festival to reach a wider and more diverse young audience across the country. The key festival events, including the opening and award ceremonies, workshops, panel discussions and major premiers will take place at PHD House, New Delhi, from 28 to 31 January 2026. Simultaneously, multiple film screenings and associated activities will be conducted in numerous schools and communities across more than 100 locations nationwide.

In addition, a curated selection of programmes will be available on the festival’s secure, geo-blocked virtual platform, allowing audiences across India to engage with the festival throughout the week. This is a non-profit initiative that is entirely Free of Charge (Non-Ticketed) and fully accessible to all, on pre-registrations basis.

Official Selection 2026

Feature Films in Competition:

1. Elvis Starling by Boris Jurjaševič from Slovenia
2. The Crown Prince and the Return of the Tyrant by Tord Danielsson from Sweden
3. Stitch Head by Steve Hudson from Germany, Luxembourg
4. I Accidentally Wrote a Book by Nóra Lakos from Netherlands, Hungary
5. Grandpa, Let’s Go! By Olga Chajdas from Poland, Czech Republic
6. Bird of a Different Feather by Manohara K from India
7. The Prank by Benjamin Heisenberg from Germany, Switzerland
8. Dupki by Abhay Punjabi from India
9. The Treasurer and Secret of the Magic Silverpiece by Tomasz Jurkiewicz, Poland
10. Bear Cubs on the Green by Yin-Sheng Lin from Taiwan

Short Films in Competition:

1. Deva Aaj Pan Vhey by Amol Jadhav from India
2. Down in the Dumps by Vera Van Wolferen from the Netherlands
3. Martha and Mary by Verónica Ramírez from Mexico
4. Songs of Springs by Swaraj Priyo from India
5. Fly, bird, fly! By Rabeah Rahimi from Germany
6. To Fly by Mohsen Khademi from Iran
7. Hoofs on Skates by Ignas Meilūnas from Lithuania

Films nominated for Next-Gen Award (Films made by Students):

1. M.U.R.B.Y from Singapore
2. Malmequer em Flor from Portugal
3. The Ramune Soda Girl from Taiwan
4. Till the Sun Set from the United Kingdom
5. Yungay from Spain
6. Chitrit from India
7. The Lie of the Mountain God from China
8. Upya from India
9. Primitiv from Malaysia

This year, SIFFCY is highlighting Poland’s rich cinematic legacy by dedicating a special day as Poland Day, featuring multiple curated film sections and the presence of several guests from the country. The Netherlands is the Country of Focus for this edition. In addition, the festival will present a thoughtfully curated selection of films for young audiences from Germany, the Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Sweden and several other countries, offering Indian viewers a diverse and engaging international cinematic experience.

Santanu Mishra, SIFFCY Chairman, Producer of ‘I am Kalam’ and Co-founder of Smile Foundation says, “Childhood is a crucial and decisive phase of human life. The lessons we learn, the habits we make as children, it stays with us forever. Therefore, it is important that we sensitise our youngsters with a positive value system, early.” He adds, “Good cinema can play a crucial role in shaping the young minds, and can even help fight issues such as depression, loneliness, and aggression that children and young adults are getting prone to.”

The 12th edition of the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) will showcase over 150 films, including feature films, animation, short films, and documentaries created by professional filmmakers, children, and students from more than 35 countries. The films will be presented across five distinct sections: International Competition (feature and short films), 70MM Smile (World Panorama), The Yellow Carpet (Indian Showcase), Next-Gen (films by film students), and Take One (films made by children).

Festival Director, Jitendra Mishra who himself is a National award winning filmmaker and current president of CIFEJ says, “The 12th edition of SIFFCY celebrates inclusion and diversity through powerful global cinema. With multiple film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and inspiring international voices, we aim to engage, empower, and broaden young minds through shared stories—offering young audiences a truly global and transformative cultural experience.”

The festival will also host several prestigious awards, including the ECFA Award (European Children’s Film Association), the CIFEJ Award (formed under UNESCO), and the Film Critics Circle of India (FCCI) Award.

Six distinguished jury panels, comprising acclaimed filmmakers, educators, programmers, critics, and industry leaders from over 20 countries, have been constituted to evaluate films across the various competitive sections. In addition, more than 100 young participants from over 30 countries will join online to judge the short films as part of the festival’s Young Jury Programme this year.

SIFFCY is an initiative by Smile Foundation to entertain, engage, educate and empower young minds. It is based on a strong belief that good cinema represents much more than entertainment; rather this is the most powerful medium to depict the reality and emulate values.

Inspired by the grandeur of weddings and the timeless grace of refined style, LANGUAGE® unveils its distinguished men’s wedding collection. Each piece in this line is crafted to complement life’s most celebrated moments where sophistication meets sentiment, and every step reflects confidence and class.

Leading the collection is the Stellan Monk, a statement shoe that brings together meticulous hand-painted artistry and classic brogue detailing, perfect for the groom who values individuality and elegance. The Kent Loafer captures effortless charm with its glossy finish and refined apron, offering a versatile silhouette that transitions seamlessly from traditional ceremonies to evening receptions. Completing the trio, the Santino Loafer combines soft premium leather with understated sophistication, making it an ideal choice for pre-wedding events, sangeets, and cocktail evenings.

Each design in this collection goes beyond footwear; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and comfort. LANGUAGE® believes that true luxury lies in harmony: the balance of superior leather, modern design, and enduring comfort. Perfectly suited for weddings and grand occasions, these styles embody classic refinement with a contemporary touch, ensuring men look and feel their best through every cherished moment.

This wedding season, let LANGUAGE® accompany you on your journey of elegance and celebration. The collection is now available at LANGUAGE® stores in Chennai, Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai, Chandigarh, Indore, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Sangrur, Barnala, Dubai, and across 250+ multi-brand retailers nationwide.

Findability Sciences announced that the Global Sugar AI Summit 2026 will be held on February 8, 2026, in Baramati, Maharashtra. Co-hosted by Agriculture Development Trust Baramati, Pantaleon Sugar Holdings, and UPCSC (University/Platform for Collaborative Sugarcane Science), and supported by sponsors Stomata Labs and Urja Bio Systems, the Summit will convene sugar producers, agritech innovators, policymakers and practitioners to accelerate practical, outcome-driven AI adoption across the sugar value chain.

India remains one of the world’s largest sugar producers, yet key growing regions—including parts of Marathwada—continue to face challenges such as water scarcity, climate variability and operational inefficiencies. Applied artificial intelligence offers powerful solutions to these challenges by helping farmers and mill operators improve yields, optimise water and input usage, enhance irrigation planning and strengthen mill-level operations. These gains contribute directly to rural economic resilience, sustainability and improved livelihoods across sugarcane-producing districts.

“At a time when agricultural communities are navigating increasing climate uncertainty and market complexity, the Global Sugar AI Summit is focused on real-world impact,” said Anand Mahurkar, Founder & CEO, Findability Sciences. “The Summit connects advanced AI capabilities with the everyday realities of farmers and mill leaders—enabling better decision-making, higher productivity, stronger sustainability and long-term rural prosperity.”

Summit Focus Areas

The Global Sugar AI Summit 2026 will feature actionable insights and practical frameworks designed to deliver measurable value:

• Real-World AI Case Studies: Demonstrations of AI improving crop yield, water efficiency, input optimisation and mill operations

• Collaborative Roundtables: Practitioner-led discussions among farmers, mill managers, agronomists and technology partners on challenges, lessons learned and scalable best practices

• Operational Frameworks: Practical guidance on data readiness, governance, organisational change and implementation strategies to move AI beyond pilot projects

• Ecosystem Conversations: Strategic dialogues involving government bodies, industry leaders, research institutions, co-hosts and sponsors to foster coordinated innovation and adoption pathways

Advancing National Agricultural Priorities

Beyond the sugar sector, the Summit underscores AI’s broader impact on Indian agriculture—supporting water-use efficiency, climate resilience, supply chain strengthening, job creation and the adoption of next-generation agritech solutions. These outcomes align closely with national priorities to boost farm productivity, enhance sustainability and increase farmer incomes across rural India.

Co-Hosts & Sponsors

The Summit is co-hosted by Agriculture Development Trust Baramati, Pantaleon Sugar Holdings, and UPCSC, with sponsorship support from Stomata Labs and Urja Bio Systems, reflecting a strong collaborative commitment to advancing practical, AI-driven transformation in the sugar industry.

10.4 kgs Abdominal Tumour measuring 50 cms Successfully Removed from 80-year-old Woman at Fortis Escorts Okhla

New Delhi,  Jan 20: Doctors at Fortis Escorts Okhla, New Delhi, have accomplished a remarkable surgical feat: a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Archit Pandit, Director – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Escorts Okhla alongside Dr Vineet Goel ,Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Escorts Okhla, Dr Kushal Bairoliya, Consultant – Surgical Oncology & GI Surgery, Fortis Escorts Okhla and Dr Manju, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesia & Critical Care, Fortis Escorts Okhla, successfully removed an exceptionally large abdominal tumour from an 80-year-old woman. The tumour – a diagnosis of Liposarcoma, is a rare cancer originating in fatty tissues –  had grown aggressively, invading deeply into the patient’s abdomen. It compressed critical structures including the kidneys, colon, urinary bladder and uterus. Despite the patient’s advanced age, multiple co-morbidities and the extreme complexity of the surgery, the team carried out the resection successfully. The patient was discharged in stable condition just 12 days post the surgery, an outcome that highlights both the surgical team’s skill and the strength of the hospital’s multidisciplinary cancer-care programme.

The elderly lady was presented to Fortis Escorts Okhla, with significant abdominal distension – her abdomen had swollen so significantly that it resembled a pregnant pouch. Despite having sustained bloating and abdominal discomfort for over two years, she had been treated at other hospitals merely with anti-gas medications, and no advanced diagnostic imaging had been performed. On evaluation at Fortis Escorts Okhla, imaging revealed a massive tumour in her abdominal cavity. The mass was diagnosed as a Liposarcoma –  a rare malignant tumour of fatty tissue. The surgery required meticulous planning and cross‐specialty coordination. During the surgery, the doctors painstakingly separated the tumour from adjacent organs, preserving the functional integrity of compressed kidneys and intestines, despite the extreme size and complexity of the mass. While the largest liposarcoma reported in literature weighed ~45 kgs, tumors above 10 kgs are exceedingly rare, with very few such resections published in India and globally.

Giving details of the case, Dr. Archit Pandit, Director – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, said,

“Operating on a patient in such a fragile condition was extremely challenging. The true complexity lies not only in removing the tumour but in ensuring functional recovery with dependable reconstruction. Given the tumour’s size, its proximity to vital organs and the risk of severe intra-operative bleeding, this surgery required extensive planning and precise execution. Such cases test the limits of surgical oncology and are only possible through a coordinated, multi-disciplinary effort. Our priority was not just to remove the tumor but also to preserve the patient’s quality of life, which we were able to achieve successfully.”

Dr Vikram Aggarwal, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Okhla Road, New Delhi said,

“Globally, liposarcomas of this magnitude are extremely rare, with only a handful of cases exceeding 10 kgs documented in the medical literature. Fortis Escorts’ successful resection of a 10.4 kg tumour underscores the hospital’s expertise, advanced infrastructure, and commitment to delivering world-class oncological care for even the most complex cases.

New Delhi, Jan 20: BLS International Services Limited, a global leader in AI & tech-enabled, government-to-citizen services, today announced that it has been awarded the project for Permanent Enrollment Centers (PECs) for Aadhaar enrollment by the Department of Education, Government of Bihar. The project is valued at approximately INR 100 crore, and BLS International will execute it over a five-year period.

The scope of the project includes the setting up and operation of Permanent Enrollment Centers at Block Headquarters, Sub-Divisional Headquarters, Offices of Municipal Bodies, District Headquarters, and other locations as specified. The centers established by BLS International will carry out work related to UIDAI Aadhaar Enrollment, Aadhaar Updation, Aadhaar Supplementary Services, and Aadhaar Lifecycle Management for residents.

Highlighting the significance of the project, Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director at BLS International, said,

“We are committed to advancing digital inclusivity, making essential services like Aadhaar easily accessible and empowering every citizen to secure a digital identity. We have developed cutting-edge technology that seamlessly integrates with key systems, ensuring fast, secure, and user-friendly access for all. With our extensive service network and robust infrastructure, we are bridging the digital divide like never before.”

This project further strengthens BLS International’s position as a trusted partner to governments in India and globally. With a strong track record of delivering seamless services across more than 70 countries, BLS International continues to expand its presence in the areas of governance, financial inclusion, and citizen services.

In addition to this, last year, BLS International was awarded a work order from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Government of India, for providing services to establish and run District Level Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASK), valued at approximately INR 2,055 crore.

Delhi, Jan 20: Invincible Ocean, a leading Indian AI deeptech company, announced its entry into the Middle East technology market through a strategic alliance with Seed Group, an organisation owned by the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum. This collaboration will bring Invincible Ocean’s cutting-edge AI and blockchain portfolios, including Roboi and its RWA tokenisation platform, to regional enterprises and government initiatives.

Seed Group has established itself as a key driver of innovation and strategic partnerships in the UAE, enabling international companies to scale across the GCC. The organisation facilitates access to regional decision-makers and infrastructure, supporting market entry, strategic networking and business growth. Seed Group currently manages significant investments across technology and enterprise platforms.

Invincible Ocean’s Roboi platform integrates artificial intelligence with edge computing to deliver actionable intelligence from video feeds without the need for manual monitoring a capability already piloted in India’s oil and gas sector with promising results. Its RWA subscription platform is designed to align with emerging UAE blockchain frameworks, enabling compliant tokenisation of real-world assets and regulated digital ownership.

Ajay Setia, Founder & CEO of Invincible Ocean, said,

“We thank Seed Group for this partnership. Entering any new market requires deep regional insight. With Seed Group’s support, we can better understand local dynamics and build products that align closely with Middle Eastern requirements.”

Sagar Setia, Co-Founder & COO, added,

“This marks our first international expansion from Dubai. Over recent years, Dubai has evolved into a global adoption hub for technologies such as AI and blockchain. It’s not just about adopting technology, but adopting it at scale—and that’s where we see immense potential.”

The partnership is expected to accelerate digital transformation efforts and support the UAE’s ambition to attract next-generation technology solutions, particularly in AI-enabled analytics and asset tokenisation. By combining Invincible Ocean’s technical expertise with Seed Group’s regional reach and strategic resources, the collaboration aims to deliver high-impact solutions for enterprise and public-sector stakeholders across the Middle East.

Bangalore, Jan 20 : Subway, one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant brands in freshly made-to-order, customisable sandwiches, announced the opening of its 1,000th store in India at Paras Florett, Gurugram. This historic milestone reflects the brand’s strong growth across the country. With an average of two new stores opening every week over the last three years, it is among the fastest-growing premium quick service restaurant brands in India.

Operated by EverBrands (part of Everstone Group), Subway India has in the last three years, opened 350+ stores in new locations in its network, expanding its footprint into over 165 cities with 3,500+ employees. Since its entry into the Indian market in 2001, Subway India continues to rank among Subway’s top global growth markets, encouraged by rising demand for fresh, customisable, value-driven food offerings.

Subway’s rapid expansion has been supported by a consistent evolution of its menu offerings including the value-oriented Sub Cravers range starting at INR 79, indulgent range Hot & Cheesy Signature Subs, Fresh Salads with 1.5x protein, and an innovative all-day Breakfast range, catering to the fast-paced Indian lifestyle. The Signature Rice Bowls offering a new range of flavours and customisable options designed with the Indian palette in mind, are the most recent addition to the already vibrant Indian menu. These offerings represent Subway’s ethos of adaptation to dynamic consumer preferences.

Tarun Bhasin, CEO, Culinary Brands (Subway India) remarked,

“This is a defining moment in time for Subway India’s growth trajectory and reflects the increasing scale of the brand’s ‘Better for You’ menu positioning across India. We are very grateful to our customers for their trust. I would also like to thank the thousands of Sandwich Artists and the great team working relentlessly across our stores, delighting customers every day. We look forward to the next 1,000!”

Sanctoria, Jan 20: Eastern Coalfields Limited successfully convened its 64th Corporate-Level Tripartite Safety Committee Meeting at the Dishergarh Officers’ Club, Sanctoria, reaffirming the organization’s unwavering commitment to occupational safety, health and welfare in mining operations.

The meeting was attended by ECL’s top management, including Shri Satish Jha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director; Md. Anzar Alam, Director (Finance); Shri Niladri Roy, Director (Technical/Operations); Shri Gunjan Kumar Sinha, Director (HR) and Shri Girish Gopinathan Nair, Director (Technical/Planning & Projects). The deliberations were further enriched by the presence of Shri Supriyo Chakraborty, Deputy Director General, representing the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Eastern Zone.

The proceedings were presided over by Shri Binod Singh, Corporate Safety Board Member and representative of CMSI (CITU). Corporate Safety Board Members representing major trade unions—CMS (AITUC), WBKMS (UTUC), CMC (HMS), and KSC (BMS)—also participated. Senior officials from ECL HQ, all Area General Managers, Area Safety Officers and officers from DGMS (Eastern and Central Zones) took part, reflecting the strong spirit of tripartite collaboration.

The Committee deliberated on a wide range of critical safety issues, including enhancement of safety awareness through structured safety talks; strengthening of safety monitoring mechanisms; integration of advanced safety features in mining equipment and winding installations; expeditious conversion of steam winders to electrical winders with fail-safe technology; provision of statutory manpower; improvement of mine ventilation systems; identification and fast-tracking of man-riding systems; slope stability monitoring; and stowing lag. Emphasis was laid on developing comprehensive short-term and long-term action plans to ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement in safety performance across ECL’s mining operations.

The meeting concluded with a collective resolve by all stakeholders to work in close coordination towards fostering a safer, healthier, and more secure working environment for both regular and contractual workmen, thereby reinforcing ECL’s steadfast commitment to Zero Harm and sustainable mining practices.