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Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi attends GJS to celebrate 25 years of gold jewellery hallmarking in India

Announces Hackathon for non-destructive testing in collaboration with BIS and GJC

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The Indian gems and jewellery industry witnessed a momentous occasion as Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, graced the prestigious  GJS at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of hallmarking of gold in India, a significant milestone in ensuring quality, transparency, and consumer trust in the industry. The show is organised by the apex industry All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) and scheduled from 4th to 7th April 2025.

Addressing the gathering, Pralhad Joshi applauded the efforts of jewellers in adopting hallmarking, which has played a crucial role in protecting consumer interests while strengthening India’s position as a trusted market for gold jewellery. He highlighted the government’s commitment to further streamlining hallmarking regulations to make compliance easier for jewellers and beneficial for consumers. Prominent jewellers and trade representatives took the stage to celebrate the success of hallmarking, reflecting on how the initiative has safeguarded buyers and boosted India’s exports in the global jewellery market.

The event saw participation from leading jewellers, industry stakeholders, and international visitors, making it a highly successful gathering.

Pralhad Joshi remarked, “Indian Gems & Jewellery industry has been a cornerstone of our nation’s heritage and will continue to drive the economic progress. There are 650 + owned and accredited Laboratories of BIS, and it has reached every corner of the nation to focus in ensuring quality products are given to the consumers. It is imperative that we develop the system to ensure there are no misuses of HUID and collectively with joint efforts from all stakeholders, we also focus on increasing the Assaying Hallmarking Centres (AHC) across India. Currently 361 districts are covered in the mandatory regime and let us jointly target to reach 500 districts this year. We firmly believe in Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of ease of business and the Ministry is willing to provide its full support to the industry and I am happy to announce that BIS in collaboration with GJC is launching National Hackathon to invite innovative and practical solutions to develop scalable, cost-effective & non-destructive testing for the gold jewellery.”

 Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC, remarked, “It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Shri Pralhad Joshi, to this grand occasion. Your presence reflects the government’s continued support for our industry, and we deeply thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us. We, as an industry, take immense pride in our transparency and the legacy of trust that our gold, vouched for by generations, represents. Today, we look forward to the government recognizing us with a fresh perspective—as a trading community with a positive attitude and a vision to make hallmarking mandatory across the nation. Honourable Minister’s announcement of Hackathon today marks a new chapter in our journey, and we are extremely positive about the future. Together, we will continue to uphold purity, trust, and innovation for a brighter tomorrow.”

Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC, commented, “On behalf of the GJC and the entire G&J Industry, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Shri Pralhad Joshi for celebrating 25 years of gold hallmarking in India with his esteemed presence at our exhibition GJS. His presence highlights the transformation of the Gem & Jewellery industry into a trusted and well-structured sector. We deeply appreciate his announcement of the groundbreaking hackathon with GJC and BIS, aimed at developing non-destructive testing for hallmarking jewellery. This initiative will revolutionize the industry, enhancing efficiency and consumer confidence. His support inspires us to make India a global leader in the Gems & Jewellery sector. Thank you for your invaluable contributions toward a brighter future.”

 Saiyam Mehra, Convenor, GJS, said, “It is my distinct honour to welcome Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, to the grand occasion of GJS 2025. This is truly a special moment for the 7th edition of GJS as we celebrate the 25 years of hallmarking in India with the Honourable Minister. As we move forward, this milestone reminds us of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of purity and trust, ensuring continued prosperity for both jewellers and consumers.”

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Joyalukkas Foundation Hands Over 50 ‘Joy Homes’ to Underprivileged Families in Karnataka

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Joyalukkas Foundation handed over 50 newly constructed ‘Joy Homes’ to underprivileged families across Karnataka as a step toward improving the living conditions of marginalised communities. The initiative, part of the Foundation’s ongoing “Joy Homes” project, was formally marked by a key handover ceremony held at the NIMHANS Convention Centre in Bengaluru.

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman of the Joyalukkas Group, and attended by prominent dignitaries including Mohammed Rihan Nawab (CEO, Emmar Properties), Mohammed Rizwan Nawab (Vice Chairman, KSRTC), Chetan Kumar Mehta (President, Jeweller’s Association, Bengaluru), and Thomas Mathew (Executive Director, Joyalukkas).

The Joy Homes initiative is rooted in the Foundation’s broader commitment to addressing basic human needs through sustainable and inclusive development efforts. Each of the homes, measuring 500 square feet and built at a cost of ₹7.5 lakh, aims to offer not just shelter, but also dignity, safety, and stability to those often left at the margins of society. Beneficiaries of the scheme include families affected by poverty, natural disasters, chronic illness (such as Endosulfan exposure), and disability.

With the latest addition in Karnataka, the total number of homes provided under the Joy Homes initiative has risen to 414 across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. In a further expansion of the programme, the Foundation also announced a new project to build 50 additional homes in Telangana, extending the reach of its housing efforts across South India. Since its inception in 2009, the Joyalukkas Foundation has focused its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities on areas such as healthcare access, education, elder care, and women’s empowerment, prioritising interventions that address systemic gaps in underserved communities. Its healthcare initiatives include the monthly distribution of over 1,000 dialysis kits in Kerala, the donation of dialysis machines, the renovation of hospital wards, and ongoing support for palliative care and blood donation drives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation supported the education of over 300 children who lost a parent through scholarships under its “Joy of Hope” programme. In Thrissur, Kerala, the Foundation also operates a senior citizen care facility that includes a dialysis centre, palliative care unit, and other specialized services. Additionally, through vocational training in beautician skills and tailoring, over 200 women have been equipped with the means to achieve financial independence. The Joy Homes project reflects the Foundation’s belief that stable housing is a fundamental step toward social upliftment. By addressing a core need, it enables vulnerable families to focus on rebuilding their lives, accessing opportunities, and securing a better future.

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AVR Swarna Mahal Jewellers Expands Legacy with New Showroom in Perambalur

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Marking a new chapter in its illustrious journey, AVR Swarna Mahal Jewellers has officially inaugurated its brand-new showroom in Perambalur, bringing its legacy of trust, craftsmanship, and tradition to a fresh audience. The grand opening on May 25, 2025, was celebrated with exclusive offers and warm local reception, adding another gleaming milestone to the brand’s growing footprint.

With this launch, AVR Swarna Mahal now proudly operates 20 retail outlets across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions, further solidifying its presence as one of South India’s most beloved jewellery destinations.

The Perambalur showroom promises a wide array of exquisitely crafted pieces across categories — gold, diamond, silver, and Vendi silver jewellery — designed to meet both traditional and contemporary tastes. To commemorate the launch, the store is offering special inaugural discounts:

AVR Shreesmaran, Director of AVR Swarna Mahal stated, “With every new store, we bring not just jewellery, but a heritage of trust and fine artistry. Perambalur is a significant addition to our family, and we look forward to becoming a part of the lives and celebrations of the people here.”

  • AVR Swarna Mahal has built a reputation over decades for its exceptional quality, customer service, and commitment to purity. The new Perambalur showroom carries forward this tradition, offering a seamless shopping experience in an elegant, welcoming environment.

Customers can now explore a world where every sparkle tells a story, and where tradition meets timeless beauty — right in the heart of Perambalur. and both precious and semi-precious stones.

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Senco Gold Shares Rise as Q4 Profit Nearly Doubles to ₹94 Cr; EBITDA Margin Improves to 9.2%

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Shares of Senco Gold rose 2.11% to ₹388.85 after the company posted a sharp rise in earnings for the fourth quarter ended March 2025. The company’s net profit nearly doubled — rising 94.1% year-on-year (YoY) to ₹94 crore — driven by strong revenue growth and improved operational performance. Revenue from operations for Q4 stood at ₹1,377.71 crore, up 21.1% compared to Q4 FY24.

Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 62.4% YoY to ₹85.08 crore, while EBITDA rose 44.8% to ₹127.01 crore. The EBITDA margin improved by 150 basis points to 9.2%, reflecting better cost efficiency and higher value sales.

Operating expenses for the quarter grew by 19.2% to ₹1,250.69 crore. The cost of materials consumed increased 21.6% to ₹1,146.46 crore, and employee benefit expenses rose 27.1% to ₹35.65 crore.

For the full fiscal year FY25, Senco reported a 20.7% increase in revenue to ₹6,328.07 crore. However, net profit declined by 12% to ₹159.31 crore due to a one-time impact from a customs duty cut in July 2024. Adjusted PAT for FY25 stood at ₹207.9 crore, a YoY growth of 10.1%.

Suvankar Sen, Managing Director & CEO, highlighted the company’s robust Q4 performance, with same-store sales growth (SSSG) at 18% and a 21% volume growth in diamond jewellery, which translated to a 38% rise in value terms. Company-owned outlets, contributing 64% of retail revenues, posted a 21% growth, while the franchise segment, contributing 36%, grew by 28% YoY.

The company opened five new showrooms in Q4, across COCO, FOCO, and FOFO models. Senco also saw a surge in old gold exchanges, which made up 40% of total sales, with 61% of that coming from new, non-Senco customers.

Senco Gold, a prominent national jewellery retailer, offers a wide range of products including gold, diamond, Polki, Platinum, Kundan, Jadau, silver, and both precious and semi-precious stones.

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