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BUYERS LEAVE WITH GAINS, LEARNING, INSPIRATION AND PROMISES TO MEET AGAIN in spring 2026

Delhi/NCR , 18^th October 2025 : The 60th milestone edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025 held from 13th to 17th October 2025 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway concluded today amidst much fanfare.

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH said, “This was a grand edition with big displays and a monumental outlook. We have collectively raised the benchmark—organisers, exhibitors and the entire handicrafts sector alike. The upcoming February 2026 edition is poised to go even further. Buyers who leave with promises to return have already expressed their anticipation. IHGF Delhi Fair–Autumn 2025, recognised globally as a premier sourcing platform, welcomed international buyers from across the world. They engaged with over 3,000 exhibitors, artisanpreneurs showcasing regional specialties, as well as a wide range of products emerging from EPCH and the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India’s skill development and design-integrated initiatives.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH & Chairman IEML, added, “Our exhibitors, now part of a global fraternity through EPCH led participations in prominent international fairs across India’s key export markets, bring back valuable insights into buyer expectations and market trends. They apply this learning to their products and visual presentations at the fair. This year, their extra effort was clearly visible in the unique and compelling displays designed to engage and attract buyers. New product innovations have translated into increased business, with many exhibitors expanding their buyer lists. Regular visitors shared that every edition offers something new to be amazed by. The expansive scale and seamless layout, with clearly defined product segments and spacious displays, made this edition particularly impressive. For many IHGF patrons returning after a few seasons, it felt like a refreshing and welcome change.”

Mr. Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH, further informed, “As the fair heads towards the sourcing season’s culmination we have observed our regular buyers stay consistent with their business with our exporters. In general, sustainability remained a key focus, with many buyers specifically seeking eco-friendly and compliant collections in home and lifestyle products. European buyers sourced a diverse range of items, including furniture, home accents, giftware, houseware, bags and Christmas accessories. Basketry and utility products made from natural materials such as jute, hemp, coarse riverside grass, cane and bamboo also drew considerable interest. Textile buyers appreciated the wide selection of home furnishings and kitchen linen. Those sourcing fashion accessories, such as scarves, stoles and shawls expressed satisfaction with the variety on offer. Gift items, paper products, interior hardware and components likewise presented buyers with ample choice.”

Shri Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH said, “Through the five days, the fair was graced by visits of Shri Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of India; Shri Rakesh Sachan, Cabinet Minister for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Villages Industries, Sericulture Industries, Handloom and Textile, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; and Shri Nand Gopal ‘Nandi’, Cabinet Minister for Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI and Investment Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Several government dignitaries and esteemed guests like, Shri Mithlesh Kumar Kataria, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh; Shri Alok Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Export Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh/Export Commissioner, IDC; Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India; Dr. M Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India; Ms. Medha Roopam, IAS District Magistrate Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida); many other visited.

Sharing his observation and feedback from trade visitors to the fair, Mr. Rajat Asthana, President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025 remarked, “Buyers are appreciating the inclusion of artisans and upcoming entrepreneurs alongside the big and established players. For most, coming to IHGF Delhi Fair is as pleasant an experience as their long and continued association with EPCH and the innovated product lines of their suppliers. And as they share, many are leaving with orders and some are on the verge of finalizing.”

Jo Littlejohn, a buyer from UK was happy to be here and meet her Indian exporter friends and source lighting and home products for her departmental store in London. “I’ve noticed significant changes since my last visit. Everything feels more advanced, from technology like the app to the facilities available. While prices have increased slightly due to tariffs, the quality and innovation on display make it absolutely worthwhile,” she said. Charlie Selechnik from Guatemala, a second generation buyer says, India remains his key sourcing destination for furniture and home decor products. Gemma Robertso from Australia, a buyer keen on Indian handmade jewellery and women’s fashion, including bags was on her maiden visit to the fair. “I feel very enthusiastic about everything I see here”, she exclaimed. Urko Atxotegi from Spain who deals in home décor and home textiles for the Europen market shared, “This is actually my tenth visit. I keep returning because the products are beautifully made, and the quality of Indian handicrafts always stands out. The prices have remained quite stable over the years, which is a good thing for consistent buyers like me.”

Speaking about supportive events as value additions to the fair, Mr. Simrandeep Singh Kohli, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair- Autumn 2025 informed, “Our Panel Discussions and Awareness Seminars conducted by eminent industry experts from India and overseas offered insights into current topics like, Beyond Seasons; Digitization for Exporters; From Maker to Market; Best Industrial Practices; Local Cash & Carry in Just-in-time (JIT) model, etc. were well received.”

Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH further shared, “Approximately 6736 buyers and buying representatives and domestic volume buyers from 112 countries visited the fair that resulted in business enquiries worth Rs.3000 crores.” “Buyers visited from USA, UK, France, Germany, Australia, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Spain, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Argentina, South Africa and many more. Brands like The TJX Companies-USA, XXXLUTZ-Germany,  LANDMARK GROUP-DUBAI, VCNY HOME-UNITED STATES, BENJARA INC.,-USA, KALALOU INC., -USA, LOLOI INC-USA, TARGET-USA, INTRATUIN-NETHERLANDS, KAVEHOME-SPAIN, MAYA COLLECTIVE-CANADA, POMAX-BELGIUM, SUGITA ACE CO-JAPAN, TABREZ, THE DRESSING ROOM-SAUDI ARABIA, AMEDEUS-FRANCE, ARTISAN FURNITUE-UNITED KINGDOM, BAUHAUS PTY-AUSTRALIA, ReteHome-Russia, Dantone-Home-Russia, Midbar-Israel, Brazil-LP Imports, LonLo-Japan, Leruche-Turkey, Le-forze-NewZealand etc. had their sourcing representations at the fair,” he further added.

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal institution for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, furniture, interior accessories, textiles, fashion jewellery & accessories, gifts and more products in different craft clusters of the Country. The overall Handicrafts exports during the year 2024-25 was Rs. 33,123 Crores (US $ 3,918 Million) Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH, further said.

BY: Mr. Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI

New Delhi, October 17, 2025: In a powerful demonstration of cross-sector collaboration, the Ind Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) marked World Food Day 2025 with a high-impact event focused on promoting food literacy and combating misinformation. Hosted in partnership with the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-Kundli) and the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition (IHM-Delhi), the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, food scientists, and academia to address the urgent need for science-backed food education in an era dominated by conflicting narratives and digital misinformation.

Sh. Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said, “In today’s fast-paced world, processed foods offer unmatched convenience be it ready-to-eat meals, frozen snacks, or canned foods, helping individuals manage their time and nutritional needs effectively. However, despite the sector’s vital contribution to food safety and accessibility, public perception is often influenced by misinformation and media-driven myths”. Keeping in view of this, the Ministry has recently come out with a publication of FAQs on Processed Foods with special focus on Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs)/ High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) Foods to help disseminate scientific based knowledge and evidence on the subject.

A central highlight was the announcement of an upcoming IFBA report aimed at debunking persistent myths surrounding palm oil, one of the most misunderstood ingredients in the global food supply chain. The report will present evidence-based insights into palm oil’s role in nutrition, sustainability, and food manufacturing, with the goal of supporting more informed consumer choices and policy decisions.

Commenting on the occasion, Sh. Satyen Kumar Panda, ED (Regulatory Compliance) and Advisor (Quality Assurance), FSSAI, said, “Food safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond regulatory frameworks to public awareness. We welcome initiatives that use scientific discourse to clear misconceptions and promote responsible food choices. Collaboration among academia, industry, and government is key to sustaining a culture of food safety and nutritional integrity.”

The program included panel discussions aimed at correcting misconceptions around palm oil, A1/A2 ghee, protein supplements, and processed foods, all of which are frequently misunderstood by the public.

● India’s food processing market is projected to more than double from ₹2,641,121 crore (US$ 307 billion) in 2023 to ₹6,022,100 crore (US$ 700 billion) by 2030. To sustain this growth, addressing myths around processed and packaged foods is crucial. Panelists emphasised that processed foods, when chosen wisely and consumed responsibly, can be powerful tools for nutrition rather than threats. Health outcomes depend on balance, ingredient quality, variety, and safe food practices, not simply the degree of processing. Many fortified and processed products play a key role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among women and children.
● India currently imports about 9 million tonnes (MT) of palm oil annually, worth nearly Rs. 40,000 crore, accounting for around 56 per cent of total edible oil imports. However, palm oil has often been misunderstood as unhealthy. Meta-analyses and clinical studies (Harvard, WHO, AJCN, 2021) show no consistent evidence linking moderate palm oil consumption to heart disease. In fact, replacing trans fats with palm oil has contributed to a reduction in cardiovascular risk globally. Dr Varun Bansal, Senior Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals during the panel emphasized that it offers a balanced profile of saturated and unsaturated fats, along with tocotrienols that support cholesterol health. What truly matters is dietary balance, not the exclusion of any single oil. Instead of demonising palm oil, we should focus on diverse, mindful eating patterns and active living for better heart health
● India’s protein supplement market is also on the rise, projected to grow at a 6.6% CAGR. Sh. Sumit Mathur, Country Head – Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN) clarified that protein powders are typically derived from natural sources such as milk (whey, casein) and plants (soy, pea, rice), not synthetic chemicals. Adequate protein intake supports muscle maintenance, metabolic health, immunity, and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, making it an essential nutrient, not just for athletes but for the general population as well.
● On the topic of ghee, panelist Mr. Shashank Joshi, GM – R&D Innovation and Food Regulatory, Parag Milk Foods, explained that ghee is a natural superfood, and its nutritional value depends on purity, freshness, and quality, not on the A1 or A2 classification. The A1 vs A2 debate is largely a myth, as there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting any nutritional difference. What truly matters is how the ghee is made, handled, and preserved. When produced with care and hygiene, cow ghee offers all the essential fatty acids, vitamins, and health benefits it is celebrated for.

Talking about this initiative, Dr. H.S. Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, Mr. Deepak Jolly, Chairperson at IFBA, Mr. Kamal Kant Pant, Principal, IHM Delhi, in a joint statement said, “Today’s food challenges cannot be solved in isolation. As misinformation spreads faster than ever, partnerships between industry, academia, and regulatory bodies are essential to restoring public trust. This is a step towards enabling informed food choices through science-based, inclusive communication, especially for India’s youth and future food leaders.”

IHM-Delhi and NIFTEM-K participated in a ‘Healthy Snacking’ contest, showcasing inventive recipes that delivered sensory appeal and nutritional excellence. Judged by culinary luminaries Mr. Sudhir Sibal, (Ambassador to World Chefs Without Borders) and Mr. Madhusudan Gupta, (Treasurer of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations) along with Dr. Manjari Chandra, (Functional Nutritionist), Ms. Vaishalee Jolly (Food Blogger, Home Chef and Youtuber) and Ms. Shilpa Agrawal (Food Technologist and VP, IFBA) three winners out of 15 teams were chosen. The contest spotlighted emerging culinary leaders poised to influence the future of safe and nutritious food consumption in India.

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Unveils ‘Shubhkamnayein’  A Box of Blessings This Diwali

India, 17th october 2025: Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida invites you to celebrate the festival of lights with its exclusive Diwali gifting collection “Shubhkamnayein A Box of Blessings.” Thoughtfully curated, this elegant collection captures the spirit of sharing love, light, and joy with your family, friends, and colleagues.

Designed to elevate festive gifting, the Shubhkamnayein series offers a range of luxurious and customizable hampers  Jyoti, Utsav, Aashirwad, Sparsh, and Suhana. Each box has been carefully crafted to represent the essence of the season warmth, prosperity, and happiness.

The Jyoti box, “The Light of Hope,” features a selection of four delightful jars filled with flavored nuts, cookies, or raisins, complemented by a handcrafted coconut shell soy candle  a symbol of inner glow and festive warmth. This elegant hamper is perfect for sharing joy and gratitude.

The Utsav box, “The Celebration of Life,” takes indulgence a step further. Beautifully packaged, it includes gourmet nuts and your choice of 10 handcrafted chocolates, paired with a coconut shell soy candle making it the ideal gift to celebrate togetherness and festivity.

The Aashirwad Box, “The Box of Good Wishes”, perfect for Diwali, this festive box is a blend of tradition and delight. It features a beautiful Ganesha Idol, a Shubh Lalh Toran and a fragrant attar combo. The gift also includes two jars of chosen gourmet nuts and your choice of 14 delicious chocolates and a traditional matki soy candle to light up your celebrations.

The Sparsh Box, “The Touch of Tradition”, create the perfect night in with this exceptional box. The centerpiece is a bottle of unique garam masala gin, beautifully complemented by gourmet cheese. The set also includes a classic set of playing cards in a wooden box, a quirky matchbox diary , and your choice of 12 delicious chocolates to top it all off.

The Suhana Box, “A Pleasant Surprise”, This sophisticated box is built for an evening of indulgence. It includes a bottle of fine vodka, gourmet Brie cheese, and a bottle premium olive. The gift also comes with a fragrant tea, two matki soy candles, and your choice of 6 delicious chocolates to finish.

“Diwali is a time for sharing blessings and spreading happiness. With our Shubhkamnayein collection, we have combined tradition with creativity to offer guests and patrons meaningful gifting options that capture the true spirit of the festival.”  Shashi Shankar, F&B Manager, Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida.

Celebrate this Diwali with Shubhkamnayein A Box of Blessings, starting at just INR 1500. Thoughtfully curated to spread joy, warmth, and prosperity, it’s the perfect way to make your festive gifting truly special.

Mumbai 17, october 2025 : Instagram Announces the Winners of the 2025 Rings Award Celebrating Bold Creators Who Shift Culture and Dolly Singh Becomes the Only Indian Creator to Win Instagram’s Global 2025 Rings Award*

Earlier this month, Instagram announced Rings an award celebrating creators who aren’t afraid to take creative chances and do things their own way. Rings isn’t about honoring a specific type of content it honors a spirit. It’s for creators who don’t just participate in culture, but shape it, breaking through barriers to realize their ambitions. Because every act of creativity, big or small, can lead to something great.

Instagram has now unveiled the 2025 Rings Award winners, recognizing extraordinary creativity from all around the world.Among the 25 global winners is content creator Dolly Singh, the only creator from India to receive this honor.

Speaking about the recognition, Dolly Singh shared: “Being recognized with the Rings Award is so surreal that the feeling has still not sunk in. It’s definitely one of my career’s biggest moments yet, and a shiver goes down my spine  I get goosebumps every time I think about it. The jury panel for the award is impeccable, and just the fact that these brilliant, genius minds have seen my content is unbelievable! I hope to continue making my audience proud with the content I create.”

Reflecting on her creative journey, she added: “Instagram has been my playground from the start where I first explored fashion, then comedy, and now larger storytelling. It’s a space where I’ve been able to experiment, take risks, and share my most authentic self with my community.”

Other 2025 Rings winners include creators such as Zarna Garg, Aki and Koichi, and Olivia Dean.The esteemed panel of judges included English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, filmmaker Spike Lee, rugby star Ilona Maher, makeup artist Pat McGrath, designer Marc Jacobs, actress Yara Shahidi, artist KAWS, Adam Mosseri (Head of Instagram), and Eva Chen (Head of Fashion Partnerships at Instagram). Winners of the 2025 Rings Award will receive A physical ring and a digital ring displayed on their Instagram profile. When winners post a story, an exclusive gold ring will appear around their profile picture, replacing the usual Stories ring visible across the app. The ability to customize their profile backdrop color. The opportunity to personalize the “like” button – further fueling their creativity in the year ahead. Instagram continues to celebrate the creators who redefine creativity and push culture forward one post, one story, and one bold idea at a time.

AOC Brings QD-OLED Precision to Esports with Q27G4ZD – 240Hz Monitor in UAE

Cairo, Egypt, 17 October 2025 : AOC, a global leader in display technology, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Q27G4ZD gaming monitor. Designed exclusively for the most dedicated competitors, this 27-inch QD-OLED display combines the pinnacle of display innovation with e-sports performance to deliver a visually stunning and ruthlessly responsive gaming experience.

The Q27G4ZD is built around a state-of-the-art QD-OLED panel, offering a blistering 240Hz refresh rate, an incredible 0.03ms response time, and true per-pixel lighting control certified for DisplayHDR True Black 400. This monitor is engineered to provide gamers with the ultimate competitive edge.

“We designed the Q27G4ZD for one purpose: to win,” said Carol Anne Dias, Deputy Sales Director, Middle East & Africa for AOC Monitors. “This isn’t just another gaming monitor; it’s a statement. By merging the unparalleled color and contrast of QD-OLED with the raw speed demanded by professional e-sports, we’ve created a display that truly connects a player’s reflexes to the game world. It’s the visual equivalent of a precision instrument, allowing the true valiant to explore the limits of their performance.”

The AOC Q27G4ZD is packed with elite features designed for victory:

• QD-OLED Panel with DisplayHDR True Black 400: Experience perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and breathtaking color with 100% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 coverage. Quantum Dot technology ensures remarkable luminance and color purity.
• Blur-Free E-Sports Performance: An ultra-fast 240Hz refresh rate and near-instantaneous 0.03ms response time eliminates motion blur and ghosting, ensuring every frame is rendered with crystal clarity.
• Adaptive-Sync Technology: Flawless smooth, tear-free gameplay at virtually any framerate, compatible with both AMD and NVIDIA systems.
• Fully Adjustable Stand: Find the perfect ergonomic position with height, pivot, swivel, and tilt adjustments.
• 3-Sided Virtually Frameless Design: Offers an immersive viewing experience and a near-seamless look in multi-monitor setups.
• Advanced Game Enhancements: Features like Shadow Control brighten dark scenes to reveal enemies, Dial Point provides custom on-screen crosshairs, and Game Color allows for saturation adjustment to spot finer details.
• Comfort for Marathon Sessions: Flicker-Free technology and a Low Blue Mode minimize eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
• Versatile Connectivity: Includes 2 signal inputs HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 input to connect to PCs and modern gaming consoles, along with a 4-port USB 3.2 Gen1 hub.

The AOC Q27G4ZD is set to become the new centrepiece for gamers who refuse to compromise between visual fidelity and competitive performance.

Pricing and Availability
The AOC Q27G4ZD QD-OLED gaming monitor are available with SDC FZE in the UAE. All AOC monitors come with a 3-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for users.  

Mumbai, 16 October 2025: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has reported robust financial and operational performance for the quarter and half-year ended 30 September 2025, demonstrating strong growth across key business metrics, asset quality, and customer outreach.

Profitability Highlights (Quarter Ended 30 September 2025):

• Net Profit increased significantly compared to the previous year.

• Operating Profit showed notable growth.

• Net Interest Income (NII) rose steadily, reflecting improved operational efficiency.

• Net Interest Margins (NIM) improved both domestically and globally.

• Cost-to-Income ratio reduced, while Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) improved.

Profitability Highlights (Half-Year Ended 30 September 2025):

• Net Profit and Operating Profit increased year-on-year.

• NII continued to rise, supported by strong business growth.

• NIM, ROA, and ROE all showed steady improvement.

• Cost-to-Income ratio declined, reflecting operational efficiency.

Business Growth:

• Total business of the bank expanded significantly over the previous year.

• Total deposits and gross advances increased, supported by strong CASA growth.

• Credit-to-deposit ratio maintained a healthy level.

Asset Quality:

• Gross and Net Non-Performing Assets (NPA) improved with better provisioning.

• Slippage and credit costs remained well-managed, reflecting disciplined lending practices.

Recovery and Capital Adequacy:

• Total recovery for the quarter improved over the previous period.

• Basel III Capital Adequacy Ratio strengthened, ensuring a solid capital base for future growth.

Awards, Accolades & Initiatives:

• IOB received the Rajbhasha Kirti Award for the third consecutive year for exemplary implementation of the Official Language.

• The bank topped the Grievance Redressal Index for the third consecutive month, demonstrating superior customer service.

• IOB was awarded the SKOCH Platinum Award for excellence in its in-house IOB SMART app and Risk Management initiatives.

Customer Outreach:

• Number of domestic branches expanded significantly, with a strong presence in rural and semi-urban areas.

• ATM/CR network grew to enhance accessibility.

• Business Correspondent network increased to widen the bank’s reach.

• Total customer touchpoints reached a new high, strengthening engagement across India.

Commenting on the performance, a senior spokesperson from IOB said:
“Indian Overseas Bank continues to demonstrate resilience and consistent growth, driven by a strong focus on customer service, operational efficiency, and disciplined risk management. We remain committed to expanding our reach and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders.”

Mumbai, 16^th October 2025 – NPST, a leading digital banking and payments technology company and a proud member of the NPCI Partner Program, today announced the launch of Banking Connect, an interoperable internet and mobile banking platform developed by NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL). With Banking Connect, banks can now bypass these legacy constraints through a single NBBL-certified integration, enabling seamless connectivity across internet and mobile banking channels.

Banking Connect marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a unified digital banking framework while, traditional internet banking systems rely on bilateral integrations with multiple payment gateways, often leading to high costs, operational inefficiencies, and limited scalability.

The platform empowers banks to expand reach, streamline merchant onboarding, and offer secure, omni-channel experiences. Its microservices-based architecture supports real-time analytics, policy-driven fraud controls, and standardised settlements, allowing banks to reduce integration overheads while improving operational reliability.

“Banking Connect brings NBBL’s cutting-edge innovation to the forefront of India’s digital payments ecosystem,” said Deepak Chand Thakur, Chairman and Managing Director at NPST. “By enabling banks to connect once and serve multiple payment aggregators and Merchants, we are reducing operational complexity, enhancing transaction security, and empowering banks to deliver a seamless digital banking experience. This platform ensures users and businesses can transact with confidence while participating in India’s rapidly evolving interoperable payments landscape”.

India, 16th October 2025: As Israel welcomes the High Holidays and the start of the hiking season, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) and Timna Park have announced the inauguration of newly marked hiking trails, adding fresh energy to one of the country’s most breathtaking natural reserves.

Located in the southern Arava near Eilat, Timna Park is often called Israel’s “desert crown jewel”, a surreal landscape of copper-hued cliffs, rare rock formations, ancient mines, and remarkable archaeological discoveries. Among its most celebrated treasures is the Purple Cloth, a rare textile dating back to the era of King David and King Solomon, offering a tangible link to the region’s biblical past. The newly completed trail project, developed in collaboration with SPNI and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, introduces circular routes for families and adventure trails for seasoned trekkers, including the 24-km “Around Timna” trail, which encircles the park’s most iconic viewpoints.

“The story of Timna Park, as told through discoveries like the Purple Cloth, connects nature with Israel’s deep heritage,” said Sagi Raz, CEO of Timna Park. “With these new trails, we invite everyone,  from soldiers to students to visiting travellers, to experience the magic of the Arava Desert and rediscover the beauty of our land.”

A Hiker’s Paradise Reimagined

A new trail map now highlights all marked paths, their corresponding difficulty levels, and key points of interest. Itzik Ben-Dov, Trail Marking Coordinator at SPNI, explained that the project’s goal was to create a more flexible and eco-sensitive trail system, offering short scenic loops, long-distance routes, and improved connectivity between existing trails, all while minimizing vehicle use and environmental impact.
“Every decision was made with conservation in mind,” Ben-Dov shared. “Visitors can now enjoy the perfect balance between accessibility and preservation, whether they’re here for a casual family outing or a challenging desert hike.”

Beyond Hiking: A Haven for Cyclists and Nature Lover

Timna Park is also a cycling hotspot, featuring nearly 70 km of dedicated biking trails developed in collaboration with the Eilot Economic Company, Israel Ministry of Tourism, and the Jewish National Fund.
Local guide Ron Bernstein (“Ranger Ron”) shared that several new circular trails now begin at Copper Lake, winding past natural icons like the ‘Sphinx’ and Solomon’s Pillars. Two new ascent routes lead up to Mount Timna, while other additions include the ‘Mushroom and a Half’ and Nahal Mangan circuits, each weaving together Timna’s unique geology, history, and desert serenity.

We wanted to connect every corner of the park with continuous, circular experiences,” Bernstein noted. “Now, visitors can explore Timna’s vast landscapes, from ancient copper mines to panoramic peaks, without retracing their steps.”

Nature, Heritage, and Sustainability in Harmony

For decades, the Israel Trails Committee, led by SPNI, has been dedicated to making Israel’s natural beauty accessible through well-marked and safe routes. Shavit Saar Weksler, Director of the Committee, described Timna’s renewed trail system as part of a national effort to create sustainable, family-friendly hiking experiences.
“Trail marking isn’t just navigation, it’s our way of connecting people to the landscape,” Weksler said. “Our goal is for every visitor, whether from Israel or abroad, to find trails that match their interests and discover the country’s incredible natural and cultural richness.”

Echoing the sentiment, Golan Reeder, Director of the Southern Arava Region at the Nature and Parks Authority, added that the year-long planning process prioritized both visitor safety and ecosystem protection. “Unused trails were removed, circular paths were added, and every route was designed to tell a story, geological, archaeological, or historical, while preserving the fragile desert ecosystem,” he said.

For Indian Traveller

With the growing number of Indian travellers exploring Israel beyond the holy and historic, Timna Park offers a rare opportunity to combine adventure, nature, and culture in one destination. Whether it’s a family-friendly desert walk, a cycling expedition, or a photography-filled day trip from Eilat, the park’s new trails promise an unforgettable glimpse into Israel’s ancient desert soul.

India, 16th october 2025: The Initial Public Offering of Quartz Processor, Midwest Limited, India’s largest producer of Black Galaxy and Absolute Black granite has been fully subscribed to 1.84 times on the first day of bidding, demonstrating strong demand from retail and non-institutional investors for this IPO.

The issue received bids of 57,33,840 shares against the offered 31,17,460 equity shares, according to data available on the stock exchanges.

Retail Portion and Non-institutional Portion were subscribed 1.60 times and 4.17 times, respectively. Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) subscribed 0.50 times, and the Employee Portion was subscribed 2.54 times.

The issue kicked off for subscription on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 and will close for subscription on Friday, October 17, 2025.

A day before the opening of the issue, Midwest Ltd had raised Rs 135 crore from anchor investors. Some of the marquee institutions that participated in the anchor include Goldman Sachs India Equity Portfolio, Edelweiss Life Insurance Company, Axis Mutual Fund Trustee – Axis Mutual Fund Small Cap Fund, Sun Life Aditya Birla India Fund, Kotak Mahindra Trustee – Kotak Consumption Fund, Edelweiss Trusteeship – Edelweiss Recently Listed IPO Fund, ITI Muti Cap Fund, Svadha India Emerging Opportunities Scheme 1.

Leading brokerage firms like Aditya Birla Money, BP Wealth, and Ventura Securities have given a “Subscribe” rating to the issue highlighting the company has a legacy of more than four decades in the extracting and processing dimensional granite, particularly black galaxy and absolute black varieties. It is India’s largest producer of black galaxy and black granite stones, and held a share of approximately 64% of the Indian export market for the export of black galaxy stone during FY25. The company’s absolute black granite production accounted for 15.7% of the overall black granite production in India during FY25. In addition to natural stone business, the company also manufactures diamond wire, which caters to both captive consumption and market demand of the Indian mining and construction industry.

On the valuation front, at the upper end of the price band, the issue is valued at a P/E of 30 times. The company’s diversification into quartz and HMS segments positions it to tap into high-growth industries like solar glass, electric vehicles (EVs), aerospace, and semiconductors. This strategic shift aligns well with India’s push for self-reliance and comes at a pivotal time amid global supply chain disruptions. The report highlights these new verticals will make a meaningful contribution to the company’s revenue and ensure profitability over time. 

Dam Capital Advisors, Intensive Fiscal Services and Motilal Investment Advisors are the book-running lead managers, and Kfin Technologies Limited is the registrar of the issue.