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Modular Concrete Curing: A green alternative to curing process

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The traditional process of curing concrete is cumbersome, requires extensive labour work and leads to significant quantities of water loss. Ambuja has introduced a waterless curing technique in India that is economical and environment friendly.

Any cement concrete product or structure has to go through a curing process when the product or structure gains strength. The process of curing is done mainly with water. The chemical action between cement and water helps in hardening of concrete.

Curing must be done for a certain period of time so that concrete achieves its potential strength. It is very important to do curing properly as it crucial for the strength and durability of the concrete product or structure. The amount of time curing is to be done depends on the purpose of the concrete product or structure, temperature and humidity of the atmosphere.

Traditional curing process

Traditionally, curing is done by pouring or spraying water on concrete or mortar surfaces for an adequate period of time. Water has to be continuously replenished as and when it evaporates due to high temperature and low humidity. If the water dries out the strength of the concrete structure or surface will be impacted.

On flat surfaces such as pavements, roads, sidewalks and floor slabs curing is done by ponding water on the exposed top surface. This is done by making small bunds a few hours after the concrete work is over.

Typically, masons and labourers build bunds with cement and sand on flat concrete surfaces. Water is then poured on the surface and retained for a few days. On surfaces that cannot hold water, labourers spray water several times during the day for several days.

History and description of the technology

Ambuja Cements has come up with an alternative to combat difficulties in managing the traditional method of curing, the Ambuja Modular Curing Solution (AMCS). AMCS entails the use of a plastic sheet to prevent water losses due to evaporation, protects against strong winds, low humidity and high ambient temperatures.

How it can be used/ installed

Surfaces, which are concreted or cemented, are covered by plastic sheets primarily to prevent loss of humidity. All that the contractor has to do is to inform the service providers at Ambuja. The site engineer from Ambuja visits the premises where concrete is being poured and makes necessary arrangement at the site to cover the laid concrete. Once concrete is poured the cover is laid on top. The polymer covering comes in standard sizes that can be joined end to end to make a larger sheet. The joint is strong and water tight and does not let water or moisture to seep out. It is a quick and hassle free process.

Advantages for the construction industry

The biggest benefit is saving of water. About 12,000 litres of water required for curing 100 square metres of slab surface could be saved on an average. In India, many places are extremely hot and arid. Water availability is a serious issue. Under these circumstances curing process is not always done well. Also, labourers are required to build bunds on cemented surface or spray water several times during the day. Many a times the slab may have dry patches due to inappropriate/insufficient water application on the surface. AMCS is a service that helps reduce water usage and lower labour and other costs.

Its availability in India

At present AMCS is a service and is being expanded through its channel partners. The response to AMCS has been quite encouraging as curing is done effectively without hassles, water or labour. For Ambuja Cements, AMCS is yet another initiative towards sustainability.

Concrete

JK Cement Declared Preferred Bidder For Gilund Limestone Block

Shares Edge Higher As Company Wins Rajasthan Block

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JK Cement gained after being declared preferred bidder for the Gilund Limestone Block in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, a lease area of 370.96 hectares. The firm saw its shares trade at Rs. 5550.05, up by 28.45 points or 0.52 per cent from the previous close of Rs. 5521.60 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs. 5569.15 and touched a high of Rs. 5625.00 and a low of Rs. 5531.00.

The stock recorded turnover of 1742 shares on the counter and the BSE group A stock with face value Rs. 10 has a 52 week high of Rs. 7565.00 on 20-Aug-2025 and a 52 week low of Rs. 4670.05 on 12-Jun-2026. Last one week high and low stood at Rs. 5625.00 and Rs. 5329.00 respectively. The promoters holding in the company stood at 45.66 per cent, while institutions and non-institutions held 40.61 per cent and 13.73 per cent respectively.

The e-auction conducted by the Government of Rajasthan resulted in the company being declared preferred bidder for the mining lease, and the allocation will enable the company to plan phased development of the deposit, subject to regulatory approvals. The Gilund block spans 370.96 hectares and its allocation is intended to support raw material security for the company’s cement operations in the region. The designation follows the government auction process and will allow the company to plan development and integration of the deposit into its supply chain.

The current market capitalisation stands at Rs. 430.38 billion (bn), reflecting market response to the mining news and prevailing valuation levels for the sector. Investors and analysts will watch for formal allotment and related disclosures that can clarify timelines, capital expenditure and expected production profiles. The report is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice, and market participants are advised to consult advisers before making decisions.

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Concrete

Star Cement Named Preferred Bidder For Boro Lakhindong Block

Preferred bidder for limestone mining lease in Assam

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Star Cement has been declared the preferred bidder for the mining lease for Boro Lakhindong West Block following e-auctions conducted by the Government of Assam. The block is located in Boro Lakhindong Village, Umrangso Tehsil, Dima Hasao District, Assam, and extends over an area of 123 hectares. The estimated limestone resource is 207.822 million (mn) tonnes (t), a quantity that will supply raw material for cement production and support the company’s manufacturing operations in the region.

The company is engaged in the manufacturing and selling of cement clinker and cement and distributes products across the north-eastern and eastern states of India. Star Cement operates plants and logistics networks that procure and process limestone to produce clinker for cement, and the addition of Boro Lakhindong is presented as a strategic enhancement of feedstock availability. The preferred bidder status secures rights to the specified lease area under the terms of the auction process.

Financial results for the company in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026 showed a consolidated net profit rise of 20.24 per cent to Rs 1,481.0 mn on an 11.54 per cent increase in revenue to Rs 11,735.5 mn compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Those results reflected higher sales volumes and revenue growth in the company’s primary markets and are cited in company disclosures accompanying the lease announcement. The reported performance provides context to the company’s ability to pursue and finance new mining lease opportunities.

Market reaction to the declaration was modest, with the scrip rising zero point thirty six per cent to trade at Rs 212 on the BSE. The award of the Boro Lakhindong lease concludes the e-auction process for the west block and assigns operational rights to Star Cement as the preferred bidder, subject to completion of statutory and contractual formalities.

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Concrete

KERC Proposal To Cut Rooftop Solar Export Tariff Raises Concern

Consumers and advocates urge regulator to reconsider change

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The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has proposed a reduction in the tariff paid for surplus electricity that rooftop solar installations export to the grid, prompting concern among consumers, renewable energy advocates and industry specialists. The proposal arrives while the Central government and state governments are promoting clean energy adoption and offering subsidy schemes to encourage rooftop solar deployment. Thousands of households in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, have invested substantial sums in rooftop systems to reduce reliance on conventional power and support state renewable targets.

Stakeholders have raised questions about the implications of a lower export tariff for the financial attractiveness of rooftop solar investments and the pace of the state transition to renewables. Industry analysts warned that a reduction in compensation for excess generation could discourage new installations and extend payback periods for existing systems. Current messaging from authorities, which simultaneously promotes adoption while proposing lower export rates, has been described by user groups as creating contradictory signals for consumers.

Experts argued that policy measures should focus on grid modernisation rather than reducing consumer benefits, with investments in transmission and distribution networks needed to manage higher volumes of distributed solar generation. Consumer groups and renewable advocates are preparing written submissions to the regulator and are urging retention of incentives that support household adoption of rooftop systems. KERC has invited public objections and suggestions as part of a consultation process that will determine the final tariff framework.

The outcome of the consultation is expected to influence the future growth of rooftop solar across the state and shape investor confidence in small-scale renewable projects. Residents who have already installed rooftop panels are monitoring developments closely because changes to compensation mechanisms may affect household finances and the speed of return on investment. Observers noted that coherent policy, aligned incentives and grid upgrades would be essential to sustain momentum in the rooftop solar sector.

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