Archives August 2024

Delhi, Aug 8, 2024: PW Skills, the upskilling vertical of Physics Wallah (PW) has announced the launch of School of Healthcare across five cities in India, namely, Noida, Indore, Lucknow, Patna and Delhi. This initiative comes in response to the increasing demand within India’s healthcare sector, which has been growing at a CAGR of 22% since 2016 and currently employs 4.7 million professionals directly.

The School of Healthcare aims to solve the shortage of skilled healthcare workers by offering specialised courses. These programs are meticulously designed to meet industry standards and cater to the diverse needs of the healthcare market.

Ashish Sharma, Chief Business Officer (CBO), PW, said, “India’s healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, yet only 15% of our 65 lakh allied health professionals are vocationally trained. This significant gap highlights the urgent need for high-quality, affordable education. With the launch of our School of Healthcare, PW Skills is committed to bridging this divide by offering diverse, hands-on training programs. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced medical equipment ensure students gain practical experience essential for their careers. The recent government legislation defining allied health professional categories and university guidelines has created a possible environment for innovation. At PW Skills, we are excited to step into this space, providing solutions that will make a meaningful impact on India’s healthcare landscape.”

PW Skills has launched the School of Healthcare to ensure comprehensive education and career readiness. The courses integrate practical internships as a unique component, offering hands-on experience crucial for professional development. For B.Vocational courses such as Medical Lab Technician (MLT) and Operation Theatre Technician (OTT), students will spend two years in classroom training followed by a year of intensive internship. Similarly, Advanced Diploma programs in MLT and OTT offer a balanced mix of theoretical learning and practical exposure through a one-year classroom session and a subsequent year of internship.

In addition to academic excellence, PW Skills will provide comprehensive placement assistance, including interview preparation, soft skills development, and computer literacy courses. Looking ahead, the institution aims to facilitate international placements for its graduates, further enhancing career opportunities in the global healthcare market.

Chennai, 08, August 2024: Social Beat, a leading digital marketing agency, capped a successful six months winning multiple awards across several prestigious platforms. These accolades highlight Social Beat’s excellence in creativity for digital campaigns, performance marketing and influencer collaborations.

At the Maddys Awards, Social Beat secured three silver awards in the Digital Campaigns category:

• Brand Campaign for Samsonite
• Social Media Campaign for Royal Sundaram
• Influencer Marketing Campaign for Samsonite

In the Social Samosa Awards, Social Beat earned:

• Gold for Best Use of Performance Marketing for Sundaram Mutual Fund
• Silver for Best Use of Creators/Influencers for Indian Terrain’s #WearThePants campaign

 Social Beat also triumphed at the Front Benchers Awards with three gold awards:

• Gold in the Video category for Samsonite
• Gold in the Rural Marketing category for Fortune (Adani Wilmar)
• Gold in Social Media Best Use of Creator Collaboration

Mr. Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat, said, “These wins are a testament to the strategic thinking and creative ability of our teams across products, services and markets. We are really thrilled to be recognized across multiple categories and platforms reflecting our width and depth of capability. This also motivates us to continue delivering innovative and impactful campaigns that drive business growth for our clients.”

 

About Social Beat:

Founded in 2012, Social Beat is a digital growth partner, enabling brands to rise to the impossible. They drive business outcomes with a 300+ strong team of digital experts across Bengaluru, Mumbai, NCR, and Chennai. They are India’s fastest-growing independent digital marketing solutions company and manage 4% of digital media investment in India. Social Beat is a Google Premier Partner, and Meta Business Partner and works closely with ecosystem partners like Amazon, Hotstar, Salesforce & LinkedIn. D2Scale is their center of excellence for commerce & omni channels brands to drive growth via D2C & Marketplaces. Influencer.in is their creator economy product driving discovery and real-time reporting of impactful influencer marketing campaigns. They work as extended growth teams with leading brands like Bharat Matrimony, Adani Wilmar, Jaquar, Indian Terrain, Samsonite, Mankind Pharma, Kalpataru Group, Go Colors, Mahindra Finance, JK Cement, Sundaram Mutual, Khazana Jewellery and with hyperscaling startups including boAt, Niyo, Gamezy, A23 Games, EaseMyTrip, Kapiva, Drools and Sukoon Health on driving business outcomes through a combination of creativity and performance.

Hyderabad, August 08, 2024……A Seminar on Food Processing & Packaging and Global Trends with increasing demand for Indian F & B products was held at FTCCI in Red Hills on Wednesday. It was organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), New Delhi and India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML), Greater Noida. And was supported by the Telangana Food Processing Society (TGFPS); the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) and the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI)

Mr. Akhil Gawar, Director Telangana Food Processing Society (TGFPS) was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion he said the focus area of the Government of Telangana was Food Processing, everyone knows how to produce, but, they find it difficult to scale it up. So, our focus is on helping companies to scale up their operations. We will help them in building technology, building a business model, Branding, Marketing, Distribution, Cold Chain Development and many other areas

We also focus on helping farmers to improve their incomes and women’s empowerment. MSME is another focus area. Food Processing is the biggest sub-segment of the MSME. Consumer health, and safety are our other areas of focus, he added.

Mr. Suresh Kumar Singhal who graced as a special guest said the Indian food processing industry stands at a pivotal juncture. The government’s recent budget announcements have underscored its commitment to supporting the growth and development of this vital sector.

Mr Devansh Trivedi, Director Shanti Boilers & Pressure Vessels Pvt. Ltd spoke on Sustainability in Food Processing & Packaging. Mr Trivedi discussed the critical role of sustainability in food production, shared best practices, and highlighted innovative approaches to ensure long-term food security

The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr Rupesh Patel, Co-founder- Healthy Honest Foods Pvt. Ltd. He spoke on Global Demand Trends and increasing Demand for Indian F&B Products

Mr. Patel provided insights into the growing global demand for Indian food products, explored market trends, and identified opportunities for Indian businesses in the international arena.

Frozen Samosas, Frozen Vegetarian Biryani, and Frozen Indian curries are a few food products hugely popular in other countries where India’s diaspora lives. A lot of Indian companies that are exporting ready-to-eat food are exporting in frozen form. This trend is witnessing a huge demand in sales abroad, he added. Not just Indians, but many foreigners are looking forward to this kind of food and has huge demand, he shared.

Indian Samosa has been turned into a billion-dollar global snack, he added. Indian curries in the frozen form are also in huge demand wherever Indians and students are living. After the pandemic Indian food is more accessible globally, he said.

Full moon ghee is also gaining a lot of demand abroad. Making ghee during the Full Moon is considered auspicious due to this powerful forward-moving energy of the Moon added Tamal Chatterjee, Chief Growth Officer SID’s Farm. The practice of making bilona ghee under the Purnima moon dates to Vedic times. Full moon ghee is prized as a potent ojas-building and healing elixir. It is used as a medicinal ghee to promote balance in the body and soul, he added.

The Seminar was organised as part of the roadshow in the backdrop of the “Indus Food Manufacturing” exhibition to be held from 09 to 11 January 2025 in Yashobhoomi, IICC New Delhi. This event is poised to showcase cutting-edge innovations, technologies, and trends in the food and beverage industry.

Core Objectives of the road show, seminar and Indus Food Manufacturing expo were to promote Sustainable Food Production and Raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in food production. And showcase best practices and innovative solutions for sustainable food production.

The second objective was to highlight the Global Demand for Indian F&B Products discuss the increasing global demand for Indian food products and Identify opportunities for Indian F&B businesses in the international market. Another objective was Networking and Collaboration among industry professionals and technology providers and encourage collaboration and partnerships to drive innovation and growth.

The delegation also showcased the upcoming shows “Indusfood 2025” and “Indusfood Manufacturing 2025”:

The Hyderabad roadshow on “Sustainable Food Production and Global Demand for Indian F&B Products” brought together industry leaders, technology providers, and sustainability advocates, the event aims to foster discussions, promote best practices, and identify new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

The government’s revised budget announcement allows taxpayers to pick between a 12.5% Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax rate without indexation and a 20% rate with indexation, for properties purchased before July 23, 2024. This will have a very profound impact on both homeowners and aspiring homebuyers.

Homeowners: This change gives homeowners flexibility in their tax liabilities when they sell their property. For properties held over a long period, where inflation has majorly raised the property’s value, opting for the 20% tax rate with indexation would be beneficial. Indexation adjusts the purchase price for inflation, potentially reducing the taxable gain and overall tax liability. For properties held for shorter periods or in low-inflation periods, the 12.5% rate sans indexation could be more beneficial and result in a lower tax burden.

Homebuyers: This revision can potentially stimulate the residential property market because it provides clarity and implies potential tax burden reduction. Homebuyers’ sentiment will improve as they have flexible options for addressing their future capital gains tax burden. This will result in higher demand, particularly in markets where property values have been seen to rise significantly.

Also, the anticipation of these changes can potentially cause some homeowners to sell properties sooner to benefit from the new tax regime. This will raise the overall supply of housing units available on the market, helping to keep prices in check.

As per ANAROCK Research, H1 2024 saw total sales of nearly 2.51 lakh units across the top 7 cities, 9% more than the same period last year (H1 2023). Given that Q2 2024 saw sales tapering due to the election heat and the increased prices across cities, the new tax imposed by the government in the budget was considered a dealbreaker for many. Now, with the government giving these options to the homebuyers, housing sales momentum will continue unimpeded.

Mumbai, 7th August, 2024 – In the wake of severe floods and heavy rains across various regions in India, Škoda Auto India have implemented a proactive Škoda Flood Relief Support programme. Support is extended to every flood-affected Škoda car across the country and to customers who have not opted for Road Side Assistance (RSA).

Support

The Škoda Flood Relief Support is a programme offering proactive RSA support to all Škoda cars and customers affected by floods anywhere in India. Customers who have not opted for RSA will also be provided this service till 15th September, 2024, ensuring they have access to mobility and are not stranded during the monsoon season. The company has set up two toll-free numbers — 1800 209 4646 or 1800 102 6464 – to ensure customers have 24-hour access and more than one option to reach out to assistance. Škoda Auto India has also issued Expert Guidelines for Vehicle Floor Repair to all its dealers.

Service

Škoda Auto India has always offered a 4-year/100,000 km warranty as standard for all its new cars with an option to extend it to the 5th and 6th year with upto 150,000 kms. In addition, the company’s fleet consists entirely of 5-star rated, safety-tested cars for both adults and children. The latest Flood Relief Support is yet another endeavour by the manufacturer to provide a hassle-free ownership and maintenance experience to its customers.

Bangalore, 07 August 2024 – The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is issuing a final call for nominations for the prestigious IET India Awards 2024. With just one week remaining, we urge all innovators and leaders in engineering to submit their nominations by 14 August 2024. These awards honour Indian engineers and organisations that exemplify innovation, engineering excellence, and impactful contributions across various industries.

The IET India Awards 2024 aim to celebrate significant achievements in the following categories: Youth Engineering Icon of the Year, IET India Young Woman Engineer Award, IET India Volunteering Award, IET India Future Tech Awards, IET India Mobility Awards, and the IET India Future of Work Award. These categories are open to individual engineers, teams, and organisations from industry, academia, not-for-profit organisations, and the government.

Mr Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and Director of IET India, emphasised the importance of these awards: “India has emerged as a global powerhouse for digital innovation and technology R&D. The next decade promises transformative opportunities for technologists, engineers, researchers, and academia to shape the nation’s future. The IET India Awards recognise and celebrate impactful innovation, inspiring a new generation of engineers and technologists to create solutions that benefit society at large.

Previous winners have made significant progress and served as role models for the country’s emerging technology talent. I am confident that this year’s applicants will showcase innovative solutions and research advancements, further inspiring the next generation of technology enthusiasts in the country.”

Instituted in 2021 to commemorate 150 years of the IET’s legacy, the IET India Awards have celebrated outstanding individuals and organisations who have brought transformative changes through their technical expertise and inventive solutions. Distinguished past winners include Nandan Nilekani (Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman, Infosys), Tarun Mehta (Founder, ather Energy), Praneet Dutta (Research Engineering Tech Lead, Google Deepmind), Kris Gopalakrishnan (Co-founder of Infosys), ElectricPe, TeamLease, and Zoho Corp, among others.

August 7th, 2024: Avalara, Inc., a leading provider of tax compliance automation software for businesses of all sizes has recently published a new survey report titled – “Cross-Border Commerce and Compliance Survey” that analyzes global consumer behavior in the cross-border industry. The findings reveal that India is increasingly engaging in cross border shopping, with over 67% of respondents having made purchases from international businesses, highlighting a strong shift towards global consumerism within the country. This trend is in contrast to established markets like the US, where only 37% of consumers have made international purchases in the past year.

The report indicates that a key factor behind this trend is that over 76% of Indian consumers perceive the quality of items from international sellers as superior, driving their cross-border shopping significantly more than their consumer counterparts in the UK (27%) and the USA (35%). The report also attributed the availability of unique products not found in India as a factor as well as better quality and competitive pricing as significant reasons for their preference for cross-border shopping.

Established e-commerce platforms lead the way in shopping preferences in India with over 61% choosing platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy for their overseas shopping needs, with strong demands for international fashion, followed by technology. This is the third highest among the surveyed countries, indicating a strong reliance on these established marketplaces. Additionally, despite the potential of direct cross-border purchases enabled through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, only 4.8% of Indian consumers choose this route.

However, despite India’s enthusiastic embrace of cross-border shopping, Indian consumers reported the highest incidence of customs duties coming as a surprise, with 45% describing them as “shocking”. This is a stark contrast to Australian consumers, wherein 57% of Australian shoppers reported being well-informed about customs fees, thus avoiding unpleasant surprises.

Commenting on the insights, Avalara spokesperson Dulles Krishnan, VP, Go To Market said – As global cross-border commerce continues to expand, we conducted this survey to help businesses understand cross-border buying habits of consumers, identify factors impacting cart abandonment, as well as assess the role compliance plays in cross-border commerce.”

This report was conducted across India, the US, the UK, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico with over 8,200 respondents, and aims to understand the pain points of consumers in the cross-border industry. The insights provided focus on helping businesses address these concerns, particularly in the Indian market, by emphasizing the importance of transparent cost structures and competitive pricing to maintain their appeal and effectively capture this growing segment.

Experience a touch of opulence this festive season with Misree, the premium sweet house from the esteemed legacy of Haldiram’s. Established on August 10, 2021, Misree brings a luxurious fusion of global influences and Indian traditions through its sophisticated packaging, premium ingredients, and exceptional craftsmanship. Perfect for all your celebrations, Misree’s high-quality confections are synonymous with joy and indulgence.

Whether you’re celebrating Rakhi, Teej, or any other special occasion, Misree invites you to elevate your festivities with a hint of luxury. Umesh Madhu Agarwal, Whole Time Director at MISREE, shares, “Our vision is to redefine luxury sweets by blending global inspirations with traditional Indian craftsmanship. Our festive collection reflects our commitment to quality and innovation in every sweet we create”

Indulge in our luxurious assortment of sweets, which is perfect for those with discerning tastes. Each piece is freshly crafted with imported ingredients for an unparalleled gourmet experience.

Hyderabad, August 7, 2024 – The 13th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon is all set to take place on August 24th and 25th, 2024. Presented by the Hyderabad Runners Society, sponsored by NMDC, and powered by IDFC First Bank, this event marks the exciting beginning of the marathon season in India.

As the second city marathon in the country to receive the prestigious World Athletics label after Mumbai, Hyderabad proudly hosts the nation’s second-largest marathon. With over 25,200 runners registered, including participants from across the country and abroad, the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon promises a spectacular showcase of athleticism and community spirit.

The total Prize Money is INR 44,00,000(forty-four lakhs).

As a run-up to the main event, a dry run was organised.

NMDC Hyderabad Marathon marks the beginning of the marathon season in the country. NMDC Hyderabad Marathon is the country’s second-largest marathon after Mumbai.

The route of the marathon will be a picturesque path covering Hussain Sagar Lake, Raj Bhavan Road, KBR Park, Jubilee Hills Road No. 45, Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge, Bio-diversity Junction, University of Hyderabad, and finishing at Gachibowli Stadium

The marathon route will provide runners with an extraordinary experience, showcasing the beauty and cultural heritage of Hyderabad while promoting a healthy lifestyle. The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon is not just a race; it is a celebration that unites people from all walks of life.

Rajesh Vetcha, the race director, shares, “We want the people of Hyderabad to own the Marathon. Come out, support, and cheer the runners. Play music, and encourage them. This marathon is for everyone—from elite athletes to those running for fun or charity. Let’s showcase the incredible energy and hospitality of our city.”

Your enthusiasm and support will inspire and motivate them every step of the way. Let’s transform the marathon into a city-wide celebration filled with music, joy, and encouragement

The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that embodies the spirit of our city. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation makes a significant impact. Together, let’s create an unforgettable experience and set the stage for many more successful editions in the future.

Mumbai, 7^th August, 2024: foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), India’s leading talent platform, has released the foundit Insights Tracker (fit), presenting the latest hiring trends for July 2024.

  According to the tracker, there has been an 11% uptick in hiring activity on a year-on-year basis (July 2023 vs July 2024), with the index rising from 268 to 298, despite a slight month-on-month (MoM) decline of 1%, the overall job market shows a positive momentum.

Offering a hiring overview for July 2024, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit (previously Monster APAC & ME), a Quess company, said, “The strong focus of the recent Union Budget on productivity and job creation is an encouraging sign for the recruitment industry. We have also noticed that the salaries of employees have consistently risen driven by higher demand for fresh talent and competitive salary offerings. This growth is likely fueled by high-growth sectors such as technology, digital marketing, and e-commerce.”

Salary trends: Industries show consistent growth; IT leads in salary packages. Retail, Telecommunications show highest year-on-year growth

The salary growth across most sectors has been positive and consistent over the past year. The IT-Software & Services sector leads with the highest salary packages, followed by Retail, Advertising, Market Research & PR.

A few sectors such as Automotive, BFSI, and Travel & Tourism witnessed a decline in salary packages, reflecting the market challenges and industry adjustments.

Fresh graduates in the Retail and Telecommunications sectors have seen the most significant growth, with a 15% and 14% increase in salaries, respectively.

Freshers in the Retail industry receive an average minimum salary of ₹ 3.3 LPA and an average maximum salary of ₹ 5.2 LPA.

Year-on-year salary trends (2024 vs 2023)

Experienced professionals with 7+ years of work experience in the Advertising, Market Research & PR industry witnessed a 15% growth in salaries over the past year (2024 vs 2023), highlighting the industry’s focus on attracting top talent. Experienced professionals in the Advertising, Market Research, & PR sector have salaries ranging from ₹ 11 LPA to ₹ 33 LPA.

IT-Software & Services industry continues to lead with the highest salary packages across different experience levels. Freshers in the IT sector have highest salaries ₹ 4.1 LPA to ₹ 7.5 LPA, indicating a strong demand and value placed on IT skills right from the entry-level.

Consumer Electronics industry boom drives the ongoing growth in India’s Production & Manufacturing sector

The tracker reveals that the Consumer Electronics sector experienced remarkable year-on-year growth in hiring, with a 45% increase. This surge is driven by technological advancements, AI developments, and innovative designs in consumer electronics devices such as smartphones, TVs, gadgets, smartwatches, etc.  The Manufacturing industry also saw a 43% yearly growth in hiring, reflecting the ripple effect of this boom.

Even the Automotive industry saw an 18% yearly growth in hiring driven by investments and sustainability initiatives by the government.

The Real Estate and Construction & Engineering sector has also showed an impressive 32% and 29% increase respectively in hiring over the past year, spurred by budget reforms, sustainability, and green initiatives. On the other hand, the Import/Export sector faced multiple hiring challenges over the past year, with a significant 32% drop in July 2024 compared to last year.

However, the recent Union budget developments suggest potential for gradual recovery in the coming months. Other sectors that witnessed a dip in hiring include Shipping/Marine (-31%), and Agriculture (-17%).

Hospitality sector emerges as employment hub

Roles in Hospitality and Travel continue to experience a remarkable surge in hiring by 28% (July 2024 vs July 2023) This growth highlights the dynamic environment, diverse roles, and promising career trajectories that the hospitality sector offers. This gradual uptick mirrors the complete recovery of the travel industry since the pandemic and underscores the government’s push towards sector’s growth. And the boost in travel during the summer holidays has further fueled the demand and highlighted the sector’s resurgence.

Similarly, roles in Marketing and Communications witnessed a notable 24% year-on-year increase, reflecting a heightened focus on brands establishing a strong digital presence and connecting with their audiences online. Additionally, hiring for medical job roles has seen a spike, with a 22% yearly increase in hiring in the healthcare sector.

Conversely, certain job roles witnessed a decline in hiring. Customer service roles experienced a sharp downturn (-25%), suggesting a potential slowdown in demand or shift in hiring needs driven by the rise of automation and AI technologies.  Similarly, Sales and Business Development job roles also saw a notable decrease, with an 8% drop this year. Other sectors that have experienced a sharper decline in hiring include Engineering/Production (-7%) and Finance and Accounting (-6%).

 Coimbatore leads job growth in India tier 2 cities

Coimbatore has emerged as the leader in job growth among India’s tier-2 cities, with a remarkable 24% increase in hiring, followed closely by Jaipur with a 23% rise. Other cities showing strong growth include Delhi-NCR (18%), Chennai (14%), and Pune (12%).  Month-on-month, Chennai and Kochi maintained a stable hiring environment with a 5% increase, respectively. Bengaluru is also witnessing a surge in hiring, driven by the tech sector’s growth and urban development, now expanding into Tier-2 cities. However, some cities like Mumbai (-4%), Chandigarh (-4%), and Baroda (-4%) saw a slight decline in hiring.

Hiring of freshers and senior-level professionals sees moderate growth

According to the tracker, demand for freshers with 0 to 3 years of experience increased by 13% year-on-year, The demand for senior professionals with over 15 years of experience saw a moderate growth of 6% year-on-year, indicating a balanced demand across different experience levels in the job market.