Archives January 2025

The Yuva Tourism Club of H.R. College of Commerce & Economics, in collaboration with Indiatourism, Mumbai, brought India’s cultural vibrancy to life through its flagship tourism festival, SAFAR Hindustan Ka 2025. Held on January 19 and 20, 2025, this two-day event was a resounding success, celebrating the nation’s diverse heritage while fostering tourism awareness and youth engagement. Indiatourism Mumbai, as the major sponsor, played a pivotal role in supporting the festival and ensuring its success.

This year’s theme, “A Journey Through India’s States, Traditions & Tales,” encapsulated the spirit of unity in diversity, encouraging participants to explore and appreciate the cultural richness that defined India. Through competitions, performances, and interactive activities, SAFAR Hindustan Ka 2025 served as a dynamic platform for promoting cultural preservation, tourism, and community building.

Praarambh: A Grand Start
The festival commenced with Praarambh, a series of travel-themed competitions and cultural activities designed to engage participants in India’s geographical and cultural diversity. Events such as Travel Bingo, Destination Match-Up, and Mystery Destination tested participants’ knowledge of Indian landmarks and attractions. The Travel Storytelling Circle and Debate on Indian States encouraged creative and critical reflections on tourism topics, while the Cuisine Demonstration celebrated India’s vast culinary heritage. The day concluded with an insightful Research Paper Presentation, where students explored tourism trends and challenges.

Utsav: A Celebration of Heritage
Day 2, Utsav, turned the spotlight on India’s cultural richness with vibrant traditional and folk performances. The Dance Competition, Drama Competition, Musical Competition, and Fashion Walk highlighted India’s diverse history, folklore, and traditions. Each performance showcased the unique cultural identities of Indian states, emphasizing the festival’s message of unity in diversity. Interactive tourism stalls added another dimension, promoting responsible tourism and India’s unique travel offerings.

Leadership and Vision

 Principal Prof. Dr. Pooja Ramchandani underscored the significance of the event, expressing that “SAFAR was essential to reconnect Indian youth with their roots, especially as many students were increasingly influenced by Western culture. We need to preserve and promote Indian values, ensuring that the rich heritage of the nation remains an integral part of students’ identities. SAFAR was envisioned as a platform to bring together diverse cultural representations from across the country through the unique identities of its States. It also aimed to promote inbound tourism, showcasing India as a vibrant and unified destination, cherished both nationally and globally.”

Asst. Prof. Faaiz S. Patel, Faculty Coordinator of the Yuva Tourism Club & SAFAR’25, commended the unwavering dedication and enthusiasm of the organizing team, highlighting their vision for the festival. He noted, “The students passionately embraced the idea of organizing a fest that not only promoted tourism but also cultivated a sense of tourism community among colleges. Their efforts conveyed a powerful message—just like our nation, we stood united in diversity. With tireless determination and an unyielding commitment, they worked day and night to make this fest a resounding success, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence.”

Inspiring the Next Generation
SAFAR Hindustan Ka 2025 went beyond entertainment, inspiring a deep sense of pride in India’s heritage while promoting tourism awareness among youth. By blending cultural immersion, creative expression, and collaborative efforts, the festival left a lasting impression on participants and audiences alike.

As India continues to establish itself as a global tourism hub, events like SAFAR Hindustan Ka served as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of cultural heritage in educating, uniting, and inspiring. This flagship event was not just a celebration but a journey through India’s soul—a tribute to the traditions and stories that made our nation extraordinary.

Hyderabad, January 27, 2025: White Noise Academy, a trailblazing institute renowned for its holistic approach to education, is thrilled to celebrate its 10th Anniversary of redefining learning through a commitment to quality, innovation, and experiential growth. Over the past decade, the Academy has empowered students to tackle real-world challenges, blending creativity, technology, and practical experiences to prepare them for a dynamic future.

Founded with the vision of bridging the gap between traditional education and future-ready skills, White Noise Academy stands proud as the pioneer of India’s first Teen Accelerator Program. This unique initiative immerses students in real IT environments, complete with office workstations, corporate perks, and hands-on projects, seamlessly integrating offline and online learning.

“Our programs are designed to cultivate leaders who can excel in a rapidly evolving world,” says Mr. Vinayak, CEO of White Noise Academy. “By combining STEM, Junior Corporate Entrepreneurship, and Cambridge, IB, and CBSE curriculums with project-based learning, we’ve created a framework that fosters innovation and practical skill development. This is a novel venture of ours, we are venturing into AI based learning schools, where children will be learning different skills through music, art and sciences. We offer after school projects where children learn maths and science concepts through music, science and robotics. After those concepts these children will do real world projects and we provide mentors from companies like Google and NVIDIA, that helps them to build profile and documentation. They need not create their identity after they go abroad. They now become famous here and then they travel abroad. We have 100 students currently, and are backed by Decillion Devices, an IT company. Our objective is to have less number of children, on whom we can put our entire focus and give them one on one attention. You can observe the performance of our children on www.whitenoiseacademy.com, they have excelled not just in music, but also in robotics and academics. They were awarded by our past President Shri Pranab Mukherji, because of which they got into medical colleges of their choice in USA. We have students from 12th standard currently. This is India’s first Teen Accelerator Program, we offer 6 hours of offline and 2 hours of online coaching to not just give knowledge but to develop the character, which is possible only offline. We give them real office, real work stations, they get a feel of real office ambience, we ensure they are accountable and more serious about their approach. We have the Junior Entrepreneurship Entrance Exam on March 27th, kids clearing this exam will get international travel, office work stations, mentorship an internship. It will be helpful for IB, Cambridge and CBSE students. The fee is based on scholarship, depending on the scholarship it ranges between Rs 4 lakhs to 6 Lakhs per annum.”

White Noise Academy’s journey is powered by a world-class faculty, senior industry experts, and cutting-edge technology. With partnerships with global tech leaders like Google and NVIDIA, and certifications from 36 top-tier companies, students build impressive profiles and strong personal brands for future success. The Academy also leverages AI and machine learning tools to enhance learning experiences and elevate outcomes.

In the realm of creativity, White Noise Academy has nurtured aspiring musicians to achieve prestigious certifications from London’s RSL and gain recognition through performances on its thriving YouTube channel, which now boasts nearly one million subscribers.

“We remain committed to shaping the next generation of leaders through global opportunities, AI-augmented projects, and character-building initiatives,” says Dr. Shruti Arya, Curriculum Director of White Noise Academy. “Celebrating a decade of accomplishments, we are excited to continue transforming education for a better tomorrow.”

Chandigarh, 28th January 2025: Bank of India announced its results for the quarter Q3 FY25. Net Profit improved by 35% YoY and stood at Rs.2,517 Cr for Q3FY25 against Rs.1,870 Cr in Q3FY24. On a sequential basis, Net Profit improved by 6 % from Rs.2,374 Cr in Q2FY25.

On the Asset quality front, Net NPA declined by 29.07% YoY from Rs.7,627 Cr in Dec’23 to Rs.5,410 Cr in Dec’24. Global Business increased by 13.62% YoY from Rs.12,72,887 Cr in Dec’23 to Rs.14,46,295 Cr in Dec’24 reporting a YTD growth of 9.28%.

Net Interest Income (NII) increased by 11% YoY and stood at Rs.6,070 Cr for Q3FY25 against Rs.5,463 Cr for Q3FY24 and Rs.5,986 Cr in Q2FY25. As of 31.12.2024, the Bank’s total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) was at 16.00% against 16.06% as of 31.12.2023.

Retail Credit grew by 21.22% YoY to Rs.1,27,825 Cr in Dec’24. (YTD Growth: 14.66%). Agriculture Credit grew by 18.46% YoY to Rs.95,173 Cr in Dec’24. MSME Credit grew by 16.36% YoY to Rs.89,134 Cr in Dec’24.

Priority Sector Advances increased by 16.63% YOY and achieved 45.27% of ANBC as on Dec’24. Agricultural advances achieved 21.19% of ANBC. Advances to Small & Marginal Farmers achieved 11.76% of ANBC in Dec’24 against regulatory norm of 10%. Advances to Weaker Sections achieved 14.11% of ANBC in Dec’24 against regulatory norm of 12%.

Bank has opened 2.23 Lakh new PMJDY accounts during Q3-FY’25 and 10.49 lakh new accounts during 9 Months ended FY’25.

As on 31st Dec’24, the Bank has 5202 number of Domestic branches.

Prime Video’s Paatal Lok has won the hearts of viewers worldwide, with its gritty narrative and unforgettable characters leaving audiences hooked. As fans celebrate the show’s gripping storytelling, Amul has joined the bandwagon with their latest topical that adds a buttery twist to the hype.

The poster cheekily asks, “Iske Ahlaawa Aur Kya?”, perfectly summing up the show’s irresistible charm. The tagline, Amul: Lok-priya Snack, playfully ties the tribute to the cult hit’s massive popularity.

Even Jaideep Ahlawat, who plays the unforgettable Hathiram Chaudhary, couldn’t resist the love. Sharing the topical on Instagram, he quipped, “Itna bhi maska nahi lagana tha Hathi Ram ko, Amul India, nahi toh aur jyada mota ho jaayega!” His heartfelt caption, “I melted like makhan looking at this! Thank you for the love, this one’s special,” reflects the widespread adoration for the show and Amul’s tribute.

Prime Video’s Paatal Lok continues to create waves, blending sharp social commentary with edge-of-the-seat drama. With Amul now joining the celebration, the show’s impact has extended beyond screens, making Paatal Lok a phenomenon in the world of Indian entertainment.

Directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, and written, created, and executively produced by Sudip Sharma, the series is produced under the banner of Clean Slate Filmz Production and Eunoia Films. This season boasts a stellar cast, featuring Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Tillotama Shome, and Gul Panag in the lead roles. Paatal Lok Season 2 is streaming now exclusively on Prime Video in India and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Mumbai, 27th January 2025: The Purna Maha Kumbh, a rare and sacred Hindu festival, occurs once every 144 years, following 12 cycles of the Maha Kumbh. This year, it is expected to draw a record 400 million devotees, solidifying its position as the largest human gathering on Earth. However, amidst this grand celebration, a pressing concern emerges: the alarming number of missing children. Over 250,000 individuals, many of whom were children, have vanished during past events, facing exploitation or permanent family separation.

In response to this unfortunate but very real problem, DSP Mutual Fund has partnered with Dentsu Creative Webchutney, in association with Falco Robotics, to launch Garuda Rakshak – a groundbreaking offline, drone-based search-and-rescue solution designed to overcome network congestion challenges and swiftly reunite lost children with their families. Derived from the mythological Garuda, a divine bird embodying protection and vigilance, Garuda Rakshak serves as a guardian in the sky.

Based on 1970s marine navigation technology, it utilises low-frequency radio bands for long-range communication and precision satellite tracking, all while requiring minimal infrastructure.

If a child goes missing, guardians can simply tap their ID bands at the Lost and Found Centre to activate the Garuda Rakshak system. The drone, armed with real-time geo-data from the child’s wristband, springs into action, pinpointing the child’s location within minutes. It deploys an extendable colour marker high in the sky, cutting through the chaos to visually guide rescuers, while simultaneously transmitting the child’s details to the on-ground rescue team. This seamless, revolutionary solution ensures a fast, reliable rescue, even in the most chaotic situations.

Abhik Sanyal, Head of Marketing, DSP Asset Managers, said, “At DSP Mutual Fund, we believe that investing goes beyond chasing monetary gains—it’s about bettering lives, communities, and inspiring hope. Backing an idea like Garuda Rakshak truly resonates with our belief that the most meaningful solutions to real problems of today can sometimes be found by those willing to dip into the wisdom of the past. For us, this initiative of hope came straight from the heart, while still embodying, perhaps even elevating, our commitment to DSP’s ‘Invest for Good’ philosophy. Because the most meaningful returns are found in the safety, love, and smiles we can help bring back to the world.”

Gurbaksh Singh, Chief Innovation Officer, India, Dentsu Creative, added, “In an era dominated by IoTs, we’ve taken a step back to draw inspiration from the past and fused it with new-age drone automation that not only saves lives but also restores hope and reassurance to families in their most vulnerable moments. The project showcases the transformative power of technology when driven by human compassion and a relentless pursuit of a safer, more caring world.”

Vishal Dixit, CEO, Falco Robotics, commented, “The integration of drone technology with Garuda Rakshak’s offline navigation system has resulted in a truly pioneering solution, uniquely equipped to handle the complexities of such extraordinary, high-density events. We’re excited to see the difference it makes.”

Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, unveils the SWITCH IeV8, an electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) designed for mid-mile logistics at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025

Chandigarh, 25 January 2025: SWITCH Mobility Ltd, a part of the Hinduja Group, has unveiled the SWITCH IeV8, a revolutionary electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) in the 7.2T category catering to mid-mile logistics. Designed with sustainability and operational efficiency at its core, the SWITCH IeV8 is set to transform the logistics sector in India.

The SWITCH IeV8, a robust addition to SWITCH Mobility’s eLCV portfolio is engineered for optimal performance, durability, and sustainability in cargo transportation. Featuring cutting-edge advanced lithium battery chemistry, the IeV8 delivers an impressive range of 250 km on a single charge. Its versatile design accommodates up to 830 cubic feet of container space, making it ideal for diverse logistics needs. With a top speed of 80 km/h and fast-charging capabilities, it ensures swift and uninterrupted operations, meeting the demands of modern businesses.

With features like Electro-Hydraulic power steering (EHPS) for effortless maneuverability, a driver-centric AC cabin, tiltable steering, and sliding & reclining seats, the SWITCH IeV8 is crafted to deliver exceptional comfort and ergonomic excellence.

On the occasion, Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, of SWITCH Mobility, said, “The unveil of the SWITCH IeV8 represents our steadfast commitment to pioneering clean transportation solutions. This vehicle embodies our vision of providing innovative and environmentally conscious solutions that not only meet the demands of modern logistics but also contribute significantly to a greener future. With the IeV8, SWITCH Mobility reaffirms its position as a leader in innovation and eco-conscious development within the electric mobility sector.”

Mr. Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, SWITCH Mobility, added, “The SWITCH IeV8 is designed to address the increasing demand for efficient, reliable, and sustainable solutions in the mid-mile logistics segment. With a robust payload capacity up to 4 Ton and container compatibility of up to 830 cubic feet, the IeV8 is tailored to meet the varied needs of modern logistics operations. Its advanced lithium battery chemistry delivers a range of 250 km per charge, complemented by fast-charging capabilities that minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency. Built with SWITCH Mobility’s advanced EV architecture, the vehicle delivers superior operational performance resulting in lowest total cost of ownership

The SWITCH IeV8 is designed to deliver superior handling, durability, and driver comfort. With features like Electro-Hydraulic power steering (EHPS) for effortless maneuverability, a driver-centric AC cabin, tiltable power steering, and sliding & reclining seats, it ensures a comfortable and fatigue-free driving experience even during long hauls. These thoughtful additions prioritize driver well-being, enhancing safety and productivity on every journey.”

Powered by SWITCH iON, our proprietary telematics system, the SWITCH IeV8 offers real-time vehicle health monitoring, ITMS, and efficient fleet management, among over 50 advanced features.

Designed for both performance and durability, the SWITCH IeV8 is an innovative vehicle that empowers businesses to lower operational costs while minimizing their carbon footprint. With the SWITCH IeV8, SWITCH Mobility is all set to create a transformative impact on India’s logistics sector by offering a solution that seamlessly combines performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

Mysore – 27 January 2025 : Winter is one of the most awaited seasons in India, but it may also bring a plethora of diseases like Cold, Cough, and Respiratory problems to name a few; which are most prevalent in this season and usually occur due to low immunity. Chyawanprash is an around 3000-year-old & well-known Ayurvedic formulation that is used for boosting immunity and helps provide protection against common day-to-day infections like cough and cold. Dabur Chyawanprash contains many ‘Rasayana’ herbs which help in the prevention of a variety of infections through its immunomodulatory effects.

As part of its commitment to safeguard the health of future generations, Dabur Chyawanprash announced the launch of a mega awareness initiative aimed at securing the health of underprivileged kids across the country. Under this initiative, Dabur Chyawanprash, along with a renowned doctor, will conduct Immunity awareness sessions to educate children about the need to build a stronger immune system to fight against illnesses due to the changing season, common bacteria, and viruses.

The drive was flagged off in Mysore with a special session conducted for more than 150 kids from GHPS Gungral Chhatra llawala Hobli in Mysore With the esteemed Head Mistress, Mrs. Susheela, and Mr. Rajeev John, Marketing Head, Dabur India Ltd, Dinesh Kumar Dabur India Ltd & teachers from school attendance. The session was aimed at creating awareness among kids to fight illness in winter. The kids were also educated on ways to boost their immunity through basic hygiene and a nutritious diet.

Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Ltd, General Manager Marketing, Mr. Amit Garg said, “Dabur Chyawanprash has been committed to helping every Indian achieve the strongest immunity for over 100 years. This initiative is a leap forward towards this commitment. We are concerned about the cold wave that claims so many lives every year. Through this initiative, we will attempt to reach out to provide protection to underprivileged kids by highlighting the importance of Immunity besides providing Chyawanprash to these kids.”

Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, said, “During cycles of seasonal change, there is a sudden temperature variation, which leads to illnesses like cough, cold & flu. Enhancing immunity is an effective way to fight illnesses like cold, cough, respiratory problems, etc. Dabur Chyawanprash is an effective solution to boost one’s immunity needs through changing weather cycles.”

Under this campaign, Dabur Chyawanprash has joined hands with leading NGOs from 22 cities in India i.e. Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Patna, Gaya, Indore, Raipur, Pune, Aurangabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mysore, Nasik, Nagpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.

Bangalore, 27th January 2025: As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering road safety innovation and celebrating ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) proudly announced the successful conclusion of the 24-hour Toyota Hackathon at GL Bajaj Institute, Greater Noida, Delhi. The event, graced by Chief Guest Mr Ashok Kumar IPS , Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Greater Noida UP, Guest of Honour Mr RR Meena Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India and TKM’s senior leadership, including Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, provided an engaging platform for young innovators to develop practical and implementable solutions to critical road safety challenges.

The two-day hackathon was further enriched by expert mentorship from faculty at GL Bajaj Institute and Delhi Technology University. These mentors guided participants in refining their ideas and transforming them into actionable solutions, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to nurturing future changemakers.

Education and Road Safety are core pillars of TKM’s CSR initiatives. The Toyota Hackathon is a flagship component of its broader Road Safety Initiative, aimed at achieving zero traffic fatalities through a comprehensive safety framework. This reflects Toyota’s holistic philosophy of prioritizing safety—not only through secure vehicle manufacturing but also by fostering awareness and driving behavioural change within communities. The hackathon addressed key themes such as Road Safety Awareness and Education, School Zone Safety, Traffic Management, and IoT Integration in Road Safety. The goal was to encourage digital and policy-driven solutions that can significantly reduce accidents and save lives.

India records the highest number of annual road crash fatalities globally. Each year, the country witnesses over 1,50,000 fatalities due to road accidents, with road traffic injuries being the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29 years. Recognizing this crisis, TKM launched the Toyota Hackathon in 2018 to integrate road safety into school and college curriculums. By encouraging students to become critical thinkers and solution developers, the initiative empowers young minds to address contemporary road safety challenges. This platform not only unlocks the potential of young innovators but also develops them into ‘Change Agents’—pioneering positive behavioural shifts in their communities and making meaningful contributions to road safety.

The Delhi leg of the Toyota Hackathon 2025 saw participation from over 400 students across grades 9 to 11, representing nearly 100 schools. Participants followed a structured five-phase journey:

1. Team Selection & Idea Submission
2. Boot Camp Shortlisting
3. Final 24-Hour Hackathon
4. Incubation Support for City Winners

Out of 100 initial teams, 31 advanced to post-boot camp, 10 teams competed in the final hackathon, out of which 3 emerged as winners. These winning teams will receive ongoing incubation support to bring their solutions to fruition.

Following the successful event in Delhi, the Toyota Hackathon 2025 will continue in Mumbai on January 29 and Bangalore on February 14. For the 2024-25 academic year, TKM plans to expand the initiative to 300 institutions across these cities, with over 400 innovative concepts already submitted. Nearly 75 teams are expected to present functional prototypes, with top teams receiving incubation support. This initiative not only amplifies Toyota’s vision for a safer future but also inspires the next generation to leverage their knowledge and creativity in addressing critical societal challenges.

Present at the occasion, Mr Ashok Kumar IPS, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Greater Noida UP said, “The Toyota Hackathon is more than a competition—it is a movement towards creating a culture of safety and responsibility among young minds. Engaging students at this formative stage is key to instilling values of innovation and accountability. The ingenuity displayed here today is a testament to what our youth can achieve when given the right platform and support. I commend Toyota Kirloskar Motor for spearheading this impactful initiative and look forward to seeing these ideas transform into tangible solutions that benefit our communities.”

Sharing his thoughts, Guest of Honour Mr RR Meena Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India said, “The Toyota Hackathon is an example of how innovation and youth engagement can come together to address critical challenges like road safety. Involving young minds in this dialogue at such an early stage not only nurtures their creativity but also instils a sense of ownership and accountability toward societal well-being. Through this initiative, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration, mentorship, and innovation. The solutions presented today showcase the immense potential of the students to think beyond the conventional, creating impactful ideas that can lead to lasting change. It is inspiring to see the commitment and passion displayed by these young innovators, and I am confident that their efforts will contribute significantly to building safer and more secure communities for generations to come. Government of India is doing lot of activities in creating road safety awareness. Today, I would also like to urge the students to login to Mera Yuva Bharat Portal and take part in various road safety activities such as road safety pledge, quiz, slogan, poster making etc.”

Speaking at the event, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, safety is not just an attribute of our vehicles—it is a fundamental value embedded in our philosophy. The Toyota Hackathon exemplifies our dedication to empowering the youth to address pressing challenges like road safety. The passion, creativity, and technical acumen demonstrated by these students have been truly inspiring. Their solutions go beyond immediate impact, shaping a sustainable future with safer roads for all. We are proud to support their journey from innovative concepts to real-world implementation, furthering our vision for a safer and more responsible society.”

India, one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, has put tourism at the center of its growth drivers in the services sector. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s Travel & Tourism GDP is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.1% over the next decade. Currently, the tourism and hospitality sector contributes approximately 8% of India’s total employment. This momentum is expected to accelerate, with sectoral spending projected to rise by 1.2 times by 2034, emphasizing the need for a highly skilled workforce to meet future demands.

While metropolitan hubs have traditionally driven India’s tourism economy, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are emerging as key contributors. Travelers are increasingly seeking unexplored destinations, fueled by the rise of staycations post-pandemic, improved connectivity, and a growing inclination toward religious tourism. The rapid development of these smaller cities is expected to generate 24 million talent opportunities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets by 2033, with a balanced workforce comprising 75% male and 25% female talent.

Religious tourism, in particular, has been a significant driver of growth, gaining momentum year after year. The sector is expected to generate $59 billion in revenue by 2028 and create a significant number of temporary and permanent jobs by 2030. The increasing reliance on gig and temporary workers is providing flexible employment opportunities, especially during peak seasons. For instance, Maha Kumbh 2025 is anticipated to generate an estimated 1.2 Million gig and temporary jobs across various roles, including hotel staff, tour guides, and travel coordinators, to manage the massive influx of visitors. Religious tourism hubs like Ayodhya, Ujjain, Badrinath, Varanasi, Haridwar, Mathura, Tirupati, Amritsar, and Bodhgaya are spearheading this growth.

Beyond religious tourism, cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kochi, Rishikesh, Ahmedabad, Shillong, Guwahati, and Agra are witnessing remarkable growth due to their cultural significance and enhanced connectivity. Trends like destination weddings, adventure sports tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, and rural tourism are further propelling these destinations. This diversification is creating demand for a wide range of job profiles in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, such as Sales and Business Development Professionals (26%), Travel Consultants (22%), Tour Guides (15%), Digital Marketers (12%), Customer-Service Executives (15%), Logistics Operators (10%).

To sustain this growth and meet future workforce demands, focus on the upcoming budget will also be critical. Incentives that promote training for tour guides, hotel staff, logistics operators, and local artisans can strengthen the sector’s foundation. Upskilling initiatives focused on domestic tourism roles, such as customer-service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots, can further enhance employability and elevate the tourism experience for travellers. These training and upskilling initiatives can boost the likelihood of securing permanent and gig jobs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by 2 to 3 times.

Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services commented “India’s tourism sector holds immense potential to foster employment, drive inclusive economic growth, and unlock the capabilities of smaller cities. By capitalizing on the growth of Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations, leveraging emerging trends, and fostering a skilled workforce, the sector is poised to play a transformative role in the nation’s economic and social progress.”

Mumbai, January 28, 2025: The nation’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC, commemorated the 76th Republic Day with grand celebrations at its Hyderabad Head Office and other mining projects across India. Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), unfurled the National Flag at the Head Office in the presence of NMDC’s leadership team and enthusiastic employees. The event was graced by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), Shri B. Vishwanath, CVO, Smt. G Priyadarshini, CGM (Personnel & Administration), and other senior officials and employees.

In his Republic Day address, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said, “Republic Day is not just a celebration of our democratic ethos but a reminder of the immense responsibility we bear, both as citizens and as an organization. NMDC has emerged as a growth leader, achieving a 9% surge in production and a 5% increase in sales over CPLY. As we stride into the fourth quarter, we are ready to blaze past the 45 million tonne milestone with confidence and determination. With record growth in revenue from operations (20%) and profit after tax (23%) in Q2 FY25, we continue to set industry benchmarks.”

Emphasizing the company’s role in India’s growth journey, he added, “Our vision extends beyond mining, as reflected in NMDC Steel Limited’s achievements and our expanded flagship CSR initiative, Balika Shiksha Yojana, now empowering 85 tribal girls with professional nursing education. At NMDC, we remain committed to being of the greatest service to India.”

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, NMDC organized the ‘Republic Day Run 2025’ across its projects in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. NMDC’s brand ambassador and two-time World Champion boxer, Nikhat Zareen took part in the run inspiring the runners. Her presence underscored the importance of fitness and aligned with the goals of the ‘Fit India Movement.’ promoting both physical and mental well-being and encouraging employees and local communities to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

In addition to the Run, NMDC engaged employees and associates indoor games and competitions such as Chess, Table Tennis, and Carrom. The winners were felicitated during the ceremony, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork among participants.

The celebrations across NMDC locations reflected the organization’s firm commitment to the nation’s growth and its dedication to building a strong, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.

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