“Embark On A Rewarding Judiciary Career With Aarambh, A Judiciary Gold Initiative”

New Delhi, February 08, 2024: Judiciary Gold, one of India’s leading institutes for state judiciary exam preparation, is delighted to announce “Aarambh,” on February 10, 2024 from 11 AM at 85-87 Mall Road, GTB Nagar Metro Station (Gate No. 1), New Delhi, a comprehensive event to guide and inspire aspiring judiciary candidates.

Aarambh by Judiciary Gold

 The event boasts an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers, including Senior Judges, expert Judiciary educators along with Senior Subject Matter Experts.These venerable individuals will share their insights, expertise, and valuable advice with the event attendees, making Aarambh an outstanding opportunity for aspiring judiciary professionals.

 Aarambh will commence with an inaugural ceremony graced by a Chief Guest and a warm welcome speech. Attendees can look forward to an engaging itinerary encompassing a slew of topics essential for judiciary exam preparation. From “3 Tips to Clear Judiciary” to “Learning IEA the Fun Way,” participants will learn practical strategies to excel in their judicial pursuits.

 One of the key highlights of “Aarambh” is the opportunity to interact with and learn from top-performing judiciary candidates. Through Toppers’ Talk’ sessions, attendees can garner significant tips, guidance, and motivation directly from those individuals who have successfully navigated the examination process.

 Moreover, the event will feature expert sessions led by seasoned professionals from Judiciary Gold, offering the audience a comprehensive understanding of the judiciary exam’s intricacies. Be it time management or syllabus, the event will decipher every essential element of Judiciary preparation.

 To further sweeten the deal, “Aarambh” attendees can expect exciting giveaways, including case summaries, well-researched preparation material, and comprehensive mock tests meticulously crafted by Judiciary Gold to simulate exam conditions.

 Detailing more about the event, Mr. Gaurav Goel, CEO and Co-Founder of Toprankers, remarked, “Aarambh represents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring judiciary candidates to access top-notch guidance and resources to propel their career aspirations forward. With its stellar lineup of speakers, engaging sessions, and valuable giveaways, this event is a must-attend for anyone aiming to ace the judiciary exams.”

 With over 300 selections in less than three years, Judiciary Gold is a beacon of excellence committed to student success. By offering personalised mentorship, access to industry- leading resources like Manupatra, and a 12-hour Gurukul program, Judiciary Gold provides aspirants with the necessary tools and support they require to excel.

 Don’t miss your chance to kickstart your judiciary exam journey at “Aarambh” by Judiciary Gold. Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards a rewarding legal career.

D2C home care brand Koparo raises Rs 6 crore from 4P Capital Partners and Shark Tank India

New Delhi, February 7th, 2024: Digital-first, sustainable and plant-based home care brand Koparo has raised a funding of Rs 5.2 crore from 4P Capital Partners apart from Rs 70 lakh from Shark Tank India. Aman Gupta, Co-founder, Boat and Vineeta Singh, Co-founder, Sugar have come onboard as investors in the Company.

The brand, which has raised the money at the valuation at Rs 70 crore, is planning to invest the funds in brand building and distribution.

KOPARO

Koparo’s USP is naturally powered and child-safe, pet-friendly cleaning products that appeal to a growing base of conscious consumers in India. As the millennial families adopt healthier lifestyles, Koparo’s affordable premiums were well received by the Shark Tank India judges.

Launched in 2021, Koparo closed last fiscal at Rs 5 crore and is planning to clock Rs. 12 crore this fiscal and grow to Rs 50 cr in the next 2 years.

Simran Khara, Founder, Koparo said, “Securing a Shark Tank deal from Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh who have built formidable consumer brands is very satisfying. I’m excited to have 4P Capital Partners on-board as their backers have experience of building large consumer brands. In the next 2 years, we are targeting to reach 10 lakh Indian consumers and our focus is on expanding distribution both online and offline.”

Aditya Arora, Partner and CIO, 4P Capital Partners said, “We are impressed with the solid business that Simran has built in a short span of time. Her focus on positive economics stands out for us. We strongly believe that sustainable and plant-based home cleaners are the need of the hour and are happy to back Koparo on its journey.”

The brand offers ‘good for you’ and ‘good for the planet’, plant-based home care products like floor cleaners, laundry detergent, fabric conditioners, dishwash liquid, handwash, cleaning accessories and fresheners & fragrances and going ahead with plans to launch more products that serve cleaning needs of modern Indian homes.

Prior to this, Koparo has raised Rs 5.7 crore in a pre-seed round in Nov ’21 and Rs 12 crore pre-series A round in Feb ’23, respectively, led by Saama Capital. Other investors who backed the brand in these rounds include MVP, Fluid Ventures, DSG Consumer Partners and Titan Capital.

University of Essex hosts first-ever Graduation Day ceremony in India

New Delhi, 7 February 2024: University of Essex, UK-based and ranked 18th in the UK for Economics by QS World University Rankings 2023 is excited to announce its first-ever Graduation Day ceremony for its students in India, offering a memorable experience to graduates and their families in the region. The prestigious ceremony will be held in New Delhi on Sunday 18 February 2024. This momentous occasion coincides with the university’s celebration of its 60th anniversary, which signifies six decades of scholarly distinction, ground-breaking advancements, and worldwide influence.

The ceremony aims to create an inclusive and culturally enriching experience for graduates, celebrating their academic accomplishments within the vibrant tapestry of Indian traditions. The celebration in India underscores the University’s dedication to providing a global education experience and fostering strong connections with its diverse student body.

Professor Anthony Forster, Vice-Chancellor, University of Essex said, “As we mark the 60th anniversary of the University of Essex, we are thrilled to be hosting our first Graduation Day in India to celebrate our impact, champion our alumni and highlight the positive change our community creates around the world.

This momentous occasion reflects our commitment to providing a truly global education experience and recognizing the outstanding achievements of our Indian graduates on an international stage.

The ceremony in India is a celebration of academic success and also a testament to the diverse and inclusive community that is at the heart of our university. We are immensely proud of our Indian graduates and growing alumni community and look forward to watching their continued success.”

The ceremony will feature special speeches to recognize outstanding achievements, contributions, and resilience demonstrated by the graduating class. Prominent alumni and distinguished guest speakers will be present to inspire and impart wisdom to the graduating class. Furthermore, the ceremony will be graced with four outstanding Essex graduates from India who will be honoured with Vice-Chancellor Awards.

The Graduation is open to all recent graduates plus soon-to-graduate students and alumni. It is designed to be a special opportunity for alumni to graduate in their home country with friends and family by their side while also celebrating everything they have achieved since completing their studies at Essex.

News18 India Chaupal: ‘Prime Minister Modi’s Hat-Trick Victory Assured in Upcoming Elections’,

New Delhi, February 6 2024: In a dazzling spectacle of intellect and insight, India’s leading Hindi news channel, News18 India, orchestrated its prestigious flagship summit, News18 India Chaupal, at ITC Maurya in Delhi on Monday. The eighth edition of this marquee initiative brought together a constellation of the nation’s luminaries, featuring thought leaders, policy strategists, news makers, industry experts, and youth icons. Against the backdrop of the impending Lok Sabha elections, this summit served as a pivotal arena for shaping the agenda that could propel India towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The session commenced with an insightful discussion featuring Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju. Subsequently, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, and Union Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnav, actively participated in the discourse

ASHWINI YADAV

During his session at News18 India Chaupal, Minister Vaishnav provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of the Railways and Telecom sector. He emphasized the changing face of these sectors, showcasing a progressive transformation.

Expressing confidence, Vaishnav said, “The promise of Prime Minister Modi’s hat-trick victory would be fulfilled in the upcoming elections.”

During the presentation on the accomplishments under his ministries, Vaishnav highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been true to his commitments, delivering on promises made. He shared details about the ongoing initiatives, showcasing the expansion of Ayodhya Railway Station’s capacity to accommodate three crore devotees annually. The station exemplifies modern infrastructure while encapsulating the cultural essence of Ayodhya.

The Union Minister for Railways, a former IAS officer, provided insights into the swift progress of the Bullet Train project. Vaishnav announced that the work on the Bullet Train, including a groundbreaking 21-km undersea tunnel, is underway. He emphasized the significant increase in the Indian railway budget for 2024-25, reaching Rs 2,52,000 crore compared to Rs 15,674 crore during 2004-14. India is now the second-largest electrified network globally.

Vaishnav highlighted the ongoing transformation of railway stations nationwide, incorporating modern facilities that reflect the cultural ethos of their respective regions. He underscored the design excellence of Vande Bharat Sleeper, featuring world-class interiors.

The discussion also delved into the rapid development of digital infrastructure in India, with the imminent rollout of 5G. Vaishnav shared that over 4,15,000 towers have been installed to support this digital revolution.

In a significant development, Vaishnav emphasized India’s foray into semiconductor production, with the country now set to export Made-in-India chips. He highlighted the remarkable achievement of commencing semiconductor production within 90 days, showcasing India’s prowess in the global technology landscape.

As the political and intellectual luminaries convened, the event witnessed an illustrious conclave that could potentially shape India’s trajectory towards development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 became the focal point, aligning with the nation’s aspiration to become the third-largest economy by 2030 and overshadowing the US GDP by 2060.

News18 India Chaupal strategically unfolded as India, the fastest-growing economy, showcased its prowess on the world stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to join the league of developed nations by 2047 echoed through the summit. Projections envision India as the third-largest economy by 2030, poised to surpass the US GDP by 2060.

As the summit unfolded, it became a platform for thought leaders to deliberate on critical themes and topics, setting the stage for the 2024 general elections. News18 India Chaupal engaged forward-looking speakers, discussing a progressing, growing country, and exploring how the abundant energy in the nation can be channeled to drive development, growth, and prosperity.

In essence, News18 India Chaupal emerged not just as an event but as a amalgamation of ideas, a convergence of intellect and insight that could potentially chart the course for India’s evolution into a developed nation by 2047. The summit’s strategic timing ahead of the elections added layers of significance, making it a catalyst for shaping India’s future.

Genpact Teams with Advantage Solutions, Leveraging AI

NEW DELHI, February 06, 2024 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global professional services firm focused on delivering outcomes that transform businesses, announced a new multi-year engagement with Advantage Solutions (NASDAQ: ADV), a leading provider of sales and marketing services to consumer goods manufacturers and retailers. Combining Genpact’s domain, process, and technology expertise, with Advantage Solutions’ extensive industry experience, and leading technology platforms like Salesforce, provides solutions to foster competitive advantages and growth for global consumer goods companies.

 Genpact will lead the implementation of a suite of industry-leading platforms, including Salesforce Order Management, Esker for order automation, HighRadius for Cash App automation, collections, and smart deduction management, and Genpact’s digital business platform Genpact Cora, to rapidly scale Advantage’s commerce operations to drive fast, smart business decisions with AI-enabled and experience-led digital transformation capabilities. These platforms will unlock value through scalability, flexibility, and adaptability to streamline processes, reduce complexities and expenses, as well as enhance collaboration and efficiency across organizations.

 “Consumer goods and retail companies that embrace data, AI, and digital transformation in their operations are better equipped to respond swiftly to market changes,” said BK Kalra, President and CEO-Designate, Genpact. “Genpact’s AI-first posture, coupled with our focus on leveraging industry-leading technology partnerships, is poised to transform the Advantage Solutions consumer goods-retail ecosystem, delivering deeper value and empowering their customers to outcompete in their markets.”

 In this transformative alliance, Genpact will build an advanced, custom digital platform to automate various back-office processes for Advantage, including order-to-cash services, contract management, trade-program management, vendor-managed inventory support, call-center services, electronic data interchange, and data synchronization. This platform is designed to heighten speed and accuracy in supporting clients with these services.​

 “Leveraging technology and data for real-time insights is vital for competitive agility, and this agreement enables us to provide our clients improved, state-of-the art services without disruption,” said Dave Peacock, CEO, Advantage Solutions. “We recognize the need for an advanced digital infrastructure to help drive efficiencies and create capacity to reinvest in our core capabilities and accelerate growth. Through the work we’ll do together, we will offer clients and customers an improved overall experience as we strive to be more proactive and agile in exceeding their expectations in this dynamic environment.”

 “Our ongoing collaboration with Genpact enhances Salesforce’s ability to deliver impactful and transformational solutions for our customers, like Advantage Solutions,” said Matt DeTroia, Senior Vice President, Alliances and Channel Revenue, Salesforce. “Genpact’s expertise in technology, strategy, and process efficiency, driven by a results-oriented mindset, differentiates their capabilities to empower long-standing customer success.”

Union Bank of India – receives PCI PIN Certification

New Delhi, 6 February 2024, Union Bank of India proudly announces its achievement of the Payment Card Industry PIN Transaction Security (PCI PIN) certification. This certification underscores Union Bank’s proactive approach to implementing robust security measures and adhering to industry-leading standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all transactions processed through our systems.

union bank of india

PCI PIN certification is a set of security standards established to protect the processing and transmission of card PINs used in transactions. This certification ensures that systems and devices involved in PIN processing comply with security standards set forth by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to safeguard customer’s sensitive information.

Union Bank of India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to implementing industry-leading practices aligned with international standards for managing its information systems. By adhering to stringent security measures and continuously evolving its security protocols to meet emerging threats, Union Bank of India aims to strengthen customer trust and uphold the integrity of all sensitive data entrusted to the bank.

Union Bank of India’s systems, processes and IT facilities are also ISO27001:2013, ISO22301:2019, ISO31000:2018, ISO 27701:2019 & PCI-DSS certified by international certification bodies which provide safe, secure and resilient Banking experience to its customers.

Satin Group Records Highest Ever PAT of Rs. 308 Crore in 9M FY24

5th  February 2024, New Delhi:

 Satin Creditcare Network Limited (SCNL) (NSE: SATIN, BSE: 539404) has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2023. The financial numbers are based on IndAS.

Consolidated Highlights

Particulars (Rs. crore) 9M FY24 9M FY23 % Change Q3 FY24 Q3 FY23 %Change Q2 FY24
Assets under Management (AUM) 11,074 7,945 39% 11,074 7,945 39% 10,100
Disbursement 7,445 5,299 41% 2,921 1,881 55% 2,403
Profit After Tax (PAT) 308 -94 428% 113 59 93% 107
Return on Assets (RoA) 4.5% -1.6% +610bps 4.6% 3.1% +149bps 4.8%
Return on Equity (RoE) 21.1% -8.1% +2914bps 21.7% 15.8% +591 bps 23.6%

 Footprints and Outreach

Particulars 9M FY24 9M FY23
States & UTs 24 23
Branches 1,386 1,267
No. of Employees 13,046 10,641
No. of Loan Officers 9,128 6,992
No. of Clients (Lacs) 34.2 27.0

 Standalone Highlights

Particulars (Rs. crore) 9M FY24 9M FY23 % Change Q3 FY24 Q3 FY23 %Change Q2 FY24
Assets under Management (AUM) 9,811 6,798 44% 9,811 6,798 44% 8,894
Disbursement 6,881 4,844 42% 2,698 1,725 56% 2,202
Profit After Tax (PAT) 298 170 75% 108 55 97% 103
Return on Assets (RoA) 4.5% 3.0% +146bps 4.5% 2.9% +157 bps 4.7%
Return on Equity (RoE) 17.8% 13.3% +456bps 18.4% 12.4% +598 bps 19.7%

 Update on 9MFY24 (Standalone Highlights)

  • Successfully completed equity infusion of Rs. 250 crore via QIP; received strong response from marquee domestic and global investors
  • Long term credit rating upgraded to A (Stable) by ICRA from A- (Stable)
  • Entered into a co-lending arrangement with Karnataka Bank
  • Certified with the highest level of recognition i.e. Gold level in Client Protection Principles by MicroFinanza Rating in accordance with the new framework of SPTF and CERISE
  • PAT stood at Rs. 298 crore, RoA at 4.5% & RoE at 17.8%; profit in the last 9 months surpassed 12 months profit of FY23
  • Observed strong net customer addition of 6.3 Lacs; client base crossed the 3 million mark
  • Disbursed ~Rs. 1,000 crore in a single month, marking the first time such a substantial amount has been distributed
  • Collection against write-offs of ~Rs. 36 crore
  • With operational efficiencies playing out, Opex to Avg AUM has reduced to 5.8% as compared to 6.8% in 9MFY23, decreased by 99 bps
  • Cost to Income ratio stood at 44.9% as compared to 57.5% in 9MFY23

Capital Adequacy and Liquidity

  • Our capital base is strong with a capital adequacy ratio of 28.7% as on 31st December 2023
  • Book Value per share at Rs. 205 on a consolidated basis
  • During 9MFY24, raised Rs. 7,470 crore which is up by 56% as compared to 9MFY23
  • The Company continues to maintain a healthy balance sheet liquidity of ~Rs. 1,800 crore and has undrawn sanctions worth Rs. 1,088 crore as on 31st December 2023

Borrowing Profile

  • Total borrowings stood at Rs. 7,488 crore as on 31st December 2023
  • Debt-to-equity ratio as on 31st December 2023 stood at 3.0x
  • 64% of our borrowings are from banks, followed by overseas funds at 15%, NBFCs at 12% and DFIs at 9%
  • The Company has a diversified and large lender base of 77 active lenders
    • Added 14 new lenders to the portfolio

Asset Quality

  • On-book Gross Non-Performing Assets stood at 2.40% amounting to Rs. 175 crore as on 31st December 2023 as compared to 3.92% as on 31st December 2022 amounting to Rs. 188 crore
  • The portfolio originated from Jul’21 onwards which constitutes ~97% of on-book MFI portfolio has PAR 1 at 2.1% and PAR 90 at 1.0%; better than industry portfolio quality post pandemic
  • We have sufficient on-book provisions amounting to Rs. 146 crore as on 31st December 2023, which is 2.0% of on-book portfolio
  • Gross cumulative collection efficiency for 9M FY24 stood at ~99.0%

Subsidiaries

Satin Housing Finance Ltd. witnessed YoY growth of 58% in AUM, which stood at Rs. 607 crore, having presence across 4 states with 6,512 customers

  • GNPA stood at 1.1% highlighting strong asset quality
  • SHFL has 100% retail book
  • The Company has 24 active lenders including NHB refinance
  • CRAR of 49.5% and gearing of 2.1x
  • PAT for 9MFY24 stood at Rs. 5.2 crore

Satin Finserv Ltd., the Company’s MSME arm, has reached an AUM of Rs. 657 crore

    • Systematically running down the Business Correspondent book to adhere to Principal Business Criteria
    • GNPA stood at 4.6%
    • CRAR of 47.8% and gearing of 1.1x
    • PAT for 9MFY24 stood at Rs. 3.6 crore

Commenting on the performance, Mr. HP Singh, Chairman cum Managing Director of Satin Creditcare Network Limited, said, “In the landscape of robust performance, this quarter has unfolded as an exceptionally triumphant chapter for us, distinguished by a series of notable achievements across various facets of our business operations, like equity infusion of Rs. 250 crore through QIP, a rating upgrade to A (Stable) by ICRA from A- (Stable), gold-level certification in CPP and co-lending agreement with Karnataka Bank, etc. With a strong improvement in business momentum, operating efficiency and asset quality, we delivered our highest ever PAT and recorded a lifetime high AUM of Rs. 11,074 crore. Our growth is backed by strong customer addition coupled with an increase in ticket size to repeat customers. Driven by the robust demand, we recorded a healthy disbursement of Rs. 7,445 crore for 9M FY24, up by 41% Y-o-Y. Since 2008, the company has raised equity of Rs. 1,537 crore, out of which Rs. 595 crore was raised post Covid-19, which signifies the trust placed in us by the market, affirming our standing as a reliable and valued company in the industry. We continue to have a strong liability profile. As we conclude Q3 and look ahead, we remain committed to sustained growth, better cost efficiencies, and maintaining the high quality of our assets. The strong performance in the quarter serves as a foundation for our continued success, and we are well-positioned to seize future opportunities.”

 

SADAK SURAKSHA ABHIYAN 2024: “Samvedna ka Safar” – A Journey Towards Safer Roads

New Delhi/Mumbai, February 03, 2024: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), under the leadership of the Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, is championing the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024. This pivotal public awareness initiative, dedicated to promoting road safety, will host its Second Edition 4-Hour Telethon on February 3, 2024, in Mumbai. In partnership with the SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF), a leading non-profit organization in India dedicated to improving road safety and emergency medical care in India since 2008, this Telethon will spotlight the critical importance of road safety, centering on ‘Empathy’ as its core theme.

According to the “Road Accidents in India 2022 Report” by MoRTH, the country witnessed an average of 461 fatalities in 1,263 road crashes per day, marking an alarming 11.9% increase in road crash fatalities from the previous year. Furthermore, there was a significant 15.3% increase in injuries from road crashes.

SSA ILU

In response to these concerning statistics, this second edition of Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan will address road safety challenges through an empathetic lens, focusing on behavioral modification among Indian commuters to enhance empathy and safety on the roads.

The initiative is built on four foundational pillars:

· Respect: Advocating for life preservation and active participation in life-saving measures.

· Patience: Highlighting the necessity of adhering to speed limits and driving rules.

· Safety: Encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies and initiatives for safer public roads.

· Collaboration: Emphasizing the need for cooperation among all stakeholders, including the public.

Mr. Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, commented, “Road crashes are a major public health concern in India. It is crucial to communicate the safety message to the masses, inspiring empathy and a respect for life. The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan is a pioneering effort in this direction, and SaveLIFE Foundation is proud to support it.”

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is committed to enhancing road infrastructure, improving road safety education, and promoting responsible driving to make roads safer for everyone. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about responsible two-wheeler driving, helmet usage, and the Good Samaritan Law, with special emphasis on two-wheeler users, who accounted for 44.5% of total road fatalities in 2022.

”A collaborative effort from all stakeholders is imperative to bring about positive change on the roads. As we witness the unfolding of Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024 and raise awareness about empathy, responsible driving, and road safety, let us also pledge to be more patient, respectful, and safe on the roads,” said Avinash Kaul, Chief Executive Officer – Network 18 (Broadcast) and Managing Director A+E Networks

”Road safety is not just about adhering to rules but also about cultivating compassion and transforming attitudes. The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024 is taking a commendable step in this direction by emphasizing empathy as its central theme. We applaud the efforts of this ambitious initiative and extend our relentless support to this noble cause,” said Puneet Singhvi, CEO (Digital) & President – Corporate Strategy-Network 18

The 4-hour Telethon will feature eminent personalities, including Shri Nitin Gadkari and Bollywood legend Shri Amitabh Bachchan. Leading actors Pankaj Tripathi and R Madhavan are also an integral part of the campaign along with celebrated singer and composer Shri Shankar Mahadevan; Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, Shri Prasoon Joshi; and Author and Philanthropist, Smt. Sudha Murty. The event will also see the launch of the Sadak Suraksha Anthem by Shankar Mahadevan, with lyrics by Shri Prasoon Joshi.

Unlocking the Interim Budget: TOI’s Right To Excellence Budget Masterclass

New Delhi February 3, 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman‘s sixth consecutive budget presentation, the last one before the General Elections, has concluded. Breaking down the complexities and deciphering the budget’s profound impact, the Times of India proudly introduces its annual flagship property, the Right to Excellence Budget Masterclass. The event will feature Amitabh Kant, former CEO of Niti Aayog, known for his insightful perspectives on economic matters.

Taking place on February 5, 2024, in Delhi, this masterclass is set to unite policymakers, experts, and finance gurus to decode the pivotal announcements made by the Finance Minister.

Prasad Sanyal, Business Head, Times of India Digital, said, “We hope this Budget masterclass helps people understand the impact of the announcements made by the Finance Minister. It’s essential for individuals and businesses to stay informed about the budget’s implications. Our Budget Masterclass will provide valuable insights and analysis to help people navigate the potential impact of the Union Budget on their personal and professional finances.”

  • Here’s an overview of the sessions that will be part of the Masterclass:
  •  Navigating Tax Changes: Understanding the implications of introduced tax changes and their impact on personal finances.
  •  Fueling Growth: Exploring strategies outlined in the Budget to foster economic growth.
  •  Sector Spotlight – Revolutionizing the Automobile Sector: Gaining Expert Insights on How the Budget Will Impact the Auto Industry.
  •  Fireside Chat: Budget Planning for Businesses: Delving into how businesses can strategically plan decisions in alignment with fiscal policies.
  •  Fireside Chat: Revolutionizing the Automobile Sector – Innovations, Sustainability, and Future Trends: An in-depth expert perspective on how the budget will shape the future of the automobile sector.

Shashank Srivastava, Sr. Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, one of the key panellists on the Masterclass, said, “I am very excited to be a part of TOI’s Right To Excellence Budget Masterclass. Today, I will be talking about the blueprint that the interim budget has provided the industry at large to sustain India’s economic growth. Furthermore, I will also discuss the budget’s impact on the auto sector, what measures need to be taken to continue the growth momentum in the sector, and future trends.”

National Skills Awards for Eminence Shine Bright

New Delhi: Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) orchestrated a splendid ceremony to confer the ‘National Skills Awards for Eminence’ at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, coinciding with the Electronics Expo 2024. The event, graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution & Textiles, witnessed the recognition of outstanding achievers in different categories.

 The objective of the awards is to recognize outstanding contributions across various categories, honouring organizations and individuals for their exceptional efforts in furthering skill development and promoting excellence in India’s electronics sector. The awards ceremony aimed to highlight and celebrate key stakeholders driving innovation and nurturing skills in the industry.

award

 The Skilling Initiative of the Year award was conferred upon LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd.
The Education Initiative of the Year award was presented to SRM Institute of Science & Technology. Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd. was honoured with the CSR Initiative of the Year award. SFO Technologies Pvt Ltd. received the Business Eminence Award of the Year. The Emerging Global Organization of the Year award went to CP Plus. National Centre for Flexible Electronics, IIT Kanpur won the Incubation & Startup Initiative of the Year award. The Woman CSR Leader of the Year award was given to Aradhana Rai Gupta from Havells India Ltd. The accolade was conferred by Wilfredo Gonzales Vidal, Deputy Minister of Communications, Cuba.

 Padma Bhushan Dr Ajai Chowdhry, Founder of HCL & Chairman of EPIC foundation was honored with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his contribution to India’s electronics industry over the past four decades. This recognition serves as a testament to the remarkable contributions he has made for the growth of ESDM sector.

 The eminent winners were chosen for their phenomenal contributions to furthering skill development, education, corporate social responsibility, business excellence, global impact, and nurturing startups within electronics.

 Mr Amit Manwani, Chairman ESSCI said: “A skilled workforce is the most critical asset for
the electronics industry as we step into an era of rapid technological disruptions. Building a vast talent pool through training, upskilling and nurturing skills is crucial for India’s
electronics sector to innovate, expand globally and realize its full potential. At ESSCI, our
diverse skilling initiatives aim to create a culture of excellence by empowering individuals
and organizations with industry-relevant skills to succeed.”

 Sandeep Narula, Chairman of ESC said: “The electronics industry is a major economic
growth driver for India and to reap the benefits of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and for
indigenous manufacturing to flourish, a robust skill development strategy is crucial. Investing in creating an electronics skills ecosystem through industry collaborations, vocational training, and apprenticeships will build a future-ready workforce. This will drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness while opening doors for youth employment as the industry scales up across domains like communication systems, consumer electronics, strategic electronics, and medical electronics.” Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director, ESC was also present in the event to felicitate the winners.

“For India’s electronics sector to achieve its full potential, a skilled workforce is imperative.
ESSCI is proud to play a key role in helping develop industry-ready talent through our
diverse skilling initiatives. We aim to build a vast pool of skilled professionals who can take
the electronics industry into the future through their expertise. Upskilling existing talent and nurturing new skilled workers will be vital for the sector’s growth and to capitalize on the opportunities of a digitally transforming world. ESSCI remains dedicated to enabling a
culture of learning and excellence across electronics, empowering both individuals and
organizations.” said Dr Abhilasha Gaur, COO, ESSCI.

 ESSCI extends hearty congratulations to the deserving winners and remains committed to promoting skills and innovation in electronics. ESSCI also set up a stall at the expo to showcase skill initiatives bridging industry skill gaps. The stall highlighted the importance of hiring certified talent to attract and retain professionals. It addressed skill mismatches in recruitments regarding locations, roles and compensation expectations.