Ministry of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship And Ministry of Heavy Industries Sign MoU To Facilitate Training In Engineering Trades

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a collaborative ecosystem for imparting skill development training in the capital goods sector. The partnership is aimed at facilitating training in several engineering trades through Qualification Packs (QPs) developed by MHI related Sector Skill Councils (like Automotive, Infrastructure, Instrumentation and Capital Goods) under the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Capital Goods Sector Phase II.

Under the partnership, MSDE through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) will facilitate linkages between various Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and industry partners for imparting skilling in engineering trades. MSDE will also constitute a review committee headed by a senior NSDC official and at least seven other members, including representatives from SSCs.

Gracing the ceremony, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education, said growth of capital goods sector is correlated to the success of Make in India program. The growth in manufacturing sector will create more demand for a skilled workforce and the MoU will pave the way for creating a more skilled vibrant workforce for the sector.

Shri Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, welcomed the partnership, saying heavy manufacturing industry is one of the most important sectors in terms of employment generation, exports, and value addition to the economy. Any growth in this sector presents huge potential for the economy and is a step towards fulfilling Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

MHI, on its part, will provide grants to SSCs for developing new industry-led National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) Level 6 and QPs. Following the identification of job roles based on demand and new technology, SSCs will submit the same for NCVET’s approval. MHI will also fund SSCs for the creation of QPs in several engineering trades to promote skilling in the capital goods and automotive sectors. The ministry will further facilitate necessary linkages between SSCs and the sectors as well as monitor the progress of the project. 

About the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

MSDE was formed on 9th November 2014, by the Government of India to focus on enhancing employability of skills. Since its inception, MSDE has undertaken significant initiatives and reforms in terms of formalizing the policy, framework and standards; launching of new programs and schemes; creating new infrastructure and upgrading the existing institutions; partnering with States; engaging with industries and building societal acceptance and aspirations for skills. The Ministry aims to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower to build new skills and innovation not only for existing jobs but also for jobs that are to be created.

About Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI)

The Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) strives to bolster profit making PSEs as well as restructure and revive sick and loss making PSEs under its administrative control. The DHI seeks to achieve its vision of global automotive excellence through creation of state- of- the- art Research and Testing infrastructure through the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP). The DHI seeks to achieve its vision by providing necessary support to the Auto, Heavy Engineering. Heavy Electrical and Capital Goods Sector.

Lam Research Outlines Path, Progress To Net Zero Emissions

* Semiconductor industry leader releases annual environmental, social and governance report, and unveils new program to empower social impact

Lam Research Corporation (Nasdaq: LRCX), among the first companies in the semiconductor industry to proactively set a net zero emissions goal, today proudly released its 2021 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The eighth annual report highlights how Lam is addressing its environmental footprint and advancing sustainability across the semiconductor ecosystem. Reflecting its commitment to "act with purpose for a better world," Lam also introduced its social impact framework to catalyze positive change in the community, inspire and educate tomorrow's future innovators, and foster a more inclusive society.

"As we transform the world through technology, we have a responsibility to help conserve our finite resources and take an active role in empowering a better future," said Tim Archer, president and chief executive officer of Lam Research. "Last year, we made big strides towards Lam's sustainability goals, established our net zero supply chain strategy and deepened our commitment to inclusion and diversity – all while growing our workforce by over 30 percent year-over-year and navigating the challenges of a global pandemic. I am proud of everything that we accomplished and am inspired to see what more we can achieve together."

Addressing our Environmental Footprint

Lam is taking a leadership role in driving sustainability in the semiconductor industry. Lam continues to demonstrate progress towards its previously announced goals to operate on 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. The company has implemented new practices and strategies that drive energy and water conservation, waste abatement, and greenhouse gas reductions. Sustainability is also a key consideration in the leading-edge products that Lam creates – from innovative development and design, to manufacturing responsibly, to delivering solutions that help support our customers' ESG goals. Examples of accomplishments in these areas include:

·       Increased renewable energy usage – 54 percent of the energy used by Lam globally in 2021 was renewable, with sites in Ohio, U.S.; Penang, Malaysia; and China facilities reaching 100 percent renewable energy. *

·       Decreased Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by over 9 percent since 2019.

·       Diverted 99 percent of hazardous waste from landfill in 2021.

·       Saved 6.3 million gallons of water in water-stressed regions in 2021.

·       Introduced a range of new and enhanced etch products that improved generator efficiency for NAND and foundry logic development by up to 15 percent, shortened clean times via chamber modifications by up to 30 to 50 percent, and decreased tool usage of helium by up to 80 percent.

·       Established a new foundational strategy to propel sustainability throughout the supply chain, which spans over 25 countries. Lam also developed an engagement plan with ongoing training, support, and resources.

Powering Breakthroughs Together  

Lam continues to deepen its commitment to making a meaningful impact through corporate giving and employee volunteerism. It supported communities and over 1,550 charitable organizations around the world in 2021.

Under the company's new social impact framework, Powering Breakthroughs Together, Lam is increasing its focus on advancing transformative learning, building resilient communities, and fostering inclusive societies. To support this effort, the company is introducing a new application system for Lam's grant program to make it easier for organizations to apply.

Lam was proud to be included in the 2021 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North America, which recognizes the top 20 percent of sustainability performers among the 600 largest companies in the U.S. and Canada. The DJSI indices are widely considered to be among the world's leading benchmarks for corporate sustainability.

Further details on the company's environmental, social and governance strategies and 2021 accomplishments are available in Lam's 2021 ESG report.

NSDC, Auxilo Finserve Collaborate To Support Funding For Skilling & Vocational Courses; Aim To Create Portfolio of INR 1000 Crore

* Auxilo's pro-education student loan solutions will enable aspiring learners to enroll in reskilling and upskilling programs offered across NSDC's network of training partners in the country

* Specialised financial products have been designed for skilling and vocational courses and will be given to students as per their loan requirements

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the nodal agency under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, has partnered with Auxilo Finserve Pvt. Ltd., an education-focused Non-banking Financial Company (NBFC), to provide financial assistance to students aspiring to enroll in skilling and vocational courses. Under the partnership, the two organisations have planned to create a portfolio of around INR 1,000 crore over the course of the next three years.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ved Mani Tiwari, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Officiating CEO, NSDC and Namita Raja, Head - Credit and Operations, Auxilo Finserve in New Delhi.

Under the collaboration, a step in the direction of fulfilling the objective of Skill India Mission, Auxilo's pro-education student loan solutions will enable aspiring learners to enroll in reskilling and upskilling programs offered across NSDC's network of training partners (TPs) in the country. Upskilling and job readiness are primary in leveraging India’s demographic dividend and, thus, partnerships of such scale will be a definitive step in narrowing the gap between quality education and the access to it. 

Students seeking financial assistance for skilling and vocational courses can connect with their nearest NSDC-approved training centers to know about the available financing options. Under the partnership, some training partners have been roped in to begin with, and the number will increase in due course of time to cater to a larger number of deserving students.

The collaboration will also enable Skill Loans, a new initiative through which NSDC, supported by participating lending institutions, plans to increase the penetration of ?nancial assistance to deserving students for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Under the initiative, loans will be offered to students at attractive rates, thus, supporting them to take certi?cate/ diploma/ degree and other courses to enhance their employability. Auxilo, in partnership with NSDC, will facilitate students to enroll in desired courses.

Commenting on the partnership, Ved Mani Tiwari, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Officiating CEO, NSDC said, “It is our constant endeavor to make skilling and vocational education available for all. At NSDC, we do understand the challenges faced by the skill seekers to acquire funding through formal and recognized channels. With our partnership with Auxilo, I believe that we will be able to address the fundamental challenge of adequate and accessible financial assistance. This collaboration holds huge growth potential for both the organizations with simplified funding access to deserving students till the last mile.”

Neeraj Saxena, MD & CEO, Auxilo Finserve said, ''Through this strategic collaboration, we aim to create a valuable ecosystem to support students enrolled with NSDC’s training partners with hassle-free and seamless financing. We have designed specialized financial products for skilling and vocational courses and are all set to help Indian students and educational institutions get ready for the professional world.''

About National Skill Development Corporation

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), a nodal skill development agency, working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP). Through its mission ‘Skills4All, Anytime, Anywhere’, NSDC aims to provide access to opportunities to all through quality vocational education and training. Since inception in 2008, NSDC has trained over 3 crore people through its collaboration with 700+ training partners and over 11,000 training centres spread across 700+ districts in the country. NSDC has established 37 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and implements the Government’s flagship skill development schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), among others.

NSDC also funds enterprises, companies and organisations that provide skill training. The organisation enables private-sector capacity building in skill development by offering concessional loans, other innovative financial products, and strategic partnerships.

Zoho Books Offers To Support QuickBooks' Customers In India

 Zoho announced that it is open to supporting and serving customers of QuickBooks in India. In a recent turn of events today, Intuit’s QuickBooks announced its discontinuation from India market effective January 31, 2023. Their products and service offerings for accountancy and small business customers will no longer be available in India. As of July 1, 2022 no new signups to QuickBooks products will be accepted in India.

Prashant Ganti, Head of Products - Tax, Accounting & Payroll, Zoho commented, "The continuation of financial systems for any business is essential for its growth and sustainability. At Zoho, we understand how challenging it can be for businesses to find a replacement for their existing financial system. Zoho Books will be glad to serve the needs of those businesses looking for an alternative solution, and help them transition smoothly." Zoho Books is a comprehensive, cloud-based financial platform that helps businesses take care of their finance, perform core accounting functions, track stocks, reconcile bank accounts, manage projects, and keep them GST compliant.

“Zoho Books is hyperfocused on strengthening its operations in India, enabling businesses to simplify and abstract GST filing and compliance,  e-invoicing, and e-way bill compliance, and gain deep visibility into their finances. We have a strong customer base in the country, and will continually work towards serving them. Zoho is also a GST Suvidha provider," further added.

Apna Chooses Google Cloud To Enhance Its Offering To Connect Millions of Professionals With Hyperlocal Opportunities

* Creates India’s leading cloud-based jobs marketplace powered by Google Cloud

* Drives scalable ML model with up to 500 million user interactions processed per day

* Reduce the time taken to create AI algorithms by 20 percent.

* Enabling AI algorithms that bolster platform safety and security by uncovering fraud

With an aim to embrace digital transformation and enhance platform safety, apna.co – India’s largest jobs and professional networking platform – has chosen Google Cloud to democratize the job hunt market and to optimize upskilling and job opportunities for millions pan-India.

apna is using a combination of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), BigQuery, and Vertex AI; and will provide targeted networking and seamless matchmaking for job seekers across the country. The company has been constantly striving to enhance its operations for better results, and hence felt the need to be a cloud-native app that runs on Android handsets due to affordability. The company also aims to strengthen its scalability provided by Kubernetes-based micro-services.

Through the collaboration, apna aims to build its infrastructure on GKE-enabled agile interaction between all Google Cloud managed services, as well as seamless Android compatibility, with the latest features and technology. Google Cloud infrastructure has been powering apna’s backend technology infrastructure and improving the experience for its over 22 million users, who are largely based out of tier II and tier III cities in India.

Elaborating on the association, Shantanu Preetam, Chief Technology Officer, apna.co said, “Google Cloud has been known in the industry for its dependability, versatility, and user-friendliness and hence, they were our unanimous choice. Through our association with Google Cloud, we have managed to reduce the time taken to create AI algorithms by 20 percent. Additionally, the team is also saving up to 40% of DevOps time through a combination of managed services.

Google Cloud has been supporting us in continuous app enhancements in order to provide a better user experience and bolster platform safety and security. In a situation where fraudsters constantly evolve methodologies, Apna is able to identify and remove up to 60 percent of inappropriate content on the platform daily, this has been possible with Google solutions such as Vertex AI.

Through cloud native capabilities in Google Cloud, including GKE, BigQuery and Vertex AI, we have managed to create a level playing field for millions of professionals in India’s rising workforce. Google Cloud has been an important partner in our journey and we look forward to continuing our mission of #AcceleratingIndia with them”. He added.

“apna leveraged Google Cloud’s ML and intuitive AI and has grown its user base to 22 million in just 3 years across 70+ cities enabling 80 million job interviews per month. We are thrilled to support apna in building the future of intelligent job searches on Google’s agile cloud infrastructure.” said Bikram SIngh Bedi, Managing Director at Google Cloud India

Community building remains a significant component at apna. Similarly, peer learning is an invaluable resource for finding jobs and sharing essential tips ranging from learning English to interview techniques that boost one’s chances of success. However, with an influx of community-powered forums, there is a potential risk of fraudulent job postings and some users bullying others.

apna uses Vertex AI to build ML models that can detect abusive or fraudulent behavior based on keywords with high accuracy. The collaboration with Google Cloud Will lead to results-based empowerment for a continuously evolving job platform and foster the growth of safe communities with AI-driven content analytics.

About apna

Founded in 2019, apna.co is India’s largest jobs and professional networking platform dedicated to helping India’s rising workforce to unlock unique professional networking, and skilling opportunities.

Having secured more than $190 million from marquee investors such as Tiger Global, Owl Ventures, Insight Partners, Lightspeed India, Sequoia Capital India, Maverick Ventures, GSV Ventures, Greenoaks Capital and Rocketship.vc apna is on a mission to enable livelihoods for billions in India. With more than 22 million users in 70-plus cities and counting and more than 200,000 employers that trust the platform, India has a new destination to discover relevant opportunities.

About Google Cloud

Google Cloud accelerates every organization's ability to digitally transform its business. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology – all on the cleanest cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.

Ashok Soota Conferred With Prestigious CII Quality Ratna Award 2021

Happiest Minds Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a ‘Born Digital . Born Agile,’ Mindful IT Company, announced today that Ashok Soota, Executive Chairman, is conferred with the prestigious CII Quality Ratna Award 2021 during the 21st CII IQ Anniversary Programme, on 25th June 2022, at Hotel Hilton, Hebbal, Bengaluru.

The Annual CII Quality Ratna Award constituted in the year 2019 is in recognition of outstanding leadership, contribution, and distinguished service to the Quality Movement in India. The CII Awards Committee unanimously concurred to bestow the 2021 Award to Mr. Ashok Soota considering his significant contribution to building the competitiveness of the Indian industry through Quality Initiatives.

About Happiest Minds Technologies:

Happiest Minds Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a Mindful IT Company, enables digital transformation for enterprises and technology providers by delivering seamless customer experiences, business efficiency and actionable insights. We do this by leveraging a spectrum of disruptive technologies such as: artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud, digital process automation, internet of things, robotics/drones, security, virtual/augmented reality, etc. Positioned as ‘Born Digital . Born Agile’, our capabilities span digital solutions, infrastructure, product engineering and security. We deliver these services across industry sectors such as automotive, BFSI, consumer packaged goods, e-commerce, EduTech, engineering R&D, healthcare, hi-tech, manufacturing, retail and travel/transportation/hospitality.

A Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company, Happiest Minds is headquartered in Bangalore, India with operations in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and Middle East.

GE’s engineers At JFWTC Develop Job Description Decoder To Help Make Hiring Managers More Inclusive

Engineers at GE’s John F Welch Technology Centre in Bengaluru have developed an inhouse tool to help hiring mangers write more inclusive job descriptions. Called the JD Decoder, the tool has been under testing for over two years now.

“We have decided to open the tool up to all our hiring managers and talent acquisition teams in South Asia,” said Sukla Chandra, I&D Council leader, GE South Asia. “This is another step forward in our inclusion journey,” Chandra added.

Alok Nanda, CTO, GE South Asia and CEO, GE India Technology Centre, said, “At GE, we use technology to solve many challenges and problems in the energy, healthcare, and aviation sectors. I am delighted that our engineers have brought their scientific thinking to solve for unconscious bias and have developed a tool that helps make our job descriptions more inclusive.”

The GE India Technology Center regularly participates in LGBTQIA+ focused job fairs and has made successful offers to candidates. They have also onboarded a LGBTQIA+ inclusion focused organization as an approved talent acquisition partner thereby being deliberately inclusive in all their external hiring activities. They have various inclusion and diversity commitments in place which can be categorised under gender, disability advocacy network and Pride Alliance to ensure an equal and safe work environment for all genders.

GE in India is celebrating Pride month during June. On June 9th over 1500 GE employees participated in Pride walks across 10 GE campuses across India. As part of its Pride Alliance, GE has an array of initiatives to inculcate gender positivity and create an inclusive workspace. The GE Pride Alliance community is driving inclusion, diversity, and equity by influencing Policies, Practices, Infrastructure and Mindset. The Pride walks were conducted across GE campuses at Bengaluru (Karnataka), Sanand (Gujarat), Durgapur (West Bengal), Dabaspet (Karnataka), Maneja (Gujarat), Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra) and Chennai (Tamil Nadu). Senior leaders from GE also participated in the Pride Walk at different campuses. As a part of the celebrations, ally briefings and panel discussions were conducted across campuses as well as awards to the most active and vocal allies for being solid pillars of support to the Pride Alliance were presented. 

GE is an equal opportunity employer and employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE in South Asia

GE has been operating in South Asia since 1902. Today, its 19,000 employees based here work in research, development, product design, manufacturing, project execution and services. Over the decades GE has built deep partnerships with local joint venture partners, customers, and suppliers. GE’s partners and customers in India include Government enterprises, large Indian conglomerates as well small and medium sized companies in Aviation, Healthcare and Energy sectors. In 2018, GE started to mentor health-tech start-ups through its India Edison Accelerator.