The Ultimate Fusion of Sound & Style: Samsung Launches The Stunning Music Frame In India At INR 23990

* Combining the functionality of a high-fidelity speaker with aesthetic appeal, the Samsung Music Frame allows users to display personal photos while enjoying music, redefining modern homes

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today unveiled its Music Frame in India. A wireless speaker that looks like a work of art, the Samsung Music Frame comes with new features such as Dolby Atmos and wireless music streaming at just INR 23,990.

The stylish wireless speaker blends seamlessly into living spaces like never before by doubling as a picture frame. Just like a real frame, the Samsung Music Frame allows users to display personal photos. Listening to music while looking at a framed photo of a precious memory or a piece of art adds new levels of depth to users’ experiences.

The Samsung Music Frame will be available across Samsung.in and Amazon.in and across select offline stores starting today.

"Modern consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only blend functionality and aesthetics, but also add visual appeal. This trend is driven by a desire for products that reflect their personality and style, and enhance the overall ambience of their living space. The new Music Frame epitomizes exceptional technology in the form of a picture frame with its unique, elegant design while delivering a cinematic audio experience,” said Mohandeep Singh, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung India.

The Music Frame offers users the convenience of wire-free listening while delivering superior sound quality that fills any space with rich, clear audio. Its personalized, framed artwork enhances home decor, reflecting Samsung's passion for leveraging cutting-edge technology to elevate living spaces. This makes it a powerful addition to any household, providing stunning visual appeal and exceptional audio performance, all in one elegantly crafted device.

Dolby Atmos Technology

Immerse in a three-dimensional audio experience that surrounds from every angle, creating a lifelike soundscape that enhances listening pleasure. Be it watching a movie, listening to music, or playing games, Dolby Atmos technology elevates the audio experience to new heights, pulling users into the heart of the action.

Consistent Sound Quality

Enjoy balanced and consistent audio quality from any corner of the room, ensuring an optimal listening experience regardless of location. The speaker eliminates uneven sound distribution and promotes crystal-clear audio throughout the room, making every seat the best seat in the house.

Effortless Control

The Music Frame offers effortless control with built-in voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can simply speak commands, and the Music Frame responds, enabling play, pause, track skipping, and volume adjustment without any manual intervention. This feature provides hands-free convenience and seamless control over the audio experience.

Personalized Sound Optimization

Tailor the audio experience to the specific room environment with advanced room analysis and optimization technology. SpaceFit Sound Pro analyzes the acoustics of the room and adjusts the sound output accordingly, ensuring optimal audio quality tailored to the space. This technology transforms one-size-fits-all audio into personalized sound perfection

Q-Symphony Integration

Users can utilize Q-Symphony for richer stereo sound by placing two Music Frames on either side of their TVs. For surround sound, users can place a soundbar in front of their TV and a Music Frame on the opposite wall to act as a rear speaker. With the SmartThings app, users can set the equalizer settings to their preferences.

Adaptive Audio Performance

Experience audio that adapts to the content in real-time, delivering clear voices and detailed sounds optimized for every scene and volume level.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the world of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN

Tata Motors Ltd Chairman’s Speech At 79th AGM On June 24, 2024

Good Afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen. Let me take this opportunity to take you through the backdrop in which your company is operating, the performance last year as well as the plans for the years to come.

While we are seeing growth and stability in India, the global geo-political scenario continues to remain troubled with continuing military conflicts. The coordinated actions by the central banks of several countries have helped moderate inflation albeit the absolute price levels continue to remain high. The economic scenario is expected to stabilize with global growth estimated to be around 3% during the next couple of years.

The structural shifts that we had called out last year when we met, are continuing to evolve. These are i) Energy transition–irreversible move to green mobility, ii) Rebalancing of supply chains to achieve resiliency and iii) Digital acceleration with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning becoming mainstream.

With the turnaround at Tata Motors, I’m pleased to say that the Company is embracing these shifts from a position of strength and confidence.

In the first phase of this ongoing multi-year journey, the company has delivered an excellent performance in FY24. All the three businesses, - Commercial Vehicles (CV), Passenger Vehicles (PV) and JLR, developed and executed on their differentiated strategies to deliver remarkable improvement in performance across metrices – brand health, customer experience, financial, product innovation, and employee engagement.

On a consolidated basis, the company delivered several highs. The total vehicle sales increased 7.4% year on year to over 13.8 lakh units.  Revenues were ? 437.9K Cr, EBITDA was ? 62.8K Cr and net profit of ?31.8K Cr (+?29.1K Cr over the previous year). The India automotive business is now debt-free, and the Company is well on track to make JLR debt-free in FY25.

Due to this strong performance, the Board has recommended a final dividend of ?3 per share to ordinary shareholders and ?3.1 per share to DVR holders and a special dividend of ?3 per share to ordinary shareholders and ?3.1 per share to DVR holders, both subject to your approval today.

Let me talk about the individual businesses.

Passenger Vehicles Business:

The PV & EV business in India delivered a record performance for the third successive year with sales of over 5.7 lakh units (up 6% vs FY23. The sharp focus on emission-friendly technologies has improved the penetration of CNG and electric vehicles to 29% in the overall portfolio. In EVs, the business continued to lead the way with 70%+ market share. We operationalised the new production facility in Sanand within a year of acquiring it.

Our thrust on safety gained credence with Safari and Harrier becoming the first SUVs in the country to get the coveted 5-star safety certification from Bharat NCAP. I must also mention that just a few days ago, Punch.ev and Nexon.ev too received this certification with the best in class 5-star rating making them the first as well in their segment. Further, the top two SUVs sold during FY24 in India – Nexon & Punch, proudly sported the TATA logo.

Commercial Vehicles Business:

The focus on profitable growth resulted in the business recording an annual revenue of ? 78,791 crore in FY24 growing by 11.3% vs FY23 and PBT (bei) of ? 6102 Cr growing by around 90% over last year. Apart from Heavy trucks, Intermediate trucks, Small Commercial Vehicles, Buses and International Business, the company is focused on growing its Non-Vehicular business (spares and service etc.), incubating Smart Mobility (EV mobility solutions for cities) and Digital business (digital solutions for the truck and trip ecosystem).

Tata Motors has a strong market presence built over many decades, a strong brand, a robust technological backbone, and a comprehensive portfolio.

Jaguar Land Rover Business:

Following three years of supply constraints due to semiconductor shortages, inflation, energy crisis and geopolitical instability, JLR has firmly re-established its financial stability in FY24 thereby successfully laying the foundations for the next chapter of its Reimagine strategy. It unveiled a new house of brands approach and the new look of the JLR corporate identity to accelerate the delivery of its vision of being the proud creator of modern luxury. The business recorded its highest-ever annual revenues of £29 billion (+27% YoY), PBT (bei) of £2.1 billion and record free cashflows of £2.3 billion in FY24.

Corporate Actions:

During FY24, the company also undertook several strategic corporate actions to simplify and strengthen its capital structure. These included successfully completing the delisting of its American Depositary Shares from the New York Stock Exchange; diluting a part of its stake in Tata Technologies Ltd through a successful IPO, and securing shareholder approval for a capital reduction scheme for the DVR shares. More recently, we have announced the merger of Tata Motors Finance with Tata Capital Ltd.

Going forward:

While all 3 businesses will continue to focus on improving their financial strength and enhancing customer experience, the strategies they will adopt will get more differentiated, sharpened and refined in line with their market position, brand strength and growth aspirations.

The PV business will focus on Market beating growth, technology, and brand leadership. The business will continue to invest in products, platforms, electrical & electronic architectures, and vehicle software to remain competitive.

The EV business will focus on deepening penetration through multiple product launches, focus on market development, charging network enhancements and continuing to introduce aspirational product features.

The CV business will focus on driving technology and brand leadership to deliver consistent, value accretive growth in the coming years. Apart from vehicular sales, it will also focus on vehicle parc linked businesses like spares, digital and smart mobility solutions which will help reduce the volatility of the vehicle sales business.

JLR will continue to double down on its journey to become a premium luxury OEM, focus on enhanced customer love and continue to invest in products and technologies. There is an exciting range of products lined up to be launched over the next 3 years that needs to be delivered successfully. The first electric Range Rover launches later this year, and there are further EVs lined up in the coming years including the all-electric Jaguar. The Company shall continue to invest in products, platforms, electrical & electronic architectures and vehicle software to provide a world class customer experience to our discerning clientele.

Demerger:

To enable sharper execution of their well differentiated strategies and to further empower each business to pursue it purposefully with greater agility and accountability, the Board has proposed the demerger of the Company into two separate listed companies housing A) the Commercial Vehicles business and its related investments in one entity and B) the Passenger Vehicles businesses including PV, EV, JLR and its related investments in another entity. This will also help secure the considerable synergies across PV, EV and JLR particularly in the areas of EVs, autonomous vehicles, and vehicle software. This will lead each company to deliver a superior experience for customers, better growth prospects for employees and, enhanced value for shareholders.

In conclusion, I'd like to say that we have an exciting journey ahead of us and the management teams are very committed and focused towards accelerating our growth journey. Now before I invite comments from our esteemed shareholders, I request Group CFO, PB Balaji to take you through the performance of the company in greater

Over 34,000 Submissions For OPPO India’s Imagine If Photo Awards

-      ‘Portrait’ category received maximum entries (26%) followed by ‘Landscape’ (20%)

-      The top six winners—to be announced on July 25, 2024—will get a chance to visit the Paris Photo 2024

Within seven weeks, OPPO India received 34,000+ entries from photographers across India for the imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 in Round 1 which concluded on June 15th, 2024.

OPPO launched the imagine IF Photography Awards globally in 2023 to spark creativity in mobile photography and showcase the prowess of OPPO camera technologies. The competition made its foray into India this year after the success of the inaugural edition.

Round 1 invited Indian citizens over 18 years to share their smartphone photographs across nine categories: Landscape, Portrait, Colours, Unfading Moment, Fashion, Snapshot, Light, Travel, and Collection. Of these 34,000+ entries, the ‘Portrait’ category emerged as the most popular and garnered 26% of the submissions. This was followed by ‘Landscape’ that witnessed 20% participation.

Sushant Vashistha, Head of Digital Marketing, OPPO India, said, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the platform. The high volume of entries uncovers new photography talent across India, and we are glad to present them with an opportunity and a platform to showcase their work on a global stage.”

The top 50 photographers will move to Round 2 by end of June and the final six winners will be announced on July 25, 2024. “The shortlisted photographers will get to shoot exclusively on our flagship OPPO Find X7 Ultra device and experience the world’s first Quad Main Camera while submitting their nominations for Round 2. We are excited to see the next set of photos and the creativity they will showcase.” added Sushant Vashistha.

To generate excitement around the competition, OPPO India released a brand video on its Instagram featuring Director, Screenwriter, and Indian ambassador for the initiative, SS Rajamouli with TV Producer and Actor, Raghu Ram. The video presents Raghu as the judge of a photography contest, and in true Raghu fashion, he is shown losing his cool over the photography capabilities of the contestants. Raghu’s level of disappointment is consistently on the rise and so is his anger. Just then, SS Rajamouli enters the scene and advises Raghu to nurture creativity rather than shun it. Following this, Raghu’s attitude shifts, and he is shown sharing encouraging feedback with the contestants with a big smile.

The imagine IF entries are being judged by a panel of expert photographers including Celebrity Wedding and Portrait photographer and OPPO Imaging Expert Joseph Radhik, Wildlife Photographer Aarzoo Khurana, Fashion Photographer Arjun Mark, and other global jury members.

All top six winners will get an opportunity to attend the Paris Show 2024 and collaborate with OPPO India for photography-led projects in future. The Gold awardee will receive a cash prize of INR 5,00,000, two Silver winners will get INR 2,00,000 each and three Bronze winners will win INR 1,00,000.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Courtyard By Marriott Debuts In The Rich Culture And Heritage At Colva, Goa

* The 91-room Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva is set to provide a sophisticated yet comfortable environment for guests to pursue their passions while on the road.

Courtyard by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva, marking the debut of the Courtyard by Marriott brand in the state. Strategically located in one of the most popular parts of Goa, known for its white sand beaches, susegad lifestyle and Indo-Portuguese architecture, this 91-room hotel is an embodiment of the all things Goan, offering a cozy retreat full of elevated comforts, inviting experiences, soulful local and international cuisine and contemporary design.

“We are thrilled to introduce the exceptional hospitality and top-tier facilities of Courtyard by Marriott brand to one of the most idyllic locations in India," said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President South Asia, Marriott International. "Goa, especially the Southern region, is a well-known paradise for vacationers with its white sand beaches, stunning sunsets, and relaxed ambience. The opening of Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva, marks Marriott International’s 11th property in Goa, and further compliments our commitment to growth in the region, bringing a diversified portfolio for different types of travelers to this popular leisure destination.”

Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva is conveniently located at a picturesque 40-minute drive from Dabolim Airport and just 15 minutes from Madgaon Junction Railway Station. The hotel benefits from its proximity to Colva Beach and stunning paddy field surroundings, offering guests easy access to the popular beach shacks, local restaurants and quaint bars. Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby beaches such as Palolem, Agonda, and the bioluminescent Betalbatim Beach, or visit the breathtaking Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Guests can also enjoy the local markets and eateries, renowned for their culinary delights and unique accessories reflecting the local style and culture. A visit to the iconic Goa Chitra Museum, showcasing Goa’s traditional agrarian technology, antiques, and local history, is a must.

Encompassing comfort and functionality, the 91-room Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva invites travelers to relax and savor the charms of a tranquil escape. Guests can unwind in spacious, contemporary rooms, some featuring private balconies with lush panoramic views and indulgent bathtubs. Each room is equipped with high-speed internet access, a flat-screen TV, smart air conditioning, and a variety of modern amenities. This new addition to the Courtyard by Marriott family ensures a perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication, offering an exceptional stay for every traveller– whether they are traveling on business, leisure, or both.

At Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva, dining is a delightful blend of upscale elegance and casual comfort. One can enjoy local delights such as Chicken Cafreal and Goan Fish Curry at Colva Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant serving International, Indian, and Asian cuisines. For guests on the move, O’Centro the grab-and-go deli offers quick bites and refreshing beverages through the day, while guests keeping with the non-hurried Goan pace, can enjoy a lazy afternoon by the poolside sipping on curated cocktails and delectable bites at Solario, the poolside bar.

The hotel is a versatile venue for both corporate and social events featuring modern meeting and conference facilities. The Terra banquet hall can host up to 120 guests, with a poolside pre-function area while Ceu, a smaller top-floor meeting room, caters to intimate gatherings of 25. Guests can also enjoy sundowners at the rooftop venue with panoramic views, accommodating up to 60 guests. Families with little adventurers can check out the Kids Club, while travelers looking to pursue their passions while on the road have the hotel’s fitness center and outdoor swimming pool readily available for a quick workout or a swim.  Sentir Spa by Tattva offers a cool and quiet pocket of calm rejuvenation with traditional massage therapies and a steam room facility.

“Goa is one of the most popular hotspots in India with a rich and nostalgic culture that reflects the charm of a bygone era. It is a matter of immense pride and pleasure for us to have the opportunity to weave in our acclaimed hospitality and services into the very fabric of this alluring state," expressed Sameer Kapoor, Hotel Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva. "Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva embodies our commitment to provide a refined yet sober retreat for those eager to lose themselves in the lifestyle and culture of the region. This is the perfect choice for trailblazing travelers who wish to discover the charm of Goa. We are confident that the design and amenities of the hotel will provide a truly pleasurable experience and shall be embraced by both residents and international visitors alike."

Courtyard by Marriott Goa Colva participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

For reservations and more information, please visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/goicg-courtyard-colva-goa/overview

About Courtyard by Marriott®

Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With over 1,300 locations in nearly 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com and stay connected on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

About Marriott Bonvoy® 

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. 

Photo Caption: Standing L-R - Nyra Vaz, Diogo Nathan Vas, Danira Vaz ( Director Models Group), Mrs. Natalina Vaz ( Director – Models Group ) , Sameer Kapoor ( Hotel Manager , CY Goa Colva), Babita Kanwar ( Cluster General Manager – Le Meridien Goa, Calangute & CY Goa Colva) & Ranju Alex ( Area Vice -President , South Asia, Marriott International).

Photo Caption: The Courtyard Suit and Premium Room.

MAHE’s Yakshagana Documentary Achieves Semi-Finalist Status At Prestigious World Culture Film Festival 2024 In Los Angeles, USA

A documentary on Yakshagana, a traditional art form from coastal Karnataka, has received notable international acclaim. Produced by the Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue (CISD) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the film has been selected as a Semi-Finalist at the prestigious World Culture Film Festival 2024 in Los Angeles, USA. The festival will take place from July 27 to 28, 2024.

This documentary is part of the CISD project "Discerning India: Living Cultures of Tulunadu." It was chosen from a large pool of submissions from over 40 countries, showcasing its cultural significance and value. The film highlights the rich cultural heritage of Yakshagana, a vibrant traditional art form native to the coastal districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala, India.

The project was produced under the CISD initiative "Discerning India: Living Cultures of Tulunadu," led by Manipal Academy of General Education. CISD, based at the Manipal Centre for European Studies, focuses on promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding. The award-winning documentary is part of a larger effort to create a repository of local cultural knowledge and educate people about the unique traditions of Tulunadu. So far, documentaries made under CISD have received 11 Official selections at different international film festivals.

Dr. HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, expressed his pride in the achievement “This recognition at an international platform like the World Culture Film Festival is a testament to our commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of India. The documentary on Yakshagana not only showcases the beauty of this traditional art form but also highlights the dedication of our team at MAHE in bringing such stories to a global audience.”

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh (VSM), Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, added “We are immensely proud of the team behind this documentary. Their work reflects our mission to foster intercultural dialogue and understanding. The success of this documentary at international film festivals demonstrates the universal appeal of our cultural narratives and reinforces our dedication to educational excellence and cultural preservation. MAHE plays a pivotal role in celebrating and preserving the Tulu Nadu culture of undivided Dakshina Kannada, ensuring that this unique heritage is recognized and appreciated globally.”

The Yakshagana documentary was directed by Dr. Praveen Shetty and Mr. Nitesh Anchan from CISD, MAHE. It explores the multifaceted relevance of this traditional art form and its importance to the local culture. Previously, the documentary received the Jury Award at the Sixth International Short Film Festival on Cultural Tourism in Varanasi in December 2023 and the Best Scriptwriting Award from the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC)-UGC, New Delhi, in April 2023. 

MAHE And Roche Diagnostics India Establish Centre of Excellence (CoE) For Skill Development And Innovation In Diagnostics

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Roche Diagnostics India Pvt Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a Centre of Excellence (CoE). This partnership aims to enhance skill development and innovation in the field of diagnostics. The MoU was signed by Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE, and Dr. Rishubh Gupta, Managing Director - India & Neighbouring Markets, Roche Diagnostics India. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in combining the strengths of both academia and industry to improve healthcare diagnostics.

The partnership between MAHE and Roche Diagnostics India is set to revolutionize the field of diagnostics by leveraging the academic expertise of MAHE and the industry-leading innovations of Roche Diagnostics. This collaborative effort will focus on developing advanced diagnostic tools and training healthcare professionals to use cutting-edge technologies. The Centre of Excellence will serve as a platform for conducting pioneering research, facilitating workshops, and sharing knowledge to foster a culture of innovation and excellence in diagnostics. By uniting the strengths of both institutions, this partnership aims to drive significant advancements in healthcare, ultimately leading to better patient care and disease management.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, (VSM) Vice Chancellor of MAHE, emphasized that this partnership will empower clinicians with cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, leading to improved patient care and better disease management. He stated that by fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange, the MoU will accelerate scientific advancements in diagnostics, resulting in better healthcare outcomes for the community.

Dr. Giridhar P. Kini, Registrar of MAHE, highlighted the importance of sharing expertise with the wider scientific community. He noted that through this collaborative partnership with Roche Diagnostics India, a leading organization in medical research and development, MAHE experts will present their insights on advanced lab technologies and clinical assays at national and international Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs and seminars.

Dr. Rishubh Gupta, Managing Director - India & Neighbouring Markets, Roche Diagnostics India, expressed his commitment to pioneering high-value innovations in diagnostics. He stated, "As market leaders in diagnostics, we're committed to empowering clinicians to deliver superior healthcare. Our collaboration with Manipal underscores our shared commitment to advancing innovative testing solutions in India. Through our Centre of Excellence (CoE), we'll enhance learning with workshops and scientific sessions, equipping future medical professionals with insights into cutting-edge technology and clinical guidelines. Together, we'll champion best practices and foster a culture of excellence in diagnostics."

Dr. Raviraja N. S., Chief Operating Officer Designate, Director-Planning & Monitoring at MAHE, outlined a visionary collaboration between Roche Diagnostics India and MAHE's academic and clinical teams. He explained that this partnership will result in a meticulously crafted curriculum for workshops and scientific sessions, designed to equip aspiring healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of modern medicine.

Dr. Harish Kumar S., Director of Corporate Relations at MAHE, welcomed the attendees and provided an insightful overview of the newly formed collaboration between the two institutions. He emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership and its potential to unlock numerous opportunities for both organizations.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Ravindra Maradi, Lab Director of Kasturba Hospital Laboratory Services, KH Manipal, Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of KMC, Manipal, Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of KH, Manipal, Dr. Krishnananda Prabhu R.V, Associate Dean & Professor of KMC, Manipal, Mr. Jibu Thomas, Associate Director-Operations of KH, Manipal, along with other faculty members, staff of KMC, Manipal, and the Roche Diagnostics team.

Every Skilled Indian Professional Is A Changemaker And An Ambassador of India: Jayant Chaudhary

* 32 Young Healthcare Professionals Felicitated For Completing German Language Training Program Under Skill India International

To empower Indian nurses with global career opportunities, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, felicitated 32 healthcare professionals today for successfully completing the B1 level of German language training. The training aims to equip the nurses with the necessary language skills for a successful career and livelihood in Germany.

This development reaffirms the Government's commitment to making India the global hub for skilled talent and outlines the ambitious strategies under Skill India Mission. The two- to three-month comprehensive residential training program was imparted to all the candidates under the Skill India International initiative who have completed their B.Sc. Nursing or the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) programs. Delivered by professional German native trainers, the program ensures that participants receive top-notch language education.

On the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said, "India has a great demographic dividend, that is a clear path towards transforming our country and our rural hinterland into a developed economy by 2047.With this, there is also a growing skill gap in the world today, even in the contracting global economy, approximately 8.5 crore opportunities will be there in the world by 2030. And how many of these opportunities are grabbed by our aspiring young professionals will decide the future path of our economy.”

“In fact, in Germany alone, with their ageing population, there would be approximately 18 Lakh  job opportunities available for suitable candidates. Therefore, it's imperative that we have the right approach to fill these positions in a focused manner, and Skill India's International's strong connect with the industry can fulfil this gap and I must congratulate every candidate as each of you is a changemaker and an ambassador of India." he added.

The Minister highlighted the successful placement of over 58,000 skilled Indians in various countries as part of India's mission to become a global skilling powerhouse. He praised the efforts of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NSDC International in providing high-quality training to Indian youth aiming for overseas employment. He congratulated the successful candidates and personally handed them their placement offers, inspiring confidence and enthusiasm for their future roles.

All 32 candidates cleared the B1 German Language Training through TELC. They will be placed with the leading hospitals and employers, earning between 2300 and 2700 euros per month (over 2 lakh INR), with B2 training included. After completing B2 in Germany, their salary will increase to approximately 3 to 4 lakh INR.

German Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann praised the skilling ecosystem of India and hoped this would be start of many other such opportunities, he said, "The growing skill gap in Germany, particularly in the healthcare sector, poses a significant challenge. Therefore, we felt the need to find a solution to offer which is structured migration, which not only caters to the skill gap but also offers us the quality expected to meet the demands of the healthcare Industry. This is where India's education system, robust skilling infrastructure, and extensive training programs are helping bridge this gap. We are immensely grateful to NSDC International for their robust efforts as in just two months, they managed to prepare this young workforce for Germany."

The Hon’ble Minister, the German Ambassador along with Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary MSDE and Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, flagged off the bus taking the candidates to the airport and boosted their morale.

NSDC, under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, through its wholly-owned subsidiary NSDC International has made significant progress in positioning India as a dependable source of skilled workers.

NSDC International had partnered with Auxila Academy, a Takt Group company, for the German language training program and were instrumental in helping them the right career opportunities in Germany. This initiative not only opens up lucrative career opportunities for Indian nurses but also addresses the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals in Germany. Under the Skill India International Initiative there is a strong commitment to enhance the skills and employability of Indian youth, paving the way for their success on the global stage.