Volvo Group Partners With Indian universities To Shape Future Automotive Talent

* Inks MoU with Amrita University and Thapar Institute to build a stronger industry-academia engagement and enhance the engineering industry readiness

Furthering its commitment to bridge the gap between academia and industry, Volvo Group India Pvt. Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with Amrita University and Thapar Institute for engineering students in mechanical, electrical, electronics and computer science streams. The collaboration will see the introduction of a specialized credit course that is designed to mentor graduates and postgraduates, preparing them to become industry-ready automotive engineers. The MoU signing ceremony, formalizing this collaborative effort, saw the participation of Mr. Kamal Bali, Managing Director of Volvo Group India, and Representatives of Universities, symbolizing a commitment to academic excellence and industry collaboration.

The cornerstone of this collaboration is the introduction of a two- to four-semester-long credit program focusing on industry-specific subjects. The Volvo Group will actively support this initiative by training faculty members, sending industry experts as trainers, sharing the use cases/industrial problem statements for projects, conducting guest lectures, participating in co-teaching of the subjects, Tech Demo Centre, Joint Publications, Joint research initiatives, and higher studies for Volvo employees. 

To promote diversity in the automotive industry, Volvo Group will offer scholarships to female students in these programs. This collaboration ensures students gain hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used by the Volvo Group, preparing them to contribute to real-world projects from day one. It also provides Volvo Group with access to top talent through internships and pre-placement offers, minimizing competition during campus recruitment. The partnership fosters joint research, giving Volvo Group employees access to cutting-edge knowledge and enabling them to tackle industry challenges. Additionally, this association will support higher education of Volvo employees, offering opportunities to develop their expertise further and contribute to academic publications. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kamal Bali, Managing Director of Volvo Group India, said, “We are committed to fostering an environment where education and industry can intersect, paving the way for sustainable advancements. This collaboration is a vital step in shaping the future of our industry. By working closely with top universities, we ensure that students receive the training and exposure needed to excel in the rapidly evolving automotive sector. At the same time, Volvo Group gains access to the brightest minds, who will help drive our innovation and growth in the years to come.  Through this partnership, we not only aim to develop cutting-edge solutions but also cultivate a talent pool that is well-equipped to tackle the challenges.”

The partnership underscores Volvo Group’s ongoing commitment to education and fostering long-term industry-academic collaboration. Through this initiative, the company aims to enhance the academic experience of students while providing them with the tools and opportunities to launch successful careers in the automotive industry. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, this collaboration will equip students with essential skills and insights needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

Tanishq Presents The 2nd Edition Of Rivaah x Tarun Tahiliani: A Celebration Of Bridal Splendor

* The new collection is an ode to the Modern Progressive Bride

Building on the success of inaugural collaboration, Tanishq’s exclusive wedding sub-brand, Rivaah unveils its latest collection in partnership with celebrated designer Tarun Tahiliani: ‘2nd edition of Rivaah x Tarun Tahiliani.’ This new collection is crafted to resonate with the modern Indian bride or the ‘Sutradhar’ — who is crafting new narratives by blending traditional values with modern take. Complementing the bride, the collection is inspired by fusing the rich heritage of Indian traditions with contemporary sophistication. The designs that not only cater to evolving preferences but also celebrate the timeless beauty and uniqueness of progressive Indian bride.

Tanishq’s intricate workmanship combined with Tarun Tahiliani’s artistry brings alive this year’s collection that blends heritage with modernity. It features intricate gold workmanship inspired by two themes Phoolchadar, symbolizing beauty, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings, as well as the Drape Story, which represents femininity and cultural richness. The beautiful Floral motives that transition from buds to full blooms, and drapes from Tarun Tahiliani’s ensembles, reimagined in fluid scalloped patterns. The result is a stunning collection that combines contemporary silhouettes with traditional artistry, offering modern brides’ timeless elegance for every wedding occasion.

These jewellery pieces capture the delicate beauty of a bride's journey with an elevated sense of elegance, where each piece reflects the individuality of the modern day sutradhar bride. With an array of options to choose, this exquisite collection is a fusion of artful mastery and timeless design, skilfully crafted in glass kundan and gold. A true homage to Indian weddings, it embodies the unwavering spirit of a modern Indian bride who is confident yet grounded and rooted in her traditions, balancing comfort with style. Each piece is created to enhance every occasion, from the grand celebrations to all wedding functions like haldi, mehndi, sangeet, cocktail, and beyond—perfectly complementing the wedding itself. With influences from Tarun Tahiliani’s celebrated embroideries, the collection offers a luxurious yet elegant choice for brides seeking exclusivity and cultural depth. Spanning over 80 designs—featuring chokers, gulubands, harams, and pendant, haathphool, rings, maang tikkas and many more to explore—this collection provides a breath-taking array to complete any bridal look.

Speaking on the launch of ‘2nd edition of Rivaah x Tarun Tahiliani,’ Ms. Revathi Kant, Chief Design Officer, Titan Company Limited, said, “Building on the success of our initial collaboration, we’re delighted to introduce the 2nd edition of Rivaah X Tarun Tahiliani wedding collection, crafted for the modern Indian bride. This collection draws deeply from Tarun Tahiliani’s signature embroideries, fusing timeless beauty with a contemporary flair. Every piece of this collection is meticulous, owing to our unique Karigari that translates embroidery into an ornament. The collection is a testimony of our efforts to elevate a bride’s special day by adorning her with pieces unique to her progressive yet rooted personality. November and december traditionally marking a peak wedding season for Rivaah, and this year hosting twice the number of wedding dates compared to last, we’re excited to further establish Rivaah as the go-to jeweller for Indian weddings and functions. Our diverse designs reinforce Rivaah’s commitment to being at the forefront of India’s wedding jewellery market.”

Tarun Tahiliani added, “The 2nd edition of my collection with Tanishq ‘Rivaah’ is designed for the discerning modern bride, blending timeless sophistication with a distinctly India Modern aesthetic. This year, we have focussed the collection more on gold and techniques of intrinsic value. draws inspiration from the Tarun Tahiliani archival embroideries. This gold jewellery collection blends tradition with modern aesthetics, emphasizing exquisite craftsmanship that captures our design essence. Guided by two of our core design pillars—The Iconic Drape, showcasing elegant layers; Phool Chaadar, highlighting intricate floral motifs—the jewellery reflects a seamless translation of fabric artistry into gold. Wear it with colour, wear it with plains, wear it any which way and celebrate life.”

Sun Life Global Solutions Partners With IIT Indore To Foster Innovation

*       Partnership to collaborate on projects to foster innovation, research & entrepreneurship.

*       The collaboration will focus on applying AI/ML, data analytics, and generative AI to improve risk assessment, claim processing and customer satisfaction.

*       A key objective is to develop a skilled workforce capable of addressing new technological challenges in the GCC sector.

*       The partnership will help bridge the gap between academia and industry, combining Sun Life’s expert capabilities with IIT Indore’s academic excellence.

*       The collaboration will also include joint research initiatives, technology transfer and support for the Indian startup ecosystem.

Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS), the Global Capability Centre and microcosm of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, has embarked on an innovative and historic partnership with IIT Indore. This partnership inked in a bid to drive innovation will encompass the application of new age technologies like AI/ML, data analytics and generative AI, especially in the field of insurance, including the improvement of risk appraisal, claim settlement and customer satisfaction.

Through this partnership, Sun Life aims to boost productivity and enhance service delivery by helping nurture a skilled workforce capable of addressing new technological challenges in the GCC sector – with a razor-sharp focus on Insurance industry at large.

Sun Life Global Solutions’ Managing Director, Tarun Sareen, said, “Our collaboration with IIT Indore marks an exciting new chapter in our pursuit of driving meaningful innovations and solutions through technological excellence. By joining forces with India's leading minds in research and engineering, we're accelerating our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address our Clients' evolving needs. This partnership will fuel innovation across AI, cloud computing, and emerging technologies, enabling us to set new industry standards and drive growth in key areas like claims prevention and biometrics. Together with IIT Indore, we're not just adapting to the future - we're actively shaping it, fostering a culture of engineering brilliance that will propel our Purpose."

This collaboration is expected to drive significant innovations in areas like risk assessment, claims handling, and customer segmentation, all of which are on the brink of major transformation. By harnessing these advancements, Sun Life aims to make a meaningful impact to its Client journeys. The students on the other hand will also draw significant impact from the partnership:

-                      Practical Data Analysis Skills: IIT students will gain valuable experience in managing and analyzing large-scale data sets, a crucial skill in today's data-driven business environment.

-                      Real-World Problem Solving: Students will be exposed to authentic business challenges, helping them bridge the gap between academic theory & practical application.

-                      Industry-Relevant Experience: This engagement will provide students with hands-on experience that is directly applicable to future careers in data science, business analytics, and related fields.

-                      Enhanced Employability: By working on real business projects, students will develop a portfolio of practical work, making them more attractive to potential employers upon graduation.

-                      Internship Opportunity: SLGS also aims to provide internship opportunities to the students.

-                      Discover a Purpose & culture-driven career for life: Sun Life holds the promise of advancing a culture-rich and Purpose-driven experience for the students associated with the project, which can be leveraged by them to nurture a meaningful professional journey for long-term growth.

One of the core objectives of the partnership will therefore be the development of a workforce that is equipped to meet new challenges within the industry. Business students and researchers from IIT Indore will be able to solve real-life issues, thus having the opportunity to gain experience in addressing real-life organizational challenges.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Director of IIT Indore, Professor Suhas S. Joshi, said, "This collaboration presents an excellent opportunity for both organizations to provide our students and faculty with a platform to push their creative boundaries and apply them in the insurance sector. The partnership is particularly important given the expanding influence of Global Capability Centers in India, which include a significant number of insurance and BFSI companies driving innovation, client excellence and technological progress. Working closely with GCCs like Sun Life Global Solutions, can help strengthen the culture of innovation and build a strong talent pool to meet the industry's future needs. This mutually advantageous partnership will not only help provide industry-led experience but will also play a role in the broader transformation of the industry."

Sun Life will contribute its industry knowledge, allowing researchers at IIT Indore to develop and test new algorithms and models in a real-world context. The collaboration will also include joint research initiatives, technology transfer, and support for the growing Indian startup ecosystem. This blend of rigorous research and practical application will drive significant progress in the field, encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies to tackle industry challenges. Additionally, it will provide IIT Indore with a platform to showcase its capabilities and expertise.

Manoj Mittal, CMD - SIDBI Meets Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena (IAS) To Strengthen SIDBI's MSME Outreach In Bihar

Shri Manoj Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) met Shri Amrit Lal Meena, IAS, the Chief Secretary of Bihar, to apprise him of SIDBI’s ongoing work in the State to enhance the reach of its credit and credit-plus services and its support to State’s MSMEs with capex and working capital support. 

During the meeting, Shri Mittal assured the Chief Secretary of SIDBI’s unwavering commitment towards the MSME sector of Bihar, to make it a driver of economic growth, employment generation, and innovation in the State.

While appreciating SIDBI’s work in Bihar, Shri Meena suggested the scale-up of SIDBI’s ongoing financing model to provide curated financial services and products to Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of Jeevika; collaboration with different state government departments and deepening of SIDBI’s credit and developmental footprints in Bihar.

About SIDBI:

Since its formation in 1990, SIDBI has been touching the lives of citizens across various strata of society through its integrated, innovative and inclusive approach. SIDBI has directly or indirectly impacted the lives of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through various credit and developmental measures whether they are traditional, domestic small entrepreneurs, bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs, or high-end knowledge-based entrepreneurs.

For more information, visit:  https://www.sidbi.in/ 

“The Best Time To Start Retirement Planning Is Now”, Says HDFC Life’s Latest Campaign

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, has unveiled its latest campaign focused on the critical need for timely retirement planning. The growing elderly population in India coupled with rising life expectancy due to advancements in healthcare and improved standards of living, makes retirement planning imperative.

With individuals projected to require 30 years of income post-retirement by 2050*, early and strategic retirement planning is essential. Despite recognising the importance of starting early, many Indians face a significant gap between intent and action. Alarmingly, 90% of individuals, above the age of 50 years, regret having delayed their retirement planning**.

HDFC Life’s latest campaign highlights a common barrier leading to postponement of retirement planning. Parents usually prioritise financial commitments such as home loan repayments, children’s education, or immediate family needs over their own retirement planning. This postponement diminishes the retirement corpus, as late planning offers limited time for wealth accumulation.

HDFC Life’s new campaign leverages a relatable milestone – a child’s departure for college - as a pivotal moment for parents to begin their retirement planning journey. The campaign aims to create awareness about the need to secure one’s financial future while balancing familial responsibilities.

Speaking about the campaign, Vishal Subharwal – Group Head Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer - HDFC Life said, “The risk of outliving one’s savings is one of the biggest concerns that individuals face during their lifetime. The solution lies in starting retirement planning early to harness the power of compounding. Very often, in India, this is postponed by individuals until their children’s future is secured. Our main message through this campaign is that an individual needs to start planning early for their golden years and the best time is now.”

Adding further, Vikram Pandey – Chief Creative Officer Leo Burnett, South Asia said, “Often it isn’t until their mid fifties that people realise they haven’t planned enough for their retirement, and then it gets too late. In this campaign for HDFC Life, through the story of the couple who are transitioning to a new phase in life as they deal with an empty nest, we wanted to reiterate that this is also a time to shift your financial priorities, as you set your sights toward retirement and funding the next chapter of your life. And who better than HDFC Life to plan this with.”

The campaign has been launched across diverse platforms, including television, digital, and other mass media, ensuring maximum reach and impact.

HDFC Life continues to advocate for financial literacy and awareness, emphasising the importance of proactive retirement planning in today’s dynamic economic landscape.

South African Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia de Lille, To Visit India In December 2024

As South Africa and India commemorate 30 years of robust diplomatic relations and democracy, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia de Lille, will embark on a significant visit to India this December 2024. During her week-long visit to New Delhi and Mumbai, the Minister will engage in high-level bilateral discussions with her Indian counterpart to strengthen tourism ties, focusing on key areas such as streamlined visa processes, digital innovation, enhanced air connectivity (including the IBSA code-share flight), and rural tourism. She will also explore India's advancements in AI-driven tourism solutions through meetings with technology and VFS representatives, showcasing South Africa’s commitment to adopting innovative practices in the sector.

Under the theme “30 Years of Diplomatic Relations, 30 Years of Democracy, and South Africa’s Assumption of the G20 Presidency in 2025,” Minister de Lille will address over 350 dignitaries at a special event, emphasising sustainable tourism and accessibility for Indian travellers. Additionally, she will host a dinner with CEOs of leading Indian corporations, including Air India, Indigo, and Tata Group, alongside key sports stakeholders, to explore collaborative opportunities. The visit will also highlight South Africa’s focus on bilateral cooperation across critical sectors such as infrastructure, energy, pharma, ICT, agriculture, and tourism while celebrating shared cultural ties through heritage site visits.

South African Tourism CEO Nombulelo Guliwe stated “We are delighted to welcome Minister Patricia de Lille to India as we commemorate 30 years of strong diplomatic ties and the shared values of democracy between India and South Africa. Our 30 years of bilateral milestone serves as a testament to enduring partnership between the two nations and highlighting significance of India as a key ally for South Africa. With the week-long engagement, we are set to further strengthen mutual ties and foster deeper, more meaningful collaborations across various sectors. Moreover, our commitment remains rooted in nurturing closer connections with India and celebrating the vibrant cultural linkages that have flourished over decades. Together, both nations strive to build a transformative era of collaboration, contributing to shared economic growth, cultural exchange, and a strengthened partnership reflecting our collective vision for a prosperous and connected future.”

As part of her visit, Minister de Lille will also explore India’s rich cultural heritage, underscoring the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. By engaging with India’s vibrant traditions and iconic landmarks, the Minister aims to celebrate the shared legacy that continues to strengthen the bond between South Africa and India while fostering mutual appreciation and collaboration in tourism and beyond.

Lam Research Announces Winners Of ‘Lam Systems Engineering Challenge’

Lam Research today announced the winners of its annual Lam Systems Engineering Challenge in India. The grand finale of the challenge was held at IISc, Bengaluru among the top 25 teams that emerged from the first two rounds of the challenge. The first prize was awarded to Nakshat Pandey, Dhruv Joshi, Reeshabh Kotecha, and Vansh Ramani from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, while teams from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus secured the second and third places, respectively. The winners received cash prizes up to Rs 5 lakh, in addition to exclusive internship opportunities at Lam Research.

The Lam System Engineering Challenge is an annual advanced systems engineering competition that brings together cross-functional teams across engineering colleges in India who are passionate about solving advanced systems problems with technology, innovation and teamwork. The challenge, conducted over three rounds between October and November 2024, evaluated the passion for tackling complex engineering problems using technology, innovation and teamwork. During the final round, the top 25 teams were tasked with building a prototype to solve a systems engineering challenge. Their designs were evaluated on factors such as design integration, hardware and firmware implementation, cost optimization, and overall project management.

Hosted in partnership with T-Works, India’s largest prototyping center, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, the competition was a first of its kind which focused exclusively on systems challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. Students needed to deploy a cross-disciplinary approach including material sciences, firmware, hardware, systems thinking and keen business acumen while arriving at solutions.

The challenge attracted more than 2,500 students from 153 universities across the country with more than 650 teams adopting interdisciplinary techniques, combining firmware, hardware, systems thinking, and business operations expertise to develop their solutions.

Photo Captions: Celebrating Innovation and Excellence!