Hyundai Motor India Limited recognized as Top Employer 2024 in India

Gurugram | September 17, 2024: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is proud to announce that it has been recognized as Top Employer 2024 in India by the Top Employers Institute, a leading global authority on recognizing excellence in people practices around the world. This prestigious recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to creating a better world of work through exceptional Human Resource (HR) policies and people practices.

Image - HMIL recognized as a Top Employer 2024 in India

The Top Employers Institute certifies organizations based on their performance in the HR Best Practices Survey, which evaluates six key HR domains across 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director – Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “We are honoured and proud to be recognized as Top Employer 2024. This accolade is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, dynamic, engaging, and rewarding workplace. It reflects our ‘People First’ philosophy and our dedication to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their best. This recognition is not just an award; it is a responsibility to continue elevating the employee experience and setting new benchmarks in making our work, workplace, and workforce exceptional in every way. It’s another milestone towards our global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, as we embody the Hyundai Way of being bold and tenacious from start to finish.”

Commending HMIL on this prestigious recognition, Mr. Billy Elliott, Regional Director – Asia Pacific, Top Employers Institute, said, “Congratulations to Hyundai Motor India Limited for achieving their first ever Certification as a Top Employer India. Furthermore, India is the first Hyundai market to achieve the globally recognised Top Employers Certification. Hyundai Motor India Limited has credibly proven to play a pivotal role in making the world of work a better place for their employees. We are proud of this employee centric organisation that has been recognised for its best-in-class HR practices.’’

Visarjan with a Purpose: Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust’s Green Celebration of Ganpati

Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust (18)

Delhi, 17 September 2024 – The Lal Bagh Ka Raja (Regd) Trust has successfully concluded its 10-day Ganpati Mahotsav 2024 at Burari, Delhi. This year’s event, held from 7th to 16th September, was a grand combination of spirituality, culture, and community service, with notable attendees and eco-friendly initiatives that set it apart as one of Delhi’s most cherished celebrations.

Acharya Aniruddhacharya Maharaj (28)

Among the distinguished guests who graced the event were Manoj Tiwari, a renowned politician and artist, as well as revered spiritual figures like Baba Bageshwar Dhirendra Shastri, who led the Hanuman Katha, and Aniruddha Maharaj, who delivered the Ram Katha. Their presence added a spiritual fervor to the festival, which drew in thousands of devotees from across Delhi and beyond.

In addition to spiritual discourses, a Bhandara (community feast) was organized for the entire 10 days of the festival, feeding over 25,000 devotees daily. This act of service exemplified the Trust’s dedication to social welfare, making the event not just a religious celebration but a true community gathering.

The Ganpati idol, towering at 18 feet, was a central attraction for the devotees. Staying true to the Trust’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the idol was crafted with more clay and less plaster of Paris, while herbal colors were used for decoration, minimizing the environmental impact of the festival. These choices were aligned with the Trust’s ongoing “Go Green” initiative, aimed at reducing pollution during religious festivities.

To culminate the event in a unique and eco-friendly manner, the Trust has taken a bold step to adopt a new method of immersion (Visarjan). Instead of submerging the idol in nearby water bodies, a huge pit was dug at the event site in Burari for the burial of the idol. This method ensures that harmful substances do not enter local water systems, preserving the environment while honoring religious traditions.

Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust

The Chairman of Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust, Mr. Rakesh Bindal, shared, “This eco-friendly approach to Visarjan has been a priority for the Trust, and we hope to set an example for others to follow. Our aim is to promote sustainable festivities while staying rooted in tradition.”

The Ganpati Visarjan, held today, marked the grand culmination of the Mahotsav, with an overwhelming number of devotees joining in to witness the final ritual. The event was a massive success, and the Trust is grateful to all who participated, making it a truly memorable celebration.

Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust

About Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust

The Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust, based in Delhi, is committed to organizing religious festivals and engaging in charitable endeavors that benefit the community. Their annual Ganesh Pooja event blends spiritual devotion with environmental responsibility, aiming to create lasting connections with the community and promote a sustainable future.

Eurobank & ICC Sign IGC MoU

Kolkata, 17th September 2024: Eurobank S.A. and Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16th September 2024 to collaborate on the formation of the India-Greece-Cyprus (IGC) Business Council. The MoU aims to foster deeper economic ties and create new business opportunities across the three nations. The agreement was signed […]

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Campus Activewear Unveils Its New Exclusive Retail Store in Andheri East, Mumbai

17th September 2024: Campus, one of India’s leading sports and athleisure footwear brands, has launched a new exclusive retail store in Andheri East, Mumbai. The expansive store, spread across 735 Sq. ft. is located at Shop no-5, Ajay Mittal Industrial Premises Co-Operative Society Ltd., Sanjay Building no.1, Mittal Estate, Andheri(E) Pin-400059, Mumbai, Maharashtra. It offers […]

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India at the Crossroads: Skilling the Youth for a Competitive Future

gaurav

Gaurav Bhagat, Founder, Gaurav Bhagat Academy

India, a nation that boasts the world’s largest youth population, stands at a crossroads of immense potential and pressing challenges. Every time I look at the sheer number of young people—over 50% of our population under the age of 25—I see a country brimming with talent and opportunity. But as exciting as this is, there’s an underlying issue we can’t ignore. According to a 2024 study by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the skill gaps in high-demand sectors like information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy are glaring. It’s clear that the need for skill, up-skill, and right-skill programs is more urgent than ever, and it must start in schools.

  The Skill Gap: A Persistent Challenge
Despite India’s impressive strides in education, the reality on the ground is sobering. The skill gap continues to be a major obstacle, especially when it comes to employment and economic growth. The India Skills Report 2024 reveals that only 49% of Indian youth are employable. Just imagine: almost half of our young population is not ready for the workforce. And it doesn’t stop there. When a leading Indian engineering and construction firm advertised for freshers in 2022, they received over 75,000 applications but could extend offer letters to only 1,500 candidates. Even those selected had to go through a year-long induction training program to become job-ready. This training cost the company over ₹100 crore in just a couple of years!

 According to TeamLease, India has over 500 million people in the working-age bracket, but one out of every two individuals is not employable due to the existing skill gap. This mismatch between academic qualifications and industry demands is one of the biggest reasons for the supply and demand imbalance in our job market. As someone who has seen the immense potential of our youth, this gap feels like a missed opportunity for both individuals and the nation.

 NEP 2020: A Step Toward Transformation
Thankfully, initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 are working to change the narrative. The policy recognizes the critical need for skill development and introduces vocational training from as early as Class 6. This forward-thinking approach ensures that by the time students leave school, they not only have academic knowledge but practical skills, too. In fact, one of the highlights of NEP 2020 is its focus on industry collaboration, ensuring courses are relevant to market demands. I’ve personally seen how this can bridge the gap between what we teach and what the industry needs.

 But it’s not just about hard skills like coding or engineering. NEP emphasizes the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience—skills that are crucial in every field, from healthcare to corporate environments. In my view, this focus on ‘life skills’ is what will set India apart. Soft skills are often the invisible force behind every successful company, shaping how businesses hire, manage teams, and build client relationships.

 Other Initiatives: Skilling from the Ground Up
Let’s be honest: our traditional education system, while good at imparting knowledge, often falls short when it comes to practical skills. We need to shift our focus from grades to real-world skills. Every child has unique interests and talents, but how often do we see these being nurtured in schools? Personally, I’ve witnessed how a lack of early skill development limits young people’s ability to thrive in the real world.

 Schools should be the breeding ground for creativity and practical learning, offering opportunities in sports, arts, science experiments, coding, and music, to name a few. Such activities not only help the active students reach their full potential but also bring out the hidden talents in quieter students. Building a culture of learning from a young age instills lifelong curiosity and equips students with essential skills for the world beyond the classroom.

Tata Motors Expands Presence in Kolkata with OSL Future

Kolkata, 17th September, 2024: Tata Motors proudly announces the grand opening of its new exclusive dealership, OSL Future, in Kolkata. This premier facility, boasting 18,000 sq. ft. of showroom space and 54,000 sq. ft. of workshop area, represents a significant step in Tata Motors’ strategic expansion in the region.

The inauguration ceremony of New Tata passenger Vehicles Dealership at Raikva (Beliaghata Crossing), Kolkata was attended by: Mr. Amit Sinha, Zonal Manager, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.; Mr. Gumeet Pal Singh, Zonal Customer Care Manager, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.; Mr. Charchit Mishra, Dealer Principal, OSL Future Pvt Ltd. and many other eminent personalities.\

Tata Motors Expands Presence in Kolkata with OSL Future_1

Speaking to the media, Mr. Amit Sinha, Zonal Manager, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “ We are thrilled to open the OSL Future dealership in Kolkata, a significant milestone in our expansion journey. This state-of-the-art facility not only underscores our commitment to providing exceptional service but also highlights our dedication to innovation in the automotive industry. With the introduction of the CURVV.EV and our focus on delivering unparalleled customer experiences, we are excited to set new benchmarks in excellence and customer satisfaction in this vibrant market.”

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the CURVV.EV, Tata Motors’ latest innovation in electric vehicles. The CURVV.EV showcases the company’s dedication to advancing safety, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

Olam Agri Accelerates AI Journey with RISE with SAP on AWS

India, 17th September 2024 — SAP today announced that Olam Agri, a global leader in the agri-business sector, has selected RISE with SAP on Amazon Web Services (AWS) to power its cloud transformation journey, so that it can better manage its complex supply chain and accelerate its path to an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled future.

Headquartered in Singapore, Olam Agri sources, trades, processes, and distributes essential food and agriculture products globally. It has a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and its products include grains and oilseeds, feed and protein, rice, cotton, wood, and rubber products amongst others. The company is led by its purpose to transform food and agriculture for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

olam

A key factor driving Olam Agri’s decision to adopt RISE with SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition is the platform’s seamless integration with SAP Business AI. SAP Business AI is built into the SAP applications that power critical business processes and comprises a range of AI innovations that have been developed using extensive industry-specific data and deep process knowledge, all created using responsible AI practices. It includes tools such as SAP’s AI co-pilot Joule, which also runs on AWS infrastructure, and Business Integrity Screening.

Joule makes access to information easier and transactions faster, enabling business users to be more efficient. AI-powered business integrity screening will enable Olam Agri to identify anomalous activity quickly using flexible rule sets and predictive analyses that can help uncover and mitigate business risks.

Initial use cases with AI that Olam Agri has identified for Joule range from predictive maintenance for their critical equipment to improve overall productivity, to quality control of commodities from farm to table, and improving customer service.

Shivram Ramakrishnan, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Olam Agri, said, “Our goal with the implementation of this new technology is to drive greater agility and innovation within our organization and ensure that we are well placed to meet the evolving needs of our customers and all other stakeholders.”

Driving operational excellence and supply chain efficiency

SAP and AWS recently announced an expansion of a strategic collaboration to transform modern cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) experiences and help enterprises drive new capabilities and efficiencies with generative AI. Olam Agri has chosen to deploy RISE with SAP on AWS to further accelerate its AI adoption and build a more resilient, secure, and sustainable global food supply chain. By moving to a cloud ERP model, Olam Agri expects to streamline its business processes and improve operational efficiency.

Olam Agri manages a complex global supply chain, and its ability to monitor and optimize every link in the chain is crucial. With RISE with SAP’s integrated data platform, Olam Agri is expected to gain operational efficiencies resulting in improved outcomes for its partners.

Additionally, Olam Agri expects to utilize SAP innovations to assist progressing on key business imperatives like sustainability, automating and streamlining business processes to continuously deliver value.

Verena Siow, President and Managing Director, SAP Southeast Asia, said, “Olam Agri’s transition to RISE with SAP marks a pivotal step in its digital transformation journey, enabling the company to accelerate to innovate and improve its operational efficiency and sustainability. By embracing the cloud, Olam Agri is not only future-proofing its processes with the seamless adoption of advanced technologies like AI, but it is also enhancing its ability to support farmers and farming communities, while driving greater sustainability across its global operations.”

A collaborative journey with implementation partner Mindsprint

The decision to move to RISE with SAP resulted from a strong collaboration between Olam Agri, SAP, and Mindsprint – a silver partner in the SAP PartnerEdge program. As the partner managed cloud provider for RISE with SAP in this transformation project, Mindsprint plays a critical role in guiding Olam Agri through the complex migration process and brings its industry expertise to tailor the SAP S/4HANA Cloud solution to fit the unique requirements of the agri-business sector.

Dharmender Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, Mindsprint, said, “As the implementing partner, Mindsprint collaborates closely with our customers to unleash the utmost potential of their digital investments. Our deep relationship with customers like Olam Agri provides valuable insight into their businesses and industries, enabling us to maximize the impact of their new and existing IT infrastructure to achieve business success. With over 600 SAP experts, we are confident that we can guide Olam Agri through this large transformation and deliver tangible value to our customers.”

A collaborative cloud journey with AWS

Priscilla Chong, Country Manager, Singapore, AWS, said, “AWS are proud to support Olam Agri’s digital transformation journey as their trusted cloud provider, and to deliver on its farm-to-table value proposition with AI-powered technology. Our scalable infrastructure and commitment to innovation will empower Olam Agri to drive efficiency, ensure total quality management of its end-to-end commodities value chain, enhance the customer experience for its farmers, retailers, and distributors, and unlock new opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector.”

Govt. of India Hosts ‘Special Handloom Expo’ at Handloom Haat, New Delhi

New Delhi: The Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and National Design Centre (NDC) organize a Special Handloom Expo with the theme “ Sutraratnam” gems of threads” at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi from 15th to 22nd September 2024 at Handloom Haat, Janpath, Delhi. The expo will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m daily.

handlooms

The Special expo aims to showcase the rich heritage of India’s traditional Handloom weaving and its evolutionary journey. 75 Weavers from across the country will display their unique handloom products. The exhibition will feature wide range of sarees viz, Bhagalpuri, Tussar Silk, Kosa, Kota Doria, Pochampally Ikat, Patola, Paithani, Kancheepuram, Banarasi, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Jamdani, Cotton sarees, Matka Silk, Mushroom Silk, Salwar Suits, Dupatta, Pashmina and other shawls, stoles, Kurta, Dhoties, Bedsheets, Home furnishings, Durries etc. etc.

The real handloom Silk & Cotton sarees, suit-dupatta sets, Shawls, Stoles, Bed Sheets, Home Furnishings, Dhoties, Kurtas, Durries etc. from different states of India viz; Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal will be available under a single roof at this special expo.

The expo will present the remarkable journey of threads and showcase the wonderful weaves of India. This will also represent the diversity of traditional attires from India. The event aims to promote the artistry and craftsmanship of India’s weavers and artisans while empowering them. The exporters, wholesalers, customers/ general public is invited to take advantage this unique opportunity to see the rich diversity of India’s textile heritage and experience the shopping of diverse Indian attires and the exceptional artistry and heritage of India’s Handlooms up close.

Ecole Ducasse Announces the Appointment of Karine Hyon-Vintrou as Managing Director

École Ducasse announces the appointment of Karine Hyon-Vintrou as Managing Director. Karine Hyon-Vintrou succeeds Elise Masurel, who spent five years at the helm of Ecole Ducasse, during which time she significantly accelerated the institution’s growth.

Karine Hyon-Vintrou began her career in the luxury hotel industry, joining Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in the USA, then in France. These experiences enabled her to build up solid expertise in this sector before joining the global headquarters of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in the UK. It was here that she discovered her passion for branding, a field that would soon become the core of her career. Karine continued her career in Bangkok to manage the Onyx Hospitality Group’s brand platform, before returning to IHG to join the global resorts strategy team. This international experience reinforced her strategic vision and ability to manage large-scale projects in a multicultural context. On her return to the UK, she was appointed Global Brand Director for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

Karine's Portrait

In 2018, Karine joined Sommet Education to reposition the Glion and Les Roches brands, strengthening their reputation in hotel management education. She implemented innovative strategies and led a high-performance team. In March 2023, she was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the group, overseeing all marketing activities and contributing to its international expansion.

Today, Karine is taking over the management of École Ducasse at a time of rapid international expansion. Particularly motivated by the institution’s potential for global deployment, she aims to consolidate École Ducasse’s position as a world leader in gastronomy and culinary education. “École Ducasse is an iconic brand recognized for the excellence of its training and the influence of its graduates on the global culinary scene. I look forward to accompanying this institution in its international expansion, and to drawing daily inspiration from passionate teams, talented students and renowned experts”, she said.

Karine Hyon-Vintrou succeeds Elise Masurel after five years at the head of Ecole Ducasse. Under her leadership, École Ducasse has undergone major development, marked in particular by the launch of the new Meudon campus, the expansion of the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (ENSP), the largest pastry campus in the world, and international expansion with the opening of 3 new schools in India, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. These achievements testify to the leadership and strategic vision that have enabled École Ducasse to strengthen its global position.

On this occasion, Alain Ducasse said: “I commend the tremendous commitment of Elise Masurel, who has given Ecole Ducasse a remarkable dynamism both in France and worldwide. I welcome Karine Hyon-Vintrou. Her extensive experience of the hospitality sector on an international scale is a major asset in strengthening Ecole Ducasse’s strategic position.”

Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education said: “I sincerely thank Elise for her contribution, particularly with the opening of Paris Campus, and I am delighted with Karine’s appointment, who will be able to put her extensive experience of education, marketing and luxury at the service of École Ducasse.”

Vardaan Arora Unveils ‘Good Things’ as the First Track of His New Four-Track EP, Infused with NYC Vibes

The vibrant spectrum of Indian pop music shines even brighter with the release of “Good Things,” a fresh and uplifting single that hit the airwaves this August. The latest track from Vardaan Arora, a dynamic young talent hailing from the heart of India, brings a distinctive blend of catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.

Vardaan Arora

Encapsulating the essence of Vardaan Arora’s unique sound—a blend of infectious rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and a fresh modern vibe with a touch of classic pop nostalgia. The single is now available across all major streaming platforms, offering a taste of what promises to be a transformative musical journey.

The track is more than just a musical release for Vardaan; it’s a personal affirmation set to melody—a reminder to hold on to hope even when the future looks uncertain. After a series of light-hearted hits, Vardaan felt the need to release a single that merges upbeat production with deep emotional lyrics. With its uplifting lyrics and compelling composition, “Good Things” aims to resonate with listeners, offering them solace and inspiration in their own times of doubt. It encourages listeners to hold onto hope and recognize that enduring the darker days is not just necessary but an act of bravery. The track serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of maintaining hope.

“Good Things’ is more than just a song; it’s a message of unwavering positivity,” Vardaan explains. “It’s about trusting that better times are just around the corner, even when they feel out of reach. This song is very special to me, especially since it’s the first one I’ve released in almost a year. Now that I’m releasing music again, I feel motivated, and excited – which is something I’m grateful for.”

Coordinating with his long-time collaborator Ming, a producer and artist residing in Canada, geographical boundaries were not a barrier to his creativity. Despite the challenges of working remotely, including technical difficulties and time lags, the duo have successfully continued their creative partnership. The single has garnered attention for its optimistic message and intricate production, highlighting how digital collaboration can result in high-quality, emotionally resonant music.

“Good Things” sets the tone for the forthcoming four track EP, which Vardaan describes as a collection of songs that resonate deeply with his artistic vision and personal growth. Fans can look forward to the next single, scheduled for release in September, with the full EP expected to follow shortly thereafter. If all goes as planned, listeners will experience a series of releases that showcase Vardaan Arora’s evolution as an artist and his continued commitment to producing profoundly resonant music.

Vardaan Arora’s big break came with the release of his debut single “Feel Good Song”. His debut EP was “Heartbreak On The Dancefloor.” Vardaan has gained significant recognition across Spotify’s Viral 50 globally, and across notable music publications such as Billboard and Rolling Stone India. Arora currently has over 7 million Spotify streams under his belt.