Business

Over 41 lakh apprentices engaged under PM-NAPS; review meetings to boost industry participation

Over 41 lakh apprentices engaged under PM-NAPS; review meetings to boost industry participation

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has achieved a major milestone in India's apprenticeship ecosystem, with over 41.2 lakh apprentices engaged under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). A recent Zonal Review Meeting in Bhubaneswar, covering Eastern and Southern states, focused on expanding industry participation and enhancing apprenticeship opportunities to reach the target of 46 lakh apprentices by March 2026. MSDE Secretary Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari highlighted the scheme’s transformative impact, emphasizing its role in preparing an industry-ready workforce. "NAPS is a journey toward building skilled talent aligned with India’s economic aspirations. We are adapting to new industry…
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NSDC partners with Axim collaborative to enhance open edX, boost skill development

NSDC partners with Axim collaborative to enhance open edX, boost skill development

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has joined hands with Axim Collaborative, a non-profit organization, to enhance the Open edX open-source platform and drive digital innovation in the skill development ecosystem. The partnership aims to empower youth by expanding access to quality online education and vocational training. ShriVed Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, and Ms. Stephanie Khurana, CEO of Axim Collaborative, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 20, 2025. This collaboration will provide leadership and technical support to the Open edX Project, a global learning management system, while also fostering advancements in AI-driven…
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Godrej Jersey unveils 3×3 strategy to boost dairy growth in South India

Godrej Jersey unveils 3×3 strategy to boost dairy growth in South India

Godrej Jersey, a leading dairy brand in South India, has announced its ambitious 3x3 Leapfrog Strategy for FY26, targeting INR 1,000 crore in revenue from its value-added portfolio in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The initiative focuses on three core products—Badam Milk, Paneer, and Curd—while driving household penetration, market expansion, and product innovation. CEO Bhupendra Suri stated, “The 3x3 Leapfrog Strategy will accelerate market expansion, enhance consumer offerings, and drive sustainable growth through innovation and targeted partnerships.” The brand is set to strengthen its presence with increased research and development spending and high-profile celebrity endorsements, including actor Rana Daggubati for Badam…
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NSDC and PayPal partner to skill youth for BFSI sector

NSDC and PayPal partner to skill youth for BFSI sector

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has joined hands with PayPal to empower youth, particularly women from low-income backgrounds, with industry-relevant skills in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under PayPal’s CSR initiative, aims to equip thousands of young individuals with essential skills for career growth. The MoU was exchanged between Dr. Rishikesh Patankar, Vice President, NSDC, and Srini Venkatesan, Global Chief Technology Officer, PayPal, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. The initiative will provide training aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), covering fintech…
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Women make up 64.4% of agri workforce but only 6-10% in top agri companies: Godrej Agrovet-IIMA Report

Women make up 64.4% of agri workforce but only 6-10% in top agri companies: Godrej Agrovet-IIMA Report

A new report by Godrej Agrovet Limited, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and Godrej DEI Lab, has revealed that while women constitute 64.4% of India’s agricultural workforce, only 6-10% are employed in top agri-related companies. The findings were launched at the second Women in Agriculture Summit, highlighting key gaps and proposing strategies for gender inclusivity in the sector. Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director of Godrej Agrovet, emphasized the need for mentorship, skill alignment, and inclusive work environments. “Last year, we pledged to support 100,000 women across the agri value chain, and we have already impacted…
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Silver futures surge: Prices rise to Rs 98,406 per kg

Silver futures surge: Prices rise to Rs 98,406 per kg

New Delhi, March 24 Silver prices rose by Rs 522 to Rs 98,406 per kg on Monday as participants increased their bets.Silver contracts for May delivery on the Multi Commodity Exchange rose by Rs 522, or 0.41 per cent, to Rs 98,406 per kg in a business turnover of 19,237 lots.Analysts said fresh deals by participants led to the rise in silver prices.Globally, silver was trading 0.39 per cent higher at $33.16 per ounce in New York.
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Luminous Power & Rajasthan Royals strengthen ties to boost solar adoption in India

Luminous Power & Rajasthan Royals strengthen ties to boost solar adoption in India

Luminous Power Technologies has reinforced its partnership with Rajasthan Royals as the Title Partner for the 18th season of India’s T-20 Premier League, aiming to accelerate solar energy adoption nationwide. The collaboration, unveiled in a high-profile event, introduced Luminous’ latest solar and advanced energy solutions, aligning with its mission to promote clean energy. Rajasthan Royals players Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, and Tushar Deshpande, along with team CEO Jake Lush McCrum and Luminous leadership members, launched a range of innovative products, including the EVO Inverter Series, ZELIO S Inverter Series, and EON Topcon Solar Panels. The event also marked the introduction…
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MSDE holds workshop on PMKVY 4.0 implementation, focuses on skilling ecosystem

MSDE holds workshop on PMKVY 4.0 implementation, focuses on skilling ecosystem

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organized a workshop under its Kaushal Manthan initiative to assess the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0). The event, held at Kaushal Bhavan, New Delhi, brought together representatives from National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), IITs, IIMs, and other key institutions to discuss performance, challenges, and future strategies. MSDE Secretary ShriAtul Kumar Tiwari chaired the workshop, emphasizing the role of Awarding Bodies in ensuring high-quality skill certification. “India’s skilling ecosystem has gained global recognition. We must align training with industry needs…
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Expanding life insurance access: Digital strategies to reach rural India

Expanding life insurance access: Digital strategies to reach rural India

Despite technological advancements, India’s life insurance penetration remains low at 2.8%, highlighting a significant coverage gap in rural and low-income segments. While digital payments and OTT subscriptions have gained traction, life insurance remains a lower priority. To address this, insurers are leveraging digital-first strategies in line with IRDAI’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047.” Limited agent availability, lack of financial awareness, and affordability concerns hinder insurance adoption in remote areas. Insurers are now deploying AI-powered CRM platforms and mobile apps to help agents provide real-time services. WhatsApp-based campaigns, fintech collaborations, and local-language content aim to improve financial literacy. Microinsurance…
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Bandhan AMC launches Vedartha for onshore and offshore investors

Bandhan AMC launches Vedartha for onshore and offshore investors

Bandhan AMC has unveiled Vedartha, an alternate investment platform aimed at onshore and offshore investors. The platform will offer investment products under Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS), focusing on listed equities and fixed-income solutions. Vedartha’s equity-based products will be managed by Mrinal Singh, Head – Alternates (Listed Equities), while fixed-income products will be overseen by BhupendraMeel, Head – PMS & Alternative – Fixed Income. The initiative aligns with Bandhan AMC’s strategy of catering to niche investors with tailored wealth-creation solutions. Speaking about the launch, Vishal Kapoor, CEO of Bandhan AMC, stated, “Vedartha is built on the…
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