25Nov, 2024
    IPL 2025: Super Auction in Jeddah – Everything You Need to Know

    IPL 2025: Super Auction in Jeddah - Everything You Need to Know

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction for 2025 took held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This year’s sale will be conducted overseas for the second year in a row, following the auction in Dubai in 2024.

    Unlike regular player auctions held annually, the mega auction is a major event that takes place every three years and lasts two days rather of one. The 10 IPL clubs plan to assemble their squads for the next three seasons, from 2025 to 2027.

    According to the BCCI, 1,574 players have registered for the auction, with 1,165 from India and 409 from other countries. This broad pool of players comprises participants from a variety of countries, including Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Scotland, the United States, and the UAE, however Full Member states other than Pakistan are represented.

    The auction will take place in the Abady Al Johar Arena, better known as the Benchmark Arena, where teams will have the option to fill a total of 204 open slots in their squads, with each team allowed to field a roster of up to 25 players.

    On October 31, clubs made their final player retention decisions, with 46 players retained across all ten franchises. Sunrisers Hyderabad had the greatest retention rate, keeping wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen for a whopping Rs 23 crore.

    Both Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Giants were signed for Rs 21 crore apiece. Mumbai Indians kept its primary Indian players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma, for Rs 75 crore.

    Each franchise has a total auction purse of INR120 crore. However, after retention, the Punjab Kings have the greatest remaining budget at Rs 110.5 crore, having kept only two uncapped players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, for a combined Rs 9.5 crore. In contrast, the Rajasthan Royals enter the auction with the smallest purse of Rs 41 crore, having retained a maximum of six players. Kolkata Knight Riders has a budget of Rs 51 crore.

    For the super auction, IPL clubs can keep up to six players, with a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped players. During the auction, teams have the option of retaining players outright or using Right-to-Match (RTM) options. The RTM mechanism allows a club to repurchase a player by matching the highest bid made by another team after the first bidding process is completed.

    Punjab Kings have the most RTM choices available, with four, despite only retaining two players. Royal Challengers Bangalore will have three RTM options, while Delhi Capitals will have two after retaining four players. Five franchises—the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants—have retained five players each and only have one RTM choice.

    The Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, who have retained six players each, will have no RTM choices available during the auction.

    IPL 2025 Auction: Sold Players

    – Rishabh Pant: Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 27 crore

    – Shreyas Iyer: Punjab Kings – Rs 26.75 crore

    – Venkatesh Iyer: Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 23.75 crore

    – Arshdeep Singh: Punjab Kings – Rs 18 crore (RTM)

    – Yuzvendra Chahal: Punjab Kings – Rs 18 crore

    – Jos Buttler: Gujarat Titans – Rs 15.75 crore

    – KL Rahul: Delhi Capitals – Rs 14 crore

    – Jofra Archer: Rajasthan Royals – Rs 12.5 crore

    – Josh Hazlewood: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rs 12.5 crore

    – Trent Boult: Mumbai Indians – Rs 12.5 crore

    – Mohammed Siraj: Gujarat Titans – Rs 12.25 crore

    – Mitchell Starc: Delhi Capitals – Rs 11.75 crore

    – Phil Salt: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rs 11.5 crore

    – Ishan Kishan: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 11.25 crore

    – Marcus Stoinis: Punjab Kings – Rs 11 crore

    – Jitesh Sharma: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rs 11 crore

    – Kagiso Rabada: Gujarat Titans – Rs 10.75 crore

    – T Natarajan: Delhi Capitals – Rs 10.75 crore

    – Mohammed Shami: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 10 crore

    – Noor Ahmad: Chennai Super Kings – Rs 10 crore

    – Avesh Khan: Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 9.75 crore

    – R Ashwin: Chennai Super Kings – Rs 9.75 crore

    – Prasidh Krishna: Gujarat Titans – Rs 9.5 crore

    – Jake Fraser-McGurk: Delhi Capitals – Rs 9 crore (RTM)

    – Liam Livingstone: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rs 8.75 crore

    – Harshal Patel: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 8 crore

    – David Miller: Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 7.5 crore

    – Harry Brook: Delhi Capitals – Rs 6.25 crore

    – Devon Conway: Chennai Super Kings – Rs 6.25 crore

    – Anrich Nortje: Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 6.5 crore

    – Rasikh Salam Dar: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rs 6 crore

    – Naman Dhir: Mumbai Indians – Rs 5.25 crore (RTM)

    – Wanindu Hasaranga: Rajasthan Royals – Rs 5.25 crore

    – Khaleel Ahmed: Chennai Super Kings – Rs 4.8 crore

    – Maheesh Theekshana: Rajasthan Royals – Rs 4.4 crore

    – Glenn Maxwell: Punjab Kings – Rs 4.2 crore

    – Nehal Wadhera: Punjab Kings – Rs 4.2 crore

    – Abdul Samad: Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 4.2 crore

    – Rachin Ravindra: Chennai Super Kings – Rs 4 crore (RTM)

    – Ashutosh Sharma: Delhi Capitals – Rs 3.8 crore

    – Quinton de Kock: Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 3.6 crore

    – Mitchell Marsh: Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 3.4 crore

    – Rahul Tripathi: Chennai Super Kings – Rs 3.4 crore

    – Rahul Chahar: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 3.2 crore

    – Abhinav Manohar: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 3.2 crore

    – Angkrish Raghuvanshi: Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 3 crore

    – Suyash Sharma: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rs 2.6 crore

    – Adam Zampa: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 2.4 crore

    – Mohit Sharma: Delhi Capitals – Rs 2.2 crore

    – Aiden Markram: Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 2 crore

    – Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 2 crore

    – Vijaykumar Vyshak: Punjab Kings – Rs 1.8 crore

    – Vaibhav Arora: Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 1.8 crore

    – Mahipal Lomror: Rajasthan Royals – Rs 1.7 crore

    – Yash Thakur: Punjab Kings – Rs 1.6 crore

    – Simarjeet Singh: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 1.5 crore

    – Harpreet Brar: Punjab Kings – Rs 1.5 crore

    – Vijay Shankar: Chennai Super Kings – Rs 1.2 crore

    – Akash Madhwal: Rajasthan Royals – Rs 1.2 crore

    – Sameer Rizvi: Chennai Super Kings – Rs 95 lakh

    – Vishnu Vinod: Punjab Kings – Rs 95 lakh

    – Kumar Kushagra: Gujarat Titans – Rs 65 lakh

    – Robin Minz: Mumbai Indians – Rs 65 lakh

    – Karn Sharma: Mumbai Indians – Rs 50 lakh

    – Karun Nair: Delhi Capitals – Rs 50 lakh

    – Nishant Sindhu: Gujarat Titans – Rs 30 lakh

    – Atharva Taide: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 30 lakh

    – Anuj Rawat: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rs 30 lakh

    – Mayank Markande: Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 30 lakh

    – Aryan Juyal: Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 30 lakh

    – Kumar Kartikeya: Rajasthan Royals – Rs 30 lakh

    – Manav Suthar: Gujarat Titans – Rs 30 lakh

    IPL 2025 Auction: Unsold Players

    – Devdutt Padikkal

    – David Warner

    – Jonny Bairstow

    -Waqar Salamkheil

    -Anmolpreet Singh

    -Yash Dhull

    -Utkarsh Singh

    -Upendra Yadav

    -Luvnith Sisodia

    -Kartik Tyagi

    -Piyush Chawla

    -Shreyas Gopal

    22Nov, 2024
    Women’s Asian Champions Trophy: India defeats China 1-0 to retain the title

    Women's Asian Champions Trophy: India defeats China 1-0 to retain the title

    India defeated China 1-0 in a fiercely contested final held here on Wednesday to win the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 title. The hosts valiantly preserved their lead to win the championship for the second time in a row, and Deepika’s key backhand goal in the third quarter proved to be the difference.

    India has now won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy three times in a row, making them the competition’s most successful team alongside South Korea. The Indian women’s team won their second title in Ranchi in 2023 after their first success in Singapore in 2016. They now triumphed in Rajgir on Wednesday. India won bronze in 2010 and two silver medals in 2013 and 2018.

    Both teams traded blows in the first half of Wednesday’s encounter, but India picked up the pace in the second half, and Deepika’s goal in the 31st minute guaranteed that India would win the Asian Champions Trophy again.

    In response to the Indian women’s hockey team’s victory, Hockey India stated that all players would receive ₹3 lakh, and all support staff would receive ₹1.5 lakh.

    “A phenomenal accomplishment! Congratulations to our hockey team on winning the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. They played exceptionally well through the tournament. Their success will motivate many upcoming athletes,” PM Modi posted on X.

    For the first time in the competition’s history, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) added a prize for podium finishers to this moment. China and Japan will earn USD 7,000 and USD 5,000, respectively, while India will receive a large USD 10,000 cash incentive.

    As the game started in the final, both teams fought hard for every square inch of ground, exchanging circle entries without managing to get any shots on goal. For the majority of the quarter, neither team was able to find the last touch in a fierce, end-to-end contest.

    India put together a string of deft passes in the last few minutes of the quarter to reach inside the shooting circle. But the Chinese defense held firm, closely lining up the forwards and obstructing any obvious goal scoring opportunities, and the first quarter ended goalless.

    Silver medallist China at the Paris Olympic Games got the initiative and scored a penalty corner two minutes into the second quarter, but Bichu Devi showed off her cat-like reflexes by jumping high to save a close-range shot from Jinzhuang Tan.

    In the very next minute, India reacted by earning a penalty corner, but Chinese goalkeeper Surong Wu made a fantastic save on Deepika’s drag flick. Despite exchanging another round of penalty corners, neither team was able to score. With neither side prepared to concede an inch, the game remained a fierce, end-to-end struggle. Consequently, the score remained locked at 0-0 at the completion of the first half.

    After a missed trap, Navneet passed to Deepika on the left wing of the circle, who made a terrifying reverse shot that struck the bottom right corner of the goal to give India the lead in the second half. This gave India another penalty corner seconds later.

    India pushed higher and pinned China back into their own half as they looked for a second goal. China started moving the ball along the backline to take control with three minutes remaining in the quarter, but India regained the ball and put Deepika on a counter. After being fouled, she stepped up to attempt a penalty shot, but Ting Li stopped her low attempt to keep China in the match.

    China shown more commitment as the last quarter got underway, moving forward with tenacity. Surong Wu in goal easily kicked away Sushila’s strike, but India swiftly reclaimed control, pushing China back and collecting a penalty corner within two minutes.

    After that, China came together and stepped up their efforts to level the playing field, but the Indian defense held firm, essentially blocking all of China’s offensive routes. India ultimately won a grueling 1-0 match thanks to their outstanding defense, which guaranteed them their third Asian Champions Trophy crown.

    Japan won the bronze medal in the competition after defeating Malaysia 4-1 in the playoffs after losing to India 2-0 in the semifinals.

    17Nov, 2024
    Working from home is ideal for Indian Organizations

    Working from home is ideal for Indian Organizations

    According to a study, the ability to hire employees from spatially dispersed locations may help to promote more balanced geographical development while also alleviating various types of pressures on major metropolitan areas in India.

    According to the study, titled ‘Work-from-Home: Benefits and Costs: an Exploratory Study in the Indian Context’, Covid has resulted in many alternative systems, with work from home being a prominent outcome that is changing the employment landscape.

    Since then, numerous businesses have implemented remote and hybrid work techniques.

    The analysis concluded that the new approach has resulted to moderate savings in office leasing expenses and enabled a moderate decrease in expenditures involved in meeting and working with clients.

    A limited amount of adjustments in employee compensation structures have been made possible by the savings in employee commuting and accommodation costs. Employee stress related to commuting has been decreased, which boosts their energy levels.

    Nevertheless, the study also discovered that remote working hinders teamwork and has resulted in less effective communication.

    It implies that working remotely may make it more difficult for organizational culture to emerge and persist. Regarding the costs and advantages for workers, respondents believed that remote work was especially advantageous for caretakers and parents of small children.

    It has also been noted that employee productivity has increased somewhat. However, the study noted that some respondents had trouble distinguishing between their personal and professional lives, which resulted in higher levels of stress.

    Additionally, a lot of workers don’t have a dedicated, uncluttered office at home. Furthermore, scheduling flexibility might provide significant challenges for people who struggle with self-control.

    The study also found that attendance tracking and other conventional supervisory techniques had lost some of their effectiveness. Performance-based monitoring has significantly changed as a result of remote working. Furthermore, in order to guarantee employee success, remote working has made a greater reliance on trust vital.

    According to the study, remote labor has significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the corporation and helped organizations achieve their ESG (environment, social, and governance) objectives.

    Even if working from home has clear advantages for both employers and workers in the short term, there may be some long-term drawbacks. According to the study, these losses could be intangible and have to do with building and maintaining human, emotional, and social capital.

    16Nov, 2024
    Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024: More than 2,500 startups will be present

    Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024: More than 2,500 startups will be present

    Karnataka’s Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology Department is organizing the 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024, which will be held at Bengaluru Palace here from November 19–21.

    According to an official release from the Karnataka IT and Biotechnology Department, around 2,500 startups will attend the BTS 2024.

    This year, ‘Unbound’ is taking BTS’s main theme, ‘Breaking Boundaries,’ to the next level.

    BTS 2024 is expected to be an unmatched platform with a plethora of high-impact events, insights, and commercial prospects, particularly for the startup environment.

    Over 2,500 startup registrants from India and other countries are anticipated to form a lively community during the event.

    The keynote address by renowned digital storyteller and Nas Daily founder Nuseir Yassin, who will motivate audiences with his perspectives on global participation, digital branding, and storytelling, is a major highlight of the track.

    Among the prominent speakers are Michael Langer, co-founder and managing partner of T.Rx Capital; Pragya Mishra, Public Policy and Partnerships Lead for India, OpenAI; Shashank Kumar, co-founder and CTO of Razorpay; Aravind Sanka, founder and CEO of Rapido; Piyush Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart; and Prashanth Prakash, founding partner, Accel Partners, and chairman.

    In close collaboration with industry bodies such as Nasscom, IESA, ABLE, US-India Business Council (USIBC), and AMCHAM, members of Karnataka’s Vision Groups on IT and Electronics, Biotechnology, and Startups are spearheading the event, which is co-hosted by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).

    The Founder’s Stage at the BTS 2024 conference will host a special three-day Startup Track that will highlight important focus areas like AI, robotics, quantum computing, space and drones, direct-to-consumer, B2B and manufacturing, healthtech, rural innovation and entrepreneurship, agritech, etc.

    On Day Three of this Startup Track, founders, business executives, and investors will gather for a Startup Conclave to talk about the newest trends, obstacles, and prospects in the startup world.
    Through the Ecosystem Enabler Awards, which will be given out during the event’s valedictory, BTS 2024 will honor and commemorate the vital role that incubators and accelerators have played in creating India’s thriving startup scene.

    12Nov, 2024
    Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) Launches New Round of Funding to Accelerate Digital Inclusion for Women in India

    Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) Launches New Round of Funding to Accelerate Digital Inclusion for Women in India

    Today, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) in India, launches its first round of support. WiDEF in India is a joint effort between USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Reliance Foundation to accelerate progress on closing the gender digital divide. WiDEF in India is managed by the GSMA Foundation with support from the global WiDEF managing consortium.

    With grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, this new initiative aims to accelerate digital inclusion for women across India by supporting organisations tackling critical barriers that prevent women from accessing and using the internet. These barriers include access and affordability, relevant products and tools, literacy and digital skills, and safety and security.

    This round of funding will support Indian non-profits, as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the goal of scaling solutions that have the potential to significantly increase digital inclusion for women, improving women’s livelihoods, economic security, and resilience.

    A Bold Investment in India’s Digital Future

    WIDEF has committed to support multiple grant funding rounds in India to advance the 2023 G20 Leaders commitment under India’s presidency to halve the gender digital divide by 2030. This initiative, which aims to accelerate digital inclusion for women, is a vital step toward achieving WiDEF’s vision of closing the gender gap in digital access.

    Globally, digital inclusion is recognised as central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Access to and use of the internet can enable women to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, strengthening their livelihoods and resilience. Yet, one-third of the world’s population remains offline, with women making up the majority of those excluded.

    The new round of funding comes at a time when India’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly and flourishing. This expansion, including near ubiquitous 4G coverage and extensive 5G deployment, presents a huge opportunity for further increasing digital inclusion of women and other marginalised groups. Although there have been substantial increases in digital inclusion over the last few years, only 37% of women in India use mobile internet, compared to 53% of men according to the GSMA’s latest Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024. This suggests that there are other barriers besides infrastructure that are preventing many women from getting online.

    “This new round is an exciting opportunity to support entities in India who are working to address the complex barriers women face to accessing and using the internet. This has been an important area of focus for the GSMA Foundation, and we are proud to be managing WiDEF in India with support from our partners. Through this round we will help to scale efforts to address the gender digital divide, delivering significant social and economic benefits” said Claire Sibthorpe, Head of Digital Inclusion, GSMA.

    “We believe in the tremendous power of women to transform societies and communities. Digital inclusion is essential to ensure equitable participation in today’s digital economy and advancing women’s agency and access to digital skills brings tremendous benefits for women and for society as a whole. Through WiDEF, Reliance Foundation aims to support innovative, evidence-based solutions to advance digital inclusion at scale in India. This marks another step forward in our continued work on bridging the gender digital divide to enhance lives and livelihoods, and to accelerate India and the world’s journey towards the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Jagannatha Kumar, CEO Reliance Foundation.

    “Promoting gender equality is fundamental to USAID’s mission. Through this funding initiative, the U.S. government is supporting both the growth of India’s digital infrastructure and the incredible potential of women across India to contribute to an even more successful future. By partnering with local organizations to address and overcome the barriers that limit women’s access to digital resources, we are helping foster an inclusive economy that benefits everyone. Together, we can bridge the digital divide, ensuring women are empowered to participate and thrive in the digital age,” said USAID Mission Director to India, Steven G. Olive.

    WiDEF Funding Priorities

    This funding aims to scale solutions that have demonstrated, through credible evidence, that they can drive digital inclusion for women, significantly close the gender digital divide in their context, and are sustainable and scalable. These solutions should address at least two of the following priority areas:

    1. Improved Access: Enhancing women’s access to affordable, reliable, and secure internet and devices.
    2. Relevant Products and Tools: Developing and scaling digital tools that meet the specific needs of women.
    3. Digital Literacy and Skills: Strengthening women’s digital skills to participate effectively in the digital economy.
    4. Safety and Security: Addressing online harassment and improving digital safety measures to ensure secure online participation for women.

    Eligibility and Application Details

    The fund is open to Indian entities, including small-and-medium-sized for-profit enterprises (with fewer than 250 employees) and non-profits with a valid FCRA licence. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of underserved groups.

    Applications for funding close on January 13, 2025, at 18:00 India Standard Time (IST). Successful applicants will receive not only financial support but also technical assistance, opportunities to participate in bootcamps and learning exchanges, and access to advisory services. The selected projects will run for 15 to 18 months.

    For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit https://widef.global/funding

    We encourage all eligible organisations dedicated to closing the gender digital divide to apply and contribute to a more inclusive digital economy in India.

    12Nov, 2024
    Samsung Innovation Campus Completes the 2024 Programme by Training 3,500 Youth in Future-Tech Skills

    Samsung Innovation Campus Completes the 2024 Programme by Training 3,500 Youth in Future-Tech Skills

    Samsung India has completed the certification of 3,500 students under the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme for the year 2024.

    Aligned with the Government of India’s #SkillIndia and #DigitalIndia initiatives, Samsung Innovation Campus focuses on improving employability of the youth by training them in high-demand tech fields such as AI, Internet of Things, Big Data and Coding & Programming.

    In 2024, Samsung’s flagship CSR initiative expanded its reach by enrolling 3,500 students, up from 3,000 in 2023. It involved 12 SIC certification events organized across educational institutes in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The courses under SIC have been operational across six universities and one national skilling institute.

    “With AI set to transform our lives by ushering in an era of new technologies, it is imperative to engage the youth of today and harness their potential to build a better future. With Samsung Innovation Campus, we want to bridge the skills gap among the Indian youth so that they can become innovators of tomorrow. The programme strengthens Samsung’s commitment to being a strong partner and contributor to the India growth story, Skill India and Digital India,” said JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.

    As part of Samsung’s continued encouragement for excellence, toppers from each domain across these educational institutes will now be awarded cash prizes of INR 1 Lakh and Samsung products. Selected national toppers will have the opportunity to visit Samsung’s state-of-the-art facilities in Delhi NCR to engage with the company’s leadership.

    “Overall, the course has boosted my readiness for AI projects and opened doors to exciting opportunities in the field. The curriculum began with essential AI concepts and advanced to machine learning and deep learning applications. This progression allowed me to build a strong theoretical foundation and then move on to more complex topics,” said Kanchan Lata Srivastava, who recently completed the AI course.

    This year, participants in the AI programme completed 270 hours of theoretical training followed by 80 hours of project work. IoT and Big Data students underwent 160 hours of theory and 80 hours of hands-on project work, while the Coding & Programming participants completed 80 hours of theory before taking part in a hackathon. With practical learning modules, capstone projects, and immersive training, students gained hands-on experience in emerging tech areas.

    “As the Internet of Things (IoT) trainer, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding students through one of the most exciting areas of technology today. The course structure allows students to connect theory with practice, understanding the potential of IoT to drive connectivity and innovation. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students grasp the significance of IoT in our world and apply their skills to real-life scenarios. Samsung Innovation Campus provides a truly enriching environment for students to explore and innovate,” said Aman Khan, IoT trainer at the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), New Delhi, where the final leg of the 2024 programme concluded with the certification event of 200 students in IoT on October 28.

    Samsung’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, through initiatives such as Samsung Innovation Campus and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, highlights its mission to nurture and train India’s future-tech leaders. Through these programmes, Samsung continues to support India’s youth, equipping them with skills that not only advance their personal and professional growth but also empower India as a global technology hub.

    Samsung Innovation Campus was launched in India in 2022 in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI).

    12Nov, 2024
    National Education Day: Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s Initiatives Champion Skill Development for India’s Youth

    National Education Day: Toyota Kirloskar Motor's Initiatives Champion Skill Development for India's Youth

    Celebrating National Education Day, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reaffirms its commitment to bridging the skills gap in India through a wide range of impactful initiatives. With a strong focus on empowering economically underprivileged youth across Karnataka and India, TKM’s educational and vocational training programs are creating pathways to employment, fostering self-reliance, and contributing to India’s industrial growth.

     A key pillar of TKM’s mission is the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), established in 2007. For over 15 years, TTTI has been providing free, high-quality education to youth from economically underprivileged sections, specializing in automobile manufacturing. The institute offers a rigorous three-year residential training program that not only builds technical skills but also focuses on the holistic development of students. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, a deep understanding of global manufacturing practices, and an active engagement in physical and community-building activities.

    To address the growing demand for skilled technicians and support women’s empowerment, TKM recently doubled TTTI’s capacity to 1,200 students, with special facilities for up to 600 female students. This expansion includes upgraded residential facilities, advanced classrooms, and the latest equipment, ensuring a comprehensive learning environment for all students.

     In line with its commitment to ‘Skill India,’ TKM has introduced the Toyota Kaushalya Program, a two-year course under the “Learn and Earn” model. This program complements TTTI’s regular offerings by allowing students to earn an income while they learn, combining classroom knowledge with on-the-job training (OJT) at Toyota’s facilities. Designed for talented youth from rural Karnataka, the Kaushalya Program empowers students with the specialized skills needed in today’s job market, providing them with valuable industry experience and significantly enhancing their employability.

     Additionally, TKM’s dedication to nurturing future automotive professionals is evident in its Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP), a collaboration with industrial training institutes across India. Through T-TEP, TKM has established 60 centres, benefiting over 13,000 students nationwide. This program provides a robust technical curriculum, combined with practical skills development at Toyota dealerships, enabling students to gain firsthand experience with advanced automotive technologies and industry-standard practices.

     In an effort to facilitate cross-cultural skill development, TKM also participates in the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), which allows selected employees to gain international experience through on-the-job training in Japan for periods ranging from six months to five years. This exchange not only strengthens technical competencies but also fosters deeper cooperation between India and Japan, as knowledge and expertise flow seamlessly between the two nations.

     Mr. G. Shankara – Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As we observe National Education Day 2024, at TKM, our commitment extends beyond just business; we are dedicated to nurturing lifelong learning and fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity, equity, and opportunity for all. By prioritizing quality education and comprehensive skill development, we aim to transform youth into empowered, productive members of society. Our initiatives not only support individual growth but also contribute significantly to building stronger communities. Aligned with the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, we are strengthening our commitment by offering practical training opportunities that effectively bridge the gap between education and industry needs. Through these focused efforts, we aspire to play an integral role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed and progressive nation where every citizen thrives.”

     Building on these initiatives, TKM has forged a partnership with the Government Tool Room & Training Centre (GTTC) as an Industrial Training Provider (ITP). Since the signing of an MoU in 2021, TKM has supported the establishment of 16 GTTC institutes across Karnataka, with plans to expand to 36 institutes by 2026. These centres offer specialized training programs in automobile welding and assembly, equipping students with essential skills in high demand within the industry.

    TKM’s partnership with 49 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Karnataka has also had a far-reaching impact, having trained nearly 3,000 students to date.  With over 1,10,000 youth trained, TKM has fostered life-changing opportunities, promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion, and made a meaningful impact on Karnataka, India, and society at large.

     These diverse initiatives are united by TKM’s philosophy of holistic development. Through structured programs that emphasize technical knowledge, skill-building, and personal growth, TKM strives to instil a strong sense of discipline, community responsibility, and resilience in its students.

    The inclusion of activities like shramadaan and community service promotes a positive attitude and work ethic, ensuring that graduates emerge not only as skilled professionals, but also as conscientious citizens committed to giving back to society.

    7Nov, 2024
    Ranji Trophy: Jalaj Saxena becomes the first player with 6000 runs and 400 wickets

    Ranji Trophy: Jalaj Saxena becomes the first player with 6000 runs and 400 wickets

    Kerala all-rounder Jalaj Saxena became the first player in Ranji Trophy history to score 6000 runs and take 400 wickets during an Elite Group C fourth-round encounter against Uttar Pradesh at St Xavier’s College Ground.

    Saxena, who had scored 6000 runs in Kerala’s previous match in Kolkata, achieved the milestone after dismissing left-hander Nitish Rana with a brilliant off-spin delivery that left Rana stumped.

    The 37-year-old is the 13th bowler in Ranji Trophy history to reach 400 wickets. His 400th wicket also represented his 29th five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy.

    Saxena began his First-Class career in 2005 with Madhya Pradesh, where he took 159 wickets and scored 4041 runs over 11 years.

    He moved to Kerala during the 2016-17 season and has since become the team’s second-highest wicket-taker in First-Class cricket, trailing only KN Ananthapadmanabhan.

    Last season, Saxena became only the fourth player in Indian domestic cricket history to score 9000 runs and 600 wickets in all formats, after Vinoo Mankad, Madan Lal, and Parvez Rasool.

    In the Ranji Trophy alone, his record is unrivaled among active all-rounders, placing him alongside Indian legends like as Vijay Hazare, Madan Lal, and Sunil Joshi.

    6Nov, 2024
    US Election 2024: Donald Trump has won the US elections

    US Election 2024: Donald Trump has won the US elections

    “We made history,” Donald Trump proclaimed after winning the presidential election and overcoming all odds.

    “This will be America’s golden age. That is why this is a fantastic victory for the American people, allowing us to make America great again,” he stated at his campaign headquarters in West Palm Beach.

    The Fox News Decision Desk, which analyzes incoming counting data, pronounced Trump the winner, while the other media outlets were waiting to formally declare victory, as their data showed him on the verge of winning.
    Trump said that he will receive at least 315 electoral college votes after winning four swing states and leading in three others.

    He claimed that he was also gaining popular votes and also told, the Senate had returned to Republican control, and the party was on track to keep control of the House of Representatives.

    The media has assigned 51 seats in the 100-member Senate, with seven results expected.

    A happy Trump, backed by his family and running mate JD Vance and his wife, entered the stage to chants of “USA, USA” from his supporters.

    Meanwhile, the venue for Vice President Kamala Harris’ victory celebration at Howard University in Washington closed at 1:30 a.m., and her team claimed that she had gone home and would speak later that morning.

    “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate” , Trump commented.

    Following a contentious presidential campaign, Trump declared, “We’re going to help our country heal”.

    He made no mention of Harris, President Joe Biden, or any Democrat, whom he had verbally thrashed during his address, extending an olive branch or continuing the attacks.

    Trump promised his supporters: “I will fight for you, your family, and your future.” Every day, I will fight for you with every breath in my body.”

    Trump listed his achievements, stating, “We also won the popular vote. That was great. It was really gratifying to win the popular vote. I’ll tell you about a wonderful feeling of love.”

    “We have taken back control of the Senate” , the politician stated. “It also looks like we’ll be keeping control of the House of Representatives” .

    “We have a country that desperately needs support. We are going to fix our borders. “We’re going to fix everything in our country,” he declared.

    Illegal migration was a key topic in the election, and Trump has pledged to deport illegal migrants if elected.

    “We’re going to have to seal up those borders,” he stated, adding, “We want people to come back…” We have to let them back in, but only lawfully.”

    Trump praised his running mate, J.D. Vance, as well as his wife and family.

    “He’s shown to be a terrific option. I took some heat at first, but I knew he had a good brain, about as good as it gets,” he remarked. “And we cherish our family… “We’re going to have a great four years,” he stated.

    Vance described their victory as “the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America”.

    “We’re going to lead the greatest economic comeback in American history under Donald Trump’s leadership” , he commented.

    5Nov, 2024
    Pawan Kalyan buys 12 more Acres of land in Pithapuram Constituency

    Pawan Kalyan buys 12 more Acres of land in Pithapuram Constituency

    Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, has purchased another 12 acres of land in Pithapuram, his Assembly constituency in Kakinada district.

    Tota Sudheer, Chairman of the State Civil Supplies Corporation, completed the registration process for Pawan Kalyan’s land in Illindrada on Tuesday.

    This is the Jana Sena leader’s third land purchase in the constituency since becoming Deputy Chief Minister following the Telugu Desam Party-led National Democratic Alliance’s victory in June.

    In July, the actor-turned-politician purchased two parcels of land totaling 1.44 acres and 2.08 acres in the Bhogapuram and Illindrada revenue limits, respectively.

    With this recent purchase, Pawan Kalyan now owns 15.52 acres in the constituency.

    The Jana Sena leader intends to erect a residence and camp office on the 12 acres purchased on Tuesday. During the election campaign, he promised that if elected, he would build a house in his constituency.

    In an apparent attempt to rebut his political rivals’ accusations that he was an outsider for the seat, Pawan Kalyan promised to live in the town to be closer to the people and fight for their development.

    The actor defeated YSR Congress Party nominee and former MP Vanga Geetha by more than 70,000 votes to win his first election.

    In the May 2024 elections, the Jana Sena won all 21 Assembly and two Lok Sabha seats.

    During a previous visit to the constituency, Pawan Kalyan stated that he would abstain from film shoots for three months. He added that if possible, he would dedicate one or two days to film shoots.

    The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the people of Pithapuram had given him the strength to have a voice in national politics.

    He had also indicated that, given the state’s difficult financial situation, he would not accept his salary or any extra allowances, including new office furnishings.

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