With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India holds immense potential for growth and opportunities abroad. NSDC International is proactively developing high-quality human resources under the Government of India’s “Skill India Mission”. By enhancing skills and facilitating work opportunities abroad, NSDC International aims to support industrial development and ensure a brighter future for the Indian workforce.

Japan faces a growing demand for care personnel, due to an aging population and declining birth rate. To address these social challenges, Sompo Care and NSDC International have agreed to collaborate by offering training programs and promoting the acceptance of skilled Indian personnel in Japan’s nursing care sector. This partnership aims to bridge the gap and enhance the quality of care services in Japan. This collaboration aims to provide mutual benefits by addressing the workforce shortages in Japan and creating employment opportunities for skilled Indian professionals.

Speaking about the partnership, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC & MD, NSDC International said, “We are thrilled to announce the commencement of our collaboration with SOMPO Care Inc. This partnership marks a significant milestone for NSDC International, as it allows us to provide specialized training programs for Indian nursing care personnel, enhancing their skills and preparing them for opportunities in Japan. Together, we aim to bridge the gap in healthcare services and support the global demand for skilled nursing professionals. This initiative not only opens new avenues for our workforce but also strengthens the bond between India and Japan in the field of healthcare.”

Takamitsu Washimi, Representative Director, President, and CEO, of Sompo Care said, “We are very pleased to begin our collaboration with NSDC International. Guided by our management’s philosophy of “Respect for Humanity,” we aim to provide optimal care tailored to each elderly individual and are committed to developing care personnel with specialized knowledge and skills. We are confident that the training program, developed based on our expertise and experience, will enhance the skills of Indian care personnel. We hope that those who complete the training will work with a sense of fulfillment and pride in Japan’s nursing care sector. Through this collaboration, we aspire to build a better future through cooperation between Japan and India.”

The first initiative under this collaboration is a pilot project set to commence in August 2024 and run through 2025. This project will involve, providing Indian nursing care personnel with nine months of comprehensive education and training in India, following which they will be accepted as specified skilled workers at Sompo Care facilities in Japan.

Sompo Care, leveraging its extensive knowledge and experience in Japan, will develop original training programs in addition to the Japanese language courses conducted by NSDC International. These programs will emphasize understanding Japanese style nursing care, learning practical care terminology, and mastering cross-cultural communication. Training will include online modules, e-learning, and practical care skills sessions conducted on-site in India.

The objective is to develop highly motivated and skilled Indian nursing care personnel ready for immediate deployment. Sompo Care will continue to support their professional growth even after they begin working in its facilities. In the future, Sompo Care envisions that those who gain experience as nursing care staff in Japan will contribute significantly to the nursing care industry in India.

The effectiveness of the pilot project and training program will be rigorously evaluated and refined as needed. Based on the results, Sompo Care will explore the potential for expanding operations in India and aim to establish a full-scale collaboration model.

Sompo Care is committed to addressing nursing care-related social issues both within and outside Japan by utilizing its expertise and operations in Japan, a country at the forefront of nursing care challenges. Through this collaboration, Sompo Care strives to achieve “security, health, and well-being” globally.

In the broader context of SOMPO Holdings’ commitment to global healthcare, Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd. plays a significant role in India by distributing non-life insurance coverage nationwide. Both Universal Sompo and Sompo Care are investee companies of SOMPO Holdings, reflecting the group’s diverse efforts to enhance health and well-being across borders.

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INDIA: One97 Communications Limited (OCL) which owns the brand Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of QR and mobile payments, has announced a Travel Carnival Sale until June 7, offering exclusive 10%-25% discounts on both domestic and international trips this summer season.

As part of the Travel Carnival Sale, the company has partnered with Bank of Baroda and ICICI Bank to provide exclusive discounts. Customers can enjoy up to 15% off on domestic flights, up to 10% off on international flights, and up to 25% off on bus bookings. There are zero payment gateway charges on train bookings when paid using UPI through Paytm, making travel even more affordable.

Paytm is seeing a rising interest in offbeat destinations such as Langkawi (Malaysia), Baku (Azerbaijan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan). The company is also offering special discounts on new destinations every week. This week’s destination is Baku and users can avail flat 25% off on Flight tickets to Baku. New destinations will be revealed every week on the Travel section in the Paytm app.

Paytm Spokesperson said, “Our goal is to make travel more accessible and affordable for everyone. By partnering with banks, we’re able to offer exclusive discounts that further enhance savings across a broad spectrum of travel bookings. With features like zero charges on train bookings via UPI and substantial discounts on flights and buses, we are confident that our customers will find great value in this sale. We invite everyone to take advantage of these offers and make their travel plans with Paytm.”

The company is also offering incredible discounts on trains, and bus tickets, making it the perfect opportunity for users to plan their summer getaways.

For train travelers, Paytm waives all charges for train ticket bookings made through UPI. The platform offers features such as live train status updates, Easy Tatkal Booking, PNR checks, Guaranteed Seat Assistance, and Free Cancellation, providing a seamless travel planning experience. For bus travelers, the company offers features like live bus tracking, free cancellation and a best price guarantee. For female bus travelers, unique features like bus ratings, “most booked by females,” and “female favorites” are available to enhance safety and comfort. These tools help users make informed decisions based on reliable information.

Users can also benefit from the ‘Free Cancellation’ option for a full refund directly to their payment source and choose from various payment methods, including Paytm UPI, Wallet, net banking, and credit or debit cards for hassle-free bookings.

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The three-day event was inaugurated by Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; Shri Ajay Patel, President, GCCI and Shri N.D. Parmar, Executive Director, iNDEXT-C. A B2B networking event was organized and 40 participating artisans engaged with 70 industry leaders, corporates, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and formulate new partnerships. The attendees of the event had the opportunity to explore a vibrant marketplace showcasing 40 distinct crafts from 40 artisans of Gujarat. 

The event is a 3-day event that will conclude with a Fashion Show on March 3, 2024, for which artisans collaborated with leading Indian fashion designers to create an eclectic collection of garments that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

Launched in 2020, the Hastakala Setu Yojana has sensitized over 33,800 artisans and more than 21,000 artisans have received advanced training across 33 districts in Gujarat, with a focus on providing practical skills and market exposure. As a key partner to the Commissionerate of Cottage Industries, Government of Gujarat, EDII remains committed to nurturing entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable development in the state.

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WASHINGTON: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the 200,000^th graduate of the Boots to Business (B2B) program. This milestone re-emphasizes the long-standing importance of military-connected entrepreneurs to the nation’s economy and celebrates 11 years of B2B instructor achievements nationwide and overseas.

“SBA’s Boots to Business program is about strengthening our aspiring military entrepreneurs, especially now as they are contributing to the record rate of new business applications we’re experiencing under President Biden’s leadership,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman. “The Boots to Business program is set up to provide transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with an introduction to business fundamentals to help them successfully make the jump from service to startup with the full resources of the SBA. We are proud to celebrate our 200,000^th graduate and continue our leadership in connecting our military entrepreneurs with valuable resources so they can pursue their business ownership dreams after serving our country.”

B2B is part of the entrepreneurial track of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) offers the same curriculum as B2B to veterans of any era, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses without access to a military installation. The 200,000 graduate count grows weekly and includes participants in B2B, B2BR, DOD’s TAP Online Learning Management System, and SBA’s Military Spouse Pathway to Business, an entrepreneurship course for military spouses that launched in July 2023.

The 200,000th trainee took the B2B course at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas on January 16, 2024. The severe winter weather in the area caused the entire post to run on a two-hour delay. However, the course instructor said the strong qualities of the military community shined through. “Despite the inclement weather and tricky driving conditions, veterans and military spouses showed their adaptability and resilience and arrived for class anyway,” said Mitchell Fitzpatrick, B2B instructor, and Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) director. “These skills, cultivated over their years of service, are the same ones that will give them a leg up on the competition as business owners.”

It’s common for many B2B participants to navigate their entire life’s puzzle while they take the course. They may be focused on moving arrangements, housing, children’s schooling decisions, or steady income. “Many may not circle back to entrepreneurship for months, or even years, after the course conclusion,” said Fitzpatrick. “That’s why I continuously remind them that the VBOC and SBA resource partner network are always here for them. Whether they want to start or grow a business, there are so many resources out there to assist in that journey. My main message to students is this: you’re not alone and you should never hesitate to reach out. If you’re on the fence about business ownership as a post-military route, taking B2B is a great opportunity to walk out of the course with new tools in your post-military service toolbox and mentors you can reach out to at any time.”

In addition to the B2B milestone, SBA’s Boots to Business Revenue Readiness (B2B RR), hosted by Mississippi State University, graduated its 3,000th trainee in November 2023. B2B RR is a six-week course in developing a business plan. Through interactive virtual classroom discussions, participants refine business models into business plans. Since the program’s start seven years ago, veteran, service member, and military spouse graduates have used the course material and feedback from instructors to move on to the next phase of their business ownership journey.

Shannon Arick of West Point, a graduate of the B2B training said, “One thing I learned in the military is that the possible success or failure of a mission may come down to good, solid training. It is the same in business. Boots to Business Revenue Readiness gave me a firm understanding of the steps that lead to having and, more importantly, maintaining a successful business.”

Over 1,200 B2B and B2B Reboot classes were offered in person and virtually in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. In addition, the B2B curriculum was updated in FY 2023 to include updated modules, new exercises, and more. B2B, B2BR, and Pathway to Business courses are offered through SBA district offices, resource partners, and grant partners. To see the current B2B course schedule, visit sba.my.site.com.

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Commenting on this tie-up Dr. Pramod Chaudhari said, “We are taking this step forward keeping in mind a holistic development approach while shaping the students as responsible citizens and individuals. This first-of-its-kind tie-up in the country will help them to learn economics from one of the best institutes in the country.“

Disclosing the details of this tie-up Prof. Sudhir Agashe said, “While the implementation of the new National Education Policy is underway across the country, many good educational institutions are being awarded the status of the university or are being given autonomy. This provides them the flexibility required for updation and improvement in the education offered. The approach is going to be more multidisciplinary. So, we realized that joining hands with like-minded top educational institutions can pave the way to the promising future of students.“

“Tie-up with the Gokhale Institute is the first concrete step towards nurturing engineering students to take up entrepreneurship. Economics forms the base of most of the things in one’s life particularly in business. Thus, lessons in economics will enable them to change the way they look at engineering. Here, we propose to offer a course of 3 credits each semester for 6 semesters. Starting from the first semester of the second year of engineering to the chosen students who have a flair for entrepreneurship. Lessons in economics will be taught by the expert faculty members of Gokhale Institute, who will come to the campus of COEP. The evaluation process would also be done by them“, Prof Agashe added.

The pilot of this project shall commence in January 2024 and the course will be formally introduced as an option from the academic year 2024-25. Most importantly, there will be no additional fee for this course in economics for the students of engineering at COEP. Under this tie-up, the Gokhale Institute will lend its expertise and resources to the students of COEP. Similarly, COEP Tech University will also offer its knowledge and skilled faculty for the students of Gokhale Institute to conduct short courses in the engineering field like data sciences, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and so on.

Dr Ajit Ranade said, “Today, as a large number of engineers are turning to start-ups and entrepreneurship, imparting education in economics to them is essential. This was required but somehow it has not been thought of till now. To realize the ‘Make In India’ dream of our Prime minister it is necessary to educate budding engineers about economics, finance, various economic surveys, and their importance in business. The same applies to students of economics, they need to learn some important aspects of technology. Such an approach will play the catalyst in creating the required ecosystem. Today, the oldest engineering and economics institutes are coming together for this path-breaking initiative.“

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West Bengal is the first state in India to have trained and certified more than one lakh teachers in digital skilling. The state is proud to announce a grand Graduation Day ceremony on November 16th for its educators who have completed the Digital Skilling course Microsoft Educator (ME). This event will encourage many educators to become digitally skilled, not only in the state but across the country.

The Secretary to the School Education Department & State Project Director, West Bengal Samagra Siksha Mission – Mr. Subhra Chakraborti (IAS) said, “Teachers are primary stakeholders of education; they are the ones who transform nations. With our teachers getting trained on digital skills, it will start a new era of education, following the footsteps of innovators such as Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore.”

Dr. Vinnie Jauhari, World Wide Public Sector Senior Education Industry Advisor from Microsoft said, “I am thrilled to see the dedication of West Bengal’s educators in embracing modern tools and techniques. This initiative is a significant step towards shaping the future of education.“

Ali Sait, Tech Avant-Garde CEO, said “The recognition of 101,464 teachers is a testament to the commitment of West Bengal in fostering teachers in the Knowledge Age. The collaboration between TAG and the State of West Bengal signifies a commitment to quality education and the empowerment of educators through technology. We believe that by equipping teachers with the necessary digital skills, we are creating a new genre of education that will last for a millennium. By adopting this education system, India will become the most progressive society in the world.“

The West Bengal Government is also contemplating making one school in every district a Hybrid School so that quality education will reach every remote part of the state.

The Government of West Bengal, Microsoft, and Tech Avant-Garde extend their heartfelt congratulations to the teachers who have completed this program and are graduating. They look forward to many more teachers getting inspired and taking the journey of digital skilling to experience continued success and progress in the field of education.

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The sale offers separate discounts on transactions through ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, RBL Bank, and HSBC Bank, along with a special discounted fare for students, senior citizens, and Armed Forces personnel. The Travel Carnival Sale will see participation from all major airlines, including IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Akasa.

Paytm app provides free cancellation benefits on bookings through flight, train, and bus with a 100% refund on the source account immediately without any questions asked. For train bookings, the company is also offering zero payment gateway charges on UPI. Meanwhile, users can also check the live train running status and PNR status on the Paytm app enabling them to travel at ease. Also, with the launch of ‘Guaranteed Seat Assistance’, one can now get a confirmed seat while booking a train ticket as the innovative solution ensures that users are not waitlisted.

Under Paytm’s Best Price Guaranteed, it assures users of the lowest price across 2,500 bus operators. Moreover, for bus travelers, the live bus tracking services can enable users to travel stress-free while also sharing the real-time location of their booked bus with their close ones.

A Paytm spokesperson said, “As the preferred online platform for travel bookings, Paytm aims to ensure an affordable and best travel experience for users. The special offers on flight, train, and bus bookings provide a great deal to travelers planning festive holidays conveniently at a click of a button.“

Paytm’s Travel Carnival Sale offers exciting discounts and benefits on flight, train, and bus bookings, making it an ideal opportunity for users to plan their festive holidays conveniently and affordably.

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INDIA: Pinnacle Industries, India’s leading manufacturer of automotive interiors, seating systems & EV components & specialty vehicles, has proudly announced the introduction of advanced seating systems for select Vande Bharat Express trains by Indian Railways. With their unrivaled knowledge and expertise in the commercial automotive seating, interiors, and components industry, Pinnacle’s railway seating division specializes in the designing, engineering, and manufacturing of certified rail seating in India that meets global safety and comfort standards.

The company also announced that it will showcase its multiple products and technology for railways at the upcoming 15th edition of the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) from 12 – 14 October 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. IREE is Asia’s largest showcase for the Rail Transportation Sector, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

The comprehensive range of new seating systems from Pinnacle Industries includes Economy, Executive, Tip-Up, and Folding Seats, engineered to deliver unparalleled comfort, safety, and seamlessness during train journeys. The Economy Seats have been intelligently designed to cater to different seating capacities, offering single-seater, two-seater, and three-seater options. Passenger convenience remains a priority, with each occupant provided with modular-type charging units, allowing them to stay connected and charged throughout their journey. Moreover, the ergonomically designed seat foam profile ensures proper support and comfort during travel, with careful consideration of pressure mapping to enhance the seating experience.

The Executive Seats, designed to provide a premium experience, incorporate a range of innovative features for enhanced passenger comfort and flexibility. Notably, passengers can enjoy the luxury of a 180-degree rotating seat, offering the ability to adjust their seating position according to their preference, be it for relaxation, socializing, or work during their journey. The seat rotation can be conveniently locked or unlocked at 90 degrees using a pedal mechanism for added safety and ease of use. To further ensure passenger convenience, a sideways sunken grab handle has been thoughtfully integrated into the seat design. Additionally, a passenger-friendly footrest with 3 adjustable stops offers personalized leg support during travel, enhancing overall comfort. The Executive Seats are equipped with Wago connector components, enabling easy electrical connections for various amenities. Each occupant is also provided with a modular type charging unit, ensuring they can stay connected and powered throughout the journey.

For added practicality, the side armrests of the Executive Seats are foldable, allowing easy movement between seats. Moreover, the middle armrest features a sunken snack tray, providing passengers with additional functional space. To prioritize optimal lumbar support and comfort, the seat foam profile is ergonomically designed, considering pressure mapping for a more pleasant and relaxing travel experience. Furthermore, the electrical harness of the Executive Seats is enclosed and routed through aluminum sections of the seats, ensuring secure and efficient electrical connections, adding to the overall safety and reliability of the seating system.

To optimize space efficiency, tip-up seats and folding seats are also integrated which are perfect for areas where flexibility and multi-purpose usage are crucial. Passengers can easily fold them when not in use, creating additional space for passengers or luggage.

All the seating options are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. Seats are constructed with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), a remarkable material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and cost-effectiveness in maintenance. Notably, these seats fully conform to the European standard for fire-retardant properties, ensuring an elevated level of safety for passengers.

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Chairman, and Managing Director of Pinnacle Industries, expressed his enthusiasm about this significant development, stating, “We are thrilled to unveil our advanced seating solution for Vande Bharat trains in India. This significant development not only reinforces our unwavering dedication to creating and delivering products that prioritize passenger safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, but also highlights our optimism in designing and manufacturing innovative, cost-effective, and durable world-class products for the railway industry and beyond. We recognize the immense growth potential of the railway sector, both in India and globally. As new-age, high-speed trains gain prominence, the demand for safer, more comfortable, and visually appealing seats becomes paramount. With each product we bring to the market, we strive to meet these expectations. We believe that this new seating system will provide an enhanced and enjoyable travel experience for passengers, setting new benchmarks in the industry.”

He also added, “We are deeply grateful to the Indian Railways & Integral Coach Factory for entrusting Pinnacle Industries, a proud Indian company with the railway seating business, an industry typically dominated by established institutional or international players. This opportunity drives us to work harder and continue delivering exceptional seating solutions that surpass expectations and contribute to the growth and success of the Indian Railways.”

Arihant Mehta, President of Pinnacle Industries said, “We are proud to be at the forefront of transforming India’s travel landscape by introducing cutting-edge seating solutions for Vande Bharat trains. With our relentless commitment to innovation, quality, and passenger-centric design, we have collaborated closely with renowned designers and engineers to develop these advanced seating systems. With our decades of expertise and proven track record in delivering exceptional transportation solutions, we are confident that these seating systems will redefine the travel experience for passengers, establishing new industry benchmarks for safety, comfort, and convenience. Our primary goal is to not only meet but exceed the expectations of travelers, ensuring an enjoyable and seamless journey for all. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological and design excellence, continuously striving to enhance passenger comfort and elevate industry standards.”

The advanced seating systems from Pinnacle Industries incorporate state-of-the-art safety features, including the cushion foam used for the seats which complies with EN45545-2 HL2 standards and is wrapped with fire-retardant cloth, providing a higher level of fire safety for passengers, ergonomic seat belts. Additionally, the seats are designed to optimize space utilization and offer convenient amenities, such as ample storage, charging ports, and adjustable headrests, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable journey.

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After assessing the situation on the ground, MMF and Finolex came together to provide comprehensive support to the victims in Cuttack and also to those involved in treating the affected people. As the area had a high concentration of patients, right from the accident victims, their relatives, doctors, nurses, and other medical cleaning and support staff attempted to reach out. Food and clean drinking water were identified as key requirements and the company stepped ahead with this support. The foundation also reached out to the people in need at Cuttack Hospital and the trauma center outside the region, wherein the relief efforts are still going on in the form of eatables and locally sourced meals.

This collaborative effort demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships and community involvement in times of crisis. By addressing the immediate needs of the affected people, MMF and Finolex are making a positive impact and helping to alleviate some of the challenges faced by the community.

Reacting to this incident which has shaken the core of the country, Mrs. Ritu Chhabria, the Managing Trustee of MMF stated, “I express my deepest condolences to the people who have suffered from this devastating tragedy. It’s heartwarming to see all the on-ground teams who are relentlessly working hard to help people fight this battle. It is an honor to be an ecosystem that continues to step up and aid people in time of distress,”

In the past MMF has provided extensive support to the victims of cyclones, floods, and natural calamities and also provided COVID relief to those affected.

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