PUNE: In a significant step towards building a drug-free future through youth participation and institutional collaboration, Pune Police will organise the No Drugs Volunteer campaign at Dr. P. A. Inamdar University, Azam Campus, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 am.

The initiative, being held in association with Lashkar Police Station, Awami Mahaz and Padmapani Foundation, is designed to address the growing concern of drug abuse among young people through awareness, prevention and community engagement. More importantly, by hosting the programme at a university campus, the organisers are placing students at the heart of a wider social movement aimed at protecting Pune’s youth from the dangers of addiction.

The programme will be held under the chairmanship of Mrs. Abeda Inamdar, President, Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society, Pune. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar will directly interact with students during the session. Senior officials, including Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjankumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil, Deputy Commissioners of Police Rajlakshmi Shivankar and Nikhil Pingale, along with Rahul Dumbale of Padmapani Foundation, will also be present.

The No Drugs Volunteer campaign is intended to build a strong network of young volunteers who can become awareness ambassadors in their communities and educational spaces. The initiative aims to sensitise youth in the 15 to 30 age group about the physical, psychological, and social consequences of drug abuse, while encouraging informed dialogue around prevention, rehabilitation, and the role of society in early intervention.

Mrs. Abeda Inamdar, President, Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society, Pune, said, “A university is not only a place of academic learning, but also a space where responsible citizenship is shaped. If we want to secure the future of our society, we must empower young minds with awareness, courage, and clarity. Through this initiative, we want students to understand that saying no to drugs is not just a personal choice, but a social responsibility.”

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, “The fight against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone. It requires trust, awareness and active participation from the community, especially the youth. Through the No Drugs Volunteer initiative, our vision is to create a people-supported movement in which students become partners in prevention and ambassadors of a healthier, safer and drug-free Pune.”

With the participation of senior police leadership, educational authorities, and community organisations, the programme is expected to send out a strong message that the battle against drugs must begin with awareness, vigilance, and collective resolve

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Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “Golf has traditionally been perceived as a sport limited to the privileged few due to accessibility and resource constraints. The ‘Golf for Everyone’ program seeks to change this narrative by creating opportunities for talented young athletes regardless of their socio-economic background. By bringing golf to the doorsteps of underprivileged children, we hope to foster a truly community-driven sporting culture that celebrates diversity and equal opportunity. BMW India Foundation’s vision is to nurture projects that transcend socio-economic boundaries and become truly inclusive. We strongly believe projects like ‘Golf for Everyone’ hold that tremendous transformational power.”

As part of this endeavor, BMW India Foundation and The Golf Foundation are conducting India’s largest annual golf talent hunt for 2025-26. Through this extensive grassroots golf discovery program, the talent search will begin with in-school talent identification camps across government and low-income schools. To participate in the talent hunt, children can also WhatsApp “I am Talent” on +91 93106 92833.

Using portable hitting mats, nets, and putting kits, children undergo simple athletic evaluations such as throws, sprints, jumps, and coordination drills. This initial screening helps identify young athletes who show potential in physical agility and coordination.

Children shortlisted from these camps will progress to regional on-range golf camps, hosted at golf facilities across multiple Indian states. Here, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of golf and assessed for basic skills, creating a bridge between raw talent and formal training. Over 1,800 – 2,000 children are expected to be screened through these multi-stage processes, culminating in a National Talent Hunt that will select approximately 30 promising young golfers to receive advanced support.

The selected children will benefit from a comprehensive support framework that includes regular professional coaching, access to high-quality equipment, tournament exposure, mentorship, and financial assistance. This holistic development program aims to empower these young athletes to pursue golf professionally while also supporting their overall personal growth.

The ‘Golf for Everyone’ initiative not only aims to identify future champions but also strives to instill values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship among the youth. By democratizing access to golf, the program hopes to inspire a new generation of achievers who will carry forward the legacy of Indian sports on national and global platforms.

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XSR155 launched in India at Rs. 1,49,990; FZ-RAVE priced at Rs. 1,17,218  (All Prices Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

KOCHI: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. today announced the launch of its globally acclaimed modern retro sport brand – the all-new XSR155 in India. The company also unveiled its first EVs – the AEROX-E & EC-06, marking a major step forward in Yamaha’s long-term vision for sustainable mobility. Adding to the excitement, Yamaha further strengthens its FZ portfolio with the new FZ-RAVE, designed for young and dynamic riders. With these introductions, Yamaha continues to reinforce its leadership in the premium & deluxe motorcycle segments while expanding into new mobility categories that align with evolving customer preferences.

The new Yamaha XSR155 represents the next evolution of Yamaha’s dominance in the premium motorcycle segment. Designed for today’s riders who seek both style and substance, it embodies the modern retro sport concept, blending timeless design with modern engineering to create a motorcycle that stands out in design and performance. With responsive handling and an immersive riding experience, the XSR155 offers customers a refined motorcycling experience that combines everyday convenience with the thrill of the open road. Its introduction further strengthens Yamaha’s position in India’s most competitive and fast-growing category, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing motorcycles that resonate with the lifestyle and aspirations of Indian riders.

IYM’s foray into India’s electric vehicle market marks an important step in its journey towards a more sustainable future. The move into the EV segment reflects the brand’s commitment to preserving ecological balance while delivering the same excitement and performance that define Yamaha.

The first model, AEROX-E, is a performance-oriented EV that brings Yamaha’s signature excitement and responsive handling to riders seeking an electric alternative without compromise. The second, the EC-06, introduces an all-new design concept created for customers who value smart mobility, comfort, and contemporary design in their everyday rides. Together, the AEROX-E and EC-06 represent Yamaha’s approach to serving both performance seekers and everyday users, marking the brand’s transition into the next phase of its journey in India with choices that are dynamic, accessible, and sustainable.

The company also announced the launch of the new FZ-Rave — further strengthening its popular FZ portfolio. Developed for India’s young riders, the new FZ-Rave offers a balanced mix of performance, efficiency, and everyday practicality. It continues the FZ family’s legacy of reliability and agility, serving the needs of daily riders across cities and towns while retaining its distinctive, assertive styling.

Yamaha XSR155 Debuts — Classic Styling, Modern Engineering, Exceptional Riding  Experience

The XSR155 embodies Yamaha’s philosophy of combining Modern Retro Sport with innovation, carrying forward the distinguished global pedigree of the XSR Series. It blends timeless design with advanced technology to create a motorcycle that stands apart. Priced at Rs. 1,49,990 (ex-showroom-Delhi) as an introductory offer, it is aimed at young and mature riders who seek a dependable, high-performance, and stylish motorcycle that delivers both excitement and everyday usability.

XSR is globally featuring Yamaha’s XSR pedigree that captures the modern retro sport spirit by combining classic styling cues with advanced engineering. Its classic round LED headlight and taillight, teardrop fuel tank, and traditional-style LCD highlight the timeless appeal of Yamaha’s design language. Lightweight and a well-balanced frame with 17-inch wheels gives it an agile and confident stance. Reflecting Yamaha’s belief in creative freedom for every rider, the XSR155 is offered in four colour options – Metallic Grey, Vivid Red, Greyish Green Metallic, and Metallic Blue, and two distinct accessory packages – Scrambler and Café Racer.

Powering the XSR155 is a 155cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) that delivers 13.5 kW of power and 14.2 Nm of torque. Built on Yamaha’s proven Deltabox frame, it features an aluminium swing arm, upside-down front forks, linked-type monocross rear suspension, and a 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch, offering the right strength-rigidity balance for exceptional ride feeling and comfort on any road. Additionally, the XSR155 also features dual-channel ABS and Traction Control to ensure safer rides for our customers.

With its seamless blend of design, performance, and everyday practicality, the XSR155 captures the essence of Yamaha’s motorcycling philosophy of connecting the rider and machine.

Experience the Future of Urban Mobility with the AEROX-E High Performance EV

The AEROX-E Performance EV marks Yamaha’s entry into the high-performance electric scooter segment, expanding its globally acclaimed Maxi Sports lineage. Building on the strong success of the Aerox 155, which redefined the premium scooter market, the AEROX-E is set to multiply that achievement in the EV space.

Powered by a 9.4 kW (peak power), 48 Nm of torque electric motor for high acceleration, along with dual detachable 3kWh batteries, the AEROX-E delivers instant acceleration with efficient power management. The dual batteries are powered by high-energy type cells for extraordinary performance. It also features ergonomic grips for effortless removal and home charging. It further features multiple riding modes –Eco, Standard, and Power – with the addition of a ‘Boost’ function allowing riders rapid acceleration for quick start and strong pick-up. The EV also gets a reverse mode for added riding convenience. The AEROX-E has a certified range of 106 kilometres.

Retaining the core DNA of a true Maxi Sports Scooter, the AEROX-E embodies Yamaha’s “Heart-Shaking Speedster” design philosophy through its Proud Body Size, Athletic Proportions, and distinctive ‘X’ Centre Motif. Twin LED Class D headlights, LED flashers, a 3D-effect LED taillight, and a large colour TFT screen with turn-by-turn navigation. The Y-connect mobile app connectivity further allows Multi-Information Display (MID) and smart connectivity features such as maintenance reminders and last parked location, to elevate the riding experience. In addition to this sophisticated powertrain and battery technology, the ergonomics on AEROX-E have been modified to support the vehicle dynamics to offer a fun riding experience. Furthermore, the Aerox-E gets front and rear disc brakes and single-channel ABS for enhanced safety.

Catering to today’s urban achievers, the AEROX-E Performance EV is designed for affluent, entrepreneurial riders who value exclusivity, high performance, and lifestyle expression. It offers a premium, status-defining ride that reflects success, individuality, and environmental responsibility—combining cutting-edge technology with Yamaha’s signature design and thrilling performance.

Equipped with a smart key system and conveniently positioned external charging port, the AEROX-E Performance EV combines Yamaha’s design language and performance with cutting-edge electric technology — setting a bold new benchmark in the premium EV segment.

Yamaha Motor Unveils the EC-06 – India’s New Electrifying Experience

Designed for interurban mobility, the EC-06 enhances first- and last-mile connectivity for customers. Targeted at riders seeking a stylish and practical commuting option, the scooter blends Yamaha’s core DNA with modern design sensibilities. Its stable stance and elevated design focus give it a high-centered presence, ensuring agile manoeuvrability in traffic, while the horizontal core design conveys a sense of balance and precision. The EC-06’s clean, dynamic styling and sharp body lines cater to young and progressive customers who value both function and individuality in their daily rides.

Developed in India with a global outlook, the EC-06 combines simplicity with performance that gives it a distinctive presence on the road. Powered by a 4.5 kW electric motor generating 6.7 kW (peak power) along with a 4 kWh high-capacity fixed battery, the EC06 provides sustainable mileage for daily usage. The EC-06 has a certified range of 160 kilometres.

The EC-06 delivers a smooth and responsive riding experience, with instant torque for effortless acceleration in city and interurban conditions. Riders can choose between three riding modes to optimize performance and efficiency, while the reverse mode adds convenience in tight spaces. Charging the fixed battery is simple and user-friendly, with a standard home plug-in option that fully charges the scooter in approximately 9 hours, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum mobility for daily commutes.

The model comes equipped with front and rear disc brakes, a coloured LCD, and LED headlights and taillights. For enhanced digital integration, it also includes a built-in telematics unit with a SIM, enabling real-time connectivity and data access. It gets an under-seat storage of 24.5 Liters, generating a large storage space.

Catering to today’s young, tech-savvy trendsetters, the EC-06 resonates with riders who embrace innovation, style, and sustainability. They seek smart, reliable, and distinctive mobility solutions that reflect their individuality and eco-conscious mindset.

Sporty, Smart, and Street-Ready: Meet the New Yamaha FZ-RAVE

The Yamaha FZ-RAVE sets a new benchmark in the 150cc segment in India, combining aggressive styling and city-friendly performance for young riders who seek both practicality and excitement. Drawing inspiration from Yamaha’s premium FZ line, the FZ-RAVE features a bold full-LED projector headlamp with integrated Position light, a sculpted fuel tank, cosmetic air vents, and a compact exhaust, giving it a commanding presence on Indian roads. Its modern design is complemented by a single-piece seat and sharp tail lamp, creating a cohesive, sporty look that stands out in traffic while ensuring rider comfort on daily commutes and longer rides alike. The new FZ-RAVE is priced at Rs. 1,17,218 (ex-showroom-Delhi).

Building on the legacy of over 2.75 million FZ-S motorcycles already on Indian roads, the FZ-RAVE incorporates the learnings and insights gained from Yamaha’s extensive engagement with young riders. The colours and graphics of the FZ-RAVE—Matte Titan and Metallic Black—have been thoughtfully designed following deep research and direct customer discussions, ensuring they resonate with contemporary Indian tastes and preferences.

The FZ-RAVE is powered by the trusted 149cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing 9.1 kW of power. The engine delivers linear acceleration, responsive performance, and unmatched fuel efficiency, making it suitable for diverse riding conditions across India. The 5-speed manual gearbox ensures precise power delivery, while single-channel ABS and front & rear disc brakes enhance safety, providing confidence during sudden stops or challenging road conditions.

With its 13-litre fuel tank and kerb weight of 136 kg, the FZ-RAVE strikes a balance between stability, agility, and range, making it an ideal choice for young Indian riders. By combining Yamaha’s proven FZ engineering with insights drawn from millions of riders, the FZ-RAVE reinforces the FZ brand’s presence in the market, reflecting Yamaha’s commitment to motorcycles that truly resonate with today’s generation.

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Event Details:
• Date: Sunday, 12 October 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM onwards
• Duration: Approx. 6 hours

Join us for an evening of incredible music, culture, and community!

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PUNE: The message of compassion rang across Pune as students of the Sadhu Vaswani group of institutions stepped out on October 3 and 4, 2025.

The initiative marked World Animal Day — observed globally on October 4, the anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, a patron saint of animals — It also echoed the teachings of Sadhu Vaswani, who dedicated his life to compassion towards all living beings.

On October 3, students of St. Mira’s Primary School rallied through key city landmarks, including Pune Railway Station, Aga Khan Palace, the National War Memorial Southern Command, and Sadhu Vaswani Chowk. With handmade placards carrying Save Animals messages and chanting slogans like “Stop All Killing” and “Shoot with cameras, not with guns”, the 8–9-year-olds turned bustling spaces into platforms of awareness. Their energy drew in tourists, commuters, and even uniformed officers, many of whom pledged to observe Meatless Day on November 25 — Sadhu Vaswani’s birth anniversary. Bands, badges, and eco-friendly bags were distributed as symbols of the cause.

The momentum carried into World Animal Day. On October 4, students of St. Mira’s Secondary School in Pune, Sadhu Vaswani Gurukul in Manjri, and Sadhu Vaswani International School in Pradhikaran spread the campaign in their localities. Wearing animal-themed masks and headbands, they echoed the same message through placards and chants, reminding society that compassion begins with everyday choices.

The children proved that the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and Sadhu Vaswani’s call for kindness can inspire action at any age. Their combined efforts over two days turned the city into a living reminder that kindness to animals is the first step toward kindness in society.

The post Pune’s Youth Advocate for Animal Rights with “Jiyo aur Jeene Do” appeared first on NRI News.

The walkathon was organised to mark the upcoming celebrations of Global Forgiveness Day, which is observed every year on August 2, the birth anniversary of spiritual guru Dada J.P. Vaswani.

In Pune, it was held at 6.30 AM through the green lanes of Koregaon Park. The walk, spanning over 3 km, began and concluded at the Sadhu Vaswani Institute of Management Studies (SVIMS). All the proceeds from the registrations will go towards free pediatric heart surgeries for underprivileged children — an initiative aligned with the Mission’s humanitarian work.

Heavy rains in the dawn did not dampen the spirit of Punekars, as over 800 participants showed up with unwavering spirit to participate in the walk. In what felt nothing short of a miracle, the rain eased almost entirely during the duration of the walk.

Participant, Dilip Gopwani, “It was remarkable how the rains paused just in time. Sometimes, when you’re doing something meaningful, everything aligns. When you are on the right path, the universe conspires to help you.”

Families, students, senior citizens, fitness enthusiasts, and corporates from organizations such as Sagitec Corp., JetSynthesis, Symbiosis College, Inner Wheel, RSS, and Rotary Club — were all united by a shared message of ‘letting go.’

Didi Krishna Kumari, Head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, formally inaugurated the walk by sharing her wisdom with all present. To help participants experience the walk as an inner journey, she conducted a brief activity demonstrating the impact of holding onto grudges. This was followed by a short forgiveness meditation, allowing everyone to begin the walk with calm and open hearts. “Suppression, expression, and holding on create havoc within us,” she shared. “Identifying what must be released—and letting it go—is the key to inner peace.” With these words, Didi Krishna Kumari lit the torch and flagged off the walkathon. She then led the participants by walking the entire route herself, setting a powerful example of presence and purpose.

The highlight of the event was the “Let-it-go” experience — a reflective activity where participants were invited to write down emotional burdens they wished to release and place them into a dedicated ‘Let-it-go’ box. Placed at the endpoint of the Walkathon, the box was the ‘finish line’. The first note in the ‘Let-it-Go’ box was dropped in by Didi Krishna herself, motivating all to let go of their negative emotions.

“The idea of putting my thoughts into the ‘Let-it-go’ box made me forgive. Forgiveness, I once believed, was impossible, but I know better now,” said a foreign attendee.

The 3 km route had 8 themed experiential zones — Drop Zone, Let Go Lane, The Chill Stop, Vibe Checkpoint, No Baggage Bend, Reset Route, The Shift Stop, and Unload Station.

Each walker was given a sheet of 12 emotion stickers (anger, anxiety, guilt, fear, etc.) At every stop, they were invited to let go of an emotion they were carrying, place the corresponding sticker on a designated board, and blow soap bubbles as a symbolic release.

Ashish, a young participant, noted the uniqueness of the initiative. “It’s the first walk I’ve seen where emotional wellness was at the core — the interactivity, the stickers, the symbolism — it all worked wonders.”

Participants received Walkathon T-shirts, raincoats, and were served a wholesome breakfast at the end of the walk.

Dada Vaswani emphasised that “Hearts at peace will create world peace”. August 2nd, his birthday, is celebrated as Global Forgiveness Day, with 2 PM observed as the Moment of Calm where people worldwide pause for 2 minutes — to forgive, be forgiven, and send out vibrations of peace.

Post-walk, the muddy grounds were swiftly cleaned thanks to Adar Poonawalla Clean City Initiative (APCCI).

Sadhu Vaswani Mission is a non-profit organization with over 60 centers worldwide, dedicated to serving local communities. Its key areas of work include education, healthcare, skill development, limbs for the limbless, disaster relief, and women’s welfare, among others.

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NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Shell India, has launched a Green Skills and Electric Vehicles (EV) training program aimed at equipping students and faculty with future-ready capabilities in green energy and e-mobility. This initiative will be implemented by Edunet Foundation, training partner of Shell, across select Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Under the DGT–Shell India collaboration, green skill training will be delivered through a structured multi-tier model across select NSTIs and ITIs. In the first phase, the program includes a 240-hour advanced EV Technician course at 4 NSTIs, a 90-hour job-oriented EV skills course at 12 ITIs equipped with Shell-supported labs, and a 50-hour foundational green skills module at additional ITIs without physical labs. The curriculum, jointly developed by Shell, Edunet Foundation, and DGT, covers EV systems, diagnostics, battery technology, digital tools, and safety protocols. The initiative also includes Training of Trainers (ToT) for over 250 instructors, certification co-branded by Shell and DGT, and structured placement support to enhance industry readiness.

A key highlight of the initiative is the establishment of specialised EV skill labs within select ITIs and NSTIs. These labs are designed to offer hands-on training and expert-led sessions aligned with industry standards. Beyond lab-based learning, the program also provides placement support and co-branded certifications to successful participants, enhancing their employability in the green energy and EV sectors.

The Government of India has been actively advancing Green Energy and Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in line with its net-zero ambitions. Flagship initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme have played a pivotal role in accelerating EV uptake, enhancing infrastructure, and offering targeted incentives. Complementing these national efforts, states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have introduced their own EV policies to fast-track the transition to electric mobility, foster local ecosystems, and generate green jobs. These developments underscore the growing demand for a skilled workforce in the green energy and EV sectors.

As the apex national body for vocational training, DGT will play a crucial role in this initiative by mobilizing students and trainers and supporting the institutional ecosystem to ensure alignment with national education and skill development standards.

Speaking on the importance of this initiative, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE and Minister of State for Education, said, “Our collaboration with Shell India reflects the government’s deeper commitment to aligning skilling with sustainability. Green energy, electric mobility, and the broader climate transition are not just environmental imperatives—they represent a generational opportunity for India to lead through innovation, talent, and enterprise. This initiative is part of our larger vision to create a workforce that is not only job-ready but climate-ready. We are equipping young Indians with the skills to shape—and not just participate in—the global green economy.”

Smt. Trishaljit Sethi, Director General, Directorate General of Training (DGT), MSDE, stated, “This partnership with Shell India is a focused step in bringing cutting-edge training infrastructure and industry-relevant curriculum into our ITIs and NSTIs. By integrating Electric Vehicle technologies into vocational training, we are ensuring that our students gain hands-on experience aligned with real-world demand. With joint certification, trainer upskilling, and placement support built into the program, this initiative will significantly strengthen the employability of our youth in the green mobility sector.” 

Speaking on the partnership, Mansi Madan Tripathy, Chairperson, Shell Group of Companies in India & Senior Vice President, Shell Lubricants, Asia-Pacific, said, “At Shell, we aim to support local communities by enabling future employment opportunities. Equipping youth with green energy skills is an important step towards building a lower-carbon future. Through our collaboration with DGT and Edunet Foundation, we are providing students with practical and future-ready expertise in green energy and electric mobility. This initiative empowers young people to thrive in an evolving energy landscape and contribute towards India’s net-zero ambitions”.

This collaboration between DGT and Shell India is a robust move in preparing India’s youth for careers in the future green economy. By offering a comprehensive curriculum, specialized labs, and industry support, the initiative will equip students with hands-on skills and certifications, enhancing their employability and positioning them to lead in a sustainable, innovation-driven future.

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Dr Rishikesh Patankar, Vice President, of NSDC, and Srini Venkatesan, Global Chief Technology Officer, PayPal, exchanged the MoU in the presence of senior members of both organisations on Friday.

The key objective of the MoU is the economic empowerment of thousands of youth, with a special focus on women from low-income families through skill development. The candidates will be provided livelihood opportunities through skill enhancement, soft skills, and personality development training. The training will ensure that they are job-ready.

Dr Rishikesh Patankar said, “At NSDC, our mission is to prepare youth with the essential skills required for employment. This collaboration signifies a major step forward in empowering the youth and women of India to play a vital role in the nation’s progress and development. By providing them with industry-specific skills in the financial sector, we are opening doors to opportunities for meaningful careers and entrepreneurial endeavors.”

As per the MoU, specialized training programs that are National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)-aligned will be offered to candidates. They will be provided training courses of 420 hours to 480 hours in their respective fintech domains, including Bancassurance Relationship Associate, Customer Service Associate- Financial Services, Sales Associate- Direct Channel, MIS Analyst- Financial Services, GST Assistant and Account Assistant. This will ensure that the candidates receive high-quality training and develop the financial acumen needed to secure a job or embark on their entrepreneurial journey in the sector.

V. Chandramouliswaran, Vice President of PayPal India Global Technology Centre said “We are delighted to partner with NSDC in this unique initiative which directly supports the Indian Government’s Skill India vision.   Collaborating with NSDC allows us to empower Indian youth and women with valuable skills, opening doors to economic opportunity and enabling them to contribute to India’s vibrant growth story.”

NSDC will implement the project across various districts in the country, including Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Patna (Bihar), Hyderabad (Telangana), Surat (Gujarat), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Ranchi (Jharkhand). As of March 11, 2025,  candidates are undergoing training across these districts.

NSDC will also support the candidates in their endeavor to secure jobs through its extensive network. It will ensure that at least 70% of the candidates participate in job fairs and interviews. NSDC will also help candidates explore self-employment opportunities.

This partnership is expected to narrow the skill gap in the BFSI sector while supporting budding individuals to realize their dreams of making a career in the sector.

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PUNE: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune launches the 2^nd edition of ‘STEM for All’ from 28^th February to 2^nd March 2025, at the Kalpakghar Community Tinkering Centre in Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park. This three-day event is a significant milestone in promoting STEM education and is made possible through the support received from Tata Technologies’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The ‘STEM for All’ theme, aligned with National Science Day, aims to empower Indian youth for global leadership in science and innovation, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The hands-on tinkering Hackathon 2025 aims to empower educators, teachers, Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) mentors, and students with innovative tools and methods for teaching science and learning more effectively. During the hackathon, participants will engage in identifying four key components/issues related to design and technology projects:

• Problem-solving by other means
• Focus on product quality
• Tasks that require specialized knowledge
• Concepts and skills necessary for making practical projects

The activity features diverse STEM activity presentations from participants across backgrounds, fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge and ideas. The Hands-On-Tinkering Hackathon competition is one of the activities where students, teachers, and educators can get a chance to make working prototypes without batteries. Participating teams receive basic lab equipment and materials (e.g., MDF sheets, basic hardware tools, basic stationery, electronics components, etc.) and access to tools like online simulations, educational software, and virtual tools. Experienced teachers and education professionals provided advice and guidance throughout the hackathon. Short sessions on incorporating technology in classrooms, gamification in education, and best teaching practices were shared as well as a structured template to guide the creation of lesson plans for Educators/ATL mentors.  Participants stand the opportunity to win prizes for their innovative contributions, recognizing and encouraging their efforts in STEM fields.

Launched last August, the Kalpakghar Community Tinkering Centre, a collaborative project between IISER Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park, is funded by Tata Technologies under its CSR initiative. Tata Technologies, through its CSR initiative, is committed to supporting programs that promote inclusivity and accessibility in STEM education. In line with the NEP 2020, the center aims to conduct STEM-tinkering workshops for PCMC school teachers and students

By supporting programs like the ‘STEM for All’ celebration, Tata Technologies aims to nurture young minds and contribute to the development of a scientifically literate and curious society, fostering a future of innovation and progress for India.

The post Tata Technologies and IISER Pune Launch “STEM for ALL” Initiative appeared first on NRI News.

In response to this launch, Sandiip Bhardwaj, COO & CDO of HDFC Securities, remarked, “Our younger investors, especially those aged 18 to 25, represent a dynamic and transformative segment of India’s demographic landscape. While the appeal of online tips and the promise of instant success can be enticing, they must place their trust in reliable research.”

“Navigating the complexities of the stock market requires a comprehensive understanding of market trends, effective risk management, and various strategies. These competencies are best developed through education. Relying on tips can result in misinformed decisions and potentially significant financial setbacks. We strongly encourage our youth to leverage the research recommendations available on HDFC SKY and to enhance their financial knowledge and skills through our learning module, SKY Learn,” he emphasized.

The newly launched Youth Plan, designed for customers under the age of 25, offers an exceptional opportunity for young investors. With no brokerage or account maintenance charges across various segments including equity, derivatives, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, currency, and commodities, this plan enables young investors to engage in both delivery and intraday trading without incurring extra costs during its first year. Customers can unlock all the features of the Youth Plan for a nominal fee of just Rs. 499 per year.

In addition to the core offerings, users will benefit from exclusive guidance tailored specifically for the youth, provided by our in-house experts. This guidance will include a practical, actionable journey, featuring expert research recommendations to help young and new investors successfully navigate the markets.

As part of our SKY Learn initiative aimed at expanding financial knowledge and skills, HDFC SKY has released a large amount of informative content across formats that will engage with the youth. The content covers a diverse range of topics, including ETFs, MTFs, Derivatives, Stock SIPs, IPOs, Mutual Funds, and more. Additionally, users will benefit from exclusive webinars, instructional videos, valuable learning tools, and complimentary access to expert forums, all at no additional cost. HDFC SKY is committed to providing its users with the resources they need to expand their financial knowledge and confidence.

Key Features of the HDFC SKY’s Youth Plan:

• Zero Brokerage across segments: Investors can invest through Equity, Derivatives, Currency, and Commodities without incurring brokerage charges, facilitating a cost-effective entry into the market.

• Research-Backed Financial Advisory: HDFC SKY provides an opportunity for investors to make decisions backed by research-driven insights from a dedicated team of in-house analysts specializing in both fundamental and technical evaluations for across asset classes.

• Access to Comprehensive Analytical Tools: HDFC SKY offers a suite of analytical tools, including technical charts, historical data, price alerts, and stop-loss recommendations, to guide clients on their investment journeys.

• No-Cost Access to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Investors can invest across a spectrum of ETFs including Equity, Sectoral, Bond, Debt, Gold, International, Index, Commodity, Thematic, and more without brokerage fees for the duration of their association with HDFC SKY. Furthermore, Investors could further benefit from research-backed ETF recommendations on HDFC SKY thereby driving diversification of their portfolio with higher transparency and flexibility.

• Margin Trading Facility (MTF) to attract Zero interest for the first 30 days and 1% Monthly from thereon: The MTF offered by HDFC SKY will enhance the buying power of the youth thus, increasing the potential for higher returns, greater diversification, and improved flexibility in trading and payments.

• User-Friendly Mobile App: Investors can access all HDFC SKY features through a robust and intuitive discount broking platform, enabling seamless investment management from their smartphones.

• Educational Resources: Investors will have access to an extensive array of educational content on SKY Learn, featuring webinars, tutorials, and interactive workshops that cover a range of investment topics covering derivatives, financial planning, initial public offerings (IPOs), trading and investing, personal finance, investment strategies, and more, all aimed at fostering a secured and prosperous future.

• Investment Workshops and Seminars: Regularly scheduled events will focus on market trends, investment strategies, and financial planning, keeping young investors informed and engaged.

HDFC SKY is committed to promoting financial literacy and empowering young investors to take charge of their financial futures. The Youth Plan is now available for sign-up on the HDFC SKY website and mobile app.

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