Historic Achievement for India at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 in Culinary Excellence by WGSHA, Student

Manipal, September 19, 2024 — The 47th WorldSkills Competition, held from 10 to 15 September 2024 at EUREXPO Lyon, France, witnessed the participation of 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries, all vying for recognition in their respective skills. This prestigious international skills competition aims to inspire, develop, and influence by promoting skill development among young people and showcasing the vital role of skills in driving economies forward.

India had an impressive representation, competing in 52 skills with 60 competitors. The team returned with 3 Bronze Medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence, a testament to the country’s growing investment in vocational training and skill development.

Among the stars of the competition was Harshvardhan, a BA Culinary Arts student from WGSHA, who achieved a landmark victory by securing a Medallion of Excellence in the Cooking category. Competing against participants from 43 countries, Harshvardhan’s hard work and dedication earned him this prestigious recognition — the first time India has received this honour in Cooking Skills.

Harshvardhan’s success is the culmination of three months of rigorous training, which included mastering Hot Kitchen, Cold Kitchen, Buffet Presentations, and Bakery Module in alignment with WorldSkills standards. Six weeks prior to the main event, WorldSkills released the test project covering tasks such as Hot Kitchen, Cold Kitchen, French Bistro, and a Skill Test, all of which were meticulously practiced at WGSHA’s specially arranged training kitchens. Harshvardhan was also provided with physical and mental fitness training sessions to ensure his readiness for the challenge.

A key component of his preparation was competing in the Switzerland Nationals friendly competition, which offered invaluable exposure to international competition environments and standards.

Dr. (Chef) K. Thirugnanasambantham, Principal of WGSHA, Manipal, served as Harshvardhan’s Expert Mentor throughout the competition journey. Chef K. Thiru guided Harshvardhan through the rigorous training and competition process, ensuring that Harshvardhan not only excelled technically but also developed the resilience and focus necessary for such a global stage.

Reflecting on this experience, Chef K. Thiru stated, “Harshvardhan’s success is a remarkable achievement on the global platform, and it showcases his confidence and ability to make a positive impact in the culinary world.

Team Effort and Appreciation

Chef K. Thiru expressed heartfelt appreciation to Chef Nitish, Chef Manish, Chef Daya, and Chef Nandheetha(WGSHA alumna) for their support in Harshvardhan’s journey. Their collective efforts were instrumental in preparing him for this global challenge. This monumental achievement would not have been possible without the backing of and ITC Leadership teams, who provided consistent support and encouragement throughout the process. Dr. (Chef) K. Thiru also extended his gratitude to the NSDC and THSC teams for the invaluable opportunity to represent India on the world stage.

Lt. Gen (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Harshvardhan, saying, “Harshvardhan’s achievement on the global stage is truly commendable. It is a reflection of his dedication and skill, and his success highlights the standard of excellence that WGSHA and MAHE continue to uphold. We are immensely proud of him, and I have no doubt that he will go on to make significant contributions to the culinary world.

Mr. Sanjay Bose, Executive Vice President, HR, ITC Hotels, remarked, “WGSHA has once again showcased its excellence in culinary skills. Chef K. Thiru’s expertise and passion have touched many young minds, and I am confident that Harshvardhan will bring more laurels to our country with his exceptional culinary skills.

WorldSkills is not just about winning medals; it’s about building confidence, empowering communities, and driving economic growth. Harshvardhan’s achievement is a source of inspiration for aspiring young chefs and a demonstration of India’s growing prowess in the global culinary scene.

Heartfulness Institute announce the second edition of ‘Rising With Kindness’ youth summit

Mumbai/Hyderabad, 19 September 2024: Heartfulness in collaboration with The Commonwealth has announced its second edition of its Rising with Kindness youth-centric summit to be held between 19-22 September. In a press conference held in Hyderabad today, Shri Prakash Reddy IPS, Managing Director – Telangana Tourism Development Corporation; Mr. Pullela Gopichand – Ace Badminton Coach; and Dr. Nivedita Shreyans – Director Youth Programmes, Heartfulness Institute briefed the media about the upcoming three-day summit and the intent behind Heartfulness and The Commonwealth, UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), The Govt. of Telangana; All India Council for Technical Education, Tropical Agro in hosting the mega event. This collaboration comes as a very significant move in its reach to the youth. Following the immense success in the first edition, the current edition has received registrations of over 10,000 students from across the country. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana Shri Revanth Reddy, Mr. Sushil Ram – Commonwealth Secretariat; Paula Padrino Vilela, UNCCD; H.E. Ms Jennifer Larson, Hon’ble US Consul General; Dr. Hamdan Al Shaer, Deputy Chairman of Zayed International Foundation for the Environment; Dr. R C Agarwal, DDG Education ICAR; and noted filmmaker Mr. Shekhar Kapur, actor Tania Maniktala; singer Ms. Shibani Kashyap and other noted personalities will grace the summit.

Students from various fields of study from science and technology to commerce and arts and others from various parts of the country are going to participate in the summit which is intended to help them cultivate compassion and promote peace through Heartfulness led workshops, panel discussions, keynote talks from stellar speakers and more.

Shri Prakash Reddy IPS, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation said during the press conference, “Rising with Kindness is a unique opportunity for the youth the explore their latent kindness and compassion. Kindness is a quality that can break stereotypes and humanity together and brings peace. I am very happy that Heartfulness and The Commonwealth are organising this event, and even more pleased to see the numbers of students coming together for this summit.”

Shri Pullela Gopichand – ace badminton coach said, “Every child knows kindness. It disappears as one grows owing to the society around. If only each one of us learns to be kind, can it reflect in others. Rising with Kindness hopes to raise a generation of kind souls who will transform the world.”

Dr. Nivedita Shreyans – Director, Youth Programmes Heartfulness Institute added, “Under Rev. Daaji’s vision, the aim of the summit is to help students and youth introspect within and hone their quality of compassion, treat each other with respect and set an example for rest of the world to follow.”

The summit is aligned with the Gov.t of Telangana’s various initiatives such as Yuva Vikasam schemes, Vidya Bhrosa Card, and TEJAS programme (Telangana Entrepreneur Journey for Accelerating Success) focuses on entrepreneurship to help youth in the electronics sector, defence, textiles, etc with more opportunities and entrepreneurial skills, and so on.

A summits like “Rising with Kindness for Youth” will create lasting impacts to inculcate a culture of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility among youth. Youth summits as this will sustain momentum, continually engaging youth in meaningful discussions around leadership, kindness, community service, entrepreneurship and skill building.

The press conference also made an announcement on the upcoming Green Kanha Run that will involve youth as well and the registrations for the same are ongoing.

Avaada Group Showcases Green Hydrogen Leadership at International Green Hydrogen

New Delhi, September 2024 – Avaada Group, a leading force in the energy transition, proudly participated in the prestigious International Conference for Green Hydrogen (ICGH). Held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from September 11 to 13, the summit convened global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators to discuss green hydrogen’s pivotal role in decarbonizing industries and advancing sustainable development.

 Avaada Group showcased its cutting-edge advancements in green hydrogen and its derivatives technology, underscoring the company’s growing expertise in GH2 (Green Hydrogen). The Avaada delegation, comprised of key company representatives, highlighted the company’s commitment to driving global energy transformation.

 Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, actively participated in several high-level country roundtables, engaging senior representatives from the European Union and its member states. He emphasized the critical need for global collaboration to accelerate green hydrogen adoption and its derivatives. Mr. Mittal stated, “I am optimistic that India, with its vast land resources and robust national grid, is positioned to lead the green hydrogen revolution by 2030. As we move towards a net-zero future, partnerships between nations and corporations will be essential to drive innovation, scale production, and make green hydrogen both accessible and affordable. At Avaada Group, we are at the forefront of this revolution, leveraging advanced technologies and fostering global collaboration. To succeed, we must embrace a technology-agnostic approach that prioritizes sustainability and encourages innovation across borders.”

 Mr. Deepak Agrawala, Senior Vice President of Avaada Group, contributed to discussions at ICGH during the session – Demonstrating the Viability of Green Hydrogen for Steel. Mr. Agrawala noted, “The integration of green fuels into the entire steel value chain spanning mining (iron ore, coal), maritime, steel production, and captive power generation is critical as steel as a sector contributes to nearly 7-9% of GHG emissions globally. We must harness innovative technologies, creation demand for adoption of green hydrogen, incentivize stakeholders and invest in creating a resilient ecosystem to lead to an over 95% reduction in GHG emissions. With its integrated sand-to-molecule business, Avaada Group is committed to play an important role in achieving greener energy transition.”

 The India Green Hydrogen Summit featured notable figures such as the Hon’ble Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Mr. Prahlad Joshi, and Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. The event also welcomed international dignitaries, including representatives from the European Union, South Korea, Australia Japan, and Singapore, reinforcing the global significance of advancing green hydrogen technology and solutions.
Avaada Group’s participation in ICGH further solidified its position as a leader in the green hydrogen sector, showcasing its capacity for innovation and global collaboration. The event represented a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing journey toward creating a sustainable, decarbonized future.

MSDE institutionalizes Swachhata through Special Campaign 4.0

Mumbai, 19th September, 2024
The Government of India has announced Special Campaign 4.0 from 2nd October to 31st October, 2024 with a focus on Swachhata and reducing pendency in the Government. The Special Campaign 4.0 places a greater emphasis on field/outstation offices in addition to the Ministries, Departments, and their subordinate offices under the aegis of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).

 As part of the special campaign 4.0, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is giving special attention to institutionalising Swachhata, including finalisation of campaign sites, sensitization of nodal officers, identification of pendency in identified categories, scrap disposal, and record management as per laid down procedures. MSDE has made efforts to ensure effective execution through intense engagement with the field staff and close monitoring of the campaign.

 During the progress of Special Campaign 3.0, MSDE diligently disposed 2305 public grievances and executed about 2,000 cleanliness campaigns, signifying a proactive approach to addressing public concerns. In a remarkable display of administrative efficiency, MSDE systematically progressed towards e-office and paper-less office. MSDE reviewed about 175 e-files and closed as part Record Management practices under the special campaign.

 The Special Campaign 4.0 will be organized in two phases, the preparatory phase (September 16 to September 30, 2024) and the implementation phase (October 2 to October 31, 2024).

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Represent India at WorldSkills 2024

Bangalore, 19th September 2024: In a significant stride toward furthering the “Skill India Mission” and the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today proudly announced the achievements of its employees’ performance at the WorldSkills Competition 2024, held in Lyon, France. Known as the “Olympics of Skills,” this premier global event brought together young professionals from across the world, competing in over 60 categories, ranging from engineering to creative arts.

Representing TKM, employees Harish Gowda, Mohit Umashankara, Nelson Vanidhara, Prem Kumar, Bhanuprasad S M, and Darshan Gowda C S had previously triumphed at the India Skills 2024 competition, earning the right to represent India on the global stage. Their success at both the national and international levels underscore TKM’s ongoing commitment to cultivating world-class technical talent and enhancing India’s role in global vocational skills development.

Each employee brought unique strengths to the WorldSkills Competition 2024, contributing to the team’s remarkable performance. While Prem Vasanth Kumar achieved Medallion of Excellence in Additive Manufacturing, Bhanuprasad SM and Darshan Gowda CS showcased remarkable versatility to achieve the Medallion of Excellence in Mechatronics. Medallion of Excellence is awarded to the competitors with 700 or more points. Further, the Mechatronics candidates were awarded second place for Sustainable Practice Award having successfully completed tasks that are measured against industry sustainability standard with the highest level of performance.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G. Shankara – Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are immensely proud of our employees’ performance at WorldSkills 2024. Earning the Medallion for Excellence at a global platform is not only a testament to their exceptional skills and dedication, but also sets an inspiring example for other employees to strive for excellence in their respective fields. We are truly grateful to the trainers, faculty members, Government of Karnataka, Government of India and all stakeholders who have contributed to this success and made us proud. The journey of these employees is a reflection of what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity, reaffirming our belief in transforming rural youth into world class competitive technicians.

This success also underscores our alignment with national goals like ‘Skill India’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ as we continue our mission to contribute to society by fostering a skilled workforce. Toyota’s commitment to creating opportunities and delivering a positive impact in the communities where we live and work remains at the core of everything we do, and we look forward to continuing this journey towards shared prosperity and development.”

The contestants were trained at the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI). Since its inception in 2007, TTTI has been committed to providing advanced technical education and fostering overall development among rural youth. The planned increase in intake reinforces TKM’s commitment to empowering economically challenged youths, creating world-class technicians, enhancing societal development, and employment. One of the recent initiatives to promote admission of female students, ‘Toyota Kaushalya,’ has been well-received by students. It offers a unique opportunity for youth to acquire skills relevant to the manufacturing industry, combining theoretical learning with on-the-job training (OJT) enhancing their employability. Furthermore, many of our employees after been trained at TTTI and TKM get the opportunity to be trained in Japan to gain hands on experience in global environment. Based on Toyota’s model of skill development, TKM has been developing 65 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Government Tool Room Training Centers across Karnataka.

International Conference on Semiconductor Technologies – Materials to Chips, commences at Amity

Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida campus, in association with Society of Semiconductor Devices (SSD) & Semiconductor Society (India), organized a three-day International Conference on the theme, “Semiconductor Technologies – Materials to Chips” from 18th -20th September 2024. The aim of this conference is to deliberate upon how India is taking lead in the manufacturing of semiconductor materials to chip and identify the role of research from academia and R&D institutions in this mission.

Addressing the gathering during the Inaugural Session, Chief Guest, Dr. S. K. Marwaha, Chief Technology Officer, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), MeitY, Govt. of India, averred, “India is one of the fastest growing economies and the third largest start up ecosystem in the world. It is also the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and has made significant progress in recent years. Our country aims to become a $300bn electronic manufacturing hub by 2026. The National Policy on Electronics 2019 envisions to position India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and manufacturing and the Government of India attaches high priority to electronics hardware manufacturing, since it is an important pillar of “Make in India” and “Digital India” programmes. India’s semiconductor ecosystem is growing, with the government and industry working together to build a strong domestic market and attract global companies. India has 20% of the world’s semiconductor design workforce and Sanand, Noida, Greater Noida, Bengaluru are becoming the major semicon hubs with the establishment of several new facilities.”

Sharing his views on the occasion, Prof. Vikram Kumar, Chairman, Society of Semiconductor Devices, stated, “In the last few years, the government has laid a lot of emphasis on semiconductors and India is going to emerge as a big semiconductor hub in the next few years. Semiconductors are the new drivers for attaining geo-political balance and the semicon idustry is grwing by leaps and bounds. Therefore, academic institutions must be at par with the industry and prepare skilled workforce who can work in the semicon industry and lead the mission of making India a semicon hub.”

Emphasizing upon the role of Semiconductors in the development of India, Dr. Monish Hooda, Director, Indian Semiconductor Mission, MeitY, Govt. of India, opined, “With India’s electronics sector now valued at over $150 billion, the Prime Minister has outlined a larger goal to grow the country’s electronics sector to $500 billion and create 6 million jobs by the end of this decade. The need of the hour is to create an ecosystem which can propel the growth of semicon industry and intensive R&D along with skill development will be required to create our own Semicon Intellectual Property (SIP).”

Prof. Yasuhiro Fukuma, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan, opined, “Japan’s semiconductor ecosystem is undergoing a revival with the government’s increased investment and the founding of new companies. Japan is also looking forward to collaborating with different countries for R&D in the semicon industry and such conferences allow for the exchange of information and ideas which can foster the growth of the industry globally.”

Sharing Amity’s vision, for semiconductor mission, Dr. Ashok. K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group, stated, “India’s semiconductor mission aims to build a vibrant semiconductor and display ecosystem to enable India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. Amity is committed to contribute to this mission and make India the largest manufacturer of semiconductors in the world.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor, Amity Universities, said, “Semiconductors have played an important role in the development of many countries such as Singapore and Amity will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it becomes the number one private institution in this area and contribute to making India a developed nation.”

Highlighting the significance of the Conference, Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said, “To become self-reliant in the area of Semiconductor Technologies, India is focusing on the making of semiconductor materials, devices, entering into chip manufacturing with more emphasis on skill development. This conference will provide an opportunity to discuss various research activities and latest developments in semiconductor technologies.”

Adani Foundation at ACC Kymore spearheads sustainable agriculture practices with mechanisation

Madhya Pradesh, 19 September 2024: ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is spearheading sustainable agricultural practices by facilitating mechanisation of farming activities. Along with the Adani Foundation, the Company has established a Custom Hiring Centre in Jamuwani Kalan, near ACC Kymore. This initiative showcases how collective farming efforts can transform agriculture into a profitable venture.

Jamuwani Kalan in Katni district is home to 450 families, which primarily depend on agriculture for their livelihood. However, challenges such as stubble burning and high input costs for land preparation have made farming difficult, especially for small and marginal farmers. In February 2024, the Adani Foundation established a Custom Hiring Centre in the village.

Managed by a five-member committee from Jay Shri Ram Kisan Samuh committee, the Centre was initially supported with a capital investment of Rs. 2.5 lakh from the Foundation. This amount was matched by the farmers’ group, mobilised through the Foundation’s efforts to secure registration in the Agriculture Department’s Subsidy portal.

The Centre offers rental services of farming machinery, including Super Seeder, Straw Reaper, two tractors, customised trolleys, and cultivators. The total capital cost of the Custom Hiring Centre is Rs. 24.63 lakh, with Rs. 1.10 lakh received as government subsidy for the Straw Reaper as well as Rs. 2.5 lakh from the Adani Foundation. During the last Rabi crop harvesting season, the Centre served 55 farmers and generated Rs. 1.18 lakhs in revenue from the Straw Reaper alone.

This initiative has saved approximately 100 tonnes of dry straw as cattle feed for the lean season and preserved soil microbes by preventing stubble burning, thus enhancing soil health. In addition, with the support of the Adani Foundation, the Centre promotes the use of Super Seeder for zero-tillage seed sowing, reducing input costs by 35-45% without affecting crop yield. This year, the Centre aims to extend its services to four neighbouring villages, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

ACC and the Adani Foundation are committed to community welfare and sustainable livelihooods, through promotion of modern farming techniques.

Phi Commerce Achieves ISO 27001 certification, strengthening commitment to Data Security

MUMBAI September 19, 2024: Phi Commerce, a leading provider of enterprise payment solutions, has achieved ISO 27001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for information security management. The certification reinforces the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of data security, confidentiality and integrity.

The ISO 27001 certification is awarded to organisations that meet rigorous standards in establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This accomplishment underscores Phi Commerce’s proactive efforts to safeguard sensitive information and protect customer data from potential threats.

“Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data security across our global operations. This certification reinforces our dedication to providing secure and reliable services, building trust, and fostering confidence among our domestic and international customers and partners.” said Jose Thattil, CEO of Phi Commerce.

The certification process involved an in-depth audit conducted by an independent third-party auditor, who evaluated Phi Commerce’s security policies, procedures, and controls to ensure they align with ISO 27001 standards.

Indian private credit company Oxane Partners has won multiple portfolio management technology awards in the US

New Delhi, Sep 19, 2024: Oxane Partners, a leading technology-driven solutions provider to private markets, shares that its Oxane Panorama solution has been recognized with three U.S. awards – ‘Best Portfolio Management System of the Year’ at the PE Wire U.S. Credit Awards, and ‘Best Portfolio Management Software’ as well as the ‘Best Data Management Solution’ at the HFM U.S. Services Awards. The awards were presented in New York on September 12th, recognizing leading players in the alternative credit space.

As the size of the private asset market grows, investment firms are increasingly prioritizing strategic technology initiatives to unlock value and scale. Over the past decade, the market has grown by 10-fold and continues to expand, necessitating demand for solution partners who can effectively address the needs of investment firms in portfolio management, while enabling scale in a growing market.

For over a decade, Oxane has been addressing these needs with its flagship solution, Oxane Panorama suite of solutions. Built ground up for private credit, Oxane Panorama offers holistic coverage across asset-based lending, corporate credit, real assets, whole loan portfolios, securitized products, fund finance, and other illiquid assets, all within one unified ecosystem. By integrating a technology-first approach with deep domain expertise, Oxane continues to align with its mission of digitalizing and transforming private credit investments for its clients globally. As a reflection of Oxane’s commitment to client success, Oxane has been recognized with more than 25 accolades globally across its suite of solutions and services.

“As private credit grows in both size and importance, leveraging technology-driven solutions to analyze and manage investments is becoming imperative. Investment firms are looking for solution partners who share a common data language across investment processes. For over a decade now, our focus on private credit, combined with complementary technology, and domain expertise, has enabled our clients to achieve scale and control over their investment operations,” said Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder, and Managing Director of Oxane.

“We are pleased to be recognized with multiple award wins in a single night. These recognitions highlight our growing impact in the US market and the trust our clients place in us as we continue to deliver right-fit solutions for their private credit investments,” said Mr. Kanav Kalia, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Oxane Partners.

“As we mark a decade of innovation, we will continue to address market needs, expand the capabilities of Oxane Panorama’s suite, and bridge the technological gap within the global private credit ecosystem,” he added.