MUMBAI: Amidst the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 announced as the theme for this year, the Bank of India marked the 78th Independence Day with customary enthusiasm, grandeur, and joy in the forecourt of the Bank, at Head Office on 15th August 2024. Independence Day celebrations started with the hoisting of the National Flag by Shri M Karthikeyan, Executive Director of the Bank. Shri P. R. Rajagopal, Shri Subrat Kumar, Shri Rajiv Mishra, and all the Chief General Managers, General Managers, and staff from Head Office along with their family members were present on the occasion.
In his address, Shri M Karthikeyan, Executive Director of the Bank, honored the freedom fighters, noting that their bravery and foresight continue to motivate us to aim high and strive for a prosperous future for our cherished nation. He briefed about the campaign “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. He applauded the wholehearted participation of the staff all across the country in Zones/ Branches/ Offices in their endeavor in nation-building. As part of the celebrations, the children of the staff and the security personnel were felicitated for their dedicated service. In his concluding remarks, Shri Karthikeyan urged all staff members to work together, as the Bank of India family, and to pledge to contribute wholeheartedly to the growth and prosperity of our great Nation.
Shri Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda hoists the Indian Flag at the Bank’s Independence Day celebrations at the Corporate Office in Mumbai.
Organises Partition Horrors Remembrance Day exhibitions at 75 lead districts across the country
Participates in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign
Takes a Pledge against drugs as a part of the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” campaign
MUMBAI: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, observed India’s 78th Independence Day with a series of initiatives. The Bank’s Managing Director & CEO, Shri Debadatta Chand, Executive Directors, CVO, and senior executives participated in the flag hoisting program at its Corporate Office in Mumbai.
The Bank and its employees also enthusiastically supported the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. This initiative invites citizens to proudly hoist the Tiranga at their homes and offices and post the pictures on the Har Ghar Tiranga portal, fostering a deep sense of patriotism.
Further, the Bank of Baroda observed “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” by hosting exhibitions at the corporate office and at 75 lead districts across India. “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” is aimed at shedding light on the suffering and pain endured by millions during the partition. The exhibition narrates the story of India’s Partition and is meant to commemorate the victims & the sacrifices made by them and ignite the spirit of unity and oneness amongst all Indians.
The Bank invited prominent local dignitaries to inaugurate the exhibitions. In Mumbai, Brigadier S.D. Salokhe, a 1971 War Veteran, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, of Bank of Baroda said, “As we celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day, it is important that we also honor the memory of the people who suffered and commit ourselves to a future where every individual is respected. By doing so, we not only commemorate the past but also contribute to a more compassionate and united society.” He also urged for the active participation of staff in the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign.”
“Bank of Baroda has been a steadfast partner in supporting the growth aspirations of the Indian economy and we are committed to playing a pivotal role in the nation’s economic & social progress,” Shri Chand added.
In the run-up to Independence Day, Barodians across the country also took a pledge against drugs as a part of the mass awareness campaign “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” with the theme “Viksit Bharat Ka Mantra, Bharat Ho Nasha Se Swatantra”.
India, August 17, 2024: Verizon India, a leading IT and Technology Global Capability Centre (GCC) in partnership with BHUMI, an Indian NGO has successfully established 77 STEM Labs and Smart classrooms across Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka with its School Transformation Program. This corporate social responsibility focused program aims to drive qualitative empowerment of school students which benefit over 40,000 students across select cities in Southern India.
The School Transformation Program is designed to equip students studying in Classes 6-12 in government schools with a robust STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education platform. A total of 77 government schools across Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka were furnished with STEM labs focused on diverse subjects including Mathematics, Robotics and powered by interactive smart boards, digital infrastructure like PCs as well as robust lab furniture. The STEM Labs and Digital infrastructure were established after thorough student baseline assessments, teacher awareness tests and feasibility studies to ensure the right infrastructure for each specific location and school.
Through the partnership with BHUMI, STEM sessions were also designed and conducted for students studying in Classes 6–9 providing them with dedicated hands-on experience to explore various facets of science. Necessary digital infrastructure was also set up to bridge the digital literacy gap in identified schools. To demonstrate their learnings from the sessions, STEM fests are conducted periodically in the schools. BHUMI also implements capacity-building sessions twice every quarter for teachers and once every quarter for trainers to equip them with the right tools and updated resources to facilitate seamless learning to the students.
“Verizon India understands its role in enabling and equipping young minds across various socio-economic backgrounds to solve complex challenges through technology. Reports from industry bodies suggest that GCCs like Verizon are becoming one of the most preferred employment avenues for the top STEM graduates in India. I am thus proud to note that we have successfully impacted the lives of 40,000+ students across India. By imparting digital learnings and high-quality training for both the trainers as well as young minds through the School Transformation Program we have successfully aided in enhancing the digital literacy quotient as well as created a strong talent pipeline for the nation. We are committed to bridging the digital divide and contributing to a more advanced and inclusive nation” said, Mr. Prasad V. Annadanam- Senior Director, Finance for Verizon India.
Ms. Vaishnavi Srinivasan- Executive Director, BHUMI, said, “Our collaboration with Verizon India has been instrumental in bringing quality STEM education to students. By providing essential resources and training, we are not only enhancing their academic experience but also preparing them for a future where digital literacy is crucial. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative that truly makes a difference in the lives of these young learners.”
Barriers like outdated teaching methods, lack of digital and computing infrastructure as well as lack of training for the trainers impede the balanced growth of the young learners. Through the School Transformation Program, VERIZON and BHUMI encouraged diverse stakeholders to participate in comprehensive online and offline discussions on the effective implementation of pedagogical techniques, helping inculcate a child-centric educational approach. Students also received training in digital literacy and interpersonal skills to maximise the benefits of the digital infrastructure provided. India’s National Education Policy from 2020 indicates that focusing on quality STEM education is the key to embracing critical thinking. Igniting the passion for learning and experimenting in STEM sciences is critical to ensuring that India and its citizens transition to a knowledge based economy.
ISRO places Earth Observation Satellite into orbit. Photo Courtesy: Screengrab from video shared by Indian Minister Jitendra Singh on X
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday scripted one more success story when it launched Earth Observation Satellite EOS-8 and a passenger satellite using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) from the Spaceport of Sriharikota on Friday morning.
“The third developmental flight of SSLV is successful. The SSLV-D3 placed EOS-08 precisely into the orbit,” ISRO posted on X.
“This marks the successful completion of ISRO/DOS’s SSLV Development Project,” the Indian space body said.
What are the primary objectives of the mission?
The primary objectives of the EOS-08 mission include designing and developing a microsatellite, creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites.
Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, EOS-08 carries three payloads: Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and SiC UV Dosimeter.
The EOIR payload is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night, for applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power plant disaster monitoring.
The GNSS-R payload demonstrates the capability of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for applications such as ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection.
Meanwhile, the SiC UV Dosimeter monitors UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission and serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.
The spacecraft mission configuration is set to operate in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°, and has a mission life of 1 year.
The satellite has a mass of approximately 175.5 kg and generates power of around 420 W. It interfaces with the SSLV-D3/IBL-358 launch vehicle.
ISRO sais EOS-08 marks a significant advancement in satellite mainframe systems such as an Integrated Avionics system, known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package, which combines multiple functions into a single, efficient unit.
This system is designed with cold redundant systems using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and evaluation boards, supporting up to 400 Gb of data storage.
Additionally, the satellite includes a structural panel embedded with PCB, an embedded battery, a Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna), an M-PAA (Phased Array Antenna), and a flexible solar panel, each serving as key components for onboard technology demonstration.
Independence Day 2024 celebrations at Red Fort, Delhi, in India on August 15. Photo courtesy: X/@narendramodi
Leaders from across the world, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin, greeted India’s leadership and the people of the country as it celebrated its 78th Independence Day on August 15.
Most of the leaders from the South Asian neighbouring countries invoked enduring friendship rooted in history and strengthening of bilateral relations. Presidents and prime ministers from other regions spoke about strategic ties and regional ethos.
French President Macron, in his message on X, said he remembered the warm welcome during his visit to India in January and that he was looking forward to “working with my friend @NarendraModi on achieving the ambitious goals we have set for our strategic partnership.”
President of France Emmanuel Macron warmly recalls his India visit in his August 15 greeting. Photo courtesy: X/@EmmanuelMacron
Russian President Putin sent a message of greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India’s Independence Day.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin refers to the privileged strategic partnership his country has with India, as he sends August 15 greetings. Photo courtesy: X/@mfa_russia
“We attach great importance to the relations of a particularly privileged strategic partnership with India. I am confident that the consistent implementation of the agreements reached following our recent talks in Moscow will contribute to the further development of multifaceted Russian-Indian cooperation,” Putin said in a statement.
According to the Russian president, this undoubtedly meets the interests of the friendly peoples of the two countries and is in line with the consolidation of security and international stability.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X: “India enjoys well-deserved authority in the world arena, playing a major constructive role in international affairs. We cordially congratulate our Indian friends on Independence Day!”
Posting a picture of herself and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said on X: “On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, I would like to express my heartfelt wishes to the people of India, and especially to the many Indians who follow this page. Italy and India share an ever-stronger bond, and I am confident that together we will achieve great things. Our strategic partnership is an important pillar for the future.”
In occasione del 78° Giorno dell’Indipendenza, desidero esprimere i miei più sinceri auguri al popolo indiano, e in particolare ai molti indiani che seguono questa pagina. Italia e India condividono un legame sempre più forte, e sono certa che insieme raggiungeremo grandi… pic.twitter.com/DG8Ujo03Co
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that his country stood with India in its celebrations and valued its “diversity and unity”.
“As India marks its 78th Independence Day today, I extend heartfelt wishes to my dear friend @DrSJaishankar and the people of India,” Katz wrote on X. “Israel stands with you in celebrating this special occasion, valuing the strength, diversity, and unity of this great nation,” the Israeli Foreign Minister emphasised, writing the same message in Hindi as well.
David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth, congratulated “the people of India and Indians around the world on the 77th anniversary of independence” and said on X: “In Delhi, I saw the strength of the UK-India living bridge. Together we will boost investment, create jobs and address future challenges together in the years ahead.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, said that India’s celebration of its 78th Independence Day was a “testament to the nation’s incredible developmental journey”.
Today, India proudly marks its 78th Independence Day, a testament to the nation’s incredible developmental journey. As we celebrate this significant milestone, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my friend @narendramodi , Prime Minister of India, and to the Indian people.…
“As we celebrate this significant milestone, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my friend @narendramodi, Prime Minister of India, and the Indian people,” he said.
“The UAE remains dedicated to reinforcing our friendship, advancing our bilateral cooperation, and fostering strong bonds across all facets of our enduring partnership. Wishing our Indian friends a joyous Independence Day,” he added in his message on X.
Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli took to X to write: “Warm congratulations to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and the people of India on 78th Independence Day! May this day strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our nations. Looking forward to advancing Nepal-India relations.”
Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, Nepal Minister of Foreign Affairs, also took to X to say, “On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of India, I wish to extend warm greetings and felicitations to His Excellency @DrSJaishankar and the friendly people of India.”
“May the ties of friendship and cooperation between Nepal and India continue to strengthen. Wishing peace, prosperity, and progress to the people of India,” she said with the hashtag #NepalIndiaRelations.
Tagging @narendramodi and @PMOIndia handles, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said on X: “Wishing the government and people of India a very happy Independence Day! May the special friendship between Bhutan and India grow ever stronger.”
Fresh from last week’s visit by Jaishankar to his country to reset India’s bilateral ties with the Maldives, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on X: “On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, I extend heartfelt congratulations to President @rashtrapatibhvn, Prime Minister @narendramodi, and the people of India.”
“Our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the region. As we look to the future, I am confident that our partnership will continue to strengthen, driving mutual prosperity and shared goals,” he added.
On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, I extend heartfelt congratulations to President @rashtrapatibhvn, Prime Minister @narendramodi, and the people of 🇮🇳. Our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the… pic.twitter.com/HCtYMG0VLa
Muizzu’s cabinet colleague and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer extended warm greetings and best wishes to Jaishankar, the Government of India, and the friendly people of India on the jubilant occasion of Independence Day.
“Wishing for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the people of India and a stronger and vibrant bilateral partnership between #Maldives and #India,” he said in a post on X.
M.U.M. Ali Sabry, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, sent “warm wishes” to Jaishankar, and the government and people of India and said, “I am confident that the excellent bilateral ties between our nations will continue to strengthen in the years to come.”
Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Mauritius Prime Minister, in his greetings posted on X sent “warmest congratulations” to Modi and the people of India and wished “Long live the vibrant and ever flourishing Mauritius-Bharat relationship”.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the public at Red Fort, Delhi, on August 15. Photo courtesy: X/@narendramodi
Mauritius Minister for Foreign Affairs Maneesh Gobin said: “On this day we honour the enduring ties that unite our nations. Together, we grow stronger.” He also used Hindi slogans of ‘Jai Bharat’ and ‘Jai Mauritius’ signifying victory while posting the greetings on X.
Red Fort, from where the traditional Independence Day speech is delivered by the ruling Prime Minister of India. Photo courtesy: X/@narendramodi
Predicting a bright future for US-India strategic relations, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the two countries shared a deep bond, which was founded on their shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity.
Congratulating the people of India ahead of the country’s Independence Day, Blinken said in a statement: “On this momentous day, we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of US-Indian relations.”
Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said that he looked forward “to building on our close and longstanding relations with the 60th anniversary of Singapore-India ties next year”.
Congratulations to my dear friend @DrSJaishankar on India’s 78th Independence Day! Looking forward to build on our close and longstanding relations with the 60th anniversary of Singapore-India ties next year. 🇸🇬🤝🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/lka5tOIxT2
Bagher Kani, acting Foreign Minister of Iran; Senator Penny Wong, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, and several other leaders wished Modi, Jaishankar and/or the government and people of India.
Maldives’ former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, head of the main opposition Maldives Democratic Party and former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, too, sent over their greetings.
“As India moves toward its goal of #ViksitBharat, we remain grateful for all the support India has extended to the Maldives and the security and wellbeing of the Indian Ocean region. May the ties of friendship that have existed between the peoples of India and Maldives since ancient times long endure,” said the Maldives opposition’s greeting.
A sign at Red Fort displays the target date of 2047, the centenary of Independence, to achieve the status of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), on August 15. Photo courtesy: X/@narendramodi
Apart from the personal messages from the leaders, the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs of several countries wished India from their official X handles. These included Egypt, Ukraine, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Cyprus, Estonia, Oman, Romania, Iceland, and Latvia.
redBus launches ‘Route to 47’ campaign, connecting youth with India’s freedom struggleredBus launches ‘Route to 47’ campaign, connecting youth with India’s freedom struggle
redBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform, is set to introduce the “Route to 47: Roads of India’s Revolutions” campaign as India commemorates its 77th year of independence.
Several Indians today are not closely connected with their history and the pivotal role that local heroes and landmarks played in shaping the cities, towns, and streets they live on.
The novel initiative aims to honour and illuminate the significant routes that played crucial roles in India’s journey toward independence.
For instance, in 1931, over 4,000 farmers in 100 bullock carts marched from Madduru to Bangalore (now Bengaluru), to protest agricultural taxes.
Bal Gandhar Tilak was taken by road from Pune to Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1908, following his arrest, and then subsequently deported to Mandalay (now Burma), where he was imprisoned.
The 1857 Mutiny began when sepoys or soldiers stationed at Meerut marched by road to Delhi, sparking what is now called the First War of Indian Independence.
World’s largest online bus ticketing platformIANS
In a move to integrate technology with history, redBus has also developed an augmented reality (AR) filter on Instagram.
This innovative feature allows users to scan any road surface in India and engage with an immersive journey that narrates the stories of major routes and their roles in the nation’s freedom struggle.
redBus has also leveraged Google’s My Maps, where it has showcased 47 historically significant routes across India that contributed to the journey of the nation’s independence. This map offers an engaging, informative experience through short animated videos and info cards.
To access the features users can open the Instagram filter and scan any road surface in India.
A map of India will appear, highlighting 47 major routes. Users can click on any route and embark on an immersive journey that narrates the stories of key routes and their roles in the nation’s freedom struggle.
Users can also use Google’s My Maps to view 47 historic routes, where they can click on each major route to view animations and delve deeper into the historical significance of these paths.
To honour and mark the occasion, redBus is also running an Independence Day contest on its Instagram handle. Users who are connected with India’s history stand a chance to win up to Rs. 5000.
“Roads are a pathway to our past and witness to the most iconic moments in our history and our ‘Route to 47: Roads of India’s Revolution’ campaign is a celebration of these roads and the huge role they have played in our struggle for Independence,” said Pallavi Chopra, CMO of redBus.
This campaign is an immersive journey designed to engage and inspire everyone, especially the youth. redBus is leveraging cutting-edge AR technology to bring these stories to life in a way that’s accessible and engaging for everyone.
Vadodara, 13th August 2024: Nirav Singh, a Grade 7 student from Billabong High International School (BHIS) Vadodara, has crafted the largest Rubik’s cube mosaic of Shahrukh Khan, using 500 Rubik’s cubes. This extraordinary accomplishment earned him recognition from the India Book of Records 2024 (IBR), where he was awarded a certificate.
Nirav Singh possesses exceptional skill in mosaic art using Rubik’s cubes. His portfolio includes mosaics of Hindu deities, celebrities like Virat Kohli, and revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh. His extraordinary talent in creating art with rubik’s cubes has been apparent since his early school years.
Last year, Nirav participated in the Under-11 category of the Rubik’s Cube competition organized by the Junior Cube Association in Mumbai Therein he ranked first in the 2×2 cube competition and ranked 2nd in the 3×3 cube & skewb cube competition.
Delighted after getting the IBR certificate, Nirav said, “Creating mosaic art with Rubik’s cubes is my passion. It allows me to combine my love for puzzles with my creativity. My school has consistently encouraged my pursuit of this hobby. I am eager to push my limits in mosaic art and represent my country on the global stage”.
Dr. Priti Shrimal, principal of Billabong High International School, Vadodara said, “Nirav’s talent in mosaic art is truly noteworthy. His achievements in Rubik’s Cube competitions and his recent record-breaking mosaic art reflect his dedication, hard work, and creativity. At Billabong, we believe that every child has unique potential, which, when nurtured with the right guidance and support, can lead to remarkable achievements. Nirav exemplifies this philosophy and approach.”
5G mobile subscriptions in India to reach 130 mn in 2023IANS
India’s 5G smartphone market share increased to 77 per cent in the second quarter (Q2) — up from 49 per cent in the same quarter last year — while the average selling price declined by 22 per cent to $293 (about Rs 24,000), a report said on Tuesday. Nearly 27 million 5G smartphones were shipped in the April-June quarter.
The Indian smartphone market shipped 69 million smartphones in the first half of 2024, with 7.2 per cent growth YoY (year-over-year), according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). In Q2, the market shipped 35 million smartphones, with growth of 3.2 per cent YoY.
The report said that although it is the fourth consecutive quarter of YoY shipment growth, muted consumer demand and rising average selling prices (ASPs) continue to restrict swift annual recovery.
“Apart from old inventory clearance in the first half of the quarter, vendors also started to launch new smartphones, especially in the mid-premium/premium segment (mostly China-based vendors) from mid-quarter onwards, for monsoon sales in July and August,” said Upasana Joshi, Senior Research Manager, Devices Research, IDC India.
Key models were the iPhone 13, Galaxy S23FE, iPhone 12 and OnePlus12IANS
The entry-level (sub-$100) segment witnessed a strong decline of 36 per cent YoY to 14 per cent share, down from 22 per cent a year ago. Xiaomi continued to lead this space, followed by Poco and realme.
Shipments to the mass budget (above $100 and below $200) segment grew by 8 per cent YoY. The top 3 brands were Xiaomi, realme and vivo, making up 60 per cent of this segment.
According to the report, the premium segment held 2 per cent share and declined by 37 per cent in unit terms. Key models were the iPhone 13, Galaxy S23FE, iPhone 12 and OnePlus12. Apple’s share increased YoY to 61 per cent, while Samsung’s share increased to 24 per cent, from 21 per cent a year ago.
In Q2, shipments to online channels grew by 8 per cent YoY, and its share increased to 50 per cent in Q2 compared to 47 per cent in Q2 2023.
(With inputs from IANS)
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13th, August 2024: Eternia, India’s pioneering brand offering WiWA-certified aluminium doors and windows made from Duranium—a patented aluminium alloy developed by Hindalco—has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Furniture and Fittings Skill Council (FFSC) to establish India’s first Fenestration Centre of Excellence in Pune. This initiative, named Eternia Academy, marks a significant step in addressing the critical shortage of skilled professionals in the rapidly evolving fenestration industry.
The fenestration industry, which includes the design, manufacturing, and installation of doors, windows, and facades, is experiencing a surge in demand for skilled workers. However, a gap remains between the industry’s needs and the available talent. Eternia, recognizing this challenge, has taken the lead by creating an educational platform that equips individuals with the latest techniques and technologies essential for the industry.
The first batch of Eternia Academy, comprising 13 students, will graduate in August 2024. These students have undergone rigorous training in window manufacturing and installation, positioning them at the forefront of a new generation of skilled fenestration professionals.
Chandan Agarwal, CEO of Eternia, commented:
“There is a growing demand for quality fenestration products and services in India. As pioneers in the industry, we at Eternia recognize our responsibility to nurture talent and drive innovation. By partnering with FFSC, we are addressing the skill gap head-on and laying the foundation for a robust fenestration ecosystem in India through Eternia Academy. We are proud to be the first brand in the segment to initiate such a program, and we look forward to training more professionals who will meet the industry’s evolving demands.”
The Furniture and Fittings Skill Council (FFSC) is a not-for-profit organization promoted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with financial support from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. FFSC is dedicated to building a robust skills ecosystem across the country by offering academic, vocational, and experience-based learning to formalize the existing workforce and nurture new talent.
India’s Export-Import Bank expects the country’s goods exports to rise by 4.2 per cent to $111.7 billion in the July-Sept quarter of the current financial year on the back of strong manufacturing growth and higher demand in foreign markets.
The report sees non-oil exports clocking a 6.26 per cent growth at $ 89.8 billion during the quarter compared to the same period last year. The projections are based on the EXI
Apart from the strong growth in the manufacturing and services sectors of the economy, the report expects global monetary easing and improving demand prospects from India’s trading partners to bolster export performance.
The merchandise and non-oil exports have shown positive growth for three quarters in a row and the trend is expected to continue into Q2 of 2024-25, according to the report.
However, at the same time, the report states that there is a downside risk from the geopolitical tensions spreading from the West Asia crisis and economic uncertainty in the advanced economies.
IANS
The report comes in the backdrop of a positive assessment of the external sector by the RBI. The apex bank’s Governor Shaktikanta Das had said on Thursday: “India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a historical high of US$ 675 billion as of August 2, 2024, as overall, India’s external sector remains resilient with key indicators continuing to improve.”
According to RBI data, India’s current account deficit (CAD) moderated to 0.7 per cent of GDP in 2023-24 from 2.0 per cent of GDP in 2022-23 due to a lower trade deficit and robust services and remittances receipts.
The RBI chief further stated that buoyancy in services exports and strong remittance receipts are expected to keep CAD within a sustainable level in Q1:2024-25.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have also picked up in 2024-25 as gross FDI rose by more than 20 per cent during April-May 2024, while net FDI flows doubled during this period compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
Figures compiled by the RBI show that FDI flows rose sharply to US$ 15.2 billion in April-May 2024- 25 from US$ 12.3 billion during the same period a year ago. Net FDI flows increased twofold to US$ 7.1 billion in April-May 2024-25 from US$ 3.4 billion a year ago due to lower repatriation.
Vadodara, 13th August 2024: Nirav Singh, a Grade 7 student from Billabong High International School (BHIS) Vadodara, has crafted the largest Rubik’s cube mosaic of Shahrukh Khan, using 500 Rubik’s cubes. This extraordinary accomplishment earned him recognition from the India Book of Records 2024 (IBR), where he was awarded a certificate.
13th, August 2024: Eternia, India’s pioneering brand offering WiWA-certified aluminium doors and windows made from Duranium—a patented aluminium alloy developed by Hindalco—has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Furniture and Fittings Skill Council (FFSC) to establish India’s first Fenestration Centre of Excellence in Pune. This initiative, named Eternia Academy, marks a significant step in addressing the critical shortage of skilled professionals in the rapidly evolving fenestration industry.
