Gillco Group Recognized as a Great Place to Work for Fostering Employee Well-Being
Mohali, Punjab – 4th December 2024 Gillco Group, a leading real estate developer, proudly announces its recent certification as a Great Place to Work .This prestigious recognition reflects Gillco’s unwavering commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and empowering work culture.
The Great Place to Work certification is a globally recognized benchmark in workplace culture and employee satisfaction. It celebrates organizations that prioritize employee well-being, trust, and professional growth. Achieving this certification demonstrates Gillco’s success in creating a work environment where people thrive and feel valued.
Speaking on this achievement, Tejpreet Singh Gill, Managing Director of Gillco Group, remarked:
“At Gillco Group, we have built a strong reputation over two decades by delivering commitment, building communities, and creating a positive impact on the lives of people. Thanks to our hardworking people, no wonder today we could build a stronger bond within the organization where every individual feels appreciated, valued, and respected.”
While the certification is a significant milestone, it was never the goal. Gillco’s vision has always been to create a workplace that naturally fosters collaboration, trust, and a sense of belonging. The certificate merely formalizes what employees have always known—Gillco is a great place to work.
This recognition underscores the company’s deep-rooted values and its people-centric approach. Gillco believes that its greatest asset is its employees. Their dedication and professionalism form the backbone of the company, enabling it to deliver excellence in the real estate sector. Gillco Group is poised for significant growth in the coming years as it continues to expand its footprint. The company plans to launch four new projects, which include Luxury Housing Developments and Industrial Estate. These projects are part of Gillco’s broader strategy to explore new territories and diversify its portfolio, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the real estate market.
Gillco’s efforts to nurture an empowering work environment have resulted in a cohesive team of professionals who are passionate about their work. The certification is a testament to this collective strength.Gillco remains committed to maintaining its status as an employer of choice and will continue to invest in initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction and organizational growth.
Oil Markets Stagnate: OPEC+ Extension Looms While Global Demand Remains Tepid
4th December 2024 Oil prices saw some volatility as they trade sideways as market participants awaited the outcome of an OPEC+ meeting later this week. Traders could adopt a “wait-and-see” approach ahead of the meeting, where OPEC+ is expected to extend its current output cuts until the end of the first quarter of 2025. However, concerns over a potential surplus in supply have placed downward pressure on oil prices. While the extension of production cuts may offer some short-term support, the broader market price action suggests a bearish outlook for global crude prices in the near to medium term, as the prospect of oversupply continues to limit any significant upside.
The outlook for oil consumption remains subdued, with China’s demand expected to peak, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance. Saudi Arabia is also anticipated to reduce crude prices for Asian buyers, further dampening market sentiment. Meanwhile, the possibility of the U.S. Federal Reserve holding off on further rate cuts in December could weigh on oil prices. However, geopolitical tensions could add to the uncertainty surrounding global crude markets.
NSE-Led ‘Bharat Kaa Share Bazaar’ Pavilion Honored with Gold Medal at IITF 2024
Chandigarh 4th December 2024: NSE under the aegis of SEBI in collaboration with other MIIs, NISM and AMFI had set up a pavilion at 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 14th to 27th November 2024.
The pavilion offered a wide range of interactive and informative activities over the 14 days that aimed at reaching out to investors, enhancing their financial literacy levels, creating awareness about the securities market and fostering a culture of informed investing amongst individuals. Activities included investor awareness workshops/seminars, talk shows by experts, skits, muppet shows, cautioning investors about illegal fund mobilization schemes, online scams, grievance redressal helpdesk, etc.
The activities within the pavilion were judged and we are pleased to announce that the pavilion was awarded the “Gold Medal” under the category “Public Communication and Outreach” by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
This achievement highlights the dedication and commitment to empower investors in the securities market and improve their financial wellbeing.
Milestone Achieved: Tata Power Renewables Launches 431 MW DC Solar Facility in Madhya Pradesh
Chandigarh, 4th December, 2024 – Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a prominent player in India’s renewable energy sector and a subsidiary of Tata Power, has successfully commissioned the 431 MW DC solar project at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh. Perceived to be one of India’s most cost-effective bids for large-scale solar energy production, the project was won through a competitive bidding process.
Spanning across 1,635.63 acres, the project is India’s first solar project site to incorporate cutting-edge technology, featuring a unique combination of single-axis trackers and bi-facial modules, thereby, setting a new benchmark for solar energy generation in India. This innovative integration has boosted the efficiency of the entire system by over 15%, enabling peak power supply for extended hours. The project is extremely innovative and was built by successfully overcoming several challenges, including rocky terrain, transmission line readiness, and remote site logistics.
Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited, said, “We are thrilled to announce the successful commissioning of the 431 MW DC solar project in Neemuch. At Tata Power Renewables, we are proud to lead the way towards a greener future for India and this project is a testament to our commitment to sustainable energy and innovation while working tirelessly to enhance efficiency and reliability in India’s solar sector. We are confident that this project will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also strengthen our role in powering key infrastructure, including Western Central Railways and Madhya Pradesh Power Management Co. Ltd.”
The project contributes to sustainability with an estimated CO2 offset of 7,80,300 tonnes and meets the highest engineering standards, with simultaneous SCADA commissioning ensuring optimal performance. The system is CEA compliant, ensuring seamless operation of the Static Var Generator (SVG), and adheres to WRLDC compliance through the integration of harmonic filters. This project also ensures reliable power supply to Western Central Railways and Madhya Pradesh Power Management Co. Ltd., playing a crucial role in the region’s energy infrastructure.
Mr. Manu Srivastava (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, New and Renewable Energy Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh stated, “We are pleased to partner with Tata Power Renewables on the successful commissioning of the 431 MW DC solar project. This project not only demonstrates the viability of cost-effective solar energy, with a winning bid price but also highlights the potential of sustainable energy solutions to drive India’s green energy transition. By combining innovative technology and engineering excellence, we are proud to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals.”
With this achievement, TPREL’s total renewable energy capacity now stands at 10.9 GW with 5.5 GW of projects in various stages of implementation. Its operational capacity has reached 5.4 GW, comprising 4.4 GW of solar and 1 GW of wind energy projects.
Mphasis Recognized with 2024 AWS Partner Award for Innovation and Impact
Mumbai; 4th December 2024 Mphasis, (BSE:526299; NSE: MPHASIS), a leading Information Technology (IT) solutions provider specialising in cloud and cognitive services, today announced it is a recipient of a 2024 Geography and Global AWS Partner Award. The award recognizes global leaders that are playing key roles in helping their customers drive innovation and build solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Mphasis has been named the winner of the Industry Partner of the Year – Travel and Hospitality (Global) award, recognizing its expertise in providing technology products and services to accelerate the modernisation and innovation journey of the travel and hospitality industry.
Announced during the Partner Awards Gala at AWS re:Invent 2024, the Geographic and Global AWS Partner Awards recognize a wide range of AWS Partners that have embraced specialisation, innovation, and cooperation over the past year. Geo and Global AWS Partner Awards recognize partners whose business models continue to evolve and thrive on AWS as they support their customers. Among its validated industry offerings with AWS, Mphasis leverages its Airline Data Platform as a primary catalyst for airline customers. Built on AWS native services, it offers on-demand access of data and ability to experiment with AI/ML through open data standards and customizable architecture.
“We are honored to be recognized as the Industry Partner of the Year – Travel and Hospitality (Global) by AWS. This award is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative and impactful solutions that address the unique challenges of the travel and hospitality industry. By leveraging AWS’ robust cloud capabilities and our expertise in building personalized, data-driven platforms, we have been able to empower our clients to achieve enhanced traveler experiences and operational efficiencies. We look forward to continuing this strong collaboration with AWS to drive meaningful transformation across industries,” said Elango R, President – Enterprise 5, North Americas, Mphasis
The Geography and Global AWS Partner Awards included a self-nomination process across several award categories, awarded at both the geographic and global levels. All AWS Partners were invited to participate and submit a nomination. Award submissions were reviewed by a third-party, Canalys, and selected with special emphasis placed on customer success use cases.
In addition, several data-driven award categories were evaluated by a unique set of metrics that helped measure AWS Partners’ performance over the past year. Canalys audited the datasets used to ensure that all measurements and calculations were objective and accurate. Finalists represented the top three ranked AWS Partners across each category.
The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program focused on helping partners innovate, accelerate their journey to the cloud, and take full advantage of the breadth and depth of AWS.
CP67 Mall Hosts ‘Wedding Fashion: A Festive Journey’ to Honor Style and Tradition
Mohali, 4th December 2024: Get ready to experience the magic of Indian weddings like never before as CP67 Mall hosted “Wedding Fashion: A Festive Journey”, a three-day showcase of wedding celebrations, traditions and ethnic fashion trends.
CP67 Mall recreated a world of traditional revelries with the beauty of iconic wedding ceremonies. The Haldi Fashion on Day 1 featured cheerful mock Haldi celebrations against a backdrop of marigolds and rustic yellow décor. The Mehendi Fashion on Day 2 was all about intricate henna art, floral swings and lush green aesthetics. During the Wedding Fashion on Day 3, the mall transformed into a grand wedding venue with dazzling red and gold hues, showcasing stunning bridal collections and presenting a breathtaking ramp walk.
“More than just ceremonies, Indian weddings are a celebration of culture and community bonding. With Wedding Fashion, we have brought this vibrant spirit of everything grand, festive and dynamic to CP67 Mall for everyone to enjoy,” said Mr. Umang Jindal, CEO of Homeland Group, CP67 Mall. “Whether it’s the playful charm of Haldi, the delicate artistry of Mehendi or the grandeur of the wedding day, there was something for everyone to immerse themselves in at CP67.
Visitors participated in engaging activities, including live Mehendi art, mock rituals and contests for the best-dressed guests. Each day featured a ramp walk by models showcasing stunning ethnic wear designed to reflect the theme of the celebrations.
XAU/USD Under Pressure as Markets Brace for U.S. Jobs Data-Induced Volatility
By: Rania Gule, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com
Gold prices saw a notable decline today, Tuesday, dropping below the $2,640 per ounce level, reflecting a sense of caution in the financial markets ahead of the upcoming U.S. employment data. In my opinion, this drop occurred despite gold remaining within its recent range-bound trading, confirming that traders are waiting for further signals from the Federal Reserve regarding the future of monetary policy, especially with the impending release of the U.S. Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), which could be a key indicator for understanding the central bank’s future direction.
The U.S. dollar is also gradually recovering from the pressure caused by recent statements from Federal Reserve policymakers, which have affected gold’s performance, as it typically has an inverse relationship with the dollar. The comments by Fed Governor Christopher Waller, indicating that monetary policy remains sufficiently restrictive, highlighted the possibility of a slower pace in interest rate cuts in the future, leading to mixed reactions in the markets. These statements reduced gold’s appeal as a haven, but at the same time, they suggested the likelihood of ongoing inflation pressures, a factor that supports gold prices in the long term.
From my perspective, global tensions continue to contribute to a decline in risk appetite among investors. In particular, the threat from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs on BRICS nations has heightened concerns, with the U.S. dollar partially benefiting from its role as a haven. At the same time, these worries have hurt gold prices. On the other hand, concerns about a slowdown in the Chinese economy remain a key influencing factor, weakening confidence in global financial markets and pushing investors to adopt a cautious approach to their trades.
In my view, current indicators suggest further weakness for gold prices, as it is trading below the 21-day simple moving average at $2,641, indicating downward pressure on the price. Additionally, the daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows a bearish trend, suggesting a potential continuation of the decline in the short term. However, this situation could change quickly if the U.S. jobs data disappoints or if geopolitical tensions increase, which could push gold higher as a safe-haven asset.
With the Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) data approaching on Friday, the markets appear to be on alert. Expectations for an additional interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve are fueling hesitation among investors. With a 75% probability of a 25 basis point cut, it’s clear that the Fed’s dovish stance may benefit gold in the short term. The challenge lies in balancing these expectations with any signals the employment data might offer regarding the strength of the U.S. labour market.
I also believe that the ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, add another layer of uncertainty. If these conflicts escalate, they could push investors to increase their positions in gold as a haven, which may reflect the current upward trend. In my opinion, in this context, gold remains poised to benefit from any geopolitical escalation or weakness in the U.S. dollar.
Overall, the gold market presents a mix of influencing factors that make it difficult to determine a clear direction. While the wait for U.S. employment data and concerns over monetary policy are making investors cautious, geopolitical tensions and global economic concerns remain factors supporting the likelihood of gold turning upward soon. Under these circumstances, investors should carefully monitor key data, as its outcomes could significantly alter market trends and reshape price expectations.
Amazon India Recognized for Excellence in Women’s Hygiene with Prestigious Annual Award
Chandigarh, 4th December 2024 Amazon India has been recognized for its significant contributions to women’s health and hygiene by receiving the ‘Best Women Hygiene Initiative of the Year’ award at the Indian CSR Awards 2024. The award was presented by the esteemed member of Rajya Sabha, Ramdas Athawale.
This prestigious accolade underscores Amazon’s commitment to empowering women through impactful community initiatives. By fostering menstrual hygiene awareness, creating sustainable sanitary product manufacturing ecosystems, and providing local employment opportunities, Amazon has made a substantial difference in the lives of countless women across India.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Karuna Shankar Pande, Vice President – Last Mile Operations, Amazon India. “At Amazon India, we are dedicated to building initiatives that address critical health and hygiene needs, while also empowering women economically. Our community efforts are designed to be inclusive and focused on the upliftment of women in the communities we serve.”
Key Highlights of Amazon’s Women’s Empowerment Initiatives:
· Sustainable Sanitary Pad Manufacturing: Amazon has established state-of-the-art sanitary napkin manufacturing units in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai, creating direct employment for approximately 60 women and indirect employment for 200 more at each unit. These units produce affordable, eco-friendly sanitary pads, ensuring access to essential menstrual hygiene products for over 2,000 rural women and girls.
· Menstrual Hygiene Awareness: Through comprehensive community engagement programs, Amazon has reached over 25,000 women and 3,000 adolescent girls, promoting healthy menstrual practices and breaking down social taboos.
· Women’s Economic Empowerment: By collaborating with local governments and non-profits, Amazon has empowered women from lower-income groups through skill development programs in traditional crafts and other viable livelihoods.
Amazon India’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in its ongoing efforts to create a positive impact on the communities it serves. By addressing critical issues such as women’s health and economic empowerment, Amazon is shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Milestone Achievement: NCVET Certifies IN-SPACe as Dual Awarding Authority
Chandigarh 4th December 2024: In a landmark development, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has officially recognized the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) as an Awarding Body (Dual). The agreement, aimed at strengthening the vocational education and training landscape in the space sector, was signed in the presence of Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE and Chairperson, NCVET.
NCVET, serving as the national regulator for vocational education and training, plays a vital role in setting standards, developing regulations, and improving the quality and outcomes of skilling initiatives across the country. NCVET is responsible for the recognition and regulation of awarding bodies and assessment agencies that are instrumental in developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry demands.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) operates as an autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DOS), dedicated to promoting and enabling various space activities, including the development of launch vehicles and satellites, and space-based services. IN-SPACe’s recognition as an awarding body will help standardize and accredit its specialized training programs, aligning them with national and global frameworks, and facilitating greater integration with key national initiatives like Skill India Mission.
This collaboration will enable IN-SPACe to deliver cutting-edge training in areas such as Satellite Manufacturing, Space Technology in Agriculture, Mission Design for Launch Vehicles, Orbital Mechanics, and Advances in Space Propulsion Systems. NCVET has already approved the following six National Occupational Standards (NoS) submitted by IN-SPACe:
- Essentials of Space Technology in Agriculture Sector
- Fundamentals of Orbital Mechanics, Attitude Dynamics, and Space-Based Navigation
- Foundations of Mission Design and Avionics Development for Launch Vehicles
- Essentials of Satellite Manufacturing
- Essentials of Space Data Products and Services
- Introduction to Advances in Propulsion Systems for Launch Vehicles, Satellites, and Landing Missions
Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE and Chairperson, NCVET, emphasized the growing need for a skilled workforce in India’s space sector. “As India continues to expand its space exploration capabilities and integrate emerging technologies, it is crucial to cultivate a highly skilled talent pool. With the increasing participation of the private sector in space ventures, it is more important than ever to ensure that our workforce meets international standards, driving innovation and maintaining global competitiveness,” he said.
Further supporting this vision, Shri Tiwari also highlighted the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Under this MoU, the ISRO Technical Training Program was launched at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Trivandrum. The program aims to upskill over 4,000 technical employees from the Department of Space (ISRO).
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director of the Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe, represented the organization during the signing of the agreement. He expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, stating, “This recognition marks a significant milestone in our efforts to build a skilled workforce for India’s growing space sector. By aligning our training programs with the demands of the space industry, we aim to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and hands-on expertise to support the nation’s ambitious space endeavors and compete globally.”
This collaboration between NCVET and IN-SPACe is a critical step toward advancing India’s space sector, ensuring that the nation’s workforce is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
Breaking Barriers: Godrej DEi Lab and Khaitan & Co Promote Disability Inclusion at Work
Chandigarh, 4th December, 2024: Godrej DEI Lab, the diversity and inclusion arm of Godrej Industries Group, and Khaitan & Co, a leading full-service law firm today commemorated International Day of Person with Disabilities. The second edition of the Khaitan & Co’s Handbook on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with Godrej DEI Lab was unveiled at their Disability Inclusion Summit in Mumbai. The comprehensive handbook serves as a ready reckoner for understanding the evolution of Indian jurisprudence on disability rights framework.
“This event represents a crucial milestone in our ongoing commitment to workplace inclusion,” said Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej DEI Lab. “By bringing together diverse stakeholders and experts, in sync with Godrej Industries Group’s objective, we’re actively building the framework for a more equitable corporate India. I am confident that the handbook will help organisations transform their approach to PwD inclusion from compliance-based to purpose-driven.”
Speaking about the importance of workplace inclusion, Aakash Choubey, Partner, Khaitan & Co said, “Creating an inclusive workplace for persons with disabilities is not just a legal obligation but an imperative for organisations. Impactful strategies such as accessible infrastructure, tailored accommodations and inclusive hiring practices can foster a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered. As we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we must recognise that inclusivity enriches our workplaces and society at large.”
The Handbook on Rights of Persons with Disabilities covers two crucial legislations – Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, offering insights into beneficiaries, entitlements, and remedies. It also provides legal guidance on fundamental rights, legal capacity, education, employment, healthcare, transport and mental health. Beyond legal analysis, the handbook outlines best practices for organisations, particularly private employers, to ensure equitable representation of persons with disabilities, thereby fostering inclusive workplaces.
Post the success of Godrej DEI Lab’s first edition of ‘PwD Inclusion in Workplaces: Strategies for Success’ last year, the group this year collaborated with Khaitan & Co and brought together corporate leaders, HR professionals, and disability rights advocates to foster meaningful dialogue on creating inclusive workplaces across India.
The Disability Inclusion Summit also witnessed a panel discussion on actionable strategies for enhancing workplace inclusivity for persons with disabilities. Moderated by Aakash Choubey, Partner, Khaitan & Co, it featured former National Paralympic swimming champion, Madhavi Latha; Ananya Sharma, JSW Group’s General Counsel; Aradhana Lal, Senior Vice President for Sustainability & ESG, Lemon Tree Hotels, Arva Merchant, Partner, Khaitan & Co; and Zoya, DEI Lead, Godrej Properties Limited.
The initiative is another step under Godrej DEI Lab’s commitment to driving tangible change in corporate India’s approach to diversity and inclusion, particularly in advancing opportunities for persons with disabilities in the workplace.
***
O