Mumbai, April 9, 2025: In a significant move towards accelerating India’s skilling goal, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s, deliberated on the “India Skills Accelerator” initiative during a high-level roundtable at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.

The India Skills Accelerator will function as a national public-private collaboration platform designed to enable cross-sectoral efforts in unlocking innovative ideas and driving systemic progress on complex challenges that demand a multi-stakeholder approach. At its core, the Accelerator aims to catalyze change across three critical levels: i) by improving awareness and shifting mindsets around future skills needs, ii) increasing collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, and iii) committing to upgrade institutional structures and policy frameworks to support a more adaptive and responsive skilling ecosystem.

As India navigates rapid technological and economic change, skill gaps – cited by 65% of organisations as a major barrier – threaten to slow progress. The Accelerator aims to close these gaps through inclusive upskilling and reskilling, mobilizing investment in lifelong learning, and fostering government-industry collaboration. By enabling agile career transitions, promoting scalable training, and aligning education with industry need – especially in high-growth sectors like AI, robotics, and energy – the initiative will empower India’s youth and drive future-ready workforce development.

The initiative’s governance structure includes key stakeholders from public and private sectors, led and co-chaired by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education and co-chaired by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Education and Development of North-Eastern Region. It will also have two private co-chairs – Ms. Shobana Kamineni, Executive Chairperson of Apollo HealthCo; and Mr. Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv.

In his opening remarks, Hon’ble Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary underscored the need for collective ambition and structural reform in skilling to meet the aspirations of a young, dynamic nation. He emphasized that India’s demographic potential can only be realized if skilling systems remain agile, inclusive, and closely aligned with global opportunities and national priorities. “India today stands at the confluence of three powerful forces – demographic advantage, digital transformation, and a deep developmental commitment. With the world’s largest youth population and a vibrant skilling ecosystem, we are uniquely positioned to become the Skill Capital of the World,” Shri Chaudhary said. He noted that the Accelerator is not just a platform for dialogue, but a catalyst for systemic transformation, anchored in shared accountability, innovation, and targeted solutions. “This is a chance to engage in candid assessments and meaningful dialogue – anchored in data and focused on results”

The Minister further highlighted the importance of sectoral focus, mapping our current standing through surveys and evidence, and prioritizing emerging areas such as GCCs, advanced manufacturing, and the formalization of the informal workforce.

Co-chair and Hon’ble Minister, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar articulated India’s strategic opportunity to position itself as the global epicenter of next-generation talent. He underscored the need to embed competitiveness in India’s skills architecture—particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing—so that India is not only skilling for its domestic economy but for the world. The Accelerator, he added, will play a critical role in translating this global ambition into measurable outcomes. “Through the National Education Policy, we have initiated transformative changes—promoting flexibility, vocational pathways, and digital skilling. Our federal model of implementation, involving both Centre and States, can serve as a valuable learning for global platforms like the WEF as well,” he said.

Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director, World Economic Forum (WEF), said, “In the face of rapid technological and labour market changes, India’s launch of the Skills Accelerator reflects a strong commitment to equipping its workforce with the skills needed for the future. By strengthening alignment across the skills ecosystem, this initiative will help close critical skills gaps, support the growth of India’s digital and innovation-driven economy, and enable more people to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work. We are pleased to support this important step and look forward to the impact it will deliver at scale.”

During the roundtable, the experts underscored the significance of a comprehensive analysis of India’s skilling ecosystem and identifying a set of 10 to 12 high-impact priorities with clear and measurable outcomes. They also emphasized establish dedicated working groups to guide implementation and ensure progress is tracked through WEF’s Global Learning Network – enabling peer learning and global benchmarking. Equally emphasized was the importance of thematic working groups, drawing on the expertise of diverse stakeholders, to translate strategy into coordinated action. The participants also deliberated on aligning the newly launched initiative with insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 report.

The session saw active participation from senior leadership of the World Economic Forum, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Directorate General of Training (DGT), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), as well as key representatives from the Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Chandigarh, April 09, 2025: Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited (ABSLAMC) was incorporated in the year 1994. Aditya Birla Capital Limited and Sun Life (India) AMC Investments Inc. are the promoters and major shareholders of the Company. ABSLAMC is primarily the investment manager of Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund, a registered trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. The asset manager has announced the closure of ABSL Global Emerging Market Equity Fund (IFSC).  The Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) under the IFSCA (fund management) at GIFT City raised a total of $69.89 million from 269 investors reinforcing ABSLAMC’s position as a leading asset manager providing global investment solutions.

The ABSL Global Emerging Market Equity Fund (IFSC) follows a passive investment strategy, primarily investing in units of the ARGA Emerging Market Equity Fund, offering investors exposure to high-growth emerging markets. The fund aligns with ABSLAMC’s vision of leveraging strategic opportunities in global financial markets while operating within India’s premier offshore financial hub – GIFT City. The fund attracted contributions from a diverse base of investors, including global institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), and family offices. With its focus on long-term capital appreciation through emerging market equities, the fund aims to deliver strong value-driven returns.

Commenting on the final close, A. Balasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd., said, “the ABSL Global Emerging Market Equity Fund (IFSC) has received strong investor interest, and the fund raise is a testament of ABSLAMC’s head start in GIFT City operations. This fund was the first global outbound solution to be offered from GIFT City and provided Indian investors an opportunity to invest in global markets while also allowing them to utilise their LRS limits. The successful closure of the fund underscores the increasing confidence in emerging market opportunities and the robust regulatory framework of GIFT City. At ABSLAMC, we remain committed to providing differentiated investment solutions that enable investors to tap into global growth themes and positions us as a pioneer in offering cross-border investment opportunities through innovative fund structures.”

Chandigarh, April 09, 2025: On the occasion of World Health Day, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Ltd., (“ABHICL”), the health insurance arm of Aditya Birla Capital, India’s leading diversified financial services company, has announced that over 1 Lakh policyholders have benefited from their first-of-its-kind HealthReturns™ model for making healthier lifestyle choices and maintaining good heart health, monitored by its Healthy Heart Score™ in FY’25 (April 2024-March 2025).  The HealthReturns™ model essentially focuses on regular physical activity, with access to expert health guidance which helps deliver improved health outcomes for customers. This commitment to health is evident in their daily habits with customers having walked over 350 billion steps so far.

The Company is redefining the industry with its ‘Health – First’ approach, shifting from reactive coverage to proactive wellness and by integrating wellness and health management into its offerings. A core element of this initiative is Active Dayz™, which allows customers to earn HealthReturns™ by engaging in fitness activities such as walking 10,000 steps, burning 300 calories in a workout session. Policyholders who achieve 325 Active Dayz™ in a year and maintain a Green Healthy Heart Score™ can earn up to 100% of their annual premium amount back as HealthReturns™.

·   In FY 25, Aditya Birla Health Insurance has conducted 3.8 lakh health assessments and has generated 18 lakh personalized Wellbeing Score™ (a dynamic ML-driven indicator of overall health and wellness status), helping customers take charge of their health.

·  With a strong focus on preventive care, in the same period, 1 Lakh+ customers have undergone health coaching, while 1.6 Lakh+ have been offered health interventions.

·  81% of customers engaging with ABHICL’s preventive care ecosystem experienced better control of key health indicators such as HbA1C, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, reinforcing ABHICL’s commitment to measurable health outcomes, in FY 25.

Mr. Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance said, “The role of health insurance is expanding beyond financial protection to becoming an enabler of proactive well-being. Customers today are increasingly prioritizing preventive care over just medical cost coverage, signalling a fundamental shift in expectations. At Aditya Birla Health Insurance, we have been at the forefront of integrating wellness and preventive care into health insurance. Our pioneering HealthReturns™ model not only incentivizes policyholders to adopt healthier lifestyles but also reinforces our commitment to driving a proactive, health-first approach to well-being. Our vision is to create a health-first ecosystem where policyholders are financially secure and empowered to lead healthier, longer lives.”

This differentiated model and the promise of 100% heath, 100% health insurance are offered via Activ Health App’s personalized engagement journey tailored to suit each user’s unique needs and behaviour.Since inception, Aditya Birla Health Insurance has pioneered a four-pronged approach that continues to shift the role of insurance from a reactive safety net to a proactive health partner:

1.   Know Your Health – Customers have access to various insights through tools like Well-Being Score, Lifestyle Score, Digital Health Assessment and Mental Well-Being evaluations.
2.  Improve Your Health – Customers have access to health tackers and health management services, including ABHICL’s network of health coaches, who have helped customers successfully improve or reverse chronic conditions through these services.
3.  Get Rewarded – This aspect incentivizes customers to prioritize their well-being with benefits like HealthReturns™. By tracking Active Dayz™, engaging in fitness activities, and undergoing regular health check-ups, customers can unlock exclusive rewards that not only enhance their financial security but also encourage lifelong wellness.
4. Stay Protected – ABHICL offers comprehensive health insurance plans with industry-leading benefits like 100% coverage for non-medical expenses, no sub-limits on room rent, maternity cover, a sum insured multiplier, and more a sum insured multiplier, and more as per product terms and conditions.

09 April, 2025: Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM), India’s largest post-harvest logistics and Agri-solutions Company, announced the expansion of a multi-faceted CSR program aimed towards empowering children, youth, and women through education, skill development, and social welfare programs. This initiative underscores SLCM’s dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable society by investing in the next generation and supporting vulnerable communities.

SLCM Group partnered with various NGOs and grassroots organizations, including Sai Sanskar Foundation, Urivi Vikram Charitable Trust, Alok Charitable Trust, and Earth Saviour Foundation, to roll out these programs across key regions, ensuring long-term impact on vulnerable communities. This initiative aligns with SLCM’s broader mission to foster social equity and opportunity for all.

Through this initiative, SLCM Group launched key programs aimed at:

• Education

Expanding access to quality education by building physics labs in local schools of Pittoragarh and Devidhura, located in Uttarakhand, supporting underprivileged students with school supplies such as books, stationery, bags, to name a few.

• Skill Development

As part of its commitment to skill development and youth empowerment, SLCM Group has launched a comprehensive initiative to provide career-focused training and counseling support to students, educators, and communities in Delhi. This initiative includes various training programs such as Digital Tools for Career Advancement and Customer Relationship Management, Workshop for School Leaders, extensive Outreach Activity involving career guidance sessions.

• Social Welfare

A series of awareness sessions are being conducted on women’s health and safety, along with access to Sanitary Napkins, and providing counseling and wellness programs at the Gangagarh village of Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh. In Delhi/NCR, SLCM provided electric wheelchairs to individuals with mobility challenges, aiming to enhance independence, dignity, and quality of life for people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited mobility.

Speaking on these initiatives, Sandeep Sabharwal, Group CEO of SLCM, stated, “Our belief is that true progress extends beyond business success, it lies in empowering those in need and enabling a brighter future for them. Through our CSR initiatives, we are committed to promoting social inclusion by bridging educational gaps and fostering skill development. We see this as an investment in the future of India, and we will continue to contribute to bringing a positive change in as many lives as possible.”

ERLANGEN, Germany, April 8, 2025 – Elektrobit will showcase transformative software solutions, spotlighting its expanding line of open-source and virtual development solutions that enable carmakers to accelerate the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). At this year’s Auto Shanghai attendees will see and learn about a range of groundbreaking software solutions including a world first: an open-source operating system (OS) solution assessed compliant with  automotive functional safety standards, a fail-operational solution for future autonomous and x-by-wire systems, an in-vehicle network solution for zonal architecture, virtual SDV development as well as a futuristic Next-Gen Digital Cockpit Demonstrator

The highlights being presented by Elektrobit on its booth #2BA051, Hall 2.2 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center (NECC) at Auto Shanghai include:

• CES Innovation Award-winner EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications: the first and only award-winning functional safety-compliant open-source OS solution designed to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
• Next-Generation Digital Cockpit: a sleek pillar-to-pillar curved display powered by Google Gemini Gen AI, Unreal Engine, Android and Elektrobit’s Theming Engine. The cockpit demonstrator showcases how HMI design can evolve over the vehicle lifecycle, offering flexibility for branding, localization and customization requirements.
• Virtual SDV Development Environment: the cloud-based platform allows for seamless development, prototyping, testing and validation, thereby turning bold ideas into production-ready solutions, that are scalable, and faster than ever.
• Software for fail-operational systems: an advanced software solution enabling guaranteed continuous operation in next-generation autonomous vehicles, SAE L3, and x-by-wire applications, ensuring safety and high reliability even in case of safety-relevant electronic system failures.
• Advanced in-vehicle network for zonal architecture: a revolutionary in-vehicle network solution designed to maximize performance, streamline connectivity, and accelerate gateway functionality with optimized hardware utilization.

Elektrobit CEO Maria Anhalt is joined by key members of the global Elektrobit team, including Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Managing Director Christoph Herzig, newly appointed Head of Research & Development Demetrio Aiello, and Head of Strategy and Portfolio Jagan Rajagopalan. Head of Strategic Business Development, Dr. Siegfried Dirr will also be attending.

CEO Maria Anhalt highlighted the importance of the event during this transformative period for the automotive industry: “Auto Shanghai 2025 is a significant event for the automotive ecosystem and a pivotal moment for SDVs. Elektrobit’s solutions empower automakers to deliver smarter, safer and more sustainable mobility solutions with new levels of speed, flexibility and scalability.”

General Manager at Elektrobit China Wilson Ni underlined the wide-ranging portfolio offered by Elektrobit: “Our virtual SDV development environment, AUTOSAR-compliant fail-operational systems, EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications, zonal architecture innovations, and next-generation digital cockpit solutions exemplify how open-source and cutting-edge technologies are redefining automotive software from cloud to cockpit.”

Via an extensive network of partnerships with leading global and local innovators in SDV, Elektrobit is working every day to redefine the ways in which industry responds to the mobility challenges of tomorrow. An example of Elektrobit’s thought leadership, the groundbreaking SDV levels classification, has revolutionized the way industry assesses software-defined mobility. Using a scale of zero to five, Elektrobit’s SDV levels are an effective and simple illustration of the evolutionary steps towards achieving different iterations of the SDV.

Visit Elektrobit and experience live demonstrations of the technologies and solutions highlighted above from April 23 to May 2, 2025, on our booth #2BA051, Hall 2.2 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, China.

National, 8^th April 2025: AWL Agri Business Ltd. (formerly known as Adani Wilmar Limited), one of India’s leading food and FMCG companies, has unveiled its latest innovation in personal care – Alife Gondhoraj & Neem Soap. Launched in West Bengal, this unique variant brings together the invigorating freshness of Gondhoraj lime with the time-tested purifying benefits of Neem. Developed for discerning consumers, this new offering reflects Alife’s commitment to delivering freshness & skincare solutions inspired by nature and regional preferences.

Speaking on the launch, Mukesh Mishra, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, AWL Agri Business Ltd., said, “West Bengal has a deep appreciation for natural ingredients and rich cultural traditions. Our latest variant, Alife Gondhoraj & Neem Soap, is a tribute to this unique regional beauty ritual, combining the invigorating aroma of Gondhoraj lime with the herbal skincare benefits of Neem. This launch reaffirms our commitment to crafting innovative and locally relevant products that resonate with our consumers.”

West Bengal’s fondness for Gondhoraj, largely hailed as the ‘King of Limes,’ is deeply rooted in its cultural identity. Recognizing this, Alife has infused its signature citrusy zest with neem’s renowned antibacterial and skin-purifying properties; the result is a soap that cleanses and rejuvenates. This launch reinforces the brand’s focus on innovation by seamlessly blending traditional ingredients with modern skincare solutions.

As part of its promotional strategy, Alife has rolled out an extensive 360-degree marketing campaign, leveraging multiple platforms to connect with consumers across the state. The campaign includes a high-impact TV commercial made by advertising film director Dibyendu Bose of production house Happy Rabbit Films, along with engaging digital initiatives, cinema branding, and on-ground activations, ensuring maximum reach and awareness. Through these efforts, the brand aims to highlight the soap’s superior benefits and resonate with the evolving skincare needs of consumers.

The Alife Gondhoraj & Neem Soap is now available across major retail stores and e-commerce platforms in West Bengal. With this new variant, Alife aims to establish a stronger foothold in the personal-care segment and celebrate the richness of local traditions in its product offerings.

8th April 2025 – Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, unveils Bitget Onchain — a groundbreaking innovation that bridges the best of CEX and DEX. By combining the speed, security, and simplicity of centralized platforms with direct access to emerging on-chain assets, Bitget Onchain redefines how users discover and trade the next wave of crypto opportunities.

“On-chain trading has long been riddled by complex set-ups, requiring users to navigate unfriendly interfaces and expose themselves to risks. Bitget Onchain was created to lower the barrier to entry, by providing a seamless and secure trading experience,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. “Bitget Onchain will bridge the gap between centralized and decentralized trading, making web3 more accessible to all,” she added.

Bengaluru, April -8- 2025: Wakefit.co, a D2C sleep and home solutions provider, presents the 8th edition of its in-house annual survey, The Great Indian Sleep Scorecard (GISS) 2025, offering a data-driven perspective on India’s evolving sleep patterns. The latest findings highlight a trend of sleep deprivation, with digital distractions and stress emerging as major disruptors in Bengaluru.

Key Findings from the Survey

• Sleep Deprivation Persists: 64% of Bengalureans consistently sleep past 11 p.m., well beyond the recommended bedtime of 10 p.m. as compared to 38% last year
• Rising Fatigue & Insomnia Concerns: 54% of respondents report feeling unrested upon waking, marking a rise from 46% last year. 1 in 3 Bengalureans suspect they have insomnia
• Digital Disruptions Continue: Bengaluru records one of the highest incidences of bedtime phone usage (90%), with 55.5% blaming late-night scrolling and binge-watching for delayed sleep. Consequently, 61% experience daytime sleepiness at work
• Stress is a Sleep Stealer: 33% of Bengalureans stay up worrying about the future, a rise from 29% last year, indicating increased stress-related sleep disruptions. Additionally, 42% report staying up browsing social media

A Slow Shift Towards Better Sleep Habits

Despite the above trends, awareness about sleep quality is slowly on the rise. 40% of respondents acknowledge that reducing screen time before bed can improve sleep, and 36% are actively working towards building a consistent sleep routine.

As Bengaluru grapples with persistent sleep challenges, the findings indicate the need for lifestyle changes to ensure healthier sleep patterns.

The Great Indian Sleep Scorecard is an annual in-house survey by Wakefit.co, now in its eighth edition. The 2025 report analyzed 4,500+ responses collected between March 2024 and February 2025, covering a diverse demographic across Indian cities and age groups. Wakefit.co aims to contribute to the sleep and home solutions ecosystem, through data-driven insights and awareness building initiatives.