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Month: October 2024

Education

MSDE partners with Meta for AI Assistant for Skill India Mission

Observenow Desk October 16, 2024

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced its partnership with Meta to launch two pivotal initiatives: an AI Assistant for the Skill India Mission and the establishment of five Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across the country.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, articulated the vision behind this partnership, stating, “Our mission at the Ministry is to empower India’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and mixed reality into the Skill India ecosystem, we are democratizing access to cutting-edge technologies that enable personalized learning pathways for the country’s youth. Our partnership with Meta today is a significant step towards achieving this goal.”

This initiative will lead the the development of an innovative AI chatbot, powered by Meta’s open-source Llama model, designed to enhance the learner experience on the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. The chatbot, to be integrated into the SID Portal, will provide 24/7 assistance to users, enabling quick discovery of course information, interactive Q&A for course content, and access to lecture summaries and relevant videos for revision. Available over WhatsApp, the chatbot will support English, Hindi, and Hinglish, along with voice capabilities, thereby making it more accessible to a diverse audience across India.

The chatbot is designed to allow users to search for specific course topics, locate skilling centres, explore job listings based on location and interest, and receive tailored feedback for continuous improvement. Additionally, it will provide valuable analytics to the MSDE, allowing for the further optimization of the platform. Sarvam AI, the technical partner for the AI assistant project, is set to develop and deploy the chatbot, which will be piloted over a six-month period.

By making Meta’s open-source AI models accessible to India’s AI ecosystem, this partnership envisions a collaborative e-governance framework for adopting impactful AI solutions, with the potential to catalyze large-scale socio-economic transformation in alignment with India’s AI Mission. The five CoEs established at NSTIs will equip learners and instructors with the latest VR technology, enabling them to learn and enhance existing skills in a safe, immersive, and engaging environment.

Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy at Meta India, remarked on the collaboration, saying, “At Meta, we are committed to leveraging frontier technologies like AI, VR, and MR to impact India’s economic development. These partnerships with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MDSE) testify to our commitment to bridging the gap between technology and education. By integrating advanced technologies like Open-Source Llama, we aim to empower not just the students but also educators and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital-first world.”

Furthermore, Skillveri, the technical partner for establishing the CoEs, will provide cutting-edge VR and MR resources, curriculum, and trained professionals to equip learners and instructors with the latest technology, facilitating immersive and interactive learning experiences.

Tags: MetaMinistry of Skill Development & EntrepreneurshipSkill India Mission

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Governance

Public Procurement Portal GeM has appointed L Satya Srinivas as CEO

Observenow Desk

The Indian government has entrusted L Satya Srinivas, an Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, with the additional charge of CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. This development follows the appointment of the previous CEO, P K Singh, as Secretary in the Ministry of Renewable Energy.

Srinivas, a 1991-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), now takes the helm of the public procurement platform, which plays a crucial role in facilitating online purchases of goods and services for central government ministries and departments. The GeM portal, which was launched on August 9, 2016, has since become an integral tool for streamlining government procurement processes, enhancing transparency, and improving efficiency.

“We are honoured to announce the appointment of Shri L Satya Srinivas, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace on additional charge,” GeM said in a post on social media platform X.

With vast experience in customs and indirect taxes, Srinivas is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the platform’s operation. His leadership comes at a critical time when the government is pushing for digital transformation across its departments, and GeM is positioned as a key component in making public procurement more accessible and accountable.

As Srinivas takes on this additional responsibility, the focus will likely be on further improving GeM’s user experience and expanding its reach. The platform is already a significant player in the government’s efforts to modernize procurement and increase the efficiency of public spending, and his leadership will be pivotal in driving this mission forward.

Tags: Government e-MarketplaceL Satya Srinivas

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News

Jio Emerges As World’s Fastest Growing 5G FWA Provider

Observenow Desk

Reliance Jio has emerged as the fastest-growing provider of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services worldwide, driven by its JioAir Fiber offering in India. The company saw its subscriber base nearly triple in the second quarter of the fiscal year, marking a significant leap in its home broadband market expansion.

“We continue to make good progress on the home side. We are the fastest-growing Fixed Wireless Access provider globally with our JioAir Fiber offering. We reached 2.8 million subscribers… That’s almost doubling our subscriber base with AirFiber this quarter, and the run rate has ramped significantly,” said Anshuman Thakur, Senior Vice President of Jio Platforms, during the company’s post-earnings presentation on October 14.

Kiran Thomas, President of Jio Platforms, highlighted the company’s ambitious plans during the Q2 briefing call, revealing the next target of adding nearly a million homes monthly, thanks to Jio’s 5G-based JioAir Fiber and wired JioFiber services. “5G is powering our home broadband service and has accelerated our acquisition rate for homes. We were at 0.6 million every quarter, but in the September quarter, we tripled growth in terms of homes, mainly using JioAir Fiber,” Thomas stated. “We see that there’s still much more optimization and scale-up that we can do,” he added.

During the earnings call, Thakur also noted that Jio experienced SIM consolidation in Q2, though at a lesser intensity than when tariffs were raised, and expected this trend to subside. “We continue to build market leadership with 5G service, with 148 million subscribers switching to 5G, contributing 24% of the wireless data tariff. We are happy with the service uptake and the nature of the delivery,” he said.

Jio’s average revenue per user (ARPU) saw a 7.4% rise year-over-year to Rs 195.1, reflecting the impact of tariff hikes and an improved subscriber mix. Thakur attributed the growth to several factors, including customer upgrades and the success of additional services. “ARPU is steadily growing… there is the impact of tariff increases, but customer upgrading and subscribers moving to higher plans as consumption improves also contribute to the increase in APRU,” he explained.

Tags: 5G Fixed Wireless AccessAnshuman ThakurReliance Jio

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Digital Native

Blinkit Scraps ‘Zero Notice Period’ As Battle For Talent Booms

Observenow Desk

Quick commerce giant Blinkit has introduced a significant change to its employment contracts, particularly for key employees, by scrapping its ‘zero notice’ policy. The company has extended the notice period for several top-level staff from zero to two months, as reported by Moneycontrol. This move reflects the growing competitive pressure in India’s booming quick commerce sector, valued at $5.5 billion.

The decision comes as Blinkit faces intense rivalry from well-funded players like Zepto, Flipkart, and Swiggy—all contesting to attract and retain top talent in the rapidly expanding market. By increasing notice periods, Blinkit aims to mitigate the risk of its employees being poached by competitors offering attractive packages.

The quick commerce landscape has seen significant investment recently, fueling fierce competition. Zepto, for instance, secured a $340 million funding round, further strengthening its market position. Meanwhile, Flipkart has expanded its rapid delivery service, Flipkart Minutes, across multiple cities, and Swiggy is gearing up for one of the largest IPOs by a new-age company, having received approval for its public offering.

In addition to the extended notice period, Blinkit has also introduced a “garden leave” policy for employees suspected of joining a direct competitor. Under this policy, such employees are placed on paid leave for two months to prevent the transfer of sensitive information to rivals. In some cases, employees are relieved of their duties immediately to minimize the risk of data leakage.

Tags: Blinkitzero notice policy

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News

“I Miss You” i-Pill Notification Sparks Controversy for Quick Commerce Platform Zepto

Observenow Desk

Bengaluru-based quick commerce platform Zepto, known for its fast deliveries and convenience, is now under scrutiny after sending an inappropriate and unsolicited notification to a customer in the heart of India’s tech hub. The message, intended as a marketing tactic, read: “I miss you, Pallavi. Says i-Pill emergency contraceptive pill,” followed by three teary-eyed emojis. However, This seemingly lighthearted notification struck a very different chord with its recipient, Pallavi Pareek, who was shocked and offended by the careless communication.

Pallavi, a professional working in the sensitive fields of workplace sexual harassment prevention and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), was particularly taken aback by the context of the message. She quickly took to LinkedIn to share a screenshot of the notification and tag Zepto and its support team. Her post, which has since sparked significant online discussion, pointed out the inappropriateness of such a message, especially given the nature of the product being advertised. “Dear Zepto and Zepto Cares team, so many things are wrong about this,” she began. “I have never ordered an emergency pill from you. Even if I did, you should know that this is not something that should be missing me or I should be missing it.”

At the core of Pallavi’s critique is a larger issue that goes beyond an isolated instance of poor judgment in marketing. The message implies a breach of privacy: “You want me to need to take an emergency contraceptive?” Pallavi rightly questioned the implications behind the language and tone, underscoring the importance of sensitivity in customer communications, particularly when dealing with products related to sexual health.

In her post, Pallavi clearly outlined the boundaries that should not be crossed by companies, no matter how creative they aim to be. “Messaging is right only if it is sensitive or humorous or has some logic to it. I draw a line when your notifications are flirty or trying to be sleazy and cheesy. But this is a little too much.” For her, the notification was not just an awkward attempt at humour—it was an invasion of privacy wrapped in a tone that trivialized a very personal health matter.

This incident has opened up a wider conversation about corporate responsibility in marketing, especially in the digital age, where notifications and targeted ads have become ubiquitous. While brands constantly seek to engage customers through personalized content, there’s a fine line between relatable and inappropriate. In this case, Zepto’s attempt at cleverness backfired, highlighting the need for companies to be more thoughtful about the messages they push to consumers.

Despite her frustration, Pallavi made it clear that this incident doesn’t diminish her overall appreciation for Zepto’s services. “I love the app,” she mentioned, reflecting the reality that while consumers might be critical of certain actions, they also recognize the value of the convenience these platforms provide. Pallavi’s situation is a prime example of how one wrong move, even in an otherwise positive customer relationship, can lead to public backlash.

Tags: i-PillZepto

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Education

Maharashtra Government Renames Skills University in Honor of Ratan Tata

Observenow Desk

In a tribute to the late industrialist Ratan Tata, the Maharashtra government announced that the Maharashtra State Skills Development University will now be known as the “Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata Skills University.” This renaming honors Tata ji’s extensive contributions to education, skill development, and social causes across India. Tata Ji, who passed away on October 9, 2024, was not only celebrated for his leadership in business but also for his unwavering dedication to philanthropy.

In further recognition of his legacy, the Maharashtra cabinet has called on the central government to confer the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, on Ratan Tata Ji. The government also declared a one-day mourning on October 10 to honor his memory.

As part of the ongoing commemoration of Tata Ji’s life, the state has renamed its prestigious Udyog Ratna Award to the “Ratan Tata Udyog Ratna Award.” Tata Ji himself was the first recipient of this award in 2023, recognizing his monumental contributions to Indian industry. In addition, the proposed Udyog Bhavan at Charni Road will also bear his name, further solidifying his legacy within the state’s industrial and entrepreneurial landscape.

The renaming of the Maharashtra State Skills Development University, now the “Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata Skills University,” is a fitting tribute to Tata Ji’s lifelong commitment to empowering India’s youth, particularly those in rural areas. As the first government-run institution dedicated to skill-oriented education and entrepreneurship training, the university aims to fulfill Tata Ji’s vision of equipping young Indians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

This gesture, alongside the renaming of state awards and institutions, serves as a powerful reminder of Ratan Tata’s enduring legacy—a legacy built not just on business achievements but on a lifelong commitment to uplifting society through education, skill development, and philanthropy.

Tags: Maharashtra GovernmentMaharashtra State Skills Development UniversityRatan Tata

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News

Airtel Business partners with Zscaler to launch ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’

Observenow Desk October 15, 2024

Airtel Business has teamed up with Zscaler to introduce ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet,’ India’s first fully-managed solution based on Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). This cutting-edge platform is designed to protect enterprises from an array of cyber threats, integrating Airtel’s Internet Leased Line (ILL) connectivity with Zscaler’s cloud security and Security Service Edge (SSE) technology.

Built on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” the solution offers advanced security features such as SSL inspection, cloud firewall, and secure access to cloud applications. It provides comprehensive threat protection while simplifying security management and reducing costs through a scalable, cloud-native platform.

Sharat Sinha, CEO – Airtel Business said, “We are excited to partner with Zscaler to launch ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ – a holistic solution for safeguarding enterprise networks. The cutting-edge solution will ensure that every internet interaction is rigorously verified, authenticated and authorized to deliver a robust layer of security that protects enterprises from evolving cyber threats. Together with Zscaler, we will offer a seamless and secure experience for businesses across India, enabling them to operate with confidence in today’s complex digital environment”.

As Indian enterprises face increasing cyber threats—79 million phishing attacks and over 5 billion encrypted attacks in the past year alone—‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ helps reduce attack surfaces and streamline security measures. In addition to its robust security offerings, Airtel has enhanced its Internet Points of Presence (PoPs) to further optimise performance, providing enterprises with secure, consistent connectivity across all locations.

Anant Nag, Area Vice President, India & SAARC, Zscaler, added “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Airtel Business to create a solution to help the growing needs of our customer base. Cybersecurity is a critical business priority and enterprises across the market are doubling down on implementing zero trust solutions to keep their organization secured. The inception of this joint solution stemmed from the market needs and growing demand and we are looking forward to helping our customers in their cloud security transformation journeys together with Airtel.”

Tags: AirtelAirtel BusinessSharat SinhaZscaler

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Governance

Tally Solutions and Kerala Start-up Mission Collaborate to Accelerate Technology Adoption amongst Emerging Start-ups

Observenow Desk

Bengaluru, 15th October 2024 – Leading technology player Tally Solutions has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today and announced its strategic partnership with the Kerala Start-up Mission (KSUM), an undertaking of the Government of Kerala, to empower emerging businesses. The primary focus of the partnership will be to accelerate technology adoption for emerging businesses, spearhead skilling and technology training, and foster innovation and economic growth of start-ups in the region.

Under this partnership, KSUM and Tally Solutions will drive training & awareness around digital integration in accounting and compliance, while also providing business management solutions (BMS) for emerging start-ups. The MoU also entails knowledge transfer sessions for startups on several relevant subjects like marketing trends, customer retention and acquisition, competition analysis, building growth strategy, and more.

Commenting about this partnership Jayati Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, Tally Solutions, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Kerala Start-up Mission and our association is aligned with Tally’s vision to nurture the entrepreneurs’ ecosystem in India. This strategic collaboration is not just about technology adoption; it’s about fostering a robust ecosystem where innovation thrives. By focusing on skilling and technology training, we aim to equip start-ups with the necessary tools for success in a digital-first world. Together, we will drive awareness around digital integration in business management and compliance, ensuring that these businesses not only survive but flourish in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

Mr. Anoop Ambika, CEO of Kerala Start-up Mission, said, “This partnership with Tally Solutions is a pivotal step for the Kerala Startup Mission. By focusing on skilling and technology training, we will equip start-ups with the essential knowledge and tools to thrive in today’s digital economy. Together, we are committed to creating a vibrant ecosystem that not only supports local entrepreneurs but also drives sustainable economic growth across the region”.

The strategic partnership between Tally Solutions and the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is set to significantly enhance the startup ecosystem in Kerala, which boasts over 6000 start-ups across key sectors such as IT, healthcare, agriculture, and clean energy. With Kerala’s startups having recently raised approximately ₹INR 5,000 crore in investments, this initiative will further nurture an entrepreneurial culture through workshops and networking events. Together, Tally Solutions and KSUM are committed to fostering innovation and driving sustainable economic growth, positioning Kerala as a leading hub for startups in India.

Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by Adfactors PR. ObserveNow holds no responsibility for its content in any manner.

Tags: Anoop AmbikaJayati SinghKerala Startup MissionTally Solutions

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Governance

Maharashtra inaugurates India’s first integrated Cyber Command & Control Center with L&T Technology Services

Observenow Desk

In a step towards enhancing cybersecurity, L&T Technology Services Limited has partnered with the Maharashtra State Cyber Department to inaugurate India’s first integrated state-level Cyber Command and Control Center. Launched by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, this state-of-the-art facility in Mahape aims to create a safe and resilient digital environment for citizens, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Maharashtra has set a benchmark to provide a world-class platform to tackle Cyber Crimes with global cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled cyber experts. This ensures the timely resolution of cyber crimes and assures digital safety for citizens, enterprises and critical infrastructure,” said Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

The Cyber Command and Control Center is designed to empower Maharashtra’s police force in combating cyber crimes effectively. It will facilitate faster cybercrime investigations, improve conviction rates, and raise public awareness regarding cyber threats. This strategic initiative, executed in collaboration with KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP as the Forensics & Technology Investigation partner, marks a pivotal moment for Maharashtra in its quest for cybersecurity leadership.

The comprehensive project includes the establishment of a Technology Assisted Investigation (TAI) Center, equipped with advanced digital forensic tools, and the creation of the Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Maharashtra. CERT-MH will leverage AI-based threat intelligence to proactively address cyber incidents, especially those concerning critical infrastructure and national security.

“L&T Technology Services is delighted to collaborate with the Maharashtra State Cyber Department on this groundbreaking project executed in a record time leveraging our experience in setting up and managing 25+ Smart & Safe Cities command centers and Security Operation Centers,” said Mr. Amit Chadha, CEO and Managing Director of L&T Technology Services.

The newly launched command center will act as a one-stop shop for grievance management, offering multiple channels for citizens to report cyber crimes, including the 14407 helpline (operational from October 15), a web portal, and a mobile app. Additionally, a nodal cyber police station and 50 district cyber police stations will handle investigations, ensuring a coordinated response to complaints from both individuals and enterprises.

Tags: Amit ChadhaCyber Command & Control CenterL&T Technology Services

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HR

IIFL Finance appoints Preeti Kannan as CHRO

Observenow Desk

In a move to bolster its human resources leadership, IIFL Finance Limited, a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has announced the appointment of Preeti Kannan as President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). With over 15,000 employees spread across 4,400 branches in India, the company is looking to strengthen its people strategy as it enters a new phase of growth.

Kannan brings with her 25 years of experience as a seasoned HR leader and trusted advisor to senior management across both Indian firms and multinational corporations (MNCs). Her track record demonstrates a passion for aligning people strategy with business objectives while harnessing technology to unlock individuals’ potential. As a certified coach and psychotherapist, Kannan has consistently focused on holistic employee development and engagement, ensuring that businesses can adapt to evolving market demands.

R Venkataraman, Joint Managing Director of IIFL Finance, expressed his confidence in Kannan’s ability to drive the company’s talent management strategy. “IIFL Finance’s success has always been focused on its people strategy and unique ‘ownership mindset’. As the CHRO, Preeti’s vast experience across diverse industries and work cultures will help IIFL Finance drive its talent management and succession strategy effectively, enabling us to enter the next orbit of growth.”

Her previous roles include being the Head of HR for Retail Asset, Corporate Functions, and Technology at Kotak Mahindra Bank, as well as leading people engagement initiatives. Before this, Kannan held senior HR positions at Bajaj Finance, Fujitsu Consulting, Oracle Financial Services, MindTree, and Symbiosis College. She holds an MBA in HR from Pune University and a Master’s in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Mumbai University.

For Kannan, this role marks an exciting new chapter in her career. “I am looking forward to joining IIFL and excited to lead the change in driving digital transformation, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation in the financial sector. By fostering a culture of agility and focusing on robust succession planning, we will continue to empower our teams, embrace change, and meet the evolving needs of our customers with confidence and resilience,” she said.

Tags: IIFL FinancePreeti Kannan

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