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LPG Shortage Triggers Workforce Migration Concerns in Auto Component Sector: ACMA

/ Human Resource Community

India’s auto component industry is facing a potential workforce challenge as shortages of LPG cylinders begin to push workers to return to their native places, according to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India. The industry body warned that while the current situation is not as severe as the disruptions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, it could worsen if fuel supply issues persist. ACMA Director General Vinnie Mehta noted that many workers had shifted to LPG-based cooking after restrictions on wood usage due to air pollution concerns. However, the ongoing shortage is now making it difficult for them to manage daily cooking needs. The situation is further compounded by the shutdown of several factory canteens, leaving workers with limited alternatives and prompting some to migrate back home. This trend could disrupt manufacturing operations if it intensifies. ACMA, which represents over 1,000 manufacturers and accounts for more than 90% of the organised auto component sector’s turnover, highlighted the broader economic implications. In FY25, the industry recorded a turnover of USD 80.2 billion, including exports worth USD 22.9 billion and a trade surplus of USD 500 million. The shortage is partly attributed to supply disruptions linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran, prompting the government to prioritise domestic LPG consumption. In response, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set up a panel to review industry concerns. The auto component sector has urged the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG or piped natural gas (PNG) for MSME units, particularly in foundry and forging segments, or to provide a transition window for alternative fuels. Industry leaders emphasised that continued support is critical to maintaining production levels, sustaining exports, and preserving India’s position in global automotive supply chains. Source: PTI

LPG Shortage Triggers Workforce Migration Concerns in Auto Component Sector: ACMA Read More »

DGCA Grants Temporary Flight Duty Relaxations to Air India Amid Middle East Airspace Restrictions

/ Human Resource Community

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has granted temporary relief in flight duty regulations to Air India as the airline faces operational challenges due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East that have restricted access to key airspaces. According to sources, the relaxation in Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms will remain in effect until April 30. The move comes as Air India’s long-haul flights are being forced to take longer alternative routes to reach destinations in Europe and North America because of restrictions in the airspaces of Iran and Iraq. To bypass these restricted zones, Air India aircraft are now flying via Oman, southern parts of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, increasing overall flying time. Some ultra-long-haul flights are also making technical halts in Rome before continuing to their final destinations. Under the temporary relaxation for long-haul flights operated by two pilots, the DGCA has increased the permitted Flight Time (FT) by 1 hour and 30 minutes, raising it to 11 hours and 30 minutes. The Flight Duty Period (FDP) has also been extended by 1 hour and 45 minutes, allowing a maximum of 11 hours and 45 minutes. However, sources have alleged that the airline may be stretching these limits. In one instance, pilots operating flights to Jeddah were reportedly scheduled for a duty period of 11 hours and 55 minutes—about 10 minutes beyond the permitted extension. The regulator has also temporarily relaxed the mandatory 30-minute buffer required during roster planning. Normally, the maximum Flight Time and Flight Duty Period for a single landing are 10 hours and 13 hours, respectively. Flight Time refers to the duration from the moment an aircraft begins moving for take-off until it comes to a complete stop after landing. The Flight Duty Period, on the other hand, starts when a crew member reports for duty and ends when the aircraft’s engines are switched off after the final flight of the duty cycle. Officials from Air India and the DGCA have not yet issued formal comments regarding the relaxations. It remains unclear whether similar exemptions have been granted to other Indian carriers such as IndiGo for their long-haul services. The adjustments come as airlines worldwide grapple with disruptions triggered by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which erupted on February 28 and has led to widespread airspace restrictions across the Middle East. Source: PTI

DGCA Grants Temporary Flight Duty Relaxations to Air India Amid Middle East Airspace Restrictions Read More »

Tilaknagar Industries Names Ina Bajwa as Chief People Officer

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Tilaknagar Industries has appointed Ina Bajwa as its new Chief People Officer, the company announced on Tuesday. In her new role, Bajwa will report directly to Chairman and Managing Director Amit Dahanukar and will operate from the company’s head office in Mumbai. According to the company’s statement, Ameya Deshpande, who had been handling the human resources function on an interim basis, will now return to focusing fully on his primary responsibilities, including corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations. Bajwa brings more than 22 years of experience in human resources across multiple industries such as retail, e-commerce, technology, banking, consulting, and infrastructure, working with both Indian and global organisations. Before joining Tilaknagar Industries, she served as Group Head – Talent & Engagement for the Middle East at Landmark Group, where she led CEO and executive succession planning along with talent strategy across several retail brands. Earlier in her career, Bajwa held leadership positions including Chief Human Resources Officer at Tata 1mg and Chief Talent Officer at Tata Digital. She also worked in senior HR roles at Tata Communications, and previously held positions at HSBC and Essar Group. Commenting on the appointment, Dahanukar said Bajwa’s expertise in building high-performing teams and driving large-scale people transformation initiatives will support the company’s efforts to strengthen its talent base and develop a future-ready organisation. Bajwa holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Human Resources) from KJ Somaiya Institute of Management and a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Economics from Panjab University. Source: Economic Times

Tilaknagar Industries Names Ina Bajwa as Chief People Officer Read More »

Vedanta Targets 35% Women Representation Across Workforce

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Vedanta Ltd is aiming to raise women’s representation across all levels of its organisation to 35%, up from the current 23%, as part of its broader push toward workplace diversity. The company has also launched a nationwide campaign titled #HerAtTheCore along with a LinkedIn-driven hiring initiative to encourage women to pursue careers in sectors such as mining, metals, oil and gas, power, and technology. Citing data from the Annual Survey of Industries, Vedanta noted that women accounted for around 18% of direct employment across industries in 2023–24. However, in core sectors like mining and metals, women make up only about 6% of the workforce. Through the campaign, the company aims to highlight India’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, driven by the global energy transition, the growth of EV supply chains, and advances in manufacturing and technology. According to Vedanta, sectors such as metals, minerals, oil and gas, and power will play a critical role in this transformation. Despite their importance, these industries continue to have low female participation. Vedanta said greater inclusion is essential for India to fully harness its talent pool and achieve its economic growth ambitions. Commenting on the initiative, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, said the company plans not only to increase representation but also to redesign workplace systems and provide support frameworks that help women thrive in core industries. She added that the #HerAtTheCore initiative is both a celebration of women in the workforce and a call for greater participation in sectors shaping India’s industrial future. Source: PTI  

Vedanta Targets 35% Women Representation Across Workforce Read More »

Samsung Electronics to Transition to AI-Driven Autonomous Factories by 2030

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South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics has announced plans to convert its domestic and overseas manufacturing facilities into AI-powered autonomous factories by 2030, marking a major step in its manufacturing innovation strategy. The company said it will deploy digital twin-based simulations across the entire production cycle — from raw material warehousing to final shipment. These virtual replicas of physical operations will enable real-time monitoring and optimisation. In addition, Samsung will introduce AI agents dedicated to quality control, production management and logistics, strengthening data-driven analysis and verification systems. According to the company, the transformation is expected to significantly enhance productivity and product quality. Broader AI applications will also extend to environmental health and safety management, helping improve workplace safety standards. Building on its AI capabilities developed in the mobile segment, Samsung plans to incorporate “agentic AI” — first introduced with the Galaxy S26 — into its manufacturing ecosystem. Agentic AI systems are designed to autonomously set objectives and execute plans to achieve specific goals without constant human intervention. The company is also working on gradually deploying humanoid manufacturing robots across production lines, with the aim of creating fully optimised smart factories. Lee Young-soo, a senior company official, said the next phase of manufacturing innovation will go beyond automation. “The future lies in autonomous production sites where AI understands on-site conditions and independently makes optimal decisions,” he said, adding that Samsung aims to position itself as a global leader in AI-powered manufacturing. Samsung is set to present its industrial AI roadmap and digital twin-driven factory vision at the Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC) in Barcelona later this month. On the sidelines of the event, during the Samsung Mobile Business Summit (SMBS), the company will outline its governance framework designed to strengthen oversight as agentic AI adoption expands across industries. Separately, Samsung recently unveiled its flagship Galaxy S26 lineup at the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco. The series includes the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring 6.3-inch, 6.7-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively. The Ultra model also introduces a built-in privacy display alongside enhanced AI-powered features. Source: IANS

Samsung Electronics to Transition to AI-Driven Autonomous Factories by 2030 Read More »

AI to Transform, Not Terminate Jobs: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy

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Artificial intelligence is poised to redefine the workplace rather than eliminate jobs, according to Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon. Addressing widespread concerns about AI-driven unemployment, Jassy suggested that fears of large-scale job losses are likely exaggerated. In a recent media interaction, Jassy acknowledged that many roles which have depended heavily on human labour over the past two to three decades may require fewer workers in the future. However, he stressed that this shift does not mean employment opportunities will vanish altogether. Instead, the structure and skill requirements of jobs are expected to evolve. “I do believe that a lot of the jobs that we’ve thrown human beings at the last 20 or 30 years, you won’t need as many human beings doing those same jobs. But I also think there will be other jobs created. And that has always happened in every technology shift,” he said. Backing this perspective, a recent report by Morgan Stanley suggested that AI’s long-term impact on employment may be less disruptive than widely feared. While automation will affect certain roles, the report stated that most workers are unlikely to be permanently displaced. Instead, many are expected to transition into new or emerging roles — some of which do not yet exist. Morgan Stanley drew comparisons with major technological advancements over the past 150 years, including electricity, mechanised farming, computers and the internet. These innovations transformed industries and reshaped job requirements but did not eliminate the need for human labour. The report also referenced the introduction of spreadsheets in the 1980s as an example. While spreadsheets reduced demand for some clerical tasks, they enabled financial professionals to focus on more strategic and high-value responsibilities, ultimately creating new career pathways within the sector. Industry leaders and analysts therefore suggest that AI will reshape the workforce, demanding new skills and adaptability, rather than causing widespread unemployment. Source: IANS

AI to Transform, Not Terminate Jobs: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Read More »

India Inc Likely to Grant 9.1% Average Salary Hike in 2026; GCCs Lead with 10.4% Growth: EY Report

/ Human Resource Community

Corporate India is projected to offer an average salary increment of 9.1% in 2026, with Global Capability Centres (GCCs) emerging as the frontrunners in pay growth, according to the latest Future of Pay report by EY India. GCCs are expected to record the highest average increments at 10.4%, fuelled by sustained global demand for digital and advanced technology expertise. The financial services sector is likely to follow closely with projected hikes of around 10%, while e-commerce firms may offer 9.9% increases. Life sciences and pharmaceutical companies are anticipated to roll out average hikes of 9.7%. The report also signals a moderation in workforce churn. Overall attrition declined to 16.4% in 2025 from 17.5% in 2024, reflecting a relatively stabilising employment environment. However, over 80% of employee exits continue to be voluntary, indicating that job switches are largely driven by better career prospects rather than downsizing. Among sectors, financial services reported the highest attrition at 24%. Professional services and hi-tech and IT segments also experienced elevated turnover levels. In contrast, GCCs demonstrated comparatively stronger retention, with attrition standing at 14.1%. Abhishek Sen, Partner and Leader – Total Rewards, HR Technology and Learning at EY India, noted that organisations are increasingly reassessing their talent investment strategies. He emphasised that compensation strategies are shifting beyond annual increments to focus on rewarding critical skills while maintaining long-term sustainability. A notable trend highlighted in the report is the transition towards skills-based pay models. Nearly half of the surveyed organisations are moving away from conventional role-based compensation structures to frameworks that prioritise specific capabilities. Professionals skilled in artificial intelligence, generative AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are commanding salary premiums ranging between 30% and 40%, reflecting the strategic importance of these competencies in driving business growth. Additionally, variable pay is becoming a more significant component of overall compensation. The average variable pay as a proportion of fixed salary rose to 16.1% in 2025, up from 14.8% the previous year. Source: IANS  

India Inc Likely to Grant 9.1% Average Salary Hike in 2026; GCCs Lead with 10.4% Growth: EY Report Read More »

AI Could Hit Global Jobs Like a ‘Tsunami’, Warns IMF Chief

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Artificial intelligence could reshape the global labour market with the force of a “tsunami”, potentially disrupting millions of jobs and rattling financial systems, cautioned Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to IMF estimates, nearly 40 per cent of jobs in emerging economies and about 60 per cent in advanced economies could be affected by AI. While the technology is expected to eliminate certain roles, it will also enhance and create others. However, Georgieva acknowledged that policymakers still lack clear strategies to help workers transition smoothly into the evolving AI-driven economy. She warned that AI could exacerbate inequality within and across nations, favouring countries and individuals with advanced technological capabilities while leaving others behind. Unchecked expansion of AI, she said, may also create instability in financial markets. Despite the concerns, Georgieva highlighted AI’s significant growth potential. The technology could lift global output by nearly 0.8 percentage points, pushing economic growth beyond pre-pandemic levels and opening new avenues for employment. For India, she noted, such momentum could support its ambition of becoming a developed nation under the “Viksit Bharat” vision. The IMF chief emphasised that countries investing in digital infrastructure, skill-building, and AI adoption will be better positioned to benefit. She outlined three key risks: widening inequality between technological “haves” and “have-nots,” threats to financial stability, and large-scale job displacement. The IMF has earlier cautioned that rapid AI-related investments, particularly in the US, could risk forming a speculative bubble reminiscent of the early 2000s dot-com crash. Source: TNN

AI Could Hit Global Jobs Like a ‘Tsunami’, Warns IMF Chief Read More »

Ambani, Adani Turn India AI Summit into High-Stakes Talent Hunt Amid $50B Investment Push

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India’s two biggest business houses — Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani — are turning the ongoing India AI Summit into a high-stakes talent hunt, as competition to build cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools intensifies across the country. Senior executives from Reliance Industries Ltd. and Adani Group have been actively scouting young engineers at the summit, with candidates queuing up to showcase resumes, AI prototypes, and GitHub portfolios. With AI expertise still a niche skill set in India’s vast technology workforce, companies are moving quickly to secure top talent. Priyanshi Bavishi, a marketing executive at AdaniConnex Pvt. Ltd., said the summit offers an ideal platform to connect with qualified professionals. “The industry is still niche, so the qualified people have great prospects,” she noted. The week-long event has drawn global tech heavyweights, including Sundar Pichai of Alphabet Inc. and Sam Altman of OpenAI, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, who is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit serves as a global showcase for India’s software prowess and tech-savvy workforce. The country has already attracted $50 billion in AI-related investments, positioning itself as an emerging force in the global AI race. Corporate announcements during the summit underscored that momentum. Anthropic revealed a partnership with Infosys Ltd. to build advanced AI solutions tailored for specific industries. Meanwhile, the Adani Group unveiled plans to invest $100 billion in data centers by 2035. Google has also committed $15 billion toward developing what it calls its first AI hub in India. Consulting firms are equally aggressive in recruitment. Siddharth Sood, a consulting partner at Ernst & Young LLP, said the focus is shifting beyond traditional service roles. “We are a service-oriented nation. But we are looking for ideapreneurs,” he said, highlighting demand in areas such as AI-driven cybersecurity. At the summit venue, AI engineers, data scientists, and cloud developers are among the most sought-after profiles. Recruiters from Dell Technologies and Salesforce are leveraging the event to access candidates they might not reach through conventional online hiring channels, where automated screening systems often filter out applicants. Viral Tank, senior manager in analytics at Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, described the atmosphere as mutually beneficial. “It works both ways. I am looking for people. They are looking for jobs,” he said, noting the strong turnout of students since early morning sessions. While global corporations deepen their AI footprints and Indian conglomerates ramp up infrastructure spending, the government is aiming to expand domestic AI model development and boost funding further. Even as India accelerates its efforts, it continues to trail China in overall AI scale and deployment — making talent acquisition a critical battleground in the country’s next phase of digital growth. Source: Bloomberg  

Ambani, Adani Turn India AI Summit into High-Stakes Talent Hunt Amid $50B Investment Push Read More »

Dentsu Appoints Takeshi Sano as Global CEO Amid Record Loss and Strategic Overhaul

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Japanese advertising major Dentsu Group has named Takeshi Sano as its next Global Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a major leadership transition as the company confronts significant financial headwinds. Sano will replace long-serving chief Hiroshi Igarashi, whose departure concludes a career spanning nearly four decades with the group. The change will become effective after the company’s 177th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on March 27, 2026. From that date, Sano will assume the roles of Executive Officer, President and Global Chief Executive Officer. Igarashi, who joined the company in 1984, exits at a time when dentsu is seeking to strengthen its competitive edge and accelerate structural reforms. The leadership shake-up is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reposition the organisation for long-term global growth. The management reshuffle also includes several senior-level appointments. Yoshimasa Watahiki will take on the roles of Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of dentsu, alongside serving as Chief Operating Officer of dentsu Japan. Arinobu Soga will step down from his position as Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Governance Officer. Shigeki Endo, currently dentsu’s Global Chief Financial Officer, will be appointed Director, Executive Officer and Global Chief Financial Officer effective March 27. Endo joined the company as Global CFO Designate in July 2024 and formally assumed the CFO role in February 2025. His previous experience includes senior finance positions at ITOCHU, GE, BAT and Accenture Japan. The leadership overhaul follows a challenging financial year. For the year ended December 2025, dentsu posted a record consolidated net loss of 327.6 billion yen, primarily driven by a 310.1 billion yen impairment charge related to weak overseas operations. The net loss widened from 192.1 billion yen in the previous year, while operating losses increased to 289.2 billion yen from 124.9 billion yen. Sales, however, rose 1.7 per cent to 1,435.2 billion yen. In response to the results, the company announced it would not declare an annual dividend. Born in March 1970, Sano joined Dentsu Inc. in April 1992 and has held several senior leadership roles. He previously served as Managing Director of the Business Transformation Division in 2021 and became Chief Executive Officer of Business Transformation in 2023. Since January 2024, he has been Chief Executive Officer of dentsu Japan and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu Inc. Sano’s elevation places a transformation-focused executive at the helm during a critical period for the global advertising and marketing industry, which continues to face pressure from digital disruption, cost restructuring and underperforming international businesses. Investors and stakeholders will be closely watching whether the new leadership team can stabilise overseas operations and restore profitability. Source: peoplematters  

Dentsu Appoints Takeshi Sano as Global CEO Amid Record Loss and Strategic Overhaul Read More »