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Uttarakhand High Court Upholds Rights of Pregnant Women in Government Employment

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The Uttarakhand High Court has delivered a groundbreaking ruling affirming that women cannot be denied employment due to pregnancy. This landmark decision, inspired by the case of Misha Upadhyay, who faced discrimination in a nursing officer position due to her pregnancy, represents a pivotal advancement in safeguarding fundamental rights and promoting gender parity within India’s workforce. Commenting on this landmark verdict, Dr. Rennie Joyy emphasized the historical discrimination faced by women, often using pregnancy as a pretext to exclude them from job opportunities or hinder their career progression. The court’s decision challenges this systemic bias, highlighting the importance of motherhood while asserting that it should never serve as a barrier to professional advancement. By deeming such practices a violation of constitutional rights under Articles 14, 16, and 21, the court sets a crucial precedent for fostering an inclusive and equitable society. Dr. Joyy further lauded the judgment, noting its role in rectifying past injustices and creating a more gender-sensitive environment where women can pursue their careers free from discrimination. This ruling underscores the necessity of cultivating workplaces that accommodate and respect women’s reproductive choices, aligning with global efforts toward achieving gender equality, including Sustainable Development Goal 5. Meanwhile, Advocate Faizan Mirza of the Bombay High Court – Nagpur Bench hailed the decision as a significant victory for fairness, emphasizing its role in promoting respect for women and equal opportunities in the workforce. He highlighted the absurdity of denying employment based on pregnancy and underscored the importance of treating all individuals with respect and providing them with equal opportunities for employment. Mirza applauded the court’s decision as a step in the right direction toward ensuring fairness and equal opportunities in the workplace, setting a positive example for future generations. He recognized women’s resilience and capability in balancing multiple responsibilities and urged society to acknowledge and support their contributions without discrimination.Top of Form

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Godrej Capital Appoints Bhavya Misra as Chief Human Resources Officer

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Godrej Capital, a leading financial services company, has named Bhavya Misra as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective immediately. With over 15 years of extensive experience across various sectors including finance, commercial, IT, electronics, and telecommunications, Bhavya brings a wealth of HR leadership expertise to her new role. Before joining Godrej Capital, Bhavya served as the Director and Head of HR at Lenovo, a global consumer electronics manufacturer, where she played a pivotal role in shaping HR strategies in India. Prior to that, she held the position of HR Director for Finance, Commercial, and IT at PepsiCo, overseeing regions spanning Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Bhavya also served as the HR Manager for Talent Management at Bharti Retail. Bhavya holds a BSc degree in Physics from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and an MBA in HR from the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. She has also completed an exchange program in HR at the IAE Aix-Marseille Graduate School of Management. Her core competencies include talent acquisition, HR management, performance management, HR policies, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), employee engagement, learning and development, and leadership. Expressing excitement about her new role, Bhavya stated, “Super excited to start this journey with Godrej Capital! A whole new world of learning, growing, and building a great place to succeed!” In a LinkedIn post, Godrej Capital welcomed Bhavya to the leadership team, highlighting her diverse HR experience and expressing confidence in her ability to drive the organization’s HR strategies and culture initiatives forward.

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Senior VP of HR at Reliance Jio Launches Comprehensive Guide “HR Mastermind”

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Harjeet Khanduja, Senior Vice President of HR at Reliance Jio, has unveiled his latest book titled “HR Mastermind,” aimed at providing invaluable insights to HR professionals and students alike. Collaborating with ZebraLearn, this book sets a new benchmark in HR management literature, offering practical guidance across various aspects of human resource management. Divided into three parts focusing on hiring, employee retention, and employee management, “HR Mastermind” addresses the complex challenges encountered by HR professionals and managers. With a strong emphasis on practicality and relevance, the book caters to individuals with a problem-solving mindset, aspiring to grasp the intricacies of HR management across organizations of all sizes. During the launch event, author Harjeet Khanduja expressed, “The book delves deep into the fundamentals of human resource management, offering technical insights into organizational dynamics, hiring processes, talent management, compliance, and technology optimization. I am confident that this book will receive a tremendous response from readers and HR personnel nationwide.” Anurag Sundarka, the Founder of ZebraLearn, remarked, “We take pride in introducing Harjeet Khanduja’s latest book, which serves as a treasure trove of knowledge and strategic insights. This launch underscores our commitment to equipping HR professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs with the requisite tools and knowledge essential for excelling in Human Resource Management.” Author Harjeet Khanduja is a renowned figure in the HR domain, currently holding the position of Senior Vice President at Reliance Jio. With extensive experience in HR management across multinational corporations and a track record of spearheading numerous greenfield projects, Harjeet brings a wealth of expertise to his role. His contributions have been recognized with over 30 prestigious awards, including honors such as Top 100 HR Minds and Top 100 Global Thought Leaders, affirming his profound impact and leadership in the field. Additionally, Harjeet actively contributes to academia and industry as a member of esteemed organizations such as the Federation of World Academics, CII HR IR Committee, and Nasscom Diversity Committee.  

Senior VP of HR at Reliance Jio Launches Comprehensive Guide “HR Mastermind” Read More »

Reliance Industries and Walt Disney Near Finalization of Mega Merger, Creating India’s Largest Media Entity

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Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), led by Mukesh Ambani, and Walt Disney are on the brink of finalizing a significant stock-and-cash merger, aiming to forge India’s largest media and entertainment conglomerate, according to a report by Economic Times (ET). The negotiations, under an exclusivity period, are slated to conclude by February 17. With an anticipated ownership stake of 42-45% in the merged entity, Viacom18 is poised to emerge as the leading shareholder. RIL plans to infuse up to $1.5 billion in cash into the new venture, securing a direct stake. The conglomerate as a whole is slated to retain a 60% ownership interest, while Walt Disney will possess the remaining 40%. According to sources cited by ET, Reliance executives are currently devising a comprehensive three-year capital allocation strategy encompassing all business sectors, with the media segment earmarked as pivotal for the company’s growth trajectory. The proposed strategy entails the establishment of a subsidiary of Viacom18 Media, which will subsequently merge with Star India through a stock swap. Both entities are assessed to be of comparable value, ranging between $4-5 billion each, with RIL leveraging cash to acquire a controlling interest. As part of the deal, Jio Cinema, a division of Viacom18, will be seamlessly integrated. However, Disney’s valuation of its India operations has witnessed a significant decline since its 2019 acquisition, primarily attributable to mounting losses incurred by its sports franchise in the country, as highlighted by analysts. Viacom18’s entertainment network in India represents a collaboration between Ambani’s TV18 Broadcast, Paramount Global, and Bodhi Tree Systems, an investment fund established by James Murdoch and former Disney India chief Uday Shankar. Contrary to some reports, Bodhi Tree will indirectly hold shares in the new entity as a Viacom18 stakeholder. As negotiations approach a climax, the merger’s diligence is being diligently conducted by leading firms from both sides, accompanied by multiple law firms and company executives. While the deadline for exclusivity may be extended, the concerted effort is geared toward finalizing the deal by the fiscal year-end, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Indian media landscape and the imperative for consolidation. The forthcoming entity’s board is slated to feature three Disney representatives among its eight or nine members, underscoring the collaborative nature of the venture.

Reliance Industries and Walt Disney Near Finalization of Mega Merger, Creating India’s Largest Media Entity Read More »

Snap Implements Workforce Reduction, Targeting DE&I and HR Analytics Teams

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Snap Inc. has initiated a workforce reduction, impacting approximately 10% of its employees, with a focus on roles related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and HR analytics. This move underscores the company’s broader push towards a Return-to-Office (RTO) model, aiming to foster in-person collaboration and flatten organizational hierarchies. Reports from Business Insider indicate that employees engaged in internal employee analytics, including surveys and diversity initiatives aimed at enhancing talent diversity, are among those affected by the layoffs. This decision mirrors recent trends in the tech industry, where HR-related roles have faced scrutiny, with instances of job cuts observed at major firms like Google and Meta in 2023. Despite the prevailing belief among industry leaders that the future of DE&I efforts should leverage HR analytics, Snap’s strategic realignment diverges from this perspective. The company, justifying the layoffs impacting around 500 employees, emphasizes the importance of eliminating hierarchy and fostering face-to-face interactions. Snap’s RTO mandate, requiring employees to spend 80% of their time in the office, has been met with resistance. Business Insider reports that managers informed employees in November about monitoring compliance through WiFi connections and badge tracking systems. Similar policies have been adopted by tech giants like Meta and Amazon, with non-compliance potentially leading to termination. In an SEC filing, Snap framed the restructuring as a strategic move to align resources with key priorities and support future growth initiatives. The company anticipates incurring costs ranging from $55 million to $75 million due to the layoffs. CEO Evan Spiegel addressed the workforce reduction, highlighting the company’s commitment to adaptability and long-term success. However, reports suggest that members of the tech team, including engineers and content moderation staff, were already let go preceding the official announcement. The decision reflects Snap’s evolving organizational strategy amidst changing workplace dynamics and underscores the challenges faced by companies navigating the transition to hybrid work models. As Snap repositions itself for the future, the implications of its workforce restructuring remain a focal point for industry observers.

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Air India Appoints Ravindra Kumar G P as Chief Human Resources Officer

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Air India announced on Friday that Ravindra Kumar G P will assume the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) starting April 1. Currently associated with Tata Motors, Kumar will succeed Suresh Dutt Tripathi, who is retiring from his position at the airline. With a distinguished career, including a significant tenure at General Electric Company, where he served as CHRO for South Asia in the last four years, Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His recent role as President & CHRO at Tata Motors since 2018 adds to his extensive background in human resources. Kumar will report directly to Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson. In a statement, Wilson expressed gratitude for the outstanding contribution of Suresh Dutt Tripathi, highlighting his vital role over the past two years, particularly during the transitional phase of Air India’s privatization. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Air India, following the takeover by the Tata group in January 2022. The change in leadership reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen and streamline the operations of the national carrier under the new ownership. As Air India undergoes significant transformations, the new CHRO, Ravindra Kumar G P, is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the airline’s human resources strategies and contributing to its overall success.

Air India Appoints Ravindra Kumar G P as Chief Human Resources Officer Read More »

India Witnesses Remarkable Surge in Employable Youth, DEA Highlights Transformative Skill Development

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News on HR

In a significant development, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has reported a substantial increase in the percentage of employable youth in India. According to the January 2024 review of the economy, the employable percentage of final-year and pre-final-year students has risen from 33.9% in 2014 to an impressive 51.3% in 2024. This positive trend is attributed to the concerted efforts in mass skilling initiatives since 2014. The DEA’s report underscores the transformative journey in skill development witnessed in India over the last decade. The push for skilling has begun to yield dividends, creating ample scope to integrate skilling into the education curriculum and upskill a significant portion of the existing workforce with future-relevant skills. The report also highlights India’s notable progress in WorldSkills Competitions, moving from the 39th position in 2011 to the 11th position in 2022. This across-the-board advancement in skilling, coupled with the rising enrolment in higher education, reflects the expanding and increasingly employable young workforce in India. Noteworthy statistics from the report include India’s 50.2% of men and 41% of women with ten or more years of schooling in the 15-49 age group. The DEA sees an opportunity to leverage the education-skill continuum as a powerful tool for the Indian Miracle by focusing on the youth who can benefit from finishing schools for enhanced employability. Under the National Education Policy, 2020, the report emphasizes the special focus on vocational education and skill development. Integrating vocational education with general education and mainstreaming vocational education are identified as key reforms in the country’s education system. Despite these advancements, the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23 reveals that 72.6% of workers aged 15-59 years did not receive any formal or informal vocational or technical training. To address this gap, the report highlights the recent launch of the Skill India Digital platform, serving as the digital public infrastructure for the skilling, education, employment, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. This initiative is seen as a significant step toward enhancing the ease of acquiring skills in India.

India Witnesses Remarkable Surge in Employable Youth, DEA Highlights Transformative Skill Development Read More »

Indian Railways Concludes Employment Process for 1.5 Lakh Posts, Announces Annual Recruitment Drive

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Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the successful completion of the employment process for 1.5 lakh posts within the Indian Railways, with the selection of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) marking the initial phase. In a bid to create more employment opportunities, the railway ministry plans to conduct an annual recruitment process, addressing vacancies in various categories. Vaishnaw emphasized the significance of the recently concluded employment drive, stating, “We have recently completed the employment process for one lakh fifty-thousand employees, and immediately after concluding that, we have started the new process from the selection of assistant Loco pilots (ALPs). This is the first step.” Highlighting the railway’s vision, he outlined the shift towards an annual recruitment procedure. “There will be more employment opportunities in technical and non-technical popular categories in Group D. Instead of bunching everything together, our objective now is to have more employment. An annual recruitment process has been commenced so that more and more people can get opportunities,” Vaishnaw added. Anil Kumar Khandelwal, General Manager of East Central Railway, provided insights into the ongoing recruitment process. “Railway has started a new recruitment process. The railway will create vacancies every year on a regular basis. Railway infrastructure and operations are increasing every year. The vacancies will be filled on a yearly basis in multiple categories. The recruitment of 5,696 ALP (assistant loco pilots) has already started in this direction as of January 20.” Khandelwal emphasized the annual nature of the recruitment process, allowing candidates unsuccessful in the current year to reapply in the following year. He highlighted the positive shift from the previous practice of conducting recruitment once every three or four years, providing candidates with consistent opportunities to participate in the railway’s recruitment process. With the issuance of the first notification for 5,696 loco pilots on January 20, the Indian Railways aims to not only address immediate staffing needs but also establish a sustainable and recurring framework for employment opportunities.

Indian Railways Concludes Employment Process for 1.5 Lakh Posts, Announces Annual Recruitment Drive Read More »

Sony Confirms Termination of $10 Billion Merger Deal with Zee Entertainment, Legal Battle Looms

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Sony Corporation officially announced on Monday the termination of its proposed $10 billion mega-merger deal with Zee Entertainment, marking the collapse of the ambitious alliance that aimed to create India’s largest entertainment company. The agreement was intended to provide substantial financial prowess, positioning the unified entity to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., as well as local conglomerates such as Reliance Industries Ltd, currently exploring potential partnerships with Disney. The termination notice served by Sony brings an abrupt end to the negotiations, which had been anticipated as Sony Group Corp signaled its hesitancy to extend the discussions beyond the originally agreed-upon deadline. The termination follows a report on January 21 by ET (Economic Times) indicating that Sony was unlikely to prolong the good faith negotiations with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL). Zee Entertainment, in response to Sony’s move, expressed its intention to take legal action against the Japanese conglomerate, setting the stage for a potential legal battle between the two entities. The fallout from the failed merger deal adds a layer of complexity to the media landscape, with Zee Entertainment now reassessing its strategic options. In a prior development, Zee had requested Sony to extend the merger deadline from December 21, 2023, citing the need for more time. The merger deal, initially inked on December 22, 2021, faced hurdles and uncertainties, ultimately leading to its termination. The termination of the Sony-Zee merger deal raises questions about the future trajectory of both companies in the highly competitive Indian entertainment market. Industry observers are closely watching the aftermath of this high-profile breakdown and its potential implications for the broader media and entertainment landscape in India.

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SolarEdge Technologies Announces 16% Workforce Reduction Amidst Strategic Operational Adjustments

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In a strategic move to streamline operations and cut operating costs, SolarEdge Technologies announced on Sunday that it will be implementing a significant workforce reduction, affecting approximately 16% of its global workforce, or roughly 900 employees. This decision comes on the heels of the firm’s recent strategic shifts, including the discontinuation of manufacturing operations in Mexico, a reduction in manufacturing capacity in China, and the termination of light commercial vehicle e-mobility activity. CEO Zvi Lando explained the rationale behind the tough decision, stating, “We have made a very difficult, but necessary decision to implement a workforce reduction and other cost-cutting measures in order to align our cost structure with the rapidly changing market dynamics.” The renewable energy company had previously adjusted its fourth-quarter revenue expectations in November, citing weak demand for its solar inverters. The solar industry, particularly in Europe, has experienced a slowdown over the past year due to excess inventories and weakening demand. In the United States, factors such as higher interest rates and a metering reform in California, the country’s largest solar market, have contributed to lower demand for solar products. SolarEdge’s strategic measures reflect the company’s proactive response to the evolving dynamics of the solar market, aiming to position itself effectively in the face of challenges. The announcement underscores the broader trends and challenges within the renewable energy sector, as companies navigate market shifts and seek to optimize their operations in a rapidly changing environment.

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