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

/ Human Resource Community
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 »

British Columbia Takes Bold Steps to Curb Exploitation of Foreign Students

/ Education Community

In a bid to eliminate exploitative practices and ensure the well-being of international students, the province of British Columbia in Canada has announced stringent measures to crack down on misuse within the international student system. Following Ontario’s lead, British Columbia aims to protect students and strengthen the quality of post-secondary education by implementing new safeguards. Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Minister Selina Robinson emphasized the province’s commitment to taking action against bad actors preying on international students. The announced measures include a two-year pause on approvals for new post-secondary institutions seeking to enroll international students. Additionally, British Columbia will conduct more frequent inspections of private post-secondary institutions to ensure compliance with quality standards and adequate support for students. Private degree programs will face higher standards for approval, encompassing criteria such as degree quality, demonstrated labor-market need for graduates, and sufficient resources and student support. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills underscored the province’s dedication to eliminating exploitative practices and enhancing the overall quality of education. During a press conference in Surrey, Minister Selina Robinson stated, “International students come here for a good education, but too many are being exploited or taken advantage of.” The new requirements aim to prevent institutions from taking advantage of international students and will restrict the ability of private institutions to host international students if they fail to meet provincial standards for quality education. This announcement follows similar measures undertaken by the province of Ontario to safeguard the integrity of its post-secondary education system. Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop, introduced measures such as placing a moratorium on new partnerships between public and private colleges to address potential misuse of credentials. With over half a million international students holding study permits in Canada at the end of 2023, British Columbia and Ontario host significant numbers. The new measures underscore Canada’s commitment to protecting the interests and well-being of international students, particularly addressing concerns related to exploitation and substandard education.

British Columbia Takes Bold Steps to Curb Exploitation of Foreign Students Read More »

Madhya Pradesh Government Takes Stringent Measures to Halt Exam Paper Leaks

/ Governance Community

In a resolute move to tackle the persistent issue of exam paper leaks, Rao Uday Pratap Singh, the Minister of School Education in Madhya Pradesh, announced on Monday that the state government is set to enact a robust law. Addressing reporters in Bhopal following the live broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Pariksha Pe Charcha” program, the minister outlined the government’s determination to address the challenge head-on. Singh emphasized the introduction of a comprehensive system aimed at preventing leaks of school examination papers. “We are going to introduce a system to prevent the leak of (school) examination papers. No one will be able to make question papers available to students. Students need to be alert. We have tightened up the system,” said Singh. The government’s plan includes ensuring that examination papers reach designated centers without any leaks. Singh underscored their commitment by stating, “We will bring a stringent law to ensure that no person, including the in-charge of examination centers, involved in such malpractices, can escape.” The proposed law will extend its reach to cover any issues within the government system, bringing such acts under the ambit of criminal activity. Singh affirmed the government’s intention to introduce this legislation in the assembly in the coming time, signaling a strong stance against malpractices in examinations. Addressing concerns about students accessing exam papers through social media platforms, Singh urged students to stay away from such channels involved in criminal practices. He highlighted the potential criminality of these actions, emphasizing the need for students to remain vigilant. As part of the commitment to creating a conducive examination environment, Singh assured that the MP School Education Department would ensure that students appear for exams in a “tension-free” atmosphere. The government’s proactive measures underscore its determination to uphold the integrity of the examination process and ensure fair opportunities for all students.

Madhya Pradesh Government Takes Stringent Measures to Halt Exam Paper Leaks Read More »

AIIMS-Patna Successfully Tests Medicines Delivery by Drone, Revolutionizing Healthcare Access

/ Health & Wellness Community

In a groundbreaking move, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Patna (AIIMS-P) achieved a significant milestone by successfully flying a drone to deliver medicines to the primary health centre (PHC) in Naubatpur, located 12km away. This initiative, driven by the Union health ministry, aims to streamline and expedite medical supply chains, especially in challenging geographical and environmental conditions. AIIMS-P executive director, Dr G K Pal, revealed that the use of drones for medicine delivery is part of an ambitious plan by the Union health ministry. Following successful trials, a formal inauguration is expected in the coming days. Earlier attempts at drone demonstrations had been limited to the institute campus due to adverse weather conditions, but the recent drone flight to Naubatpur covered the distance in just eight minutes. Dr. Pal highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “The geographical and environmental conditions of Bihar often came in the way of fast delivery of health care by road or river ways to people living in hilly areas and diara or during adverse weather conditions like floods. Healthcare drones would prove to be a boon, especially in delivering life-saving medicines like anti-venom for snake bites, vaccines, and other emergency drugs.” The successful demonstration involved covering a distance of 24km, a journey that could take at least 30 minutes by road. The institute has requisitioned four drones for medical services, and the positive outcome of the recent test flight marks a significant step forward. For the drone service to be fully operational, the presence of medically trained individuals accompanied by technical experts is necessary at the receiving end. This innovative approach is poised to revolutionize healthcare access, particularly in areas where traditional modes of transportation face challenges.

AIIMS-Patna Successfully Tests Medicines Delivery by Drone, Revolutionizing Healthcare Access Read More »

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Set to Engage with Students, Parents, and Teachers in ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024’

/ Education Community

On January 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to conduct the seventh edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha,’ an interactive session with students, teachers, and parents. The event will take place at Bharat Mandapam, ITPO, New Delhi, starting at 11:00 AM. This initiative aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to participants on dealing with exam stress and academic challenges. This year’s ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ has garnered remarkable participation, with a combined total of 205.62 lakh students, 14.93 lakh teachers, and 5.69 lakh parents registering for the event. This surge in registrations, compared to the previous year, highlights the widespread enthusiasm among students nationwide. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a recent assessment of preparations for the event, shared that the seventh edition has recorded an impressive 2.26 crore registrations on the MyGov portal. The event, known for its interactive and engaging format, is a significant platform for students to interact directly with the Prime Minister. To ensure widespread accessibility, the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024’ event will be broadcast live on Doordarshan, including channels such as DD National, DD News, and DD India. Other leading private channels will also air the program in real-time. Additionally, the live broadcast will be available on radio channels, including All India Radio Medium Wave and All India Radio FM Channel. For online viewership, the event can be accessed via various websites such as PMO, Ministry of Education, Doordarshan, MyGov.in, and the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Education. The live stream will also be available on Facebook Live and Swayamprabha. Recognizing the importance of the event, the University Grants Commission has urged higher educational institutions to make necessary arrangements for students to participate and watch the program. This inclusive approach aims to make ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024’ a resounding success, building on the active engagement observed over the past six years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Set to Engage with Students, Parents, and Teachers in ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024’ Read More »

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

/ Human Resource Community

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 »

Breakthrough Discovery Unveils Potential for Sustainable Energy Revolution

/ Health & Wellness Community

Researchers have unveiled a discovery that could pave the way for a sustainable energy revolution. The breakthrough centers around a novel technology that harnesses the power of ambient vibrations to generate electricity, offering a promising solution to the global quest for cleaner and more efficient energy sources. The innovation, spearheaded by a team of scientists at a leading research institution, revolves around the concept of energy harvesting from ambient vibrations in the environment. By tapping into these ubiquitous vibrations, the researchers have successfully created a prototype device capable of converting them into usable electrical energy. This opens up the possibility of generating power in diverse settings, from urban environments with constant human activity to remote locations with natural vibrations. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching, as it holds the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape. Unlike traditional energy sources that often rely on finite resources and contribute to environmental degradation, this breakthrough offers a renewable and sustainable alternative. The technology’s scalability and adaptability make it a viable option for various applications, ranging from powering small electronic devices to providing energy for entire communities. The researchers anticipate that this innovation could play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing global challenges related to climate change and the need for cleaner energy solutions. The next steps involve further testing and refinement of the technology to optimize its efficiency and practicality. As the world grapples with the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy, this discovery marks a significant stride towards a more eco-friendly and resilient future. This breakthrough not only signifies a leap forward in scientific achievement but also underscores the potential for unconventional approaches to meet the growing energy demands of our planet. The journey towards a sustainable energy revolution has just taken a promising turn, bringing renewed hope for a greener and more environmentally conscious future.

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Mattel Unveils Animated ‘Bob the Builder’ Movie Starring Anthony Ramos

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Toy giant Mattel is set to bring the beloved character “Bob the Builder” to the big screen in its first animated theatrical movie. Renowned actor Anthony Ramos, known for his role in “In the Heights,” lends his voice to the titular character, now named Roberto, as he embarks on a construction adventure in Puerto Rico. The film promises to delve into various issues across the island, offering a unique perspective on construction and introducing audiences to the vibrant Caribbean-Latin culture. Following the success of Mattel’s “Barbie” movie, which grossed over $1.4 billion at the box office, the toy company continues to expand its cinematic endeavors. “Bob the Builder” joins a slate of upcoming projects by Mattel Films, including the Netflix animated series “Masters of the Universe: Revolution” centered on the iconic “He-Man” franchise. Additionally, a live-action “Polly Pocket” film, directed by Lena Dunham, is in the works, drawing inspiration from the popular 1980s dolls. Mattel Films is not stopping there, as they are actively developing projects based on other well-known toy lines such as American Girl, Hot Wheels, Magic Ball, Barney, and more. The move into filmmaking reflects Mattel’s commitment to leveraging its diverse portfolio of iconic brands to captivate audiences across different media. The “Bob the Builder” movie is a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s British animated children’s series, created by Keith Chapman. The TV show, spanning 12 seasons, featured the lovable contractor and his friends. Mattel acquired the rights to “Bob the Builder” and other preschool properties when it purchased Hit Entertainment in 2011 for $680 million. Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, expressed hopes that the animated movie would introduce the beloved character to new audiences, cementing Mattel’s position as a key player in the entertainment industry.

Mattel Unveils Animated ‘Bob the Builder’ Movie Starring Anthony Ramos Read More »

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Successfully Tests Drones for Healthcare Delivery in Odisha

/ Health & Wellness Community

AIIMS Bhubaneswar achieved a significant milestone on January 23 by successfully conducting an experimental trial utilizing drones to enhance healthcare services in Odisha. The unmanned aerial vehicle covered a remarkable distance of 120 km from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to the Community Health Centre in Tangi in just 1.10 hours, marking a groundbreaking advancement in medical logistics. The drones were specifically designed to transport essential blood supplies, weighing approximately 2 kg, with the entire journey executed seamlessly, showcasing the potential for integrating drone technology into the healthcare system. AIIMS Bhubaneswar Director, Ashutosh Biswas, expressed his satisfaction with the trial, emphasizing the commitment of the national institute to develop a model that seamlessly integrates technology to supplement existing logistics methods. Director Biswas highlighted the significance of this technology in bolstering healthcare services in remote, tribal, and semi-urban areas. Drones have the capacity to transport a variety of medical supplies, including vaccines, essential drugs, and diagnostic samples. This successful trial by AIIMS Bhubaneswar, a leading tertiary healthcare provider, opens new possibilities for enhancing healthcare accessibility for the people of Odisha. In an exclusive statement to ANI, Director Biswas stated, “Induction of drone delivery can boost the healthcare services in rural, tribal, and semi-urban locations. These drones can carry multiple health products, including vaccines, essential drugs, and diagnostic samples. AIIMS Bhubaneswar, as a leading tertiary healthcare provider, has created this opportunity for the people of Odisha.” The successful integration of drones in healthcare delivery marks a transformative step towards more efficient and timely medical services in challenging terrains and remote regions.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Successfully Tests Drones for Healthcare Delivery in Odisha Read More »

Karnataka Government Honors Commitment, Implements Old Pension Scheme for 13,000 Employees

/ Governance Community

In a significant move, the Karnataka government has officially announced the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme for approximately 13,000 state government employees who were recruited after 2006. This decision comes as a fulfillment of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s commitment made during a strike by government employees opposing the introduction of the new pension scheme. 2006 ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್‌ ಪೂರ್ವ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ಅಧಿಸೂಚನೆಯಾಗಿ 2006 ರ ನಂತರ ನೇಮಕಾತಿಗೊಂಡ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಸುಮಾರು 13,000 ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ನೌಕರರಿಗೆ ಹಳೆ ಪಿಂಚಣಿ ಯೋಜನೆ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಗೆ ಒಳಪಡಿಸಿ ಆದೇಶ ಹೊರಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಚುನಾವಣೆಗೂ ಪೂರ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಎನ್.ಪಿ.ಎಸ್ ನೌಕರರು ಮುಷ್ಕರು ಮಾಡುವ ವೇಳೆ ಸ್ಥಳಕ್ಕೆ ಭೇಟಿನೀಡಿ ನಾವು ಅಧಿಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದ ನಂತರ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ… pic.twitter.com/IJTzZACw2R — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 24, 2024 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah affirmed the government’s dedication to meeting the demand of the employees, stating, “An order has been issued to cover the old pension scheme to about 13,000 government employees of the state government recruited after 2006. Even before the election, I visited the place when the National Pension System (NPS) employees were on strike and promised to fulfill the demand after we came to power.” He expressed hope that the decision brings comfort to the families of the 13,000 NPS employees affected by the transition. Old Pension Scheme vs. New Pension Scheme The Old Pension Scheme guarantees a monthly pension post-retirement, usually amounting to half of the last drawn salary, providing financial security for retired government employees. In contrast, the New Pension Scheme involves employees contributing a portion of their salaries to a pension fund, leading to a one-time lump sum payment upon superannuation. The transition from the old to the new scheme occurred in December 2003, with the new scheme being implemented on April 1, 2004. Taking the opportunity to address broader issues, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the central government, accusing it of failing to deliver on its promise of creating two crore jobs per year. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who promised to create 2 crore jobs per year, failed to do so. 20 crore jobs were to be provided in ten years, which did not happen,” he remarked. These comments were made during the inauguration of a project aimed at rejuvenating 150 lakes and ponds in 79 villages in Periyapatna taluk from the Cauvery River at Muthtina Mullusoge on Wednesday, January 24.

Karnataka Government Honors Commitment, Implements Old Pension Scheme for 13,000 Employees Read More »