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Capgemini Witnesses a Sharp Decline in Offshore Headcount, India Heavily Impacted

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French IT company Capgemini has seen a significant reduction in its offshore workforce, with a decline of 14,600 employees in the September quarter. This reduction has notably affected its operations in India, where it had 185,000 employees, accounting for less than half of its total workforce of 342,700. It is estimated that Capgemini’s headcount in India may have decreased by nearly 7,000 employees during this period, following the addition of 35,000 people in the previous fiscal year. The offshore headcount of Capgemini has decreased by 7% to 196,000 employees in the September quarter, while its onshore workforce decreased by 1,100 employees. Capgemini’s CFO, Carole Ferrand, emphasized the company’s focus on efficiency and optimizing its talent base, especially in offshore locations, after a period of intensive hiring and high attrition. She mentioned that attrition rates have now cooled down to 18.6% over the last 12 months, aligning with the company’s nominal operating ranges. When contacted for a statement, Capgemini’s spokesperson explained that the company had adopted a stable hiring approach due to the challenging economic environment. They highlighted a focus on investing in new skills, fostering innovation, and expanding the portfolio. Capgemini, however, did not disclose its current headcount in India following the reduction in offshore employees. Capgemini’s CEO, Aiman Ezzat, mentioned the company’s plans to expand its workforce in data and AI, business, and technology talent, aiming to double the team to 50,000 people in the next three years. The company also intends to train over 100,000 employees in genAI-specific tools within the next 12 months. In terms of financial performance, Capgemini reported a 2.3% year-on-year revenue increase in constant currency for the September quarter. However, revenue in the North America region declined by 4%, attributed to the challenging economic environment and a gradual deceleration scenario for 2023. Ezzat emphasized the importance of the transition to a digital and sustainable economy for Capgemini’s clients and highlighted the increasing demand for generative AI. The company’s genAI campus has been launched to provide training for employees, aligning with its 2 billion euros investment plan to strengthen its presence in this field.

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Unmasking the Air Pollution Crisis in India: Health Implications and Urgent Solutions

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Blog on Health

India is grappling with a multifaceted challenge that poses a severe threat to public health – air pollution. As the air quality crisis in the National Capital Region, Delhi, continues to worsen, it prompts a closer look at the health implications of this persistent issue. This blog provides a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing air pollution crisis in India and delves into the critical health implications of air pollution, shedding light on the gravity of the issue and the urgent need for action. The Silent Killer Air pollution is often referred to as a “silent killer” because its health effects are not immediately apparent but accumulate over time, leading to chronic illnesses and reduced life expectancy. This problem is particularly severe in India, where rapid industrialization and urbanization have resulted in soaring levels of air pollutants. Health Implications of Air Pollution Respiratory Ailments: High levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) can lead to a surge in respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Cardiovascular Diseases: Air pollution plays a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other circulatory issues. Cancer Risk: Long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly air containing carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde, can increase the risk of lung cancer. Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution are at a higher risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in their offspring. Mental Health: Recent research has linked air pollution to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Also Read: Prioritizing Mental Health: The Cornerstone of Student Success in Education Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis Recent developments in Delhi highlight the severity of the air pollution crisis. Despite minor improvements, the overall air quality in Delhi remains ‘very poor.’ The Air Quality Index (AQI) recently shifted from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor,’ but this change does not indicate a significant improvement. The Supreme Court has criticized central and state governments for engaging in a blame game rather than implementing effective solutions. In response, authorities have taken measures, such as suspending physical classes (except for Classes 10 and 12) until November 10 and reintroducing the odd-even car rationing system from November 13 to 20. While there’s a marginal dip in pollution levels as reflected in the AQI, the concentration of PM2.5 particles continues to be a significant concern. Delhi’s PM2.5 levels consistently exceed the government-prescribed safe limit by a substantial margin, posing severe health risks to residents. Also Read: Top 12 Daily Habits for a Healthier Lifestyle What Can Be Done? Addressing India’s air pollution problem requires a multi-faceted approach. Some of the essential measures include: Strict Emission Standards: Enforcing and regularly updating emission standards for industries, vehicles, and power plants is crucial. Promoting Renewable Energy: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources like solar and wind power can reduce emissions. Improving Public Transportation: Expanding and improving public transportation systems can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, pollution levels. Urban Planning: Better urban planning and reducing traffic congestion can help mitigate pollution in metropolitan areas. Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the health implications of air pollution can empower citizens to take steps to protect themselves and advocate for change. Also Read: Mobilizing Global Education and Cultural Exchange through Technology Conclusion The air pollution crisis in India, exemplified by Delhi’s ongoing struggle, is a pressing concern with far-reaching health implications. It’s essential to recognize that this is not just a seasonal issue; it’s a year-round problem that demands immediate and sustainable solutions. The blame game among political entities must give way to effective measures to curb air pollution and protect public health. As PM2.5 levels significantly surpass safe limits, there is an urgent need for comprehensive, long-term actions. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of air pollution and the urgency of taking decisive action. It is high time for all stakeholders, including the government, industries, and citizens, to unite in the fight against air pollution and prioritize the well-being of the nation. The battle against air pollution continues, and it’s a fight for the health and future of generations to come. The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm Media

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Study in India Reveals Link Between Air Pollution and Type 2 Diabetes Risk

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News on Health

Air pollution in India has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, as revealed in a groundbreaking study published in the BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care journal. The study, the first of its kind in India, was conducted in Delhi and Chennai, and it found that exposure to elevated levels of fine pollution particles (PM2.5) in the air, which are 30 times thinner than a strand of hair, is associated with higher blood sugar levels and an elevated incidence of type 2 diabetes. While the health impacts of fine particulate matter are known for cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases, this study sought to provide evidence from regions with high air pollution levels like India, where noncommunicable diseases are a significant burden. The research team, which included scientists from the Centre for Chronic Disease Control in New Delhi, followed a group of over 12,000 men and women from 2010 to 2017, regularly measuring their blood sugar levels. They also utilized satellite data and air pollution exposure models to assess air quality in the participants’ localities during that period. The results demonstrated that exposure to PM2.5 for just one month led to increased blood sugar levels, and prolonged exposure for a year or more elevated the risk of diabetes. Additionally, for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) increase in the annual average PM2.5 levels in Delhi and Chennai, the risk of diabetes rose by 22 percent. The study addressed a significant research gap in South Asia, where diabetes is a major health concern, by providing robust exposure assessment and longitudinal data in this population. It underscores the need for tailored, population-specific policies to combat the high diabetes prevalence by reducing ambient air pollution. The research team, which also included scientists from the Public Health Foundation of India, Harvard University, Emory University, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, emphasized the importance of region-specific measures to achieve meaningful public health improvements at the population level.

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Sharp 61% Surge in Female Job Applicants Signals High Demand in India’s Festive Job Market: Report

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Ahead of the festive season in India, there has been a substantial 61% increase in the number of female job applicants, as reported by the prominent job and professional networking platform, apna.co. This surge in women applicants suggests a growing demand for female professionals in various industries, especially in sectors like e-commerce, retail, and hospitality, which tend to experience increased activity during the festive season. The job market has undergone significant changes from 2022 to 2023, with notable shifts in the top five job categories: telecalling, accounts, business development, marketing, and delivery. Notably, several leading companies such as Bajaj, Axis Bank, Paytm, Flipkart, and Reliance actively participated in the festive season job market and offered attractive incentives to attract top talent. “We have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of female applicants and evolving preferences among job seekers over the past year. Looking forward, we expect further changes in the employment landscape as we strive to empower professionals and bridge the gap between job seekers and employers,” noted Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO of apna.co. Furthermore, the report revealed that more than 1.2 lakh job openings were documented in August and September 2023 in major Indian cities, reflecting a surge in hiring demand in anticipation of the festive season. City-specific trends indicated distinct preferences, with Delhi showing a preference for roles in Sales & Marketing, Customer Support & Sales, and Accounting Technicians, while Mumbai exhibited high demand for Finance & HR, Sales & Marketing, and Business Development positions.

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Over 20 Million Students Register on UGC’s Academic Bank of Credit, Says UGC Chairman

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UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar announced that more than 20 million students from across the nation have registered on the University Grants Commission’s Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) platform. He made this announcement during the western zone vice chancellor’s conference held at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, Gujarat, on October 26. Chairman Kumar emphasized that in recent years, the UGC has introduced various reforms. Although over 20 million students have already registered on the ABC platform, he stressed the importance of ensuring that every student register and that their academic credentials and credit certificates are uploaded to the ABC platform. During the conference, the UGC Chairman also discussed the progress made in implementing the reforms initiated by the UGC. The Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) is one of the provisions outlined in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020). ABC offers undergraduate and postgraduate students the flexibility to exit and re-enter their courses within a specified time frame. Additionally, it aims to provide every student with the opportunity to open an academic bank account with ABC to transfer credits for the attainment of various degrees, diplomas, or certificates.

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India Leads Global Preterm Births in 2020, Lancet Study Reveals

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In 2020, India witnessed the highest number of preterm births globally, with a staggering 3.02 million cases, constituting over 20 percent of all premature births worldwide, as revealed by a study published in The Lancet journal. This research, conducted by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, further disclosed that more than half of all premature births in 2020 occurred in just eight countries. Following India, the countries with the highest preterm birth rates were Pakistan, Nigeria, China, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the United States, according to the researchers. The notable prevalence of preterm births in these regions is partly attributable to their substantial population sizes, high numbers of total births, and underdeveloped healthcare systems that struggle to provide high-quality family planning, antenatal care, and childbirth services to all those in need. Globally, approximately 13.4 million babies were born prematurely in 2020, with nearly one million succumbing to complications associated with preterm birth. This data equates to roughly one in ten babies being born prematurely, before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy worldwide. Given that prematurity ranks as the leading cause of child mortality in their early years, there is an urgent need to bolster both preterm infant care and preventative measures, particularly focusing on maternal health and nutrition to enhance child survival, emphasize the authors of the study. Furthermore, preterm birth significantly increases the likelihood of major illnesses, disabilities, developmental delays, and even chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions in adulthood for those who survive. This study derives its estimates from data that is representative of populations and national statistics, enabling internationally comparable assessments for the year 2020. It highlighted that India had the highest incidence of preterm births in 2020, totalling 3.02 million cases, accounting for over a fifth of all preterm births worldwide. While most high preterm birth rates were observed in low and middle-income nations, rates of 10 percent or higher were also evident in high-income countries such as Greece and the United States. Within South Asia, Bangladesh reported the highest preterm birth rate in 2020 at 16.2 percent, followed by Pakistan at 14.4 percent, and India at 13.0 percent. In Latin America, the rates ranged from 5.8 percent in Nicaragua to 12.8 percent in Suriname. As birth registration and facility-based deliveries have increased, data on the prevalence of preterm births has improved. Nevertheless, there are still 92 countries lacking sufficient nationally representative data. Consequently, the authors call for sustained efforts to enhance data availability, quality, and sharing to better target support and action where it is most needed. Dr. Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO, emphasized the vulnerability of preterm babies to life-threatening health complications and the necessity for dedicated care and attention. He stressed the urgency of substantial investments in services supporting preterm infants and their families, as well as a heightened focus on prevention, particularly ensuring access to quality healthcare before and during pregnancies. The researchers underscored that preterm birth is not exclusive to low and middle-income countries, as the data clearly reveals its impact on families worldwide, including some high-income countries such as Greece (11.6 percent) and the United States (10 percent).

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India’s Phenomenal Triumph: 107 Medals at Hangzhou Asian Games, Fearlessly Facing Asian Giants

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India achieved a significant milestone at the Hangzhou Asian Games by securing a total of 107 medals, marking the first time the country has entered the exclusive club of nations with a three-digit medal tally. This accomplishment places India alongside sporting giants like China, Japan, and Korea, although China’s dominance with 200 gold medals remains unparalleled. Nevertheless, India has successfully overcome a psychological barrier with this achievement. PM Modi congratulated the Indian athletes upon achieving the remarkable milestone of 100 medals, through his tweet. A momentous achievement for India at the Asian Games! The people of India are thrilled that we have reached a remarkable milestone of 100 medals. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our phenomenal athletes whose efforts have led to this historic milestone for India.… pic.twitter.com/CucQ41gYnA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2023 The medals earned in traditional strongholds such as shooting, hockey, wrestling, and kabaddi played a pivotal role in breaking this barrier. Shooting, in particular, made a remarkable resurgence with 22 medals, including 7 golds, the highest by any participating nation. India’s shooters exhibited exceptional talent and competitiveness, often rivalling China. Athletics also stood out with 29 medals, with javelin star Neeraj Chopra’s consistent performances instilling hope of future Olympic success. However, the ultimate evaluation of these medals is viewed through the lens of the Olympics. Compound archery, despite its dominance, is not yet an Olympic sport, prompting China to pay less attention to it. Sports like rowing and boxing contributed five medals each, but the quest for gold medals in these disciplines, along with wrestling, is an area that requires improvement leading up to the Paris Games. In wrestling, changes were made to enhance safety for women wrestlers, and the absence of gold medals for athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia calls for introspection on the challenges within the system. Boxer Nikhat Zareen’s missed gold serves as a reminder not to become complacent. A gold opportunity was also missed in golf and badminton. However, India made history with Satwiksairaj Ranki Reddy and Chirag Shetty’s gold in men’s doubles badminton and HS Prannoy’s hard-fought bronze. One poignant moment was Wushu athlete Roshibina Devi’s silver medal, which raised questions about the ongoing issues in Manipur and China’s visa policy affecting Arunachal’s Wushu players. Cricket’s two gold medals sparked controversy due to rain interruptions, casting doubts on the sport’s suitability in multi-sport Games. Notably, Ayhika and Sutirtha Mukherjee’s bronze medal in table tennis doubles, defeating China, and India’s success in table tennis and badminton against strong competition signify substantial progress. India has fearlessly won medals against the might of Asian superpowers, reaffirming its growing presence in the world of sports.

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India Issues Ultimatum to Canada to Withdraw 41 Diplomats by October 10

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India has issued an ultimatum to Canada, demanding the removal of 41 diplomats by October 10, warning that failure to do so will result in the loss of diplomatic immunity for these officials. This move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with India insisting that Canada needs to significantly reduce its diplomatic presence to achieve parity with Indian diplomats stationed in Ottawa. Currently, there are over 60 Canadian diplomats in India, while India has just over 20 diplomats in Canada. The strained relations between the two countries were exacerbated by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent statement in Parliament, where he accused “Indian government agents” of being involved in the assassination of a designated Indian terrorist. This accusation has further strained diplomatic ties and pushed them to an all-time low. Following Trudeau’s allegations, both India and Canada expelled one diplomat each from the other’s embassies, further escalating tensions. India has vehemently denied Canada’s claims, labelling them as politically motivated and lacking credible evidence. The call for a reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff became public in September when India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated, “Yes, we’ve informed the government of Canada that there should be parity in the strength of our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number is much higher than ours in Canada… I assume there will be a reduction from the Canadian side.”

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TRAI Launches Consultation Paper on 5G Ecosystem’s Role in India’s Digital Transformation

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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper titled “Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem.” The primary aim of this paper is to address policy challenges and propose an appropriate policy framework to expedite the adoption and effective use of new technologies within the 5G ecosystem, contributing to the comprehensive and sustainable development of India’s economy. The Ministry of Communications has emphasized that India is currently undergoing a rapid digital transformation, significantly impacting its economy and society. Reliable mobile communication technologies play a pivotal role in achieving the objectives set forth by the Digital India program. These technologies are bolstering the economy and empowering citizens by enabling services like the unified payment interface (UPI) and various innovative government-to-business (G2B) and government-to-citizen (G2C) applications. With the emergence of technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and the Metaverse, India stands on the cusp of unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. India initiated its 5G services on October 1, 2022, with telecom service providers actively expanding the 5G network across the entire nation. The government has launched multiple initiatives to develop 5G infrastructure and promote research and development in this domain. TRAI has also issued recommendations to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks and services in the country. Collaborative efforts spanning various sectors have been undertaken to expedite the rollout of 5G. Beyond just infrastructure deployment, it is crucial to develop and deploy new use cases for both consumers and enterprises to realize the full potential of 5G technology. When 5G is combined with AI, extended reality (XR), and IoT, it will enable businesses and society to fully harness the benefits of these technological advancements. However, achieving this vision necessitates effective collaboration across the ecosystem, involving Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), infrastructure providers, and the government. Adequate infrastructure upgrades, fiberization for 5G deployment, and network densification are essential elements to fully reap the benefits of this technology across various industries. The adoption of 5G will depend on factors like dedicated research and development investments to create India-specific use cases, increased enterprise involvement, affordable devices, and consumer adoption. To accomplish these goals, TRAI has proactively released this consultation paper to identify policy challenges and propose a suitable policy framework. The objective is to expedite the adoption and effective utilization of new technologies, ultimately contributing to the holistic and sustainable development of India’s economy through the 5G ecosystem. The consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website, www.trai.gov.in, for input from stakeholders. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the issues under consideration by October 30, 2023, and counter-comments, if any, by November 13, 2023. Comments and counter-comments should preferably be submitted electronically via email to advadmn@trai.gov.in, with a copy to vibhatomar@trai.gov.in. For further clarification or information, stakeholders may reach out to Vandana Sethi, Advisor (Admin & IR), at 11-23221509.

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India Offers 42 Cancer Medicines at Affordable Rates Out of 90: Health Minister Mandaviya

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India’s Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, announced that out of the 90 available cancer medicines, India offers 42 at the most affordable rates. He made this statement during the launch of “Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer,” a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, News18 Network, and Tata Trusts. Mandaviya highlighted the government’s commitment to improving cancer care by expanding cancer hospitals and tertiary care facilities. He stressed the holistic approach to healthcare, noting the increase in medical seats, colleges, and educational resources for healthcare professionals. The minister also mentioned the Ayushman Bharat health infrastructure mission and the recent launch of the pharmaceutical policy, reinforcing India’s role as a global provider of generic medicines. Mandaviya emphasized that healthcare should not be politicized or commercialized but viewed as a service to the nation. He discussed how health and development were integrated in 2014 to make healthcare accessible to all citizens. He credited collective efforts and shared responsibility for India’s successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding the “Sanjeevani” initiative, Mandaviya explained its purpose in raising awareness, facilitating discussions about the cancer epidemic, and addressing common fears associated with the disease. He encouraged public participation, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder consultation in India’s healthcare model. The minister also acknowledged the vital role played by the country’s one million “Asha behen” (community health workers), who collect crucial healthcare data during family visits. Mandaviya highlighted the government’s approach to cancer care, including health and wellness screenings at district-level hospitals and fee waivers for economically disadvantaged patients. He attributed the affordability of cancer medicines in India to the fixed trade margin, which aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

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