Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 7:56PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move towards accelerating India’s skilling goal, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), deliberated on the “India Skills Accelerator” initiative during a high-level roundtable at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi.

The India Skills Accelerator will function as a national public-private collaboration platform designed to enable cross-sectoral efforts in unlocking innovative ideas and driving systemic progress on complex challenges that demand a multi-stakeholder approach. At its core, the Accelerator aims to catalyze change across three critical levels: i) by improving awareness and shifting mindsets around future skills needs, ii) increasing collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, and iii) committing to upgrade institutional structures and policy frameworks to support a more adaptive and responsive skilling ecosystem.

As India navigates rapid technological and economic change, skill gaps – cited by 65% of organisations as a major barrier – threaten to slow progress. The Accelerator aims to close these gaps through inclusive upskilling and reskilling, mobilizing investment in lifelong learning, and fostering government-industry collaboration. By enabling agile career transitions, promoting scalable training, and aligning education with industry need – especially in high-growth sectors like AI, robotics, and energy – the initiative will empower India’s youth and drive future-ready workforce development.

The initiative’s governance structure includes key stakeholders from public and private sectors, led and co-chaired by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education and co-chaired by Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education and Development of North-Eastern Region. It will also have two private co-chairs – Ms Shobana Kamineni, Executive Chairperson of Apollo HealthCo; and Shri Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv.

In his opening remarks, Shri Jayant Chaudhary underscored the need for collective ambition and structural reform in skilling to meet the aspirations of a young, dynamic nation. He emphasized that India’s demographic potential can only be realized if skilling systems remain agile, inclusive, and closely aligned with global opportunities and national priorities. “India today stands at the confluence of three powerful forces – demographic advantage, digital transformation, and a deep developmental commitment. With the world’s largest youth population and a vibrant skilling ecosystem, we are uniquely positioned to become the Skill Capital of the World,” Shri Chaudhary added. He noted that the Accelerator is not just a platform for dialogue, but a catalyst for systemic transformation, anchored in shared accountability, innovation, and targeted solutions. “This is a chance to engage in candid assessments and meaningful dialogue – anchored in data and focused on results,” said the Minister.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary further highlighted the importance of sectoral focus, mapping our current standing through surveys and evidence, and prioritizing emerging areas such as GCCs, advanced manufacturing, and the formalization of the informal workforce.

Co-chair Dr. Sukanta Majumdar articulated India’s strategic opportunity to position itself as the global epicenter of next-generation talent. He underscored the need to embed competitiveness in India’s skills architecture—particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing—so that India is not only skilling for its domestic economy but for the world. The Accelerator, he added, will play a critical role in translating this global ambition into measurable outcomes. “Through the National Education Policy, we have initiated transformative changes—promoting flexibility, vocational pathways, and digital skilling. Our federal model of implementation, involving both Centre and States, can serve as a valuable learning for global platforms like the WEF as well,” he said.

Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director, World Economic Forum (WEF), said, “In the face of rapid technological and labour market changes, India’s launch of the Skills Accelerator reflects a strong commitment to equipping its workforce with the skills needed for the future. By strengthening alignment across the skills ecosystem, this initiative will help close critical skills gaps, support the growth of India’s digital and innovation-driven economy, and enable more people to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work. We are pleased to support this important step and look forward to the impact it will deliver at scale.”

During the roundtable, the experts underscored the significance of a comprehensive analysis of India’s skilling ecosystem and identifying a set of 10 to 12 high-impact priorities with clear and measurable outcomes. They also emphasized establish dedicated working groups to guide implementation and ensure progress is tracked through WEF’s Global Learning Network – enabling peer learning and global benchmarking. Equally emphasized was the importance of thematic working groups, drawing on the expertise of diverse stakeholders, to translate strategy into coordinated action. The participants also deliberated on aligning the newly launched initiative with insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 report.   

The session saw active participation from senior leadership of the World Economic Forum, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Directorate General of Training (DGT), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), as well as key representatives from the Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2120188) Visitor Counter : 91

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri PiyushGoyal addresses Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai

India-UAE partnership a model of prosperity, trust and shared vision, says Shri Goyal

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 9:46PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri PiyushGoyal addressed the Dubai-India Business Forum organised by Dubai Chambers in Mumbai on Monday. The event was graced by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.

Welcoming His Highness on his first official visit to India, Shri Goyal said the presence of Sheikh Hamdansymbolises the deep historical connect and generational continuity between Mumbai and Dubai. Recalling that this year marks the centenary of the visit of Sheikh Saeed, the grandfather of Sheikh Hamdan, to India, the Minister noted that both cities share a welcoming spirit rooted in centuries-old cultural and commercial ties.

Shri Goyal lauded Dubai’s contributions to social welfare, including the establishment of the first hospital for Indian workers in Dubai. “This is a heartwarming initiative, and we thank you on behalf of all Indians,” he added.

Highlighting the special relationship between India and the UAE, Shri Goyal said it is built on trust and personal rapport between the leadership of both nations. “There have been six high-level visits between India and the UAE in just two years—three by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and three by top leaders of the UAE. This reflects the intimacy and strategic importance of our partnership,” he stated.

Shri Goyal placed on record India’s appreciation for the UAE’s support in building the iconic Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, calling it a symbol of mutual respect and shared values.

The Minister acknowledged the UAE’s pivotal role in India’s outreach to Africa, investments in logistics and infrastructure, and efforts to build digital and commercial connectivity. He particularly appreciated the role of DP World in transforming India’s logistics ecosystem.

Referring to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE as a defining moment, Shri Goyal said, “Our goal to take non-oil trade to $100 billion is within reach. The speed and scale at which our partnership is growing is truly inspiring.”

The Minister also spoke of new avenues of collaboration in education. “We have already launched an IIT campus in Dubai and are now planning campuses of Indian Institute of Management and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. These initiatives reflect our commitment to deeper engagement in education and skill development,” he said.

Shri Goyal said Dubai serves as a vital gateway for India’s trade and cultural exchange with the Middle East and expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support to the Indian diaspora, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Over 2 million Indians call the UAE home, and you have cared for them like your own family,” he noted.

Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shri Goyal said, “India is not just a workforce, we are a world force.” He pointed out that India is the fastest-growing major economy and is poised to become the fourth-largest economy by the end of 2025 and third-largest by 2027. “From a $4 trillion economy today, we aim to reach $30-35 trillion by 2047,” he said, inviting Dubai to partner in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by its centenary of independence.

Shri Goyal encouraged businesses from both countries to tap the immense potential in sectors such as nuclear energy, critical minerals, renewable energy, green hydrogen, fintech, AI, food security, and advanced manufacturing. He said, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We have many mountains yet to climb, and I’m confident that the leadership and business communities of both nations will continue to inspire even greater achievements.”

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Abhishek Dayal, Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2120238) Visitor Counter : 46

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 8:02PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of shareholding in Vastu Housing Finance Corporation Limited, APAC Financial Services Limited, and Quantiphi, Inc by Multiples Plenty Private Equity GIFT Fund.

The proposed combination envisages the acquisition by Multiples Plenty Private Equity GIFT Fund (Multiples GIFT Fund/Acquirer) of certain shareholding in: (i) Vastu Housing Finance Corporation Limited (Vastu) currently held by Plenty Private Equity Fund I Limited (Plenty), Multiples Private Equity Fund II LLP (Multiples Fund II), and Plenty CI Fund I Limited (Plenty CI); (ii) APAC Financial Services Limited (APAC) currently held by Plenty and Multiples Fund II; and (iii) Quantiphi, Inc (Quantiphi) currently held by Plenty and Multiples Fund II.

Multiples GIFT Fund is a newly incorporated trust, formed under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and registered with International Financial Services Centres Authority as a Restricted Scheme. It is managed by Multiples Asset Management IFSC LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. Plenty, Multiples Fund II, and Plenty CI, and the Acquirer are all funds belonging to the Multiples Group.

Vastu is a housing finance company, and is engaged in the provisions of retail loans, namely, home loans and loans to small and medium enterprises (MSME). Vastu is also present in the segments of provision of auto loans and loans against property through its wholly owned subsidiary, Vastu Finserve India Private Limited.

APAC is a Nonbanking Financial Company – Middle Layer registered with the Reserve Bank of India since February 2018. APAC is engaged in the provision of retail loans to MSMEs.

Quantiphi is incorporated in the United States, and is engaged in, inter alia, the provision of various artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, and data analytics. Quantiphi is present in India through its subsidiary, Quantiphi Analytics Solutions Private Limited.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

 

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(Release ID: 2120190) Visitor Counter : 57

Source: Government of India

MeitY Notifies Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme; Strengthening India’s position as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.

Scheme Aims to Deepen India’s Electronics Ecosystem; Draft Guidelines Released for Stakeholder Feedback

Electronics production Sees Five-Fold and Export Six-fold Growth in the Last Decade, says Union Minister

India’s Smartphone Exports Cross ₹2 Lakh Crore Milestone; iPhone Alone Contributes ₹1.5 Lakh Crore for the FY 24-25

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 9:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of  Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) today notified the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s position as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the notification of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, is in continuation of the recent Cabinet decision. He further emphasized, ‘Our government has always been open-minded, consultative, and inclusive. We take everyone’s views into account before finalizing any law or policy.’

Rapid Growth in Electronics Exports

The Minister also highlighted the sector’s impressive growth trajectory. In the last financial year, smartphone exports surpassed ₹2 lakh crore, with iPhone exports alone accounting for approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore. Over the past decade, electronics production has grown five-fold and exports have grown more than six-fold, with export CAGR exceeding 20% and production CAGR over 17%.

“Within a short time, the electronics manufacturing ecosystem—comprising component manufacturers and a diverse range of players—has developed substantially. Today, there are more than 400 production units, both big and small, manufacturing a variety of components,” he stated.

Reflecting global industry trends, the Union Minister said that India’s journey in electronics manufacturing has evolved through distinct phases: beginning with finished goods, progressing to sub-assemblies, and now entering the critical phase of deep component manufacturing. The sector is steadily advancing into this third phase, which marks a significant leap in value addition, self-reliance, and ecosystem depth.

Focus on Horizontal Expansion and Component Manufacturing

Outlining the structure of the scheme, the Minister said that it is designed as a horizontal initiative with benefits spanning multiple sectors such as consumer electronics, medical devices, automobiles, power electronics, and electrical grids, thereby creating a strong multiplier effect across the economy.

The scheme focuses particularly on passive electronic components, which will be supported under the new initiative. In contrast, active components fall under the purview of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The indicative list of passive components includes resistors, capacitors, connectors, inductors, speakers, relays, switches, oscillators, sensors, films, lenses, and many more—underscoring the depth and breadth of the scheme.

Support for Capital Equipment and Tooling Industry

Recognizing the importance of precision tools and capital goods in manufacturing, Shri Vaishnaw announced that the scheme will also support the design and manufacturing of capital equipment used in electronics production. “Just like the Semiconductor Mission encouraged companies like Applied Materials and Lam Research to invest in India, this scheme will promote a similar model for the electronics component ecosystem,” he said. Chemical and gas majors such as Linde has already begun establishing facilities in India, and several global players are in discussions to join the ecosystem.

Tailored Incentives to Reflect Sector Needs

Highlighting the structural nuances of the components sector, the Minister noted that electronic component manufacturing typically requires higher investment and has a longer gestation period compared to finished goods. Accordingly, the scheme will offer three incentive structures: i)Turnover-linked incentive ii) Capex-linked incentive iii)Hybrid incentive model

The Minister emphasized that employment generation will be a mandatory requirement for all applicants, including both component manufacturers and capital equipment producers. This emphasis on job creation underlines the government’s continued commitment to inclusive growth and the development of a robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem in India.

The notification can be accessed here

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Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith/ Shatrunjay Kumar

 

 

(Release ID: 2120240) Visitor Counter : 13

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of shares of Shriram Asset Management Company Limited by Sanlam Emerging Market (Mauritius) Limited and Shriram Credit Company Limited.

The proposed combination relates to subscription of equity shares of Shriram Asset Management Company Limited (SAMC) constituting 23% of the expanded voting share capital of SAMC by Sanlam Emerging Market (Mauritius) Limited (SEMM) by way of preferential allotment and further acquisition of up to 26% shareholding of SAMC from the public, as required under Section 3 of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover) Regulation, 2011, by way of an open offer to be made by SEMM along with Shriram Credit Company Limited (SCCL).

SEMM, incorporated in Mauritius, belongs to Sanlam Group, South Africa. SEMM is the existing strategic partner of Shriram Group. It holds 40.70% stake in Shriram Capital Private Limited, which is the ultimate holding company of SAMC.

SCCL, also a part of Shriram Group, is the subsidiary of Shriram Investment Holdings Private Limited and is presently the promoter and sponsor of SAMC.

SAMC is also a part of Shriram Group and is engaged in the asset management business and registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SAMC has also obtained license for portfolio management services (PMS) from SEBI, though SAMC has not started PMS business as on date. 

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

 

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(Release ID: 2120192) Visitor Counter : 48

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will depart for Beijing tomorrow morning to attend a welcome ceremony on the return of the search and rescue team members of China, including those from Hong Kong, from Myanmar to the motherland.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung will accompany Mr Chan to Beijing.

The three officials, together with members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region search and rescue team, will return to Hong Kong on the same day and are expected to arrive at night.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will organise a welcome ceremony for the team members at Hong Kong International Airport.

During Mr Chan and Mr Tang’s absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk will be acting secretaries respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A new batch of 18 strategic enterprises, in the presence of Financial Secretary Paul Chan, committed to establishing global headquarters, regional headquarters or research and development centres in Hong Kong during a ceremony today held by the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES).

These firms come from high-tech industries such as advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, artificial intelligence and data science, fintech, and life and health technology.

In his speech, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong treasures not only the investments, jobs and expertise that the strategic enterprises bring to the city, but also their products and solutions that will transform people’s way of life and inspire new innovation.

Their presence supports Hong Kong’s vision of becoming an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, he stressed.

“Amid rising tides of unilateralism and protectionism, Hong Kong remains steadfast in our commitment to upholding our free-port status and free trade policy; ensuring the free flow of capital, goods, information and people; maintaining our simple and low tax system; and building a dynamic and vibrant I&T ecosystem with a full range of funding support.

“Coupled with the best connectivity and seamless access to the Mainland and Asia markets, here is the best launch pad for realising your ambition.”

The Financial Secretary added that going forward, OASES will broaden its scope to attract cultural and creative enterprises that can fuse I&T with artistry. He also remarked that through Hong Kong’s platform, these firms can expand their businesses to various new markets.

Together with the 66 companies previously attracted to the city, the strategic enterprises will invest about $50 billion in total in the years to come, creating over 20,000 jobs. OASES, in collaboration with government departments, provides them with comprehensive services to facilitate their business set-up and operations, thereby promoting growth in the I&T sector and contributing to Hong Kong’s economic development.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Zhang Hua, and leading officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government respectively, held the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection meeting in Hong Kong today.

Highlighting that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China announced a resolution on “building a beautiful China”, Mr Tse said: “As part of our country and the Greater Bay Area, the Hong Kong SAR Government will definitely work hand in hand with Shenzhen in this direction to make positive contributions to ecological civilization construction.”

Presenting Hong Kong’s work progress on environmental protection, the Environment & Ecology Bureau said that eight more hectares of landfill were restored and greened in the North East New Territories Landfill last year, and the number of odour complaints dropped by more than 90% compared to the peak period.

In terms of water quality improvement, the total phosphorus level in the Shenzhen River in 2024 reached the national surface water quality Class III standard.

As for marine ecological protection, the Hong Kong SAR Government has established a number of marine parks in recent years, increasing the area of protected sea areas from 3,400 hectares to more than 8,500 hectares. It also subsidised local universities to conduct research on various coral restoration technologies.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been working hard to expand the city’s community recycling network as well as strengthen waste reduction and recycling measures. To maximise the utilisation of recyclables, it actively assists the industry in developing local resource recycling facilities.

Furthermore, Hong Kong vigorously promotes discussions with major Greater Bay Area cities on the construction of a “Zero Waste Bay Area” and regional recycling.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A symposium on safeguarding national security for Hong Kong’s social welfare sector, jointly organised by the Labour & Welfare Bureau, the Social Welfare Department and Connecting Hearts, was held today.

 

Officiated by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, the symposium attracted over 8,000 participants from the local social welfare sector who took part both online and offline.

 

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun and Director-General of the Social Work Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Liu Songlin also attended the symposium.

 

While addressing the forum, Mr Chan highlighted that the Government has achieved fruitful results in safeguarding national security and promoting patriotic education over the past year or so.

 

Such achievements include the completion of the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law that ensures the smooth implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance as well as the amendments to the Social Workers Registration Ordinance which foster a better environment for social welfare professionals to leverage their expertise.

 

Mr Chan said that the social welfare sector is charged with the important and long-term responsibilities in serving the community and caring for the public. It is also their mission and duty to safeguard national security.

 

He urged the sector to continue collaborating with the Government to sustain efforts in safeguarding national security, thereby ensuring the healthy development of welfare services in Hong Kong and enhanced safeguards for public well-being.

 

A sharing session was held at the symposium where Mr Sun was joined by representatives from the social welfare sector, including professors from education institutions, management of social welfare organisations and professional social workers, to explore how the sector can fulfil its responsibility of safeguarding national security and promote patriotic education.

 

Mr Sun said that the Labour & Welfare Bureau and the Social Welfare Department have been working closely with social welfare organisations in the previous year to promote national security education within the sector through organising symposiums, seminars and visits with a view to enhancing the sector’s understanding of national affairs.

 

He added that a dedicated fund of $500 million was rolled out last year, in which $100 million was allocated to non-governmental organisations operating subvented welfare services to arrange Mainland exchange tours and national studies programmes for their staff.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Business of Innovation & Technology Week (BIT Week) will make a grand return in April, the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau announced today.

Mega innovation and technology (I&T) events include InnoEX, the Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference, and the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit.

The third edition of InnoEX will take place from April 13 to 16 at the Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bringing together I&T elites, enterprises and buyers from the Mainland and overseas to promote I&T advancements.

It will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions across five key areas of low-altitude economy, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity and smart mobility.

The event’s highlight is a Hong Kong pavilion set up by the Digital Policy Office to exhibit over 100 I&T solutions, including those developed by government departments concerning citizens’ daily lives as well as award-winning projects by local innovators and students.

The second Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2025 will take place concurrently at the HKCEC, assembling top-notch I&T talent and renowned scientists including laureates of the Nobel Prize and Turing Award in the city.

Through keynote speeches, roundtable forums and other formats, the conference participants will tap into global wisdom on cutting-edge topics in big data, AI, biotechnology, new materials and large models. 

The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit will happen on April 14 and 15 at the HKCEC, focusing on discussions in large AI models, digital finance, and digital government and smart life.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Sun Dong said that BIT Week will bring together I&T elites from 29 countries and regions and over 2,800 exhibitors, adding that Hong Kong’s I&T strengths will be showcased via a series of exhibitions, forums, seminars, business networking, and talent matching.

Other industry events during BIT Week include the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), Smart Lighting Expo, and the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, the bureau said.