Tag: national

New Delhi [India], January 26: This story refused to end for years. Now it’s cornered. The India EU Free Trade Agreement is finally being treated like something real.

Start with the optics. Delhi. Republic Day afterglow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. That alone sets the temperature.

But the substance matters more.

An announcement signalling the conclusion of talks on the India EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to anchor the summit. Not buried. Not vague. Front and centre. Alongside it, a strategic defence pact and a mobility framework that quietly says more than the speeches will.

Von der Leyen didn’t hedge. “A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure.” That line wasn’t crafted for poetry. It was admission.

Europe has recalculated.

The India EU Free Trade Agreement began in 2007, back when optimism came cheap. Then it stalled. By 2013, ambition gaps were blamed. Translation: nobody wanted to bend first. The file gathered dust for nearly a decade.

Then June 2022 cracked it open again.

This time, the tone shifted. Less sermonising. Fewer red lines shouted across tables. More spreadsheets. More supply chains. More uncomfortable honesty about dependence, resilience, and who can actually deliver when systems wobble.

That wobble is now permanent.

Trade numbers don’t whisper anymore. They announce themselves. The European Union is India’s largest trading partner in goods. In FY 2024–25, total goods trade hit about USD 136 billion. India exported roughly USD 76 billion. Imports landed near USD 60 billion.

That scale rewires priorities.

The India EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to change texture, not just totals.

Tariffs matter, sure. So do standards, market access, regulatory friction, and the ability to move faster without asking permission every quarter.

This is not romance. It’s plumbing.

Trade, though, is only the loudest piece.

Defence cooperation has stepped out of the shadows. A proposed Security and Defence Partnership is set to be unveiled at the summit. Officials talk about interoperability. About trust. About aligning capabilities rather than duplicating them.

There’s a sharper edge underneath.

The partnership opens doors for Indian firms to participate in the EU’s SAFE programme. SAFE. Security Action for Europe. A Euro 150 billion financial instrument designed to accelerate defence readiness.

That money isn’t theoretical. It’s already allocated. Europe wants speed. India offers scale and cost discipline. This isn’t charity. It’s mutual convenience, dressed in strategy.

Then comes the Security of Information Agreement. Dry name. Serious consequences. Without SOIA, industrial defence cooperation stays shallow. With it, joint projects become possible. Quietly. Efficiently.

No applause required.

Mobility, though, will get the headlines. A memorandum of understanding to facilitate the movement of Indian workers to Europe is expected as another summit outcome. It creates a framework. Nothing dramatic. Nothing reckless.

France, Germany, and Italy already have migration and mobility partnerships with India. This just broadens the map.

Europe has ageing populations and labour gaps it no longer hides. India has people. Skills. Ambition. The debate on that equation is over.

Beyond these pillars, the agenda sprawls deliberately. Climate change. Critical technologies. Rules-based order. Familiar phrases, yes. But the context has hardened.

Washington’s trade and security posture forced Europe to rethink old dependencies. India watched closely. Then negotiated accordingly.

India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004. For years, that label felt ceremonial. It doesn’t now.

Global tensions will surface at the table. The Russia-Ukraine war will be discussed. European officials have made their stance clear. President Costa is expected to call it an existential threat and a challenge to the rules-based international order, with ripple effects beyond Europe.

India’s view is stable. Strategic autonomy. Dialogue. Balance. No theatre.

They don’t agree on everything. Nobody pretends they do anymore. What they share is a core interest in stability that doesn’t collapse into dependency or drift.

The India EU Free Trade Agreement sits at the centre of that shared interest. Not as a trophy. As ballast.

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New Delhi [India], January 26: Republic Day 2026 didn’t shout. It didn’t need to. A few words, an old verse, and a familiar reminder did the job.

Republic Day has a habit of being misunderstood. Too often, it’s reduced to parades, protocol, and a day off work. January 26, 2026, gently corrected that illusion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi framed Republic Day not as memory, but momentum. A living marker of India’s freedom, its Constitution, and the democratic values holding this improbable nation together.

No grand announcements. No chest-thumping. Just intent.

The centrepiece of the Prime Minister’s Republic Day 2026 message was a Sanskrit Subhashitam. Old words. Sharp edges.

“पारतन्त्र्याभिभूतस्य देशस्याभ्युदयः कुतः।
अतः स्वातन्त्र्यमाप्तव्यमैक्यं स्वातन्त्र्यसाधनम्॥”

The meaning is blunt enough to survive translation. A nation under subjugation cannot rise. Freedom is non-negotiable. Unity is how freedom works.

That’s it. No footnotes.

This wasn’t cultural ornamentation. It was political clarity, delivered without varnish. The verse doesn’t ask for applause. It demands reflection. Dependence kills ambition. Disunity erodes freedom from the inside.

On Republic Day 2026, that message landed exactly where it was meant to.

The Prime Minister described Republic Day as a powerful symbol. Not symbolic in the decorative sense. Symbolic because it still functions.

Freedom. Constitution. Democracy. These aren’t museum exhibits. They are tools. Used daily. Sometimes carelessly. Sometimes well.

According to the Prime Minister, the occasion injects fresh energy and motivation, pushing the country forward together. The emphasis on together matters. India doesn’t move in straight lines. It moves in negotiated ones.

Republic Day, in that sense, is a checkpoint. A moment to ask whether the Republic is being used as designed.

Prime Minister Modi also extended Republic Day greetings to citizens across the country. The tone stayed consistent. Calm. Grounded.

सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की बहुत-बहुत बधाई। भारत की आन-बान और शान का प्रतीक यह राष्ट्रीय महापर्व आप सभी के जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करे। विकसित भारत का संकल्प और अधिक सुदृढ़ हो, यही कामना है।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2026

He called Republic Day a symbol of India’s honour, pride, and dignity. Not abstract pride. The kind that shows up in daily conduct. In institutions doing their job. In citizens expecting them to.

He expressed hope that the resolve to build a Viksit Bharat grows stronger. Not louder. Stronger.

That distinction matters. Development, as framed here, isn’t spectacle. It’s accumulation. Of effort. Of trust. Of accountability.

Republic Day 2026 quietly pulled the Constitution back into focus. Not as a ceremonial prop, but as an operating manual.

India’s Constitution doesn’t promise ease. It promises balance. Between power and restraint. Between rights and duties. Between disagreement and unity.

The Prime Minister’s emphasis on democratic values wasn’t accidental. Democracies don’t collapse dramatically. They erode. Slowly. Politely. Often with applause.

Republic Day interrupts that erosion. Briefly, but decisively.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah followed with his own Republic Day message. It fit the day’s rhythm. No deviation. No drama.

He extended greetings to fellow citizens and paid tribute to freedom fighters and the makers of the Constitution. The phrasing was respectful, but the implication was firm. The Republic exists because people built it deliberately.

Shah described India’s democracy as robust. That word carries weight. Robust systems aren’t fragile. But they still need maintenance.

He called upon citizens to take a renewed resolve, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, to strengthen constitutional values and build a Viksit Bharat.

Not a demand. A reminder.

What stood out on Republic Day 2026 wasn’t what was said, but what wasn’t.

No exaggerated claims. No inflated timelines. No artificial urgency.

Instead, there was restraint. A confidence that didn’t beg for validation. In politics, that’s rare. And effective.

The messaging acknowledged something uncomfortable but true. India’s progress is uneven. Always has been. The answer isn’t denial. It’s alignment. Around the Constitution. Around unity. Around freedom that isn’t conditional.

The Subhashitam shared by the Prime Minister refuses to fade because it applies too neatly to the present.

Subjugation today doesn’t always wear chains. Sometimes it’s dependency. Sometimes it’s internal fracture. Sometimes it’s the slow abandonment of shared values.

The verse doesn’t specify the enemy. That’s deliberate. It points inward. Progress begins when freedom is protected and unity is practised, not merely praised.

Republic Day 2026 used an ancient line to describe a modern risk.

Away from New Delhi, Republic Day 2026 unfolded in quieter ways. Flags raised in school courtyards. Short speeches in district offices. Conversations that drifted, briefly, toward rights and responsibilities.

That’s where the Republic actually lives. Not on Rajpath alone, but in ordinary spaces where the Constitution meets daily life.

For younger Indians, the repeated invocation of Viksit Bharat linked ambition with discipline. Development wasn’t framed as entitlement. It was framed as outcome.

No Promises, Just Orientation

Neither Prime Minister Modi nor Amit Shah announced new initiatives on Republic Day 2026. 

That absence felt intentional. I think the 27th to 29th is going to be bigger than today!

This was about orientation, not instruction. About reminding the country where the compass points, not how fast to walk.

Freedom. Unity. Constitution. Development.

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New Delhi [India], January 24: Odisha just put India on the global cultural map in style. The Buddhist Diamond Triangle—Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri—has been added to UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list, turning centuries-old monasteries, stupas, and meditation hills into must-see destinations for history buffs, spiritual seekers, and heritage travelers alike.

Odisha Buddhism Heritage: 3 Eyeglass Gems Glory UNESCO

The cultural empire of India just scored a major triumph. The Buddhist “Diamond Triangle” of Odisha, comprising Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri, has been included in UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list. These are not simple dusty ruins—they are centuries-old centers of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism, blending religious devotion, philosophical depth, and architectural genius.

This is not just a pat on the back. UNESCO recognition signals India’s intent to showcase its heritage globally, and Odisha has emerged as a heavyweight in this cultural game.]

The Diamond Triangle: Buddhism in Odisha, Power Play

Ratnagiri: Master Jewel of Mahayana Learning

Ratnagiri is enormous—over 18 acres of hills, stupas, monasteries, and meditation spaces that could make even Elon Musk pause in awe. Thriving from the 5th to the 12th centuries CE, it was a hub of Mahayana Buddhism, attracting scholars, travelers, and monks from distant corners of Asia.

The architecture is jaw-dropping. Multi-tiered monasteries, intricately carved stupas, and detailed Buddha images dominate the landscape. Even casual visitors can sense the intensity of debate and scholarship that once filled these halls. Smaller shrines and relics reveal the daily lives of monks, their spiritual dedication, and an unwavering focus on beauty—the perfect balance of discipline and artistry.

Walking through Ratnagiri today is like entering a world where precision met devotion. Every carving, every layout choice screams intent. Think of it as India’s ancient Ivy League campus—but with better scenery.

Udayagiri: The Devotion Strategy Summit

Udayagiri literally means “Hill of the Rising Sun”, and the name fits. The site combines spirituality with strategy, perched high to offer panoramic views of the plains. Monks meditated here, scholars debated, and political maneuvering occasionally occurred under the watchful eyes of religious leaders.

Udayagiri bridges Hinayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, demonstrating that religion in India evolved over centuries. Fortified structures sit alongside monasteries—a reminder that even spiritual communities needed protection. Imagine it as a hybrid between a monastery and a fortress, where light meets heavy, meditation meets vigilance.

Lalitgiri: Red Hill of Ritual and Art

Lalitgiri is less talked about but equally spectacular. Its name, “Red Hill,” evokes both the earth-toned stupas and the vibrancy of Vajrayana rituals that once took place there. Visitors are immediately immersed in artistic sophistication—chaityas, stupas, intricately carved sculptures of gods, guardians, and mythological scenes.

Lalitgiri embodies the fusion of ritual, philosophy, and aesthetics. Religious practice here was inseparable from art. Picture a place where Tony Stark-level vision collides with monk-like discipline—architecture, meditation, and artistry fused perfectly.

The Role of UNESCO Recognition: Why It Matters

Being on UNESCO’s tentative list is no mere ceremonial nod; it’s a global spotlight. Entry into the tentative list opens doors to:

• International funding for preservation

• Heritage tourism development

• Academic research partnerships

The Archaeological Survey of India emphasises that a tentative listing confirms outstanding universal value. For Odisha, this is more than bragging rights—it’s a ticket to rank alongside world-famous Buddhist sites like Bodh Gaya and Nalanda, giving the Diamond Triangle global credibility.

A Visitor’s Paradise

These sites are not just for archaeologists. Imagine walking through serene hills, following the footsteps of centuries of monks, and marvelling at stupas carved with precision beyond modern tools. Cultural tourists can experience:

• Guided heritage walks

• Educational workshops

• Meditation retreats

• Cultural festivals celebrating Buddhist art and music

The potential for heritage tourism is enormous. Odisha can attract millennials, Gen Z, and global travelers seeking spiritual depth, history, and aesthetic pleasure—all in one destination.

Historical Depth: The Story in Stones

Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri are a living chronicle of Odisha’s Buddhist evolution. From the simplicity of Hinayana to the complexity of Mahayana and finally the ritualized sophistication of Vajrayana, the Diamond Triangle reflects centuries of intellectual and spiritual innovation.

These sites also hint at trade, learning, and cultural exchange. Scholars and pilgrims from China, Tibet, and Southeast Asia traveled here to study and debate. Odisha was not isolated—it was a nexus of knowledge, culture, and philosophy in ancient India.

Architectural Mastery

The artistry here is extraordinary. Monasteries are multi-tiered and often spill onto hillsides, with intricate carvings depicting teachings, gods, and mythological scenes. Stupas are not mere decoration—they are reliquaries, meditation spaces, and symbols of cosmic order.

Even minor details—water channels, walkways, shrine orientations—show meticulous planning and astronomical knowledge. These sites were created with Harvey Specter-level strategy and Tony Stark-level design, blending function, aesthetics, and spiritual strength.

Opportunities and Challenges

Centuries of monsoons, vegetation growth, and neglect have taken their toll. But the future is promising. Preservation projects are already underway:

• Reconstruction of dilapidated stupas

• Scientific management of hillsides

• Digital documentation for research and virtual tours

The opportunity is clear. Odisha can transform these ancient treasures into tourism, educational, and spiritual hubs, without commercializing their sanctity.

Why India Should Celebrate

Odisha’s Diamond Triangle proves that Indian culture is bold and timeless. It reminds us that India has been creating, debating, and innovating for centuries.

UNESCO recognition is more than a label—it’s India flexing its heritage muscles, showing the world that the subcontinent’s spiritual, intellectual, and artistic traditions are world-class, unapologetic, and awe-inspiring.

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-government-odisha-and-kalinga-institute-social-sciences-come-together-fit-life-programme

PNN National

New Delhi [India], January 23: Elitecon International Limited (BSE: 539533), a leading diversified FMCG enterprise, announced the appointment of three distinguished professionals – Dr. P.V. Ramesh (Retd. IAS), Mr. Edward Michael Bourgoin, and Mr. Susanta Kumar Panda (Retd. IRS) as Independent Directors to its Board.

These appointments reflect Elitecon’s continued commitment to strong corporate governance, transparency, and the highest standards of ethical leadership. The appointed Independent Directors bring decades of experience spanning public administration, global business, and finance – further reinforcing the Board’s depth, diversity, and strategic oversight.

Dr. P.V. Ramesh (Retd. IAS), former Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Chairman & Managing Director of REC Limited (a Government of India NBFC), brings over 35 years of distinguished service in governance, finance, and development management. His leadership experience in both government and the corporate sector, along with his expertise in public finance and sustainability, will play a pivotal role in guiding Elitecon’s long-term strategic direction.

Mr Edward Michael Bourgoin, a British national and Cambridge alumnus, is an accomplished international business leader with decades of experience across the pharmaceutical, energy, and life sciences sectors. He has held board positions and senior advisory roles across multiple global enterprises, bringing deep expertise in corporate strategy, fundraising, and performance transformation. His global outlook and operational insight will contribute significantly to Elitecon’s international growth and organisational excellence.

Mr. Susanta Kumar Panda (Retd. IRS), former Member of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and Special Secretary to the Government of India, brings nearly four decades of experience in taxation, fiscal governance, and regulatory policy. Having also served with the Enforcement Directorate and Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), he offers deep expertise in financial oversight and compliance that will enhance Elitecon’s governance framework.

In line with its commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance, Elitecon International has reconstituted key Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee, and Stakeholders Relationship Committee. These committees, comprising both independent and executive directors, will oversee financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, and social responsibility initiatives, reinforcing Elitecon’s focus on transparency, accountability, and sustainable long-term growth.

Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Vipin Sharma, Managing Director, Elitecon International, said: “The induction of such highly respected professionals to our Board underscores Elitecon’s commitment to strengthening governance and driving sustainable growth. The collective expertise and integrity of Dr Ramesh, Mr Bourgoin, and Mr Panda will bring immense value to our organisation as we continue our journey toward becoming a globally respected FMCG enterprise.”

With the addition of these Independent Directors, Elitecon International further strengthens its Board oversight and governance framework, enhancing strategic guidance and regulatory rigor as the company pursues growth opportunities. The expanded Board structure underscores Elitecon International’s focus on long-term value creation, responsible business practices, and sustainable expansion across its domestic and international FMCG operations.

Elitecon International has reaffirmed leadership continuity with Mr. Vipin Sharma and Mr. Dayanand Ray continuing as Executive Directors. Both have been associated with the company for several years and bring deep institutional knowledge to support Elitecon’s ongoing growth across domestic and international markets.

About Elitecon International Limited

Founded in 1987 (erstwhile Kashiram Jain & Company Ltd), Elitecon International Limited is listed on the BSE. With over three decades of manufacturing and trading experience, the company operates across domestic and international markets, supported by scalable manufacturing capabilities and a diversified FMCG–tobacco portfolio.

Website: www.eliteconinternational.com

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During the meeting, the two organizations discussed opportunities for strategic collaboration in developing and hosting international exhibitions in India, leveraging their respective institutional expertise, operational capabilities, and global industry networks.

As part of the ongoing cooperation, Royal Jaarbeurs’ international division, VNU Europe, in partnership with the Poultry Federation of India, is organizing VIV Select India, a premier “Feed to Food” trade exhibition for the animal protein and livestock industry. The event is scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 April 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi.

Building on the momentum of this international exhibition initiative, Kinexin Convention Management and Royal Jaarbeurs explored the potential to jointly develop a broader portfolio of industry-specific exhibitions tailored to India’s rapidly expanding industrial and trade landscape. The discussions reflected a shared ambition to establish sustainable, high-quality exhibition platforms that respond to the evolving needs of Indian and global industries.

Royal Jaarbeurs brings over a century of experience as a leading European exhibition organizer, with a strong international portfolio across key industrial sectors including agriculture, food, manufacturing, and logistics. KinexinConvention Management, supported by KINTEX’s proven track record as Korea’s largest national exhibition organizer and venue operator, oversees the operation of Yashobhoomi(IICC), India’s premier international convention and exhibition complex. Both parties identified significant potential for collaboration at Yashobhoomi as a strategic hub for global exhibitions in India.

The dialogue also extended to broader multilateral cooperation, with the partners exchanging views on future exhibition collaborations spanning India, the Netherlands, Korea, and other global markets. Through continued cooperation, the two organizations aim to contribute to deeper cross-border industry exchange and the development of globally competitive exhibition platforms.

This strategic engagement has drawn growing attention within the international MICE industry, signaling new opportunities for cross-border exhibition development and enhanced global industry collaboration centered on India.

https://www.iiccnewdelhi.com/

KINEXIN – Mr. Phil Chung (CEO)
Royal Jaarbeurs – Mr. Jeroen van Hooff(President & CEO)

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New Delhi [India], January 22: In a country where many young people have talent and ambition but limited exposure to real-world opportunities, the journey to self-dependence often needs the right support. The IPL Amrit Internship Programme, an initiative of the IPL Foundation, plays an important role in guiding youth at this crucial stage. With a strong focus on practical learning and skill development, IPL Amrit Internship Programme helps students move confidently from education to employment. Guided by the vision of Dr.PS Gahlaut, Managing Director, Indian Potash Limited, this initiative is designed to build confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose, preparing young individuals to become self-reliant contributors to the nation’s progress.

According to Dr. PS Gahlaut, “India is the youngest country in the world, yet a vast pool of its potential remains untapped. The idea behind the Amrit Internship Programme was simple but impactful to equip rural youth citizens with the right skills and channel their energy toward the agricultural sector through comprehensive, hands-on knowledge. This approach not only contributes to improved agricultural outcomes but also gives young minds a clear sense of direction at a crucial stage of their lives.”

At its core, the IPL Amrit Internship Programme is designed to bridge the long-standing gap between classroom learning and ground realities, especially in rural and agricultural settings. Implemented through IPL’s CSR arm, the IPL Centre for Rural Outreach (ICRO), the programme offers young participants an opportunity to step into villages, interact closely with farmers, and understand real agricultural challenges. This exposure helps interns move beyond theory and develop a practical, problem-solving mindset that is essential for self-reliance.

One of the programme’s strongest pillars is hands-on agricultural exposure. Interns work directly with farming communities, gaining first-hand experience of crop cycles, soil health, irrigation practices, and the use of modern agricultural technologies. By understanding local agro-climatic conditions and farmer concerns, interns develop a realistic and grounded perspective, which is often missing in purely academic learning. This experience builds confidence and equips them with skills that can be applied independently in future roles.

The programme also places strong emphasis on skill enhancement and employability. By focusing on productivity-linked vocational skills, the internship prepares youth for careers in agriculture, agri-business, rural development, and allied sectors. Many participants emerge better prepared for employment, while others gain the confidence to explore self-employment opportunities. This skill-based approach ensures that interns are not only job-ready but also capable of creating opportunities for themselves and others.

Another important outcome of the IPL Amrit Internship Programme is entrepreneurial development. As interns identify gaps and unmet needs in rural areas, they are encouraged to think innovatively and develop sustainable solutions. This exposure often sparks entrepreneurial ideas related to agri-inputs, advisory services, farm technologies, or rural enterprises, enabling youth to become agents of change within their own communities.

Awareness and knowledge-building further strengthen the foundation of self-dependence. Interns learn about government schemes, sustainable farming practices, and emerging agricultural innovations. Equipped with this information, they are able to guide farmers more effectively and contribute meaningfully to rural progress. This knowledge empowers young individuals to make informed decisions and play a proactive role in development initiatives.

Equally important is the networking opportunity the programme provides. By bringing together motivated and skilled youth from different regions, the IPL Amrit Internship Programme creates a strong network of future professionals and entrepreneurs. These connections often lead to collaboration, shared learning, and long-term support systems that further encourage independent growth.

Through real-world problem-solving, the programme nurtures solution-oriented leadership. By addressing actual rural challenges, interns develop sensitivity, responsibility, and the ability to think practically qualities that are essential for long-term self-dependence. They emerge not just as learners, but as capable individuals ready to take initiative and lead with purpose.

In essence, the IPL Amrit Internship Programme transforms youth from passive learners into confident doers. By combining practical exposure, skill development, entrepreneurial thinking, and community engagement, the programme equips young minds with the tools needed to build self-reliant futures. Backed by the IPL Foundation and driven by the vision of Dr.PS Gahlaut, this initiative stands as a meaningful step toward empowering India’s youth and strengthening the country’s rural and agricultural landscape.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 21: Apprenticeship Programs in the Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) sector are emerging as a strong national employability pathway, aligning skill development, inclusive participation, and structured workforce entry for India’s youth. Aligned with the Government of India’s vision, these programs bridge the gap between academic learning and industry readiness by offering real workplace exposure, professional skills, and a credible entry into one of India’s fastest-growing sectors.

As part of India’s expanding apprenticeship ecosystem, Government-backed schemes such as the Prime Minister’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) have shown steady growth. Under PM-NAPS, over 43.47 lakh apprentices have been engaged nationwide as of May 2025, with 21.47 lakh candidates completing training between FY 2018–19 and FY 2025–26 (up to July 2025). Similarly, NATS recorded strong momentum with 4.73 lakh new apprentices engaged in FY 2024–25 (as of March 2025). Together, these initiatives strengthen India’s “earn while you learn” framework by combining structured learning, income support, and on-the-job exposure.

At the core of BFSI apprenticeship implementation is the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC), which serves as a Joint Apprenticeship Advisor (JAA) for the BFSI sector under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). In this role, BFSI SSC facilitates structured engagement between candidates and BFSI establishments, ensuring transparent implementation, regulatory compliance, and scalable execution across the country.

BFSI SSC’s Role as Joint Apprenticeship Advisor

As a designated JAA, BFSI SSC works closely with banks, insurance companies, NBFCs, and other BFSI organizations to facilitate apprenticeship engagement, ensure uniform implementation of apprenticeship norms, support onboarding in compliance with the Apprentices Act, 1961, and enable transparent, credible processes for all stakeholders. This coordinated approach strengthens governance and ensures that apprenticeship programs are systematic, measurable, and aligned with national priorities for workforce readiness.

Inclusive by Design

BFSI apprenticeship programs actively promote diversity and equitable access, encouraging participation from Women, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD). This inclusion-first approach enables aspirants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to participate meaningfully in the BFSI growth story and contribute to India’s formal economy.

Participation has also expanded beyond metro cities, with increasing enrolments from Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations. Government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAM), held monthly across districts, have played a key role in improving awareness and enabling youth to access structured opportunities closer to home.

Focused on Fresh Graduates and Industry Exposure

These programs primarily target fresh and unemployed graduates, offering a structured entry pathway into the BFSI industry. Apprenticeships often represent a candidate’s first professional milestone, transforming academic knowledge into practical workplace capabilities.

Apprentices benefit from hands-on, industry-led exposure, real workplace learning, and the development of BFSI-relevant operational and professional skills. Through supervised, role-based learning and practical assignments, candidates gain job readiness, confidence, and a strong foundation for long-term career growth.

Growing Industry Participation

A wide range of leading public and private BFSI organizations participate in apprenticeship programs under the sectoral leadership of BFSI SSC. Public sector participants include State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of India, and New India Assurance Company Ltd. (NIACL), among others.

Private sector participation includes organizations such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, Axis Bank, LIC Housing Finance (LIC HFL), HDFC AMC, SBI General Insurance, Bharti AXA Life Insurance, and several other BFSI institutions. In FY 2024–25 alone, public and private sector banks collectively released over 20,000 apprenticeship positions, reflecting strong demand for entry-level, job-ready talent across India.

Government-Supported Stipend and Certification

A key feature of these programs is Government support, where a portion of the monthly stipend is paid directly by the Government of India. This financial assistance improves accessibility for candidates across backgrounds while reinforcing the credibility of the apprenticeship framework.

On successful completion, apprentices receive a Government-recognized Certificate of Proficiency, significantly enhancing employability and adding formal recognition to real workplace experience within the BFSI ecosystem.

Placement Assistance and Career Progression

Following certification, placement assistance is facilitated through BFSI SSC’s extensive network of banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies, enabling a smoother transition from apprenticeship to full-time employment and improving long-term outcomes for candidates.

Soumya Ranjan, Chief Operating Officer, BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC), said, “Apprenticeship programs in the BFSI sector represent a powerful bridge between education and employability. By combining structured industry exposure, government support, and inclusive participation, these programs are equipping India’s youth with real skills and real opportunities. As the Joint Apprenticeship Advisor, BFSI SSC remains committed to building a future-ready workforce aligned with national priorities.”

Call to Action

Students and graduates are encouraged to track official apprenticeship opportunities and register early through the official BFSI SSC website: https://bfsissc.com/

Stay updated. Register early. Track live apprenticeship opportunities. Turn your degree into a career through BFSI Apprenticeships.

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Davos, [Switzerland], January 21: India is done playing catch-up in artificial intelligence. At Davos, the message was blunt. Build AI Impact first, own the stack, and make safety non-negotiable.

India used the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 to quietly but firmly reset expectations. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw laid out a comprehensive vision that stitched AI, semiconductors, infrastructure and energy into one coherent national strategy. No hype. No vague promises. Just timelines, numbers and intent.

The upcoming India AI Impact Summit is not designed as another talk-heavy conference. According to Vaishnaw, it has three clear objectives. Impact, accessibility and safety.

Impact comes first. The government wants AI models and applications that actually improve efficiency, raise productivity and generate a multiplier effect across the economy. This is about deployment, not demos.

Accessibility is the second pillar. India’s success with UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure has made the Global South pay attention. The same question is now being asked of AI. Can India build an affordable, scalable AI stack that works for developing economies? The AI Impact Summit aims to answer that with live models and real use cases.

Safety completes the triangle. Vaishnaw was clear that AI anxiety cannot be ignored. Guardrails, guidelines and safety frameworks are not optional extras. India plans to build its own regulatory and safety stack for AI, rather than importing rules written for very different societies.

Global leaders, tech CEOs and investors are expected at the Summit. Investment announcements and the rollout of India’s AI models are also on the agenda. This is positioning, plain and simple.

India now has close to 200,000 startups and ranks among the world’s top three startup ecosystems. That headline number matters less than what is changing underneath.

Over the past decade, focus has shifted decisively towards deep tech. Twenty-four Indian startups are designing chips, one of the hardest problems in technology. Eighteen of them already have venture capital backing. That is not patriotic optimism. That is market confidence.

This matters because chip design is not a side quest. It is foundational. Without it, sovereignty is a slogan.

India’s semiconductor roadmap is deliberately pragmatic. Nearly 75 percent of global chip volumes sit between 28nm and 90nm. These chips power electric vehicles, automobiles, railways, defence systems, telecom gear and most consumer electronics.

India is targeting this segment first. Master manufacturing here. Build yield, reliability and scale. Then move forward.

Working with partners like IBM, India has mapped a path from 28nm to 7nm by 2030, and 3nm by 2032. Vaishnaw said India expects to be among the top four or five semiconductor nations globally. Talent depth, full-stack design capability, expanding fabs and a booming electronics market make that ambition realistic.

Four indigenous chip manufacturing units will begin high-tech production this year itself. That is not a future tense problem anymore.

India AI Impact Summit and the Full AI Stack

A recurring theme in Vaishnaw’s remarks was control over the entire AI stack. He broke it into five layers. Applications, models, semiconductors, infrastructure like data centres, and energy.

India is working across all five. That is driven by necessity and scale. A tech-savvy population, a massive economy and globally embedded IT services firms leave no other choice.

The highest returns, Vaishnaw argued, sit at the application layer. Understanding enterprise workflows and applying AI effectively is where value concentrates. Indian IT firms have already pivoted. AI hiring is up about 33 percent, a signal that this shift is well underway.

While the world obsesses over trillion-parameter models, India is playing a different game. Nearly 95 percent of AI workloads today are handled by small models. For most enterprise needs, a 50-billion-parameter model is enough.

India is developing around 12 focused AI models designed to run on small GPU clusters. The logic is efficiency, affordability and reach. These models are meant to serve a very large population at low cost.

Sovereign AI capability is central to this approach. Vaishnaw was direct. If access to global AI resources is restricted tomorrow, India must not be stranded. Several of these models have already been tested in real-world scenarios. A full series launch is expected soon.

This is not isolationism. It is resilience.

AI is hungry. And not just for data. Around USD 70 billion in AI infrastructure investment is already confirmed and rolling out in India.

Energy is the bottleneck everyone prefers to avoid discussing. Vaishnaw did not. Data centres consume hundreds of megawatts. The human brain runs on a few watts. That gap is both a problem and an opportunity.

India has opened nuclear energy to private participation through the Shakti Act. This move is designed to support the full AI stack over the long term. Clean, stable energy is not optional if AI is to scale sustainably.

On the sidelines of Davos, Vaishnaw met Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian. Google is doubling down on India’s AI ecosystem, including a USD 15 billion AI data centre investment in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, and deeper partnerships with Indian startups.

He also met Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan. Discussions focused on user safety, deepfakes and AI-generated content. Meta briefed the government on steps it is taking to protect users. India is clearly asserting itself as a regulator with leverage, not a passive market.

One of the sharper insights from Vaishnaw was the government’s role as a demand generator. In areas where commercial incentives are weak or unclear, the state will step in.

AI use cases are being developed for weather forecasting, agriculture and healthcare. Predictive and preventive healthcare is a particular focus, an area where India can realistically lead.

The government plans to fund applications built on sovereign AI models and support them with large-scale infrastructure. This approach is meant to drive adoption, strengthen talent pipelines and avoid the innovation stall that often follows pilot projects.

India’s AI Mission, much like its semiconductor programme, has been designed with industry input. Vaishnaw’s message to industry leaders was simple. Help build AI-ready curricula.

Graduates must be ready for AI-driven industry, just as earlier generations were prepared for IT services, semiconductors and 5G. Without skills alignment, even the best infrastructure underperforms.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 21: After nearly two decades of starts, stops and stalemates, the India-EU trade deal is suddenly real. Very real. And if Jefferies is right, Indian stock market investors should be paying attention now, not later.

The India-EU free trade agreement, stuck in diplomatic limbo since 2013, is finally approaching the finish line. Talks restarted in 2022. Momentum picked up quietly. Now it’s loud. Senior EU leadership is flying into New Delhi. Language has shifted from “working towards” to “on the cusp”. That’s diplomatic code for done, or almost.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already called it the “mother of all deals”. No exaggeration. This pact would link two billion people and nearly a quarter of global GDP. For India, it also locks in deeper access to one of its largest, richest, and most rule-bound markets.

Jefferies, cutting through the hype, lays out what actually matters for investors. Four sectors stand out. Textiles. Autos. Electronics. Pharma and chemicals. Not evenly. Not instantly. But materially.

Why This India-EU Trade Deal Talk Matters More Than Past Headlines?

Let’s start with scale. India’s annual goods trade with the EU is about $130 billion. That’s roughly on par with India’s trade with China or the US. Exports alone run at an annualised $75 billion. That’s 17% of India’s total exports and close to 2% of GDP.

India also runs a comfortable surplus with the EU. Since 2022, Jefferies estimates that surplus at $10 to $15 billion, boosted by petroleum products and electronics after the Russia-Ukraine war scrambled global supply chains.

Services trade is even bigger. About $72 billion annually. India enjoys a $9 billion surplus there too.

In other words, this isn’t a symbolic deal. It’s commercial muscle.

And importantly, both sides appear aligned on what not to touch. Agriculture and dairy, politically radioactive on both ends, are likely to stay out. That single exclusion removes the biggest deal-breaker that killed talks a decade ago.

If you’re looking for the most obvious beneficiary of the India-EU trade deal, start with textiles.

The EU imports roughly $125 billion worth of textiles and apparel every year. India’s share? Just 5 to 6%. China dominates with 30%. Bangladesh and Pakistan together control about 20%.

Here’s the kicker. Bangladesh and Pakistan enjoy zero-duty access to the EU. Indian exporters don’t. They face tariffs of up to 10%. That gap has hurt for years.

An FTA levels the field.

Jefferies is blunt here. Bringing Indian textile duties in line with South Asian competitors would be a structural positive, especially at a time when the US market has turned hostile. The recent 50% US tariff shock has crushed competitiveness for Indian exporters there. Europe suddenly looks a lot more attractive.

This isn’t about demand magically exploding. It’s about margin recovery, order stability, and long-term contracts. Quiet wins. The kind markets like once the noise fades.

Autos are politically sensitive. Always have been.

European carmakers want better access to India’s passenger vehicle market, where import duties on fully built units can go up to 100%. That’s not changing overnight. Jefferies expects a more cautious path. Gradual tariff reductions. Possibly quotas for tariff-free imports.

Before domestic OEMs panic, context matters.

Most large European auto players already operate in India through CKD units or heavy localisation. That brings effective import duties closer to 30% for most models. Not trivial, but manageable.

Also, India’s entry-level and mid-segment car market is brutally competitive. Price sensitivity is unforgiving. European brands play higher up the curve. Market share erosion for Indian OEMs looks limited.

Right now, autos and auto components make up just 4% of India’s goods imports from the EU. Compare that with electronics at 25% and machinery at 20%. Perspective helps.

This part of the India-EU trade deal is about formalising a framework, not throwing the doors open.

Electronics and machinery don’t make headlines. They move numbers.

Jefferies highlights these segments as key import lines and major beneficiaries of deeper supply chain integration. Electronics account for 25% of India’s imports from the EU. Machinery adds another 20%.

This matters for India’s manufacturing ambitions.

Lower tariffs and smoother trade flows reduce input costs. They also improve reliability. That’s critical when companies are diversifying away from China and building alternative supply networks.

Then there’s aviation, sitting adjacent to this theme.

Basic customs duty on aircraft and parts currently ranges from 2.5% to 10%. An FTA could push that lower. The 5% IGST on aviation imports is mostly creditable, so customs duty is where the real relief sits.

Lower costs ripple through airlines, leasing, maintenance, and eventually ticket pricing. Not dramatic. Just meaningful.

Pharma is different.

India already enjoys zero or near-zero tariffs on most pharmaceutical exports to the EU. So no, this isn’t about headline duty cuts.

The friction is regulatory.

Indian pharma companies face additional compliance requirements to access the EU market. Inspections. Documentation. Approvals that move slowly and cost money.

Jefferies suggests the real upside here lies in easing these non-tariff barriers. Mutual recognition. Streamlined approvals. Fewer redundant hoops.

If the India-EU trade deal delivers even incremental progress on this front, it’s a quiet catalyst for pharma stocks. Not flashy. But durable.

Not everything is rosy.

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is coming. Jefferies sees little scope for dilution. Indian exporters will have to adapt. Period.

Services, though, are a brighter spot.

India is expected to push hard for easier movement of professionals, better visa access, and smoother services exports. Technology and medical professionals are front and centre here.

In return, the EU may seek greater access to India’s financial and legal services sectors. This mirrors the give-and-take seen in India’s recent FTA with the UK.

Some segments will feel more competition. Wines and spirits. Light engineering. That’s the trade-off.

India’s exports to the EU are currently led by petroleum products at 17%, pharma and chemicals at 15%, electronic goods at 11%, textiles at 10%, and machinery at 10%.

Jefferies’ base case is pragmatic. The India-EU trade deal won’t radically alter this mix overnight. It will lock it in. Then gradually accelerate it.

That’s how serious trade agreements work. Slow burn. Compounding benefits.

There’s also a strategic kicker. A successful India-EU pact raises the probability of future deals, including a potential India-US agreement using a similar template.

Not guaranteed. But the direction is clear.

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New Delhi [India], January 20: Hooghly witnessed  a massive mobilisation of unorganised sector workers as a large-scale conference on Human Rights Awareness and Social Security for Unorganised Sector Workers – 2026 was held at Dunlop Maidan. More than 20,000 workers participated, most of them railway Mall Godam (goods shed) labourers from different districts of West Bengal.

The conference focused on strengthening awareness around labour rights, human dignity, and access to social security for workers outside formal employment structures. It was jointly organised by the Bharatiya Railway Mall Godam Shramik Union (BRMGSU) and the Bharatiya Labour Union, with support from SGT University and Nomo Foundation. The objective was to create a collective platform where workers could better understand labour laws, human rights provisions, and welfare schemes meant for their protection.

BRMGSU Background:

The Bharatiya Railway Mall Godam Shramik Union has been actively working for the welfare and rights of railway goods shed labourers across India. Over the years, the union has consistently raised issues related to job security, minimum wages, occupational health and safety, and social protection for Mall Godam workers, many of whom operate in highly informal and vulnerable conditions. Through sustained advocacy, dialogue with authorities, and grassroots mobilisation, BRMGSU has emerged as a strong and credible voice for unorganised railway labourers.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Parimal Kanti Mondal, President of BRMGSU, who highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by unorganised workers, including lack of job security, inadequate wages, limited healthcare facilities, and absence of social protection. He stressed that unity, legal awareness, and organised action are essential to securing dignity and justice for Mall Godam labourers.

The conference was attended by Priyank Kanoongo, Hon’ble Member of the National Human Rights Commission, as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he stated that labour rights are an integral part of human rights. Referring to his recent visits to railway goods sheds across West Bengal, he shared insights from direct interactions with workers and assured that the issues raised would be pursued through appropriate institutional mechanisms.

Sheo Prasad Tiwari, National General Secretary of TUCC, attended as Special Guest and highlighted the importance of collective struggle and strong trade union movements in protecting workers’ rights.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Labour addressed the gathering on key enforcement and welfare issues. Anil Jena spoke on labour law enforcement and statutory rights, while Dwipannita Jena highlighted occupational health and safety concerns. Shitangshu Tai elaborated on welfare schemes and social security benefits available to unorganised workers.

Legal perspectives were shared by Sanjay Ghosh and Kobir Ghosh, who stressed the importance of legal awareness and judicial support in strengthening the fight for labour rights.

The conference concluded with a call for sustained unity and organised efforts, led by Indu Sekhar Chakroborty, General Secretary of BRMGSU, reaffirming commitment to the ongoing movement for human rights, social security, and dignity of labour for unorganised sector workers.

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