&w=3840&q=100)
ADB approves $109.97 million loan to boost employability in Gujarat
The Gujarat skills development programme, led by the state's Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department in collaboration with Kaushalya: The Skill University (KSU), aims to equip the state's workforce with industry-aligned, advanced skills that boost job readiness in high-growth sectors, ADB said in a statement.
The programme will strengthen the institutional and managerial capacity of the KSU network and broaden access to high-quality, industry-relevant training courses that integrate frontier technologies, it said.
Through this process, the programme aims to transform the governance and performance of the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system in Gujarat, establishing a scalable model that can be replicated across other states in India, it said.
Focusing on seven high-priority industries logistics, automotive, manufacturing, information technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and agri-tech the programme will implement a range of interventions, it said.
These include upgrading 11 mega industrial training institutes (ITIs), establishing centres of excellence, and partnering with affiliated private training providers through a hub-and-spoke model anchored by KSU, it said.
Courses will be designed in close collaboration with the industry to ensure alignment with market demands and job trends, it added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
25 minutes ago
- Indian Express
UAE Golden Visa 2025: How can Indians apply for lifetime residency without investment in the UAE
UAE Golden Visa Application Process 2025: The UAE government has introduced an updated kind of Golden Visa that allows for long-term residency without the requirement to invest in property or a company. According to sources engaged in the process, the 'new nomination-based visa policy' now allows applicants to get the visa by paying a one-time cost of AED 100,000 (about Rs 23.3 lakh). Initially started in 2019, the Golden Visa programme was intended for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly qualified persons. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of the UAE-based Rayad Group, told PTI, 'This is a golden opportunity for Indians to get the UAE's Golden Visa.' Applications from India and Bangladesh are now being accepted as part of a trial initiative. Indian nationals are anticipated to submit over 5,000 applications in the first three months. Rayad Group and Visa Services Provider VFS are in charge of assessing and forwarding applications to the UAE government. Applicants do not need to visit Dubai. They can apply through: India's participation in the pilot indicates the strengthening connections between the two countries. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, which went into force in May 2022, has expanded bilateral commercial, cultural, and strategic collaboration. The nomination-based visa is part of the larger CEPA framework and is planned to be expanded to other partner nations, including China, in subsequent phases. (Using inputs from PTI)
Hans India
28 minutes ago
- Hans India
Rajasthan has minerals from iron to gold, let's create mining model balancing growth, sustainability: CM
Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated that Rajasthan is progressing rapidly in the mining sector through transparent processes, ease of doing business, and infrastructure development. He called for the creation of a mining model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Let us ensure our mining practices not only fulfill present demands but also inspire future generations,' he urged. 'Our goal is to establish Rajasthan as a leading hub in mining,' he said, encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in the state. 'Minerals ranging from iron to gold are found here in abundance, and the state government is fully committed to extending all possible support.' Chief Minister Sharma and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy attended the felicitation ceremony of 7-star and 5-star rated mines, organised by the Indian Bureau of Mines at the Rajasthan International Centre on Monday. Sharma highlighted that the star rating system not only evaluates mining operations but also promotes environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Under this system, mining leases are assessed based on key parameters such as scientific mining practices, sustainable development, water management, afforestation, and social accountability,' he said. He congratulated the award-winning mine representatives and announced that a similar rating and evaluation system will be implemented in Rajasthan. The Chief Minister noted that Rajasthan is a 'museum of minerals' with 57 varieties of metallic and non-metallic minerals currently being extracted. The state contributes 12 per cent to the total value of mineral production in India. He added that Rajasthan has achieved a record in auctioning mining leases of major minerals. 'Out of 500 blocks allocated across the country, Rajasthan alone has allotted over 100 — more than 20 per cent,' he said. Additionally, 960 minor mineral plots and 137 quarry plots have also been successfully auctioned in the state. CM Sharma pointed out that during the previous administration, mining royalty revenue in 2023–24 stood at Rs 7,460 crore — a mere 3 per cent increase. 'Due to our proactive efforts, this rose to Rs 9,228 crore in 2024–25, a 24 per cent increase and a record figure,' he said. He reiterated the state government's zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, citing the launch of three special campaigns to curb unlawful activities in the sector. The Chief Minister said the government has introduced a new policy to promote M-Sand as an eco-friendly alternative to gravel. Entrepreneurs establishing M-Sand units are being incentivised under this initiative. He also mentioned the state's ambitious 'Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan', inspired by the Prime Minister's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. 'We aim to plant 50 crore saplings during our tenure. Last year alone, over 7.5 crore saplings were planted, and 10 crore more are being planted this monsoon,' he added. Chief Minister Sharma emphasised that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country has seen transformative development. 'Pro-poor welfare schemes have empowered the most marginalised. Terrorism and Naxalism have been decisively curbed,' he said. He described the Centre-State 'double engine government' as a force working tirelessly to ensure progress in every sector. 'Rajasthan, the largest state in the country, is now emerging as a land of immense opportunities. Investment avenues are abundant in education, industry, tourism, and more,' he said. In conclusion, the Chief Minister called for the creation of a mining model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Let us ensure our mining practices not only fulfill present demands but also inspire future generations,' he urged. During the event, CM Sharma and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy felicitated the representatives of 7-star and 5-star rated mines.
Economic Times
33 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Should you buy defence or banking stocks now? Kranthi Bathini's sectoral outlook explained
Last week, Indian equity markets remained largely range-bound with mild corrections, just as expected. According to Kranthi Bathini, Equity Strategist at WealthMills Securities, the markets are currently in a consolidation phase but are holding strong above the crucial 25,000 Nifty level, which indicates positive sentiment in the short to medium term. ADVERTISEMENT 'Despite the tight trading range, the market mood remains optimistic. However, global uncertainties, especially around trade deals involving the US, Japan, and China, have kept both foreign and domestic institutional investors in a wait-and-watch mode,' he said. President Trump's recent comments on being 'frustrated' with Japanese trade negotiations also caused jitters across Asian markets. Additionally, the upcoming earnings season and global cues are contributing to the market's cautious tone. When asked about sectors likely to perform well over the next few months, Bathini pointed to defence, consumption, and financials.'The recent Rs 1 lakh crore procurement cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council has created momentum. Stocks in the defence index, across large and midcaps, are already outperforming,' said sees strong order book visibility and earnings potential, especially in sub-segments like drones, aviation, and fighter aircraft. Both PSU and private players look promising for long-term investors, especially on dips. ADVERTISEMENT With a robust monsoon and potential GST cuts, both rural and urban consumption themes look positive. However, Bathini notes a divergence is emerging with regional players gaining ground, which may not yet be fully reflected in listed stocks. Bathini believes banking and NBFCs, both public and private, are attractive, especially for long-term investors. ADVERTISEMENT 'With a recent rate cut and likely further easing, liquidity is improving. This supports credit growth, which is essential for infrastructure, capex expansion, and overall economic momentum,' he sees potential across largecaps and midcaps, depending on investor's risk appetite and time horizon. ADVERTISEMENT Bathini remains neutral to cautious on IT and pharma in the short to medium term due to their dependence on global trends and the ongoing trade deal uncertainties.'Both sectors are heavily linked to US growth. That's a concern right now. But within IT, emerging domestic sub-themes like data centres could be interesting,' he long-term investors (3+ years), Bathini sees merit in accumulating largecap IT stocks on dips, as they're trading near long-term average valuations. ADVERTISEMENT India's defence sector is not just focused inwards anymore. 'With ₹25,000 crore in export targets this year and growing diplomatic ties with African nations, Indian defence manufacturing could soon find strong international demand,' Bathini cost-efficiency compared to Western nations makes it attractive for defence outsourcing in the future. Looking ahead, Bathini expects volatility around the India-US trade deal, but remains optimistic. 'As long as Nifty holds 25,300, we're in a good spot. If the earnings season begins on a strong note, we could see the index moving toward 25,750–25,780. A decisive breakout above that range could trigger further upside.' Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts/brokerages do not represent the views of the Economic Times (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
