#indian jobs forum

[eyeofnewtblog]

Just had a really weird job interview that actually made me think about my childhood…(I said I was independent and resourceful and was asked to provide examples)

My dad bought me my first car, but as soon as I had my drivers license, he told me I was grounded until I knew how to change a tire and change my own oil. I was grounded for about a week. The only help he gave me was showing me where the owners manual was and a few forums about my specific model of car.

My dad, while I was getting my permit to drive, required that I drive him up to the local Indian reservation for casino night (he would keep $150 in his right pocket and as soon he was out he would leave, he kept the winnings in his left pocket and as soon as he was $300 up we would leave) also he tried to teach his most mathematicalally challenged child how to count cards at black jack? Not a successful enterprise. I barely passed high school chemistry.

When I was twelve there was a cross continent moving situation that required my dad and I to move ahead of my mom and middle sister (this is the time he lit the stove on fire from trying to fry bacon…) after the stove incident, he dug out the recipe cards his mother had made for my mom when they got married, shoved them at me, along with the cordless 1990’s phone and said “I’ve dialed your Aunt Rock, (his older sister) Daddy wants biscuits and gravy, make her walk you through it.”

That’s how I learned to cook; having my aunt on speed dial and I would tell her what was in the cabinets, she would make a list for me to give to dad, and then she would walk me through the recipe. As I cooked it.

As a teenager, my dad knew that I was capable of cooking exactly what he wanted (IE exactly what his mom and big sis cooked while he was growing up) and as an adult I’ve had to actually learn to enjoy cooking as an actual experience and process and not just “what I was told”

When I was 21 my dad spent about $700 on brand new parts for a car I owned that was falling apart…I spent my 21st birthday drinking beer on my dad’s driveway tearing apart my van to replace rotors and brakes, while my boyfriend at the time and dad sat back and did nothing while calling me a great little grease monkey.

Honestly, I’m still not sure if I’m proud or humiliated by that, but the grease monkey comment came from the bf and he didn’t last much longer…

I don’t know. Obviously I didn’t make myself quite this vulnerable when I was in the actual interview, but it feels good to be vulnerable after the fact?

I just feel like my dad gave me a lot of tools to figure shit out for myself, and being resourceful is actually a really great quality. Feeling? Idk.

Being resourceful gives you independence.

Because any problems that come up? There’s either a YouTube tutorial, a blog, or SOMETHING available as a resource. And if you’re out of internet service???? There’s literally a book in your glove compartment somewhere telling you what to do.

[sorcerous-caress]

Hell yeah I'm back, crushed my exams, now I have more time to think about everyone's favorite loser elf 💜💜

Your post a couple days back about posting homemade porn to the xhuman forum really got me thinking

What if one day you showed up at your loser elf's house in traditional elvish clothing?

You shrug and casually mention that you bought it at a market the other day because it reminded you of him, but he's only barely registering your words.

His eyes rake over your body from head to toe and then back up again, staring unashamed at how the light, airy fabric dances around your arms and legs. He can't stop staring at how perfectly the garment hugs your body, and since humans are more supple and rounded than elves, the fabric bunches up just so on your hips, accentuating your curves and making heat rise to his face, the tips of his ears going red as you notice the visible tent in his pants.

You smile devilishly at him as you lead him towards his bed, all the while he's thinking about how the organic fabrics you're wearing would be very delicate and so easy to tear through.

You're fully aware of what seeing you in his traditional clothing would do to him, so of course you prepared accordingly. He's in for a lucky surprise when he finally gets your overclothes off to find that you picked up some elvish-inspired lingerie at the market as well.

(somewhat inspired by my realization while dressing up to go to an Indian holiday party, when I noticed that a salwar kameez and dupatta kinda reminded me of what I'd imagine elvish clothing to look like)

Good job on finishing your exams, please make sure to rest.

I really like the idea of human reader trying to learn more about elf culture for their cute loser high elf

And yes, I imagine elvish clothes to be inspired by South Asian, Middle Eastern, and anciest Greek clothes.

Instead of reader buying it randomly, what if you've put research into it? Read about elf culture and found the perfect attire to wear.

Maybe it's something only newly wedded spouces wear for each other, or maybe it is a honeymoon phase kind of outfit. Elvish clothes are airy by nature, but this one you've found is more head-turning than the rest.

Almost like it was made out of large flower petals that hug your body just right with their vibrant colours. Wrapping your hips with two petals that conjoin in the middle, their pointy tips barely covering the insides of your thighs. Each petal trailing up your body and leaving small windows of bare flesh, the outfit is on the shorter side with no shoulders or neck, just going from your hips to your chest in a colourful chain of petals.

Or maybe a translucent outfit that shimmers and brims with life magic, a dark hue that matches the night sky. Various stars in shapes and sizes swimming on the print and gently swaying from place to place with every step you take. Your skin and curves are extremely visible underneath it. It's made out of one large and very long cloth that you have to wrap around yourself to from multiple layers and give it a shape. The material is so thin that the outfit never gets thicker than human clothes no matter how many you layer.

Or it's a long pure white silk with gold leaves trim, much like an outfit a greek god would wear. The silk is akin to a second skin as even the shape of your bare stomach is visible from underneath it. There's an almost invisible pattern wooven into the silk with the occasional glimmering sparks.

Whichever it was, one thing was clear when your outfit finally arrived. It's that this was never made for a human like body.

It's your size but longer than usual, it's too tight in certain places. You can't even wear anything underneath it because it wouldn't fit then. The shape of your chest is fully on display, the way the supposed airy outfit completely hugs your figure like a glove.

Your hips and thighs being squeezed so deliciously by the fabric. The material feeling almost strange on top of a human's soft skin, elves generally have tighter skin that's not as sensitive as the humans.

How each outfit is made out of various pieces and parts you have to put together to complete the picture. Unlike humanity's preference for compact clothes that are easy to wear or come as whole pieces, elves prefer complexity and a single shirt can have up to 13 steps to put on.

There aren't any buttons or seams or zippers. It's whole pieces that are held together by either magic or jewellery. Everything from the top of your head to your ankles has a specific piece that is important to complete the outfit.

It takes a lot of effort and after so many different youtube tutorials, mostly in elvish which you couldn't understand and had to relay on visuals only, you get the hand of it.

Since it was a surprise, you decline his offer to pick you up when you send him a message saying you're coming over. Walking through the street and getting curious and confused looks from other humans on your outfit.

You passed by a couple of elves that did a doube take when they saw you, blatantly staring at your short ears then your clothes. They looked like they wanted to say something to you, one of them even walked up to you and opened their mouth.

But nothing came out, they just turned around and went back to their friend. Completely red in the face as they kept stealing glances at you while whispering in elvish to each other.

After finally making it and opening the front door with the spare key he gave you, you step inside.

Expecting you, he calls out your name with clear excitement in his voice before clearing his throat and trying to attempting to mask his excitement as he makes his way to you.

The second his eyes register what you're wearing, his mind short circuits. His eyes have to blink a couple of times as if it's a trick of the light or an illusion, complete disbelief at the fact you're actually real and standing in his doorway in these clothes.

Just like the elves from before, his mouth opens but nothing comes out.

Then he's immediately picking you up and pinning you to the door. Lips hungrily kissing yours as desperate whimpers escape him.

It's his feelings are too much for his body to handle, his hands keep switching form place to place as he can't decide where to touch you first, where to feel and grope you.

His fingers are shaking, his eyes still looking at you with disbelief as his lips refuse to let up, as if he'll run out of air without the taste of your mouth.

You feel his hardness against you. He barely pays it any attention as he continues to admire your body. Marvelling at the way the clothes cling to your skin, at the various jewellery and elven designs, on you, a human.

If only a man can die from happiness, then he'll die happily knowing your current image was the last thing he has seen.

Do you even understand the effect of your outfit on him, little human? Do you even know what it represents? For all you know, you could've been walking outside with the equivalent of elven lingerie or a nightie.

He's calling you various endearing names in his original tongue, from endearing titles to ones exclusive to married souls. He seems in a haze as he urges you towards the bedroom, eyes pleading and knees weak as he struggles to switch betwern kissing you and pulling away to talk.

[mariacallous]

After the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, the European Union was expected to be the next in line. Washington did, in fact, impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU this week, as well as on a range of other commodities including cars and agricultural products by early April.

The Europeans have tried to win over U.S. President Donald Trump with flattery and alluded they could buy more U.S. gas and weapons in exchange for a reduction in threatened tariffs. But at the same time, Europeans are brainstorming about what decoupling from the United States in trade and defense could mean for them. They are also wondering if they have any realistic options left, other than appeasing Trump.

In response to Trump’s tariffs during his first stint as U.S. president, the EU retaliated with higher duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Kentucky bourbon. It has reportedly prepared a list of retaliatory tariffs this time, too. Retaliation, however, isn’t a preferable path for EU nations, even if it turns out to be necessary, as it inevitably harms their own constituents who have come to rely on imports from the United States—and also risks antagonizing Trump.

That’s why the bloc is also pursuing a less confrontational and more benign policy—resurrecting dormant trade deals to offset the costs of Trump’s tariffs.

In December 2024, a month after Trump won the U.S. presidential election, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a controversial trade deal with the four founding members of the Mercosur bloc—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. She also restarted talks with Malaysia and visited India with her entire team.

Together, those countries represent nearly 2 billion potential customers and vast alternative markets in places where the middle classes are on the rise. However, expediting these trade deals may come at the cost of the EU’s green regulations and clean industrial growth.

The EU overruled farmers’ protests against the Mercosur agreement; the protesters had been dumping manure and burning tires in Brussels and other European capitals for nearly a year. Farmers from various European countries, led by French contemporaries, protested for a variety of reasons but primarily over the fear that good quality but cheaper Latin American beef will flood European markets, and they will be outpriced. The EU said it has included safeguards and capped the amount of beef that can be imported, believing the agreement will benefit European businesses that will now have access to vast markets.

“As great-power competition intensifies, I see a growing appetite across the world to engage more closely with us. In the last two months only, we concluded new partnerships with Switzerland, Mercosur, and Mexico. This means that 400 million Latin Americans will soon be engaged in a privileged partnership with Europe,” von der Leyen said at the World Economic Forum in late January.

In her February visit to India, von der Leyen spoke alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced the goal to finalize an EU-India free trade agreement by the end of the year. A senior Indian diplomat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that, while talks restarted a few years ago after a long lull in the negotiations that began in 2007, there was “great momentum” in the EU-India ties.

The EU and India were both ready to make major concessions to move forward, according to sources in the Indian government. They said India will factor in the EU’s demands and consider bringing down high tariffs—nearly 60 to 100 percent on European automobiles and other luxury commodities—while expecting an understanding in return that it doesn’t have much room to open up agricultural imports since the sector is India’s largest employer, providing jobs to nearly half the country’s working age population.

In a sign of the EU’s openness to India’s concerns, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck acknowledged that two agricultural sectors cannot be compared. “If you were to open the markets completely … the disruption to the Indian market will be tremendous,” he said.

India also hopes that the EU can adopt a mechanism to drop or mitigate the impact of the carbon tax that it said it would impose on steel and other carbon-intensive products from third countries to drive clean industrial growth. The EU came up with a rebalancing mechanism with the Mercosur bloc, which allows the four Latin American nations to challenge EU environmental measures—including carbon border management (CBAM) and deforestation legislation—if they reduce the agreenment’s trade benefits. India expects a similar concession.

The EU’s talks with Malaysia have also resumed, but only after the EU’s deforestation legislation—which called on suppliers to prove origin of the export and trace and track the entire supply chain—was suspended.

Some experts believe fewer regulations are good for business. Jacob Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at Bruegel and a nonresident senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said von der Leyen has a “less ambitious extraterritorial agenda” in her second term.

“Basically, what the EU has been doing is imposing, if you like, extraterritorial regulation in third countries,” Kirkegaard said. “That agenda has less legs in the new commission, and that makes free trade agreements a lot easier.”

Kirkegaard said that even if these trade deals cannot make up for the decline in trade with the United States, they send a message that free trade is mutually beneficial and retains the appeal of the current global trading system for developed and the developing countries.

“What the EU would hopefully also be trying to do is showing that you can actually gain economically by pursuing a free trade agenda,” Kirkegaard said. “Maybe there are some businesses and other political leaders, not President Trump, neither obviously the existing leadership, but other new leaders who will see that this is actually a win-win strategy, which I happen to agree with …  It’s about sustaining the existing system. No better way, in my opinion, for the EU to continue to pursue significant regional deals with Mercosur and maybe India.”

Some scholars have said that the EU should go a step further and build an alliance of like-minded countries to take the United States to task at the World Trade Organization (WTO). “The EU should also prepare a case at the WTO that brings together as many impacted economies as possible,” Ignacio García Bercero wrote in an article for Bruegel.

André Sapir, a Belgian economist and a senior fellow at Bruegel, believes it’s too soon to predict an economic decoupling between Europe and the United States. “I think it is too strong to say that the EU-U.S. decoupling is underway,” he said, adding that Trump may decide to target individual member states with specific tariffs rather than the EU as a whole. “He has a strong obsession with bilateral trade balances. He may have targeted bilateral tariffs against all those that have a trade surplus with the [United States].”

But Brussel’s message is clear. It won’t be bullied and cower under pressure. “Bullying and deal-making may be President Trump’s everyday business, but in Europe we have replaced the law of the jungle with the rule of law,” Bernd Lange, chair of the European parliament’s trade committee, said. “Trump’s decision to impose heavy import duties on steel and aluminum is a clear breach of international law and we demand that the [United States] again play by the rules.”

Europe’s hope is that a deal with Trump can be made in time to stop the otherwise inevitable decoupling.

[eveepe]

get to know your mutuals game

thank u for tagging me @crepesuzette2023 i'm working on crawling back out from under my late-winter rock and this seems like a nice & fun thing to do

What's the origin of your username?: as a teenager I was on music forums under the name pretty-vacant, which eventually became pv/peevee and now here I am in my final form!

OTP(s) + ship name: I don't really have an OTP! Multishipper 4ever

Favorite color: green!!!!! 🌱💚🌿

Song stuck in your head: I've been getting Heart of the Country stuck in my head recently when I've been cycling home and it's DAYLIGHT and I don't have to have my winter gloves on :')

Weirdest habit/trait: leaving half-drunk glasses of water and coffee everywhere like the girl from signs

Hobbies: Running, skating, hillwalking, swimming in the sea, reading, writing filth (manifesting)

If you work, what's your profession?: I teach metalworking/welding in HE :)

If you could have any job you wish, what would it be?: I used to want to be a marine biologist which still seems like it'd be cool. I know someone who's job used to be to live on his own on an island off the west coast of scotland and count seabirds.

Something you're good at: I'm good at skating! Or at least, semi-good, because I played roller derby for years. Now that I'm retired I can just skate around for fun and not get hit by someone so it's pretty nice.

Something you hate: egg whites, and anything that's even vaguely the texture of egg whites

Something you collect: posca pens - they're really good for marking out on steel and I have them in an exciting assortment of pastels

Something you forget: literally everything that isn't written down on my whiteboard

What's your love language?: I don't really believe in ~love languages~ as a concept I guess but you can't really beat a nice cuddle

Favorite movie/show: Withnail & I

Favorite food: whatever magical substance they put in the spicy paneer at my local indian takeaway

Favorite animal: weird little dogs with scrunched up faces, but also rats are great (@crepe rat lovers solidarity)

What were you like as a child?: voracious reader, obsessed with rats and the spice girls

Favorite subject at school: art and english although I was just generally good at school and a bit of a swot so I enjoyed most things

Least favorite subject: maths and french because I was not immediately excellent at them

What's your best character trait?: I can be very kind and patient. And I'm silly!

What's your worst character trait?: I don't really tolerate meekness/timidity very well. I'm working on it! But just ASK ME THE QUESTION!!!

I'm also extremely stubborn and occasionally very lazy

If you could travel in time, who would you like to meet?: this question disturbs me because i have to start considering all the repercussions of time travel so I politely decline

I think I've got to this way late I just wanted to be involved so I have zero idea who has and hasn't been tagged! Please if you see this and want to do it act as if I've tagged you 👀👀👀👀

[balkanradfem]

(I just realised how long this is after typing it out. my bad, i have a habit of yapping too much 😭. Feel free to ignore this if you want. I love your posts btw i learn a lot thanks to you)

radfems seem to be more successful in korea compared to other regions. they are good at organising and have done public protests where they absolutely don’t hold back, Here’s some footage from a korean feminist protest: https://youtu.be/O4vWycy0sDI?si=2KmBUQ7Jpp9prt_q

The way they don’t care about what people think and just start all out screaming at men is refreshing. They have many radfem forums and groups and the discussions in these websites is so much more practical than what I’ve seen here.

They are very focused on self improvement and achieving economic, political and social success compared to radblr which is more communist and promotes living in a little wooden cabin in the woods with some other women to be more eco friendly. Nothing against communism i just think while we’re already living in a capitalist society promoting communism in female spaces will just lead to women becoming poorer and oppressed further by rich men. And nothing wrong with being eco friendly either but I don’t think women living in a hut will do anything when men still at large continue to destroy the world. 

the main website korean women use to organise is called womad. It’s so much better than any feminist forum I’ve ever seen. It’s anonymous and usernames are automatically generated and change every hour or so so that no one can be recognized anywhere. The police have been trying to crackdown on them because of extreme misandry for a long time but all attempts have failed. 

From reading their posts it seems almost all of them have a good understanding of politics and economics. Their discussions are productive and they don’t have any infighting like radblr and they don’t let any other social issue distract them from the real enemy which is men. What do you think could be the reason behind this? Are korean women just intellectually superior? I personally feel like korean women have the highest iq of all women. I look up to them a lot and womad has taught me a lot.

They even have a women’s party in korea and they won around 200,000 votes which isn’t a lot but it’s still a huge achievement. Check out womensparty.kr 

I wish indian women would catch up. I’m sick of indian moids taking up every inch of space in this country. Every street in india is filled with moids, it’s so dystopian there are no women in sight. One would think only men live here. This is also the reason there’s so much fucking trash in the streets. These overgrown manchildren who have their mommys clean up after them go out and throw trash wherever they see fit and do not bother cleaning because that’s a woman’s job. Women can’t go out to exercise because every public space is occupied by men. I’m so so sick of them. 

Power to the korean women! I'm glad you're finding guidance and inspiration in the feminism they lead and that they're so successful, I admire it as well!

I'm standing by indian women and hope they manage to gain freedom! And until they do, we need to prop them up and also be on their side. Only males are our enemies :)

[barstoolblues]

its insane actually how band fans refuse to give robbie credit for anything like. and also the racism! saw a post like “his early influence was spending time on an indian reservation�� um so you mean.... learning oral histories from his family.... or another that claimed all his songwriting was inspired by levons family stories of the south like what are you stupid. or like somehow hes responsible for every members death according to some of these people like i deadass read someone say “he could’ve given danko a job but instead watched him work construction til he died” like WHAT 😭 and people are like why did he pretend to sing into the mic.... um because his mic was on and he was singing??? idk. of course middle aged men on rock forums are going to be the most annoying bitches on the planet but its a whole nother level. wait just read this

[beardedmrbean]

Police in the Indian capital, Delhi, have raided the homes of prominent journalists and authors in connection with an investigation into the funding of news website NewsClick.

NewsClick's founder Prabir Purkayastha and a colleague were arrested. Police also seized laptops and mobile phones.

Officials are reportedly investigating allegations that NewsClick got illegal funds from China - a charge it denies.

Critics say the move is an intentional attack on press freedom.

Started in 2009, NewsClick is an independent news and current affairs website known to be critical of the government. In 2021, it was raided by tax authorities on allegations of breaking India's foreign direct investment rules.

The co-ordinated raids at 30 locations on Tuesday are some of the largest and most extensive on India's media in recent years. Police later confirmed they had arrested Mr Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty, the website's head of human resources.

"A total of 37 male suspects have been questioned at premises, nine female suspects have been questioned at their respective places of stay and digital devices, documents etc have been seized/collected for examination," a police statement said.

Opposition leaders accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of a "fresh attack on the media". But Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said investigative agencies were merely doing their job.

How did the raids happen?

Among those also questioned were journalists Abhisar Sharma, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Aunindyo Chakravarty, Urmilesh, Bhasha Singh, popular satirist Sanjay Rajoura and historian Sohail Hashmi. Some were taken to police stations.

Searches were also carried out at the website's office in Delhi, news agency ANI reported.

In Mumbai, activist Teesta Setalvad's house was also searched. Ms Setalvad has long fought for victims of the deadly 2002 riots in Gujarat state and has written articles critical of the government for NewsClick.

A source close to Mr Purkayastha told the BBC that more than 15 policemen arrived at the editor's home at 06:30 local time (01:00 GMT).

"They did not produce any warrants or paperwork, questioned him for several hours and took away all the electronic devices they found at home," they said. Later, news agencies showed him being taken away by the police in a vehicle.

Mr Rajoura's lawyer, Ilin Saraswat, said the comedian was raided at the same time and that police took away his laptop, his two phones, some DVDs of his old work and some documents.

"The police said that Mr Rajoura is not named in the current investigation, but since he has worked with the website, he will be interrogated. We have not been provided a copy of the police complaint," he added.

BBC India offices searched by income tax officials

Indian tax authorities raid critical media outlets

India top court frees Muslim comic on bail

According to reports, the raids are in connection with a case registered against NewsClick in August after a New York Times report alleged that the website had received funds from an American millionaire to spread "Chinese propaganda".

It claimed that Neville Roy Singham worked closely with the "Chinese government media machine" and used his network of non-profit groups and shell companies to "finance its propaganda worldwide".

A case was reportedly registered against the website under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, a draconian anti-terror law that makes it nearly impossible to get bail. NewsClick has rejected all the charges as false.

Who was raided?

All the people who were raided have been associated with NewsClick - some are employees, while others have worked on freelance projects.

Prabir Purkayastha, its founder and editor-in-chief, is the author of a number of books and a founding member of the Delhi Science Forum. During the 1975 Emergency - when civil liberties were suspended - he was jailed along with several opposition politicians.

Bhasha Singh is an activist and journalist who has reported extensively on manual scavenging and farmers' suicides. She has accused the government of being anti-women and on Monday appeared in a NewsClick video expressing concern over the increasing trend of members of the governing BJP praising the man who assassinated India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.

Abhisar Sharma is a prominent video journalist known for his critical views of the government. He worked for BBC Hindi before moving to work at the NDTV news channel. One of his last videos covered widespread protests by government employees against a new pension scheme.

Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, writer, journalist and filmmaker, is best known for his investigations into billionaire tycoon Gautam Adani and is facing several defamation suits filed by the industrialist. Earlier this year, he was mentioned in a report by Hindenburg Research which alleged that companies owned by Mr Adani had engaged in decades of "brazen" stock manipulation and accounting fraud - allegations denied by the industrialist who is perceived as being close to PM Modi.

[futurensetechnologies]

Everything You Need to Know About the BS in Data Science at IIT Jodhpur

In an era where data drives innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, academic institutions are pioneering programs to equip students with cutting-edge skills. Among these, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur stands out with its forward-thinking curriculum designed to meet the demands of the digital age. With a focus on interdisciplinary learning and real-world applications, IIT Jodhpur offers specialized undergraduate programs that blend theoretical rigor with practical expertise. 

This blog explores the BS in Data Science in IIT Jodhpur and the BSc degree in AI applied from IIT Jodhpur, along with their online counterparts, to help you navigate your academic and career journey.

BS in Data Science in IIT Jodhpur: Program Overview

The BS in Data Science in IIT Jodhpur is a four-year undergraduate program tailored to produce professionals adept at handling complex data challenges. This program integrates core concepts of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge to empower students with the tools needed to extract insights from vast datasets.

Curriculum Highlights

Foundations of Data Science: Courses in linear algebra, probability, and calculus form the bedrock of the curriculum.

Programming and Tools: Students master Python, R, SQL, and big data frameworks like Hadoop and Spark.

Machine Learning and AI: Advanced modules cover supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and neural networks.

Data Visualization: Training in tools like Tableau and Power BI ensures students can communicate insights effectively.

Ethics and Governance: Unique courses address data privacy, algorithmic bias, and compliance with global regulations.

The BS in Data Science in IIT Jodhpur emphasizes hands-on learning through capstone projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners like Microsoft and IBM. This ensures graduates are job-ready, with portfolios showcasing real-world problem-solving skills.

BSc Degree in AI Applied from IIT Jodhpur: Bridging Theory and Practice

For students passionate about artificial intelligence, the BSc degree in AI applied from IIT Jodhpur offers a specialized pathway. This program focuses on the application of AI technologies across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and robotics. Unlike traditional computer science degrees, this curriculum is designed to foster innovation in AI development and deployment.

Key Components

Core AI Concepts: Courses include natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, reinforcement learning, and robotics.

Applied Projects: Students build AI models for real-world scenarios, such as predictive healthcare analytics or autonomous systems.

Interdisciplinary Learning: Electives in cognitive science, ethics, and business strategy broaden perspectives on AI’s societal impact.

The BSc degree in AI applied from IIT Jodhpur also integrates industry certifications, such as TensorFlow Developer or AWS AI/ML certifications, into its coursework. This dual focus on academic and professional development ensures graduates stand out in competitive job markets.

Online BSc Degree in Applied AI from IIT Jodhpur: Flexibility Meets Excellence

Recognizing the growing demand for accessible education, IIT Jodhpur offers an online BSc degree in Applied AI from IIT Jodhpur. This program mirrors the rigor of its on-campus counterpart while providing flexibility for working professionals and remote learners.

Program Structure

Live and Recorded Lectures: Delivered by IIT faculty, sessions cover AI fundamentals, advanced algorithms, and case studies.

Virtual Labs: Cloud-based platforms like Google Colab and AWS SageMaker enable hands-on experimentation with AI models.

Peer Collaboration: Online forums and project groups foster networking and teamwork.

Capstone Projects: Learners tackle industry-sponsored problems, from optimizing supply chains to developing chatbots.

The online BSc degree in Applied AI from IIT Jodhpur is ideal for those seeking to upskill without pausing their careers. Its modular design allows students to balance coursework with personal and professional commitments.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the BS in Data Science in IIT Jodhpur and the BSc degree in AI applied from IIT Jodhpur are well-positioned for high-growth roles:

Data Scientist

Analyze datasets to drive business strategies in sectors like e-commerce and healthcare.

Skills Required: Python, machine learning, SQL.

AI Engineer

Develop and deploy AI models for applications like fraud detection or personalized recommendations.

Skills Required: TensorFlow, PyTorch, NLP.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Transform data into actionable insights using visualization tools like Power BI.

Research Scientist

Work in R&D roles at organizations like ISRO or global tech firms.

The online BSc degree in Applied AI from IIT Jodhpur further enhances employability, as its practical focus aligns with industry needs. Alumni have secured roles at companies like Google, Tata Consultancy Services, and startups innovating in AI-driven solutions.

Also Read: BS/BSc vs Diploma: Which Path is Right For You?

Why Choose IIT Jodhpur?

No JEE is required for admission: Candidates have to simply pass the qualifying test to be accepted for admission. 

Prestigious IIT Degree & Alumni Status: Earn a coveted degree from IIT Jodhpur and become part of a renowned alumni network.

Master 100+ AI Tools: Gain hands-on expertise in a wide range of AI tools and technologies.

Learn from Industry Experts: Benefit from masterclasses led by CXOs and leaders from top companies like MAANG.

Admissions and Eligibility

BS in Data Science in IIT Jodhpur: Admission is based on JEE Advanced scores, followed by counseling. A strong foundation in mathematics and physics is required.

BSc Degree in AI Applied from IIT Jodhpur: Similar eligibility criteria, with additional weightage on problem-solving skills.

Online BSc Degree in Applied AI from IIT Jodhpur: Open to working professionals and graduates with a 10+2 qualification. Entrance tests or prior experience may be considered.

Conclusion

The BS in Data Science in IIT Jodhpur and the BSc degree in AI applied from IIT Jodhpur represent the pinnacle of modern education, blending academic excellence with industry relevance. For those seeking flexibility, the online BSc degree in Applied AI from IIT Jodhpur offers a gateway to mastering AI without compromising on quality. Whether you aspire to innovate in data analytics, lead AI projects, or contribute to groundbreaking research, these programs equip you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to thrive. Explore IIT Jodhpur’s offerings today and take the first step toward a future shaped by data and intelligence.

Source URL: https://bipdallas.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-bs-in-data-science-at-iit-jodhpur

[odnewsin]

Bank strike on March 24-25: UFBU firm on strike as talks with IBA fail

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a nationwide strike on 24th and 25th March after failed talks with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). Key demands include recruitment, job security, and a five-day workweek.

[makers-muse]

Can a STEM Lab in Ahmedabad Help Your Students Excel in Competitions? 

Introduction: A Tale of Innovation and Success 

In a bustling school in Ahmedabad, a group of students eagerly prepares for a national robotics competition. Unlike their previous attempts, this time, they have an edge—a state-of-the-art STEM lab. With hands-on experience in coding, engineering, and problem-solving, they’re not just participating; they’re aiming to win. Their confidence stems from real-world application, innovation, and teamwork—all nurtured within the STEM lab. 

But is your school providing the same opportunities? 

The Growing Importance of STEM Labs in Schools 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is no longer an option but a necessity. According to the National Science Foundation, 80% of future jobs will require STEM skills. The World Economic Forum predicts that artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics will shape the global job market, making technical proficiency essential for future professionals. 

Ahmedabad is home to some of India’s leading technological institutions, and schools in the region are increasingly recognizing the need for STEM labs to prepare students for careers in technology, healthcare, and engineering. 

A well-equipped STEM lab fosters: 

1. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving 

Students engage in real-world challenges, learning how to analyze problems and develop solutions systematically. This skill is crucial for competitive exams, hackathons, and innovation challenges. 

2. Hands-on Learning 

Instead of just reading about concepts, students experiment with robotics, coding, 3D printing, and physics models, making learning more effective and engaging. 

3. Creativity & Innovation 

By designing and building prototypes, students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, learning to think outside the box and apply knowledge practically. 

4. Teamwork & Collaboration 

Most competitions require teamwork. A STEM lab encourages group projects and collaborative problem-solving, preparing students for professional work environments. 

How STEM Labs Enhance Competition Readiness 

Academic and innovation competitions demand more than just textbook knowledge. A STEM lab provides the perfect training ground for students to excel in: 

1. Robotics & Coding Challenges 

Ahmedabad schools with robotics kits, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and AI simulation tools enable students to design and program their own robots. This is essential for competitions like: 

First Tech Challenge (FTC) 

Indian Robotics Olympiad (IRO) 

World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 

2. Science Olympiads & Engineering Competitions 

Students with access to 3D printers, electronic circuits, and physics-based models gain hands-on experience in engineering and physics concepts, improving their performance in: 

National Science Olympiad (NSO) 

Intel ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) 

Mathematics and Physics Tournaments 

3. AI, Data Science & Mathematics Hackathons 

With exposure to AI tools, machine learning platforms, and real-world data analysis, students develop analytical and coding skills, giving them an advantage in: 

Google Code-In 

Kaggle Machine Learning Competitions 

Hackathons hosted by IITs and NITs 

Real Results: The Impact of STEM Labs 

A study by the National STEM Education Center suggests that students with access to STEM labs perform 30% better in problem-solving assessments than those without. Furthermore, CBSE and IB-affiliated schools in Ahmedabad that have integrated STEM labs report: 

40% increase in student participation in national and international competitions. 

Higher college placement rates in engineering and technology fields. 

Improved confidence and public speaking skills due to project presentations. 

Ahmedabad Schools Leading the Way 

Several institutions in Ahmedabad have already integrated STEM labs with impressive results. Notable examples include: 

Shanti Asiatic School Ahmedabad: Their STEM initiative helped students win national awards in robotics competitions. 

Global Indian International School (GIIS): Students here have represented India in international science fairs after engaging in hands-on STEM learning. 

Delhi Public School (DPS) Bopal: This school integrates AI and robotics into its curriculum, giving students exposure to modern technology. 

Funding & Support for STEM Labs 

Setting up a STEM lab may seem challenging, but various funding options can make it feasible: 

1. Government Grants 

Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL): The Government of India’s initiative under NITI Aayog provides funding for schools to set up STEM labs. 

Department of Science & Technology (DST) grants: Schools can apply for government support for innovation in education. 

2. Corporate Sponsorships & CSR Programs 

Ahmedabad has a strong industrial base, with companies like Adani, Zydus, and Tata Motors supporting education through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. Schools can collaborate with these companies to fund STEM labs. 

3. EdTech Partnerships 

Schools can collaborate with EdTech firms like Tinkercad, STEMpedia, and RoboFunLab for cost-effective lab setups and teacher training. 

4. Crowdfunding & Community Support 

Several educational institutions have successfully raised funds through crowdfunding platforms like Ketto and Milaap, involving the community in building better educational infrastructure. 

Bring a STEM Lab to Your School Today! 

Ready to empower the next generation of innovators? Contact us today to explore funding options and implementation strategies for your Ahmedabad school’s STEM lab! 

[achieversjourney]

Level Up Your Career: Finding the Best MBA Online Programs & CAT Coaching in India

In today's competitive job market, an MBA can be the key to unlocking significant career advancement, higher earning potential, and a more strategic leadership role. But the traditional full-time MBA program isn't always feasible for working professionals or those with geographical limitations. Fortunately, the rise of online MBA programs and readily available online coaching for MBA entrance exams like the CAT has opened up a world of possibilities.

This article dives deep into the landscape of "best MBA online programs," explores the availability of "MBA online courses in India," and guides you through the process of finding the "best online coaching for CAT" and "best CAT coaching in India," helping you take your career to the next level with Achievers Journey.

Why Consider an Online MBA?

An online MBA offers a wealth of advantages:

Flexibility and Convenience: Study at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from anywhere in the world. This is ideal for working professionals who need to balance their studies with their current job and personal commitments.

Cost-Effectiveness: Online MBA programs often have lower tuition fees compared to their full-time counterparts. Plus, you save on accommodation, travel, and other associated expenses.

Accessibility: Online programs remove geographical barriers, allowing you to access top-ranked business schools from around the globe, regardless of your location.

Networking Opportunities: While online, many programs offer virtual networking events, online forums, and even optional in-person residencies, facilitating connections with faculty and fellow students.

Immediate Application: You can immediately apply the skills and knowledge you learn in your current role, leading to quicker career progression.

Navigating the Landscape of Best MBA Online Programs

Choosing the "best MBA online program" can be daunting. Here's what to consider:

Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by reputable organizations like AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS. Accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous quality standards.

Ranking and Reputation: Check rankings from reputable sources like the Financial Times, QS World University Rankings, and US News & World Report. While rankings aren't everything, they provide a general indication of program quality and reputation.

Curriculum: Evaluate the program's curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career goals. Consider specializations offered, elective courses, and the overall depth and breadth of the program.

Faculty: Research the faculty members. Look for experienced professors with strong academic credentials and industry expertise.

Technology and Learning Platform: Ensure the program uses a user-friendly and engaging online learning platform with robust features like video lectures, discussion forums, and collaborative tools.

Career Services: Check if the program offers career services like resume workshops, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.

Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition fees and explore available financial aid options, scholarships, and loan programs.

Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from current students and alumni to get a firsthand perspective of the program experience.

MBA Online Courses in India: A Growing Trend

India is witnessing a surge in the popularity of "MBA online courses in India." Many top Indian B-schools and international universities offer online MBA programs tailored to the needs of Indian professionals. These programs often focus on specific industries like technology, finance, or healthcare and incorporate case studies relevant to the Indian market.

Preparing for MBA Entrance Exams: Mastering the CAT

For aspiring MBA candidates in India, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most important hurdle. Acing the CAT requires rigorous preparation and a strategic approach. This is where "best online coaching for CAT" and "best CAT coaching in India" become crucial.

Why Choose Online Coaching for CAT?

Online CAT coaching offers several advantages over traditional classroom coaching:

Flexibility: Study at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Accessibility: Access quality coaching from anywhere in India.

Cost-Effectiveness: Online coaching is often more affordable than traditional coaching.

Personalized Attention: Many online coaching platforms offer personalized learning plans and doubt-clearing sessions.

Mock Tests and Practice Materials: Access a vast library of mock tests, practice questions, and study materials.

What to Look for in Best Online Coaching for CAT and Best CAT Coaching in India:

Experienced Faculty: Look for coaching programs with experienced faculty members who have a proven track record of helping students excel in the CAT.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Ensure the program covers all sections of the CAT syllabus thoroughly.

Mock Tests and Analysis: Choose a program that offers a significant number of realistic mock tests and provides detailed performance analysis.

Personalized Feedback: Look for programs that offer personalized feedback on your performance and suggest areas for improvement.

Doubt Clearing Sessions: Ensure the program provides ample opportunities to clear your doubts.

Study Materials and Resources: Access a comprehensive library of study materials, practice questions, and video lectures.

Technology and Learning Platform: Look for a user-friendly and engaging online learning platform.

Achievers Journey: Your Partner in MBA Success

At Achievers Journey, we understand the importance of strategic planning and guidance in achieving your MBA aspirations. We offer comprehensive support for aspiring MBA candidates, including:

Personalized Coaching for CAT: Our experienced faculty provides personalized coaching tailored to your individual needs and learning style.

Comprehensive Study Materials: Access a vast library of study materials, practice questions, and mock tests designed to help you ace the CAT.

Expert Guidance on MBA Program Selection: We provide expert guidance on selecting the "best MBA online programs" that align with your career goals and academic background.

Application Assistance: We help you craft compelling application essays and prepare for admission interviews.

Career Counseling: We offer career counseling services to help you define your career goals and develop a strategic plan for achieving them.

Conclusion

Embarking on an MBA journey, whether online or offline, is a significant investment in your future. By carefully researching "best MBA online programs" and investing in quality "online coaching for CAT" or "best CAT coaching in India" from a trusted platform like Achievers Journey, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to choose a program and coaching style that best fits your individual needs, learning style, and career aspirations. Take the first step towards unlocking your full potential and achieving your MBA dreams today!

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] The Indian Finance Minister's budget announced a comprehensive initiative to extend formal recognition and social security benefits to platform-based gig workers by providing their ID cards with registration on the e-Shram portal. This marks a significant step toward formalizing India's rapidly expanding gig economy. With over 7.7 million gig workers in India as of 2020-projected to grow to 23.5 million by 2029-30 (NITI Aayog, 2022)-this sector plays a pivotal role in the country's digital services ecosystem. From ride-hailing drivers to food delivery personnel and freelancers, gig workers have transformed urban economies, yet they remain largely excluded from formal financial systems and social security nets.The announcement rightly acknowledges the need for formalization and financial inclusion of gig workers. It could help bridge the gap by enabling access to formal credit, insurance, and government welfare schemes. Currently, only 8% of gig workers have access to health insurance, and less than 2% contribute to retirement funds (NITI Aayog, 2022). Integrating this policy with financial literacy programs, microcredit solutions, and pension schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PMSYM) can ensure long-term economic security for this workforce.For the policy to have a lasting impact, it must also address the intersection of the gig economy with India's youth employment landscape. With over 62% of India's population in the working-age group (15-59 years) and a median age of 29 years by 2030, structured skill development is essential. Young workers, particularly those from low- and middle-income segments, often lack career guidance and face a mismatch between acquired skills and industry demands. In this context of the digital nature of work profiles (characteristic of industry 4.5 and 5.0), the flexibility allowed by digital interfaces, creating pathways for gig workers to join formal employment, and the flexibility to move back and forth will be crucial. After all, gig work should serve as a stepping stone to formal employment for those who seek stability and career progression while also being a viable, sustainable career path for those who prefer flexibility and autonomy. Some ideas worth considering include recognizing the skills of gig workers, such as those under the Recognition of Prior Learning scheme and recognizing and promoting gig work as work-based learning in formal education. Singapore's Skills Future initiative provides lifelong learning credits to workers, enabling continuous skill development and career adaptability.The government needs to maintain a delicate balance between providing social security benefits and not overregulating through the current labour laws, as the latter can limit the sector's USP-flexibility and growth.Further, investment in AI-driven reskilling programs and apprenticeships aligned with emerging job markets is imperative. For example, a 2023 NASSCOM report indicates that over 50% of Indian companies struggle to find workers skilled in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. The World Economic Forum (2023) highlights that by 2025, 97 million new jobs will emerge globally in automation and digital sectors, many requiring adaptable skill sets. Tailoring training programs to meet these demands can enhance job readiness and economic productivity.Collaboration with industry leaders and businesses can help. Employers should be encouraged to add minimum remuneration and skilling standards. Policies should incentivize companies to invest in gig worker training and offer learning stipends for gig workers to encourage participation in upskilling programs. More collaboration could encourage portable benefits models, such as those in France and the Netherlands, allowing gig workers to accumulate social security benefits regardless of their employer. Additionally, fostering collaboration among gig platforms, banks, and skilling institutions can ensure affordable access to credit, insurance, and continuous learning opportunities.

In conclusion, formalizing gig workers through identity cards is a commendable move, but its impact can be realized only if it is integrated with financial and skilling initiatives from both the public and private sectors. By aligning market needs with youth aspirations, the country can unlock the full potential of its human capital and position itself as a global leader in the future digital and industrial economies. Byomkesh Mishra, Co-founder, Medha and Akhand Tiwari (Partner, MicroSave Consulting, (MSC). [ad_2] Source link

[mariacallous]

Five years since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomous status, the central government’s iron-fisted approach to the region has left it more vulnerable to regional and geopolitical threats.

While Kashmir Valley, which has withstood the brunt of armed insurgency since 1989, continues to simmer with militancy-related violence, the theater of terrorism has now extended into the otherwise peaceful province of Jammu. Since 2019, at least 262 soldiers and 171 civilians have died in more than 690 incidents, including the February 2019 Pulwama terrorist attack. The unsustainable and disproportionate loss of lives underscores the risks to both regional stability and India’s national security.

In 2019, the Modi government revoked Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which granted the state of Jammu and Kashmir its special status, annihilating the contested region’s symbolic autonomy. Concurrently, the central government also imposed an indefinite curfew in the region and used internet shutdowns and arrests to control and suppress the local population. The result was a transformed landscape. Already scarred by militarization, Kashmir became enmeshed in barbed wire.

This undemocratic exercise, though later stamped and endorsed by India’s Supreme Court, has since spurred further legal changes. For example, the local population no longer has access to exclusive protections that previously allowed only permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir to apply for government jobs and buy property in the state.

In March 2020, the government repealed 12 and amended 14 land-related laws, introducing a clause that paved the way for a development authority to confiscate land and another that allowed high-ranking army officials to declare a local area as strategically important.

Local residents are appalled at the ease with which government agencies can now seize both residential and agricultural lands in the name of development and security—enabling mass evictions and the bulldozing of houses that are disproportionately affecting Muslim communities and small landowners.

Meanwhile, the ecological fallout from introducing massive road and railway networks, coupled with the addition of mega hydroelectricity projects, is polluting riverbeds and causing villages to sink. Since 2019, there has been a lack of local representation which could act as a buffer against massive development projects, most of which now fall under New Delhi’s governance. Meanwhile, the region’s unemployment rate, as of 2023, remains high at above 18 percent, as compared to the national average of 8 percent.

Over the last few years, the Modi government has also squashed dissent in the region by redirecting the military to maintain surveillance and control of the civilian population. According to the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir, over 2,700 people were arrested in the region between 2020 and 2023 under India’s contentious Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Public Safety Act. Those arrested include journalists like Fahad Shah and Sajad Gul, human rights defenders like Khurram Pervez, and prominent lawyers like Mian Qayoom and Nazir Ronga.

Modi’s repressive policies have deepened the trust deficit between Kashmiris and the Indian government. The top-down administration has further sidelined local bureaucrats and police officers, further widening the gap between the central government and local ground realities.

All of this has not only pushed the local population into distress, but also jeopardized India’s already fragile relations with its two nuclear neighbors, Pakistan and China.

The Kashmir conflict, rooted in the 1947 partition of India, has led to three major wars and several military skirmishes between India, Pakistan, and China. And though the region has always been contentious—India controls more than half of the total land, while Pakistan controls 30 percent, and China holds the remaining 15 percent in the northeast region near Ladakh—Modi’s aggressive handling has further provoked its neighbors.

Following the revocation of Article 370, the region was split into two separate union territories—Jammu and Kashmir forming one and Ladakh forming another, with both falling under the central government’s control.

This redrawing of the region’s internal borders, which signaled New Delhi’s assertions of reclaiming the Chinese-occupied territory near Ladakh—as well as India’s increasing tilt towards the United States—resulted in a deadly clash between India and China in 2020 and another one in 2022. Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions over the disputed Himalayan border, New Delhi has accused Beijing of carrying out “inch by inch” land grabs in Ladakh since 2020.

Meanwhile, Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been rocked by mass protests of its own this year, owing to the country’s political and economic crisis, exacerbated in part by the abrogation of Article 370. Those living in Pakistan-administered Kashmir fear that Pakistan may similarly try to dilute the autonomy of the region.

With refugees flooding in from Afghanistan on its west amidst Imran Khan’s standoff with the Pakistani Army, Islamabad has been on edge and looking for diversionary tactics. The deepening of Pakistani-Chinese relations, including military ties, has contributed to a volatile mix.

But Kashmir’s vulnerability has worsened partly because of India’s own tactical blunders, too. The last decade witnessed a spurt in home-grown militancy, but since 2019 the landscape has been dominated by well-trained militants from across the Pakistani border who have access to sophisticated weapons and technology.

Indian security forces, including paramilitaries and the local police, have turned a blind eye to these emerging threats, especially in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch along the border with Pakistan. It is in this area that the impact of terror attacks has been most felt.

The region is home to the nomadic Gujjar-Bakerwal communities and the ethnolinguistic Paharis. These groups are parts of divided families straddling the India-Pakistan border, and this shared cultural linkage between the Indian and Pakistani sides has been weaponized in the past by intelligence networks of both countries.

The Indian armed forces have historically relied on the Gujjar-Bakerwal communities for intelligence gathering in part because of their nomadic lives and deep knowledge of the region’s topography. However, since 2019, the evictions of nomads from forest lands, following the amendment of several land-related laws, as well as affirmative actions for Paharis, a rival ethnic group, have led to the disenchantment of the Gujjar-Bakerwals—and an eventual loss of traditional intelligence assets for India.

Another blunder has been the redeployment of troops from Jammu to the border with China in the northeast, following China’s incursions in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley in 2020. This has left Jammu dangerously exposed to militants who have been infiltrating the region from across the line of control on the western side and carrying out their operations with a fair degree of success.

In 2024 alone, Jammu has witnessed numerous attacks which have resulted in the deaths of 16 soldiers and 12 civilians. In June, for example, the region experienced one of its deadliest attacks when militants opened fire on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, killing nine and injuring over 30.

Kashmir’s internal politics has the potential to spill over and push the region into disaster. While India has made some significant strides in international diplomacy under Modi, it tends to neglect the neighborhood where the risks to India’s national security remain the highest. Its diplomatic engagement with China comes in fits and starts but diplomacy with Pakistan remains nonexistent, despite the resumption of a ceasefire in 2021. And while India considers the removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status an internal matter, Pakistan sees it as a provocation. All in all, there is a dangerous lack of engagement between the two nuclear rivals in South Asia.

In theory, the ongoing regional elections in Jammu and Kashmir provide a glimmer of opportunity for the people to choose their own local government for the first time in a decade. However, irrespective of who wins the elections, the local leaders will lack the power to enact meaningful change, given that the region remains under the control of New Delhi following its demotion from a state to two union territories.

For instance, Ladakh does not have a legislative assembly, and while Jammu and Kashmir have an elected assembly, the real powers are vested in the hands of a governor, who was appointed to lead the region by the Modi-led central government. As recently as July, the Indian government ruled to further expand the governor’s oversight powers, delivering a blow to local politicians and voters.

Much more needs to be done to change the status quo. Though it remains unlikely, New Delhi must consider meaningful solutions that could assuage some of the political wounds inflicted by the complete erosion of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy, including, for example, the restoration of statehood to the region. In order to win back the trust of Kashmiris, the Indian government must reinstate civil liberties and deliver on its promise to provide economic development and jobs.

To improve the region’s safety, Indian agencies must acknowledge their security lapses and repair their broken intelligence networks. And while the Indian security forces must not lower their guard against terrorist activities, terrorism should not be proffered as an excuse when it comes to the normalization of relations in the neighborhood.

Neither Pakistan, nor India can afford the war which is looming over their heads. Diplomatic negotiations, including over Kashmir, must begin with a sense of urgency.

[news365times]

[ad_1] The Indian Finance Minister's budget announced a comprehensive initiative to extend formal recognition and social security benefits to platform-based gig workers by providing their ID cards with registration on the e-Shram portal. This marks a significant step toward formalizing India's rapidly expanding gig economy. With over 7.7 million gig workers in India as of 2020-projected to grow to 23.5 million by 2029-30 (NITI Aayog, 2022)-this sector plays a pivotal role in the country's digital services ecosystem. From ride-hailing drivers to food delivery personnel and freelancers, gig workers have transformed urban economies, yet they remain largely excluded from formal financial systems and social security nets.The announcement rightly acknowledges the need for formalization and financial inclusion of gig workers. It could help bridge the gap by enabling access to formal credit, insurance, and government welfare schemes. Currently, only 8% of gig workers have access to health insurance, and less than 2% contribute to retirement funds (NITI Aayog, 2022). Integrating this policy with financial literacy programs, microcredit solutions, and pension schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PMSYM) can ensure long-term economic security for this workforce.For the policy to have a lasting impact, it must also address the intersection of the gig economy with India's youth employment landscape. With over 62% of India's population in the working-age group (15-59 years) and a median age of 29 years by 2030, structured skill development is essential. Young workers, particularly those from low- and middle-income segments, often lack career guidance and face a mismatch between acquired skills and industry demands. In this context of the digital nature of work profiles (characteristic of industry 4.5 and 5.0), the flexibility allowed by digital interfaces, creating pathways for gig workers to join formal employment, and the flexibility to move back and forth will be crucial. After all, gig work should serve as a stepping stone to formal employment for those who seek stability and career progression while also being a viable, sustainable career path for those who prefer flexibility and autonomy. Some ideas worth considering include recognizing the skills of gig workers, such as those under the Recognition of Prior Learning scheme and recognizing and promoting gig work as work-based learning in formal education. Singapore's Skills Future initiative provides lifelong learning credits to workers, enabling continuous skill development and career adaptability.The government needs to maintain a delicate balance between providing social security benefits and not overregulating through the current labour laws, as the latter can limit the sector's USP-flexibility and growth.Further, investment in AI-driven reskilling programs and apprenticeships aligned with emerging job markets is imperative. For example, a 2023 NASSCOM report indicates that over 50% of Indian companies struggle to find workers skilled in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. The World Economic Forum (2023) highlights that by 2025, 97 million new jobs will emerge globally in automation and digital sectors, many requiring adaptable skill sets. Tailoring training programs to meet these demands can enhance job readiness and economic productivity.Collaboration with industry leaders and businesses can help. Employers should be encouraged to add minimum remuneration and skilling standards. Policies should incentivize companies to invest in gig worker training and offer learning stipends for gig workers to encourage participation in upskilling programs. More collaboration could encourage portable benefits models, such as those in France and the Netherlands, allowing gig workers to accumulate social security benefits regardless of their employer. Additionally, fostering collaboration among gig platforms, banks, and skilling institutions can ensure affordable access to credit, insurance, and continuous learning opportunities.

In conclusion, formalizing gig workers through identity cards is a commendable move, but its impact can be realized only if it is integrated with financial and skilling initiatives from both the public and private sectors. By aligning market needs with youth aspirations, the country can unlock the full potential of its human capital and position itself as a global leader in the future digital and industrial economies. Byomkesh Mishra, Co-founder, Medha and Akhand Tiwari (Partner, MicroSave Consulting, (MSC). [ad_2] Source link