Ahmedabad, Aug 29: Adani Skills & Education (ASE), the skill development arm of the Adani Group, on Friday announced the launch of Karma Shiksha — a work-study diploma programme — under the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Karma Shiksha is designed to empower Class 10 and 12 pass students (all streams) as well as ITI graduates from across India by offering them industry-integrated, job-ready education.

“With Karma Shiksha, we are taking a transformative step to provide them not just with education, but with practical skills that open pathways to opportunity,” said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group.

“This initiative embodies our philosophy of Hum Karke Dikhate Hai — turning intent into action, vision into reality — and empowering a new generation to meaningfully contribute to the creation of a Viksit Bharat,” added the industrialist.

The two-year work-study diploma in Ports Management and Logistics Management provides multi-sector exposure through industry-integrated learning. It combines classroom learning with hands-on industry experience across the Adani Group’s core sectors — ports, power, solar manufacturing, green energy, and logistics.

Selection of the students to the programme will be based on national-level merit from across India. It will also provide an attractive stipend to support students and higher education pathways, including lateral entry into degree programmes.

With Karma Shiksha, students will benefit from an earn-while-you-learn model, ensuring financial independence during their education. The diploma is nationally recognised and offers direct pathways into employment as well as higher studies, enabling students to build sustainable, long-term careers.

“Karma Shiksha is more than a diploma — it is a gateway to opportunity. With Skill2Employ as our guiding framework, we are ensuring that every skill leads to employment, and every learner becomes a contributor to India’s growth story.

By integrating academics with workplace learning, we are creating a robust pipeline of industry-ready professionals for a future-ready India,” said Robin Bhowmik, CEO, Adani Skills & Education.

The launch of Karma Shiksha reinforces Adani Skills and Education’s commitment to skill-building, employability, and education excellence. By aligning with NCVET and working closely with industries, ASE is creating a scalable model of skill-based, job-integrated education that will redefine vocational training in India.

IANS

New Delhi, Aug 29: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday that India’s exports this year will be higher than last year, reflecting the growing competitiveness and resilience of the domestic industry, while the government is reaching out to partner countries across the globe to open up new opportunities.

Addressing the ‘Bharat Buildcon 2026’ conference here, Goyal highlighted India’s expanding network of free trade agreements (FTAs) with developed countries, including Australia, the UAE, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and the UK, with negotiations ongoing with the European Union (EU) and others. These agreements will further open global opportunities for Indian industries such as construction, steel, and allied sectors, the minister pointed out.

India’s total exports for FY25 reached an all-time high of approximately $825 billion, marking a significant growth of about 6.01 per cent over the previous fiscal. Goyal further highlighted that several developed countries are eager to expand trade relations with India, noting that nations such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed keen interest in entering into FTAs with India. The minister’s assurance came in the backdrop of the hike in US tariffs on Indian exports to 50 per cent as a punitive step for buying Russian oil.

Goyal said the government is committed to ensuring that industry does not face unnecessary stress or difficulties arising from unilateral actions by some countries. He urged industry representatives to highlight sectors where alternative markets are required, assuring that the Commerce Ministry is reaching out to partners across the globe to open up new opportunities.

He also highlighted the vast export potential in steel and iron ore, noting that India could export 15 million tonnes of steel annually, strengthening its export basket with high-quality, competitively priced products. The minister also drew attention to the acute housing shortage in Australia, where nearly 1 million homes are required. He invited Indian businesses, workers, and experts to seize this opportunity, stating that Australia is open to financial collaboration, technical expertise, and workforce support from India. Training and certification opportunities are also being offered so Indian professionals can meet Australian standards.

“If we miss this opportunity, we will have only ourselves to blame,” he remarked, calling it a potential game-changer for India’s construction and financial sectors. Goyal emphasised that, alongside global outreach, boosting domestic consumption remains a priority. The upcoming GST Council meeting, he noted, is expected to provide measures that will quickly stimulate demand and give a strong boost to domestic manufacturing.

The Minister said the government is focused on supporting industry so that no sector is left behind—whether in accessing international markets or strengthening domestic opportunities. He also encouraged active participation in Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to ensure India emerges as a trusted supplier of high-quality products. Goyal asserted that the capability of India is not being correctly understood by some experts and media.

He pointed out that while certain analysts underestimate the nation’s potential, the resilience of Indian industry, the strength of its startups, and the confidence of its people tell a different story. India has successfully navigated challenges such as COVID-19 and even nuclear sanctions, and today it stands strong, ready to expand its share in global trade.

Goyal said that ‘Bharat Buildcon 2026’ will showcase India’s strength, innovation, resilience, and competitiveness as the country marches towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. Scheduled from April 29 to May 2, 2026 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in the national capital, ‘Bharat Buildcon’ is being positioned as India’s flagship international platform for the building and construction materials industry.

With India’s building and construction market valued at over USD 1 trillion and employing millions, the event will provide a one-stop platform to highlight India’s capabilities across 37 allied sectors including cement, ceramics, tiles, sanitaryware, paints, hardware and electricals. The exhibition will play a pivotal role in promoting Indian products in international markets, boosting exports, attracting investments, and positioning India as a trusted global supplier.

IANS

Tokyo, Aug 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday as both leaders discussed the progress in bilateral partnership across trade, critical technologies and human resource mobility sectors.

“Had a wonderful meeting with the former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida. He has always been a great advocate of closer India–Japan relations. We discussed the progress in our bilateral partnership across trade, critical technologies and human resource mobility. We also discussed the vast potential in emerging areas such as technology and semiconductors,” PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal also shared details regarding the talks held between two leaders. In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, “PM Narendra Modi met Mr. Fumio Kishida, Former PM of Japan. Both sides discussed the progress in India-Japan ties and the potential of taking forward India-Japan partnership for the mutual progress and prosperity. for the mutual progress and prosperity.”

PM Modi also met former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and spoke about many dimensions of cooperation between two nations. “I had a very good meeting with Mr. Yoshihide Suga, former Prime Minister of Japan and Chairperson of the Japan-India Association. We spoke about the many dimensions of India–Japan cooperation and how we can further deepen it. Our discussions covered how to build closer collaboration, including in technology, AI, trade, investment and beyond,” PM Modi posted on X.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba addressed the India-Japan Economic Forum. CEOs and business leaders from various fields participated in the event. In his address, PM Modi spoke about India’s deep economic ties with Japan and also mentioned about areas where cooperation between two nations can deepen in the years to come. In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, “Addressed a business event in Tokyo.

The presence of Prime Minister Ishiba made this even more special, also indicating the priority we accord to bilateral economic linkages. Spoke about India’s deep economic ties with Japan and also listed areas where cooperation can deepen in the years to come: Like we did in automobiles, recreate the same magic in batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, nuclear energy.”

“Tech–Talent synergy to power this century’s technology revolution. Green energy focus for a better future. Next-gen infrastructure, where Japan’s excellence and India’s scale can do wonders. Skill development and people-to-people ties,” he added.

Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, his first Summit meeting with his Japanese counterpart PM Ishiba. The two leaders are also scheduled to hold a working dinner meeting. PM Modi and Ishiba will also visit the Miyagi Prefecture on Saturday. This is PM Modi’s eighth visit to Japan.

PM Modi last visited Japan in May 2023. Both leaders had earlier met in June 2025 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada and during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane in Laos, last year. Upon arrival in Tokyo, PM Modi was received by Japan’s Ambassador to India ONO Keiichi, India’s Ambassador to Japan Sibi George and other senior officials.

PM Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian community, who greeted him with traditional cultural performances and enthusiastic cheers on his arrival in Tokyo. PM Modi lauded the Indian community in Japan for their commitment to preserving the cultural roots while making meaningful contributions to Japanese society.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “I was deeply impressed by the warmth of the Indian community in Tokyo. The stance of making significant contributions to Japanese society while continuing to preserve our cultural roots is truly worthy of praise.

In the next few hours, I plan to engage in an exchange of opinions with business leaders, with the aim of further invigorating the trade and investment relations between India and Japan.” After concluding his engagements in Japan, PM Modi will visit China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin from August 31-September 1.

IANS