OnePlus ropes in Rohan Joshi for the eagerly awaited launch of OnePlus Nord CE4

With the launch event of the OnePlus Nord CE4, we are looking to challenge the traditional keynote format with something that personifies what Nord is. This year, to bring significant entertainment value to keynotes and to keep the audience hooked for the entire duration of the event, we partnered with a famously well-loved standup artist, Rohan Joshi, for the launch of the new OnePlus Nord CE4. To tease the general tonality and flavour of the event and to announce his participation, we put out this hilarious teaser to build intrigue and excitement to this all-new treatment.

To witness this first-time format, we will also be organizing exclusive watch parties across 20 key venues around the country on April 1 so that our community and RCC members can celebrate the launch event with us. Stay tuned to the OnePlus Community forum for more details on venues close to you closer to the date.

As you are aware, last week, we announced another power-packed OnePlus device, the OnePlus Nord CE4, adding more might to the Nord Core Edition series. As revealed so far, the OnePlus Nord CE4 houses the latest octa-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 7 Gen 3 chip and promises to offer a lightning-fast experience. Moreover, the device is equipped with  8GB of LPDDR4x RAM which can be increased by up to a further 8GB via virtual RAM. Not only that, the OnePlus Nord CE4 also supports RAM-Vita. It helps the smartphone deliver a seamless experience while launching or switching between multiple apps, and retaining more than 15 different apps in the memory at once. With big RAM comes big storage needs, which is why the OnePlus Nord CE4 features 256GB storage and to add more joy for the consumers, it supports expandable storage of up to 1TB, enough to preserve all your memories safely.

But that’s not all – ready to take on whatever you throw at it, the OnePlus Nord CE4 supports 100W SUPERVOOC charging, which charges the device from 1-100% in 29 minutes, a feat previously seen only in the flagship OnePlus 12R, making this the fastest charging Nord ever.

And let’s not forget the immersive 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a screen-to-body ratio of 93.4%, offering stunning visuals even in low light conditions.

Available in two captivating color variants – Dark Chrome:  inspired by OnePlus’s legacy and Celadon Marble: Inspired by the special edition OnePlus 11 Marble Odyssey, which the community loved, the OnePlus Nord CE4 promises to be a visual delight.

To know more about the upcoming OnePlus Nord CE4 and to get notified on the latest updates on oneplus.in and Amazon.

Female Apprenticeship Enrollment Soars by 20X, Transforming Manufacturing & Services Sectors, Propelling Diversity Forward

TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship unveils data showcasing a surge in female apprenticeship across the Manufacturing & Services sectors. This significant milestone marks a monumental shift towards gender inclusivity. Over the past 5 years, our data sources reveal a remarkable 20X increase in the enrollment of female apprentices within these sectors. This upward trend signifies a transformative journey towards empowering women and fostering gender diversity in the workforce.

This surge in female apprenticeship enrollment not only reflects the growing momentum towards gender equality but also signifies a paradigm shift in the roles women are undertaking. From traditional male-dominated manufacturing shop floor roles to Future of Work profiles involving AI, ML, and Data sciences, women apprentices are being deployed to catapult organisational productivity and foster a positive work culture.

The Government of India’s vision in making Nari Shakti an equal and integral part of India’s development journey is evident in the NEP 2020 and National Skill Development Policy. Apprenticeships and work-based learning programs have emerged as critical pathways for women’s empowerment, aligning with these visionary policies.

To further enhance participation and support women in their apprenticeship journeys, initiatives such as increased seats exclusively for females, more female trainers, flexible training schedules, digital platforms for connecting skilled women with employers, and community outreach programs are being implemented.

According to the data:

  • In the Manufacturing sector, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship has witnessed a remarkable 5X increase in demand for female apprentices in the past 8-10 months.
  • Within the Services sector, female apprenticeship participation has surged by 33% year over year in the last two years, especially among GCC, BFSI, and Retail and logistics industries. It is expected to witness a 70% year over year increase in the next three years, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in fostering innovation and creativity.

AR Ramesh, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, underscores the significance of fostering female participation in apprenticeships, stating, “While women now constitute 21% of apprentices, there’s still room for growth. Higher degree-embedded programs, like Degree Apprenticeships, can accelerate women participation, especially from rural and socio-economic backgrounds. Organisations must create a pipeline of women’s talent via entry-level hiring combined with learning to address DE&I goals. With the recent PLFS Report indicating that women participation reached an all-time high of 37% in 2022-23, the active participation of women in non-farm labour could boost India’s economy by 9-10% annually.”

“Driven by a remarkable 5X increase in demand for female apprentices over the last 8-10 months, we anticipate the representation of women apprentices to reach 40% by year-end. This surge underscores the industry’s commitment to inclusive work environments, propelled by efforts across emerging segments like EV, Electronics, and Technology Products and traditional sectors such as Auto, Auto Components, and Engineering. Moreover, while gender-specific budget allocations are missing from several schemes, the training programs in place have unique initiatives geared towards women and incentives designed to stimulate their involvement in the skill ecosystem. Additionally, the budget for women’s training through the National Skill Training Institutes has substantially increased from around 64 cores in 2022–2023 to approximately 68 crores in 2023-24, highlighting skill development growth. Notably about 70% of women under apprenticeships in manufacturing are from rural and semi-urban areas. The Government of India’s Skill India Mission, including the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s Vocational Training Program for women, plays a pivotal role in facilitating this transition.  – Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship.

Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President and Business Head of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship highlights, “In recent decades, IT & Retail have been significant employers for women, with females constituting nearly 36% & 35% of the workforce respectively. GCC, BFSI, and Retail & Logistics industries have witnessed a 33% YOY surge in female apprenticeship hiring and are expected to witness a 70% YOY increase in the next 3 years.  However, sectors such as Tourism & Hospitality, Logistics and Telecom are projected to face significant skill gaps in the next three years—24 million, 10 million and 5.3 million respectively. Formalisation and skill development through higher education embedded work-based programs will be crucial to bridging this gap and meeting productivity expectations, given the current unsustainable gender participation ratio.”

VI John partners with Lucknow Super Giants as Grooming Partner

The personal care brand Vi John on Wednesday announced that they shall be the Official grooming partner of the Lucknow Super Giants Team in the upcoming T20 season 2024.

The team, which is captained by KL Rahul, shall be sporting VI John Logo on their non-lead trousers in the upcoming T20 tournament which is viewed by millions of sports lovers across India as well as internationally.

“It’s indeed a pleasure to partner with Lucknow Super Giants as the Official Grooming Partner. The team represents quality and performance in equal measure like our personal care range and has an impressive track record. The tournament allows us to take our product range to a younger and wider audience and showcase our proposition. We are excited to support Lucknow Super Giants as it plans for another successful outing and make the most of our synergy” said Ashutosh Chaudharie, General Manager Marketing, Vi John.

Lucknow Super Giants CEO- Mr. Vinod Bisht stated “We are proud to partner with Vi John in the upcoming season. The brand represents confidence in a bold new generation – something that resonates well with the brand of cricket we wish to play.”

“Vi John as a company has a vision of Grooming India and a legacy of doing the same across six decades. With Lucknow Super Giants we have found a natural partner who has pan-India appeal and immense potential. We look forward to a robust season ahead and wish the best to the team” said Harshit Kochhar, Business Director, VI John group.

LES ROCHES AND SILVERSEA PARTNER TO LAUNCH PIONEERING POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME IN CRUISE LINE MANAGEMENT

Les Roches and Silversea have officially signed an agreement to pioneer a groundbreaking field of study. The first of its kind, this innovative programme – offered at Les Roches campus in Marbella, Spain – provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage and oversee various onboard areas of cruise vessels, in addition to aspects of marketing, revenue management, and other commercial functions pertaining to the cruise industry. Additionally, students are guaranteed to benefit from a scholarship agreement between both entities, along with the opportunity to gain employment aboard Silversea’s esteemed fleet.

 

Upon completion, graduates can secure employment positions at Silversea. The global recognition of Les Roches and Silversea is a testament to their commitment to delivering a top-quality educational journey. Les Roches, ranked among the world’s top four hospitality management schools worldwide, brings its wealth of expertise in academia, while Silversea, renowned as the leading ultra-luxury cruise line and celebrated for its all-inclusive lifestyle and extensive portfolio of global destinations, contributes its invaluable insight into the cruise travel landscape.

 

This industry has undergone a significant resurgence in recent years. According to a recent report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in 2023, this sector was expected to generate revenue of approximately $155 billion and create 1.2 million jobs worldwide. It has emerged as one of the fastest-growing fields. As indicated by the CLIA study, every 1% increase translates to four million new cruisers. Ship capacity is expected to grow globally by 19%, reaching nearly 750,000 berth ports by 2028. Furthermore, it is considered one of the tourism typologies with the greatest potential to evolve towards sustainability standards set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

 

In response, this strategic alliance between Les Roches and Silversea opens up a broad spectrum of opportunities for those wishing to develop in an industry with a positive growth outlook. The Postgraduate Diploma in Cruise Line Management positions itself as a pioneer in this specialty among educational programs, offering learning that is highly focused on practical and managerial aspects—a hallmark of Les Roches—along with immersion guided by the leading ultra-luxury cruise brand, Silversea. The academic institution, with 70 years of history and campuses in Spain since 1995, has chosen its campus in Marbella, in close proximity to Malaga, which is a recognised hub for luxury cruise lines, as the ideal place to pursue this new programme, where the traffic of luxury cruise lines increases annually.

 

“Partnering with the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise brand is a source of pride for Les Roches. The dedication and ambition that Silversea imposes in its business model are in line with our educational methodology. The luxury cruise sector is an area yet to be fully explored academically, and promoting this diploma positions us at the forefront, once again, of a specialisation that continues to grow year after year,” said Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches.

 

Spain attracts the second-highest number of cruise passengers in Europe, behind Italy. In 2023, a new record was set in the country, with a 46% increase compared to 2022, reaching over 12 million passengers, according to the latest data published by Ports of the State. The partnership between Silversea and Les Roches positions Marbella as a strategic hub for companies in the sector, as the urgent need to establish specialised teams in cruise travel is already a reality.

 

“As part of our commitment to offering our guests the very best service at sea, Silversea places great importance on sourcing the industry’s most talented crewmembers,” said Barbara Muckermann, President of Silversea. “Education and training are key in this service-oriented industry, which is growing fast. Since becoming part of Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea has welcomed six ships to its fleet in just three years, making attracting talented professionals more important than ever. We are delighted to partner with Les Roches, a leading academic institution, to ensure our service remains the best in the industry.”

During the first semester, students will follow a curriculum focusing on cruise operations, developing luxury experiences for guests, learning about luxury accommodation and food and beverage management on board, sales and revenue, and maritime law. Within this period, Les Roches also offers a business trip to Monaco and Miami, home of the world’s largest passenger port. Upon completion of this first part of the programme, students can choose to further engage in the industry practically with an immersion period in the cruise industry with Silversea.

BSH Home Appliances marks its advent in the cleaning category in India with the much-awaited launch of its Bosch Unlimited 7 Handstick Vacuum Cleaner

BSH Home Appliances Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, a global leader in the home appliance industry, has launched the Bosch Unlimited 7 Handstick Vacuum Cleaner for Indian consumers. The launch of one of the most highly appreciated vacuum cleaner range from Bosch global portfolio in India marks an effort to redefine home cleaning experiences for Indian consumers. The recent launch was announced on the back of an extensive insight into local consumer preferences and the need gap that could be addressed seamlessly with the Bosch Unlimited 7.

Breakthrough in Cleaning Technology:

Bosch Unlimited 7 distinguishes itself as the go-to solution for Indian homes, capturing over 99.9% of dust* with ease. Tapping into extensive consumer insights, this innovative vacuum cleaner is a direct response to the evolving needs of Indian households grappling with escalating dust levels due to rapid construction and increased pollution.

Unlimited Power and Flexibility: 

Equipped with a TurboSpin motor delivering a staggering 66,000 rpm, the Unlimited 7 guarantees robust suction power across diverse surfaces. The 3.0 Ah battery ensures an extended runtime for cleaning up to 1000 sq ft of the house with a single battery charge. Its flex tube enhances maneuverability, while the quick stand facilitates convenient storage, ensuring a trouble-free cleaning workflow.

Revolutionizing Cleaning with Innovative Features:

Compared to other cordless cleaners, the Unlimited 7 handstick vacuum cleaner stands out with its intuitive nozzle foot release, flex tube, and ergonomic handheld design. The flexible tube adapts to your movements, making cleaning those tricky spots a breeze. No more bending and straining your back. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, minimizing fatigue during extended cleaning sessions.  The easy parking clip simplifies transitions between cleaning tasks, making it a breeze for everyone at home to use efficiently.

LED lights illuminate even the darkest corners, ensuring a thorough cleaning experience. The auto mode with auto-adjust power optimizes efficiency based on the surface being cleaned. Lightweight, ergonomic, and boasting an improved filter cleaning mechanism, the Unlimited 7 guarantees consistent performance over time.

Commenting on the launch, Saif Khan, MD & CEO, BSH Home Appliances, said, “At BSH, we put consumers at the forefront of our innovations. Introducing the BSH Unlimited 7 Handstick Vacuum Cleaner marks our strategic entry into the cleaning category. In a landscape where lifestyles continually evolve, so do the expectations of consumers. The Unlimited 7 seamlessly aligns with this transformative shift, presenting itself not merely as a cleaning tool but as a sophisticated smart companion, bringing innovative solutions to elevate the cleaning experience for modern Indian households.”

In addition to its outstanding features, the Bosch Unlimited 7 Handstick Vacuum Cleaner is available in multiple color options, allowing customers to choose a variant that aligns with their aesthetic preferences.

The vacuum cleaner is priced at Rs 30,000 onwards, and it is set to revolutionize the Indian market, offering consumers a superior cleaning solution and experience that seamlessly blends power, efficiency, and convenience.

* Dust pickup was measured in Turbomode on hard floors with crevices. Tested according to EN 60312-1:2017.

Physics Wallah (PW) Launches its Third Tech-Enabled Offline Vidyapeeth Centre in Bengaluru

Physics Wallah (PW), India’s leading ed-tech platform, has announced its third tech-enabled offline Vidyapeeth center in Bengaluru, underlining its commitment to establish educational hubs across India and make education more accessible to students.

PW’s Bengaluru Vidyapeeth centre boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure with 8 tech-enabled classrooms offering a conducive learning environment. The center also provides a self-study space, fostering a productive study atmosphere. Additionally, it has the Student Welfare Society (SWS), providing support for hostels, and transportation facilities. For the academic year 2024–2025 enrollment, it is offering an additional discount of 30% to students enrolling first for this academic year.

Additionally, it has organized a mega event under the name ‘Aagaz’ on March xx in PES University, 100 Feet Ring Road, Banashankari Stage III, Dwarka Nagar, Banashankari, Bengaluru, and counseled more than 3000 JEE and NEET aspirants, who were present along with their parents. Apart from this, PW’s top faculties, including Sachin Jhakhar and Amit Mahajan participated as mentors.

PW has opened 79 tech-enabled Vidyapeeth Centres across India, emerging as the fastest-growing ed-tech company with the third-largest offline network in nearly two years, serving over 2 lakh students. These centres offer a comprehensive curriculum for JEE/NEET.

PW offline Vidyapeeth centres offer the facilities of recorded lectures, assistance with NCERT materials, offline doubt-solving, Daily Practice Problems (DPPs) with video solutions, specialized modules, and Previous Year Questions (PYQs). These centres also have a dedicated desk for the Student Success Team (SST), making PW the only one to provide quick and personalized resolutions to student concerns. Additionally, there is also a parent-teacher dashboard system, which offers real-time updates on student progress.

PW Offline CEO Ankit Gupta stated, “With the launch of every offline centre, we get closer to our vision of establishing educational hubs across India, making quality education more accessible and alleviating financial burdens on parents. These centres are set to transform the educational landscape of the country.”