Zomato Introduces Maternity Insurance Plan for Women Delivery Partners
Zomato has taken a big step to support its women delivery partners by introducing a maternity insurance plan. The goal is to make the Zomato community more welcoming and helpful for these women and their families during pregnancy. This initiative is the first of its kind in the industry.
What Does the Insurance Cover?
The insurance plan will cover various pregnancy-related expenses, such as the cost of childbirth and any complications that might occur during motherhood.
This financial support is meant to ease the burden on women delivery partners and their families.
Zomato has partnered with ACKO, a technology-driven insurance company, to provide this maternity insurance coverage.
Who Qualifies for the Insurance?
To be eligible for this insurance, women delivery partners must have completed 1,000 deliveries through the Zomato platform.
Additionally, they need to have been active on the platform for the last 60 days from the date when the maternity insurance plan was announced.
Statement from Zomato’s CEO
Rakesh Ranjan, the CEO of Zomato’s Food Delivery division, mentioned, “By launching Comprehensive Maternity Insurance for Gig Workers, we aim to provide additional support to our partners during their motherhood journey, strengthening our dedication towards their well-being and financial security.
We are considering, which will help them meet their needs at every step.”
Focus on Inclusion and Diversity
Zomato is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. This dedication extends not only to the vital delivery partners but also to all aspects and people within the company.
Female delivery partners play a crucial role in the Zomato ecosystem, and this initiative aims to break industry stereotypes and support their resilience.
Insurance Benefits
The insurance plan offers benefits such as:
Up to Rs 25,000 for a typical delivery.
Rs 40,000 for a C-section birth.
Rs 40,000 for difficulties related to pregnancy, including miscarriage and abortion.
Fostering a Supportive Gig Economy
Zomato is not only looking after the professional needs of its delivery partners but also their personal well-being.
This includes benefits like medical coverage, ambulance services, accident insurance, and assistance for loss of pay.
PM Modi Inaugurated 37th Edition Of National Games In Panaji, Goa
The 37th National Games were officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a ceremony held in Panaji, Goa.The event witnessed a massive gathering of sports enthusiasts and supporters, who eagerly awaited the commencement of this sporting spectacle. As a symbol of Goa’s culture and identity, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant felicitated the Prime Minister with a traditional Kunbi shawl.
Historic Debut in Goa: 37th National Games Unfold
The 37th edition of the National Games has marked a historic moment as it is being held in Goa for the very first time. The Games, a prestigious sporting event in India, commenced on October 26 and will run until November 9, bringing together more than 10,000 athletes from across the country
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: A Sporting Showcase and PM Modi’s Vision
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda in South Goa serves as the primary venue for these games, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and talents. During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi addressed the audience, highlighting the significant changes and developments in India’s sports ecosystem under his administration.
A Transformative Vision for Indian Sports
During his address at the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformation that India has witnessed in the realm of sports under his leadership. He spoke of a time when sports were considered a mere pastime, and investment in sports was questioned. The Prime Minister proudly asserted, “Our government changed this thinking. We increased the budget. This year’s sports budget is three times higher than nine years ago.”
Empowering India’s Athletes
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the numerous stories of champions emerging from small towns. The government has initiated various schemes, removed roadblocks, and brought about a change in thinking. These efforts aim to support athletes from the grassroots level, offering them a pathway to success on the global stage, including the Olympics.
Building a New Ecosystem for Sports
The Prime Minister discussed various initiatives and programs aimed at transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. He spoke about the Khelo India program and the Target, Olympic, Podium Scheme (TOPS) as critical components of this new ecosystem. These programs focus on identifying and nurturing potential talent at schools, colleges, and universities. The government is also investing significantly in athlete training and nutrition.
A Bright Future for Indian Sports
Prime Minister Modi expressed his wishes for the athletes participating in the National Games, viewing the event as a perfect launch pad for emerging talent. The government’s commitment to sports development extends beyond national boundaries. Prime Minister Modi mentioned his representation of India’s aspirations to host the Youth Olympics in 2030 and the Olympics in 2036, reinforcing the country’s dedication to the global sporting community.
Rajasthan govt launched ‘iStart Talent Connect Portal’
Rajasthan government unveiled the ‘iStart Talent Connect Portal’ at Jaipur’s Techno Hub. This new portal is a significant addition to the state’s flagship initiative, iStart Rajasthan, and is a collaborative effort with the Jaipur-based startup, HyreFox. The ‘iStart Talent Connect Portal’ has been developed as a user-friendly platform to cater to the needs of both job providers and job seekers. It not only facilitates talent discovery but also allows companies to post job openings and connect with potential employees.
Empowering Job Market
The ‘iStart Talent Connect Portal’ is an initiative in line with the government’s efforts to empower the job market in Rajasthan. This portal is designed to address the challenges faced by both corporates and startups in finding the right candidates for their organizations.
Efficient Talent Discovery
One of the primary value propositions of this portal is its ability to efficiently discover talent. The absence of portal usage costs also makes it a cost-effective hiring solution for businesses, especially startups. The platform will maintain a comprehensive user database, simplifying the search for the right employees or companies.
iStart Rajasthan’s Ongoing Initiatives
The ‘iStart Talent Connect Portal’ is just one of the many initiatives undertaken by iStart Rajasthan to support and empower the state’s startup ecosystem. Since its launch in 2017, iStart has played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent and supporting various new-age sectors and ventures.
A Plethora of Opportunities
The iStart initiative by the Rajasthan government offers a wide range of opportunities for startups in the region. These opportunities include access to incubation centers, mentorship programs, networking events, and essential business support services. It aims to create a conducive environment for startups to thrive.
Job Creation and Investor Interest
The iStart initiative has been instrumental in creating more than 29,000 jobs in the state since its inception in 2017. These efforts continue to nurture and boost the startup ecosystem in Rajasthan. Additionally, iStart has garnered attention from investors.
Investor Interest in Rajasthan-based Startups
Rajasthan-based startups have collectively raised over $307 million between 2014 and H1 2023 from a mix of Indian and global investors. This includes well-known names such as Peak XV Partners, Y Combinator, LetsVenture, Marwari Catalysts, and Avaana Capital, signifying growing investor confidence in the state’s startup potential.
In conclusion, the launch of the ‘iStart Talent Connect Portal’ is a significant step by the Rajasthan government to bolster its startup ecosystem, facilitate job creation, and attract investment. It reflects the state’s commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial environment and supporting the growth of startups in Rajasthan.
Amit Shah Launched Logo, Website And Brochure Of NCEL In New Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently inaugurated the logo, website, and brochure of the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) during a grand event in New Delhi. This momentous occasion marked the formal establishment of NCEL, a significant step towards enhancing the cooperative sector’s role in India’s export ecosystem.
NCEL as the National Cooperative Exports Umbrella
NCEL has been established to serve as a national-level multi-state cooperative society that will act as an umbrella organization for exports within the cooperative sector. This visionary initiative is set to open up new avenues for cooperatives, fostering economic growth and inclusivity.
The Role of NCEL
NCEL is committed to empowering farmers, laborers, and traders by providing them with opportunities for integrated growth. NCEL is poised to make a substantial impact on the export landscape, benefiting both cooperatives and the nation.
NCEL’s Authorized Share Capital of Rs 2,000 Crore
NCEL boasts an authorized share capital of Rs 2,000 crore, reflecting the significant financial backing it has received to fulfill its mission.
NCEL’s Commitment to Unifying Cooperative Stakeholders
NCEL aims to extend its membership to all cooperative societies interested in exports. This inclusive approach reflects NCEL’s commitment to bringing all cooperative stakeholders under one umbrella.
NCEL’s Key Mission to Expand Global Reach
NCEL’s primary objective is to promote the export of additional products available in the Indian cooperative sector, thereby diversifying India’s export portfolio and accessing broader global markets.
Membership and Orders
The NCEL has witnessed remarkable growth, with approximately 1500 cooperatives becoming its members. Negotiations are underway for orders worth Rs 15,000 crore, in addition to the Rs 7,000 crore worth of orders already received. The minister expressed confidence that NCEL, like prominent cooperatives such as IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and Amul, will emerge as a significant and successful cooperative venture.
Symposium and Key Discussions
The inauguration event also served as the backdrop for the National Symposium on Cooperative Exports. The symposium brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss various crucial topics.
1.Channelizing Cooperatives for Exports
One of the key discussions revolved around channelizing cooperatives for linkages to export markets. This strategy seeks to leverage the existing cooperative network to expand India’s reach in global markets.
2.Potential of Indian Agri-Exports
The symposium explored the enormous potential of Indian agricultural exports and how cooperatives can contribute to this sector’s growth.
3.Opportunities for Cooperatives
Stakeholders discussed opportunities for cooperatives, highlighting how NCEL can serve as a platform to help cooperative societies at all levels participate in the export market.
Italy Faces Record Low Births: A Deepening Demographic Crisis
Italy is experiencing a severe demographic crisis, with the number of births hitting a new low this year. Preliminary data from the national statistics bureau ISTAT reveals a concerning trend, indicating a continuation of the country’s longstanding population decline.
Declining Birth Rates
Between January and June of this year, there were 3,500 fewer births compared to the same period in 2022.
In 2022, the total number of births fell by 1.7% to 393,000.
This marked the 14th consecutive annual drop, reaching the lowest level since Italy’s unification in 1861.
Government Response
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has allocated approximately 1 billion euros ($1.05 billion) to tackle this crisis.
The decline in births is attributed partly to the challenges faced by Italian women in balancing work and motherhood, which the government considers a national emergency for the country, the third largest economy in the Eurozone.
Economic Impact
A shrinking and aging population poses significant challenges for Italy. It leads to reduced productivity and increased welfare costs.
Italy already has the highest state pension bill among the 38 nations in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Fertility Rate and Immigration
ISTAT’s report indicates that the fertility rate in 2023 is expected to decrease to 1.22 children per woman from 1.24 in 2022.
Immigrants contribute to sustaining the fertility rate, whereas among Italian women, the rate remains low at 1.18 in 2022.
Changing Family Dynamics
The data also reveals that Italian women, on average, have their first child at the age of 31.
Additionally, 41.5% of babies born last year were to unmarried women, indicating shifting family structures in Italy.
West Bengal Teacher Deep Narayan Nayak Named Finalist for Global Teacher Prize 2023
Deep Narayan Nayak, a dedicated teacher from West Bengal, has achieved recognition as one of the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize 2023. This esteemed award, organized annually by the UK-based Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO and Dubai Cares, a UAE-based philanthropic organization, celebrates exceptional educators from across the globe.
Deep Narayan Nayak’s selection underscores his exceptional dedication to the field of education, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. His innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment have made a significant, positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children and their communities.
Global Teacher Prize 2023
This award highlights the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping the future through the provision of quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning. It serves as a global recognition of their importance in society and their potential to transform education for the better.
Eligibility Criteria for the Global Teacher Prize
The Global Teacher Prize is open to educators who are actively teaching children in compulsory schooling or between the ages of five and eighteen. Eligible candidates must dedicate a minimum of 10 hours per week to teaching and commit to remaining in the teaching profession for the next five years. The prize welcomes teachers from various types of schools and, subject to local laws, from any country in the world.
The Value of the Prize
The Global Teacher Prize holds significant value, with a cash prize of USD 1 million. Its primary objective is to honor and celebrate exceptional teachers who have made substantial contributions to the field of education.
Deep Narayan Nayak: A Teacher of Remarkable Impact
Deep Narayan Nayak is a teacher at the Tilka Manjhi Adivasi Free Primary School in Jamuria, Asansol, West Bengal, India. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he earned the title of “Teacher of the Streets” for his extraordinary efforts in education. He took innovative steps by transforming outdoor spaces, turning mud walls into blackboards and streets into classrooms. His goal was to bridge the digital divide and provide education to marginalized children living in remote and economically disadvantaged communities.
Beyond the Classroom
Nayak’s dedication extended beyond traditional teaching. He worked to improve literacy rates among adult learners, provided counseling to students and their parents, and addressed learning disabilities. His focus encompassed not only the children he taught but also the communities he served, empowering both to strive for a better future.
In conclusion, Deep Narayan Nayak’s recognition as a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize 2023 is a testament to the transformative impact of educators like him. His innovative and community-focused approach to education during the pandemic showcases the dedication and resilience of teachers who work tirelessly to uplift the lives of their students and communities.
Reliance Jio Partners With Plume To Provide In-Home Services Enhanced By AI
Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecom operator, has entered into a strategic partnership with Plume, a California-based company specializing in cloud-based AI-powered services to enhance the digital lives of its nearly 200 million subscribers.
Introducing HomePass and WorkPass by Reliance Jio and Plume
This partnership brings forth a range of innovative offerings under the names “HomePass” and “WorkPass.” These services, enabled by Plume’s cutting-edge platform, encompass whole-home adaptive WiFi, device and application performance optimization, cyberthreat protection, parental controls, WiFi motion sensing, and more.
HomePass: Transforming Home Connectivity
HomePass is designed to provide a seamless and adaptive WiFi experience throughout the entire home. With Plume’s AI algorithms, it can dynamically optimize the performance of connected devices and applications, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted internet experience.
HomePass: Empowering Home Networks with Cybersecurity
HomePass also offers robust cyberthreat protection for all connected devices, empowering users to surf the web securely. Additionally, advanced parental controls allow families to manage internet usage, and WiFi motion sensing adds an extra layer of convenience and security to homes.
WorkPass: Empowering Small Businesses
WorkPass is designed to cater to the needs of small businesses, leveraging the same cloud-based platform. It extends Plume’s AI capabilities to create a high-performance network environment for small enterprises. With features like device optimization and enhanced security, WorkPass enables businesses to streamline their operations and offer a more secure environment for their employees and customers.
Streamlining Operations with Plume’s ‘Haystack’ Suite
Beyond enhancing the consumer experience, the partnership also benefits Jio’s support and operations teams. They will gain access to Plume’s ‘Haystack’ Support and Operations Suite, a powerful tool designed to expedite issue identification and resolution.
‘Haystack’: Quicker Issue Resolution
The ‘Haystack’ Suite offers advanced diagnostics and monitoring tools, enabling support teams to identify and resolve performance issues more efficiently. This rapid problem-solving capability translates to a better customer experience.
‘Haystack’: Network Fault Location
The pinpointing of network fault locations is made easier through ‘Haystack.’ This helps Jio’s operations teams react swiftly to technical issues, minimizing downtime and improving overall service reliability.
‘Haystack’: Enhanced Customer Insights
By providing in-depth insights into the customer experience, ‘Haystack’ empowers Jio to make data-driven decisions. This translates to more targeted services and a more responsive approach to customer needs.
Enhancing Jio’s Existing Networks
The deployment of Plume’s scalable and cutting-edge platforms will strengthen and enhance Jio’s existing services, offering Jio customers an even better and more secure experience.
AI-Enhanced In-Home Services
One of the key highlights of this partnership is the delivery of AI-enhanced in-home services. With Plume’s AI-powered solutions, Jio can provide highly customizable and scalable cloud-based offerings tailored to the Indian market. This innovation will enable Jio to rapidly expand its service portfolio, further solidifying its position as a leader in the Indian telecom market.