Importance of Skilling Youth

Importance of Skilling Youth

India has a young population, with 66% below the age of 35. Its billion-strong working age population has a huge potential for job creation and economic growth. Encouraged by its growth potential, global businesses want to invest in India and set up manufacturing plants. This trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on the supply chain, offering India an opportunity to rival China as the world’s main manufacturing base. Nonetheless, a shortage of qualified labour deters new investment because there is an unprecedented workforce shortage. Companies are reporting challenges in finding qualified applicants with both technical and soft abilities; India is also facing a talent shortage.

What we need is to raise the level of skill training by adopting an industry-focused approach with strong links to employment. It is necessary to improve the social status of vocational education much as what happened with the IT profession. Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, firmly believes that skill development of youth is critical to India’s economic competitiveness, and a ready pool of highly skilled workforce will be a catalyst for the nation’s progress.

With this aim, Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) was set up by the Adani Foundation to focus on skill development activities to contribute towards nation-building by bridging the gap between demand and supply in line with the Government of India’s Skill India Mission. Saksham is an ideology of ASDC to make India’s youth capable of achieving their goals in life by becoming skilled professionals. The aim is to provide world-class skill development training to the youth.

The Adani Family pledged to invest Rs 60,000 crore in social programmes like health, education and skills on the 60th birthday of Mr Adani. The Group believes that there’s a need to give skill development social and economic acceptance at all levels so that a vocational education graduate can earn on a par with university graduates like in developed countries. It is encouraging to note that India’s new policy initiatives also aim to address this issue.

In her message on the organisation’s website, the Foundation’s Chairperson Dr Priti Adani says, “It is our effort to train young people in India in contemporary, employable skills. We make an effort to connect with many facets of society, with a focus on women, marginalized groups, indigenous people, and young people from rural areas. Those who benefit from our centres are often first-generation workers venturing into the organized sector or perhaps entrepreneurship.”

More than 75 courses in digital literacy, nursing, tailoring, DTP, crane operation, etc., are offered at 40 ASDC centres across 26 cities. 

Adani Electricity

Adani Electricity: A Beacon of Excellence in the Power Sector

Over the next decade, India’s energy consumption is forecast to increase by more than 40%, with peak demand increasing by over 70%. This increase in demand for electricity will be fuelled by a much larger economy consisting of a growing population with rising incomes and rapidly improving living standards, a larger share of the industrial sector – particularly high-value manufacturing – and an accelerating shift in the mode of transportation choice towards electric vehicles, thereby facilitating quality-of-life imperatives.

The predicted rise in power demand must be reduced and met by a timely development of power generation capacity. As India reaffirms its global climate commitments and advances towards achieving 50% of power generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030, reliable and affordable conventional energy sources become more critical in enabling higher renewable energy penetration. The Adani Group has made significant investments towards this and has received various accolades for 2023.

Let’s look at some of its achievements:

Achievements of ADTPS at the CII National Awards

The Adani- Dahanu Thermal Power Station (ADTPS), which consists of two 250 MW units, is one of the top power-producing plants in the country and began commercial operations in January 1996. This plant has received several honours for its qualities that set it apart from others in terms of technological innovation, better performance, and long-term sustainability. ADTPS is around 120 km north of Mumbai on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad train route.

It is certified for quality management, environmental management, occupational health and safety assessment studies, social accountability management, information security management, energy management and accreditation for the ADTPS coal and ash testing laboratory. For fuel, it uses a mix of Indian and foreign coal.

CII 2023 DX Award

Adani Electricity won the prestigious CII 2023 DX Award for Most Innovative Company in the Best Practices category! This honour emphasizes its persistent commitment to innovation and quality. The Group facilitates and monitors the internal financial control process and governance system based on five essential pillars, namely:

  1. Centralised ERP governance mechanism and reporting system
  2. Periodic internal and external evaluations of various processes
  3. Issuing corporate standards and enforcing adherence
  4. Appointment of qualified and reputable statutory auditors for all verticals
  5. Capacity-building programmes to help with controls

With these five pillars, the Group guarantees that all companies across all verticals adhere to the highest governance and reporting standards.

Best Innovative Leadership Development Programme Award by ET HRWorld for A-Marvels program

The Group’s initiatives have helped to shape legislation that provides renewable energy alternatives to customers across India, making it available, affordable and accessible. The overall theme of sustainability, adaptation and climate resilience, which underlies the Adani Group’s long-term growth story, is highlighted in its annual report. It focuses on particular accomplishments, demonstrating overall portfolio development and the advancement of individual firms within the Group.

The Annual Report FY 2022-23 explores the topic of ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ through the lenses of sustainability, adaptation, climate resilience and community development. Through these, the Group has established itself as a pioneer in driving change and building a brighter future for its stakeholders.

AEML receives OHSSAI award for HSE Excellence and Sustainability

In a national competition organized by OHSSAI and attended by significant firms from all sectors, the OHSSAI, AEML, won the prestigious GOLD medal in February 2023. The Group strives for excellence, innovation and long-term growth; assisting India in meeting its energy demands while avoiding environmental effects is a critical task.

AEML’s environmental projects attempt to reduce the risks of deteriorating landscapes and turn them into more fruitful, greener patches of land. An example is the revitalization of environmentally fragile places like Mundra, where they have protected and expanded mangrove afforestation. The Adani Group was the first power business in India to use supercritical technology to cut CO2 emissions

Japan-India Collaboration

Japan-India collaboration - Adani Group and Kowa partner for green energy future

The Adani Group, a major force in Indian business, has partnered with Kowa Company Ltd., a well-known name in Japan’s pharmaceutical and energy industries, marking a major step towards a sustainable future. With an emphasis on creating eco-friendly solutions, the partnership is a calculated step towards promoting a green energy revolution. Let’s examine the main features of the Adani-Kowa collaboration in this blog post, as well as how it might influence the development of a greener and more sustainable energy environment.

The genesis of the collaboration

On September 8, 2023, Japanese trading company Kowa Group and the Adani Group announced that they had established a joint venture to market the Indian conglomerate’s green hydrogen and ammonia.

The 50:50 joint venture for the sale and marketing of green ammonia, green hydrogen and its derivatives was announced by Adani Global Pte. Ltd., Singapore, a step-down subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd. 

The flagship company of the Adani Group announced in a stock exchange filing that “Adani Global Pte. Ltd., Singapore, a step-down wholly-owned subsidiary of (Adani Enterprises Ltd.) has signed a joint venture agreement with Kowa Holdings Asia Pte Ltd, Singapore, on September 8”.

The Adani Group is spending billions of dollars building plants to turn water into green hydrogen and ammonia.

“Joint venture agreement records the terms of incorporation of a joint venture company in Singapore following the terms of the agreement for the sales and marketing of green ammonia, green hydrogen, and its derivatives produced and supplied by Adani Group, in the agreed territory,” said the statement.

The market reacted favourably to the news of the Adani-Kowa partnership, as seen in the noticeable increase in the stock value of Adani Group firms. This demonstrates investor confidence and highlights the market’s recognition of the strategic significance of this alliance for green energy.

Green hydrogen joint venture targets Japan, Taiwan and Hawaii markets

The joint venture will focus on product marketing in Taiwan, Hawaii and Japan. The business stated that it is a logical and strategic extension of the Adani Group’s long-standing marketing and trading partnership with Kowa. 

The Adani Group’s green hydrogen platform, Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL), produces green hydrogen and related derivatives. In Gujarat, the first ANIL project, which will generate 1 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually, is being implemented in stages. 

Production will begin in the first phase by FY2027. The business stated that with an estimated $50 billion in investment, ANIL hopes to boost production to up to 3 MMTPA of green hydrogen during the next 10 years, depending on market conditions. 

These renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly significant in shifting to a low-carbon economy. This partnership puts Kowa’s creative thinking and the Adani Group’s energy sector experience at the forefront of the green energy movement.

The statement went on to say that ANIL’s strategy is centred on the development of an ecosystem with three business streams: the production of downstream derivative products (green ammonia, green methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, and others), green hydrogen generation, and supply chain product manufacturing (solar-polysilicon, ingot, water, cell and module, wind turbine generator, electrolysers and ancillary items).

Strategic global impact

The Adani-Kowa relationship crosses borders, demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in addressing global concerns. Japan and India, both technology innovators, are pooling resources and expertise to accelerate the growth and adoption of sustainable energy solutions. This strengthens bilateral ties and establishes a precedent for future cross-border collaboration on environmental stewardship.

In summary 

The strategic collaboration between the Adani Group and Kowa for creating green ammonia and hydrogen constitutes an essential milestone in Japan’s and India’s pursuit of a sustainable energy future. This collaboration demonstrates both companies’ dedication to environmental stewardship and emphasises the potential for new solutions in the global transition towards sustainable energy.

The Adani Group’s enormous infrastructure experience and Kowa’s expertise make this collaboration a powerful force in the green energy market. As the world grapples with severe environmental concerns, such programmes will help reduce carbon emissions and pave the path for economic growth by developing cutting-edge technologies.

Further, the collaboration between Japan and India illustrates the necessity of multinational collaborations in addressing shared global concerns. The Adani Group and Kowa are prepared to significantly affect the trajectory of sustainable energy adoption in their respective regions and beyond by combining resources, knowledge and capabilities.

Looking ahead, their collaboration is a source of inspiration for other businesses and governments looking to form coalitions to pursue a cleaner, greener future. It demonstrates the power of global collaboration, creativity and shared values in achieving positive change. The Adani-Kowa collaboration opens new doors for the green energy sector and underlines the notion that collaborative efforts are required to develop a resilient and sustainable world.

Uttar Pradesh’s Tech Vision

Uttar Pradesh’s Tech Vision: Rs. 30,000 crore private investment push in data center hubs

Uttar Pradesh’s tech vision has taken a transformative stride with a ground-breaking initiative, heralding a Rs. 30,000 crore private investment for the establishment of state-of-the-art data center hubs. 

This strategic move highlights the state’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and positions Uttar Pradesh as a key player in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. The infusion of such a substantial investment is poised to catalyse the growth of a robust digital infrastructure, positioning the state as a formidable hub for data-driven industries.

The ambitious tech vision aligns with the broader national agenda of Digital India, emphasizing the critical role played by data centers in advancing technological capabilities, enhancing cybersecurity and promoting economic resilience. 

Uttar Pradesh’s concerted effort to attract private investment into this sector signifies a proactive approach to capitalise on the transformative potential of data-driven technologies. As the state sets the stage for a burgeoning ecosystem of data center hubs, it augurs well for local businesses. It elevates Uttar Pradesh’s standing as a preferred destination for technology investments, fostering a conducive environment for innovation and economic growth.

Uttar Pradesh’s investment drive – Transforming Noida into a data center hub for Digital India revolution

The Uttar Pradesh government wants to improve Noida’s data center infrastructure with investments totalling Rs. 30,000 crore. A data center is a place that centralises equipment and shares IT tasks for web applications and information processing, storing and distribution.

Domestic data is mainly kept on servers outside, notably in the U.S., because India lacks reliable data centers. This makes sensitive data vulnerable to manipulation and hacks, including in banking, social media, retail, tourism, and healthcare.

Renowned domestic and international companies, including Web Werks, NTT Japan, the Adani Group and the Hiranandani Group, have already started projects worth Rs. 20,000 crore. Industrial units nearby will benefit from the seamless connection as the projected center overlooks significant infrastructure developments like the Buddh International Circuit, Yamuna Expressway, International Film City, and Noida International Airport.

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority is enticing the private sector to contribute to data center construction by providing several incentives. Over the next five to six years, investments in domestic data centers will total about Rs. 1.5 trillion. This might result in the installation of an extra 5,000 megawatts of power, which would be a six-fold increase over the existing installed capacity.

“The government is focusing on industrial development, including data centers, to transform Uttar Pradesh into a trillion-dollar economy and strengthen the state’s role as a key growth driver for India,” a government spokesperson stated.

Industrial plots in Sector 28 for data centers will be put up for sale by the expressway authority via the Nivesh Mitra site. Plots subject to premium ranging from Rs. 28 crore to Rs. 176 crore and registration costs from Rs. 2.81 crore to Rs. 17.67 crore are assessed.

By 2025, the digital economy in India is expected to generate trillions of dollars in economic value, according to projections. The ecosystem around data centers will promote and advance digitalisation.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had previously declared that Uttar Pradesh’s pro-investment attitude and outstanding industrial policies would soon make it the nation’s destination for data centers. The first phase of the Hiranandani Group’s data center project went online in Greater Noida last year. The division, Yotta Infrastructure, created a Rs. 5,000 crore data park.

Uttar Pradesh’s tech vision aims to exploit the world’s expanding need for data processing and storage capacity. Understanding how important data is to several industries, including e-commerce, healthcare and banking, the state government sees Uttar Pradesh as a top location for data center infrastructure.

Benefits for stakeholders

Private sector

Private businesses that invest in Uttar Pradesh’s data center clusters can take advantage of cutting-edge facilities, economical operations and a benevolent regulatory framework. This action establishes the state as a desirable location for companies looking to increase their online presence.

Government

The government expects higher revenue, development of jobs and improved technology. The tech ambition contributes to the country’s ambition of being a global leader in technology by aligning with the larger ‘Digital India’ project.

Citizens

Residents of Uttar Pradesh can anticipate enhanced connectivity within the ecosystem and quicker internet access to digital services. The project will close the digital gap and spread the advantages of technology to the entire state.

Conclusion

With support from a robust Rs. 30,000 crore investment drive in data center clusters, Uttar Pradesh’s tech vision represents a significant step towards the state’s goal of becoming a digital powerhouse. Uttar Pradesh will enter a new era of economic prosperity and technological prowess as it embraces technological innovation across industries. 

The initiative’s success could serve as a model for other states and countries, demonstrating the transformative impact of well-timed investments in digital infrastructure. Significant private investments in data center infrastructure have the potential to spark a thriving ecosystem that will advance digital transformation, improve connectivity and bolster the state’s resilience in the age of digitalisation. 

Uttar Pradesh’s rise as a powerful data center hub is expected to have far-reaching consequences beyond financial gains, establishing the state as a leader in India’s digital revolution and bringing in a new era of technological supremacy. 

The forward-thinking approach fits international trends and strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s standing as a competitive and progressive location for investments in technology.

The rise and rise of Gautam Adani

The Rise and Rise of Gautam Adani

From a college dropout and diamond sorter to a key driver of India’s economic growth, Mr Gautam Adani is one of the richest people in the world. The entrepreneurial journey of this invincible and resilient man began over three decades ago.

He divides his professional journey into four phases, as told to India Today magazine, tracing it back to the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who liberalised the Exim policy (export-import policy); following this, for the first time, several items were brought under the OGL (open general license) list. This helped Mr Gautam Adani start his export house. He says that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi that his journey as an entrepreneur took off.

He links the second phase of his journey to 1991, when former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh brought in sweeping economic reforms. Like many other entrepreneurs, he, too, was a beneficiary of those reforms.

The third turning point came in 1995 when Keshubhai Patel was sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister. Until then, all development in Gujarat centered around NH 8 from Mumbai to Delhi via cities like Vapi, Ankleshwar, Bharuch, Silvassa, Vadodara, Surat and Ahmedabad. Keshubhai was a visionary and focused on coastal development – and it was that policy change that took Mr Gautam Adani to Mundra and prompted him to build his first port. The rest, as they say, is history.

The fourth phase of his business growth came in 2011 when Gujarat witnessed a massive focus on development under then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. His policies and their implementation went on to not only change the economic landscape of the state but also brought about social transformation and development of previously under-developed areas. It also allowed industries and employment to take-off like never before.

Milestones:

In just 30 years, Mr Gautam Adani has built an infrastructure behemoth. His rise from being the son of a textile merchant and being a college dropout to one of the richest men in the world has had its share of challenges on multiple fronts – from mining operations to power projects and alleged violation of SEZ norms in Mundra. But every time the man rose stronger. His reputation came under attack by the short-seller Hindenburg in early 2023 but the Adani Group showed its resilience and clawed back to again emerge on top.  

1981: Aged 19 returns from Bombay to help brother in the plastics business

1988: Starts a commodity trading firm. Turnover: Rs 2.2 crore

1989: Expands into export and import on a wider canvas

1992: Cargill and Adani sign JV with Gujarat at Mundra for salt exports. Cargill walks out, Adani stays on. Turnover: Rs 150 crore

1995: Mundra Port construction happens

1998: First ship docks at Mundra

1999: Starts coal trading. Turnover: Rs 2,853 crore

2000: Adani Enterprises is the largest trading house in the private sector. Turnover: Rs 3,300 crore

2006: Adani is India’s largest coal importer

2008: Bunyu coal mine in Indonesia is its first overseas purchase

2009: Starts power generation

2011: Buys Galilee mines and Abbot Point Port in Australia

2012: Becomes India’s largest single-location power producer

2013: Mundra is India’s largest port

2014-2022: By December 2022, Mr Gautam Adani’s wealth was Rs 18,64,579 crore

2023: In January, U.S. short-seller Hindenburg accused Adani of “pulling the largest con in corporate history”. In just a couple of weeks, Mr Gautam Adani’s wealth dropped by $71.5 billion

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) made their first monthly buying of 2023 in March with an inflow of ₹7,936 crore in Indian equities. The near-term outlook of FY24 looks positive for FPIs as the high valuation of Indian markets has corrected significantly

24 April: Three months after the Hindenburg report, Adani Ports starts $130 million buyback of debt securities

June 2023: At the end of the June quarter, the Group, through a series of strategic initiatives, increased its liquidity position at the portfolio level to finish with a cash balance of Rs 42,115 crore. The portfolio companies focus on bolstering their financial standing, ensuring a robust foundation for their ambitious projects.

November 2023: U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announces that it will fund Colombo West International Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (CWIT) – a consortium of India’s largest port operator Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd., Sri Lanka’s leading enterprise John Keells Holdings (JKH) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority – to the tune of USD 553 million.

Time and again, Adani has proved his detractors and naysayers wrong. Even Hindenburg’s report failed to dent his reputation as an industrialist whose business acumen has helped to modernize India. With 10 listed companies, his sprawling empire focuses on everything from airports (7), train lines and ports (14 ports/terminals in India, one in Israel and one under-construction in Colombo) to data centers, green energy, coal mining, cement, and the media.