Latest news with #HRD


New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
‘Andhra Pradesh set to lead South Asia in data revolution': Nara Lokesh
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh is poised to lead South Asia in capitalising on opportunities arising from the data revolution, according to Nara Lokesh, Minister for HRD and IT. Speaking at the Investopia Global – Andhra Pradesh Summit, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board at a private hotel in Vijayawada on Wednesday, Lokesh outlined the State's ambitious plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies for economic advancement and improved public services. Addressing a session on AI and data centers, he announced that South Asia's first 152-bit quantum computer will be unveiled in Amaravati in January 2026, a development expected to transform the region's technological ecosystem. He highlighted Visakhapatnam's emergence as a data city, with several global companies expressing interest in establishing data centers in the coastal hub. 'Andhra Pradesh is at the forefront of embracing the data revolution, and we are ready to seize the opportunities it brings,' Lokesh asserted. The IT Minister emphasised the need to modernise education to align with global technological advancements. The State is introducing AI and quantum computing courses in polytechnic, degree, and engineering curricula to equip students with cutting-edge skills. 'Transitioning from traditional education to advanced technologies like AI is challenging, but we are making transformative changes to our curriculum to meet global standards. These reforms aim to prepare Andhra Pradesh's youth for the demands of a digital economy,' the HRD Minister explained. Lokesh underscored the government's commitment to using AI to enhance public services. Drawing from his observations during public outreach programmes, he noted the difficulties citizens faced in accessing basic land records. To address this, the State government has launched 'Mana Mitra', a WhatsApp-based governance platform that delivers 600 types of citizen services efficiently.


Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Propel Marks Third Consecutive Year as One of Canada's Best Places to Work
TORONTO, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Propel Holdings Inc. ("Propel" or the "Company") (TSX: PRL), the fintech facilitating access to credit for underserved consumers, announced that it has been named one of Canada's Best Places to Work by Human Resources Director (HRD) Canada for the third year in a row. The award recognizes Canada's top employers and is determined through an extensive submission as well as an employee survey that asks employees directly about the health of their workplace. The submission and survey look at various factors including employee engagement, the average tenure of staff, compensation and benefits, health and wellness programs, diversity initiatives, corporate culture, rewards and recognition and professional development. Propel, with offices in Toronto, Winnipeg and the U.K, was founded in 2011 with the vision of building a new world of financial opportunity for underserved consumers using innovative technology and recruiting best-in-class talent. Propel's four co-founders have been at the company since its inception and have championed a meritocratic corporate culture as the organization has evolved into a publicly traded company with over 600 employees. " At Propel, our culture isn't just something we talk about, it's something we live every day. We have created an environment where performance is recognized, potential is nurtured, and every team member has a clear path to growth. Being named one of Canada's Best Places to Work for the third year in a row is proof of the environment we've built together, one where people feel empowered to lead, contribute, and succeed together." said Cindy Usprech, Senior Vice President, People and Culture & Chief of Staff. "Our success has always been driven by a culture built on meritocracy, accountability, and ambition. We attract best-in- class people, give them the support and tools to build, and hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do. That culture has been the engine behind our record growth, enabling us to scale sustainably, serve more consumers, and seize new market opportunities. I am incredibly proud of our team for once again setting the standard for what a great workplace looks like." said Clive Kinross, Co-Founder and CEO. About HRD Canada HRD is Canada's leading publication for senior human resource professionals and top corporate decision-makers. HRD Canada concentrates on the real issues and challenges facing the HR professional and the industry, with in-depth features and analysis of what really matters. HRD features high-level case studies, international and local profiles, interviews with HR directors and industry leaders from around the globe, and leading newsmakers in the field. Content goes beyond industry standards, offering highly engaging, timely, relevant, innovative and entertaining articles through the HRD website. About Propel Propel Holdings Inc. (TSX: PRL) is the fintech company building a new world of financial opportunity for consumers, partners, and investors. Propel's operating brands — Fora Credit, CreditFresh, MoneyKey and QuidMarket — and our Lending-as-a-Service product line facilitate access to credit for consumers underserved by traditional financial institutions. Through its AI-powered platform, Propel evaluates customers in a more comprehensive way than traditional credit scores can. The result is better products and an expanded credit market for consumers while creating sustainable, profitable growth for Propel. Our revolutionary fintech platform has already helped consumers access over one million loans and lines of credit and over two billion dollars in credit. At Propel, we are here to change the way customers, partners and investors succeed together. Learn more at


New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Andhra liquor scam: Mithun will come clean as it's a false case, says YSRCP leader Peddireddy
TIRUPATI: Senior YSRCP leader and former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy strongly condemned the arrest of his son and Rajampet MP Mithun Reddy in the liquor scam case. In a video released on Sunday, Peddireddy termed the arrest of Mithun Reddy vindictive politics. He accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh of making attempts to destabilise the opposition YSRCP in the State. 'The TDP-led NDA government has resorted to revenge politics against Mithun Reddy. In the past, he was falsely accused of assaulting an airport manager, and arrested. But that case did not stand the legal scrutiny. This case will also meet the same fate,' he said. Mithun Reddy, a three-time MP, was falsely implicated in the liquor case because of his good relations with YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, he said. 'We have done nothing wrong. Mithun Reddy will emerge clean,' Peddireddy asserted.

The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Want to see ‘Admissions Closed' board outside government schools, says HRD Minister Lokesh
Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Nara Lokesh on Friday said he looked forward to seeing 'Admissions Closed' boards outside government schools — a sign, he noted, that parents trust the quality of education in State-run institutions. He made the remark while felicitating Yelamanchili Durga Bhavani, headmistress of Zilla Parishad High School, Penamaluru (Krishna district), for her outstanding dedication and achievements. Mr. Lokesh said improving educational quality and boosting enrolment were top priorities for the government. Highlighting Ms. Durga Bhavani's accomplishments, the Minister said 54 students from her school scored above 500 marks in the 2025 SSC exams, while seven secured seats in IIITs. For three consecutive years, her students have consistently earned National Means-cum-Merit (NMM) scholarships. Her school has also achieved several milestones under her leadership — it was the first government school in the State to host a 'Graduation Day,' be selected under the PM SHRI Yojana, and introduce wall art, dance and music classes, and computer training through community engagement. It has also become a hub for student innovation under the Atal Tinkering Lab initiative. Calling her a role model for educators, Mr. Lokesh said his interactions with grassroots-level teachers have helped him better understand on-ground challenges and opportunities.


Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
'Want to do business? Serve veg items only': Hindu Raksha Dal protests at Ghaziabad KFC; demands ban on non-veg food during Kanwar Yatra
A screengrab of the video that went viral on social media platforms. GHAZIABAD: Hundreds of members of the Hindu Raksha Dal (HRD) staged a protest outside a KFC outlet in Ghaziabad's Indirapuram area, raising slogans like 'Jai Shree Ram' and 'Har Har Mahadev. ' The group demanded that non-vegetarian food not be served during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. A video that went viral on social media showed HRD members pulling down the shutter of the outlet. Another video captured the protesters entering the restaurant while shouting religious slogans and asking staff to shut down operations or serve only vegetarian food during the month of Shravan. Pinky Chaudhary, the chief of the group, said, 'Our message is clear. We are asking all non-vegetarian food outlets to refrain from serving such food during the Kanwar Yatra. If they want to remain open, they should serve vegetarian items only.' Taking note of the incident, Nimish Patil, DCP Trans-Hindon, said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed in the district, and the protesters violated public order. A suo motu FIR has been registered against 10 unidentified individuals under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. 'We are in the process of identifying the accused involved in the incident,' the DCP added.