Automotive Skills MoU Aims to Train 5,000 Youth by 2028

16 Sep 2025 CW Team

The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA Academy), and Prayaas Trust have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a scalable, industry-aligned skill development framework for India’s automotive sector.

The initiative aims to bridge skill gaps, provide inclusive employment, and empower economically marginalised youth. Training centres will expand from three to twenty nationwide, targeting 5,000 youth over three years, with 30 per cent of seats reserved for women.

ASDC will lead the development and upgrading of training modules aligned with industry needs, including emerging technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and AI-enabled systems. FADA Academy will leverage its dealership network to offer placements, internships, and mentorship opportunities, while Prayaas Trust will identify candidates, deliver training, and provide post-placement support, maintaining a zero-cost model for participants. Funding will come from CSR contributions, industry partnerships, and individual donations.

Corporates are encouraged to sponsor training centres, develop learning resources, and facilitate placements to strengthen the programme’s impact.

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Arindam Lahiri, CEO of ASDC, said, “This collaboration ensures underprivileged youth are not left behind in the industry’s evolution.” Saharsh Damani, CEO of FADA Academy, added, “Together, we are shaping futures and strengthening India’s automotive workforce.” Sudhir Kumar, Secretary of Prayaas Trust, noted, “This MoU elevates our grassroots mission to transform lives at scale.” Manish Raj Singhnia, Chairperson of FADA Academy, stated, “FADA Academy stands proud to support an initiative that bridges aspirations with opportunities, shaping a stronger and more equitable automotive future.”

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..