Not just Cognizant: Other IT firms may hire 40% fewer engineers this year

Even if there were no Brexit or US Elections, hiring by IT firms would have been the same

Fresh graduates out of engineering colleges may find getting a job tougher at large IT services firms this year as India's IT industry struggles with new business models.

Technology services firms have traditionally hired thousands of fresh engineering graduates and trained them to build capacity to handle projects of their global clients. Now most of these entry level jobs can be automated, forcing IT firms to reduce their campus hiring.

So Indian information technology (IT) services firms are likely to hire 40 per cent fewer engineering graduates this year. Tech firms have been witnessing a dip in traditional software services and maintenance business, which earns them a major chunk of revenue, as clients are demanding services on digital technology and cloud. This is freeing up people from repetitive tasks such as testing and low-end maintenance.

Infotech companies such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant and HCL Technologiescontinue to go to campuses, but have offered jobs to 60,000 engineers this year against 100,000 last year.

“Campus hiring dropped by at least 40 per cent from 2015-16,” said Kris Lakshmikanth, chairman and managing director of The Head Hunters India, a recruiting agency for the infotech sector. Industry body National Association of Software and Services Companies last month said growth in overall job creation by the sector was 5 per cent this year.

Infosys, India’s second-largest infotech firm, said it had hired 5,000 people in April-December 2016 against 17,000 in the same period a year ago. Over 9,000 employees were released to other projects because of automation, it added.

Cognizant is likely to ask around 10,000 people to leave as it shifts its business towards digital and consulting, which require skills different from those in traditional services. Read Article Source

Modi's message after Yogi Adityanath's elevation as UP CM- Hindus will rule

Adityanath has in the past accused Muslim men of waging 'love jihad'

A saffron-robed Hindu holy man was sworn in on Sunday to lead Uttar Pradesh, sealing what appears to be a shift in course by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that could redefine the world's largest democracy as a Hindu nation.

The choice as Uttar Pradesh chief minister of Yogi Adityanath, a firebrand Hindu ascetic with a history of agitation against minority Muslims, stunned observers who said it marked a departure from the platform of development for all on which Modi rose to national power in 2014.

"Modi is saying India is a Hindu country and shall remain so," veteran journalist and commentator Shekhar Gupta told Reuters.

"Hindus will rule, so you had better behave."

A spokesman for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) however said the government did not make any distinction between citizens on the basis of religion.

Adityanath, 44, was elected by state lawmakers on Saturday, a week after the BJP won a landslide victory in India's most populous state by mobilising the Hindu vote. The BJP won the biggest majority for any party in the state legislature in 40 years.

He took the oath of office at an open-air ceremony in the state capital Lucknow on Sunday, before shaking hands with Modi and other BJP elders who attended.

After the ceremony, Modi said in a tweet: "Our sole mission and motive is development. When UP develops, India develops."

The BJP fielded no candidates from the Muslim minority that makes up 19 percent of the population in a state with a population of 220 million that is home to 15 percent of the world's poor. If it were a country, Uttar Pradesh would be the world's fifth-most populous.

India's 1.3 billion people are about 80 percent Hindu and 14 percent Muslim, with the rest made up of Christians, Sikhs and other minorities. It is officially a secular nation, but the BJP has for years fought elections on a Hindu nationalist agenda, with party members in the past being accused of making anti-Muslim statements to polarise Hindu voters. Read Full Story >>>

Also Read About Yogi Adityanath

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Yogi Adityanath to follow Modi's mantra of development

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Before Bahubali 2, makers to release Bahubali 1 again

Rana Daggubati and Prabhas are overwhelmed with the response to the trailer of Bahubali 2

Director S S Rajamouli wants the audiences to revisit the world of "Bahubali" before the release of "Bahubali 2: The Conclusion".

Rajamouli today said they are planning to show the first part a week before the second edition hits theatres on April 28.

"We are planning to release part one maybe one or two weeks before the release of part two in southern states so people can get back into the narrative," Rajamouli said at the trailer launch of the Hindi version here.

Both Rana Daggubati and Prabhas are overwhelmed with the response to the trailer.

"The fans are happy with it. It's overwhelming to be a part of the film," Rana said.

The Tamil version of the trailer had leaked online hours before its official release and the makers called it "technical glitch".

"This particular thing is neither due to leakage or piracy, it is due to some technical glitch on Facebook. The video which was to be on private mode went on public mode. But fans are happy that we came early. All is well that ends well," Rajamouli said.

"Baahubali: The Beginning" is one of the highest grossing Indian films, which reportedly earned Rs 650 crore at the box office.

Karan Johar, who is presenting the Hindi version of the film, joked that presenters made all the money.

"The presenters make money, the one who put their hard work, blood, sweat and tears don't make money always. But the equity the film has made is beyond monetary," he added.

Watch the trailer here.

Motorola launches Moto G5 Plus in India, priced at Rs 14,999

Motorola today launched the fifth generation of its best-selling Moto G series - Moto G5 Plus

Motorola today launched the fifth generation of its best-selling Moto G series -- Moto G5 Plus -- in the Indian market at a price of Rs 14,999 onwards.

Motorola will make available two versions -- 3GB RAM/16GB memory and 4GB RAM/32GB memory -- for Rs 14,999 and Rs 16,999 respectively. These will go on sale from tonight on Flipkart.

Equipped with a full metal design, faster processor and better camera functionality, the Moto G5 will compete with handsets from Xiaomi, Micromax as well as those from the stable of its parent -- Lenovo.

"This is our biggest franchise and the fastest selling as well. India is one of the first markets globally where we are launching the Moto G5 Plus," Motorola Mobility India Managing Director, Sudhin Mathur, told reporters here.

The Moto G series cumulatively has so far sold 6 million units in India, he added.

He said that the company will introduce Moto G5 -- the base model -- in India in the coming weeks.

The device was unveiled at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last month. The Moto G5 Plus features a 5.2-inch display, 2Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core processor, up to 4GB RAM, removable storage of up to 128GB, 12MP rear and 5MP front cameras and 3,000 mAh battery.

At the end 2016, Lenovo and Motorola had 8.9 per cent share of the Indian smartphone market, as per research firm IDC. Read More

Restructuring: Tata Motors rolls out VRS, moves to a flat five-level hierarchy

So far, less than 500 executives have been offered VRS, which roughly includes one year's salary

Tata Motors, India’s largest automobile maker, has started rolling out a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for its employees as part of its organisational restructuring exercise.

This is part of a human resources (HR) restructuring drive that is expected to transform the organisation into a much leaner company with a flat hierarchical structure. The new structure will be in place from April 1.

So far, less than 500 executives have been offered VRS, which roughly includes one year’s salary, among other benefits, sources said. The company, however, did not confirm the details of the VRS package or how many were offered VRS.

A company spokesperson said: “Tata Motors confirms that as part of the ongoing organisation effectiveness project, where we have already finalised the top two levels of our management structure, a proposal on VRS package has been presented and approved by the board. Since the exercise for selecting L3-L5 is still underway, it is premature for us to comment on any other specifics at this point in time.”

From a 15-16-level hierarchy, the organisation is moving to a flat five-level hierarchy.

Earlier, Tata Motors had three levels in the supervisory grade, five in the managerial grade and around six or seven in the executive grade. Now, there will be five grades, L1 to L5, with L1 being the highest. Above these levels, there will be executive directors, presidents and the managing director. The exercise has been completed only for the L1 and L2 levels.

“As part of the restructuring, we have also identified roles, which are best located in a central, common service structure, providing service across the company through optimised and efficient processes. To facilitate this, the number of roles distributed currently across the company is being relocated in the Global Development Centre in Pune. We expect significant benefits in cost, service quality and process efficiencies,” the spokesperson said.

Tata Motors is aiming to become a lean and agile organisation by empowering its business units with clear accountability, strengthening functional leadership and oversight, ensuring faster and effective decision-making, and improving customer focus, the company had said earlier.

Senior employees were made to undergo tests through an assessment centre, and sources indicate there has been considerable realigning of officers in different grades. Read More

Airtel launches 4G in Jammu and Kashmir, completes national rollout

Airtel 4G service is now available in all 22 telecom circles of the country

Bharti Airtel, India's largest telecommunications services provider, announced the launch of its 4G services in Jammu & Kashmir, completing a national rollout.

With the latest launch, Airtel 4G service is now available in all 22 telecom circles of the country.

Raveendra Desai, COO — J&K, Bharti Airtel said, "We are pleased to launch our 4G services in Jammu & Kashmir and look forward to delighting customers with best-in-class services on India's best smartphone network."

"We invite customers to avail the exciting data offers and get on to the digital superhighway.

We remain committed to the government's digital vision for the state and will continue to invest in expanding our services," he said.

The company plans to expand its 4G footprint to over 100 towns across J&K, he said adding that Airtel 4G has been rolled out in the state using FD LTE technology in the 1,800 MHz band.

Airtel 4G will allow customers to experience uninterrupted HD video streaming, superfast uploading and downloading of movies, music and images, he said.

Airtel 4G services are available at 3G prices, he said adding that the customers can upgrade to 4G SIM for free and choose from a range of exciting prepaid and postpaid plans that offer generous dollops of high speeds data. Read More

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6 ways to secure your mobile phone against attackers in 2017

Cyber attacks are a real threat to businesses and individuals alike.

Cyber attacks are a real threat to businesses and individuals alike. In 2015, CNN reported that nearly 1 million new malware threats are released daily. In 2017, these types of cyber attacks are still a threat. Today, most people spend more time browsing the Internet on their phones than they do on their desktop computers, but many people still fail to secure their mobile devices. Keep your phone safe from hackers and cyberattacks with these six security tips.

Keep Your Software Updated

Software updates can be a pain, but there’s a good reason to ensure your operating system and apps are all up to date. One of the ways hackers get into mobile devices is through holes or bugs in old software programs. Software updates help patch these holes and make it harder for hackers to get in. To keep your phone’s software up-to-date, enable automatic app updates, and be sure to take advantage of any operating system updates your service provider offers.

Install an Antivirus App

It sounds like a no-brainer, but according to CNBC, only 14 percent of people actually install antivirus apps on their phones. There’s no reason your phone shouldn’t be protected. Free apps like Avast Antivirus and Security will scan your apps and URLs for malware and even allow you to PIN protect private apps. You can also scan Wi-Fi to improve security. The pro version offers more features, as will paid versions of other antivirus apps, but if money is the main factor in going without protection, the least you can do is download a free security app and utilize the simple features it offers.

Lock Your Phone

It’s another no-brainer when it comes to mobile phone security, but still half of Android users opt out of using a password, PIN, pattern, or fingerprint to secure their mobile devices. You may not think it matters much. Any attacker is going to get in through malware or other types of wireless attacks, right? Wrong. Read More

Internet post says sexual harassment at TVF

Firm denies charges, says will find anonymous author, bring her to justice

In an anonymous post on Medium, a person calling herself an ex-employee of The Viral Fever accused TVF founder and chief executive Arunabh Kumar of molesting her. TVF is backed by Tiger Global.

She accused Kumar of multiple sexual advances, and said she was asked to walk out when she complained to her bosses at TVF. She added that complaints made to co-workers got cold answers and, in one instance, someone laughed off the matter. In a Facebook post, independent contractor Reema Sengupta said she, too, was a victim of Kumar’s inappropriate overtures during a shoot. In a comment on the Medium post, “ex-TVF employee” Aayushi Agarwal said she too had a similar experience.

The post titled 'The Indian Uber - That is TVF' looks to be modelled on ex-Uber employee Susan Fowler's post alleging sexual harassment at the US-based company. Fowler's claims are now being investigated by board member Arianna Huffington and an independent legal team.

'The Indian Uber - That is TVF' author says 21 days into the job, she was sexually harassed the first time; after which, sexual advances by Kumar got routine.

Kumar did not respond to calls for comment. The company denied all allegations made against it and its team. "We take a lot of pride in our team and in making TVF a safe workplace that is equally comfortable for women and men," the company said in an email.

It would "find the author of the article and bring her to severe justice" for "false allegations". The person has written that Kumar knows her identity.

Aditi Singh, communications manager at TVF, said the TVF statement dismissing allegations was not based on an investigation and no one matching the person’s profile in the post was ever employed at the company. Later, she said the company was investigating the issue and would not like to comment immediately. Read Full Story

Election Results 2017 LIVE: BJP leads big in UP & Uttarakhand, Cong leads Punjab, close fight in Goa

Get live election result 2017 of Assembly elections for UP, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur

UP Election result 2017: The exit polls on Thursday predicted a hung assembly in the key Hindi heartland state of Uttar Pradesh, where Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would emerge as the single largest party, winning anywhere between 164 and 210 of the 403 seats. A victory for Narendra Modi's BJP in Uttar Pradesh, which is home to 220 million people, would boost his chances of winning the 2019 general elections and underscore his popularity after he made himself the face of the party's campaign in the state.

Punjab election result 2017: Most polls forecast a close fight between the Congress, which is seeking to return to power in Punjab after a hiatus of 10 years, and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), making its debut in the Punjab Assembly election. Stay with us for LIVE updates on Assembly Elections 2017.

Uttarakhand election result 2017: Most exit polls have projected that BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Uttarakhand election 2017, ending the Congress Party's hope to retain its Harish Rawat-led government in the state.

Goa election result 2017: In Goa, too, BJP is seen as the largest party with 15-20 of the 40 Assembly seats. The Congress could be a close second, while AAP, a debutant in the state, could get 2-4 seats.

Manipur election result 2017: Exit polls for Manipur have a split verdict. While some show BJP forming government in the state, others expect the Congress' Okram Ibobi Singh returning for a fourth term. Iron Lady Irom Sharmila, contesting her first election, is expected to have a weak debut.

Results of Assembly elections 2017 in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand will be declared on March 11. Join us on Business Standard for election result 2017 updates today.

Read our full coverage on Assembly Elections 2017

Assembly Polls 2017: Exit polls suggest Modi-led BJP clearly ahead in UP

BJP may retain power in Goa, wrest power in U'khand; consolation prize for Cong in Punjab

Election Results 2017 : If the predictions of several of the exit polls, made public on Thursday, for the five states that had Assembly elections in February-March turn out to be true, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to emerge as the most influential leader of India since Indira Gandhi, who had held sway over the country’s political landscape 40 years back.

Findings of at least four exit polls suggested that Modi’s blitzkrieg of public rallies in Uttar Pradesh (UP) could help the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) either comfortably cross the majority mark of 202 in the 403-seat UP Assembly, or come close to it.

The BJP, along with ally Apna Dal, had bagged 73 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP in 2014, winning a staggering 337 of the 403 Assembly segments. At least two exit polls — India Today-Axis and Today’s Chanakya — could come close to that tally by winning up to 285 seats. However, two other exit polls predicted a hung Assembly with the BJP as the single-largest party but the Samajwadi Party (SP)-Congress alliance not far behind and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in third place. As for other states, most exit polls said the BJP was likely to retain power in Goa and wrest power from the Congress in Uttarakhand.

One exit poll, however, predicted a dead heat between the BJP and Congress in Uttarakhand, predicting that both were likely to win 35-seats each in the 70-member Assembly.

In Lucknow, Modi said: “Woh kahate hain Modi hatao; main kehta hoon kaladhan hatao, bhrashtachar hatao (they say remove Modi; I say end black money, end corruption).” (read more...)