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A sixth-grade social science textbook that I read described India as a piece of fabric, with countless threads coloured in a myriad of majestic shades, woven together. This metaphor holds exceptionally well when put into the context of our <keyword id="22706215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-industry" source="keywords">handloom industry</keyword>. India has a rich history of handlooms and weaving cultures. The culture of handlooms is so intricately woven into Indian culture, that there are whole towns dedicated to the same: <keyword id="248532" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chanderi" source="Orion">Chanderi</keyword> in Madhya Pradesh to Pochampally in Telangana and a dozen more! Unfortunately, the handloom industry in India is dying. The struggle is multi-faceted, ranging from a declining workforce to fierce competition from <keyword id="20496028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="power-looms" source="keywords">power looms</keyword>. Hence, five years ago, August 7 was proclaimed <keyword id="22677698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Handloom-Day" source="keywords">National Handloom Day</keyword> in response to this crisis and to heighten public awareness. This date holds special historical significance, commemorating the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905—a pivotal act of defiance against British colonial rule. <h2>When did this industry come into existence?</h2>According to archaeological findings, the origins of handloom in the Indian subcontinent may be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mughal Empire was known to support and patronise <keyword id="20258864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weavers" source="keywords">weavers</keyword>. The support from the royal patrons resulted in the invention of new textiles such as ‘Mulmul’ and ‘Banarasi Brocade’ among others. This era witnessed a heightened worldwide demand for Indian textiles. In the 17th century, India produced 25% of the world’s textiles, with Bengal accounting for more than 50% of textiles and 80% of silks imported by the Dutch from Asia. <h2>What led to the decline of the <keyword id="19934660" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-handloom" source="keywords">Indian handloom</keyword>?</h2>The East India Company's entry fuelled the industry's initial decline, which started in the 1830s. The weavers were obliged to sell only to the British, and that too at exceedingly cheap prices, virtually putting them out of business. On the other hand, Indian cloth was taxed excessively to promote machine-made British clothing. The Industrial Revolution in Britain strengthened their indigenous textile industry, giving rise to new markets for cheaper textiles. In India, the collapse of the Mughal aristocracies meant no access to royal patronage. As a result, textiles like Khadi and muslin had little demand in the market. Circling back to the present, the industry is facing both similar and new challenges. Fabrics made on power looms are cheaper and faster to produce, in comparison to handloom fabrics. The industry is largely unorganised, and the wages are shockingly low. 67% of <keyword id="22706216" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-workers" source="keywords">handloom workers</keyword> are earning less than the minimum wage every month. Faced with economic challenges, the older artisans are thus forced to encourage the newer generation to choose an alternative career path. This migration of the workforce from a traditional sector is evident from the fall in the number of weavers less than 35 years of age- from 26.13 lakh in 2009-10 to 16.07 lakh in 2019-20. The majority of weavers do not have access to banking facilities, let alone institutional credit. Furthermore, if one manages to accumulate credit, there is a mismatch between the supply and demand forces due to the lack of awareness about handwoven textiles in the current generation. <h2>Initiatives for revival</h2>The cultural significance of the Indian handloom isn’t just limited to its beauty and extravagance, but it extends to our independence struggle as well. The Swadeshi movement immortalised the charkha and advocated for the use of indigenous goods. Following independence, the Indian government took many measures to revive the handloom industry. In 1953, India’s Parliament approved the Khadi and Other Handloom Industries Development Act. In 1955, the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Cooperative Society was formed to promote the sale of fabrics produced by handloom cooperatives across India. The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aimed to provide financial assistance for marketing and production. The Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme offers health and life insurance to weavers, to ensure social security. The organisation commenced a fortnight-long exhibition, “VIRAASAT” dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, and will conclude on 16th August 2024. The Handloom Mark scheme was introduced to authenticate handloom products, thus enabling weavers to gain better market access and ensuring that consumers get genuine products. Moreover, the India Trade Portal also mentions that the GOI plans to provide financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore to at least 10,000 handlooms. Various state governments also regularly conduct handloom expos and fairs, providing platforms for weavers to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers. <h2>Contemporary Brands and their love for Indian handloom</h2>Modern, popular designers such as <keyword id="8264" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sabyasachi" source="Orion">Sabyasachi</keyword> and <keyword id="21493890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ritu-kumar" source="keywords">Ritu Kumar</keyword> are known to work closely with weavers and have been doing their part by bringing worldwide attention to the handloom industries. Recently, <keyword id="1472101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajrakh" source="Orion">Ajrakh</keyword> was brought into the limelight when Alia Bhatt wore a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ajrakh saree to Joy Awards in Riyadh. However, it’s not just the fashion moguls who are working towards the revival of this industry. Contemporary indie brands are partnering with local weavers, and creating awareness about their work. The emergence of such indie brands and their association with local artisans is beneficial for both entities. For instance, Joskai Studio derives its name from ‘Joskai’, a woven piece of cloth worn as a part of the traditional costume of the Tiwa community of Assam. They work with artisans in northeast India, specifically from the weaving village of Saualkuchi in Assam. Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan is a Kerala-based brand that works strictly with weavers from Kerala, specifically Chendamangalam and Kuthampally. <h2>Employment and Exports</h2>According to the Indian Trade Portal, the Indian handloom sector is the country’s second-largest employer after agriculture in rural areas. The Handloom Census 2019-20 mentions that the industry employs about 35,22,512 workers across the country, with women forming 77.29% of the workforce. India is the second largest exporter of handloom products in the world, with exports valued at $ 353.9 million in 2017- 18, as per EXIM bank's working papers. The major handloom export centres are Karur, Panipat, Varanasi and Kannur where handloom products like bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, floor coverings, and embroidered textile materials and curtains etc. are produced for export markets. During April 2021-February 2022, India exported handloom products worth 1693 crore, as per Indian Trade Portal. Indian silk scarves also form a sizable chunk of total handloom exports, in addition to home textiles like carpets, rugs and mats, which constitute over 13.6% of India’s total handloom exports. <h2>The Path Forward</h2>The mere existence of organisations and allocation of funds isn’t enough to sustain the legacy of India’s rich handloom industry. Big corporations working with local weavers ensure employment but don't protect them from exploitation and meagre wages, leaving them vulnerable. The people in power ought to come up with strategies that ensure the trickle-down effect of the schemes and funds. The new generation of buyers has a greater purchasing power than the one before them. Marketing focused on bringing Indian handloom practices into the limelight can do wonders in this case.

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

New Delhi [India], June 12 (ANI): Following the fire that broke out in Kuwait City, killing over 40 people, the Indian ambassador to Kuwait, <keyword id="22031237" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Adarsh-Swaika" source="keywords">Adarsh Swaika</keyword> visited the <keyword id="22031240" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Al-Adan-hospital" source="Orion">Al-Adan hospital</keyword> where over 30 <keyword id="19933569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-workers" source="keywords">Indian workers</keyword> are being treated. The ambassador said that over 30 Indian workers have been injured in the fire incident. "Amb @AdarshSwaika visited the Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers injured in today's fire incident have been admitted. He met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy," the <keyword id="19949899" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-embassy" source="keywords">Indian embassy</keyword> in Kuwait shared on X. "Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities," they added. The ambassador also visited Farwaniya Hospital, where six workers, who are expected to be mostly Indians, who got injured in the fire incident were admitted. Among those six, the hospital authorities confirmed that four of them have been released, one has shifted to Jahra hospital and one in ward is stable now. "Amb @AdarshSwaika1 visited Farwaniya Hospital, where 6 workers, expected to be mostly Indians, injured in today's fire-incident were admitted. Hospital authorities confirmed that 4 of them have been released, 1 has been shifted to Jahra hospital &amp; 1 in ward is reportedly stable," the embassy reported. Moreover, envoy Swaik also paid a visit to Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, where reportedly, 11 injured workers were admitted. "Amb @AdarshSwaika1 visited Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, where 11 workers injured in today's fire have been admitted. 10 of them are expected to be released today &amp; one in hospital is reportedly stable. He met with patients still in hospital &amp; assured them of Embassy's full support," the post read. Earlier today, the Indian envoy also visited the incident site in Mangaf to ascertain the situation and emphasised that the embassy is in touch with the concerned authorities for necessary action. "Amb @AdarshSwaika1 visited the tragic fire-incident site in Mangaf to ascertain the situation. Embassy is in constant touch with relevant Kuwaiti law enforcement, fire-service and health authorities for necessary action and emergency medical health-care," they posted on X. Further, the Indian embassy has also put an emergency helpline number and has urged all the concerned people to connect over the helpline for updates. "In connection with the tragic fire accident involving Indian workers today, Embassy has put in place an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All concerned are requested to connect over this helpline for updates. Embassy remains committed to render all possible assistance," the Indian embassy in Kuwait added. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed shock over the deaths of over 40 people in a fire in the city of Kuwait. Condoling their deaths, EAM Jaishankar further said that the Indian ambassador had gone to the camp and was awaiting further information about the fire incident in Kuwait City. "Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait City. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information," he said in a post on X. Jaishankar further expressed condolences to the victims' families and wished the injured people early and full recovery. "Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured. Our Embassy will render the fullest assistance to all concerned in this regard," he added in his post. A fire broke out in a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday. After this tragic incident, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah paid a visit to the site and ordered the arrest of the building's owner, as per Al Jazeera. "Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters," said Sheikh Fahad, who also runs the interior and defence ministries. "The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there were a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately, there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire," Al Jazeera reported, citing a senior police commander's statement.

Over 30 Indian workers injured in Kuwait fire incident; Indian embassy extends support

Kuwaiti authorities are conducting DNA tests on the bodies of over 40 <keyword id="22038005" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indians-killed" source="keywords">Indians killed</keyword> in the devastating fire in Mangaf area, with an <keyword id="472686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IAF-aircraft" source="Orion">IAF aircraft</keyword> on standby to bring back the mortal remains, officials said on Thursday. Minister of State for <keyword id="43920" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="External-Affairs" source="Orion">External Affairs</keyword> Kirti Vardhan Singh reached Kuwait to oversee assistance to Indians injured in the fire and to ensure early repatriation of mortal remains. The total number of people killed in the fire incident in the southern Kuwait locality is 49 and 42 of them are learnt to be Indians, the officials said. The IAF aircraft has been kept on stand-by to bring back the mortal remains, officials said. Hours after arriving in Kuwait, Singh met the Gulf nation's foreign minister <keyword id="22043093" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Abdullah-Ali-Al-Yahya" source="Orion">Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya</keyword>. The <keyword id="54656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-embassy" source="Orion">Indian embassy</keyword> in Kuwait said Al-Yahya assured of full support including for medical care, early repatriation of mortal remains and investigation into the incident. "FM Yahya conveyed his condolences on the tragic incident. He assured full support including for medical care, early repatriation of mortal remains and investigation of the incident," the mission said on X. "MoS conveyed his appreciation for the cooperation being extended by all concerned authorities of Kuwait," it said. Singh also visited Mubarak Al Kabeer hospital where seven injured Indians are admitted. "In an unfortunate and tragic fire incident earlier today in a Labour housing facility in Mangaf area of Kuwait, around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 injured," the Ministry of External Affairs had said in a statement late on Wednesday night. Last night, Prime Minister Modi reviewed the situation at a meeting with <keyword id="5263" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="external-affairs-minister" source="Orion">External Affairs Minister</keyword> S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Principal Secretary to PM PK Mishra among others. Following the meeting, the prime minister announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased Indian nationals from the PM's Relief Fund and directed that the government should extend all possible assistance. Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on phone and urged him for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those killed. "Spoke to Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait. Apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed," Jaishankar said on X on Wednesday night. "Urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. He emphasized that those injured were getting the requisite medical attention," he said. The officials had said most of the Indian victims are from Kerala. The fire in Al-Mangaf building was reported to authorities in Al-Ahmadi governorate at 4.30 am on Wednesday and most of the deaths were due to smoke inhalation, Kuwaiti media reported, adding the fire started in a kitchen. Construction firm NBTC group rented the building for the stay of more than 195 workers, most of them Indians from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and northern states, the Kuwaiti media said. The NBTC group is partly owned by an Indian, officials said. Interior Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered an investigation into the fire incident and issued directions to apprehend the owner and janitor of Al-Mangaf building.

Kuwait fire: IAF aircraft on standby to bring back mortal remains of Indians

The ethnic group with the highest concentration of professional workers in the UK is Indian and considering <keyword id="21981222" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ethnic-minorities" source="keywords">ethnic minorities</keyword> as a monolithic group for public policy purposes is now increasingly meaningless in the country, a new think-tank analysis concludes on Monday. 'A Portrait of Modern Britain: Ethnicity and Religion' published by the <keyword id="23544970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Policy-Exchange" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Policy Exchange" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Policy Exchange">Policy Exchange</keyword> reflects an in-depth examination of the demographic, educational, health and economic situation of different ethnic groups in the country. The report calls for a new government-led <keyword id="23544966" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-integration-strategy" source="keywords">national integration strategy</keyword>, with children in Britain taught to be proud of their national heritage in an inclusive manner that reflects the country's history and traditions. "The ethnic group with the highest concentration of professional workers was Indian - with British Indians also having the highest rate of home ownership - with 71 per cent living in a property which is either owned outright or owned with a mortgage/loan or shared ownership," the report notes. "The diversity contained with the term 'ethnic minority' is now so broad - both within each minority and between minorities - that considering ethnic minorities as a monolithic group for public policy purposes is now increasingly meaningless," it states. "Categories such as 'South Asian' do not only serve to mask over noteworthy economic and social disparities between Britain's Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis - but also mean that very real forms of diversity within these sizeable groupings at times go unrecognised," it cautions. The report analyses the <keyword id="23544967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="2021-UK-Census" source="keywords">2021 UK Census</keyword> data and other statistical resources, combining this with polling conducted by Redfield and Wilton. Besides a nationally representative sample of 2,000 people of all ethnicities, "booster" samples were used of 1,400 ethnic minority respondents - 200 each from the Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese and Mixed-Race ethnic groups. "These days, integration won't happen naturally... Recent years have seen conflicts generated far away from our shores break out on our streets. The politics of the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East for example are no longer 'quarrels in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing'," Sir Trevor Phillips, senior fellow at Policy Exchange, says in his foreword. "Policy Exchange's portrait of our nation teaches us one thing above all: our future rests on managing our diversity, and complacency is the surest pathway to the growth of extremism and conflict," he concludes. Among the key findings of the analysis was that almost three in four people - 72 per cent of those polled - believe that children should be taught to be proud of <keyword id="23544969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="British-history" source="keywords">British history</keyword>, with a majority also believing that Britain has historically been a force for good in the world. "Government agencies should also commit to disaggregating larger groups which are both ethnically and religiously diverse, as well as being far from homogeneous in terms of migratory background - especially the Indian and Black African ethnic categories," it recommends. The think-tank points out that the first 'Portrait of Modern Britain' was carried out for Policy Exchange in 2014 by two young researchers including one named <keyword id="19906889" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rishi-Sunak" source="keywords">Rishi Sunak</keyword>, who would go on to become the UK's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage and is currently the interim Opposition Leader in Parliament. The new project aims to identify how governments can successfully focus on what unites the different ethnicities of the country to build on the latent strengths of an integrated British identity and culture.

Indians have highest concentration of professionals among ethnic groups in the UK: Report

The <keyword id="6422463" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="us-presidential-elections" source="Orion">US presidential elections</keyword> have always been a global spectacle, with both geopolitical and economic implications for almost the entire world. The primary uncertainty, as with any election, is who will win. But after the last election, when President <keyword id="19918985" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="donald-trump" source="keywords">Donald Trump</keyword> refused to concede in 2020, the suspense also involves whether the candidates will accept the verdict. Moreover, an added layer of uncertainty is the continued ambiguity over the specific policy measures that both Republican and Democratic candidates will take during the first few weeks. The result of all these uncertainties, along with the growing geopolitical conflicts and economic turbulences, is a <keyword id="6357440" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stock-market" source="Orion">stock market</keyword> that’s wobbling beyond bounds. As investors flock to safer asset classes like gold and bonds, the Indian stock market has been on a downward spiral for over a month now, dropping almost 10% from its peak in late September. <h2>Sensex, Nifty tumbles on Monday</h2>On Monday, November 4, Indian stock markets continued to experience heightened volatility. The <keyword id="20783156" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sensex-and-nifty" source="keywords">Sensex and Nifty</keyword> indices have each dropped by nearly 2% by noon, reflecting investor caution and aligning with recent market declines. On Monday morning, investors' wealth eroded by Rs 7.37 lakh crore as the equity markets fell sharply over 1000 points. “As October concluded, it marked a challenging month for bulls, erasing gains accumulated over the past two months, with Nifty dropping more than 6% one of the steepest monthly declines in recent times, which has impacted the monthly chart's structure… a breach below this week's support range of 24100–24000 could trigger further weakness, possibly pulling prices toward the 200 SMA near 23500,” says Sameet Chavan, Head Research, Technical and Derivative - Angel One. The turbulence is mirrored across major sectors, with substantial drops in IT, pharma, and financial stocks. High-profile stocks such as Reliance Industries, Hero Motorcorp, Coal India, ONGC and Tata Motors are all facing significant declines, with all these stocks down over 3%. Additionally, the Indian rupee has weakened to record lows, and government bond yields have risen, indicating investors are positioning for an extended period of uncertainty. The heightened volatility, alongside the U.S. election dynamics, is creating both caution and opportunities for Indian traders. With high demand for safer assets, this period could offer gains for those correctly positioned, but for the broader market, these fluctuations highlight the risks tied to global dependencies and the complex U.S.-India economic linkages. <h2>What should retail investors do?</h2>While the Sensex has seen a 7% dip from recent highs, the rupee has touched a historic low, and government bond yields are up by 14 basis points. The experts recommendations are also varying on what the investors should do at this crucial juncture. Given the growing uncertainties, retail investors should wait before deploying more capital, focusing on high-quality stocks and avoiding frothy small and midcap stocks that may carry heightened risks in the current environment, says the market expert Vijay Chopra. "Retail investors can look into buying shares of good companies where valuations are reasonable. This market correction is a good opportunity to buy as India's growth path is intact," says Shriram Subramanian, Founder and MD, InGovern Research Services. Overall, Indian investors and market analysts recommend a cautious approach. While the U.S. election creates a unique atmosphere of uncertainty, sticking to core investment principles—like diversification and long-term planning—can provide a buffer against the volatility expected over the coming weeks. Indian investors are increasingly aware that while the U.S. election is a spectacle to follow, broader economic indicators and global trends will ultimately shape the markets more than any one election outcome. <h2>Expectations from the US presidential election 2024</h2> <div type="image" title="Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris" agency="ETMarkets.com" msid="114938964" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Representational image&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> As the U.S. prepares for its 2024 presidential election, the Indian markets are not immune to the volatility. With Vice President <keyword id="20307089" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kamala-harris" source="keywords">Kamala Harris</keyword> and former President Donald Trump in a tight race, stakes are high even for the Indian retail investors. The next U.S. administration’s policies could ripple through global markets, including India’s. As per the experts, three primary issues in the U.S. election — tariffs, immigration, and taxation — could directly affect the Indian economy and investor sentiment, according to an analysis from <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/prime/economy-and-policy/trump-will-tower-over-the-markets-this-week/primearticleshow/114931074.cms">The Economic Times</a>. Trump’s administration has historically used tariffs to curtail China’s manufacturing dominance, and if he wins, a continuation or even expansion of these tariffs could push inflation up. The ripple effect could push costs of imports and exports higher across emerging markets like India, affecting key sectors that trade with the US like IT, industrials, and manufacturing sectors. In terms of immigration, a potential Trump victory could bring renewed scrutiny on H-1B visas, which are crucial for India’s tech sector as nearly 75% of these visas go to Indian workers. On the other hand, a Harris administration is likely to adopt a more lenient approach, but specifics would depend on Congress. Regarding taxation, Trump’s policies are often seen as pro-business, but Harris has proposed tax reforms aimed at higher corporate taxes, which could lower S&amp;P 500 earnings by as much as 5.5%. The central role of the US dollar and investments in the global economy means that any volatility in American markets often has a cascading effect on emerging markets. As it stands, uncertainty has already driven the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) higher, commonly referred to as Wall Street’s “fear gauge,” reflecting increased anxiety among global investors. For Indian markets, this could mean a series of short-term fluctuations, but a steady, diversified approach remains essential. History shows that while elections create immediate market ripples, longer-term impacts are typically moderate. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We recommend readers consult certified, qualified and registered advisors for professional and personalised financial advice.

Indian stock markets wobble as uncertainty builds around the U.S. election this week. What should investors do?

New Delhi, Lack of resources, routine aspects of the role, increased level of pressure from the board, and others are the reasons causing 83 per cent of Indian cybersecurity and IT professionals burnout and fatigue issues, a new report said on Monday. According to the cybersecurity firm <keyword id="20022843" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sophos" source="keywords">Sophos</keyword>, stress and burnout were directly attributed as a cause of cybersecurity and IT professional resignations in 33 per cent of companies in India. Organisations also reported that 31 per cent of cybersecurity or IT employees had "moved on" from their roles due to stress or burnout. "Burnout and fatigue are undermining these areas and organisations need to step up to provide the right support to employees especially when, according to our research, 25 per cent of Indian respondents identified that cybersecurity burnout or fatigue contributed to, or was directly responsible for, a cybersecurity breach," said <keyword id="20553425" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aaron-bugal" source="keywords">Aaron Bugal</keyword>, field <keyword id="19954543" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cto" source="keywords">CTO</keyword> at Sophos. The report included a total of 919 responses captured from Australia (204 companies), India (202), Japan (204), Malaysia (104), The Philippines (103) and Singapore (102). Moreover, the report revealed that burnout is felt across almost all aspects of cybersecurity operations, with 93 per cent saying that feelings of burnout increased in the last 12 months, the highest across the <keyword id="20038550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="asia-pacific" source="keywords">Asia Pacific</keyword> and Japan. In addition, 25 per cent identified that cybersecurity burnout or fatigue contributed to, or was directly responsible for, a cybersecurity breach and 22 per cent of companies experienced slower than average response times to cybersecurity incidents. "Boards and executive committees need to drive change and demand responsibility from their deputised charges, in essence for better governance around cyber approaches," <keyword id="20554599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bugal" source="keywords">Bugal</keyword> said. Further, the report mentioned that about 48 per cent felt heightened levels of anxiety if subject to a breach or attack.

Four-fifths of Indian cybersecurity, IT workers suffer from burnout and fatigue says Sophos

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A Neom exec complained about having a Sunday meeting after 3 workers died constructing the megaproject, per a WSJ report.</li><li>Wayne Borg also reportedly made racist comments about Neom's workforce.</li></ul>A <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/neom-saudi-arabia-quirky-features-swim-lanes-ai-robot-clerks-2024-5">Neom</a> executive reportedly complained about having an emergency meeting on a Sunday evening following the deaths of three employees working on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-arabia-revises-estimates-neom-project-the-line-2024-4">Saudi Arabia's megaproject estimated to cost between $500 billion and $1.5 trillion,</a> according to a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/the-worlds-biggest-construction-project-is-a-magnet-for-executives-behaving-badly-9accd37b">bombshell Wall Street Journal report</a>.Wayne Borg, a former Fox Corp executive, reportedly described Neom's blue-collar workers from the Indian subcontinent as "f—ing morons" and said "that is why white people are at the top of the pecking order.""A whole bunch of people die so we've got to have a meeting on a Sunday night," Borg said, according to a recording of the meeting heard by the Journal.The executive also reportedly reiterated the comments in a later conversation about the deaths, per the Journal, saying: "You can't train for stupidity" and: "The white blokes are at the top of the tree."The executives' comments are just one of several cases of executive misconduct reported by the newspaper.The area, which includes a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-arabia-neom-sindalah-island-dubai-resort-tourism-2024-4">luxury Red Sea resort</a> and a linear city <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-arabia-neom-the-line-urban-design-linear-pros-cons-2024-6">known as "The Line,"</a> is the centerpiece of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to transform Saudi Arabia into a luxury tourism destination and innovation hub.But recent reports have suggested the project is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-arabia-neom-plans-financial-pressure-foreign-investment-the-line-2024-5">struggling to raise cash</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-arabia-neom-dreams-reality-check-budget-cuts-the-line-2024-7">will be scaled back</a> amid spiraling costs.Neom has also faced accusations of human rights abuses.An ex-Saudi intelligence officer <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-68945445">previously told the BBC</a> that authorities had been permitted to use lethal force to clear land for the megaproject, and the CEO of a clean energy company told Business Insider he <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/malcolm-aw-canceled-100m-neom-contract-human-rights-abuse-saudi-2024-5">pulled out of a $100 million contract</a> after he realized that the Saudis were bulldozing villages to make way for Neom.Citing current and former Neom employees, the Journal reported that three workers were killed by a falling pipe, a collapsing wall, and mishandled explosives.Borg and Neom did not respond to a request for comment, sent outside of normal working hours.Neom told the Journal it has a zero-tolerance policy toward inappropriate workplace behavior.The Journal also reported that Borg was previously reported to Neom's human resources for making racist and misogynistic comments about an employee.

A Neom executive reportedly complained about having a meeting on a Sunday evening after 3 workers died

Growing up in Indian households and education systems, we've all been inundated with advice like “take work seriously and don't treat it like a game” and “work and play don't mix”. While these nuggets of wisdom may have come from a well-intentioned place, a recent study suggests they might not always lead to optimal work output. Researchers from <keyword id="20060227" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="west-virginia-university" source="keywords">West Virginia University</keyword>, delving into workers' well-being and productivity, have found that individuals tend to perform better at monotonous tasks when those tasks are transformed into games. The team's discoveries imply that workers in factory assembly lines could see improvements in productivity, engagement and motivation when mundane activities — like fitting parts together — are incentivised through competition or rewards. However, this may come at the cost of heightened stress levels. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The gamification gimmick" comment="subhead" text="The gamification gimmick">The <keyword id="1071127" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gamification" source="Orion">gamification</keyword> gimmick</cmsannotation> Believe it or not, “gamification” has already permeated various aspects of our daily routines, from fitness-tracking challenges to shopping rewards programs. To evaluate its efficacy in the workplace, researchers devised an experiment using a toy Lego set to simulate a typical production assembly task. Participants were randomly assigned to either a "gamified" group or a "control" group, with both groups tasked with assembling the same Lego model. While both groups were required to assemble the model multiple times, those in the gamified group received productivity incentives through game-like features such as progress bars and badges. The result? The gamified group exhibited significantly higher productivity by the end of the study. Interestingly, participants' last attempt to assemble the Lego kit saw a notable surge in completion times, attributed to their pursuit of obtaining a new personal record badge. This underscores the motivational aspect of gamified tasks, where individuals strive to achieve their best performance. But on the flip side, gamification also led to increased stress levels. Despite the researchers’ expectations of reduced perceived workloads, participants reported heightened frustration, effort, time pressure, and mental and physical demands. Surprisingly, participants in the gamified group outperformed their counterparts, but perceived their performance to be worse. Participants who identified as "self-competitive," driven to surpass their own records, experienced heightened time pressure, while those with lower patience levels reported increased frustration and physical strain during the tasks. However, the researchers argue that this may not be as bad as it sounds, as the ‘psychological load’ of gamification encourages workers to be more mentally active and engaged in the task at hand. As long as stress levels aren't extreme or unnecessary, that extra pressure is likely to drive better performance. Therefore, designers of gamification applications must carefully consider users' tolerance levels to avoid overwhelming them. In essence, successful gamification hinges on striking the right balance and finding the sweet spot between boredom and stress. The study was published in the journal Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing and can be accessed <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0736584524000085" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">here</a>.

Gamifying the grind: Turning work into play can boost productivity and motivation in monotonous tasks, study finds

During the coronavirus pandemic, offices around the world had to alter their way of working and make work from home the norm to keep people safe. For two years, almost all companies in the world offered <keyword id="20665553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="remote-work" source="keywords">remote work</keyword> and there were reports that this would become the future of working. Employees enjoyed the new flexibility and realised how remote work can help them balance work and life with ease. However, contrary to what was perceived, companies began calling employees <keyword id="9081434" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="back-to-office" source="Orion">back to office</keyword> as soon as it was safe. <h2><keyword id="20122085" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CEOs" source="keywords">CEOs</keyword> want employees back in offices </h2> In the last few months, there have been ample studies that show how employees are more productive while working from home or in a hybrid setup where they are required to come to office for 2-3 days in a week. Yet, companies are adamant on calling their employees back to offices. For instance, Amazon recently ordered its employees to return to office for five days a week, putting an end to remote work forever. Now, a new study by <keyword id="19896405" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KPMG" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="KPMG" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="KPMG">KPMG</keyword> has revealed that majority of Indian CEOs are ready to incentivise employees who work from the office, marking a shift towards a more traditional work model post-pandemic. According to the KPMG 2024 India CEO Outlook, 91 percent of Indian CEOs are considering linking rewards, such as promotions and pay raises, to <keyword id="21386806" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="office-attendance" source="keywords">office attendance</keyword>. This figure is slightly higher than the global average of 87 percent, indicating a stronger push in India to encourage in-person work. The report, based on responses from 125 Indian CEOs, highlights a growing belief that office-based work fosters better collaboration, innovation, and productivity. As many as 78% of Indian CEOs expect their entire workforce to return to the office within the next three years, a trend mirrored globally, though at a slightly higher rate of 83%. <keyword id="20142903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-companies" source="keywords">Indian companies</keyword> are increasingly focused on improving their employee value proposition—the set of benefits and incentives offered to employees. CEOs are prioritising a supportive and engaging office environment as key to attracting and retaining top talent. By linking rewards to in-office work, companies aim to align employee satisfaction with long-term growth objectives. <h2>Understanding what employees want </h2> Sunit Sinha, Partner and Head of Human Capital Advisory Solutions at KPMG in India, pointed out that in the post-COVID-19 era, it is crucial for businesses to understand the evolving preferences of employees. As workers reconsider their options, businesses need to adapt to remain competitive in the talent market. Sinha said that companies must use data to address employee needs, saying, “The power to shape the future of talent lies in staying informed and adapting proactively.” In addition to in-office incentives, the KPMG report also talked about the increasing role of technology, particularly generative AI, in workforce development. Half of the CEOs surveyed are prioritising the enhancement of workforce skills alongside their investment in AI. Indian CEOs believe generative AI can help develop diverse skills and prepare their teams for a future where technology plays a central role in operations. However, while CEOs are optimistic about the potential of AI, they also expressed concern over the lack of regulations governing the technology. Seventy-seven percent of Indian CEOs are apprehensive about the pace of AI regulation, higher than the global average of 69%. Despite these concerns, Indian business leaders remain confident in AI’s ability to enhance organisational performance and secure a competitive edge.

91 percent Indian CEOs want to reward employees who work from offices, majority expect to end remote work in three years

New Delhi, <keyword id="1406196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-knowledge-workers" source="Orion">Indian knowledge workers</keyword> are the happiest at work compared to their global counterparts, and for a more satisfying work relationship -- 97 per cent of <keyword id="159493" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gen-Z" source="Orion">Gen Z</keyword> and Millenial employees are willing to sacrifice a portion of their salary, a new study revealed on Wednesday. According to the HP Work Relationship Index, 50 per cent of Indian knowledge workers show a sense of workplace contentment against only 27 per cent of the global workforce reporting a healthy relationship with work. "We're seeing a major change in what matters most to India's workforce. They're seeking job satisfaction through flexibility, mental well-being, effective leadership, and the right tools," said Gurpreet Singh Brar, Vice President, HP India market. The study surveyed over 15,600 respondents, including knowledge workers, IT decision-makers, and business leaders in 12 countries, with a sample size of over 1,300 respondents in India. The survey pinpointed six key drivers of a thriving work relationship -- fulfilment, leadership, people-centricity, skills, tools, and workspace. According to the study, India particularly excels in fulfilment and skills aspects. As the landscape of <keyword id="4350888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="work-relationships" source="Orion">work relationships</keyword> is changing rapidly in India, 78 per cent of knowledge workers reported increased expectations regarding their relationship with work in the past 2-3 years. Moreover, the report said that only two in five knowledge workers feel confident that their company can give them the right tools to support hybrid work. About 80 per cent mentioned that they believe in the importance of encouraging open emotional communication within the workplace. Business leaders also agreed, with 76 per cent saying emotional intelligence is vital for leadership success and a strong 90 per cent think showing empathy matters. However, a significant gap exists as nearly half (47 per cent) of knowledge workers feel their company's leaders aren't meeting their emotional expectations.

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