EIILM-Kolkata Launches EKCLE, a Global Hub for Ethical Leadership and Industry Collaboration
Kolkata, 30th September 2024: EIILM-Kolkata, a leading Indian business school, officially launched its Centre for Leadership & Ethics (EKCLE) on Friday, 27th September 2024, at HHI, Kolkata. The launch represents a key milestone in the institute’s efforts to offer globally focused management education. The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEGi University, Malaysia, and included discussions on EKCLE’s vision and upcoming international collaborations. Agreements have already been inked with AICPA & CIMA, upGrad and the University of South Florida, USA for diverse course programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These courses were launched at the event as well. Prominent dignitaries, including Ms. Stella Lau Kah Wai, Managing Director–Group Operations, Globalisation & Digitalisation of SEGi University, Malaysia; Prof. (Dr.) Srikumar Chakravarthi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) & Head of Innovation & New Revenues, SEGi University, Malaysia; Ajay Lalwani, Country Manager of AICPA & CIMA, India; Ms. Tasneem Kapasi, National Manager, Markets, AICPA & CIMA, India; Mr. Sumit Sharma, Director, upGrad; Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, Chairman & Director, EIILM-Kolkata and Mr. S.K. Dutt, Principal Advisor & Mentor, EIILM-Kolkata attended the ceremony, highlighting the centre’s emphasis on building global partnerships.
EIILM-Kolkata’s Chairman and Director, Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, an edupreneur, senior academician and leader of Vedic wisdom, envisioned EIILM-Kolkata Centre for Leadership & Ethics as not just a seat of management studies but more importantly, a place where the sharpest young minds of our society would learn to harmonise the intrinsic principles of life with the art and science of management.
The Centre for Leadership & Ethics (EKCLE) offers a range of programs in collaboration with top global institutions, including SEGi University, Malaysia, AICPA & CIMA, upGrad and the University of South Florida, USA. Located at the Infinity IT Lagoon in the Electronic Complex of Salt Lake, the centre combines traditional values with modern leadership skills, aiming to equip students with a global perspective while promoting ethical leadership. As part of its holistic educational approach, the centre introduces Mokshanandam: Centre for Blissful Life, focused on stress management. EKCLE offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Management Development Programs (MDPs), corporate training and global seminars, all with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and industry internships.
“It is said that leaders are born through heritage; the future leaders are going to be the prophet of the present and profit of the future, invariably embodying the past. EKCLE is poised to sensitise the intrinsic elements of leadership connecting that with the global past, focusing on the decades and centuries ahead”, said Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, Chairman & Director, EIILM-Kolkata.
3 years, 600,000 Plus Passengers, 450 Plus Sailings: Cordelia Cruises Redefines Indian Cruising
Mumbai, September 30, 2024 – Cordelia Cruises, India’s premier cruise line, is thrilled to commemorate three years of delivering unforgettable experiences and exceptional services, redefining the cruising landscape in India. Operating the Empress, Cordelia has completed over 450 sailings, hosted more than 600,000 guests, delivered 2,500+ live shows, and called at 10 beautiful ports across the country and beyond.
Over the past three years, Cordelia Cruises has set new industry standards by offering an Indian-inspired cruising experience that goes beyond captivating destinations. Aboard the Empress, guests enjoy a vibrant mix of Bollywood-themed shows, live music, and rock climbing, alongside indulgent dining, lounges, and spa services. With family-friendly activities and world-class entertainment catered to diverse age groups, Cordelia Cruises has become the premier choice for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure on the high seas.
Since 2021, Cordelia Cruises has been the sole cruise line offering consistent voyages to Lakshadweep, facilitating Indian travelers’ discovery of this untouched paradise. In addition to providing a unique travel experience, Cordelia Cruises significantly contributes to the local economy through shore excursions at the island, fostering positive relationships with communities and boosting regional economic growth.
In just three years, Cordelia Cruises has transformed the once widely held notion that cruising was an exclusively Western, luxury experience. By creating a cruise landscape in India that is “built by Indians for Indians,” Cordelia has made luxury cruising more accessible and relatable for Indian travelers. Today, India has a trusted, home-grown luxury cruise operation, where guests not only explore breathtaking Indian and international destinations but also enjoy a world-class experience and varied entertainment options. Cordelia Cruises has firmly established itself as the preferred choice for Indian travelers seeking a seamless blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural relevance at sea.
Cordelia Cruises has been steadily expanding its horizons by expanding its fleet, destinations, and onboard offerings, while embracing technology and sustainable practices. Plans for longer cruises to destinations such as Southeast Asia, Australia, and Middle East are under consideration, with a possible 10-night Chennai to Singapore itinerary being explored for the coming year. Additionally, Cordelia is looking at increasing frequencies on key routes and introducing new domestic itineraries, including potential calls at Visakhapatnam and Puducherry, while continuing efforts to expand cruising options in Lakshadweep. All future plans are being carefully evaluated as we continue to enhance the cruising experience for our guests.
Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, Cordelia Cruises said “As we celebrate three remarkable years at Cordelia Cruises, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Our growth, and the overwhelming support from our guests and partners, are a testament to our mission of bringing world-class, uniquely Indian cruising experiences to life. This journey would not have been possible without the dedication of our team, the loyalty of our guests, and the support of our partners. Together, we are redefining what it means to cruise in India, and the future holds even more exciting opportunities for us all.”
The cruise line’s operations include a mix of weekend and weekday itineraries across both the western and eastern coastlines of the Indian subcontinent. As of August 2024, Cordelia Cruises offers sailings to various domestic and international destinations: Mumbai, Kochi, Goa, to Lakshadweep, and from Chennai to Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. Cordelia Cruises stands out for its one-of-a-kind itineraries which provide more than simply a journey but also an immersive cultural and environmental experience.
Magma HDI Concludes ‘Walkoholic’ Challenge on World Heart Day: Promoting Employee Wellness
Anilkumar Satyavarpu, CHRO, Magma HDI, said: “At Magma HDI, we believe that employee well-being is at the heart of a thriving organization. The Walkoholic Challenge was our way of encouraging a healthier lifestyle while fostering camaraderie and teamwork. Concluding the Walkoholic Challenge on World Heart Day was a perfect opportunity to spotlight the importance of heart health while celebrating the dedication of our employees. Acknowledging the winners today emphasizes our commitment to fostering a culture of wellness that goes beyond the workplace.”
Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road Saves Life of 25-Year-Old African Woman Battling Severely Leaking & Narrowed Heart Valves with nearly Terminal Heart Weakness
Bengaluru, 30th September 2024: Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road successfully treated a 25-year-old African woman who had been suffering from complex and severe rheumatic heart disease of two of her heart valves for nearly 15 years. The patient, faced a life-threatening condition involving severe aortic leakage causing grave, long term stretching & weakening of her heart muscles and significant mitral stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve, making it harder for blood to empty the lungs in to heart leading to damaged lungs), underwent a high mortality risk (in view of a grossly weakened heart muscles) double valve replacement surgery. The procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors led by Dr Vivek Jawali, Chairman – Cardiac sciences, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru. This intricate procedure involved replacing two of the heart’s four valves simultaneously, the surgery lasted for 3 and half hours and the woman was discharged within a month in a stable condition.
For 15 years, Patient Salma (name changed) had been battling debilitating heart conditions, including aortic regurgitation and mitral stenosis. Her health was further complicated by persistent infections, leg wounds, and multiple miscarriages, all of which were worsened by the consumption of blood thinners and medications to treat her heart condition. Despite seeking treatment from numerous hospitals worldwide, where she was repeatedly turned away due to the high risks associated with her condition and limited chance of complete recovery Her optimism was renewed when she discovered a potential solution at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road.
Upon her admission at Fortis Bannerghatta Road, a detailed medical evaluation was conducted, confirming the severity and complexity of her heart condition. Dr. Vivek Jawali and his team diagnosed the need for a high-risk double valve replacement surgery. The procedure involved replacing both the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the body, along with the mitral valve, which regulates blood flow between the heart’s upper and lower chambers. Additional medical interventions were recommended to optimize her heart function and manage her complex health issues.
Giving details of the case, Dr. Vivek Jawali, Chairman-Cardiac sciences, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore said, “Salma’s treatment was challenging due to the damage caused to her heart valves, which significantly impacted her heart’s ability to function properly. In addition to this, she also experienced irregular heartbeats, complicating her condition further. We replaced her aortic valve and mitral valve and made her left atrium (one of the heart’s two upper chambers) smaller, sealed a part of her heart to prevent blood clots, and performed a procedure called E-Maze to correct her irregular heartbeats. The E-Maze procedure helps to restore a normal heartbeat by creating small scars in the heart tissue to prevent abnormal electrical signals.”
“After the surgery, Salma had low blood pressure and needed extra support from special devices. She also had kidney ailments that needed dialysis and kidney infections that were treated with antibiotics. To further aid her recovery, we used ECMO – extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ECMO took over the functions of her heart and lungs, helping her stabilize and recover from severe complications. Despite these challenges, Salma’s condition improved, and she is now stable and recovering well,” Dr Jawali added.
Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru said, “At Fortis Hospitals, we are dedicated to providing outstanding and personalized medical care. We are proud to have achieved a significant milestone with the successful use of advanced techniques in heart surgery, specifically a high-risk double valve replacement for Salma. This innovative approach demonstrates our commitment to combining cutting-edge surgical methods with compassionate patient care. Our team’s expertise has allowed us to offer a transformative treatment experience, setting new standards in cardiac care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
Signify onboards the cricket legend Rahul Dravid as their Brand Ambassador, a partnership steeped in legacy and innovation
Delhi, India, September 30, 2024: Signify, (Euronext: LIGHT) the world leader in lighting, has announced its association with Indian cricket maestro, Rahul Dravid as the brand ambassador for the next two years. This strategic union comes ahead of the festive season, underlining Signify’s commitment to innovation, excellence, tradition, and festivities.
Rahul Dravid, adored for his noteworthy cricket career and revered role in Indian sports, epitomizes the essence of Signify’s values – legacy, integrity, innovation, and dedication to providing customers with an unsurpassed lighting experience. This association will usher in a new era for the lighting industry, as it fortifies the brand’s commitment to inspire and celebrate with the consumers in India.
Commenting on the association Sumit Joshi, CEO & MD – Signify, Greater India, remarked “At Signify, we believe in bringing the best of innovations to our customers in line with our #BrighterLivesBetterWorld vision. Taking a step ahead, we are thrilled to have Rahul Dravid join the Signify family as the face of our brand. His enduring appeal and unwavering dedication perfectly mirror Signify’s foundational principles, resulting in a collaboration that exemplifies perseverance, quality, and innovation.”
Highlighting Signify’s strategy Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, said, “We are glad to have Rahul Dravid join us who is known for his grit, determination and integrity, personifies those very qualities that Signify stands for and hence he was the perfect choice for us. Our collaboration with Rahul initiates a new chapter in Signify’s journey, where tradition meets innovation. His association with us will amplify our engagement with the Indian consumer and we are geared up to launch some exciting campaigns with him soon.”
Rahul Dravid, Former Captain and Coach of the Indian National Cricket Team, reflecting on the partnership, said “I feel honoured to be a part of the Signify family! The lighting leader Signify is synonymous with leadership, innovation, sustainability and cutting-edge technology. I am thrilled to represent a brand that resonates so deeply with my professional journey and their commitment to pushing boundaries parallels my own pursuit of excellence. I look forward to this partnership and to contributing to the company’s continued success.”
Rahul Dravid will be representing Signify brands in India, providing an opportunity to connect with a diverse audience. Known for his dedication, resilience, and perseverance, Rahul Dravid’s image harmonizes seamlessly with the brand ideals, presenting the possibility of facilitating a deeper and broader consumer engagement.
Sony India unveils unbeatable festive offers for a spectacular Diwali
New Delhi, 27th September 2024: To celebrate Diwali, Sony India has introduced special festive offers, promising customers an exceptional shopping experience. Featuring a diverse selection of lifestyle products, such as the latest BRAVIA television series, immersive home theatre systems, premium headphones, Alpha cameras and powerful party speakers, customers can now upgrade their home and entertainment setup at an attractive prices and fantastic deals to enhance the joy of Diwali celebrations. Get offers
1. Cinema is Coming Home this Diwali with BRAVIA for an unmatched cinematic experience
As part of our ‘Cinema is Coming Home’ concept, BRAVIA is designed to deliver cinematic content with stunning picture quality and sound quality, just as filmmakers intended. By integrating televisions, soundbars and other home audio technologies under the BRAVIA brand, we aim to provide an unmatched cinematic experience at home.
This Diwali, enjoy the magic of BRAVIA televisions, with complementary features that make selecting the ideal TV and soundbar combination seamless. Sony India is offering exciting deals, including instant cashback of up to Rs. 25,000 along with 3-year comprehensive warranty on select models. Customers can also avail one free EMI scheme on select BRAVIA models. Additionally, Sony is offering Single combo EMI scheme for televisions and soundbar starting from 2,995/- with discounts up to Rs. 64,990 on BRAVIA TV and soundbar combos.
2. Revolutionize cinema at home entertainment setup with latest range of BRAVIA Theatre home audio products
Sony’s new BRAVIA Theatre home audio products introduce exciting features that elevate your home movie-watching experience. With a range of premium BRAVIA Theatre soundbars starting at Rs. 79,990, customers can customize their home cinema setup to match their preferences and budget. Additionally, Sony is offering its top-of-the-line BRAVIA Theatre Quad at an unbeatable price of Rs. 1,99,990, along with an instant cashback of Rs. 12,000 and an EMI option starting from Rs. 5,995.
3. Upgrade the home entertainment experience with exclusive soundbar and BRAVIA TV combo offers
Experience the ultimate cinematic journey at home this Diwali with the perfect blend of stunning visuals from BRAVIA televisions and Sony’s advanced soundbar technology. Transform your entertainment setup with exclusive soundbar offers, allowing you to save up to Rs.15,000 on select soundbars when purchased alongside a BRAVIA television of 109 cm (43 inches) and above. Enjoy remarkable discounts on premium models such as the BRAVIA Theatre Quad and BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9. This festive offer is valid within 60 days of purchasing your BRAVIA TV, making it the perfect time to elevate your home entertainment experience
4. Enjoy superior audio experience with exciting deals on a wide range of headphones and true wireless earbuds
This Diwali, Sony India brings exciting offers on its range of noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds, catering to both audiophiles and music lovers. Customers can get highly acclaimed WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones, as well as other popular models like the WH-CH720N, WH-CH520, and the newly launched ULT wear on a special price. Sony is also offering up to 50% off on the WI-OE610 headphones with instant cashback of Rs. 1,000. Customers can also benefit from attractive prices on truly wireless earbuds, including the WF-1000XM5, WF-C700N, WF-LS910N, and the newly launched WF-C510, with instant cashback of up to Rs.3,000. Additionally, Sony is also offering discounts and cashback on the INZONE series gaming headphones and earbuds, with up to Rs.3,000 cashback. To make this festive season even more accessible, Sony is providing special EMI offers, making it the perfect time to elevate your audio experience.
5. Capture every festive moment with special offers on a premium range of digital imaging products
Sony is introducing ‘Biggest Festive Dhamaka’ offers on the purchase of select cameras and lenses with exciting instant rebate and cashback offers along with free gifts on select models. Customers will get special benefits of up to Rs.1,03,880 on the purchase of the Full-Frame cameras such as Alpha 7RV, Alpha 1, Alpha 7SIII, and Alpha 9III, including instant rebate and cashback along with noise-cancelling earbuds (WF-LS900N) worth Rs.24,990 and an additional battery (NP-FZ100) worth Rs. 5,890 free.
On the purchase of Alpha 7IV also, Sony is offering instant rebate and cashback along with noise-cancelling headphones (WH-CH720N) worth Rs. 14,990, additional battery (NP-FZ100) worth Rs. 5,890 and battery charger (BC-QZ1) worth Rs. 6,790 free. Similarly, for Alpha 7III, customers will get instant cashback along with an additional battery (NP-FZ100) worth Rs. 5,890, battery charger (BC-QZ1) worth Rs. 6,790 free, memory card (SF-M64) worth Rs. 7,500 and a carry bag (MII-SC5) worth Rs. 1,790. Vloggers and content creators can avail instant discount and cashback on ZV-E1 along with battery charger (BC-QZ1) worth Rs. 6,790.
For cinema line models, customers can enjoy benefits of up to Rs.75,890 on the purchase of FX3 and FX30 which includes instant rebate (only with FX3) and cashback , additional battery (NP-FZ100) worth Rs.5,890 along with a battery charger (BC-QZ1) worth Rs. 6,790 free (applicable only with ILME-FX30 and FX30B).
Sony is also offering benefits of up to Rs.52,000 which includes instant rebate and cashback on a wide range of lenses including G Master series. For G Master Lenses, customer can avail easy and long-term finance schemes such as 18/0 EMI. Similarly for APS-C cameras such as Alpha6700, Alpha6400, Alpha6100 and ZV-E10 Sony is offering benefits of up to Rs.19,120, including instant cashback along with wireless Bluetooth speaker (SRS-XB100) worth Rs. 5,990 and a memory card (SF-E64A) worth Rs. 3,130.
For compact, point and shoot cameras, Sony is offering benefits of up to 18,130 on ZV-1II and ZV-1F camera, which includes instant rebate along with memory card (SF-E64A) worth Rs. 3,130.
Additionally, Sony is offering a cashback of up to Rs 10,000 on select models or one free EMI on all full-frame, APS-C cameras and selected models of Cinema Line series and G Master lenses . To further enhance the experience, 1-year extended warranty on select Full-Frame cameras, APS-C cameras, G Master and G lenses is also available upon registration on the Alpha Community (T&C apply). These exclusive Diwali offers are complemented by easy and long-term EMI options , allowing customers to embrace cutting-edge digital imaging technology and capture stunning moments this festive season.
6. Amplify festive celebrations with high-performance party speakers and exclusive cashback offers
Elevate your Diwali celebrations with Sony’s electrifying range of party speakers, engineered to ignite the energy at any gathering. Enjoy instant cashback of Rs. 6,000/- and flexible EMI options starting from just Rs. 562/- on the latest ULT Power Sound series. Enjoy mega bass, exciting karaoke modes, and an incredible 25 hours of battery life with a quick charge feature, ensuring the party never stops. Additionally, explore the extensive range of wireless party speakers, now with an instant cashback of Rs. 5,000/- and EMI options starting from Rs. 1,555/-. Also, Sony is thrilled to announce a special festive offer on the popular SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker with an instant cashback of Rs. 500, available at an unbeatable price of Rs. 3,990/-.
7. Play like never before with festive discount on PlayStation5 SLIM disc and digital edition
PlayStation India has announced a limited-time “festive sale” offer on the PlayStation 5 SLIM Disc and Digital editions (CFI-2008A01 and CFI-2008B01). These models will be available at a promotional discount of Rs. 5,000 across various retailers, including Amazon, Blinkit, Croma, Flipkart, Reliance, Sony Center, Vijay Sales and other participating outlets till 23rd October 2024 or until stock lasts, whichever is earlier.
8. Avail flexible and easy finance options
Enjoy easy EMIs along with multiple finance schemes with no processing fees with select finance partners. These special offers are valid for a limited period or until stocks last.
9. Experience extensive retail network and comprehensive after-sales service support
Sony India has a robust distribution network of over 10,500 dealers. We have a strong service network 250+ authorized service centres and 350+ resident technicians for home service of TVs and Home Theatres. Around 200 centres have dust-free clean rooms for panel replacements, with eight specialized centres for camera lens repairs and 23 for ILC body repairs. For premium TV and soundbar customers, the 1,200+ expert installers provide white-glove installation services, ensuring minimal disruption and a post-installation ‘How to Use’ session.
Additionally, the Mumbai facility enables in-house panel repairs, offering reliable and cost-effective after-sales service. We are driving digital transformation across all customer touch points to make it convenient for the customers to reach out to us and have access to ‘self-help’ solutions. We are now using AI powered Voice Bots to receive customer request in non-business hours.
HCLTech achieves 25% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions in FY24 on pathway to net-zero by 2040
NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, Sept 30, 2024—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, reported healthy progress in FY24 against its sustainability goals and commitment to becoming net-zero status by 2040.
“At HCLTech, we have integrated sustainability into every facet of our business strategy. We are delighted to report the progress we are making toward meeting our sustainability goals by bringing together the best of technology and our people,” said Raj Ramachandran, Chief of Staff to CEO & MD, HCLTech.
HCLTech has achieved a 25% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions (from FY20 baseline). The reduction in the Scope 1 and 2 emissions has exceeded the SBTi-verified target pathway by 5% for the year. In addition, the company has achieved a 29% reduction in Scope 3 emissions (from FY20 baseline).
HCLTech recorded 26% reduction in energy consumption and 19% of its energy requirements are met through renewable sources. By 2030, it aims to transition 80% of its electricity usage to renewable sources and achieve zero waste to landfill at all owned facilities by 2025.
In India, HCLTech replenished 32X water it consumed across its India operations.98% of the company-owned buildings have earned ‘Platinum’ ratings from Green Building Councils.The company planted 2.1 million saplings and harvested 81 billion liters of water to support communities and the environment.
Launched in November 2022, the HCLTech Sustainability School has delivered over 15,700 training hours to employees to make them sustainability champions.
HCLTech continued to invest aggressively in community initiatives through HCLFoundation, innovative global grants and partnerships with non-profit organizations.
HCLFoundation’s programs have positively impacted over 6.5 million lives in India till date, with 54% being female beneficiaries and supported over 13,500 people with disabilities.
The company launched the HCLTech Americas Grant program, committing $5 million in grants over five years to support Not-For-Profit organizations (NPOs) with innovative projects focused on combating climate change, restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity across the Americas.
On the people front, HCLTech has been recognized as a Top Employer in 26 countries and ranked No 1 in 15 countries. The company’s gender diversity stands at 29.1%, with women making up 44% of new hires and a 33% increase in differently-abled employee headcount.
HCLTech is part of the World’s Most Ethical Companies 2024 list by Ethisphere. The company has developed and enhanced its governance framework, including an AI Risk Management framework compliant with global standards and the establishment of an AI Governance Committee and Risk and Compliance Apex Committee (RCAC).
The company has received an ‘A-’ rating from CDP; been recognized by MSCI, Sustainalytics and S&P for its ESG efforts; achieved Gold rating from EcoVadis; and received a Gold award at the 3rd ICAI International Sustainability Reporting Awards. HCLTech was also included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 and ranked among the Top 10 Most Sustainable Companies in India.
Kirloskar Brothers partners with ‘Puneri Paltan’ for Pro Kabaddi League Season 11
National, 30th September 2024 : Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL), is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Puneri Paltan team for the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11. This partnership demonstrates KBL’s commitment to supporting indigenous sports as well as promoting and fostering a vibrant sporting culture in India.
PKL has emerged as one of India’s most popular sporting leagues, captivating millions of fans with its high-octane action. The league has played a significant role in elevating the profile of Kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport, both nationally and globally.
As a proud associate sponsor of Puneri Paltan, KBL is excited to be part of this exciting sporting spectacle. There are striking similarities between KBL and Kabaddi. As KBL marks 136 years of excellence, it’s noteworthy that the modern version of Kabaddi also traces its origins to the early 20th century. KBL products are known for their reliability, durability and innovation. Kabaddi embodies qualities of strength, intelligence, speed and strategy. Both KBL and Kabaddi carry the “Make in India” spirit and proudly represent Pune on the global stage.
Puneri Paltan, known for their strategic gameplay and exceptional defensive strengths have consistently showcased their dominance in the PKL. As winners of Season 10 and exceptional performance in previous PKL seasons have earned them a dedicated fan base and solidified their position as one of the top contenders in the league. PKL Season 11 is set to kick off on October 18, 2024, fans can expect intense competition and thrilling matches as 12 teams battle it out for the coveted championship title. KBL is confident that Puneri Paltan will continue to excel and make their fans proud.
Indian Education Sector Sees Surge in Cyberattacks: 8,000 Weekly, Double the Global Average – Check Point Threat Intelligence Report
New Delhi, 30th September 2024 — Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider, has unveiled finding of its latest Threat Intelligence Report for the last 6 months. The report revealed a startling increase in cyberattacks on the Indian education sector, with 8,195 attacks per week, more than double the global average of 3,355. After the education sector, the other most attacked industries were healthcare with 7,982 weekly attacks per organization, followed by Government/Military sector experiencing 4,590 attacks and the Consulting sector facing 4177 weekly attacks per organization.
The surge in attacks is largely attributed to the rapid shift to remote learning during COVID-19 and the continued digitization of education. Educational institutions in India are collecting and storing vast amounts of sensitive student data, including personal, academic, and financial information, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, coupled with the widespread adoption of online learning platforms, have expanded the digital footprint of these institutions, making them more vulnerable to data breaches. Cybercriminals are exploiting weak cybersecurity defenses in schools and universities to steal personally identifiable information (PII), often sold on the Dark Web.
Over the past six months, organizations in India have experienced an average of 3,244 cyberattacks per week, which is nearly double the global average of 1,657 attacks per organization. This stark contrast underscores the heightened vulnerability of Indian organizations in the face of escalating cyber threats.
The report highlights Fake Updates, Qbot, and Formbook as the most prevalent malware in India, with 54% of attacks delivered via email and 58% of email-borne attacks using .exe files. Information disclosure vulnerabilities have also affected 70% of Indian organizations, exposing critical data to threats.
The most common malware in India includes four botnets, one infostealer (Formbook), and one downloader (Fake Updates).
Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director for India and SAARC at Check Point Software Technologies, commented, “Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting critical sectors in India, particularly those handling vast amounts of personally identifiable information (PII), such as education, which often has wide attack surface. With the rise of Gen AI, these threats are poised to become even more severe especially as social engineering and phishing attacks escalate. The surge in attacks underscores the urgent need for organizations to strengthen their cyber security frameworks. Proactive measures, including robust defenses and continuous monitoring, are essential to safeguard sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.”
Zomato to support the training of 10,000 women for roles in logistics
New Delhi, 30th September 2024: Zomato today announced a target to support training of 10,000 women to empower them to participate in logistics in collaboration with non-profit and skilling sectors. The target was shared at a closed door roundtable conference event today titled, “Women in Logistics” at Le Meridien, New Delhi. The event brought together key industry stakeholders, including representatives from NGOs including Pratham, Azad Foundation, impact consulting firms such as FSG, Give Grants, and logistics companies such as Porter and Mahindra Logistics, to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in India’s growing hyper local and quick commerce economy.
The target announced today is a part of Zomato’s broader commitment to gender inclusion reflected in its flagship initiative, Project Arya. Started in 2021, the project aims to break gender barriers and provide women with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in logistics. As part of this initiative, Zomato has already successfully onboarded more than 2500 women in the delivery fleet. In addition to onboarding women in last-mile delivery, Zomato has also begun onboarding women in Hyperpure and Blinkit warehouses and dark stores with a target of 20% representation of women across the day-time shift in warehouses by the end of 2024.
The discussions at the event focused on the hurdles women face in gig work, such as safety concerns, access to infrastructure and training. Stakeholders shared their insights and innovative solutions to enhance women’s participation in the last-mile logistics.
Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Zomato, said, “Women today account for less than 10% of the overall delivery workforce despite the fact that ordering and delivery platforms offer a better balance of flexibility and earning potential than many other opportunities available to them. Zomato is eager to lead the change in this sector in collaboration with both government and non-governmental organizations that are working with women seeking to become self-reliant. Together, we believe we can create the right conditions for women to participate and benefit from the huge growth in the food ordering and delivery space and quick commerce.”
“We are excited to collaborate with Zomato towards the vision of making logistics more inclusive. Zomato’s Project Arya, which is designed to develop the ecosystem to support onboarding of more women as delivery partners, aligns with Give Grants’ mission of advising on social and environmental issues while creating shared value for both the business and society”, Sumit Tayal, CEO Give Grants
Vikram Jain, Managing Director at FSG said, “FSG’s GLOW (‘Growing Livelihood Opportunities for Women’) program has collaborated with Zomato to improve gender diversity in logistics roles, with a special focus on warehousing. At this roundtable conference, it’s been heartening to see the progress in terms of the increase in the number of women employed in warehouses. We’re convinced that, with supportive policies and corporate practices to make warehouses women-friendly, the sector can be a major driver in improving women’s labour workforce participation in India.”
In the last few years, Zomato has taken multiple steps to combat entry barriers for women in logistics. The company provides benefits like shorter distance deliveries, period rest leaves and maternity benefits to its female delivery partners. Zomato continues to launch initiatives with an objective of enabling greater participation of women in logistics.