5, Mar 2026
PPDS announces appointment of experienced AV/IT professional Jonas Fjeld as Country Sales Manager for Philips Professional Displays in the ‘thriving’ Norwegian market
Jonas Field
Amsterdam, Mar 5: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the appointment of sought-after AV professional, Jonas Field, to lead its next wave of growth in the Norwegian market.
Accepting the role of Country Sales Manager for Philips Professional Displays, Jonas brings more than 10 years of hands on, top tier AV/IT knowledge and experience, and is a highly regarded and commercially driven industry professional. Throughout his career, he has built strong relationships across the channel, including distributors, integrators, consultants, and end customers.
Based in Oslo, and reporting to Roeland Scholten, PPDS Sales Director for Benelux and Nordics, Jonas will take ownership of the commercial strategy for Philips Professional Displays in Norway. His focus will include expanding distributor partnerships, increasing brand visibility within the channel, supporting partners with targeted go to market initiatives, and driving market share growth across key verticals.
Total market solutions
Jonas joins PPDS as the AV market in Norway continues to flourish, with rising demand for high quality AV solutions in markets such as corporate, education, and entertainment due to a growing need for video conferencing, digital signage, and live event production, including LED.
PPDS has maintained an upward trajectory in the country – and the Nordics region – in recent years, with sales of Philips digital signage, ePaper, interactive displays, and dvLED surpassing expectations, while Philips hotel TVs continue to be firmly established as a brand of choice for the hospitality industry. Sister brand, AOC, was also recently named as Norway’s market leader for home and office monitors.
Jonas will work closely with the full AV channel, including distributors, system integrators, AV/IT teams, designers/architects, among others, to identify new market and project opportunities, ensuring PPDS remains a key choice for tenders, big and small, across all market verticals, including retail, corporate, hospitality, transportation, control rooms, public venues, and broadcast.
Seizing opportunity
Discussing his appointment, Jonas commented: “PPDS has become a major force in Norway, and I am excited to seize this opportunity to join such a flexible and forward thinking company with a great team. I believe that, with my skillset and understanding of the market, backed by the incredible portfolio of Philips Professional Displays and associated software and solutions, together we can achieve great things.”
Roeland Scholten added: “In a competitive market, we need strong leaders and personalities to move forward and get where we want to be. Jonas has an impeccable background, working at some of the industry’s most established manufacturers and distributors, and has demonstrated from day one that he is the right fit for PPDS, sharing our values and ambitions. I am delighted to welcome Jonas to the team.”
- 0
- By Neel Achary
5, Mar 2026
ICAI Launches Data Protection Compliance & Audit Certification (DPCAC) at Centre of Excellence, Hyderabad
New Delhi, Mar 05: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), through its Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (DAAB), has launched the inaugural batches of the Data Protection Compliance & Audit Certification (DPCAC) programme at the ICAI Centre of Excellence. The certification programme received an overwhelming response from members, with over 100 registrations from 16 states in its very first offering.
Due to the strong participation, two batches were commenced simultaneously, highlighting the increasing professional demand in the fields of data protection, governance, and digital assurance.
The DPCAC course has been designed in line with the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which establishes a structured compliance framework for the processing and protection of digital personal data in India. The certification aims to build professional capacity in data protection compliance, governance frameworks, consent management, technical safeguards, and audit methodologies.
Speaking on this milestone, Prasanna Kumar D, President of ICAI, emphasised the importance of strengthening professional capabilities in emerging domains such as data protection and digital governance.
He said,
“DPCAC is a forward-looking initiative designed to build capacity in compliance, digital governance and emerging practice areas such as data protection audits and Virtual DPO services. Through a blend of legal insight and practical application, this certification will strengthen professional competence, enhance stakeholder trust and reinforce the profession’s role in nation-building.”
Mangesh Pandurang Kinare, Vice-President of ICAI, added,
“The launch of DPCAC marks an important step in strengthening the profession’s preparedness for emerging regulatory frameworks. Data governance is no longer optional; it is integral to organisational accountability. Chartered Accountants are uniquely positioned to provide assurance and advisory services in this evolving landscape, and this programme equips members with the competencies required to lead in this domain.”
The three-day programme includes structured modules, application-based use cases, and a capstone project, supported by assessment mechanisms designed to ensure both conceptual clarity and practical competence.
Alongside this initiative, ICAI is also developing Information Systems Audit Standards (ISAS) to strengthen audit processes within India’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. As the first accounting body globally to introduce such standards, ICAI aims to empower Chartered Accountants to deliver world-class digital assurance. The ISAS framework will cover key areas such as IT governance, risk management, internal controls, cybersecurity, and digital data protection, including dedicated auditing standards on cybersecurity and digital data.
These initiatives underscore the evolving role of Chartered Accountants in the digital economy, extending beyond traditional financial reporting to strategic governance advisory roles. Through programmes such as DPCAC, ICAI reaffirms its commitment to equipping members with future-ready skills aligned with India’s rapidly advancing digital and regulatory landscape.
5, Mar 2026
Goa, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Honoured at PATWA Travel Awards, ITB Berlin 2026
Receiving the recognition, the Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A Khaunte stated
5, Mar 2026
Salzer Advances India’s Smart Electricity Metering Ecosystem with Wirepas Certified Platform
Coimbatore, India Mar 05: Salzer has announced the integration of Wirepas Certified platform into its smart electricity meters, delivering next-generation metering solutions that help utilities operate more efficiently and intelligently. This adoption highlights Salzer’s commitment to innovation, interoperability and building resilient energy infrastructure across India.
The Wirepas Certified platform allows Salzer meters to form a self-optimizing, collaborative network, automatically adjusting to ensure uninterrupted data flow across urban, rural and mixed infrastructure environments. Utilities benefit from reliable performance without the need for extensive additional infrastructure, enabling smarter energy management at every scale.
“Smart metering is about empowering utilities with accurate, reliable and adaptable technology,” said Lakshminarayana (LN), Vice President at Salzer. “With the Wirepas Certified platform, we can offer solutions that not only meet current industry standards but are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow’s grids. This partnership strengthens our vision of creating truly intelligent energy systems.”
Sebastian Pellorce, SVP AMI India at Wirepas, added, “Salzer’s adoption of the Wirepas Certified platform demonstrates a forward-looking approach to smart metering. It’s about building networks that utilities can trust for years to come.”
By leveraging the platform’s adaptive capabilities, Salzer meters work together to ensure network resilience, scalability and operational efficiency, helping utilities deliver consistent service to customers while reducing operational complexity.
5, Mar 2026
ISB Online’s Certificate Programme in IT Project Management: Shaping Future Talent in an AI-Driven Landscape
March 05: As artificial intelligence continues to transform business operations, new industry research shows that AI is rapidly reshaping how projects are planned, executed, and delivered. AI-enabled project management tools are now driving significant improvements in delivery speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency. According to analyses citing Gartner data, AI-assisted planning can achieve up to 82% greater timeline prediction accuracy compared with traditional manual methods. Meanwhile, McKinsey’s State of AI Report reveals that 23% of organisations are already scaling agentic AI systems—AI capable of planning and executing multi-step workflows—across at least one business function, while another 39% are actively experimenting with these technologies.
These advancements are increasingly supporting key project management functions such as planning, scheduling, risk detection, and cross-team coordination in complex environments.
Recognising this shift, ISB Online, the digital learning platform of the Indian School of Business (ISB)—ranked #1 in India and #12 globally in the FT Global MBA Rankings 2026—has introduced its Certificate Programme in IT Project Management, designed to equip professionals with the capabilities needed to succeed in AI-enabled project ecosystems.
Now entering its 22nd batch, the programme focuses on building end-to-end project lifecycle expertise, covering project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, risk management, and closure. The curriculum aims to prepare professionals to deliver projects that generate measurable business outcomes in increasingly technology-driven environments.
Participants gain hands-on exposure to emerging technologies and industry-standard tools through live masterclasses on Agentic AI and Generative AI, along with practical training on platforms such as MS Project, JIRA, Asana, and @RISK. This combination enables learners to develop data-driven decision-making capabilities while strengthening project execution skills.
Designed for professionals looking to transition into or advance in project leadership roles, the programme blends structured frameworks with real-world case studies, collaborative peer learning, and a capstone project focused on practical application. Delivered by experienced faculty with both academic and industry expertise, the programme emphasises workplace relevance and strategic thinking.
Beyond technical training, participants also benefit from a diverse peer network that includes professionals from IT services, consulting, finance, retail, and other sectors—creating opportunities for cross-industry insights and collaborative learning.
Through the programme, participants will be able to:
-
Apply agile practices and governance models to manage complex projects effectively
-
Prepare for PMP certification through a module offering the 35 Professional Development Units (PDUs) authorised by PMI
-
Use industry-relevant project management tools and software to plan and track project progress
-
Build end-to-end project plans across the full software development life cycle
-
Strengthen capabilities in scheduling, monitoring, risk control, and performance evaluation
-
Apply learning through a hands-on project management simulation aligned with real-world scenarios
Graduates also become part of the ISB Online Network of more than 49,000 professionals, gaining continued access to networking opportunities, industry events, and career support.
In an era where AI is redefining how projects are managed and evaluated, the programme aims to equip professionals not only to adapt to change but also to lead digital transformation initiatives with confidence and strategic impact.
Programme Details
-
Start Date: 31 March 2026
-
Duration: 12 Weeks
-
Format: Online (4–6 hours of weekly effort)
-
Eligibility: Any graduate or diploma holder
Today’s IT project leaders are expected to do far more than manage timelines and budgets. They must influence stakeholders, navigate uncertainty, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable business outcomes in rapidly evolving environments.
The ISB Online Certificate Programme in IT Project Management aims to bridge this gap by providing professionals with the tools, frameworks, and leadership mindset required to move from execution to strategic influence in modern project ecosystems.
5, Mar 2026
NETSCOUT Report Highlights Rising Sophistication and Scale of Global DDoS Attacks
Bengaluru, Mar 5: NETSCOUT Systems, Inc. has released its DDoS Threat Intelligence Report for the second half of 2025, revealing significant shifts in the scale, sophistication, and coordination of Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks worldwide. According to the report, more than eight million DDoS attacks were recorded across 203 countries and territories, with some attacks reaching sizes of up to 30 terabits per second (Tbps).
The findings indicate a new era of hyper-scale cyber threats driven by AI adoption, coordinated botnets, and persistent hacktivist groups. The rapid growth of DDoS-for-hire services is also enabling a wider range of threat actors to launch complex attacks, increasing operational risks for digitally connected enterprises and organizations.
Security experts warn that the implications extend beyond large-scale traffic floods. Attackers are now leveraging reconnaissance techniques and adaptive evasion strategies, challenging traditional security defenses and requiring organizations to adopt intelligent and automated protection systems.
“Threat actors actively target organizations that lack advanced defenses to withstand sophisticated and coordinated DDoS attacks that can disrupt critical infrastructure,” said Richard Hummel, Director of Threat Intelligence at NETSCOUT. “Traditional security measures are no longer sufficient. As attack size and complexity reach new levels, automated and proactive defenses are now essential business safeguards rather than just technical tools.”
Key Findings from the Report
-
Massive Global Attack Volume: Over eight million DDoS attacks were detected across 203 countries and territories in the second half of 2025.
-
Multi-Vector Attack Strategies: Around 42% of attacks involved two to five attack vectors, with some dynamically adapting during the attack to evade detection.
-
Impact on Broadband and Mobile Providers: Compromised IoT devices and customer-premises equipment generated outbound traffic floods exceeding 1 Tbps, posing risks for service providers.
-
Critical Infrastructure Targeted: High-value services such as NTP and DNS systems continue to experience sustained attack pressure, emphasizing the need for resilient network architectures.
-
Growing Threat Actor Collaboration: A surge of more than 20,000 botnet-driven attacks in July 2025 demonstrated how coordinated campaigns can overwhelm defenses and disrupt government, finance, and transportation systems.
-
Persistent Hacktivist Activity: Despite international efforts to dismantle DDoS-for-hire platforms, hacktivist groups and botnet operators continue to operate and evolve.
-
AI-Driven Threat Expansion: The report highlights a 219% increase in discussions of malicious AI tools across underground forums, with threat actors using large language models (LLMs) to accelerate vulnerability discovery and botnet expansion.
NETSCOUT monitors the global DDoS landscape through passive internet vantage points, offering deep visibility into attack trends. For more than 15 years, the company has provided intelligence based on directly observed attack traffic, ensuring consistent and verifiable analysis.
The company currently protects two-thirds of the routed IPv4 internet, securing network edges that carried peak global traffic of over 800 Tbps during the second half of 2025. Its monitoring infrastructure spans 376 industry sectors and 12,698 Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs), enabling the detection of tens of thousands of DDoS attacks daily.
Resources
-
Download the NETSCOUT DDoS Threat Intelligence Report H2 2025
-
View real-time attack insights on the NETSCOUT Cyber Threat Horizon platform
5, Mar 2026
Nykaa Reinforces Korean Beauty Portfolio with Exclusive Launch of Illiyoon
Mumbai, Mar 05: Nykaa has strengthened its leadership in the Korean beauty category with the exclusive launch of Illiyoon, a renowned dermocosmetic brand from Amorepacific. The launch marks a significant milestone in the decade-long strategic partnership between the two companies and expands Nykaa’s growing portfolio of Korean skincare brands in India.
Nykaa has been instrumental in bringing Korean beauty innovations to India since 2016, beginning with the introduction of Innisfree through its collaboration with Amorepacific. Over the years, the platform has introduced several globally popular K-beauty brands including Laneige, COSRX, Sulwhasoo and Aestura, helping shape India’s rapidly expanding Korean skincare ecosystem.
The debut of Illiyoon further strengthens Nykaa’s Korean beauty offering, introducing Indian consumers to a brand known for its barrier-focused, clinically proven dermocosmetic formulations designed for both face and body care. The brand’s products focus on strengthening the skin barrier, improving moisture retention and delivering long-lasting hydration through advanced skincare science.
The growing popularity of Korean beauty in India reflects changing consumer preferences. According to the Nykaa Beauty Trends Report developed with Redseer, Indian consumers are increasingly seeking gentle, clinically backed skincare products that support long-term skin health. With greater awareness around barrier protection, sensitivity and clean formulations, demand for science-led dermocosmetics is steadily rising.
Illiyoon’s formulations feature patented technologies such as Soy-Ceramide and Ceramide Skin Complex™ 2.0, designed to reinforce skin resilience and support healthier-looking skin. Among its most popular offerings are the ATO Lotion and ATO Concentrate Cream, known for their gentle, fragrance-free formulas suitable for sensitive and dry skin across age groups.
Over the past decade, Nykaa has built one of India’s largest Korean beauty portfolios through its dedicated Korean Beauty Store online and a network of over 280 retail stores nationwide, enabling wider access to premium global skincare brands.
Commenting on the launch, Anchit Nayar, Executive Director and CEO, Nykaa Beauty, said the partnership with Amorepacific has played a key role in shaping India’s K-beauty landscape.
“Our decade-long partnership with Amorepacific has played a defining role in shaping India’s K-beauty journey. Together, we have introduced beloved brands like Laneige, Aestura, Innisfree, Sulwhasoo and COSRX to Indian consumers, catalysing the K-beauty phenomenon in the country. The launch of Illiyoon marks the next chapter in this journey as Indian consumers increasingly prioritise barrier health and sensitive-skin solutions,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Paul Lee, Managing Director and Country Head, Amorepacific India, said the company values its long-standing collaboration with Nykaa.
“We deeply value our decade-long partnership with Nykaa, through which we have played a meaningful role in introducing and shaping the K-Beauty movement in India. With consumers becoming more informed and ingredient-conscious, demand for clinically proven, barrier-focused skincare continues to grow. Following the successful launch of Aestura, we are delighted to introduce Illiyoon as our second K-derma brand in collaboration with Nykaa,” he said.
Illiyoon has launched in India with a curated range of globally trusted products including ATO Lotion, ATO Concentrate Cream, ATO Top to Toe Wash, ATO Gentle Toner, Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, Fresh Moisture Lotion, and Stretch Mark Cream.
The brand is now available exclusively on Nykaa’s website and mobile app, offering Indian consumers access to advanced Korean dermatological skincare designed for comfort, hydration and long-term skin health.
5, Mar 2026
Mountain Goat Adventure Festival & 13th Winter Expedition 2026 Concludes with Kärcher India as Official Wash Partner
Mar 05: The 13th edition of the Mountain Goat Winter Expedition 2026 recently concluded, marking another milestone for India’s endurance-driven automotive adventure community. Organized as part of the Mountain Goat Adventure Festival, the expedition took place from February 15 to February 22, 2026, bringing together a convoy of passionate off-roaders on an extraordinary journey across some of the most challenging terrains in South Asia.
Participants navigated through the high-altitude deserts of Leh-Ladakh, the rugged mountain ridges of Himachal Pradesh, and the hidden trails of Upper Mustang in Nepal and Bhutan, making the expedition a true test of endurance, machine reliability, and driving skill.
Kärcher India: The Motor Enthusiast’s Trusted Ally
Supporting the expedition this year as the Official Wash Partner, Kärcher India played a crucial role in maintaining vehicles under extreme environmental conditions. Known globally for its pioneering high-pressure cleaning technology, the brand ensured that participants’ vehicles remained expedition-ready despite the harsh Himalayan terrain.
Founded by Alfred Kärcher, the company introduced Europe’s first hot-water high-pressure washer in 1950, setting the benchmark for modern cleaning technology. As the brand celebrates 90 years of innovation in 2025–26, it continues to lead the global pressure washer market and holds recognition from Guinness World Records for its industry leadership.
Built for Extreme Conditions
For the off-roaders participating in the expedition, reliable maintenance equipment was critical. Traversing snow-covered passes, muddy trails, and icy landscapes exposes vehicles to abrasive debris that can impact performance and mechanical reliability.
Kärcher’s high-pressure cleaning systems helped remove mud, snow, and slush from vehicles, adventure bikes, and equipment—ensuring that drivers could focus on navigating the challenging routes rather than worrying about maintenance issues.
Founders on the Collaboration
Reflecting on the partnership and the growing scale of the expedition, the founders of Mountain Goat emphasized the importance of collaboration in extreme environments.
“As we enter the 13th Winter Expedition in 2026, Mountain Goat continues to push boundaries across newer terrains and tougher conditions. Strong partnerships play a key role in enhancing the expedition experience. In environments where mud, snow, and slush are constant challenges, maintaining vehicles becomes essential not just for performance, but for pride. This collaboration ensures our participants stay expedition-ready throughout the journey,” said Shashwat Gupta and Suraj Tayal, Co-Founders of Mountain Goat.
A Celebration of Endurance and Exploration
The Mountain Goat Winter Expedition has steadily grown into one of India’s most respected endurance-driven automotive adventures, attracting enthusiasts who seek both the thrill of exploration and the camaraderie of a shared journey.
With world-class partners, extreme terrains, and a spirit of adventure, the 13th Winter Expedition 2026 reaffirmed Mountain Goat’s position as a premier platform for off-road exploration and community-driven automotive experiences.
5, Mar 2026
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens New Showroom in 4th Block Jayanagar, Marking 23 showrooms in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru, Mar 05: Malabar Gold & Diamonds launched its new showroom in 4th Block Jayanagar on February 28, 2026, further strengthening its presence in Karnataka’s capital. With this addition, the brand will operate 23 showrooms in Bengaluru and 45 showrooms of Karnataka & Goa region, reflecting its continued expansion across key urban markets in the state.
The showroom was inaugurated by, C.K. Ramamurthy, MLA of Jayanagar, along with Cine Actress Srinidhi Shetty, in the presence of Mr. O Asher, Managing Director – India Operations, Mr. Addulla, Director MGDL & Mr. Filsor Babu, Regional Head – Karnataka, Management Team Members, customers and well-wishers.
Located in the well-established commercial hub of Jayanagar 4th Block, 33rd Cross, Bengaluru, the upcoming showroom has been designed to deliver a structured and comfortable jewellery retail experience, aligned with Malabar’s service standards and transparent buying practices. The store will showcase a comprehensive range of gold, diamond, platinum, and gemstone jewellery, including signature collections curated for bridal, festive, every day, and contemporary preferences. Additionally, as part of the store launch, Malabar is offering an exclusive inaugural offer. Customers can take home free silver coins with every purchase from Feb 28th to March 8th, 2026 (T&C Apply)
Commenting on the launch, M. P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said,
“Bengaluru continues to be a key market for us, supported by a strong appreciation for design, craftsmanship, and assured buying standards. The Jayanagar showroom allows us to strengthen accessibility within a well-established residential and commercial neighbourhood, while continuing to offer wider collections and consistent service.”
Across its network, Malabar Gold & Diamonds follows uniform customer assurance practices, including transparent billing with detailed break-ups, HUID-compliant gold, certified diamonds, and consistent pricing policies. With the Jayanagar launch, the brand continues to align its retail formats to evolving customer expectations while maintaining structured quality and process standards.
5, Mar 2026
Tiger Analytics Launches AI Enablement Initiative Across Engineering Colleges in Bihar
Muzzfarpur, Mar 05: Tiger Analytics, a global enterprise AI and analytics consulting firm, in partnership with Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Utthan Evam Samaj Kalyan Sansthan (ABYUESKS) & Enqurious, a next-gen Data and AI skilling and talent enablement company, conducted a two-day Data Analytics workshop at Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology (MIT) on February 10th and 11th, 2026.
The workshop, attended by over 100 students, marks the first step in Tiger Analytics’ broader vision to train and enable thousands of students from engineering colleges across Bihar in AI technologies over the next two years. Mahesh Kumar, Founder and CEO of the company, and a native Bihar, has been a strong advocate of this initiative. Several additional workshops are planned across engineering institutions in the state in the upcoming months.The workshop curriculum was jointly designed and delivered by Tiger Analytics and Enquirous. It focused on strengthening analytical and AI foundations, developing structured problem-solving capabilities, and exposing students to real-world industry use cases. The sessions were led by Sunil Kumar of Enqurious & Rakesh Sriramula of Tiger Analytics. Students responded enthusiastically, particularly appreciating the hands-on exercises and practical industry insights.
“Bihar has always been a powerhouse of intellectual talent,” said Mahesh Kumar, CEO of Tiger Analytics. “Our goal is to ensure that these students are not only academically strong, but also industry-ready to thrive in the global AI and data economy.”
“Partnering with MIT Muzaffarpur has been an incredible experience,” said Amit Choudhary, CEO and Founder of Enqurious. “By combining the industry depth of Tiger Analytics with the enablement frameworks of Enqurious, we are empowering students to solve complex, real-world problems from day one.”
