Category Archives: Business

Unity in Diversity: The Fern Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Republic Day with Vibrant Celebrations

Mumbai, January 24, 2025: This Republic Day, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, invites guests to celebrate the nation’s spirit of unity, diversity, and shared heritage.

With vibrant tricolour-themed decorations, traditional music and dance performances and specially curated menus, select properties are set to offer unique experiences to honour India’s 76th Republic Day. Guests can enjoy culinary delights such as tricolour sandwiches, dumplings, and idlis, complemented by vibrant desserts and mocktails inspired by the Indian flag, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Through these specially curated offerings, The Fern Hotels & Resorts aims to create an experience that brings our guests closer to the heart of India and the ideals that make our nation truly great.

Celebrate the essence of India with The Fern Hotels & Resorts, where every detail reflects the pride and diversity of our great nation.

Barracuda Research Uncovers Tycoon 2FA Phishing Service Update to Prevent Security Inspection

India, January 24, 2025: Barracuda’s threat analysts have identified the widely used Tycoon 2FA Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) has been updated with a range of tactics designed to make it harder for security tools to confirm its malicious intent and inspect its webpages, according to a new research report. The findings underscore how PhaaS developers are investing significant resources into building advanced and evasive toolsets and templates to enable cyber attackers to quickly deploy complex and targeted phishing campaigns.

According to Barracuda threat analysts, around 30% of the credential attacks seen in 2024 made use of PhaaS and this is expected to rise to 50% in 2025.

Tycoon 2FA allows attackers to intercept and bypass two factor authentication (2FA) security measures by collecting and using Microsoft 365 session cookies. In early November 2024, Barracuda threat analysts noted a rise in the use of a new version of Tycoon 2FA that is stealthier than earlier editions and makes use of a range of sophisticated tactics to obstruct detection and analysis.

These tactics include:

● The use of legitimate — possibly compromised — email accounts to launch attacks

● Specially crafted source code to obstruct web page analysis

● Measures to block the use of automated security scripts and penetration-testing tools

● Listening for keystrokes that suggest web inspection and then blocking further activity

● Disabling the right-click menu that could reveal the web pages’ true intent

● Blocking users from copying meaningful text from the webpage for offline analysis

“Phishing has evolved into a complex and sophisticated attack vector that is increasingly well resourced,” said Deerendra Prasad, Associate Threat Analyst at Barracuda. “PhaaS groups play a key role in this new ecosystem, and we expect their role to increase. We have observed Tycoon 2FA used in numerous phishing campaigns over the past months and expect cyber attackers to continue to refine their methods to circumvent traditional security measures and thwart deeper analysis. It is essential to have agile and innovative multilayered defense strategies in place and foster a strong security culture to stay ahead of this ever-evolving threat.”

Dr.Jart+ Introduces the VHS Hydrating Lip Mask

Mumbai, January 2025: Say hello to smooth, plump, and perfectly hydrated lips with Dr.Jart+’s latest innovation—the VHS Hydrating Lip Mask! Combining science-backed skincare with playful design, this lip mask features a unique jelly texture that melts effortlessly into your lips, delivering a surge of hydration and nourishment. Packaged in an irresistible jelly bear jar, it’s the perfect blend of fun and functionality for your lip care routine.

The VHS Hydrating Lip Mask is enriched with hyaluronic acid, a superstar ingredient known for its unmatched hydrating properties. Hyaluronic acid works by locking in moisture and boosting the skin’s natural hydration levels, leaving your lips feeling soft, plump, and deeply moisturized. Perfect for repairing dry, chapped lips, this mask helps maintain a healthy lip barrier while delivering an instant hydration surge. With its quirky, retro-inspired packaging, the VHS Hydrating Lip Mask turns your lip care routine into something fresh and exciting.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Jelly-Soft Texture: The mask’s lightweight jelly formula glides onto your lips, instantly moisturizing and soothing dry or chapped skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid Boost: Packed with this hydration superstar, it locks in moisture, leaving your lips feeling plump, soft, and supple.
• Irresistible Packaging: Housed in a playful jelly bear jar, this lip mask is as fun to use as it is effective—perfect for your beauty shelf or a cute Instagram moment.
• Deep Repair: Strengthens the delicate lip barrier while delivering long-lasting hydration for a healthy, natural glow.

Coforge delivers another exceptional performance in Q3 FY25

Noida, January 24, 2025: Coforge Limited, a leading global IT solutions organization, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 (Q3 FY25).

Key Financial Highlights

• Revenue: INR 3,318.2 crore/ US$ 397.1 million
• Up 8.4% Q-o-Q and 40.3% Y-o-Y in constant currency (CC) terms
• Up 7.5% Q-o-Q and 40.8% Y-o-Y in USD terms
• Up 8.4% Q-o-Q and 42.8% Y-o-Y in INR terms
• EBITDA: INR 519.0 crore, up 29.3% YoY.
•  Adjusted PAT: INR 268.0 crore (Excl Minority), up 10.3% on a YoY basis
• The Board has recommended an interim dividend of INR 19/- per share, and the record date for this payout will be January 30th, 2025

“A 8.4% sequential cc growth, a 40.3% cc YoY growth in a seasonally weak quarter, four large deals in that same quarter, a concurrent and material sequential expansion of 122 bps in margins, a Cigniti business that has already touched an EBITDA margin of 17.3%, a large deals pipeline that is looking very robust and finally an ever strengthening next twelve month signed order book which now is 40% higher YoY gives us confidence that the coming year shall once again see robust and sustained growth.” said Sudhir Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Coforge Ltd

Key Business Highlights

• Order Intake: US$ 501 million – second consecutive quarter of US$ 500+ million order intake
• Sustained Large Deal Momentum: Four large deals signed this quarter across North America and ASEAN
• Headcount: stood at 33,094; net addition of 611 sequentially. Headcount has increased 16% organically since the beginning of the year
• Broad based growth across Americas (69.2%), EMEA (20.5%) and RoW (3.3%) YoY
• Cigniti business delivered 3.5% cc QoQ growth; EBITDA margin improved to 17.3%; up from 11% in Q4 FY24

Recognitions

• ISG recognized Coforge as a ‘Leader’ in the Insurance Services 2024 ‘ ISG Provider Lens Study – North America
• Nelson Hall recognized Cigniti, A Coforge Company, as a ‘Leader’ in NEAT Quality Engineering 2024 in the following categories – Overall, Gen AI Use Cases, AI-Based Analytics and Automation, RPA-Based Automation, Application Migration to Cloud Testing
• Nelson Hall recognized Coforge as a ‘Major Player’ in the Market Assessment on Transforming Core Banking Services in the AI & Analytics Services and Operation Services market segments
• ISG positioned Cigniti, A Coforge Company, as a ‘Leader’ in ISG Provider Lens™ – Next Gen ADM Services 2024 – Continuous Testing Specialist – US
• Everest Group positioned Cigniti, A Coforge Company, as ‘Leader’ in Quality Engineering Services for Mid-Market Enterprises PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024

Partnerships

• Coforge was announced as the winner of the Appian Europe 2024 Partner Impact and Excellence—Industry Award for Public Sector
• Coforge was awarded the Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider (AEMSP) status, third year in a row
• Coforge gained the Microsoft “Solutions Partner” designation for Data and AI

Awards

• The Coforge Public Library was honored as the Best Education Initiative for the General Public of the Year, at the prestigious Indian CSR Awards 2024.
• Coforge was recognized as one of India’s Best Workplaces in IT & IT-BPM 2024 by Great Place to Work third time in a row
• Coforge was recognized as one of the Most Preferred Workplaces for Women 2024-2025 by Marksmen Daily
• The Hyderabad campus of Coforge was awarded the coveted LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for Interior Design and Construction

Dabur Chyawanprash special CSR Initiative at Mysore

Mysore – 24 January 2025: Winter is one of the most awaited seasons in India, but it may also bring a plethora of diseases like Cold, Cough, and Respiratory problems to name a few; which are most prevalent in this season and usually occur due to low immunity. Chyawanprash is an around 3000-year-old & well-known Ayurvedic formulation that is used for boosting immunity and helps protect against common day-to-day infections like cough and cold. Dabur Chyawanprash contains many ‘Rasayana’ herbs which help in the prevention of a variety of infections through its immunomodulatory effects.

As part of its commitment to safeguard the health of future generations, Dabur Chyawanprash announced the launch of a mega awareness initiative aimed at securing the health of underprivileged kids across the country. Under this initiative, Dabur Chyawanprash, along with a renowned doctor, will conduct Immunity awareness sessions to educate children about the need to build a stronger immune system to fight against illnesses due to the changing season, common bacteria, and viruses.

The drive was flagged off in Mysore with a special session conducted for more than 150 kids from GHPS Gungral Chhatra llawala Hobli in Mysore With the esteemed Head Mistress, Mrs. Susheela, and Mr. Rajeev John, Marketing Head, Dabur India Ltd, Dinesh Kumar Dabur India Ltd & teachers from school attendance. The session was aimed at creating awareness among kids to fight illness in winter. The kids were also educated on ways to boost their immunity through basic hygiene and a nutritious diet.

Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Ltd, General Manager Marketing, Mr. Amit Garg said, “Dabur Chyawanprash has been committed to helping every Indian achieve the strongest immunity for over 100 years. This initiative is a leap forward towards this commitment. We are concerned about the cold wave that claims so many lives every year. Through this initiative, we will attempt to reach out to provide protection to underprivileged kids by highlighting the importance of Immunity besides providing Chyawanprash to these kids.”

Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, said, “During cycles of seasonal change, there is a sudden temperature variation, which leads to illnesses like cough, cold & flu. Enhancing immunity is an effective way to fight illnesses like cold, cough, respiratory problems, etc. Dabur Chyawanprash is an effective solution to boost one’s immunity needs through changing weather cycles.”

Under this campaign, Dabur Chyawanprash has joined hands with leading NGOs from 22 cities in India i.e. Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Patna, Gaya, Indore, Raipur, Pune, Aurangabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mysore, Nasik, Nagpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.

Inspira Enterprise Appoints Rajesh Ananthakrishnan as New President of Managed Security Services

Mumbai, 24 January 2025: Inspira Enterprise, a global cybersecurity services organization today announced the appointment of Rajesh Ananthakrishnan as President and Head of Managed Security Services. Rajesh, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the IT Security domain, will be responsible for accelerating the growth and strengthening Inspira’s Managed Security Services portfolio. Based in Chennai, Rajesh will enable organizations across the globe to bolster their defenses against ever-evolving threats with advanced Cybersecurity services from Inspira.

Having held extensive leadership roles in the cybersecurity space at multi-national organizations, Rajesh brings a unique blend of leadership skills and technical expertise to his role at Inspira. Prior to joining Inspira, Rajesh served as the General Manager at HCLTech where he was responsible for Security Monitoring & Incident Response, Security Operations, Threat & Vulnerability Management, and Security Assurance, among others. He has also worked with Wipro and Hewlett-Packard during his earlier years.

Commenting on the appointment, Chetan Jain, Managing Director, Inspira Enterprise., said, “We are pleased to welcome Rajesh Ananthakrishnan to our leadership team. With proven expertise in the cybersecurity space, Rajesh will be a key asset to address the security challenges faced by organizations worldwide as we continue to help these customers protect themselves in an ever-expanding threat landscape”

Rajesh Ananthakrishnan, President and Head of Managed Security Services at Inspira Enterprise states. “I am honored to join Inspira Enterprise and lead the organization’s managed security services team and associated innovative initiatives to excel in today’s complex cybersecurity space. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to develop and deliver cutting-edge MSS solutions that empower our customers to achieve exceptional security and resilience at all given times.”

Inspira’s Managed Security Services deliver a cost-effective and scalable solution to manage cybersecurity risks, detect threats, and respond in real-time, allowing organizations to focus on their core business. Inspira’s core services include Managed Detection and Response, Cloud Security Operations, Managed Identities and Access, Managed Risk and Compliance, Managed Infrastructure Operations, and Managed Threat & Vulnerability Management. Inspira has forged strategic alliances with industry leaders such as IBM, Palo Alto, Microsoft, Fortinet, Saviynt, and others in the industry to help its customers stay one step ahead of threats. The organization is expanding its service portfolio with innovative solutions while its proactive approach positions it as a forward-thinking partner in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity services.

CBM India Shares Insights on International Day of Education

Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India:

“Education is not just a fundamental right, it is the foundation for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. It has the power to transform lives, advance human potential, and unlock opportunities for all, especially for children and youth with disabilities who are often left behind. At CBM India, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education that empowers them to thrive and be active participants in their communities.

Inclusive education is about providing access and creating environments that meet every learner’s needs. Through our work, we strive to bridge gaps, partner with schools to create inclusive environments, support children with disabilities in their learning journey, and empower teachers with the tools and training they need to develop methods that reach and engage every student. We envision a future where education is a universal right, not a privilege, and no one is excluded from its transformative power.

On this International Day of Education, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive education and call upon governments, communities, and stakeholders to unite to ensure every child has access to learning opportunities. Together, let us promote equitable and accessible systems, and create environments where education makes it possible for every child to achieve their dreams. By working together, we can build a world where inclusive and equitable quality education drives positive change.”

Ram Mandir Documentary by Piramal & Tripathi Marks 1st Anniversary

24th January 2025: As Ayodhya observes the first anniversary of Ram Lalla’s ‘Pran Pratishtha,’ Amish Tripathi’s lauded documentary, ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’, continues to captivate audiences with widespread acclaim and growing viewership. Raking in an impressive viewership of 10 million, the documentary secured the 4th position among the most-watched unscripted shows, according to Ormax Media. It was also the Top-most liked by viewers. Hosted by Amish Tripathi, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the story of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, from the birth of Lord Ram till today, blending historical context with profound spiritual importance. It features insightful interviews with influential figures such as Former Home Minister L.K. Advani, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Chief Justice Bobde, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Archaeologist K K Muhammed, among others.

Reflecting on the documentary’s journey, Dilip Piramal said, “As we mark the anniversary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, I’m grateful for the continued appreciation and recognition this documentary has received from our viewers. This is a civilizational moment for India and Dharma.’

Amish Tripathi said, ‘This project was born from a sincere attempt to narrate the story of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple’s cultural significance and its reconstruction — a moment of pride and unity for all Indians. It’s humbling to witness the enduring impact that the documentary ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’ has created so far.’

Produced by Dilip Piramal, Immortal Studios (founded by bestselling author and diplomat Amish & and his wife Shivani), and Casa Media, the documentary employs a thorough narrative technique to provide a realistic and detailed portrayal of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The title music composed by Grammy-award winning Ricky Kej, and sung by legendary singers Sonu Nigam and Malini Awasthi, has struck a chord with audiences.

As Ayodhya commemorates this historic anniversary, ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’ continues to inspire meaningful conversations around India’s rich cultural heritage and history.

Pre-Budget Expectations Shobhit Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Stone Sapphire India Pvt Ltd

Mr. Shobhit Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Stone Sapphire India Pvt Ltd:

“As we look forward to the next Union Budget, we urge the government to focus on both sustainability and affordability for MSMEs, which are the future of India’s economy and sustainable growth. While the government has taken commendable steps in this direction, such as the PLI scheme for toys and the NAPT, much more needs to be done in terms of financial reforms to encourage MSMEs to become sustainable and innovative.

With India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, MSMEs, especially in the toy and sports industries, need to be empowered to adopt green practices. This would mean increasing access to financial incentives and government-backed programs such as RAMP, TEQUP, and ZED certifications, which enable MSMEs to adopt green technologies and reduce their carbon footprint.

However, MSMEs still struggle to access timely and affordable credit with a mere 14% credit penetration compared to the global average. The government should simplify the loan application process and consider alternative financing options like government-backed P2P lending platforms and credit insurance schemes that will bridge this gap. A compliance framework simplified and tailored to the needs of MSMEs will also ease the regulatory burden on businesses, helping them focus on growth and sustainability.

Present-day consumers are very conscious about their environment and so MSMEs should take advantage of this and support the sustainability movement that is trending globally; thereby not only marketing themselves better but also securing some loyal customers as well as overseas partnerships. Long-term growth is only achievable through the government, which needs to offer the necessary financial support and policy measures that can enable MSMEs to succeed sustainably in the competitive international market.”

Dr. Ranoj Pegu Launches ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, January 24, 2025: The Government of Assam, in partnership with FICCI as the Industry Partner, hosted the ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ Hyderabad Roadshow on January 23rd, 2025; at Hotel Taj Krishna. The Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025, to be held on February 25 and 26, 2025; in Guwahati, aims to position Assam as a leading investment hub and gateway to Southeast Asia. Assam with its enhanced infrastructure, natural resources, and a single-window clearance system for investors, is primed for transformational growth. The Roadshow at Hyderabad was hosted to build momentum toward the Summit.

Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Minister of School Education, Higher Education, Tribal Affairs (Plain), Government of Assam; delivered a special address on ‘Advantage Assam’ at the Hyderabad Roadshow on ‘ADVANTAGE ASSAM 2.0 SUMMIT 2025’, highlighting the economic transformation of Assam and its investor-friendly policies, while inviting investments from across diverse sectors.

Senior officials from the Government of Assam addressed the gathering of potential investors on the state’s pro-investment policies and engaged in direct discussions with the potential investors. Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Additional Chief Secretary, spoke about Investment Opportunities and the Tourism Sector in Assam and K. S. Gopinath Narayan, Principal Secretary (IT) addressed the gathering on Opportunities in AI-VR Tech for an immersive experience to boost IT. Oinam S Singh, Commissioner, Industries & Commerce, and Mr. V V Rama Raju, Co-Chairman, FICCI Telangana State Council & Founder & Managing Director, Gaja Engineering Private Ltd.; also spoke on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering Minister Pegu said, ‘We have already seen tremendous interest from national and international players in Assam’s potential. The Hyderabad Roadshow will continue this momentum, connecting us with the brightest minds and businesses that can help shape Assam’s journey as a top investment destination. Assam has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, redefining itself in terms of communication, infrastructure, and industrial development. Today, we proudly present Aspirational Assam—a rapidly developing, forward-looking state poised for a brighter future.’

The Minister further deliberated on harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize the education sector. ‘An AI-driven management system for schools has been introduced, enabling real-time updates on every student’s performance and fostering seamless communication between teachers and parents. Our commitment to restructuring the educational landscape is evident through significant investments’, stated the Minister.

He added that the number of medical and engineering colleges has been expanded, with even more institutions set to open by 2026-27. Minister Pegu stated, ‘We are also proud to announce the commissioning of a dedicated university for Science and Technology and another exclusively focused on new-age technologies like AI and ML, which will soon become operational. In the past decade, 25% of the population has been lifted out of multi-dimensional poverty, laying a strong foundation for sustained progress. Assam is on the cusp of rapid industrial growth, and we invite you to explore the opportunities in East India, particularly Assam. The mindset of the people has shifted—they are more welcoming and eager to drive growth within the state. The State Government has also established the Assam Skill University, dedicated to skilling students and creating an employable workforce. The Government of Assam is committed to supporting industries by ensuring a steady supply of skilled manpower and providing a robust framework of assistance, incentives, and subsidies for those ready to invest in our state. We warmly welcome you to witness the rise and be part of the new Assam, journey as a dynamic, aspirational, and ready to take its place as a hub of innovation and industrial progress’, said the Minister.

Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy said, Assam has achieved extraordinary economic growth over the last decade, doubling its economy from $29 billion to $68 billion, with an ambitious goal of reaching $130 billion by 2030. The growth rate outpaces the national average by 2%, showcasing Assam’s determination to catch up and even surpass expectations. Our tax revenue growth hit an impressive 25% last year, reflecting the state’s robust financial momentum. To further boost our economic landscape, the Government of Assam is establishing multi-modal logistic parks that will connect Assam to the entire South East Asian region, attracting significant interest from investors. Assam is also making an unprecedented ₹1 lakh crore investment in mega infrastructure projects, which will transform the region into a vital economic hub. With six operational airports and more in the pipeline, connectivity across the state and beyond is being strengthened like never before. In a landmark development, the Tata Group has invested in a semiconductor unit in Assam. Beyond this, they are partnering with us to equip the youth of Assam with industry-relevant skills through ITIs and polytechnic institutes, ensuring a skilled workforce that’s ready to meet the demands of global industries. Assam is not just growing; it’s thriving. ‘We invite you to be a part of this journey as we emerge as a gateway to South East Asia, brimming with opportunities and promise’, stated Chakravarthy.

Principal Secretary (IT) K. S. Gopinath Narayan said, Assam’s industrial policy is designed to be bold and aggressive, offering investor-friendly incentive schemes that make doing business here seamless and rewarding. We are deeply committed to fostering investor growth and building a strong partnership that leads to shared prosperity. With a vision to create an environment where businesses can thrive, Assam is paving the way for mutual success and sustainable development. Together, let’s unlock the immense potential of this dynamic state and achieve new heights of progress.

Commissioner of Industries and Commerce Oinam Sarankumar Singh said that Assam has an exhaustive basket of investor friendly policies. The industry policies of Assam are the most enabling ecosystem any state can offer.

V V Rama Raju, Co-Chairman, FICCI Telangana State Council & Managing Director, Gaja Engineering Private Ltd. said, the state of Assam is rapidly emerging as a key driver of India’s economic growth, carving out a pivotal role in the nation’s development. With dynamic advancements across diverse sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, defence, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and food processing, Assam is making its mark on the global map. Today, Assam stands tall as a bright and promising destination for investors, offering unparalleled opportunities in a region brimming with potential. With its strategic location, rich resources, and forward-thinking initiatives, Assam is not just growing—it’s transforming into a beacon of progress and innovation.

The Hyderabad Roadshow laid emphasis on Assam’s strategic strengths in key industries including Electronics and Semiconductors; Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing; Renewable Energy; Pharmaceuticals and Food Processing and Tourism and Hospitality.

Assam has witnessed unprecedented growth, bolstered by over ₹ 65,000 crore in infrastructural investments since 2014. Some of the key initiatives undertaken by the Government include:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Tata Group’s establishing India’s first Semiconductor Assembly and Test Unit in Jagiroad.
• Infrastructure Development: Six-lane highways, bridges over the Brahmaputra River, and digital connectivity initiatives.
• Healthcare and Education: Partnering with the Tata Trust for world-class cancer care and the establishment of 23 medical colleges.

The Hyderabad Roadshow marks a significant step in realizing Assam’s vision of inclusive economic development and global investment partnerships. With its unparalleled growth story, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies, Assam invites industries across sectors to be a part of its transformational journey.