Category Archives: News

Gartner Forecasts AI-Driven Surge in Cyber Threat Speed, Slashing Exploit Time by 50%

STAMFORD, Conn., March 20, 2025 — By 2027, AI agents will reduce the time it takes to exploit account exposures by 50% according to Gartner, Inc.

“Account takeover (ATO) remains a persistent attack vector because weak authentication credentials, such as passwords, are gathered by a variety of means including data breaches, phishing, social engineering and malware,” said Jeremy D’Hoinne, VP Analyst at Gartner. “Attackers then leverage bots to automate a barrage of login attempts across a variety of services in the hope that the credentials have been reused on multiple platforms.”

AI agents will enable automation for more steps in ATO, from social engineering based on deepfake voices, to end-to-end automation of user credential abuses.

Because of this, vendors will introduce products web, app, API and voice channels to detect, monitor and classify interactions involving AI agents.

“In the face of this evolving threat, security leaders should expedite the move toward passwordless phishing-resistant MFA,” said Akif Khan, VP Analyst at Gartner. “For customer use cases in which users may have a choice of authentication options, educate and incentivize users to migrate from passwords to multidevice passkeys where appropriate.”

Defending Against The Rise and Expansion of Social Engineering Attacks

Along with ATO, technology-enabled social engineering will also pose a significant threat to corporate cybersecurity. Gartner predicts 40% of social engineering attacks will target executives as well as the broader workforce by 2028. Attackers are now combining social engineering tactics with counterfeit reality techniques, such as deepfake audio and video, to deceive employees during calls.

Although only a few high-profile cases have been reported, these incidents have underscored the credibility of the threat and resulted in substantial financial losses for victim organizations. The challenge of detecting deepfakes is still in its early stages, particularly when applied to the diverse attack surfaces of real-time person-to-person voice and video communications across various platforms.

“Organizations will have to stay abreast of the market, and adapt procedures and workflows in an attempt to better resist attacks leveraging counterfeit reality techniques,” said Manuel Acosta, Sr. Director Analyst at Gartner. “Educating employees about the evolving threat landscape by using training specific to social engineering with deepfakes is a key step.”

Airtel Enhances Network Coverage to Handle IPL Season’s High Demand

Bangalore, March 20, 2025: In preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) matches scheduled from March 22, 2025, Bharti Airtel has made comprehensive arrangements at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Its efforts will ensure a seamless network experience for the anticipated crowd of nearly 100,000 cricketing fans during the matches.

Airtel has enhanced all its existing sites around the stadium and strategically installed one macro along with two Cell On Wheels (COW) sites within the stadium vicinity. This augmentation will significantly improve voice and data connectivity for Airtel customers attending the matches. The network upgrades have been strategically planned to accommodate the expected high volume of spectators.

Speaking on the readiness, Rajnish Verma, CEO – Karnataka, Bharti Airtel, said As M. Chinnaswamy stadium gets ready to host the much-awaited cricket tournament, we’ve reinforced our mobile network to manage the anticipated crowd. Spectators can look forward to seamless connectivity, keeping them connected and sharing the excitement live.”

To offer a seamless and ubiquitous network experience across Bangalore city, extensive network optimization has been conducted at the airport, railway stations and all key locations in the city. All the key premium hotels in and around the city have also undergone comprehensive network assessments to enhance coverage.

Airtel has taken measures specifically for the IPL and have augmented its network across all the stadiums in the country to cater to the cricket fever starting from March and continuing on till May 2025.

The Essential Role of Awarding Bodies in Skill Development: Spotlight on the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council

By- Mr. Mohd. Tameem Alam, Assistant Manager – Assessment & Certification

Awarding bodies, such as the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), play a critical role in India’s skill development ecosystem. As a Sector Skill Council, THSC is responsible for assessing and certifying candidates to meet industry standards, ensuring fair and accurate evaluations. By bridging the gap between skill acquisition and workforce demands in sectors like tourism and hospitality, THSC significantly contributes to creating a skilled and job-ready workforce.

 Establishing Industry Standards
THSC collaborates with industry leaders, trainers, and subject-matter experts to develop robust guidelines and assessment frameworks. These standards ensure that candidates acquire the knowledge and competencies necessary to thrive in the evolving tourism and hospitality sectors. A certification from THSC goes beyond being a formal credential—it serves as a credible endorsement of a candidate’s ability to perform essential job tasks, enhancing both their employability and professional credibility.

  Since its inception, THSC has conducted over 14.5 lakhs assessments and developed a pool of more than 650 certified assessors who evaluate candidates across various job roles. This extensive experience underscores THSC’s commitment to maintaining quality and relevance in skill certification.

 Key Job Roles Certified by THSC
THSC’s certification programs focus on a wide range of critical job roles in the tourism and hospitality sector, ensuring that candidates are equipped to meet industry standards and expectations. These roles include Food & Beverage Service Assistant, Guest Service Associate (Front Office), and Food & Beverage Service – Associate, which emphasizes excellence in customer service and operational efficiency. For more specialized roles, certifications are offered for Guest Service Executive (Front Office), Customer Service Executive (Meet and Greet), and Guest Service Associate (Housekeeping), ensuring a seamless guest experience. Additionally, job roles like Commis Chef, Assistant Chef, and Tour Guide focus on culinary and experiential services, vital for enhancing guest satisfaction. Lastly, the Counter Sales Executive – Tourism and Hospitality role supports the retail and customer interaction aspects of the industry, making certified candidates highly valuable across multiple domains. These certifications prepare candidates for successful careers while meeting the workforce demands of the sector.

Ensuring Quality Through Compliance and Collaboration
THSC adheres to the guidelines established by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and works in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). These collaborations align skill training programs with India’s Skill India Mission.

 Under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), THSC’s efforts aim to ensure the tourism and hospitality sector has access to a skilled and certified workforce, enabling the sector to meet both domestic and global demands.

Practical Assessments for Real-World Application
THSC prioritizes practical, scenario-based assessments to prepare candidates for real-world challenges. This approach allows candidates to gain hands-on experience, boosting their confidence and job readiness.
For employers in the competitive tourism and hospitality industry, certifications act as a reliable tool for identifying qualified talent in roles such as Commis Chef, Tour Guide, or Guest Service Executive (Front Office). In many instances, possessing a THSC certification is a decisive factor in securing a position in the job market.

Global Recognition and Enhanced Employability
A major advantage of THSC certifications is their international recognition. With these credentials, candidates can explore job opportunities not just in India but also in global markets. This global acknowledgment significantly enhances candidates’ career prospects, making them more attractive to employers worldwide.

 For businesses, certified professionals in roles like Food & Beverage Service – Associate or Counter Sales Executive – Tourism and Hospitality bring assured competency, helping companies meet industry standards and improve service delivery. This ensures a more efficient workforce and contributes to the sustained success of the tourism and hospitality sector.

 Supporting India’s Skill Development Goals
THSC plays a pivotal role in maintaining the quality and relevance of skill assessments and certifications. Through partnerships with NCVET, NSDC, and MSDE, THSC contributes to creating a highly skilled workforce that supports the growth and modernization of the tourism and hospitality industries.

Strengthening Vigilance: SEBI’s Commitment to Transparency and Public Trust

19th March 2025, New Delhi: In her special address at the ASSOCHAM virtual session on Risk Management and Internal Control, Ms. Yatri Dave Vitekar, IRPS Chief Vigilance Officer Securities and Exchange Board of India said In a regulatory landscape where public trust is paramount, anyone handling public money has an inherent duty to act as a public servant, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. The increasing volume of complaints—both public and private—highlights the urgent need for robust preventive mechanisms. Establishing strong systems for oversight and compliance is not just a regulatory mandate but a commitment to fostering a corruption-free environment where financial integrity and public confidence remain uncompromised. Adhering to SEBI regulations not only mitigates financial and compliance risks but also strengthens corporate governance, fostering long-term sustainability and market integrity.

There is a need to set up internal control systems to avoid corruption and malpractices. In today’s evolving financial landscape, regulatory compliance is not just a requirement but a cornerstone of trust and stability. SEBI’s stringent framework ensures transparency, accountability, and investor protection, compelling businesses to adopt robust risk management and internal control measures. Recognizing potential risks that may impact operations, financial reporting, and compliance is the way put it.

Mr. Sim Keng Chong Partner, Foo Kon Tan Advisory Services Pte Ltd, Singapore spoke about Effective risk management which is the backbone of strong corporate governance. By integrating the COSO Framework, he further said that organizations can proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks across financial, operational, and compliance areas. A robust internal control system—built on clear objectives, structured risk assessment, and continuous monitoring—ensures transparency, strengthens accountability, and safeguards business integrity in an ever-evolving landscape. Top-level management reviews to oversee internal controls should be regularly organized.

In his inaugural address Mr. Naveen Aggarwal Co-chairperson, ASSOCHAM National Council for Internal Audit & Risk Management; and Co-Managing Partner, S S Kothari Mehta, and Co. LLP focused on multiple risks in corporate governance from ethical to technological to regulatory to financially. These complaints should be perceived with clarity and authenticity. Reputational risk should be accounted for, he said.

Mr. Vijay Sachdeva Co-chairperson, ASSOCHAM National Council for Corporate Affairs, Company Law, and Corporate Governance; and Head of Risk Management & Internal Audit, Chambal Fertilisers, and Chemicals Limited gave his concluding remarks sharing the role of internal control system to safeguard interests of stakeholders and interest of company.

Entrepreneurs, Take Note! 10 Reasons to Be at Startup Mahakumbh and Step-by-Step Registration Guide

As India continues its journey towards cementing its foothold as a startup powerhouse globally, events like Startup Mahakumbh play a crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Scheduled to take place from April 3–5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, this mega event is set to bring together 3,000+ exhibiting startups, 1,000+ investors, and international delegates from 50+ countries, making it one of the biggest startup gatherings in the country.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale your business, network with industry leaders, and gain invaluable insights, here’s why you must attend Startup Mahakumbh:

1. Meet & Attract Investors

With over 1,000 investors and incubators, 5,000+ entrepreneurs attending, startups have the opportunity to pitch their business, build investor relationships, and secure crucial funding for growth. This is a chance to interact with angel investors, venture capitalists, and corporate funds who are actively looking to support high-potential startups.

2. Gain DPIIT’s recognition through the Startup MahaRathi Challenge

A flagship competition designed to identify and accelerate India’s most promising early to growth-stage startups across 10 key sectors, including AI, FinTech, HealthTech, Agritech, DeepTech, and more. Participants will receive national recognition by DPIIT, mentorship from industry leaders, and funding opportunities from a ₹30 Crore funding pool, with grants of up to ₹5 Lakh for top startups.

3. Gain Global Exposure

With international delegates from more than 50 countries, this event offers a platform to showcase innovations to a global audience, attract international investors, and explore potential overseas expansion. Startups selected through this initiative will also gain exposure to global markets through Startup India alongside getting a chance to connect with global investors, corporate leaders, and international ecosystem enablers.

4. Showcase Innovations Across Thematic Pavilions

Dedicated pavillions covering industries like AI, FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, DeepTech, and Sustainability allow startups to demonstrate groundbreaking ideas to investors, policymakers, and potential partners. These pavilions create structured opportunities for startups to attract attention from relevant stakeholders.

5. Learn from Industry Experts in Masterclasses & Panels

Engage in expert-led masterclasses and insightful panel discussions featuring seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. There will also be exclusive Mentoring Zones across all 10 t hematic pavilions powered by The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), which will provide a unique opportunity for founders to gain direct access to top industry mentors, investors, and thought leaders. These sessions will offer actionable insights into business growth, emerging market trends, funding challenges, and regulatory frameworks.

6. Exclusive Investor Roundtables & Corporate Partnerships

Engage in closed-door discussions with venture capitalists, angel investors, and corporate leaders. These B2B meetings are designed to connect startups with potential funders, strategic partners, and business mentors, helping them forge long-term collaborations.

7. Launch & Showcase Products to a Targeted Audience

Startups can unveil their latest innovations, receive feedback, and conduct live demonstrations to investors, industry leaders, and potential customers. This is an excellent platform to test new products, attract media attention, and gain credibility in the startup ecosystem.

8. Hire Top Talent

For startups looking to expand their teams, Startup Mahakumbh presents a great opportunity to meet and attract top industry talent with more than 3,000+ startups being present

9. Inspire Futurepreneurs

The Futurepreneurs Program will provide a platform for young innovators from top colleges to showcase AI-driven solutions, compete for a ₹1 Crore prize pool, and gain mentorship from experts.

10. Get Inspired

Even if you’re in the process of setting up your startup, being in the midst of stalwarts of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, there will be multiple touchpoints for everyone to be inspired as the event is designed to accommodate startups of every scale.

Whistling Woods International to Offer 5-Day Screenwriting Workshop for Aspiring Writers in 2025

Whistling Woods International is hosting its 5-day Annual Screenwriting Workshop in 2025, and it promises to be a transformative experience.

This workshop is led by the renowned Anjum Rajabali – Screenwriter & HoD of Screenwriting at WWIand will be presented in a hybrid format, making it accessible to participants from various locations. The workshop offers an immersive environment that combines essential craft teachings with invaluable knowledge from industry icons.

Whether you’re an emerging writer looking to hone your skills or a seasoned professional seeking fresh perspectives, this workshop is designed to enhance your storytelling abilities and provide insights from top experts in the industry.

The annual workshop will cover the craft of Film and series writing as well as character psychology, the Navrasas and the Hero’s Journey. This time, apart from the lucidly taught basics of scriptwriting, a rich gathering of guest speakers – Shridhar Raghavan (Pathaan), Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun), Sneha Desai (Laapataa Ladies), Niren Bhatt (Stree 2), Ishita Moitra (Rocky Aur Rani kii Prem Kahaani, Call me Bae), Juhi Chaturvedi (Piku), Sudip Sharma (Paatal Lok 1&2) & Arati Kadav (Mrs) will provide valuable insights in the domain and is surely set to elevate your screenwriting journey.

Bill Gates Interacts with Drone Didis in India, Celebrates Their Role in Tech Innovation

Mumbai / New Delhi, 19th March 2025: Bill Gates, Chairman of the Gates Foundation and former Microsoft CEO, visited IARI, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, where he engaged with three Drone Didis trained under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme by Marut Drones.

The demonstration featured rural women flying Marut AG365 Drones, highlighting the transformative role of technology in rural livelihoods and increasing their family income.

Commenting on the development, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Co-Founder of Hyderabad based Marut Drones, said, “It’s a proud moment to see the women trained by Marut Drones are interacting with Mr. Bill Gates. Watching them operate drones confidently truly reflects how technology can ensure economic empowerment and break barriers of a traditionally male dominated industry. The presence of global leaders like Mr. Bill Gates, visiting India and witnessing firsthand the impact of drone technology at the grassroots level is a strong validation of how India’s drone ecosystem is truly challenging the gender norms in rural India and creating financially independent women entrepreneurs.”

The company has provided comprehensive training sessions to all three Drone Didis hailing from Bihar and provided refresher sessions to ensure smooth operations and demonstrations.

Marut Drones is the first in India to receive dual DGCA approval for manufacturing and remote pilot training and continues to champion government initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi Program.

Doritos Transforms Holi Celebrations with an Engaging, Bold Water Balloon Experience

New Delhi, 19th March, 2025: This year Doritos redefined the experience by transforming a well-known Holi tradition into an engaging, high-energy game. At Galleria Market, Gurgaon, the brand introduced a larger-than-life, target-based activation, where participants tossed water balloons towards the iconic Doritos logo—bringing the thrill of Holi in a bold new way.

The activation relays the simple belief – “This Holi gubbare logon pe nahi, logo pe barsao”. While the excitement of throwing water balloons is undeniable, being on the receiving end isn’t always fun. Doritos flipped the script, shifting the focus from people to its bold, triangular logo, ensuring the celebration remained high-energy, inclusive, and just as thrilling.

Doritos additionally infused its signature boldness into Holi by making the logo come alive—each successful splash triggered a dynamic colour change, amplifying the festive energy and turning every water balloon throw into a celebration. Participants were met with cheers and excitement, proving that Holi’s spirit of fun and play can be just as electrifying.

Speaking about the campaign, Aastha Bhasin, Marketing Director – Kurkure® & Doritos, PepsiCo India said: “Holi is a festival of joy, and Doritos wanted to elevate that joy to the next level. We wanted to take the playful spirit of the festival and give it a fun, new twist. With this OOH activation, we created a space where people could enjoy the thrill of colour play in a way that brings everyone together. No one enjoys being caught off guard, but everyone loves a great shot—so we turned Holi into a game, making every throw more exciting and every celebration even bigger.

“Doritos as a brand has always been about engaging and encouraging your playful side and with Holi around the corner we wanted to create a platform where everyone could enjoy the thrill of colour and water ballons without any harm. With that in mind, we have created this interactive experience turning the iconic Doritos triangular logo into a target. “Gubbaare Logon pe nahi, Logo pe barsao” turns the celebration of Holi into a high-energy, all-fun, no-fear celebration where every throw lands right, every hit feels like a win, and the spirit of Holi stays as bold as ever.” Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer, Leo – South Asia.

Doritos has always championed bold experiences, and this activation gave Holi an interactive twist. Instead of random bursts of colour, participants engaged in a structured, competitive, and entertaining challenge, making every throw count.

The Doritos OOH activation quickly became a crowd favourite. People eagerly embraced the new experience, with many sharing their excitement: “It was an absolute blast! Holi is always about colour, but this added a whole new level of excitement. We kept at it, cheering each other on, and trying to land the perfect shot on the logo!” – Alankrita Mohapatra, Participant.

SolveCon Youth Festival to Inspire Young Minds in Bengaluru on March 22, 2025

Bangalore, March 18, 2025 – Following its success across multiple cities, Reap Benefit is hosting the 6th edition of SolveCon on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Bangalore Creative Circus. This one-day youth festival brings together young problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to collaborate, learn, and take action on local challenges.

As a launchpad into the Solve Ninja Movement, India’s largest community of 1.6 lakh youth changemakers, SolveCon equips young people with skills, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving experiences through interactive learning, networking, and fun activities.

SolveCon offers three dynamic spaces, encouraging participants to connect, learn, and play:

• SolveCon Mela – A lively, interactive space with creative exhibits, fun activities, and networking.
• Learning by Doing – Hands-on workshops on open-source tech & AI, persuasive communication, emotional well-being, and problem-solving skills.
• Changemaker Adda – A platform to share stories, challenges, and solutions, gaining inspiration from peers.

Attendees can also expect engaging discussions, interactive activities, and real-world problem-solving challenges, fostering a new generation of youth leaders.

SolveCon is open to anyone aged 17+ looking to:

• Develop practical skills
• Connect with mentors and like-minded peers
• Be part of a thriving community of changemakers

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a problem-solver, or simply eager to make an impact, SolveCon offers a unique opportunity to turn ideas into action.

Since its launch in 2024, SolveCon has engaged nearly 500 youth across Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bangalore, Mysore, and Nanded.

“SolveCon is about action—people coming together, exchanging ideas, and solving real problems. Bangalore, as India’s startup capital and innovation hub, is the perfect place for SolveCon’s return,” said Kuldeep Dantewadia, Founder – Reap Benefit.

Aakash’s Journey from Deliveries to Dance Fame: Direct Entry in Hip Hop India S2 on Amazon MX Player

Mumbai, March 18, 2025 – From zipping through the streets delivering food to tearing up the dance floor, Aakash, a Swiggy delivery partner, is set to take center stage in Amazon MX Player’s Hip Hop India S2 that was launched on March 07, 2025.

 Hip Hop India is a dance reality show that caters to 18-30 year old audiences in Metro, and Tier 1-2 cities. With Season 1 being widely appreciated for its concept and giving budding talent a platform to showcase their talent, with Season 2 it aims to take the entertainment to the next level with Remo D’souza and Malaika Arora donning the judges hat.

 Season 2 witnessed the prowess of Aakash, a runner-up in Swiggy Wiggy Talent Hunt S2, taking his passion for dance to one of India’s biggest hip-hop stages.

 Empowering delivery partners beyond their work is a core commitment at Swiggy. Through various initiatives, Swiggy enables its delivery partners to explore their passions— and for Aakash, that passion is dance. In line with this commitment, Swiggy is also providing financial support to help him pursue his dream of becoming a professional dancer.
Aakash made it to the final round of auditions, without having to go through the regional rounds. His audition was aired in one of the episodes that can be viewed on the Amazon MX Player’s Hip Hop India S2! Aakash took the stage with high-energy moves to “Dance Ka Bhoot”, impressing the judges- ace choreographer, Rahul, and rapper and the host of Hip Hop India Season 1, Wicked Sunny, with his passion and determination. As the sole breadwinner of his family, he had balanced his responsibilities while relentlessly chasing his dream. He proudly represented his Swiggy roots, donning his signature Swiggy T-shirt as he moved closer to his passion.

 Being part of a show judged by Remo D’Souza and Nora Fatehi , Aakash’s journey was a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His story proved that Swiggy wasn’t just delivering food; it was delivering dreams. This was a story of dedication, hard work, and power moves!