Category Archives: News

Conference League Glory: How Chelsea FC Embodied Strategic Resilience and Leadership Transformation – Dr (HC) Prachetan Potadar

On May 29, 2025, Chelsea Football Club achieved a historic milestone by defeating Real Betis 4–1 in the UEFA Conference League final at Stadion Wrocław. This victory not only marked their first title in the competition but also completed their collection of all major UEFA trophies, a feat unmatched by any other club .

Trailing 0–1 at halftime, Chelsea’s resurgence in the second half exemplified strategic adaptability and the depth of their squad. Goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moisés Caicedo, orchestrated by Cole Palmer’s pivotal assists, underscored the team’s resilience and tactical acumen .

The Context: From Turbulence to Triumph

The 2024–25 season presented Chelsea with numerous challenges, including managerial changes and inconsistent performances. Under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, the team focused on rebuilding and fostering a culture of accountability and unity. The Conference League campaign became a platform for redemption, culminating in a performance that highlighted the club’s transformation .

1. Strategic Vision and Cultural Recalibration

Maresca’s emphasis on long-term development over immediate results allowed for a recalibration of the team’s culture. By instilling values of humility and collective responsibility, he laid the groundwork for sustained success.

Leadership Insight: Effective leaders prioritize cultural alignment and long-term vision, recognizing that foundational values drive performance.

2. Empowering Emerging Leaders

The appointment of Reece James as captain symbolized a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and fostering leadership from within. His journey from the academy to leading the team in a European final exemplifies the potential of internal development.

Organizational Insight: Cultivating leadership internally can reinforce organizational identity and inspire collective commitment.

3. Tactical Flexibility and In-Game Adaptation

Chelsea’s second-half turnaround was a testament to tactical flexibility. Adjustments in formation and player roles disrupted Betis’s rhythm, allowing Chelsea to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Management Takeaway: Adaptability in strategy is crucial for navigating dynamic environments and seizing critical moments.

4. Depth and Distributed Responsibility

The contributions from various players, including substitutes, highlighted the depth of Chelsea’s squad. This distributed approach to responsibility ensured resilience and sustained performance under pressure.

Organizational Insight: Empowering individuals across all levels fosters a resilient and responsive organization capable of weathering challenges.

5. Leveraging Adversity as Motivation

Facing skepticism and setbacks throughout the season, Chelsea utilized these challenges as motivation to galvanize the team. The final’s comeback narrative epitomized their ability to transform adversity into opportunity.

Resilience Strategy: Reframing challenges as catalysts for growth can strengthen organizational resolve and cohesion.

6. Celebrating Milestones with a Forward-Looking Perspective

While the Conference League victory is a significant achievement, Chelsea’s leadership emphasizes continued growth and future aspirations, maintaining momentum beyond the immediate success.

Growth Mindset: Acknowledging achievements while maintaining focus on future goals sustains progress and innovation.

Cole Palmer: The Catalyst of Change

Cole Palmer’s performance in the final, providing two crucial assists, demonstrated the impact of individual excellence within a team framework. His ability to influence the game’s outcome highlights the importance of nurturing talent that aligns with organizational values and objectives.

Message to Emerging Professionals: Individual contributions, when aligned with collective goals, can drive significant impact and foster a culture of excellence.

Broader Implications for Organizational Leadership

Chelsea’s journey offers valuable insights for organizations navigating transformation:

Cultural Alignment: Establishing and nurturing a shared set of values is foundational for cohesive performance.

Leadership Development: Investing in internal talent cultivates leaders who embody the organization’s ethos.

Strategic Agility: Flexibility in approach enables responsiveness to evolving challenges and opportunities.

Empowerment: Distributing responsibility fosters engagement and resilience across the organization.

Resilience: Transforming adversity into motivation strengthens organizational fortitude.

Continuous Improvement: Balancing celebration with a focus on future objectives ensures sustained advancement.

A Spiritual Legacy Woven Anew, a Cultural Collaboration between Ramraj Cotton and Dushyanth Sridhar

India, 29th May 2025 – In a timely convergence of tradition and vision, Ramraj Cotton launches a significant initiative in association with venerated scholar and cultural exponent Dushyanth Sridhar to popularize the Acharya Panchakacham Veshti—a symbol of spiritual heritage and Indian identity.

This tie-up is not an endorsement of the conventional kind. It is a union of two powers united by a mutual admiration for Sanatana Dharma, cultural tradition, and the timelessness of classical dress. Ramraj Cotton, synonymous with the dignity of the veshtis for so long, finds in Dushyanth Sridhar not a spokesperson but a kindred spirit—a man who breathes and lives the values the company hopes to nurture and honour.

The Acharya Panchakacham Veshti is a garment made with a single-minded intention—to pay tribute to spiritual lineages and become a ceremonial garment for the wearer who follows the path of wisdom and dharma. Made with detail and purity, the veshti is no mere article of wearing apparel, but a declaration of purpose—a sign of one’s affiliation with ageless tradition.

With a profound knowledge and extensive command of Santayana Dharma and his gift for translating ancient wisdom into contemporary relevance, Dushyanth Sridhar inspires and engages audiences across generations through insightful discourses on Indian epics and scriptures, position him as a distinguished voice in the realm of cultural preservation. His involvement is not incidental. It reflects a shared commitment with Ramraj Cotton to uphold and celebrate India’s sacred traditions while thoughtfully bringing them into the contemporary consciousness.

The Acharya Panchakacham Veshti stands as a testament to this ethos. Meticulously designed for spiritual observances, religious ceremonies, and culturally significant gatherings, the veshti transcends its material form to become a symbol of devotion, discipline, and identity. For those who seek authenticity in ceremonial attire not just as an expression of custom, but as a continuation of dharma, this collection occupies a revered place. It is where heritage finds its voice through fabric, and faith is worn with pride.

Speaking about the association, Mr. K.R. Nagarajan, Founder & Culturepreneur, Ramraj Cotton, said, “Ramraj Cotton is synonymous with veshti. We manufacture and sell over 4,000 varieties of veshtis across India. Among these, the Panchakacham veshti is specially made for gurus and Acharyas. When we aimed to take this product beyond Andhra Pradesh and South India to the global stage, Dushyanth Sridhar was the natural choice. His dedication to spreading Indian tradition worldwide makes him an ideal brand ambassador for the prestigious Acharya Panchakacham Veshti. His commitment to preserving Indian culture and Dharma, combined with his ability to connect ancient wisdom with modern life, perfectly represents our brand.” He added, “The Acharya Panchakacham Veshti is more than just traditional wear; it is a symbol of our heritage, worn on sacred and festive occasions. I invite every Indian to honour their roots not only in spirit but also in their attire.”

Dushyanth Sridhar added, “When Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about the essence of the thousand names, He simply replied that ‘Rama’ was the core. In that spirit, Ramraj Cotton is a brand uniquely blessed to carry the sacred name ‘Rama’. Over time, we have had many Acharyas who walked this land. Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika, Madhvacharya, and more recently, the revered Kanchi Mahaperiyava have all walked this path and shown us the way. It is indeed a matter of pride that Ramraj Cotton honours such a lineage through their Acharya Veshtis. I believe that to nurture and encourage our culture, today’s youth must embrace such traditional attire and uphold the values our ancestors lived by.”

BigBears Advertising and Branding shines at Goafest 2025

Hyderabad, 28th May 2025: Hyderabad-based BigBears Advertising and Branding, a leading full-service agency known for its 360° branding and promotional expertise, made a powerful impression at Goafest 2025, attending with one of the largest delegations from the city.

The BigBears team featured department heads from Account Management, Digital Marketing, UI/UX & 3D, Art Direction, and Video Production, each fully immersed in curated sessions across their areas of expertise. From the latest in AI-powered performance marketing and Meta strategies to YouTube storytelling and avant-garde art direction, the learning experience was both rich and forward-looking.

“Goafest truly lived up to its promise — a vibrant confluence of creativity, insight, and inspiration under the sun,” shared Bankupalli Ganesh Shastry, Creative Head and Managing Director, BigBears.

A personal highlight for Mr. Shastry was reuniting with Mr. Senthil Kumar, Chief Creative Officer at VML, rekindling memories of his formative years at JWT along with him — a nostalgic moment that reminded him just how far the journey has come.

Mr. Shastry remarked, “Looking at the 2025 ABBY entries and winners, it’s clear that films and interactive print are setting new benchmarks. With visionary clients like Café Niloufer, whose brand identity and ongoing campaigns are crafted by BigBears, Monarch, MSR, NSL, and other esteemed partners, I’m confident we’ll soon be bringing ABBYs home to Hyderabad.”

Gujarat Govt Honours Woman Kho Kho Player with Rs10 Lakh

New Delhi, 28 May 2025: In a bid to promote indigenous games, the Gujarat government has given Rs 10 Lakh as a prize to Ms. Opina Bhilar, who was part of the Indian Women’s Kho Kho team that won a Gold Medal at the 1st ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025 held in New Delhi from January 13-19, in which both the Indian men’s and women’s teams emerged victorious. Twenty-three countries across six continents participated in the World Cup making it a truly historic event.

Bhilar hails from Biliamba village in Dang district of Gujarat, and her father Devjibhai is a farmer.

“I thank the Gujarat government for this support which is a great help. I am also thankful to KKFI which has been very supportive of the players and helped us at every stage. I would continue to play Kho Kho and contribute to the game to the best of my abilities,” said Opina Bhilar.

“Many Kho Kho players come from humble backgrounds, and support—whether financial or through government job opportunities—goes a long way in uplifting both the athletes and their families. Such assistance not only empowers these talented sportspersons to continue their journey in Kho Kho, but also strengthens the sport itself, as they contribute immensely through their dedication and performance,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India.

Kho-Kho, a traditional Indian game with deep-rooted cultural and sporting significance, has witnessed a resurgence in recent years, both domestically and internationally.

Remedium Lifecare Emerges as a Resilient, High-Growth Opportunity amid Concerns Over Trump’s Pharma Tariffs

As speculation grows over potential pharmaceutical tariffs, global pharma stocks are experiencing renewed volatility. However, market experts suggest the concerns may be overstated, particularly for companies with limited direct exposure to the U.S. market.

Remedium Lifecare, a mid-cap BSE-listed pharma company, stands out as a safe haven amid the noise. The company’s business is strategically insulated from U.S.-centric policy risks, with a focus on API intermediates and a strong footprint across Europe and Asia. Most notably, Remedium recently secured a ₹182.7 crore export contract with a leading UK-based pharmaceutical player, demonstrating both market confidence and global relevance.

As global investors reassess their exposure to pharma stocks heavily reliant on U.S. trade, attention is shifting toward firms with diversified geographies, robust pipelines, and innovation-led growth. Remedium’s ongoing expansion into CNS, oncology, and metabolic research, coupled with its Singapore-based subsidiary Remlife Global focused on cutting-edge, animal-free API production, strengthens its long-term value proposition.

Adding to its innovation strategy, Remlife Global has partnered with JiyaYu Lifesciences, a green chemistry platform. The partnership focuses on replacing animal-origin raw materials in API manufacturing. JiyaYu will license its technologies to Remlife Global, which will scale and commercialize them using sustainable, regulatory-compliant bioprocesses at GMP-certified contract manufacturing facilities.

Remedium recently raised ₹182.7 crores through issue and these funds will be used towards strengthening of working capital, strategic investments in R&D and market expansion.

With limited U.S. dependency and a forward-looking innovation strategy, Remedium Lifecare offers geopolitical insulation and significant upside potential—positioning itself as a compelling choice in an uncertain global pharma landscape.

Market experts have expressed strong confidence in Remedium Lifecare’s growth prospects, recommending a BUY rating on the stock. The company’s strategic diversification, robust R&D pipeline in CNS, oncology, and metabolic therapies, and recent international contract wins as key drivers for future growth.

CSITM hosts book launch for Prof. Rahul De’s latest work ‘AI for Managers’

28 May, 2025, Bengaluru: The Centre for Software and IT Management (CSITM) at IIMB hosted the book launch of former Information Systems area faculty Prof. Rahul Dé’s ‘AI for Managers’, as part of an AI bootcamp for Business Managers on 24 May 2025. The unveiling brought together Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft India & South Asia; Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director, IIMB; and Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean, Alumni Relations & Development. Prof. Shankhadeep Banerjee, Chairperson, CSITM, delivered the opening remarks.

 Prof. Dé’s academic journey began in the AI lab at the Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, where he studied under Nobel Laureate Herbert Simon. His work, since his days as a doctoral researcher, has focused on the application of AI in information systems and management. AI for Managers has brought this experience together in a volume designed to help business professionals navigate AI capability without deep backgrounds in mathematics or coding.

 “What I set out to write,” Prof. Dé shared, “was a low-math, low-code book that explains AI in terms that managers can intuitively grasp. The goal is to empower readers to think critically about the technology and its implications for business and society”.

 The book spans 16 chapters covering topics such as digital transformation, machine learning, responsible AI, natural language processing, deep learning, Bayesian learning, reinforcement learning, swarm intelligence, and agent-based modeling.

 Rejecting both stances of unbridled optimism beating the AI drums and dystopian alarmism claiming breakdown of nation states, loss of jobs, mega control by corporations, and massive global poverty caused by the deluge of AI applications, Prof. Dé emphasized the importance of independent thinking. “We must understand the technology deeply enough to form our own judgments, not adopt ready-made positions”, he said.

 Dr. Rohini Srivathsa shared perspectives on the shifting enterprise landscape: “With AI becoming mainstream, we are moving beyond use-case adoption to deeper transformation”. She outlined four emerging archetypes: shaper conversational employee engagement through generative AI, workplace and workflow transformation, operational efficiency, and innovation-led product development.

 Prof. Sourav Mukherji, who moderated the panel, posed a question to Prof. RT Krishnan about the threat AI poses to knowledge building and delivery. “What we are now seeing is that AI, ML, and deep learning technologies have permeated business to the extent that when an MBA student goes to a job interview, there is an expectation of a fairly comprehensive understanding of AI capability. And the expectation might be higher depending on the industry”. He further added, “At IIMB, we were quick to realise that our curriculum needs to iteratively grow at an increasing pace so that our students are conversant with AI. The challenge for us now is to decipher to what extent we want AI to be part of the learning process itself”.

 Commenting on organizational readiness, Dr. Srivathsa added, “We are still in the early days of enterprise AI adoption. But the frontier is expanding. AI will soon be seen not as a tool for optimization, but rather a general-purpose technology capable of reshaping core business processes”.

Workshop on fundamentals, best practices, and emerging trends in Artificial Intelligence
The AI bootcamp for Business Managers was led by Sunil Mishra, Founder, The Product Way, who drew from over 25 years of technology experience with organizations such as Infosys, Accenture, McKinsey & Company, and Oracle, to map the ways in which AI capability has created differentiation not only at an organizational level, but also in terms of everyday reasoning and decision-making.

 The bootcamp brought together students from IIMB’s PGPEM programme for Working Professionals, PhD scholars, thinkers, developers, and professionals from diverse sectors, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, fintech, banking, blockchain, and cybersecurity, representing Boeing, OLA, Adobe, IBM, OPTiM, and more.

 Participants engaged with core AI developments, from early machine learning in the late 1990s, to deep learning as a form of predictive AI in 2006, the breakneck growth of generative AI in 2021, and the rapid emergence of agentic AI in 2025, which is poised to disrupt reasoning, automation and interoperability through autonomous decision-making.

The interactive session also raised critical questions around job redundancy in the face of accelerating AI adoption. The rapid proliferation of AI applications has brought us to a clear inflection point, the discussion pointed. “The disruptive impact is undeniable, but embracing AI tooling will only continue to serve as a source of competitive advantage, relevance, and agency”, said Sunil Mishra. Participants were encouraged to consider the nature of future work and to engage with this transformation as a necessary and constructive challenge.

 Throughout the day, participants indulged in workshops, discussions and presentations on Introduction to classical AI stack, Neural networks and transformers, Evolution of LLMs, Architecture, training process, capabilities and limitations, Exploring zero-shot, one-shot and few shot-learning, Use of GenAI tools, Exercise for creating customer support bot, product prototypes and an online survey application, Finetuning LLM for specific use cases, Overview of RAG architecture and use cases, Overview of Agentic AI and use-cases, Use of Agentic AI platforms, Creating your own autonomous agent, Creating an HR policy agent, Create personal AI stock analyst, Emerging trends in Gen AI, and its Ethical, Regulatory, and Strategic considerations.

CakeZone and Nomad Pizza Win Top Honours at Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future Packathon

Bengaluru, 28th May 2025 –CakeZone and Nomad Pizza, brands which are a part of Curefoods portfolio of food brands, have emerged as category winners at Zomato’s second edition of the Plastic-Free Future Packathon. CakeZone secured the award in the Cakes category, while Nomad Pizza was recognized in the Pizza category for their commitment to eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging.

As part of their sustainability journey, both brands have eliminated plastic completely from their packaging processes, especially in large cakes and single-serve formats. This shift reflects the brands’ broader mission of integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of food production and delivery. The company has replaced conventional plastic packaging with paper-based and recyclable raw materials across the entire product catalogue, ensuring that every order reflects its eco-conscious ethos.

Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future initiative, backed by Startup India and DPIIT, is aimed at driving a shift across the food industry by encouraging practical, scalable alternatives to plastic. With more than 200 food delivery brands participating in this year’s edition, the recognition of CakeZone and Nomad Pizza places Curefoods is at the forefront of this movement.

Ankit Nagori, Curefoods, said: “With CakeZone and Nomad Pizza, we’ve reimagined packaging as a statement of responsibility. Being recognized by Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future initiative supports our long-term vision of scaling food brands that care for both customers and the planet. We’re glad to be a part of this shift and hope it inspires more brands to adopt environmentally conscious practices.”

Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Eternal, commented, “We’re committed to supporting the restaurant industry’s transition to sustainable packaging for food delivery and their efforts to create a positive environmental impact at scale. Through the Zomato Plastic-Free Future Program, we’ve been celebrating over 200+ restaurant brands that are currently leading this change. The Plastic-Free Future Packaging Awards announced at the Zomato Packathon 2025 event marked a significant step forward, honoring 24 national and regional restaurant brands across cuisine categories that have adopted sustainable packaging alternatives without compromising on customer experience. These restaurants are paving the way for others to follow, inspiring an industry-wide shift for a more sustainable future, and we are proud to be a part of their journey.”

CakeZone and Nomad Pizza’s packaging for food delivery was assessed based on the impact each packaging SKU has on the environment, coupled with data on customer complaints on packaging used by them. Each packaging material’s sustainability impact was also evaluated based on the degree of plastic content, compostability, biodegradability and recyclability.

Sakra World Hospital Appoints Tandem Healthcare to Design and Build 500-Bed State-of-the-Art Hospital in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India, May 28, 2025 — Sakra World Hospital, India’s first 100% FDI Tertiary Care Hospital, proudly announces the appointment of Tandem Healthcare, a premier healthcare-focused EPC company, to design and build its second state-of-the-art hospital in North Bengaluru. Spanning 6.8 lakh square feet, this 500-bed facility will be one-of-its-kind green biophilic hospital, incorporating garden lounges, green balconies, planters, arrival canopy and serene lake views to create a healing environment inspired by nature. Set to be completed and operational within 30 months.

This landmark project, valued at Rs 1,000 crore, marks a significant milestone in Sakra’s mission to deliver world-class healthcare powered by Japanese innovation and technology through its collaboration with Secom Medical System and Toyota Tsusho. The new facility will feature G+9 floors and the design will integrate Indo-Japanese architectural elements, blending tradition with modernity.

The new Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru will deliver cutting-edge healthcare through advanced clinical programs, including a Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Program with LINAC, MR-LINAC, Gamma Knife, Brachytherapy, and state-of-the-art nuclear medicine, alongside specialized Interventional Neuro & Rehab, Cardiology, and Mother & Child Programs with a premium C-Suite. Designed for future-ready care, the facility features a paperless system, RFID tracking, pandemic-preparedness, modular OTs integrated with the Building Management System for precise environmental control, and comprehensive indoor air quality monitoring, ensuring superior clinical outcomes and patient safety.

Tandem Healthcare’s design emphasizes sustainability and aesthetics. The building’s east-west orientation optimizes natural views while mitigating heat gain through slanted GFRC panels. Slanted openings ensure privacy and natural light, enhancing interior ambiance. Green roofs reduce cooling loads, and a combination of aluminum composite panels and low-e glazing creates an energy-efficient, contemporary facade. Semi-open cafés with deep canopies promote natural ventilation, reducing air-conditioning needs.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tandem Healthcare to bring our vision of a world-class healthcare facility to life,” said Mr. Yuichi Nagano, Managing Director, Sakra World Hospital. “This collaboration combines Japanese precision with Tandem’s healthcare facility expertise, ensuring a hospital that sets new benchmarks in clinical excellence and patient care.”

Alok Sharma, Founder and Director of Tandem Healthcare, said, “Tandem believes that healthcare infrastructure must go beyond functionality to inspire healing and trust. This partnership with Sakra will reflect our shared commitment to building not just hospitals, but holistic healing ecosystems that combine cutting-edge technology with sustainable, patient-centric design.”

“We are privileged to partner with Sakra World Hospital to design and construct this groundbreaking facility,” said Ahzam Khan, Director and CEO of Tandem Healthcare Pvt Ltd “Our green biophilic design, inspired by the tranquillity of Japanese gardens, integrates sustainability, advanced technology, and patient-centric spaces to create a healing environment. This approach fosters improved well-being, supports post-operative recovery, and reduces stress, delivering an unparalleled healthcare experience.”

The new Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, inspired by “A Place of Healing Empowered by Nature,” integrates advanced healthcare with restorative natural elements, featuring garden lounges, green balconies, and lake views. Designed to achieve USGBC LEED Platinum certification, the facility aligns with the UN’s Central Product Classification for sustainable infrastructure, utilizing energy-efficient façades and low-emission materials to minimize its carbon footprint, with compliance overseen by an independent green consultancy.

The new hospital aligns with Sakra’s NABH accreditation and Kaizen approach to safety and quality care. “This facility is a testament to our mission of integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate care,” said Mr. Naoya Matsumi, Deputy Managing Director, Sakra World Hospital. “We aim to enhance treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life for our patients. The second hospital will be a healing retreat located strategically in Bangalore North”

The new facility complements Sakra’s existing 350-bed tertiary care centre in Marathahalli, advancing the group’s goal to expand by over 1,000 beds in Bengaluru in the coming years. “This facility is a strategic leap forward—not just in scale, but in how healthcare is imagined and delivered,” said Mr. Lovekesh Phasu, Group Chief Operating Officer, Sakra World Hospital. “It reinforces our commitment to building infrastructure that advances clinical excellence and puts the patient experience at the centre.”

ASDC and CBSE Unveil National Automobile Olympiad 2025 for School Students

New Delhi — In a bid to steer young minds toward the rapidly evolving automotive sector, the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), has launched the fourth edition of the National Automobile Olympiad (NAO) 2025. NAO 2025 serves as a crucial touchpoint for future career decisions, aligning with the flexibility offered by the National Education Policy (NEP).

Speaking at the launch, F.R. Singhvi, President, ASDC, highlighted the broader vision behind the Olympiad. ” This nationwide initiative is designed to spark curiosity and interest among school students by introducing them to the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of mobility and manufacturing,” he stated. “The theme, ‘The Future of Mobility: Electric, Connected, and Autonomous’, reflects the industry’s transition toward advanced and sustainable technologies. Through this platform, students will gain exposure to emerging fields such as mechatronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and sustainable mobility — helping them envision potential career paths in these future-ready sectors.” He further added, “Now in its fourth edition, the National Automobile Olympiad (NAO) continues to play a pivotal role in making the automobile industry aspirational for young minds across the country.”

Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President, ASDC added “We want students to consider automotive not just as a subject but as a vibrant career option. With the flexibility NEP brings, we see NAO 2025 as a crucial touchpoint for future career decisions. Dr. Saha’s continued support is instrumental in bringing this vision to life.” He further explained “The Olympiad is open to students from classes 6 to 12 across all educational boards, NAO 2025 is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with participation open in both English and Hindi.

Set to close on 31st July 2025 for the first round. the Olympiad will feature a three-tier competition model. Group 1 includes students from Classes VI-VIII, Group 2 covers Classes IX-X, and Group 3 comprises Classes XI-XII. The regional rounds are scheduled between October and November, culminating in the national finals in December”. The collaboration aligns closely with the NEP, which encourages multi-disciplinary learning and real-world skill integration. ASDC remains committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering not just skills but also aspirations and future careers. CBSE-affiliated schools are strongly encouraged to participate in this Olympiad, aligning with the Board’s vision of holistic and skill-based education.

Quick Heal Technologies Limited Reiterates Its Commitment to Cyber Fraud Prevention, Launches Freemium Model of AntiFraud.AI

Pune, May 28th, 2025: In the face of rising cross-border cyber threats and increasing digital footprint among citizens, Quick Heal Technologies Limited, India’s most trusted name in cybersecurity, has announced a strategic move to offer its flagship fraud prevention solution AntiFraud.AI’s Freemium version. This bold and timely decision comes amid heightened cyber warfare activity, especially in the backdrop of escalating India-Pakistan tensions, where the digital front is as critical as the physical.

Amongst a host of features, AntiFraud.AI’s unique ability to detect not only malicious apps that are visible on the phone but also hidden or “invisible” apps sets it apart in the cybersecurity landscape. These hidden apps often operate without the user’s awareness and are commonly exploited in phishing, spyware, and financial fraud attacks. AntiFraud.AI alerts users about such apps, and helps them take corrective actions, making it an essential layer of defense for every mobile user.

Recognising the urgency of protecting citizens from scams, spyware, and cyber fraud, Quick Heal has extended this solution as a Freemium offering, ensuring access to essential protection tools at no cost to ensure consumers can go digital fearlessly. The offering includes features like:

Fraud App Detector to uncover harmful apps (both visible and hidden),

Scam Protection,

Risk Profile Assessment to gauge fraud exposure,

Call Forwarding Alert, Banking Fraud Alert, Payee Name Announcer, Fraud Protect Buddy, and Unauthorized Access Alert among others.

Speaking about this significant initiative, Vishal Salvi, CEO of Quick Heal Technologies Limited, said:

“At Quick Heal, we believe cyber safety is a fundamental right for all. In these tense times where, digital threats often mirror real-world conflict, it is our duty to stand with the nation. By making AntiFraud.AI’s Freemium version available to everyone at no cost, we’re reinforcing our commitment to national interest — helping every citizen stay protected against the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and fraudsters.”

This initiative aligns with the urgent need to safeguard India’s digital ecosystem, especially as the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported cyber fraud losses reaching ₹1750 crores in early 2024, with over 740,000 cases registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. Quick Heal’s move to empower users helps bridge the digital safety gap at a critical juncture.