Category Archives: News

IIMB Development Foundation Hosts Prestigious Donor Reception 2025

6th March, 2025, Bengaluru: To celebrate the generosity of the people and organizations that play a significant role in the continued success of IIM Bangalore through meaningful contributions for various causes at the Institute, the IIMB Development Foundation (IDF) hosted ‘Donor Reception 2025’, earlier today.

 Welcome addresses
Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean, Alumni Relations & Development and faculty in the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area of IIMB, who chairs the IIMB Development Foundation, delivered the welcome address and offered an overview of the session, followed by an address by Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore.

 Enriching management education and driving innovation
Prof. RT Krishnan shared a glimpse of the Institute’s academic programmes, research, outreach to industry and future plans in its journey of academic excellence. “We will continue to provide the best possible support to our faculty and centres to make greater impact, nationally and globally. In fact, new Centres of Excellence, research programs and entrepreneurship activities are also on the cards. Here, I would like to thank Mathew Cyriac, Executive Chairman, Florintree Advisors Pvt Ltd and alumnus of the PGP Class of 1994. His generous contribution has paved the way to the setting up of a global Centre of Excellence, the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, at the campus. Our incubation centre NSRCEL, thanks to its alignment with the national goal of driving a start-up culture, continues to receive significant recognition from the government and industry, including support from organizations such as Maruti Suzuki, ICICI Securities, Capgemini, to name a few. In fact, NSRCEL is geared to share its expertise with other incubators through a consulting-cum-product platform.”

 Sustaining high quality is at the core of IIMB’s future agenda, said Prof. RT Krishnan. “Although we have done well in the last 51 years, we need to do a lot more in few areas, such as, internationalization, as well as sustain and maintain the high quality in terms of faculty, research, infrastructure, etc. Our special thanks to organizations like NeSL, TCI, Mizuho Bank and many more – your continued support helps us strengthen our activities and deliver outstanding results. Our future plans include providing more support to faculty and centres, as well as focusing more on new projects like the second campus which will offer UG programmes. We look forward to working more with individual donors and corporate partners. And the IIMB Development Foundation is there to consolidate such efforts.”

  Promoting sustainability: A special address
Chief Guest of the event, Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri, MD and CEO, National E-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL), delivered a special address on initiatives promoting sustainability. “The least we, as a community, can do is leave the planet the way we got it. We also have to reverse years of deforestation and polluting of lakes and rivers. In such a situation, IIMB’s stand on adopting sustainable practices, such as setting up of EV charging stations, is similar to that of NeSL. If you take an aerial view of the Institute, you will find that the entire rooftop is covered with solar panels. That is one of the reasons why we chose to partner with IIMB as we are happy to promote projects on sustainability. The IIMB campus is like an oasis in the city of Bangalore. The peaceful and tranquil nature is conducive to academic and professional pursuits.” A rooftop solar power plant, an initiative which is supported by NeSL, was inaugurated on the IIM Bangalore campus in April 2024.
“To achieve the Indian government’s aim to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, we need to harness the advantages of the demographic dividend through training and skilling. We need to implement projects within time limits, and IIMB has a crucial role to play in this area.”

 India and Japan – strategic partnership
The event also featured the Guest of Honor – Tatsuhiro Otake, CEO India, Mizuho Bank Ltd. He shared his own career trajectory – he has been with Mizuho Bank all through and in India since 2022, and provided an overview of Mizuho Bank’s CSR activities, significance of Mizuho Bank and MIJSC in promoting India-Japan collaboration, Japanese companies in India and why India is an attractive option for such companies. “India is poised to become the third largest economy by 2027, there is skilled workforce and stable monetary policy, government to government relationship with Japan is close, while Japan is faced with an aging society, decline in population, low economic growth rate and shortage of human resource. Japanese companies seek business opportunities in India as consumption market and product/export base, and aim to secure and diversify supply chains in India. Mizuho Bank has supported MIJSC by way of interacting with delegation of IIMB students, having a lecture called ‘Doing Business in India – Japanese Perspective’, and through contributions.”

 Endowment fund for deserving students
Another highlight was the announcement of the ‘Professor Prakash G. Apte Memorial Endowment Fund’, initiated by Alok Apte, son of Late Professor Apte, and his well-wishers. Recalling his student days, Prof. Sourav Mukherji said that Prof. Prakash G. Apte was a great teacher and mentor with immense respect for the Doctoral programme. Alok Apte said that this endowment fund has been created so that deserving students are not denied of quality education due to lack of funds and to promote academic excellence in research.

 Panel discussion on impact of donating for higher education
A panel discussion on, ‘The Multiplier Effect of Donating to Education’ was moderated by Rohit Jaisingh, CEO, IIMB Development Foundation. The panelists were PS Narayan, Global Head, Wipro; Sunil Khurana, CEO & MD, BPL Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd; Rajkiran Kanagala, President and Chief Business Officer, TCI; Madhu Moses T, Regional Head, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Sandhya Shekhar, alumna of PGP 1984.

 The discussion focused on the rationale of donating for higher education and its impact. Sharing their experiences in collaborating with institutions in their CSR initiatives, the panelists listed robust and transparent policies as the top pick aiding their selection for possible partners. “Choose to partner with enterprises where leadership has its heart in the right place”, said Sandhya Shekhar. While PS Narayan advocated sustainability and bridging gap in the education system, Sunil Khurana recommended civic engagement and contribution to economy as their core objective. Rajkiran Kanagala said his organization believed in giving back to the industry, focusing on rural areas, sustainability and leaving a legacy behind. Madhu Moses advised that we need more scholarships, boost infrastructure and support the social stock exchange. All the panelists agreed that partnering with IIM Bangalore has been a rewarding experience.

Miror Wellness Pioneers Accelerated Support for Women Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause

Bangalore, 6th March 2025: International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8, is a day to honor the achievements of women and acknowledge the ongoing challenges they face. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, calls for an intensified effort to create positive change for women everywhere. One such key area in need of action is the often-overlooked journey of perimenopause and menopause. Millions of women undergo profound physiological changes during these stages, yet the support and understanding around them remain limited. Now is the time to push for better education, resources, and products that empower women through these life transitions. Miror Wellness stands out as a company dedicated to improving the well-being of women during this critical phase of life. It’s time to break the silence and empower women with the knowledge and care they need.

Perimenopause and menopause can be challenging times for women, both physically and emotionally. Perimenopause typically begins in the 40s, leading to menopause, defined by 12 months without menstruation, usually around 50. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, fatigue, and changes in mood and memory can affect everyday life. Despite being a natural part of aging, many women feel unsupported, isolated, and misunderstood during this transition. The stigma surrounding menopause portrays it negatively, overlooking women’s resilience. Conversations remain taboo, leaving many without guidance, resources, or products to ease this phase. As a result, conversations around menopause and perimenopause have long been taboo, leaving many women without the resources, guidance, or products that could make their journey easier. How can you identify if you are going through this phase?

1. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: Hot flushes are among the most recognizable symptoms of menopause. Women experience sudden surges of heat, often starting in the face and chest, accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat that can lead to disruptive night sweats, affecting sleep quality and contributing to chronic fatigue.
2. Sleep Disturbances and Chronic Fatigue: Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impair sleep, leading to insomnia or frequent awakenings. Establishing a calming bedtime routine and seeking nutritional support can help restore a more natural sleep cycle.
3. Mood Swings and Anxiety: The decline in estrogen directly affects brain neurotransmitters, often resulting in pronounced mood swings, heightened anxiety, and emotional instability. These changes can strain relationships and mental well-being. Mindfulness practices, professional guidance, and strong social support can help manage these emotional shifts.
4. Weight Gain and Metabolic Changes: Many women experience unexpected weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, due to a slower metabolism and hormonal imbalances. Combined with lifestyle factors, this can lead to increased health risks.
5. Joint Pain and Muscle Stiffness: Estrogen plays a vital role in joint lubrication and muscle function. As its levels decrease, women may experience joint pain, stiffness, and increased susceptibility to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Engaging in low-impact exercises and maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help alleviate discomfort and support mobility.

 Miror Wellness is a brand that is actively contributing to the conversation on women’s health, particularly in the areas of perimenopause and menopause. They have a free WhatsApp community where hundreds of women find guidance, support, and expert insights. This inclusive space fosters meaningful discussions on symptom management, self-care, and holistic wellness and find solidarity in a community that understands their journey. They also have supplements like Miror Revive & Bliss that help women in this phase. Miror Revive, rich in antioxidants, promotes glowing skin and boosts energy, while Miror Bliss helps balance hormones and support restful sleep. These wellness solutions enable women to navigate this phase with greater ease and confidence.

 As we reflect on this International Women’s Day, let us pledge to support women through all phases of life. Miror Wellness is a key part of this shift, providing innovative solutions that make women feel supported, heard, and empowered. By accelerating action now, we can create a future where women going through perimenopause and menopause feel confident, cared for, and equipped to take charge of their health. Let’s celebrate women today, tomorrow, and every day by ensuring they have the resources they need to live well, regardless of their stage in life.

Shikha Goel to Inspire at FTCCI’s Empower Her Program Held at T-Hub

Hyderabad, March 05, 2025…….A Program “EmpowerHer: Accelerating Equality and Empowerment” will be held on Thursday at The Marvel, T-Hub.

Organised by The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Ms. Shikha Goel, Director General of Police, Women Safety Wing, Telangana will be the chief guest.

A few prominent speakers Ms. Keerthy Reddy, Founder & CEO, Bold Fuse; Ms. Purnima Kamble, Senior Partner, Fox Mandal Foundation; Ms. Aakanksha Kumar, Chief Engagement Head, Telangana and AP, Image Consulting Business Institute; Ms. Dr Tasneem Shariff, Chairperson, Women Empowerment Committee, FTCCI and Ms. Sylvia Smetana, Founder Divershefy will speak.

The program organised to observe and celebrate International Women’s Day will have many sessions on Health, Wellness, Safety, Legal Rights, Personal Grooming, Branding and a Fireside chat on Raising the standard-achieving CXO level excellence.

Over 300 women professionals, Entrepreneurs, Aspiring Business Women, Students, Young Women, HR and Organisational Leaders and individuals who are passionate about women’s rights are expected to participate.

Veranda Learning’s Students Excel in CA Inter Exams with Top Results

CHENNAI, 5th March 2025: Students from the commerce vertical of Veranda Learning Solutions, a listed enterprise offering end-to-end education solutions, have delivered a standout performance in the CA Intermediate examinations held from January 11 to 21, 2025.

The results reinforce the company’s commitment to academic excellence. Veranda’s commerce vertical comprises five esteemed brands: JK Shah Classes, BB Virtuals, Navkar Digital Institute, Logic School of Management and Tapasya College of Commerce and Management. A total of 64 students feature in the all-India top-50 ranking list, with many securing shared ranks.

Leading the achievements was Deepanshi Agarwal from BB Virtuals, who secured All-India Rank 1 (AIR 1). While Deepanshi, a Taxation and Audit student from BB Virtuals, bagged the top rank, Harsh Kabra got AIR 5th. JK Shah Classes continued its legacy of excellence with Dev Jaiswal securing AIR 11th. He was closely followed by Vidhi Daglya and Vishnu Madhusudana.

Navkar Digital Institute also delivered impressive results, with eight students featuring in the AIR top-50 list. The complete list of students is shared in the annexure below.

Ms. Deepanshi, a Taxation and Audit student from BB Virtuals, credited her success to structured preparation, rigorous mock tests, and expert guidance. “Achieving AIR 1 is a dream come true. I was inspired by an interview of a top ranker on Mr. Bhanwar Borana’s YouTube channel last year, and I aspired to be among the best. The personalized mentorship and high-quality resources at BB Virtuals were instrumental in my journey,” said Deepanshi.

Congratulating Ms. Deepanshi, Mr. Bhanwar Borana, Founder of BB Virtuals, stated, “We are immensely proud of Ms. Deepanshi’s phenomenal achievement. Heartiest congratulations to her parents for their unwavering support. At BB Virtuals, we remain dedicated to equipping CA aspirants with the best learning experience. This result reflects our commitment to academic excellence and our students’ relentless determination.”

Mr. JK Shah, founder of JK Shah Classes, lauded the students for their outstanding performance. “These top-notch results have been possible thanks to the dedication of our students, the unwavering support of their families, and the exceptional guidance provided by our faculty. At Veranda Learning, we take immense pride in nurturing the next generation of finance professionals. The success of our commerce vertical in the CA Inter exams reflects our relentless focus on delivering the best educational resources to students.”

Indian Women Challenging Stereotypes and Embracing Leadership Roles, Prodigy Finance Finds

Sonal’s journey is a powerful testament to how a woman can triumph over numerous challenges to achieve success. From working at Ola and Flipkart to overseeing and optimising Prodigy Finance’s commercial operations on a global scale, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing overall customer experience, she demonstrates that resilience and determination can break the barriers of traditionally male-dominated tech and finance sectors. Sonal is now in a leadership role as the Global Chief Business Officer of Prodigy Finance, but her journey was not an easy one.

Sonal’s path began as many of yours might – a student with a dream too big for her bank account. After completing her Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, she refused to let the funding dim her vision. With a zeal to succeed, she took the bold leap by enrolling at the Indian School of Business for a Postgraduate Degree in Management, specialising in Marketing. This was the move that would set the stage for everything to come.

To make it work, she took out a student loan, and her father believed in her capabilities; he opted to help her by being a co-signer. This student loan came with its own set of responsibilities, along with opportunities to pursue her career goals. With this, she also had to be careful not to add any extra financial burden on her father. The load of this student loan was something she carried with her every day, fuelling her determination to succeed.

It was not an easy path. Every day while studying, Sonal often felt that she wouldn’t make it in her career and worried about the loan she had taken. She even thought of dropping out of her postgraduate studies to start her own business, but she held on, trusting that her education would pay off and unlock big opportunities for her in the future. All these experiences and the pressure of a student loan had a big impact on her. It gave her a deep understanding of what many students go through while completing their higher education.

After graduating, she worked with big names like Stanton Chase and Ola, broadening her skillset. That experience paved the way for a game-changing role at Flipkart, where she spent eight years and built their fintech ecosystem. During this period, she discovered the power of financial solutions and laid down strategies for funding the businesses.

Now, with over 14 years of experience in fintech, innovation, and product innovation, Sonal is working towards the mission of Prodigy Finance to break down financial barriers for students who want to study a master’s abroad. Prodigy Finance’s new loan option provides students with the flexibility to choose between a co-signer loan or a no co-signer loan, allowing them to select the option that best fits their financial situation.

Sonal’s passion ignites opportunities like scholarships, empowering ambitious women to reach their global goals. The big news is that Prodigy Finance will join hands with Esade to launch the Future Female Leaders Scholarship, specifically designed for women pursuing their aspirations in Esade’s graduate programs. This scholarship offers a significant one-time award of $8,000 to empower your educational journey. More information on this will be announced soon on Prodigy Finance’s website.

“That loan wasn’t just money; it was my promise to my father to succeed.” Sonal Kapoor states, “Signing those loan papers changed everything,” She further added. “The Esade Future Female Leaders Scholarship is a kickstart for women pursuing an Esade graduate program. I didn’t receive scholarship support while I was pursuing my higher education, and I wish I had. I believe this scholarship will be a ticket for women with big dreams to achieve their desired careers.”

Now, as the Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, Sonal is working on creating innovative funding options for an international master’s degree. She uses her personal experiences to lift others who are going through similar funding issues.

Sonal’s story is for every student who’s ever worried about financing, doubted themselves, or dreamed of a global career. She is an example of what women can do when given equal opportunities. She has proven that leadership is more than gender – it’s about vision and impact. Her story shows that every dream can be achieved with determination, education, and the right support.

ET Nextech 2025 Reveals 69% of Indian Companies Are Automating HR, Ushering in the AI Revolution in Workforce Management

New Delhi, March 6, 2025:The Economic Times Nextech Human Capital Summit 2025, held on February 19-20, 2025, brought together top HR titans, industry experts, and business executives to transform human capital in India and discuss work in the AI era.

With an unparalleled lineup of over 100 speakers, 2000 plus attendees, more than 4 experiential tracks, over 92 partners and 2 days of networking, the summit addressed some of the most talked about challenges in human capital management today, including AI-driven workforce evolution, diversity and inclusion in the digital era, and redefining EVP in the post-pandemic world. This year’s theme, Elevate Work in the AI Age, was a call to action for organizations to embrace AI-driven transformation and implement forward-thinking strategies that redefine workforce development, ensuring agility, innovation, and long-term success in the digital era.

The Summit 2025 brought together speakers from industry giants such as Reliance Industries, Infosys, Titan, BluSmart, Flipkart, PhonePe, Amazon, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, P&G, SBI, Apollo Tyres, Neemrana Hotels, Jindal Stainless, Ambuja Cements, Bata India, and Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, among many others.

Among the distinguished speakers was Ray Wang, Founder, Chairman & Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, Alexandra Levit, Founder & CEO of Inspiration At Work, Fermin Diez, Adjunct Professor, National University of Singapore, who provided deep insights into how organizations can harness AI and lead next wave of digital disruption in human capital.

Moreover, Navdeep Singh, Gold Medalist at the Paris Paralympics 2024 and an Arjuna Awardee, discussed his journey that underscored the importance of resilience, inclusion, and determination in achieving excellence. Adding a bold and unconventional perspective to this summit, Ashneer Grover, Former MD & Co-founder of BharatPe, shared some candid insights on leadership and work ethics.

Along with this, there were powerful and thought-provoking sessions on critical workplace transformations. Discussions ranged from how top CXOs are navigating AI at work to building scalable talent ecosystems in BFSI for next-gen excellence. Experts shed light on The World of Work Trends 2025, offering insights into the collective workforce’s evolving dynamics.

The presenting partner at the summit, Naukri Talent Cloud engaged in insightful conversations around the future of work. Dr. Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer, Naukri, expressed, “The event underscored the growing importance of technology in shaping the HR landscape and reaffirmed the need for innovation in talent management. As an industry leader Naukri remains committed to elevate recruitment in the AI age by bringing together cutting-edge talent solutions under one roof with Naukri Talent Cloud.”

The event also featured the grand launch of ETHRWorld’s exclusive report, Tech Transformations 2025. This comprehensive report unveils the HR Tech ecosystem in India and reveals groundbreaking information about how the AI-powered tech revolution is shaping workforce efficiency, talent strategies, and human capital investments.

Some of the key revelations of the report include:

• 69 percent of Indian organizations are leveraging technology to automate HR operations, drastically enhancing efficiency.
• AI adoption in HR is accelerating, with 46 percent of companies implementing AI-driven solutions for recruitment, learning, and talent management.
• Budget constraints (41 percent) and challenges in measuring ROI (22 percent) continue to be roadblocks in HR tech adoption, emphasizing the need for strategic investment and leadership alignment.
• Advanced analytics (62 percent), AI-powered decision-making (47 percent), and talent management suites (49 percent) are set to dominate future HR tech investments.

Alongside the summit and report launch, The Economic Times HCA Awards honored and celebrated the most visionary HR leaders who go beyond workforce management to elevate and empower their organizations. Further, the Emerging Leaders League provided a platform to celebrate the rising stars in HR leaders who are shaping the future of talent management and organizational culture.

The summit was proudly supported by industry-leading organizations, such as Naukri Talent Cloud as the Presenting Partner, AdvantageClub.ai as the Co-presenting Partner, and was hosted in association with Deel and Indeed. Additionally, the summit was powered by Infosys and Udemy.

Kota Cares Initiative Flourishes as 10,000 Auto Rickshaw Drivers Join After 4,000 Hostel Owners Introduce Student-Focused Policies

National, March 05th, 2025: In a significant expansion of the pioneering ‘Kota Cares’ initiative, auto rickshaw unions of Kota representing over 10,000 drivers have united to introduce reforms to transportation services for students, further cementing the education hub’s transformation into a model city for student welfare. The announcement comes just weeks after 4,000 hostel owners came together under ‘Kota Cares’ to introduce multiple student-friendly measures, including the elimination of security deposits. Three Auto rickshaw unions presented their proposal to district administration with the help of Kota student’s welfare society.

These unions, representing over 10,000 drivers across the student capital, have committed to a standardized fare structure, behavioural training programs, and enhanced support systems designed specifically for the city’s 1.25 students. The initiative marks the first time in Kota’s history that comprehensive transportation guidelines have been collectively established and displayed on all auto rickshaws operating in the city.

“Transportation is the lifeline of our city and often the first experience students have when arriving in Kota,” said Additional District Collector Anil Singhal, who presided over the meeting where the unions presented their proposals. “When auto drivers charge fair rates and provide good service, it creates a positive impression of our entire city. This unprecedented collaboration demonstrates our commitment to extending the Kota Cares philosophy to every aspect of student life.”

The reforms include several first-of-its-kind measures:

Standardized Fare Structure

• Fixed maximum fare of Rs. 20 per kilometer across all auto rickshaws
• Minimum fare of Rs. 30 for journeys up to one kilometer
• Standardized waiting charges of Rs. 50 per hour
• No additional charges on examination days or for student luggage

Safety and Support Measures

• Mandatory gatekeeper and behavioral training for all auto drivers
• Special focus on women auto drivers providing safe transportation for female students
• Protocol for reporting suspicious activities or student distress situations
• Continuation of emergency medical transportation services

Transparency Initiatives

• Fare charts and student guidelines to be prominently displayed in all 10,000 auto rickshaws with the help of Kota student’s welfare society.
• Information displays at coaching institutes about transportation guidelines
• Clear protocols for passenger belongings and emergency assistance

“We were inspired by what the hostel associations achieved under Kota Cares,” said Bhupendra Saxena, President of Kota Auto Driver Union. “As the first point of contact for most students arriving in our city, we recognize our crucial role in shaping their Kota experience. These self-imposed guidelines reflect our commitment to treating these young aspirants like our own children.”

The auto unions’ representatives, including Deepak Tiwari, President of Hadoti Auto Rickshaw Hitkari Seva Samiti, and Mohammad Shakeel, President of Janseva Autorickshaw Union, collaborated on the proposal, demonstrating unprecedented unity across the transportation sector.

Deputy Superintendent of Traffic Police Ashok Kumar Meena praised the initiative, noting: “Auto rickshaws provide 24-hour service in our city, making them essential to student safety and mobility. This proactive approach by the unions will address multiple challenges at once, and the traffic police stand ready to support both students and drivers in implementing these changes.”

Danfoss Power Solutions Marks Milestone with Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Pune Campus

PUNE, 5th March 2025, India – Danfoss Power Solutions, a leading global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics as well as electric powertrain systems, today broke ground on a seven acres greenfield plant in Talegaon, Pune, marking a significant milestone in its expansion journey in India. This over INR 1,000 crores strategic investment will more than double Danfoss Power Solutions’ manufacturing footprint in India while helping the company meet its sustainability targets.

Danfoss Group has steadily expanded its manufacturing and research and development capabilities in India, playing a significant role in the country’s industrial growth. The Talegaon campus is Danfoss’ seventh manufacturing facility in India, highlighting the company’s continued local investments. Danfoss has additional manufacturing facilities in Chennai, Mumbai, Vadodara, Bengaluru, and two in Pune.

Situated on a 44 acres plot of land, the Talegaon campus will enable Danfoss to:

• Enhance production capacity for existing Danfoss Power Solutions product lines, such as pumps, motors, cylinders, and valves.
• Introduce new product lines to meet growing customer demand.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, contributing to Danfoss’ commitment to decarbonize global operations by 2030.
• Establish an ADC to drive collaborative engineering with local customers, enabling faster research and development cycles.

“Our new state-of-the-art facility in Pune will enable us to better support local customers by enhancing our production capabilities and delivering sustainable solutions,” said Daniel Winter, President, Danfoss Power Solutions. “India is poised for tremendous industrial growth, and our investment will increase Danfoss’ capacity to support such growth. This new facility represents our commitment to India and to providing localized, high-quality solutions that help our customers succeed in a rapidly evolving market.”

As part of Danfoss’ long-term investment strategy in India, the Talegaon facility will strengthen Danfoss’ ability to develop and manufacture in India for India and global markets, positioning the company as a trusted partner to the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The strategic location of this campus ensures faster response times, improved supply chain efficiencies, and enhanced service for customers.

“India is a key growth market for Danfoss, and our investment in Talegaon reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the country’s evolving manufacturing ecosystem,” said Torben Christensen, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Global Services, Danfoss. “This facility will not only expand our production footprint but also reinforce our focus on sustainability and innovation.”

As Danfoss India continues to scale its operations, it remains dedicated to delivering sustainable, customer-centric solutions that drive value for industries and communities. This expansion further strengthens Danfoss’ role as a key enabler in India’s manufacturing and technological transformation, solidifying its position as a trusted global partner in innovation and sustainability.

AI, Supply Chain Risks, and Regulatory Pressures Lead the Cybersecurity Agenda in 2025

Bangalore, 5 March 2025 – 2025 is a critical year for the cybersecurity industry, marked by a rise in AI-powered threats, AI skills shortages, and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. With major breaches and new regulations like the NIS2 Directive and the EU Artificial Intelligence Act reshaping the industry, organizations must be proactive in adapting to emerging challenges.

 ISACA, a global professional association championing the digital trust workforce, has identified five key trends that will dominate cybersecurity in 2025:
1. AI-Powered Threats: Attackers will leverage AI to craft highly sophisticated cyber threats, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish malicious activity from legitimate behavior. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, will be vulnerable to AI-driven cyberattacks.
2. Tight Job Market: ISACA’s recent State of Cybersecurity survey report found that cybersecurity hiring has slowed. This makes it even more imperative that cyber-related professionals take ownership of their career and pursue professional development opportunities that align with their goals – whether it be increasing their knowledge, gaining skills in areas such as AI or pursuing a new credential—like the new Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (CCOA).
3. Increased Regulatory Requirements: As regulations like the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) take effect, organizations will face greater compliance pressures, especially in industries such as finance. The evolving regulatory environment will require companies stay informed, be agile, and not succumb to a checklist mentality.
4. Complex Geopolitical Landscape—As adversaries leverage AI and misinformation, supply chain security concerns persist, and nation state attacks continue to rise, cybersecurity professionals are increasingly under pressure to deal with these external factors while facing internal constraints – notably increased regulatory requirements and fewer resources.
5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The reliance on third-party vendors amplifies risk. Organizations must increase the resilience of supply chains and align with partners who adhere to strong security practices to minimize the likelihood of cascading cyber incidents.

 “2025 will bring both significant challenges and transformative opportunities for cybersecurity professionals,” says Chris Dimitriadis, ISACA Chief Global Strategy Officer. “Organizations must embrace agility, make sound investments both in cybersecurity talent and solutions, and leverage emerging technologies towards innovating.”

  To help cybersecurity professionals navigate the shifting landscape, ISACA offers expert insights in the latest ISACA Now blog posts from Niel Harper and Megan Hall, covering AI’s impact on cybersecurity and strategies for strengthening digital defenses. Additionally, the association offers AI training and globally recognized information security credentials, including the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and CCOA.

Inspecting Dams: How Satellites and Drones Help Avoid Catastrophes

A dam’s surface might appear calm and unyielding. But looks can be deceiving.

That’s why governments around the world require dams to be inspected periodically. It’s a complex process that looks for tiny shifts in the earth around the dam, the appearance of hairline cracks or other evidence that the structure is under stress.

Many of the world’s 70,000 dams, however, are located in remote areas that make regular inspections difficult.

That’s why, increasingly, the data for dam inspections is being captured from the sky, where drones and satellites keep a watchful eye.

“Drones and satellites have revolutionized dam inspection by providing access to previously unreachable areas and offering new, more affordable ways to monitor the entire structure,” said Raul Colcher, IEEE Life Senior Member.

Emerging Threats to Dams

While rare, dams do occasionally fail. The International Commission on Large Dams, which tracks the largest dams in the world, said that about 300 of the 36,000 dams in its database have ever failed. These incidents have caused major loss of life and property damage. The commission points out that though the failure rate has historically stood at around 1%, the rate has dropped dramatically in recent years.

“Generally speaking, the main causes are natural — like erosion, extreme weather or seismic activity, and human factors —bad projects, execution errors, inadequate maintenance and aging,” Colcher said.

Some experts see climate change as emerging threats to dams, because it increases the likelihood of massive rain events.

“Climate change is resulting in increased water behind dams, which in turn results in increased pressure on the structure,” said IEEE Senior Member Paul Kostek. “This highlights the need for increased inspections and the use of technology to expand the reach of inspectors.”

Emergence of SAR
In recent years, the most valuable satellite-based inspection tool has emerged: SAR, or synthetic aperture radar. This tool uses microwave pulses to map the ground, collecting the reflection of those pulses as they are bounced back from Earth. One advantage of SAR technology is that it can peer through clouds as it creates highly detailed three-dimensional models of objects on Earth.

Over the years, a number of SAR satellites have been launched, and these satellites take continuous measurements of the planet. One constellation of SAR satellites passes over the same location on Earth once every 12 days. That continuous measurement has led to another capability, known as InSAR or Inferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, which compares two SAR images to detect tiny changes, as small as one millimeter, in a dam’s surface, from space.

SAR systems can also be mounted on drones, Kostek said, allowing for other perspectives.

“Using unmanned aerial vehicles or satellites allows inspections to be done without travel and when needed, prioritizing those dams that need a visit,” Kostek said.