Category Archives: News

Building Resilient and Secure Networks for Government Agencies

National Harbor, MD, May 27, 2024 — As Zero Trust Architecture continues to permeate U.S. Federal agencies and the DOD, funding is following suit. The Biden Administration’s proposed federal budget for fiscal 2024 includes a spending increase of $12.7 billion intended for cyber-related activities within federal agencies. For FY25, the Pentagon is seeking $14.5 billion, a $1B increase from 2024, for cyber spending including $977 zero trust.

To this end, DSI’S 2nd Annual Zero Trust Government Symposium will address in depth discussions on insulating battlefield operations, ensuring secure information sharing, transitioning to a hybrid workforce, defining adoption milestones, defeating adversaries, and addressing challenges in Zero Trust strategy. Attendees at the 2024 Symposium will have the unique opportunity to gain insights into accelerating Zero Trust implementation within the DOD and federal agencies, focusing on synchronizing efforts and the latest functional management offices that have been stood up to promote these efforts.

2024 Confirmed Speakers:
· Khoi Nguyen, SES, Director, Cyber Acquisition and Technology J9, CYBERCOM
· Gerald Caron, CIO, International Trade Administration
· Shery Thomas, SES, CTO, MARFORCYBER
· Alvin “Tony” Plater, Acting CISO, U.S. Navy
· Don Yeske, Director, National Security Cyber Division Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
· Cherilyn Pascoe, Director, National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, NIST

Moderator

John Zangardi, Ph.D, CEO, Redhorse, Former Chief Information Officer, DHS, Former Acting Chief Information Officer, DoD

Topics to be Covered at the Symposium:
· – Synchronizing the DOD to Accelerate Zero Trust Implementation
· -Understanding Responsible Use of AI in Protecting Federal Data
· -Insulating Battlefield Command C5ISR Operations with ZT Network Software
· – Confronting How to Better Manage and Secure Data Across the U.S. Treasury
· -Defining Steps and Milestones Guiding Air Force Forward in ZT Adoption
· – CISA’s Zero Trust Initiative Office: Unpacking ZT Strategy Challenges & Solutions
· -Enabling Continuous and Secure Information Sharing Between the U.S. Federal Government and International Partner Networks

Grand Marais Art Colony’s Studio 21 Announces the Opening of Sarah Seidelman Exhibition

Grand Marais, MN, May 27, 2024 –– The Grand Marais Art Colony is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Studio 21, a dynamic new space dedicated to fostering creativity and showcasing exceptional art. Studio 21 will feature an exhibition by emerging local artist, Sarah Seidelmann.

Event Details:

– Exhibition Title: “Making Love Visible: The Art of Sarah Seidelmann”
– Opening Reception: June 1, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
– Exhibition Dates: May 23- June 29, 2024
– Location: Studio 21, Grand Marais Art Colony, 21 West Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Sarah Seidelmann, an emerging artist known for her vibrant and soulful works, will be presenting a collection that captures the essence of her deep connection to nature and spirituality. Her pieces, often characterized by their whimsical themes and bold colors, invite viewers into a world where the wild and the sacred intersect.

“Sarah Seidelmann is one of the four Arrowhead regional artists selected for the Grand Marais Art Colony Studio 21 Gallery this summer. She premiers her work at her exhibit, Making Love Visible beginning with the June 1 opening event.“

The opening reception on June 1 will offer attendees the opportunity to meet Sarah Seidelmann and gain insight into her creative process.

Studio 21 represents the Art Colony’s commitment to expanding its reach and resources to support artists at all stages of their careers. This versatile space will host exhibitions, workshops, and community events, fostering a rich cultural dialogue within the region.

Top 5 reasons to watch Jamnapaar on Amazon miniTV: A heartfelt coming-of-age tale about aspirations and self–discovery

Mumbai, 24 May 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the much-awaited aspirational drama Jamnapaar, which follows the story of Shantanu Bansal aka Shanky, a young man from East Delhi. Struggling with feelings of inferiority about his Jamnapaar roots, Shanky aspires to leave his traditional upbringing behind for a glamorous corporate life in South Delhi. The story delves into the clash of ideologies within his family and his struggle to fit into a world that seems out of reach. Along with an aspiring narrative, emotional connection, and deep-rooted characters, here are the top 5 reasons to watch Jamnapaar on Amazon miniTV.

● An exploration of Identity and Roots: Jamnapaar offers a riveting narrative that follows Shantanu Bansal’s journey of self-discovery as he navigates the divide between his East Delhi roots and his ambitions for a cool corporate life in South Delhi. The series beautifully sheds light on the importance of embracing one’s roots, making it a relatable and thought-provoking watch for anyone grappling with their sense of identity.

● Emotional yet thought-provoking storyline: The storyline tackles real-life issues such as social pressure, inferiority complex, and the quest for acceptance, all while celebrating the strength found in family and friendship. Exploring the clash between personal aspirations and familial expectations, the series emphasizes the sacrifices and choices one must make along the way. The heartfelt narrative will strike a chord with people juggling between career ambitions and family life.

● Authentic portrayal of Delhi’s diverse lifestyles: Set against the backdrop of Delhi, the series authentically captures the stark contrasts between the East and the South. From the bustling, tradition-rich streets of Jamnapaar to the modern, corporate environment of South Delhi, the series paints a vivid picture of the city’s diverse lifestyles and cultural dynamics.

● Powerful performances from talented cast: Featuring Ritvik Sahore, Varun Badola, Raghu Ram, Srishti Ganguly Rindani, and Ankita Saigal, Jamnapaar boasts a stellar ensemble cast, each bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Through their compelling performances, they convey complex emotions with ease, taking the viewers into the world of Jamnapaar while making their struggles and triumphs feel personal and relatable.

● Watch for free: Immerse yourself in the heartwarming tale of Jamnapaar for free on Amazon miniTV. There is no need to pay anything to tune in to this aspirational drama on a subscription basis. It is now available to stream on Amazon miniTV and Fire TV within the Amazon Shopping App and on Play Store.

Get ready to embrace your roots and celebrate the true spirit of familial bonds with Jamnapaar, exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and Play Store!

HCL 14th Indian Junior Open 2024 – Day 2 Highlights

The day two of the HCL 14th Indian Junior Open at Daly College, Indore, featured an exciting lineup of matches across multiple categories, showcasing the budding talents in the world of junior squash. Here are some of the day’s standout performances:

Match Highlights:

– Outstanding Performances in Boys Under 11:

– Prahlad Singh Majithia showcased his dominance with a swift victory over Yashovardhan Rajale, with impressive scores of 11-2, 11-0, and 11-2.

– Aaron Arambhan, seeded in the 5/8 bracket, also turned in a commanding performance against Neel Naman, winning 11-0, 11-3, 11-7.

– Strong Showings in Girls Under 11:

– Naina Anand delivered a near-perfect match against Kopal Gupta, dominating with scores of 11-0, 11-0, and 11-1.

– Anaya Fattepuria displayed exceptional skills, overpowering Anushka Tandon with a scoreline of 11-1, 11-1, 11-0.

– Boys Under 13 Impress:

– Devansh Agrawal, seeded first, convincingly defeated Bhavik Ghuge 11-3, 11-4, 11-4.

– Rahul Sambre overcame Parshuram Lachaka in a more contested match, with scores of 11-9, 2-11, 11-8, and 11-5.

– Girls Under 13 Gaining Ground:

– Aaditri Bhattacherjee battled against Kavya Jhawar in a close match, eventually securing a win with scores of 11-4, 11-7, 9-11, and 12-10.

– Deepshika Thorat also shone brightly with her solid victory over Kavya Somani, scoring 11-3, 11-4, 11-6.

– Intensity in Boys Under 15:

– Shreyansh Jha had a thrilling comeback against Indransh Singh, pulling through with scores of 5-11, 7-11, 11-3, 12-10, and 11-7.

– Raghav Vashishtha also made a significant impact, overcoming Yukt Jajoo with a strong performance of 11-4, 11-3, 11-8.

– Girls Under 15 Show Their Mettle:

– Dhriti Sharma proved too strong for Koshiki Khandelwal, cruising to a win with scores of 11-4, 11-0, 11-3.

– Maira Ghosh was nearly flawless against Arayna Kasliwal, winning 11-0, 11-0, 11-1.

These matches have set the stage for some exciting upcoming encounters as the tournament progresses. Fans and participants alike are eagerly anticipating more action from these talented juniors who are not just competing, but also learning and growing with every match.

PSA Match Highlights:

Rathika Suthanthira Seelan vs. Shameena Riaz: In a gripping encounter, top-seeded Rathika Suthanthira Seelan demonstrated her prowess with a decisive 3-1 victory against Shameena Riaz. Rathika controlled the game with scores of 11-7, 6-11, 11-8, and 11-7.

Ravindu Laksiri vs. Vaibhav Chauhan: Sri Lankan talent Ravindu Laksiri displayed dominance in his match against Vaibhav Chauhan, sweeping through with a straightforward 11-1, 11-5, 11-2 victory.

Nirupama Dubey vs. Eesha Shrivastava: Nirupama Dubey, ranked 8th, continued her strong performance in the tournament by defeating Eesha Shrivastava with an impressive 3-0 scoreline, showcasing her consistency and tactical acumen.

Yeheni Kuruppu vs. Aryaa Dwivedi: Yeheni Kuruppu from Sri Lanka didn’t give Aryaa Dwivedi much room, securing a robust 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 win and advancing confidently in the tournament.

Diwakar Singh vs. Athbi Hamad: In a match filled with fluctuations, wildcard Diwakar Singh came out on top against Kuwait’s Athbi Hamad in a dramatic five-setter, winning 6-11, 5-11, 11-8, 14-12, 11-9. This match was particularly notable for its intensity and the remarkable comeback by Singh.

Akanksha Gupta vs. Janet Vidhi: Akanksha Gupta put up a formidable performance, securing a 3-0 win against Janet Vidhi in a closely contested match with scores of 11-9, 11-8, and 12-10, highlighting her resilience under pressure.

India Takes the Helm: Maiden Presidency at World Chefs’ Congress in Singapore

Hyderabad,24th May 2024: Telangana Chef’s Association celebrated its 5th Anniversary in a gala day- long event in Hyderabad, today. The event was attended by students from Hotel Management institutes, culinary professionals, home makers and renowned Chefs from Goa, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

The full day event kick started with an inaugural ceremony attended by Chief Guests Chef Vijaya Bhaskaran, General Secretary, IFCA, from Chennai; Mr. Gareth Wynn Owen, Deputy High commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, Hyderabad; Shri. Ramachander Poodipeddi, IAS, Investment Promotion & FDI, Oxford Visiting Fellow, CUHK Ambassador, B- School Guest Lecturer; Mr. Pascal Loreau, Consulat General de France à Bangalore – Antenne d’ Hyderabad; Mr Mustafa Kaya, Deputy Consul General, General of the Republic of Turkey, Hyderabad; H.E Mr Mahdi Shahrokhi, Consul General, Consulate of Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad along with TCA (Telangana Chef Association) President, Chef Dharmendra Lamba and TCA Vice- President, Chef Sunit Sharma, Culinary Forum, Goa.

Speaking on the occasion by Chief Guest Chef Vijaya Bhaskaran said, I am glad to announce that the next national congress of Chef’s Association will be hosted by Hyderabad. We are sharing the best practices with various organizations to bring standardization, recently we had sent chefs to Akshaya Patra, and trained chefs on sustainable practices, hygiene practices, how they can follow food safety aspects and overall motivated the chefs there, we will also do such training in Hyderabad, Bangalore and various other cities where Akshaya Patra has operations. World’s Chefs Congress is going to be held in Singapore and the election of the President of World Chefs Congress will happen at that meet and delighted to say that with the support of most of the countries from around the world, Chef MS Gill will be nominated for the presidency. We will be soliciting lot of support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Trade Promotional Council of India is already supporting us. To attract talent to this profession we will be working from the school level to make this profession attractive to youngsters from an early age. We will also have seasoned chefs taking up mentorship for students from hotel management colleges, to quickly learn the skills and excel in their career.

Shri. Ramachander Poodipeddi, IAS, Investment Promotion & FDI, Oxford Visiting Fellow, CUHK Ambassador, B- School Guest Lecturer; said, one of the things that we declared was categorisation of five star hotels as essential sector, which might seem quite counter intuitive. This is essential to make Hyderabad a world city, I understand there should be infrastructure, good airport, good roads, good subsidy but their stay in the hotel and the service rendered to the guest will determine how he estimates the city for pursuing his investment goals in Hyderabad city. That way you have great responsibility and lot of power to positively influence the investors.

Chef Dharmendra Lamba, President, Telangana Chef Association; said, the word that comes to my mind seeing all the promising youngsters here is, Belief. As Chefs we believe that tomorrow is going to be better than today, we believe that future is in safe hands, truly believe that we are going to make a difference to what’s happening in the world. We are going to make a difference currently and in future too.

The inauguration was followed by a series of interesting talk sessions by various guest Chef’s on topics like –

· Cooking beyond the kitchen by Mr. Amit Vasisht

· Industry practices on Save Food and Save Water by Chef Amey Marathe

· Panel Discussion on Futuristic Sustainable Approaches to Address Food and Water Crisis in Hospitality Industry Moderated by Chef Amey Marathe

On this occasion, Chef Dharmendra Lamba, President, Telangana Chef’s Association shared his views and said, “Telangana Chef’s association is thrilled to be marking 5 successful years of a remarkable culinary journey in Telangana. It is a delight to see a house full of Industry stalwarts, Chefs and Students under one roof. As an industry body, we not only work towards bringing innovation and work opportunities but also do our bit in contributing to national causes at large.

Today we have some of the most sought-after names from the industry here to discuss a big challenge being faced by our country at the moment – the water crisis. As an industry body, largely dependent on water, we aim to come up with ideas on saving water and food through discussions, talks and more. Lastly, on behalf of TCA, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the guest Chefs who have graciously accepted our invitation to share their knowledge and experience with us today.”

Chef Vijaya Bhaskaran, General Secretary, IFCA, in his speech shared that, the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) is planning to organize its next annual International Culinary Congress in Hyderabad in 2025 in association with Telangana Chef’s Association (TCA). He further added that, “the objective of this congress will be to address the growing manpower issues and the skill sets related to manpower in the F&B industry in India.”

TCA also recognized some of chefs with the ‘Unsung Hero’ awards at the event. The candidates were nominated by their respective seniors. Sharing his views on these awards, TCA President, Chef Dharmendra Lamba said, “Chefs often work tirelessly behind the scenes, embodying the spirit of excellence and commitment synonymous with the profession. Through these awards, we aim to recognize the dedication, talent, and invaluable contributions of these unsung heroes in the culinary world.”

To make the event inclusive for budding chefs, TCA introduced a series of initiatives offering opportunities for young talents to showcase their strengths. As a prelude to the anniversary celebrations, TCA organized a Culinary League 2024 in which Hotel management colleges from all over Hyderabad were invited to participate. The contest was held across 3 categories with Jury that included executive chefs of star hotels and board members of TCA. Winner of the contest – Regency College of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management was announced today at the event. Contest categories were –

Category 1: Millets Competition – to celebrate the versatility of millets.

Category 2: Main Course Mystery Basket Competition – the challenge was to not know what ingredients lie ahead, yet have the skills to turn them into a delectable main course.

Category 3: Dessert Competition – In the Dessert Competition, from delicate pastries to exquisite confections, the grand finale was a celebration of the artistry that transforms desserts into culinary jewels.

Colleges were also asked to nominate 15 students each, who will get a chance to attend this full day event and interact with industry experts. TCA also extended an offer of MoU between the association and the colleges offering professional development opportunities among the student community. Through this MoU, they aim to facilitate workshops, internships and other educational initiatives to empower budding culinary talents.

TCA also presented and Honoured Faculty Chefs nominated by the institutes acknowledging their exemplary services and contributions to culinary education. All the winners were felicitated during the felicitation ceremony. Chefs from hotels, cloud kitchens and restaurants from Hyderabad along with Trainer Chefs from institutes were also recognised for their efforts and contribution to the industry.

List of Participating Colleges

· Regency college of culinary arts and hotel mgt

· Trinity College of Hotel Management

· Pioneer institute of hotel management

· IHM Shri Shakti, Begumpet Hyderabad

· Westin College of Hotel Management

· Shri Shakti College of Hotel Management

· Indian institute of Hotel Management & culinary arts

· GLOBAL INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT

· Excel College of Hotel Management

· Institute of Hotel Management Hyderabad

· Aims College of Hotel Management

· CHENNAI’S AMRITA INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT (Khairatabad, Hyderabad, branch)

· GLOBAL ACADEMY OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT

· Culinary Academy of India – Brand CAI

Students also participated in cultural culinary competitions based on the theme ‘Save Water – Save Food’.

A Red Circle Hosts Sundae Stories

Nonprofit’s nine-week program features free books and ice cream for children.

(St. Louis, Mo., May 24, 2024) A Red Circle will host its first annual Sundae Stories, a nine-week program where special guests will read aloud to the community’s children pre-K through fifth grade. Sundae Stories will be held every Sunday beginning June 2 through July 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Heaven’s Creamery located at 10835 W. Florissant Ave. in Ferguson, Mo. The event is free and open to the public.

All children will receive one free scoop of ice cream from Heaven’s Creamery, which is celebrating its first anniversary in business, plus a copy of one of the two books read weekly. Reading specialist Dr. Vanessa Howard will provide literacy resource support and Individualized Education Programs (IEP) consultations on June 2 and July 7. A Red Circle representative will discuss parent networking opportunities for the nonprofit’s Virtual Parent Café, a monthly resource featuring guest speakers and educational information for parents.

Special guest readers include Missouri state legislators Senator Angela Mosley, representatives Yolanda Fountain Henderson and Raychel Proudie, and former State Representative Rochelle Walton Gray. St. Louis children’s book authors Arika Parr and daughter Ava Johnson will introduce their book “But What Can You Do? A Story for Kids about Perseverance and Positive Thinking.”

Founded in 2017, A Red Circle is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of racial equity in North St. Louis County, Mo. The organization creates economic and community betterment solutions through education, employment, and empowerment. A Red Circle has four Missouri locations – Healthy Flavor Community Garden in Riverview, North County Agricultural Education Center in Pine Lawn, The Creative Spot in Ferguson, and North County Community Nexus in Bellefontaine Neighbors – to best serve the community and improve wellness opportunities for its citizens who experience healthy food access disparities in the region.

Light Novel “ContRact” Gets Global Print Release

Danville, VA, May 23, 2024 –Brandon Nowakowski’s urban fantasy light novel “ContRact” will be globally distributed as a paperback book on Tuesday, May. 28. It is available for preorder through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

You can also ask if your local bookstore will order a copy of the book for you to pick up after its release. The retail price is $14.99.

Amazon preorders are available at mybook.to/ContRactVol1. Vic’s Lab, LLC, is serving as the distributor for the book.

To celebrate the print release, the ebook version of the book on Amazon is on sale until Sunday at various price points each day.

A short description of the novel from the back cover blurb is quoted below.

“Desire. Terms. Payment. Every contract needs them. There are rumors circulating that if you find a blank contract asking for only these things, you can fill out whatever you wish, and it’ll happen.

“College student Issa Aono dismisses this as just another urban legend … at least until the mysterious paper he finds is accidentally covered in blood and summons an interdimensional wish-granting vampire!

“It doesn’t help that she has no idea how to actually fulfill his contract and is now stuck as his roommate.

“As Issa adjusts to his bizarre new living conditions, he soon discovers that the world around him is influenced more by these contracts than he could ever have guessed.”

The novel was initially released in serialized format on Kindle Vella as a timed exclusive. The first three episodes can be read for free, and additional episodes can be unlocked by using Kindle Vella tokens. To find the Kindle Vella version of the book, search “ContRact by Brandon Nowakowski” on Amazon.com or use this URL: www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0C57TVVLH.

Vic’s Lab, LLC, which was founded in 2014, is the first U.S. publisher focused on original English light novels (OELNs). OELNs are short novels similar to Japanese light novels but originally written in English. The company focuses on fans of young adult books inspired by manga/anime, superhero movies/comic books, video games, and similar media.

The company has a social network at VicsLab.com, where members can read or post stories and connect with fans and authors.

Dr. Surajit Khanna Seeking Nomination for Justice of U.S. Supreme Court

Washington, DC, May 23, 2024 — A group of young adult advocates officially announcing today “Dr. Surajit Khanna Seeking nomination for Justice of U.S. Supreme Court” at the press conference organized by Returning Youth Initiative. This press conference is hosted at Washington D.C and will be broadcasted on Zoom and YouTube.

Since the establishment of the Supreme Court, there have been a total of 116 Justices to sit on the bench. However, in the 235 years of the Supreme Court’s existence, there has never been a Justice who was solely focused on improving the futures of post-incarcerated juveniles and young adults. Dr Khanna, however, wants to create an exclusive platform within the Supreme Court to provide proper justice to juveniles and young adults and to protect their civil rights as per the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. With stronger reinforcement of the Declaration of Independence, predominantly the 14th amendment, we can ensure protection of rights for our citizens.

Dr. Surajit Khanna came to the United States of America as an adolescent in pursuit of further substantial education in architecture. Instead, found himself stripped of his honor and made to feel inadequate. Dr. Khanna’s hardships launched the ambition to strengthen his voice to help others overcome obstacles and understand their rights as an individual and citizen. By being a “voice for the voiceless,” he advocates for individuals to be seen and to create a safe atmosphere where America’s youth have an ally for support. These individuals are at the forefront of our nation; therefore, it is time we focus on correcting laws that directly affect our youth, specifically our troubled youth. We provide them with the justice needed to become civilized in their communities to obtain more empowerment within themselves. The confidence and perseverance of our youth will further lead to an impactful contribution to economic developments throughout the nation.

To reintegrate juveniles and young adults back into their communities successfully, Dr. Khanna has been pursuing various milestones that create developmental pathways unique to everyone. One of many milestones is his curation of the non-profit organization, Returning Youth Initiative. The mission of the Returning Youth Initiative is to reduce recidivism by empowering juveniles and young adults, and assisting them in establishing their unique talents, ambitions, and careers. Furthermore, Dr. Khanna supports the organization, Save the American West, led by Mr. Tony Hudson, to encourage more young adults to vote.

For a flourishing, well-rounded future, we must invest time, resources, knowledge, and more into our younger generations. Let us avoid losing more of our friends and family to crime, addiction, and even suicide. By coming together, we can make strong advancements, while strengthening the morals of humanity for our nation.