27, Jan 2025
NMDC Celebrates 76th Republic Day: Weaving the Tapestry of ‘Swarnim Bharat’
Mumbai, January 28, 2025: The nation’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC, commemorated the 76th Republic Day with grand celebrations at its Hyderabad Head Office and other mining projects across India. Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), unfurled the National Flag at the Head Office in the presence of NMDC’s leadership team and enthusiastic employees. The event was graced by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), Shri B. Vishwanath, CVO, Smt. G Priyadarshini, CGM (Personnel & Administration), and other senior officials and employees.
In his Republic Day address, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said, “Republic Day is not just a celebration of our democratic ethos but a reminder of the immense responsibility we bear, both as citizens and as an organization. NMDC has emerged as a growth leader, achieving a 9% surge in production and a 5% increase in sales over CPLY. As we stride into the fourth quarter, we are ready to blaze past the 45 million tonne milestone with confidence and determination. With record growth in revenue from operations (20%) and profit after tax (23%) in Q2 FY25, we continue to set industry benchmarks.”
Emphasizing the company’s role in India’s growth journey, he added, “Our vision extends beyond mining, as reflected in NMDC Steel Limited’s achievements and our expanded flagship CSR initiative, Balika Shiksha Yojana, now empowering 85 tribal girls with professional nursing education. At NMDC, we remain committed to being of the greatest service to India.”
As part of the Republic Day celebrations, NMDC organized the ‘Republic Day Run 2025’ across its projects in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. NMDC’s brand ambassador and two-time World Champion boxer, Nikhat Zareen took part in the run inspiring the runners. Her presence underscored the importance of fitness and aligned with the goals of the ‘Fit India Movement.’ promoting both physical and mental well-being and encouraging employees and local communities to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to the Run, NMDC engaged employees and associates indoor games and competitions such as Chess, Table Tennis, and Carrom. The winners were felicitated during the ceremony, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork among participants.
The celebrations across NMDC locations reflected the organization’s firm commitment to the nation’s growth and its dedication to building a strong, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.
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- By Sujata Achary
27, Jan 2025
IIT Roorkee Celebrates Republic Day 2025, Honoring 178 Years of Legacy
IIT Roorkee, 28 01, 2025: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in India, celebrated the 76th Republic Day with grandeur, reaffirming its 178-year-old legacy of excellence and commitment to shaping the nation’s future.
The celebrations commenced with the arrival of key dignitaries, including the Director, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Deputy Director, Prof. U.P. Singh, Registrar, Shri Prashant Garg, Dean of Administration, Prof. D.S. Arya, along with esteemed faculty members, staff, and students. Prof. Pant inspected the Guard of Honour presented by the Security Staff and NCC cadets before ceremonially hoisting the national flag. This was followed by a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem by the entire gathering, symbolizing unity and patriotism.
In his address, Prof. Pant reflected on IIT Roorkee’s pivotal role in India’s progress. “As one of Asia’s oldest technical institutions, IIT Roorkee carries a profound legacy of innovation, research, and societal impact. This Republic Day, we recommit ourselves to driving progress through cutting-edge research, sustainability, and the empowerment of future leaders,” he said.
The event celebrated India’s cultural diversity with vibrant performances by students from ABN Senior Secondary School, Anushruti Academy for the Deaf, and the IIT Roorkee Cultural Society. These presentations not only showcased India’s rich heritage but also reflected the talents and creativity of the younger generation.
Recognizing contributions within the institution, awards and commendation certificates were presented to employees for their exemplary efforts in 2024. Trophies for initiatives like the Best Cleaned Bhawan and Mess further highlighted IIT Roorkee’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity on campus.
The program concluded with a rousing chorus of the national anthem and a collective cheer of “Jai Hind,” leaving attendees inspired and proud. The celebrations were live-streamed, allowing alumni, students, and well-wishers worldwide to participate and connect with the institution’s enduring legacy.
27, Jan 2025
Hyderabad to witness a three-day music and dance extravaganza – Ramayana Kalpavrksam
Hyderabad, 28th January 2025: The third edition of the iconic 3-day music and dance extravaganza, ‘Ramayana Kalpavrksam’, conceived and curated by Hyderabad-based acclaimed dancer Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, a celebrated artist and cultural ambassador, will be hosted from 31st January 2025 to 2nd February 2025, at the CCRT campus, Hyderabad. The signature festival and India’s finest talents in classical arts in a unique confluence of art, tradition, and scholarship is being presented by Shankarananda Kalakshetra and Natyarambha, in collaboration with Brhat. The festival is to be inaugurated by Chief Guest Sri Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament.
According to Ananda the creator of the annual festival, Ramayana Kalpavrksam brings Sri Rama Chetana back into our lives, a 3-day immersion into all things Rama through the prism of top-class performances, of dance, music, and Harikatha, through stars and doyens in the field, inspiring and scholarly talks, by renowned and young scholars, learning workshops on Indic knowledge, exhibitions, crafts and more.
The highlights performances in the evening segment, ‘Ramarasa’ promises to be a mesmerizing celebration of art and devotion, featuring an array of stellar performances from the worlds of Carnatic music, classical dance, and storytelling, with the renowned Carnatic duo Ranjani-Gayatri, premiering their much-anticipated musical feature, ‘RAMA by RaGa’; Vishaka Hari, the Harikatha legend, will enchant the audience with ‘Ramayana: The Life-Giving Tree’; a breathtaking presentation of Rukmini Devi Arundale’s iconic dance choreography, ‘Sabari Moksham,’ brought to life by the Kalakshetra Foundation; the rare and vibrant Manipuri Raas, Pung and Dhol Cholam, performed by the JN Manipuri Dance Academy, Imphal, transporting audiences to the cultural heart of Manipur and a soulful invocation, ‘Takkuvemimanaku,’ performed by the Shankarananda Kalakshetra ensemble. Each performance is a testament to the timeless legacy of Indian art forms, weaving together music, dance, and storytelling in an unforgettable homage to Lord Rama.
The morning sessions, ‘Ramamrita’ brings together six remarkable and scholarly speakers, each offering a unique perspective on the timeless epic of the Ramayana. Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, renowned for his deep understanding of Sanskrit literature and philosophy; Yashodeep Deodhar, creator of the widely popular 21Notes, sharing innovative insights into the Ramayana; Ami Ganatra, acclaimed author of bestselling books on the Ramayana, known for her fresh and thought-provoking interpretations; Dr. Anupama Kylash, a celebrated dance scholar, illuminating the Ramayana through the lens of classical Indian dance and culture; Dr. DK Hari and Dr. DK Hema, creators of the Bharat Gyan series, bringing their extensive research on India’s ancient wisdom and the Ramayana to life and Vikram Sridhar, a gifted young storyteller, weaving the magic of the Ramayana with his compelling narratives. This exceptional lineup promises to delve into the myriad facets of the Ramayana, blending scholarship, creativity, and storytelling to inspire and enlighten.
As part of the vibrant three-day festival, an array of engaging learning workshops and unique experiences await participants, in ‘Kala Charan’: a Sanskrit Learning Workshop, led by Udaya Shreyas of the Sanskrit Channel, offering an immersive dive into the beauty and essence of Sanskrit. A hands-on fabric painting session will have the young and talented artist Anusha Namburi, exploring the art of adorning fabric with creativity and a traditional Cheriyal Painting art form is brought to life by acclaimed Cheriyal artist Madhu Merugoju. The fest will also have a captivating display of vintage lithographs from the treasured collection of Pratima Sagar and MC Mohan, showcasing the divine in Indian households, ‘Framing Divinity – Devas in Our Homes’ as well as ‘Kala Grama’, a bustling bazaar celebrating the craftsmanship of talented artisans, offering a glimpse into India’s rich heritage and artistry, Ramayana Kalpavrksam promises to captivate attendees and leave them enriched by India’s timeless traditions.
24, Jan 2025
Unity in Diversity: The Fern Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Republic Day with Vibrant Celebrations
Mumbai, January 24, 2025: This Republic Day, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, invites guests to celebrate the nation’s spirit of unity, diversity, and shared heritage.
With vibrant tricolour-themed decorations, traditional music and dance performances and specially curated menus, select properties are set to offer unique experiences to honour India’s 76th Republic Day. Guests can enjoy culinary delights such as tricolour sandwiches, dumplings, and idlis, complemented by vibrant desserts and mocktails inspired by the Indian flag, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Through these specially curated offerings, The Fern Hotels & Resorts aims to create an experience that brings our guests closer to the heart of India and the ideals that make our nation truly great.
Celebrate the essence of India with The Fern Hotels & Resorts, where every detail reflects the pride and diversity of our great nation.
| Participating Properties |
| The Fern Residency, Ajmer |
| The Fern Hillside Resort, Bhimtal (Nainital) |
| The Fern Residency, Bhuj |
| The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort, Diu |
| The Fern Residency, Kakinada |
| The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel, Kochi |
| Meluha The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel, Powai, Mumbai |
| Rodas – An Ecotel Boutique Hotel, Powai, Mumbai |
| The Fern Residency, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai |
| The Fern Residency, Udaipur |
| The Fern Residency, Vijayapura |
| The Beacon Hotel, Visakhapatnam |
24, Jan 2025
Rashmika Mandanna Talks Career Growth and Joy in Every Step in Femina’s January 2025 Issue
The January 2025 cover of Femina celebrates Rashmika Mandanna, who embodies the free-spirited vibe of today’s confident Indian woman. The Cover Story captures her growth, achievements, and the unique perspective she brings to Indian cinema and her own philosophy of life. In a candid conversation, Rashmika reflects on her journey, the diversity of her roles, and personal challenges. Each character she has taken on has allowed her to explore new facets of her acting talent, adding depth to her already impressive repertoire. Her honest revelations offer a glimpse into her personal and professional growth, determination, and authenticity, inspiring a deeper connection with audiences. Her inspiring journey and relatable charm resonate with millions.
Talking about embracing each day with positivity and gratitude, Rashmika said, “I try to live every day to the fullest, with a smile, and a sense of appreciation for everything I have.”
Discussing her entry into the film industry, she shares, “You know how you see actors and admire them from a distance? I had no idea or inclination that I’d ever be part of that world.”
About her acting and career goals, Rashmika says, “As an actor, my goal is to put a smile on people’s faces.” She adds, “Switching personas is tricky, especially when I’m doing three to four films at the same time. I’ve realised that surrendering myself to my directors and co-actors really helps… When you fully trust your director and co-actors, their knowledge and confidence filter through in your performance.”
Discussing her way of choosing the roles, she says, “I trust my gut when choosing a story – it has to feel right. The language of the film, the themes I’m working with all… these factors sort of become the filters.”
24, Jan 2025
Sumanth Riders from Nellore Wins Big at St. GOT: The Ultimate Talent Hunt Across Telugu States
National, 24th January 2025 : Student Tribe, India’s largest and fastest-growing student community, witnessed a spectacular evening as they hosted the Grand Finale of st. GOT – The Ultimate Talent Hunt on January 23rd at the iconic Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad. The event brought together the brightest young talents from across the Telugu states, showcasing their creativity, passion, and skills on a grand stage emphasizing Student Tribe’s commitment to creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds, including those in tier 2 and tier 3 colleges.
The panel of esteemed judges, Hemachandra, Sandilya Pisapati, Sai Sri Charan, Harshitha Thota and Tejesh Veera had the challenging task of selecting winners from an extraordinary pool of talent.
The winners of the competition were rewarded for their outstanding performances in different categories. Sumanth Riders from Nellore were declared the winner in the Group Dance category and were awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000. Shiva Rohit from Warangal won the first runner-up prize in the Acting category with a cash prize of ₹30,000, and Shallom from Nellore won the second runner-up prize in the Instrumental Music category with a cash prize of ₹20,000. Along with the cash prizes, all the winners were also given goodies worth ₹2 lakh collectively.
Speaking about the event, Sri Charan Lakkaraju, Founder & CEO of Student Tribe, said, “st. GOT has proven to be more than just a talent hunt; it is a platform where students can connect, grow, and take bold steps toward their dreams. At Student Tribe, we believe every student has a unique talent that deserves recognition. This event stands as an inspiration for young achievers to step up, showcase their potential, and shine. We are proud to have created a space where creativity, ambition, and community come together to empower students from all backgrounds.”
st. GOT embodies Student Tribe’s unwavering commitment to fostering student growth and creativity. Beyond a competition, it’s an opportunity for young individuals to explore their potential, gain recognition, and take bold steps toward their dreams. Adding to the grandeur of the evening were celebrated guests, including Naga Chaitanya, Allu Arvind and Faria Abdullah whose presence elevated the excitement and energy of the event. The celebration also included a spectacular concert by The Deccan Project, which left the audience spellbound.
24, Jan 2025
AECC Kicks Off Registration for Flagship Multi-Destination Admission Day 2025
Gurugram, 24 January 2025: AECC, a leading international student recruitment platform with an expert team of study abroad consultants has opened registrations for its highly anticipated Multi-Destination Admission Days, 2025. The ongoing registration process is open till February 23, 2025 which will open new avenues for students to capitalise on academic opportunities in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
The Multi-Destination Admission Days 2025 will allow students to explore destinations – UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand. It will cover a wide array of courses in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Business Management, Medical Sciences, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Management and many among others. This will allow students to embark on an academic journey that can help them become industry-ready in the global business landscape.
Delighted with the number of registrations, Karan, Head of Marketing at AECC said, “We are excited to open our doors to a new cohort of students and provide them with the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations in a dynamic and enriching environment. Our team is committed to ensuring that every student receives the support and guidance they need to succeed in their academic journey.”
Witnessing a tremendous response from last year’s event, AECC is conducting multiple admission days PAN India, at its branch offices in Punjab, Delhi NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Karnataka. It is projecting to record over 30,000 students this year, an upsurge in footfall from 20,000 student registrations in 2024. This initiative demonstrates AECC’s dedication to empowering students with the right set of tools and resources needed to achieve their study abroad plans.
24, Jan 2025
Barracuda Research Uncovers Tycoon 2FA Phishing Service Update to Prevent Security Inspection
India, January 24, 2025: Barracuda’s threat analysts have identified the widely used Tycoon 2FA Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) has been updated with a range of tactics designed to make it harder for security tools to confirm its malicious intent and inspect its webpages, according to a new research report. The findings underscore how PhaaS developers are investing significant resources into building advanced and evasive toolsets and templates to enable cyber attackers to quickly deploy complex and targeted phishing campaigns.
According to Barracuda threat analysts, around 30% of the credential attacks seen in 2024 made use of PhaaS and this is expected to rise to 50% in 2025.
Tycoon 2FA allows attackers to intercept and bypass two factor authentication (2FA) security measures by collecting and using Microsoft 365 session cookies. In early November 2024, Barracuda threat analysts noted a rise in the use of a new version of Tycoon 2FA that is stealthier than earlier editions and makes use of a range of sophisticated tactics to obstruct detection and analysis.
These tactics include:
● The use of legitimate — possibly compromised — email accounts to launch attacks
● Specially crafted source code to obstruct web page analysis
● Measures to block the use of automated security scripts and penetration-testing tools
● Listening for keystrokes that suggest web inspection and then blocking further activity
● Disabling the right-click menu that could reveal the web pages’ true intent
● Blocking users from copying meaningful text from the webpage for offline analysis
“Phishing has evolved into a complex and sophisticated attack vector that is increasingly well resourced,” said Deerendra Prasad, Associate Threat Analyst at Barracuda. “PhaaS groups play a key role in this new ecosystem, and we expect their role to increase. We have observed Tycoon 2FA used in numerous phishing campaigns over the past months and expect cyber attackers to continue to refine their methods to circumvent traditional security measures and thwart deeper analysis. It is essential to have agile and innovative multilayered defense strategies in place and foster a strong security culture to stay ahead of this ever-evolving threat.”
24, Jan 2025
Dr.Jart+ Introduces the VHS Hydrating Lip Mask
Mumbai, January 2025: Say hello to smooth, plump, and perfectly hydrated lips with Dr.Jart+’s latest innovation—the VHS Hydrating Lip Mask! Combining science-backed skincare with playful design, this lip mask features a unique jelly texture that melts effortlessly into your lips, delivering a surge of hydration and nourishment. Packaged in an irresistible jelly bear jar, it’s the perfect blend of fun and functionality for your lip care routine.
The VHS Hydrating Lip Mask is enriched with hyaluronic acid, a superstar ingredient known for its unmatched hydrating properties. Hyaluronic acid works by locking in moisture and boosting the skin’s natural hydration levels, leaving your lips feeling soft, plump, and deeply moisturized. Perfect for repairing dry, chapped lips, this mask helps maintain a healthy lip barrier while delivering an instant hydration surge. With its quirky, retro-inspired packaging, the VHS Hydrating Lip Mask turns your lip care routine into something fresh and exciting.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Jelly-Soft Texture: The mask’s lightweight jelly formula glides onto your lips, instantly moisturizing and soothing dry or chapped skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid Boost: Packed with this hydration superstar, it locks in moisture, leaving your lips feeling plump, soft, and supple.
- Irresistible Packaging: Housed in a playful jelly bear jar, this lip mask is as fun to use as it is effective—perfect for your beauty shelf or a cute Instagram moment.
- Deep Repair: Strengthens the delicate lip barrier while delivering long-lasting hydration for a healthy, natural glow.
24, Jan 2025
Coforge delivers another exceptional performance in Q3 FY25
Noida, January 24, 2025: Coforge Limited, a leading global IT solutions organization, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 (Q3 FY25).
Key Financial Highlights
- Revenue: INR 3,318.2 crore/ US$ 397.1 million
- Up 8.4% Q-o-Q and 40.3% Y-o-Y in constant currency (CC) terms
- Up 7.5% Q-o-Q and 40.8% Y-o-Y in USD terms
- Up 8.4% Q-o-Q and 42.8% Y-o-Y in INR terms
- EBITDA: INR 519.0 crore, up 29.3% YoY.
- Adjusted PAT: INR 268.0 crore (Excl Minority), up 10.3% on a YoY basis
- The Board has recommended an interim dividend of INR 19/- per share, and the record date for this payout will be January 30th, 2025
“A 8.4% sequential cc growth, a 40.3% cc YoY growth in a seasonally weak quarter, four large deals in that same quarter, a concurrent and material sequential expansion of 122 bps in margins, a Cigniti business that has already touched an EBITDA margin of 17.3%, a large deals pipeline that is looking very robust and finally an ever strengthening next twelve month signed order book which now is 40% higher YoY gives us confidence that the coming year shall once again see robust and sustained growth.” said Sudhir Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Coforge Ltd
Key Business Highlights
- Order Intake: US$ 501 million – second consecutive quarter of US$ 500+ million order intake
- Sustained Large Deal Momentum: Four large deals signed this quarter across North America and ASEAN
- Headcount: stood at 33,094; net addition of 611 sequentially. Headcount has increased 16% organically since the beginning of the year
- Broad based growth across Americas (69.2%), EMEA (20.5%) and RoW (3.3%) YoY
- Cigniti business delivered 3.5% cc QoQ growth; EBITDA margin improved to 17.3%; up from 11% in Q4 FY24
Recognitions
- ISG recognized Coforge as a ‘Leader’ in the Insurance Services 2024 ‘ ISG Provider Lens Study – North America
- Nelson Hall recognized Cigniti, A Coforge Company, as a ‘Leader’ in NEAT Quality Engineering 2024 in the following categories – Overall, Gen AI Use Cases, AI-Based Analytics and Automation, RPA-Based Automation, Application Migration to Cloud Testing
- Nelson Hall recognized Coforge as a ‘Major Player’ in the Market Assessment on Transforming Core Banking Services in the AI & Analytics Services and Operation Services market segments
- ISG positioned Cigniti, A Coforge Company, as a ‘Leader’ in ISG Provider Lens™ – Next Gen ADM Services 2024 – Continuous Testing Specialist – US
- Everest Group positioned Cigniti, A Coforge Company, as ‘Leader’ in Quality Engineering Services for Mid-Market Enterprises PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024
Partnerships
- Coforge was announced as the winner of the Appian Europe 2024 Partner Impact and Excellence—Industry Award for Public Sector
- Coforge was awarded the Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider (AEMSP) status, third year in a row
- Coforge gained the Microsoft “Solutions Partner” designation for Data and AI
Awards
- The Coforge Public Library was honored as the Best Education Initiative for the General Public of the Year, at the prestigious Indian CSR Awards 2024.
- Coforge was recognized as one of India’s Best Workplaces in IT & IT-BPM 2024 by Great Place to Work third time in a row
- Coforge was recognized as one of the Most Preferred Workplaces for Women 2024-2025 by Marksmen Daily
- The Hyderabad campus of Coforge was awarded the coveted LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for Interior Design and Construction
