Gurugram Cyber Police and Zupee Successfully Conclude Gurugram Cyber Security Summer Internship Program (GPCSSI2024)

4th July 2024  Gurugram, Haryana, India  The collaboration between Zupee and the Gurugram Cyber Police highlights the collective efforts of both organizations to build a community of well-informed, vigilant digital citizens.

Furthermore, Zupee launched a pioneering cybersecurity hackathon, presenting real-life challenges and simulation exercises to provide practical knowledge to participants in the field of cybersecurity

Zupee, India’s largest skill-based Ludo platform, successfully concluded the 11th edition of the Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship program (GPCSSI2024) today, organized in association with Gurugram Cyber Police.

Gurugram Cyber Police officials and Zupee team with the winners of Gurugram Cyber Security Summer Internship Program: GPCSSI2024

The GPCSSI2024 is a flagship initiative to equip participants with essential cybersecurity skills. The month-long internship saw the participation of 550 candidates, including working professionals and college students. Guided by cybersecurity expert Dr. Rakshit Tandon, the program provided an immersive experience promoting cyber safety and building a network of law-abiding netizens.

The closing ceremony was graced by Shri Vikas Kumar Arora, Commissioner of Police, Gurugram; Shri Siddhant Jain, DCP – South Gurugram; Shri Priyanshu Dewan, ACP Cyber Crime, Gurugram Police; Mr. Ashwani Rana, Chief of Policy at Zupee; Mr. Rubaab Sood, Head – Government Relations at Zupee; and Dr Rakshit Tandon, Mentor, and Trainer, GPCSSI.

Moreover, Zupee introduced a first-of-its-kind hackathon on cybersecurity, featuring real-life challenges and simulation exercises in this field for imparting practical knowledge to participants. Participants engaged deeply in the ‘Zupee Capture the Flag’ (zCTF) challenge, which aimed to enhance understanding of cybersecurity, safe internet practices, and cyber investigation through practical scenarios. This initiative underscored Zupee’s innovative approach to promoting cybersecurity awareness and education, setting a new standard in interactive learning experiences. The zCTF challenge, a highlight of the GPCSSI2024 program, involved 256 participants from 146 teams solving 17 cybersecurity tasks over an intensive 4-hour session. Hosted on Zupee infrastructure and complemented by a dedicated Discord server, the event received widespread acclaim for its immersive and impactful educational format. The 12 winners of the zCTF challenge were awarded medals in the ceremony recognizing the top four teams.

“The 11th edition of the Cyber Security Program has established new benchmarks compared to its predecessors, and its resounding success inspires us to expand the program further next year. We are impressed by the exemplary skills showcased by young professionals during the internship program and their abilities to combat the same. The enthusiastic participation in both the program and the Zupee-designed Hackathon fills us with pride. We are confident that this initiative will significantly enhance cyber security awareness among citizens,” said Shri Vikas Kumar Arora, Commissioner of Police, Gurugram.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Siddhant Jain, DCP – South Gurugram, said, “The success of the 11th edition of the ‘Cyber Security Program’ has been truly remarkable. Zupee’s ‘Capture The Flag (zCTF)’ challenge, brought out the impressive potential of the candidates. We look forward to expanding this program next year, building on this year’s strong foundation, and advancing our mission to promote a secure digital environment for all.”

Mr. Ashwani Rana, Chief of Policy at Zupee, expressed his thoughts on the successful completion of the program, “At Zupee, we are deeply committed to creating a safer online environment and promoting responsible gaming. Our collaboration with Gurugram Cyber Police is a significant step in fostering responsible digital citizenship. Organising the Zupee Capture The Flag (zCTF) challenge has been pivotal in this effort. The challenges were meticulously crafted to test participants’ knowledge, enhance their skills, and deepen their understanding of cyber threats and safe practices. We are honoured to have spearheaded this cybersecurity training program and look forward to more such initiatives.”

Shri Priyanshu Dewan, ACP, Cybercrime, said, “This internship has given them practical, hands-on experience and essential skills necessary for safely navigating the digital landscape. I firmly believe these young professionals will make a substantial contribution towards building a safer cyber society.”

The GPCSSI2024 program witnessed an overwhelming response, with 15,000 applications received and 1,100 interns selected from across India and overseas. The program’s structure provided young minds with hands-on experience in tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges, contributing to the development of a more secure and informed digital future.

Tide Demonstrates Employee-centric Culture and Commitment to Career Growth

4th July 2024  Delhi, IndiaTide(1) in India, a leading business financial platform for SMEs, has been recognized by the Great Places To Work® organization, a global agency active in workplace culture, for its exceptional workplace environment. Tide’s focus on employee well-being and professional development has earned it this prestigious recognition for the second year in a row.

Recognizing the importance of continuous upskilling, Tide allocates a certain amount per employee per year towards learning and development (L&D). To encourage them to invest time in Learning and Development, there’s also an annual leave allocation provided for employees in India and globally. Tide employees can use the budget to buy L&D resources from thousands of universally-recognised certification courses on partner platform Learnerbly, or any other approved global online learning platform. This empowers employees to enhance their skills, further their careers, and stay professionally agile and dynamic. An incredible 93% of Tideans (Tide employees) say they feel Tide provides them with the right resources to work and grow.

Celebrating this milestone, Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide in India, said, “Employees are at the heart of everything we do at Tide. We are committed to creating a workplace where every individual can thrive and grow. We believe in fostering an environment where people don’t just do a job, they build a career.” Around 84% of employees surveyed said they feel their work at Tide has a special meaning and it’s ‘not just a job’.

Tide’s commitment to nurturing talent and diversifying avenues for growth includes inter-departmental and cross-country transfers based on merit. More than four-fifths, or 81%, of employees feel Tide gives them opportunities for career growth. The company strongly believes in fostering a culture of learning and exploration, where employees can reach their full potential and excel.

Singh added, “We are delighted to receive this recognition from Great Places To Work. It highlights how we foster a supportive and engaging workplace culture. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being and professional development, the certification is testimony to Tide’s dedication to work-life balance and to the creation of a safe, equitable and inclusive workplace for employees.”

The survey was rolled out to over 900 employees, with 88% of Tideans saying they took immense pride in being part of Tide, while 86% consider it a psychologically and emotionally secure place to work. As part of the survey, employees were asked a series of culture-based questions about Tide’s credibility, respect for employees, operational fairness and employee well-being.

Tide also emphasizes the significance of giving back to the community through volunteering. Employees are entitled to volunteering days off which is part of their L&D budget, on top of their annual leave.

In 2021, Tide committed to create 1,000 jobs in India by 2026 and is already ahead of its target. An Indian-majority company by employee headcount, Tide has a technology center in Hyderabad serving its global operations, along with offices in Delhi and Gurugram that house its business operations teams.

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions.

(1) Tide is not a bank in India, but a business financial platform. Tide, in the UK, is the leading digital platform in business banking services. We believe that a platform approach is the future of business and admin needs, allowing us to offer both financial and admin services to SMEs, saving them time (and money) to allow them to focus on what they love: running their businesses.

Dr. Bhagyashree Patil Honoured with Late Vasantrao Naik Award from CM Eknath Shinde

4th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  On the occasion of the 111th birth anniversary of Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister, Late Vasantrao Naik, and Krishi Din, Dr. Bhagyashree Prasad Patil (Managing Director – Rise N Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Pune) was awarded this year’s ‘Vasantrao Naik Award’ by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Mr. Eknath Shinde, on behalf of the Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Research and Rural Development Foundation. She was especially honored for her significant contributions to modern floriculture.

The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Mr. Eknath Shinde; the honorable guest – Maharashtra Agriculture Minister, Mr. Dhananjay Munde and special guest – Dr. Prashant kumar Gulabrao Patil, Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, among other dignitaries. The Foundation’s Chairman, Dr. Rajendra Barwale, President of Vasantrao Naik Krushi Sanshodhan and Gramin Vikas Pratishtan, Mumbai, welcomed the dignitaries and introduced the program. This event took place at Yashwantrao Chavan Center, Mumbai. “The experimental and innovative ideas of Dr. Bhagyashree Patil have given a new direction to the farmers of Maharashtra. Her work has ushered in a new era in agriculture,” said Eknath Shinde. He highlighted the importance of innovative initiatives in the agricultural sector and Dr. Bhagyashree Patil was said to be an inspirational example for all. According to him, “Using new ideas in agriculture is the need of the day and Dr. Bhagyashree Patil has proved that with the right approach and hard work, big gains can be achieved.”

During the event, the Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Dhananjay Munde, also spoke at the award distribution ceremony. He said, “Due to Dr. Bhagyashree Patil’s modern and innovative methods, progress has been made in the field of floriculture. Her contribution has become an inspiration for farmers as well as future generations.”

“Receiving this agricultural award is a blessing from former Chief Minister, Late Vasantrao Naik, who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of farmers and the agricultural sector, and achieved remarkable milestones in the agro-industrial field. Today’s honour is an inspiration for my future endeavors. My husband, Dr. P. D. Patil and my family, along with all well-wishers of Rise N Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd., have played a crucial role in this success,” said Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, expressing her gratitude. She further stated, “For the development of the agricultural sector, adopting modern technology, innovative ideas, skills, comprehensive research, excellent planning and management will accelerate agricultural production. Smart agriculture will help enrich the agricultural business. Modern agriculture will empower the nation’s building.”

Dr. Bhagyashree Patil has successfully implemented the “Grow in India” campaign, making economic upliftment accessible for numerous small farmers. She has employed over 95% of women in her business to promote self-reliance among rural women. Additionally, she has empowered many women through women’s self-help groups.

Dr. Bhagyashree Patil established Rise N Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd. to promote technology-based modern agriculture and advance agricultural research and development. She serves as the Managing Director of this company. Through the company, she has provided free guidance to farmers across the country, contributing to agricultural welfare. Inspired by her work, farmers are increasingly adopting modern farming practices.

In floriculture, the company focuses on various flower varieties such as Gerbera, Carnation, Orchid, Spathiphyllum, Cordyline, Alpinia, Perennials, Limonium, Gypsophila, Limonium, Hydrangea, and nursery varieties including Anthurium, Guzmania, Poinsettia, Kalanchoe, Chrysanthemum, Phalaenopsis. In fruit cultivation, the company emphasizes modern farming techniques for Banana (Grand Naine, Yelakki, and Red Banana), Pineapple, Strawberry, and Blue Java (Blue Banana).

Besides empowering farmers and women, Dr. Bhagyashree Patil also serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Dr. D. Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune. She is recognized as an influential woman leader in the education sector. She has left her mark in modern agriculture, women’s empowerment, and education.

Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr. D. Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune congratulated Dr. Bhagyashree Patil on receiving this agricultural honour. He added that this recognition would encourage her future endeavors and wished her success in her future journey.

HDFC Capital Acquires Stake in TruBoard Technologies Private Limited (Truboard)

4th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  HDFC Capital Advisors Limited has acquired 8.5% in Truboard Technologies Pvt. Ltd. TruBoard has developed a technology platform called TruGenie for real estate asset management which aims to address investors, and asset owners as well as the developer needs. TruGenie is currently being used by some of the top private banks and real estate funds.

Vipul Roongta, Managing Director & CEO, at HDFC Capital, said, “We believe that technology solutions will play a critical role in the real estate development and asset management. Our investment in TruBoard is part of the H@ART initiative which has been set up to invest and partner in technology companies that bring efficiencies in the real estate ecosystem.”

Vipul Thakore, Co-founder of TruBoard, expressed, “We are immensely proud of the progress we have made and the dedication of our incredible team. This strategic investment by HDFC Capital is a testament to our vision and the value we bring to our industry. We are poised to accelerate our growth, innovate at a faster pace, and make a greater impact and will continue to strive for excellence and innovation.”

Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mutual Fund, in his capacity as an early-stage investor in TruBoard stated, “TruBoard’s TruGenie advanced tech-led monitoring platform is revolutionizing real estate management. By leveraging AI, IoT, and big data analytics, it provides capital providers, developers, and customers with real-time insights and improved decision-making. HDFC Capital’s investment will speed up TruGenie’s innovation, improving asset performance and increasing market value.”

TruGenie is poised for a strong expansion and will target international markets, focusing on residential, and commercial real estate, warehouses, and data centers.

This strategic investment will help accelerate technology enhancements, expand market reach, and ensure robust infrastructure and customer support for future growth.

Chennai Peripheral Ring Road: The Key to Singaperumal Koil’s Real Estate Surge & Transformation

4th July 2024 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPPR), one of the city’s most prized infrastructural developments, is progressing rapidly and has entered its final phase of tender before becoming fully operational. This multi-crore project, featuring a 10-lane road with service roads, is designed to directly connect the trade points of Ennore and Mahabalipuram, bypassing city traffic congestion. The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, set to be Chennai’s fourth major ring road, will cover a total distance of 133 km, connecting prominent city points like Singaperumal Koil, Thiruvallur, and Sriperumbudur. The project is estimated to be completed by December 2026.

Connectivity Advantages:

The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road is projected to significantly benefit commuters by alleviating traffic congestion, regulating traffic accidents, and reducing travel times. It is estimated that the travel time from Mahabalipuram to Sriperumbudur will be reduced to just 40 minutes upon the completion of Chennai Peripheral Ring Road.

It will also enhance suburban localities such as Singaperumal Koil, Sriperumbudur, Tiruvallur, Tamaraipakkam, Periyapalayam, Puduvoyal, and Kattupalli by facilitating major infrastructural expansions. These expansions will include residential and commercial real estate developments, overpass construction, and elevated corridor installations, leading to a rise in population and settlements.

The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road is already considered one of the city’s major developments, funded by international and domestic entities like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company Ltd (TNRDC).

How it benefits Singaperumal Koil:

One of the major beneficiaries of this development is Singaperumal Koil. This locality is witnessing significant real estate market expansion due to the large-scale development brought by the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road. Numerous developers are constructing a wide range of residential projects, including apartments, villas, and plotted developments. Singaperumal Koil is also experiencing soaring commercial real estate growth, with the presence of major landmarks such as Mahindra World City, Zoho, Ford, and the SRM Institute.

The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, along with the Singaperumal Koil Railway Overpass, will connect to GST Road, facilitating the convergence of the IT hub on the GST road stretch and the auto-hub on the Oragadam-Sriperumbudur stretch. This will open up future development opportunities, driving a surge in job requirements and settlements, and subsequently increasing the demand for residential real estate.

Real Estate Developments:

Large parcels of land are already in demand for constructing apartments, villas, and independent buildings. However, plotted developments are emerging as the prime attraction, with land plots selling at reasonable and affordable prices. This offers a great deal for buyers, as these plots are likely to appreciate significantly once the development is complete.

The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road development will, directly and indirectly, lead to skyrocketing real estate appreciation and returns in Singaperumal Koil. Improved connectivity and infrastructure will make the area highly desirable for both residential and commercial investments, ensuring substantial returns for early investors. The strategic location, combined with enhanced accessibility, positions Singaperumal Koil as a prime real estate hotspot poised for unprecedented growth and prosperity.

National Musician Academy Recognizes St. Louisan “Lady J” Huston

Huston recently named a cohort for the academy, which is the only incubator of its kind for musicians.

(St. Louis, Mo., July 3, 2024) Joyce “Lady J” Huston, a seasoned entertainer and musician, has been selected as one of only 10 cohorts for the 2024 Musician Changemaker Accelerator (MCA) Academy by Music to Life. This prestigious program is designed to help musicians from across the U.S. make a transformational impact in their communities through their art.

The MCA Academy is the only incubator of its kind for musicians looking to create social change with their music. The Academy combines entrepreneurship and social design instruction with one-on-one coaching and strategic community engagement activities so its cohorts can develop a roadmap to turn their concepts into fundable realities, addressing critical issues such as cultural diversity integration, racial justice, and activism.

The MCA Academy provides participants with a stipend, funding to engage with nonprofit collaborators, and matching grant opportunities supported by The Mellon Foundation, The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, and Music to Life’s individual contributors. Music to Life was founded by Noel Paul Stookey of the folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary along with his daughter Liz Stookey.

Huston is a multi-award-winning vocalist, trumpeter, and songwriter who has performed with notable artists such as B.B. King, Etta James, and Robert Cray while touring with Albert King as his Music Director. She was a featured headliner at St. Louis’ Intersection Festival alongside Erykah Badu, Gary Clark, Jr., Buddy Guy, and Booker T. Jones. Her accolades include recent honors from the 2024 Global Music Awards, as well as an invitation to join the 2024 New Member Class for the Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards.

This cohort recognition highlights Huston’s potential to create meaningful social change through her music and community engagement, aligning with her role as Community Arts Program Coordinator for A Red Circle. 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. For more information, call (314) 328-2286 or visit www.aredcircle.org.