Archives 2023

Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives, 28th December 2023 – As Vakkaru Maldives marks its 6th anniversary this December, the resort commemorates a journey filled with extraordinary achievements and memorable experiences. Since opening its doors on 17 December 2017, it has emerged as a world-renowned leading private island sanctuary,
offering unparalleled luxury levels of service, and creating cherished memories for a growing community of loyal guests.

Six reasons to return or to visit Vakkaru for the first time, with exciting developments providing enhanced experiences for our guests, especially catering to the growing demands of the family market.

1. Luxury Redefined with New Three- & Four-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence This accommodation can be adapted to guests’ preferences, making it an ideal choice for families or groups seeking an elevated beach getaway. The main residence has a large 42-sqm swimming pool a spacious terrace with an outdoor gazebo overlooking the Indian Ocean. The third and fourth bedrooms have their own Beach Villa with Plunge Pool connected to the main residence, with its own 12-sqm whirlpool.

2. Enhanced Two Bedroom Beach Residences and Villas. The two-bedroom Residences now boast a newly built indoor living lounge for additional relaxation space. At the same time, the Beach Pool Villas have been upgraded with
larger swimming pools for an even more luxurious swim experience.

3. Multiple Wins at World Travel Awards 2023 Endorsing Vakkaru positioning as a leading luxury resort, for the fourth consecutive year, Vakkaru has been recognized with multiple awards at the prestigious World Travel

Awards 2023. These include:
● World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2023
● Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite 2023
● Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort 2023
● Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite 2023
This continuous recognition is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication and commitment towards the unique experiences offered to our guests.

4. On Resort Photo Studio The newly constructed photo studio by Yash Lightroom offers guests unique opportunities
to plan personalized, professional photoshoots, for those cherished memories.

5. New Marine Experiences The resort has introduced an array of new marine experiences led by our new marine
biologist, Lydia Glinski. The programmes are designed for young explorers and adults including “Be A Marine Biologist for a Day,” and dedicated PADI specialty diving courses and a Coral Adoption programme.

6. Key Appointments in Sales & Marketing Team Vakkaru Maldives announced two key appointments to its Sales & Marketing team, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, Sian Thomas, with over two decades of experience and having previously served as the Director of Sales & Marketing, in leading

Luxury Resorts in the Maldives and Dubai.Afaag Ibrahim, a Maldivian with a great reputation and exceptional leadership skills, joined as Director of Sales.

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Bengaluru, 28th December 2023: Doctors, often deemed ‘next to God,’ consistently play a crucial role in preserving and improving countless lives. Dr. Prasanth, an Emergency Medicine Resident at Narayana Health City, recently underscored this profound sentiment with an extraordinary and virtuous deed, exemplifying why the medical profession is held in such divine regard. While riding his bike, Dr. Prasanth came across a road traffic incident, witnessing a person in a critical state of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) following a collision. His prompt and heroic response not only saved a life but further solidified the revered status of doctors in the eyes of the community.

The patient, upon impact, experienced a fall that led to a forceful chest injury from hitting the bike’s handlebar. Following the fall, the individual exhibited distressing signs, clutching their chest and subsequently losing consciousness. Dr. Prasanth, demonstrating commendable presence of mind, promptly halted his bike to assess the situation.

Recognizing the absence of response and a lack of central pulse in the injured individual, Dr. Prasanth sprang into action without hesitation. On the road, he initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), administering life-saving measures for a crucial five-minute duration. His dedication and expertise bore fruit as the patient showed signs of improvement, with palpable pulses returning. Effectively transitioning from pre-hospital care to the Emergency Department, Dr. Prasanth ensured the patient’s conscious transport, a testament to his swift and effective intervention. In this critical moment, a life was saved, prompting onlookers to acknowledge the truth – ‘God gives life, and a doctor saves a life!’

“I strongly believe that there is a divinity that governs all our actions including medical interventions to save lives. This incident also serves as a testament to the importance of timely and adept medical response in situations where every second counts, ultimately making a significant impact on patient outcomes,” said Dr Prasanth.

“We need to emphasize on the importance of bystander CPR as time is life. In such cases, Each Second Counts,” emphasized Dr. Prasanth who proved himself one of our honourable and virtuous heroes. This divine intervention was also an example of a real-life hero living in society.

Dr. Prasanth’s intervention underscores the critical importance of immediate bystander CPR in the chain of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies. In this instance, his swift initiation of CPR played a pivotal role in sustaining the patient’s vital functions during the crucial moments before professional medical assistance.

Bystander CPR, administered promptly by individuals like Dr. Prasanth who happened to be at the scene, significantly increases the chances of survival for someone facing cardiac arrest. The immediacy of the response is paramount, as it helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs, preventing irreversible damage. In this case, Dr. Prasanth’s quick assessment and decisive action bridged the gap between the incident and formal medical care, ensuring that the patient had the best possible chance for recovery.

The doctor’s heroic act serves as a reminder of the vital role of a doctor in emergencies. “Being equipped with the knowledge and willingness to perform CPR in those crucial initial moments, even a common man can make a profound difference and potentially save lives,” concluded Dr Prasanth.

Egypt, Cairo, 28th December 2023 – Giift, a global leader in loyalty and rewards technology, and Geidea, a prominent international financial technology company, announced a strategic partnership to offer an integrated digital solution to merchants in Egypt, combining a solid loyalty program with a widely accessible payment platform.

Through this partnership, Geidea will integrate Giift’s Loyalty Business Management System (LBMS) and Giift Merchant Rewards platform (GiiftBox) to offer comprehensive loyalty programs to its vast network of merchants. This collaboration aims to empower merchants with a B2B2C loyalty platform, enabling them to seamlessly create, manage, and distribute engaging customised offers to their customer base. Moreover, GiiftMarketplace will be incorporated into Geidea’s market-leading platform, providing customers with diverse redemption options, including Geidea bill payment and top-up services.

The combination of Giift’s robust platform and Geidea’s strong market presence promises to transform the loyalty program landscape in Egypt. Furthermore, this collaboration is set to extend beyond Egypt, with plans to leverage this solution in other Middle Eastern markets, such as the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ahmed Nader, Managing Director of Geidea in Egypt, shared similar sentiments by stating, “This collaboration with Giift enables us to offer our clients an innovative loyalty platform. This partnership goes beyond business – it’s about adding value for our clients and their customers, which aligns with our mission to continuously seek to enhance our value proposition.”

Commenting on the partnership announcement, Ahmed Khalifa, Chief Sales Officer at Giift, said, “Our partnership with Geidea strengthens our presence in the Egyptian market and aligns with our global vision of providing advanced loyalty solutions. We are excited about the future of this partnership and its potential to transform the loyalty program space in Egypt and the wider region.”

Winston India, a leading and renowned purveyor of grooming excellence announces the launch of two exclusive limited-edition Christmas Gift boxes for both men and women. The brand’s thoughtfully curated assortments seamlessly blend sophistication and practicality, redefining the art of gifting.

The men’s gift box contains the Nut Groomer, which ensures precise trimming perfection, and the Callus Remover, a product that will transform your feet by eliminating rough spots. The box further contains a blackhead remover, a powerful tool that can smoothly extract impurities, and a foot cream that offers a touch of pampering that revitalizes tired feet and adds a final flourish of elegance. This limited-edition men’s gift box will make this holiday season a celebration of grooming excellence. The exclusive women’s gift box has been crafted to elevate the self-care routine. The box contains a 2-in-1 Face and eyebrow Trimmer, which supports painless and instant hair removal and shaping anywhere and everywhere. The box further contains the Callus Remover, the blackhead remover and a revitalizing Foot Cream. The limited-edition box is a celebration of the precious moments of self-care and beauty, making it the perfect gift for those who deserve a touch of luxury.

Himanshu Adhlaka, the Co-founder of Winston India expresses his excitement by saying, “I am thrilled to introduce our exclusive Gift Boxes which are created to enhance the grooming experience for both men and women. And in this festive season, we invite you to celebrate sophistication and practicality in one smartly curated box. May this holiday season be a joyous celebration of grooming excellence and the pursuit of self-care.”

28th December 2023 —As the world anticipates the arrival of 2024, Raffles Udaipur cordially invites you to experience Toast to 2024, an exquisite two-day celebration, unfolding on the serene canvas of their private island. Here, amidst the splendor of timeless elegance and bespoke services, Raffles Udaipur promises an unrivaled New Year’s experience.

Commence your journey into the New Year with a touch of grandeur. As you step into the realm of Raffles Udaipur, the Lakeshore welcome and majestic boat ride to the mystical island sets the tone for the opulent experience that awaits. On the 30th and 31st of December, embrace the allure of the gracious Flamingo Signature Room with Garden at an exclusive special rate. Find respite in the lap of luxury, where tranquillity meets indulgence.

Prepare for an opulent dining experience at The Dining Room, where culinary maestros craft an exquisite feast inspired by the flavors of the season. Delight your senses with a curated selection of premium liquors available all day to complement your meal. Join our esteemed General Manager for an intimate cocktail get-together at the Palladian Gate on December 31st. Travel through the enchanting Great Park, where a vibrant New Year’s celebration awaits, resonating with melodious tunes, captivating dance, and boundless high spirits. Embark on a gourmet journey with an extravagant Gala Dinner, accompanied by an endless variety of beverages, ensuring a night of nothing but luxury and indulgence.

Families are invited to enjoy a dedicated Kids Entertainment Area, ensuring a delightful and family-friendly celebration. Dance into the New Year with a live band performance, followed by the rhythmic beats of the talented singer Mansheel Gujral and DJ Lavnish and feel the energy of the night as you welcome the dawn of 2024.

Toast to 2024 Inclusions on 31^st December: 

• Lunch at The Dining Room
• Liquor for all meal periods
• Cocktails with GM on 31st December at the Palladian Gate
• New Year Party at Great Park
• Gala Dinner and Drinks
• Kids Entertainment Area
• Live Performance Band
• Live DJ

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to make your New Year‘s celebration truly exceptional. Secure your Flamingo Signature Room with Garden for both the 30th and 31st of December, and let Raffles Udaipur redefine your expectations of luxury and indulgence, while you bid adieu to 2023 in style.

New Delhi,28th December 2023 – Red Vasant Vihar, a beacon of culinary innovation, proudly introduces its newest menu, a culinary ode to the ancient art of open-fire grilling. In this gastronomic journey, Red invites patrons to experience the enchanting dance of flames that brings forth a symphony of flavours, paying homage to time-honoured traditions.

Guests will embark on a culinary adventure where the flames take centre stage, as Red Vasant Vihar embraces the art of grilling. Inspired by ancient techniques such as smoking and charring, the grills operate at intense temperatures, skillfully adjustable to honour tradition while infusing each dish with the distinctive touch of blaze. This culinary philosophy breathes vitality into the time-honoured customs, transforming humble ingredients into gourmet delights.

Complemented by seasonal produce and artisanal associations, Red’s culinary expedition through the launch of their new menu will include delicacies like Heirloom Tomatoes, Palm Heart, Beetroot and many more. This new menu captures the essence of Red Vasant Vihar’s commitment to epicurean excellence, offering a sensory experience that marries tradition and innovation. Furthermore, Red Vasant Vihar respects Mother Nature, preserving the core flavours of ingredients while adapting to modern gastronomy to enhance the dining experience.

28th December 2023 Sony PIX is bringing back its most awaited IP in the gaming category ‘PIX Arena Bingo Nights’. Adding a dash of PIX, to the popular Bingo, Sony PIX is the frontrunner in launching a unique live play-along gaming experience on-air in the English movie category. The channel is airing a special line-up of movies complementing the Bingo nights to amp up the excitement and adrenaline rush.

Giving viewers a strong enough reason to stay amazed, PIX Arena Bingo Nightsis back with its third season. The property engages with Hollywood movie fans giving them a chance to win exciting prizes! Keeping in line with the Bingo tradition, the channel has planned exciting giveaways for 4 corners,3 lines,and the full house. The Bingo-special line-up includes interesting titles such as Morbius, Monster Hunter, and Unchartered. The ‘watch and win’ contest gives winners a chance to win exciting prizes such as smart watches, ear pods, and Bluetooth speakers.

The games are planned on December 23rd, 30th January 6threspectively.

So, what are you waiting for? Log on to www.sonypixbingo.com and let your inner film fanatic go ‘Bingo’!

Comments:

Rohan Jain, Business Operations Head – Sony AATH and Head – Marketing & Insights, English Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India

“At Sony PIX we believe in creating enriching experiences for our viewers throughengaging innovations. We have seen three successful runs of PIX Arena Bingo Nights,and the testament to it is the phenomenal response received from the audience. We aim to make this an enjoyable experience for our viewers as they look forward to such engaging initiatives during festive season.”

Mumbai, 28th December 2023 Get ready to step into a world of Cannes-inspired glam and mouthwatering flavour, right in the heart of your city. After a successful launch in Delhi, Cosy Box, the official food partner of the Cannes Film Festival, is set to roll down the red carpet for fellow Mumbaikars.

Situated in Lodha World Tower, Lower Parel and spanning 10,000 square feet, Cosy Box is the brainchild of seasoned restaurateur Aashish Begwani, a prodigy in the entrepreneurial realm. This restaurant promises not just a restaurant experience but a blockbuster premiere that blends the glamour with the vibrant spirit of Mumbai.

Aashish Begwani, the Founder of Cosy Box, elaborates on the choice of Mumbai, “With the launch of Cosy Box at Lodha World Tower in mumbai our aim is to craft an ambiance where each visit unfurls as a gastronomic journey, where every meal and every cocktail shares its distinctive narrative, allowing our patrons to relish extraordinary moments, whether it’s the sun-kissed hours of lunch or the vibrant nights of lively nightlife. We’re thrilled to bring this culinary adventure to life.”

Step into Cosy Box Mumbai, where the decor is a perfect blend of glam, glitz, and all things WOW. The ambience is designed to create an atmosphere where every corner tells a story, and every detail reflects the cinematic theme. Glossy marble and rose archways create pockets of intrigue inside. Chrome accents and plush seating set the tone for an evening of revelry. The spacious, modern bar offers a grand menu while you wait for your table.

Within the enchanting realm of Cosy Box Mumbai, discover exclusive spaces that are a destination in themselves. The Cosy Pavilion, a tucked-away respite, offers an intimate setting for meetings and conversations, fashion and art pop-ups, and creative talks, offering a white-glove experience complemented by an endless pour of single malt whiskey, Scotch, and curated wines. The Cosy Terrace can accommodate up to two hundred guests with seasonal decor, picturesque sunsets, high-tea delights, and lively evenings with music and cocktails.

Rajveer Dhody, Partner at Cosy Box, adds “Cosy Box is not just a restaurant; it’s a canvas where Mumbai’s diversity and energy perfectly align with our ethos, making it the ideal canvas for our second Cosy Box outpost. Get ready, Mumbai, for a rendezvous with glamour, flavour, and a touch of cinematic magic.” s

The diverse menu encompasses a variety of cuisines, including Mediterranean, European, Oriental, and Modern Indian. From bite-sized servings of seafood and seasonal vegetables grilled live on Japanese open-fire robata grills to the Turkish flammable trolley that turns dining into a spectacular event, Cosy Box is set to redefine the city’s culinary landscape. Indulge your palate further with the Soup & Salad selection, where the best of Italian and Asian flavours come together. The Asian section presents a robust compilation of favorites hailing from Korea, China, Indonesia, and Japan. Turkish & Indian offerings add a touch of warmth and rich flavours, featuring an array of kebabs, platters, kofte, and flambé delights.

As the day transitions into night, Cosy Box Mumbai comes alive with its signature cocktails. The mixologists have crafted an experience that’s a party in every glass. From daytime sippers like the “Nobody Knows” to the evening favourites like the “On Your Knees” and “Showstopper,” the bar menu is a journey through flavours and creativity. Communion/Aperitivo hours introduce cocktails like the “Valentino Fizz” and “Moschino Berry,” setting the perfect mood for a night filled with tantalising Tequila & Tonic creations and a cinematic experience with the Barrel-Aged selection.

The grand opening of Cosy Box Mumbai promises an unforgettable evening filled with culinary delights, mesmerising cocktails, and the signature Cosy ambience.

In a detailed report by Check Point Research, the cryptocurrency community is warned about a growing trend in sophisticated phishing attacks. These attacks are not confined to a single blockchain network; they are prevalent across numerous platforms including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, and Avalanche.

Unmasking the Angel Drainer: The investigation uncovers a recurring address linked to the notorious “Angel Drainer” group. Despite the shutdown of similar groups, Angel Drainer continues to thrive, providing tools and services for cryptocurrency theft.

The Mechanics of Crypto Drainers: These drainers operate through deceptive tactics like fake airdrop campaigns, directing victims to counterfeit websites that mimic genuine platforms. Once users connect their wallets, they unknowingly grant access to their funds, leading to theft without further interaction.

The mechanics of crypto drainers, as detailed in the Check Point Research report, involve a sophisticated and multi-layered approach to illicitly transfer cryptocurrency from victims’ wallets.

Here’s a more in-depth explanation:
1. Deceptive Campaigns and Fake Websites: The process often begins with malicious actors creating fake airdrop campaigns or phishing schemes. These are usually promoted on social media or via email, offering free tokens or other incentives to lure users. The attackers design these campaigns to appear legitimate and convincing.

2. Mimicking Legitimate Websites: Users who respond to these campaigns are directed to fraudulent websites. These websites are carefully crafted to mimic genuine token distribution platforms or wallet interfaces, making it difficult for users to distinguish them from the real ones.

3. Wallet Connection Requests: Once on these deceptive sites, users are prompted to connect their digital wallets. This step is crucial for the attackers, as it lays the groundwork for the subsequent theft. The connection request appears harmless, often under the guise of verifying the user’s identity or account to proceed with the token claim.

4. Interaction with Malicious Smart Contracts: The most critical phase involves the user being induced to interact with a malicious smart contract. This interaction is often disguised as part of the process to claim the promised airdrop or benefit. The smart contract contains hidden functions that, when executed, alter the security settings of the user’s wallet or directly initiate unauthorized transactions.

5. Exploiting the ‘Permit’ Function in ERC-20 Tokens: A specific method used by these drainers is the manipulation of the ‘Permit’ function in ERC-20 tokens. This function allows token holders to approve a spender (like a smart contract) to transfer tokens on their behalf. The attackers trick users into signing a message off-chain with their private key, setting up the allowance for the attacker’s address. This technique is insidious because it doesn’t require an on-chain transaction for each approval, making the malicious activity less noticeable.

6. Stealthy Asset Transfer and Obfuscation: After gaining access, the attackers then transfer assets out of the user’s wallet. They employ techniques like using cryptocurrency mixers or initiating multiple transfers to obscure the trail of the stolen assets, making it challenging to trace and recover them.

7. No Blockchain Trace in Some Cases: In the case of off-chain signing, like with the ‘Permit’ function, there is no direct trace left on the blockchain, as the approval and transaction initiation happens off-chain. This makes it even more challenging to detect and trace the fraudulent activities.

Understanding these mechanics is crucial for users and platforms in the cryptocurrency space to develop and implement effective security measures. It highlights the importance of being cautious with wallet connections, verifying smart contract details, and being skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, especially those requiring wallet interactions or approvals.

Safeguarding Your Assets: The report stresses the importance of user vigilance and technological safeguards. It advises skepticism towards unsolicited airdrop claims, understanding the implications of approving transactions, verifying smart contracts, and employing hardware wallets for enhanced security.

Conclusion: The threat of phishing attacks in the cryptocurrency domain is significant and ever-evolving. The report urges the community to stay informed and cautious, emphasizing the need for collective efforts towards building a secure environment for digital assets.

The Threat Intel Blockchain system, developed by Check Point, continues to accumulate valuable information on emerging threats, and this intelligence will be shared in the future. In this collaborative effort, we aim to empower investors with the knowledge needed to navigate the crypto space securely and protect themselves from potential pitfalls. For more information contact us at: blockchain@checkpoint.com

2023 signifies a transformative period for India’s innovation landscape, driven by the widespread adoption of UAV Technology. This year has been exceptionally prosperous for our growing drone industry, with investments reaching nearly $50 million. Beyond the surge in drone usage across sectors, drone technology has played a pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s security and infrastructure, particularly in surveillance and mapping. No longer confined to military realms, drones emerge as versatile allies across diverse fields.

The government’s visionary move to allocate/disburse around ₹30 crore during fiscal year (FY) 2022-23 under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to incentivize indigenous drone manufacturing has been the catalyst in propelling this transformative journey.

In 2023, ideaForge hasn’t merely been a part of an industry; we’ve been architects of change, contributing to the narrative of self-reliance and indigenization in drone technology. As we gear up for 2024, drones are set to transform baseline governance and security infrastructure by addressing civic issues/pain points such as traffic violations,crowd management, land encroachment etc. As drones continue to foray into various sectors, it is also crucial to prioritize Intellectual Property development in the drone industry. A robust IP portfolio not only fosters collaboration but positions the Indian drone sector as a global leader.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, our unwavering commitment remains anchored in the pursuit of excellence across our three pillars: Performance, Reliability, and Autonomy. In the coming months, we are poised to release our class leading products and services such as Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS).”