Archives January 2025

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.

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.

India celebrates Republic Day every year on January 26 with great enthusiasm, patriotism, and grandeur. In 2025, the nation will commemorate its 76th Republic Day, marking 76 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. This significant occasion transformed India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. Republic Day is not just a national holiday but a moment to reflect on the nation’s journey, its achievements, and its collective vision for the future.

The Historical Significance

On January 26, 1950, India’s Constitution came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the country’s governing document. The date was chosen to commemorate January 26, 1930, when the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its goal. This transition marked the culmination of India’s freedom struggle and symbolized the country’s commitment to upholding democracy and justice.

Grand Celebrations Across the Nation

The 76th Republic Day celebrations are centered in the capital city, New Delhi, where a grand parade is held along the Rajpath, now renamed Kartavya Path. The parade showcases India’s military strength, cultural heritage, and technological advancements. The event begins with the hoisting of the national flag by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, followed by a 21-gun salute and the singing of the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Highlights of the Parade

Theme for the Tableaux: This year’s Republic Day tableaux will follow the theme “स्वर्णिम भारत – विरासत और विकास” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress). The displays will highlight India’s glorious past, rich cultural traditions, and strides in modern development, reflecting the nation’s legacy and aspirations.

Tableaux Display: Each state and union territory presents vibrant tableaux depicting their cultural heritage, historical milestones, and achievements.

Military Might: The parade features a display of tanks, missiles, and other defense equipment, alongside marching contingents from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police.

Cultural Performances: School children perform folk dances and patriotic songs, reflecting India’s diversity and unity.

Flypast: The grand finale is the much-awaited flypast by the Indian Air Force, with fighter jets painting the skies in the colors of the national flag.

A Special Chief Guest: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto

This year, the Republic Day celebrations will witness the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest. Marking his first visit to India since taking office in October 2024, President Subianto’s attendance reflects the strengthening of ties between India and Indonesia. The visit is expected to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and regional security.

India’s tradition of inviting foreign dignitaries as chief guests for Republic Day underscores the country’s diplomatic outreach and highlights its relationships on the global stage. The presence of the Indonesian President, representing one of India’s key partners in the Indo-Pacific, adds special significance to the 76th Republic Day celebrations.

Celebrations Across the Country

While the Delhi parade is the focal point, Republic Day is celebrated across India with equal fervor. Schools and colleges organize flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and competitions. Housing societies and communities come together to honor the spirit of the day through patriotic songs, speeches, and activities.

The Beating Retreat Ceremony

The 76th Republic Day celebrations will conclude with the Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29. Held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, this musical extravaganza features performances by the bands of the Indian Armed Forces. The ceremony ends with the national flag being lowered, marking the official conclusion of the Republic Day festivities.

A Day of Reflection

Republic Day serves as a reminder of the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution: justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reaffirm our commitment to building a progressive, inclusive, and united nation.

As India continues to march forward on the global stage, the 76th Republic Day remains a beacon of hope, pride, and unity for every Indian.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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