Archives May 2025

Aanchal Bansal – Executive Director, Window Magic

Ms. Aanchal Bansal is a new-generation leader transforming India’s fenestration industry. As Executive Director of Window Magic, one of the country’s top five uPVC and aluminium door and window brands, she has played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s operations from a team of 40 to over 400 employees, with a presence in more than 70 cities across India.

Armed with an MBA in Marketing and Finance and a Master of Commerce from the University of Punjab, Aanchal joined her family business in 2013. Since then, she has reshaped Window Magic’s brand identity through a blend of strategic marketing and creative storytelling. Her efforts have been instrumental in building both national visibility and customer trust.

Aanchal is also the force behind social initiatives like the ‘Darwaza Band’ campaign, addressing issues such as domestic violence and environmental awareness—establishing Window Magic as a brand with purpose.

As a mother of two, she embodies the balance between leadership and caregiving. On this Mother’s Day, her story serves as a powerful reminder of how women can lead industries, nurture families, and break stereotypes—redefining what it means to be a modern businesswoman and mother in India.

08 May 2025, Mumbai – Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of the leading paint companies in India, in collaboration with Tribes Communication, has won Gold at the prestigious Golden Award of Montreux 2025. The recognition, under the Ambient Media category, celebrates their impactful initiative ‘Dukan It Yourself’ launched at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

At one of the world’s largest congregations,  where local vendors often struggle for visibility amid large retailers and visual chaos, Kansai Nerolac stepped in with a simple yet powerful solution. Foldable, larger-than-life shade cards transformed makeshift vendor spaces into vibrant, branded customisable retail shops complete with displays, signage, counters, shelves and more utilities. The initiative gave small vendors a clear identity, helping them stand out, attract more footfall, and improve their livelihoods.

These innovative retail shops doubled as high-impact brand touchpoints. The results were significant: double digit month-on-month sales growth in Uttar Pradesh during activity period, increase in spontaneous brand recall and over 4.1 million digital views. The eco-conscious design also achieved an 89% reduction in emissions compared to conventional MDF-based setups – underscoring Kansai Nerolac’s commitment to sustainable innovation.

The initiative powerfully reinforced the brand’s purpose of designing solutions that protect, inspire, and elevate lives – transforming spaces, supporting communities, and reducing environmental impact all at once.

 Ramakrishna Naik, Chief Marketing Officer, Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited said, “We are honoured to receive this international recognition at the Golden Award of Montreux for ‘Dukan It Yourself’. Maha Kumbh Mela is a symbol of India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. ‘Dukan It Yourself’ was an initiative to celebrate this legacy with colour, creativity and community collaborations. This award is a testament to our commitment in creating culturally inspired and impactful experiences that resonates with people and highlights the dedication of our entire team.”

 Gour Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Tribes Communication, added, “We are proud to partner with Kansai Nerolac to bring alive this magical concept on the world’s biggest stage – the Mahakumbh. This recognition belongs to every street vendor who became part of this journey, and to the incredible team that brought it to life. With Kansai Nerolac, we didn’t just use colour—we transformed it into a symbol of visibility, dignity, and creativity. At the Mahakumbh, we gave a platform to voices often left unheard, showing that when ideas are deeply rooted in culture, they can resonate far beyond their origin. Winning Gold at Montreux is not just a celebration of creativity on the global stage—it’s a powerful reminder that local stories, when told with honesty and heart, can leave a lasting global impact.”

Held annually in Montreux, Switzerland, the Golden Award of Montreux is recognised as one of Europe’s most prestigious awards in the creative industry. Kansai Nerolac’s achievement marks a significant moment for Indian creativity, earning it recognition on the global stage. This win adds to Kansai Nerolac’s growing portfolio of global accolades and further cements its position as an innovator in experiential brand communication.

New Delhi, May 8, 2025: CIO Association proudly concluded the India Cybersecurity Symposium 2025 at Pullman Aerocity, New Delhi, bringing together over 300+ CIOs, CISOs, and DPOs across industries. The symposium, held under the theme “Securing the Nation & Enterprises,” served as a pivotal platform for forging collaborative strategies to safeguard India’s digital future.

Lt. Gen. MU Nair, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd.), National Cyber Security Coordinator, Government of India, graced the event as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. A revered leader in cyber warfare and digital security, Lt. Gen. Nair’s address set the tone for the day with strategic insights into building a resilient national cybersecurity framework.

“Cybersecurity is not merely an IT issue; it is a national imperative. We must adopt a futuristically comprehensive approach to secure our digital frontiers, economic infrastructure, businesses, and people,” said Lt. Gen. MU Nair, in his keynote remarks.

The Symposium also featured captivating panel discussions from some of India’s foremost experts and top government leaders in the cybersecurity space, including Mr. Narendra Nath Gangavaram, Joint Secretary, National Security Council Secretariat; Mr. Rakesh Maheshwari, Former Senior Director at MeitY; Adv. Anuj K. Agarwal, Chairman, Centre for Research on Cyber Crime and Cyber Law; Mr. Amal Krishna, Executive Director – CISO at ONGC; Dr. Surabhi Pandey from the Indian Institute of Public Administration; and Major Sadhna Singh, Consultant at NITI Aayog.

In his welcome address, Mr. Umesh Mehta, President of the Governing Body of CIO Association, emphasized the indispensable role of collective leadership in protecting and further advancing India’s digital infrastructure. He stated, “It’s the pressing time to act and strengthen the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure with the mutual integration of advanced technologies, stringent government policies, and expertise of IT leaders. Hence, enterprises and governments must come together to share intelligence, drive innovation, and foster a cyber-resilient ecosystem.”

The India Cybersecurity Symposium 2025 witnessed an impressive turnout with over 300 CIOs and CISOs, alongside 40+ thought leaders and cybersecurity experts from diverse backgrounds. More than 25 cutting-edge technologies were showcased and 12 strategic knowledge sessions were conducted on critical themes such as national security, AI governance, OT cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital resilience. As the nation continues its ascent as a digital powerhouse, the symposium has set a new benchmark in collaborative cybersecurity leadership for crafting resilience in a digital world.

India, 8^th May 2025 – The ransomware world isn’t just evolving—it’s fragmenting, decentralizing, and growing more dangerous. In this volatile landscape, DragonForce is emerging as one of the most intriguing and threatening actors of 2025. Born from possible hacktivist roots and now fully immersed in the economics of cybercrime, DragonForce represents a new era of hybrid threats: ideologically ambiguous, technologically agile, and fiercely opportunistic.

A Ransomware Cartel Built for the Gig Economy

DragonForce first appeared in December 2023 with the launch of its “DragonLeaks” dark web portal. Some researchers trace its lineage to DragonForce Malaysia, a long-standing hacktivist collective. But its current trajectory is far from purely ideological.

By 2025, DragonForce has matured into a ransomware cartel with a business model tailored to attract displaced or freelance affiliates. Key features include:

• 20% revenue share: A lower commission than most Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) offerings.
• White-label ransomware kits: Affiliates can create unique ransomware brands, compile their own binaries, and customize ransom notes and file extensions.
• Pre-built infrastructure: Access to negotiation tools, encrypted storage, and templated leak sites (branded “RansomBay”).

Following the April 2025 disappearance of RansomHub, DragonForce moved quickly to absorb its affiliates, pitching itself as an agile alternative to collapsed legacy operators. In a world where trust in big-name RaaS brands is eroding, DragonForce offers anonymity, flexibility, and profit.

Ransomware in 2025: A Historic Surge

DragonForce’s rise is happening during a record-breaking spike in global ransomware activity.

According to Check Point’s State of Ransomware Q1 2025 report:

• 2,289 publicly named ransomware victims were reported in just Q1—a 126% year-over-year increase, setting an all-time high.
• 74 distinct ransomware groups are now operating concurrently, highlighting an explosion of new actors and affiliate-driven threats.
• Even with inflated claims and recycled victim lists becoming common, the adjusted monthly average of confirmed victims has surged past 650 per month—a staggering rise from ~450/month in 2024.

Ransomware isn’t just growing in volume. It’s also mutating in method. Many groups increasingly focus on data extortion without encryption, reducing operational complexity and accelerating monetization.

Retail in the Crosshairs: UK Under Siege

In April and May 2025, DragonForce launched a campaign targeting high-profile UK retailers.

These attacks triggered multi-day outages of e-commerce platforms, loyalty programs, and internal operations. And the campaign may reflect a broader strategic pivot: away from ransom-only income, toward harvesting high-volume PII for secondary monetization.

Check Point data confirms the trend:
The Consumer Goods & Services sector (which includes retail) is now the 5th most attacked vertical in the UK, experiencing:

• 1,337 weekly cyberattacks per organization
• 8% higher attack rate than the national average
• A 22% year-over-year increase for the sector

This aligns with broader ransomware targeting preferences—particularly for groups like Cl0p, which also show a disproportionate focus on this vertical.

A Fragmented Ecosystem Feeding the Fire

DragonForce isn’t the only one adapting. With LockBit and ALPHV dismantled by law enforcement in 2024, the ransomware ecosystem has fragmented:

• RansomHub briefly filled the vacuum before disappearing in April 2025.
• Dozens of mid-tier actors are now competing for affiliates, including groups like Akira, Medusa, and Play.
• Affiliate loyalty is low—and business models are getting aggressive, with many offering 80/20 splits and zero up-front costs.

DragonForce stands out by merging the simplicity of a platform with the influence of a movement. It offers not just tools, but identity and alignment—however vague or flexible that may be.

AI, Automation, and Ransomware’s Next Act

Check Point’s 2025 reports also note a chilling trend: the increased use of AI in malware development and campaign scaling:

• Groups like FunkSec have used LLM-assisted malware builders, lowering the technical barrier to entry.
• Deepfake audio and visual impersonation tools are being deployed to enhance social engineering and victim manipulation.
• Criminals now use GenAI to manage multilingual phishing campaigns, BEC attacks, and even OTP theft through automated call bots.

This trend is accelerating the professionalization of ransomware operations. It also makes defenders’ jobs exponentially harder.

Infinity Protection: Built for the Threats of Now

Check Point is meeting this moment with AI-powered, prevention-first cyber security:

• Infinity ThreatCloud AI: Detects and blocks 99.8% of malware and phishing, preventing over 3 billion attacks annually.
• Infinity AI Copilot: Automates security policy deployment, incident response, and threat hunting—freeing up teams and closing talent gaps.
• Complete coverage: From endpoints to cloud, data centers to SaaS, with unified visibility across the entire attack surface.

In a threat landscape defined by cartelized ransomware, fake branding, and AI-powered automation, only real-time, consolidated security intelligence can keep organizations ahead.

Hyderabad, India – 8^th May 2025: T-Hub, the world’s largest home for startups, and Beyond Next Ventures India (BNVI), a Japanese venture capital and innovation firm, have signed an addendum to their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), extending their partnership until November 2027. This extension marks a continued commitment to fostering cross-border innovation between India and Japan in deep-tech and social impact domains. Building on the original MoU signed in 2023, the extended partnership will enable the launch of multiple strategic initiatives over the next five years.

The renewed MoU will advance three primary strategic initiatives, which are designed to create sustainable value for both ecosystems:

• Social Innovation Program (India): As part of this initiative, T-Hub and BNVI will jointly launch a Social Innovation Program aimed at empowering startups that address critical social and environmental issues. This program will work in tandem with BNVI’s BRAVE Accelerator, leveraging the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding and mentorship. It will enable Indian startups to leverage Japanese expertise and resources to scale solutions globally, ultimately impacting underserved communities and addressing challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and poverty.
• Innovation Leaders Program (India): T-Hub and BNVI will collaborate to develop a localized version of BNVI’s Innovation Leaders Program, which is designed to cultivate a pipeline of highly skilled, science-backed entrepreneurs in India. This program will foster a new generation of talent capable of tackling complex global problems and developing deep-tech solutions. By building robust entrepreneurial talent in India, this initiative will enhance India’s position as a global hub for high-tech innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Indo-Japan Innovation Program (India and Japan): This program will facilitate closer engagement between Japanese corporations and Indian startups, creating a platform for mutual collaboration. Through this initiative, T-Hub and BNVI aim to promote the establishment of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, which will serve as innovation hubs for Japanese companies looking to expand in the Indian market. This collaboration will also help Indian startups gain market access in Japan, allowing them to scale internationally and diversify their business prospects.

The strategic extension of the partnership will also see BNVI operating from T-Hub’s Hyderabad campus, continuing to lead innovation initiatives under the Indo-Japan Innovation Bridge and T-Bridge programs. These efforts will connect ecosystems across both nations, facilitating open innovation, mentorship, and cross-border partnerships.

This partnership aims to significantly benefit both parties and the larger innovation ecosystem by creating new business avenues, enhancing talent development, and generating long-term social impact through entrepreneurship. The collaboration will empower startups to access new markets, resources, and expertise, while also helping both countries drive innovation in deep-tech and social impact sectors.

Jay Krishnan, Partner, Beyond Next Ventures, said “The extension of our MoU with T-Hub is a pivotal moment in advancing innovation that addresses both economic and social challenges. By tapping into India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, we aim to co-create impactful solutions and empower local startups to expand their reach, leveraging Japan’s rich experience in technology and business excellence. This partnership helps us not just invest, but also actively build solutions that resonate globally.”

Kavikrut, CEO, T-Hub, said “Our partnership with BNVI reflects our shared vision to create a more inclusive, innovative world. By bringing Japan’s deep-tech capabilities to India, we can empower Indian entrepreneurs to scale their innovations with global insights and partnerships. The initiatives we’re launching will provide leverage for founders in India who are building startups for global social impact”

Kolkata, 08 May 2025 – Otis India, a subsidiary of Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, has announced the Otis Asia Pacific region results of the company’s Made to Move Communities challenge. Two teams of students from Jadavpur Vidyapith (Kolkata) and DAV Nandaraj Public School (Ranchi) represented India this year and earned honourable mentions for their remarkable entries. Every year, the competition encourages students to apply principles of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and propose solutions to real-world urban mobility concerns.

The theme for this year’s competition was ‘Developing Urban Mobility Solutions Using AI’. Under the mentorship of a team of Otis volunteers, the students leveraged AI technology to design innovative solutions aimed at enabling more inclusive mobility in their communities. They competed with schools in Otis’ Asia Pacific region and presented their ideas to Otis judges from across the region.

Congratulating the students on their incredible performance, Mr. Sebi Joseph, President, Otis India, said, “We are glad to celebrate two groups of students whose innovative entries have stood out. Their creative applications of STEM and AI showcase not just technical understanding, but a deep commitment to solving real-world urban mobility challenges in their respective areas. The inventive solutions developed by these students inspire us all, serving as a reminder that the future of our cities lies in the hands of bright and passionate minds who are dedicated to building a better tomorrow. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

The students of Jadavpur Vidyapith developed “fogSIGHT,” an AI sensor-based solution that detects severe fog and provides visibility to the driver in such extreme conditions, thus mitigating the risk of an accident. The project earned the school recognition and a grant of USD 7500 to advance STEM education.

The students of DAV Nandaraj Public School developed ‘Madad,’ a solution to ensure patients reach the hospital on time. It is an AI-sensor mechanism that identifies an ambulance on the road and effectively regulates traffic to clear the way for its swift passage. It also gained recognition at the challenge, along with a grant for furthering STEM education at the school.

Tirupati: 08^th May, 2025: Ankura Hospital, Tirupati, achieved a rare medical milestone by successfully performing a laparoscopic appendectomy on a 6-month-old infant diagnosed with an appendicular abscess—an uncommon condition in infants under one year of age.

Baby Zaria was brought to the Pediatric Emergency Department of Ankura Hospital with complaints of excessive crying and multiple episodes of vomiting. Prompt medical evaluation was initiated, and an immediate abdominal ultrasound conducted by the in-house radiologist suggested an appendicular abscess. A subsequent CT scan confirmed an inflamed appendix with localized abscess formation.

In light of the findings, the case was swiftly referred to the pediatric surgical team. Within a few hours of admission, the infant was taken up for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Post-surgery, Zaria was closely monitored in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for 24 hours. Oral feeding was gradually reintroduced, with no recurrence of vomiting or other complications.

On the third day post-admission, the baby was discharged in stable condition with oral medications and follow-up advice.

“This is a rare and complex presentation in such a young infant, and the timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary coordination were critical to the successful outcome,” said Dr. Vamsi Krishna, Medical Director, Ankura Hospital, Tirupati. “Ankura Hospital provides specialized, evidence-based care for women and children, driven by a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals.”

The case underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced pediatric surgical care with precision and compassion. The close collaboration between pediatricians, radiologists, and surgeons ensured swift intervention, reinforcing Ankura Hospital’s standing as a trusted center for pediatric excellence.

Mumbai, May 8, 2025 – Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, is delighted to announce the launch of its two-year MBA in Public Policy and Governance, offered under the prestigious Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship (CMGGF), a flagship initiative by The Government of Chhattisgarh. A total of 36 students will be selected for this prestigious MBA program. Last date to apply is 11 May 2025, for more information visit https://iimraipur.ac.in/mba-ppg/

This unique program is designed to nurture future leaders in public policy by blending academic excellence with practical governance experience, empowering Chhattisgarh’s youth to contribute to the state’s development. The Chhattisgarh Government will fully sponsor the program by covering the entire tuition fee for enrolled students, ensuring accessibility to quality education. It will also provide a generous monthly stipend of ₹50,000 to support the students’ academic pursuits, studies, along with boarding and lodging during academic sessions at IIM Raipur.

Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At IIM Raipur, we believe that effective public policy is the backbone of inclusive development. Through this pioneering MBA in Public Policy and Governance, offered under the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship, we aim to equip aspiring leaders with the analytical skills, ethical grounding, and real-world experience needed to navigate complex governance challenges.”

The MBA program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes classroom sessions at IIM Raipur’s state-of-the-art campus and hands-on training with the Chhattisgarh Government, equipping students with skills in policy analysis, governance frameworks, leadership, and decision-making to tackle contemporary public administration challenges.

To be eligible, candidates must be domiciled in Chhattisgarh, hold a valid CAT score from 2022, 2023, or 2024, and possess a graduation degree with at least 60% marks (55% for reserved categories) or an equivalent CGPA as per Chhattisgarh State Reservation Policy. The program prepares graduates for impactful careers in government, public sector enterprises, and policy think tanks, enabling them to drive meaningful change in Chhattisgarh and beyond. Upon successful completion of the program, students may avail various opportunities within the Chhattisgarh Government, as well as in private/public sector organizations, consultancy firms, and more.