All posts by Neel Achary

National, 26th May 2025: After riding high with an overwhelming response to the film and its chart bursting bangers like Koi Naa, Chor Bazari Phir Se, Sawariya Tera, Ting Ling Sajna and Hutt Badmaash, Bhool Chuk Maaf now drops the music album. The film directed by the talented Karan Sharma and produced by the visionary Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Bhool Chuk Maaf features the dynamic duo Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi as Ranjan Tiwari and Titli Mishra, the film has already struck a chord with audiences. Now, with the album dropping, you get to feel every bit of Ranjan and Titli’s journey in melody, lyrics, and beat.

Whether you’re falling in love, dancing with your loved one, or spinning through shades of emotion in between, this album has you covered. It’s got the drama, the nostalgia, the love, the chaos, and the calm. The album composed by Tanishk Bagchi and penned by Irshad Kamil, it kicks off with the sensationally loved ‘Koi Naa’ brought to life by the soulful voices of Harnoor and Shreya Ghoshal and from there, it’s a full-blown musical ride. Nostalgia gets a vibrant twist in ‘Chor Bazari Phir Se’, bringing that old flame energy with Sunidhi Chauhan and Neeraj Shridhar’s vocals, and composed by the powerhouse combo of Pritam and Tanishk Bagchi.

While Sawariya Tera takes a soft, romantic plunge with a melodic medley of Raghav Chaitanya, Varun Jain, Suvarna Tiwari, Pravesh Mallick, and Priyanka Sarkaar. On the high-energy end, ‘Ting Ling Sajna’ turns up the tempo with Madhubanti Bagchi & Tanishk’s vocals, a dance number featuring Dhanashree Verma. Want a moment alone with your thoughts, Ganga Kinare, a quiet, emotional breather that feels like a love letter sung by Jubin Nautiyal, is that one song that hits different.

‘Hutt Badmaash’ adds a cheeky punch to Ranjan’s misadventures, sung by Noor Singh (Chidi) & Pravesh Mallick, produced by Karta, Param Raj & Tanishk Bagchi. While ‘Maahi Mera’ brings back the butterflies with Suvarna Tiwari’s fresh vocals produced by Aishwarya Tripathi along with Tanishk Bagchi.

“Each track in the album captures the sentiment of the film. Bringing these songs to life was an absolute joy, and having such a supportive team made the whole journey even more special,” shared Rajkummar Rao

Wamiqa Gabbi, added, “Each track in Bhool Chuk Maaf felt like an extension of our characters. I have been hooked to the songs of our movie album that echoes Ranjan & Titli’s love-struck energy. And of course, the songs were pure joy to shoot”

Speaking on the creation of the album, Tanishk Bagchi expresses, “Our songs are nothing less than a joyride, just like love. I wanted each track to feel like a different heartbeat of a pure relationship crossing boundaries & transcending all the struggles yet being spontaneous throughout the journey. Working with all the legendary singers & re-imagining the iconic songs with a modern twist, I feel honoured. I hope the audience feels every beat of emotion I’ve tried to convey through the album.”

“Every song in this album is a memory waiting to be made. I wrote the lyrics with the belief that love is never perfect but always worth it. These words are meant to stay with you, just like Ranjan and Titli’s story.” shares Irshad Kamil, the lyrical soul behind the album

Bhool Chuk Maaf unfolds the story of Ranjan and Titli’s love urging to uncover the reason behind the endless cycle to set things right and take audiences on a ride of emotions. It also promises to be the perfect blend of fun, suspense and romance. With a musical range that spans passion, playfulness, and pain, the Bhool Chuk Maaf album is not just a soundtrack, it’s a story that will be felt, danced to, and most of all remembered.

Hyderabad, India | May 26, 2025: Apollo Micro Systems Limited  is an electronic, electromechanical and engineering design, manufacturing and supplies company, today announced its standalone and consolidated results for the Fourth Quarter (Q4) and Full Year (FY) ended 31st March 2025.

Mr. Baddam Karunakar Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Micro Systems Limited, said:

FY25 has been a landmark year for Apollo Micro Systems Ltd — marking our strongest performance to date. We achieved a significant milestone with revenue reaching ₹562.07 crore, representing a robust 51.24% year-on-year growth. EBITDA stood at ₹132 crore, reflecting a 54% increase YoY, with a healthy EBITDA margin of 23.50%. Net profit surged by 81.18%, in line with our annual guidance. What we commit, we deliver.

These results are a testament not just to numbers, but to the strength of our robust order book, the successful execution of strategic defence programs, and the seamless transition of several high-value products into the production phase.

In a business defined by tailored, complex, and mission-critical solutions, sequential (quarter-on-quarter) comparisons often fail to reflect the true picture. Product mix and delivery cycles vary significantly based on client-specific requirements. Accordingly, annual performance remains the most meaningful benchmark for evaluating our financial and operational progress.

Our sustained investments in indigenous technologies, coupled with our alignment to national defence priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, continue to strengthen our position as a trusted partner in India’s evolving defence ecosystem.

We are also pleased to announce a significant strategic milestone — the acquisition of IDL Explosives Ltd. This marks a new chapter for Apollo Micro Systems as we move closer to becoming a fully integrated Tier-1 defence OEM. The acquisition not only enhances our manufacturing capabilities but also broadens our solutions portfolio across critical areas of India’s defence supply chain. It is a proud moment and a feather in our cap that positions us for greater impact and scale.

Looking ahead, we expect revenue to grow at a CAGR of 45% to 50% over the next two years — driven solely by the core business, excluding any contribution from the recent acquisition. This growth is underpinned by a healthy order book and multiple products entering the production phase. Operating margins are projected to improve in the first half of FY26 due to favorable operating leverage and product mix. However, ongoing and planned capital investments are expected to moderate margin expansion in the latter half of FY26 and into FY27.

Recent geopolitical developments — particularly the India–Pakistan conflict — have further accelerated demand for indigenous defence solutions. Several of our systems were successfully tested and demonstrated during this period, generating significant interest and engagement across the defence value chain.

As we move forward, our commitment remains unwavering: to drive innovation, deliver operational excellence, and deepen strategic partnerships. Apollo Micro Systems is not only delivering record-breaking results — we are helping shape a self-reliant, future-ready defence infrastructure for India.”

May 26, 2025; National: The second half of Day 3 at Goafest 2025 kicked off with an insightful session titled ‘Building a Safer, Smarter, Cleaner Media Ecosystem’, powered by Sync Media, under the theme IGNITE TRUST. The session featured Tejas Apte, Head of Media and Digital Marketing at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). Tejas underscored the need for transparency, safety, and effectiveness in digital media. Moderated by Shibani Gharat, Anchor and Senior Producer at CNBC-TV18, the discussion tackled critical issues like ad fraud, bot views, and data misuse—all eroding trust and ROI in the digital landscape. Apte revealed that up to 30% of digital impressions could be fake, causing significant business inefficiencies. He compared digital’s ad-heavy model to legacy media’s more balanced mix, emphasizing how this shift heightens the need for safer practices.

He outlined ISA’s four-pillar media charter and remarked that collaborations with platforms like Google and Meta have helped set common benchmarks and refine metric understanding between input (clicks) and business outcome metrics. With AI and automation reshaping agency roles, he stressed the need for agencies to shift from service providers to business impact partners. While in-housing is growing, agencies remain essential for creative strategy. Apte concluded that the true success of the media charter will lie in broad adoption and measurable reductions in ad fraud and unsafe placements—an approach HUL is already applying internally, with encouraging results.

Next in line, at the Gyaan Podium – The ADAN, was a knowledge seminar on ‘Cultural Marketing can be a Winner: Pulse Candy a Case Study’ featuring Rajeev Jain, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Marketing at DS Group. Rajeev highlighted how cultural insight can drive brand success. Quoting business thinker C.K. Prahalad, Jain opened with: “While it is true that multinationals will change emerging markets forever, the reverse is also true,” setting the tone for a session rooted in local relevance with global learning. Jain delved into the success story of Pulse Candy, which disrupted the confectionery market by focusing on Indian taste preferences. After two years of R&D, the company launched a centre-filled candy that appealed to all age groups—not just children. The result? A viral wave of user-generated content, with even celebrities like Disha Patani organically sharing love for the brand, underscored the cultural and emotional connect achieved.

At the session ‘Sustainability Discussion: The Business Costs of a Warming World’, Karuna Singh, Regional Director (Asia) and Debapriya Dutt, Director, Projects (South and Southeast Asia) at EARTHDAY.ORG, made a passionate case for climate responsibility within the business community. Karuna highlighted that over 1 billion people globally unite to raise environmental awareness. This year’s theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ urges collective action. She also acknowledged India’s strides in renewable energy, but warned that the costs of climate inaction are mounting for businesses.

Debapriya underscored the symbolic and practical value of tree planting, noting that Goafest 2025 planted a sapling for every delegate registered. EARTHDAY.ORG has already planted over 30 lakh saplings, and regularly promotes the gifting of trees as a sustainable gesture. She closed with a powerful quote by Martin Luther: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”

The next session titled ‘The Burnout Cure for Creative Brains’, under the theme, IGNITE FROM WITHIN, witnessed Luke Coutinho, Holistic Nutrition, Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine Expert in a Fireside Chat with Babita Baruah, CEO, VML India. The session was presented by Dainik Jagran in association with Yoga Bar. Luke emphasized that burnout isn’t just stress—it’s chronic exhaustion with emotional numbness and a loss of joy. Differentiating it from depression or regular stress is key, he noted, urging individuals to prioritize nutrition, sleep, emotional wellness, and movement to sustain creativity.

He cautioned against the trap of hustle culture, advocating instead for purposeful urgency over constant busyness. Junk food, poor sleep, and emotional stress were flagged as major creativity killers, while practices like gratitude, breathwork, and digital detox were recommended for daily balance. For workplaces, he underscored the importance of mental health support, emotional intelligence in leadership, and creating psychologically safe environments. With Gen Z and millennials demanding mental health accountability from employers, Coutinho called on leaders to be empathetic, vulnerable, and proactive in managing team well-being.

Thereafter the next session ‘Beyond the 20 Second Ad Window – Crafting Meaningful Brand Moments in the Attention Economy,’ was part of IGNITE THE EVOLUTION, and was presented by Amazon MX Player. This thought-provoking discussion brought together industry leaders Kanika Anand, GM, Media, Airtel; Rashmi Sehgal, Chief Digital and Transformation Officer, Zenith; and Ajay Mehta, Head, Content & Creative Services, GroupM. The session was moderated by Yash Chopra, Head of Video Ad Sales at Amazon Ads. 

Kanika highlighted the critical role of relevance in today’s fragmented media landscape. She pointed out that short and long-form content complement each other, with personalization and context driving impact. Kanika emphasized the need for platform-specific asset creation, including music and humor, to capture attention. Rashmi stressed that content context and placement are more vital than asset creation alone. She advocated for interactive formats to build the marketing funnel and stressed customizing content to the viewing context. Rashmi called for a balanced use of short and long formats tailored to the brand journey, with measurement as a key enabler for scaling during early brand phases. Ajay noted that content duration varies widely, from one minute to several hours, requiring marketers to prioritize investments carefully. He observed that short-form is often user-generated rather than publisher-created. Ajay emphasized that audience and message must guide content strategy. He also noted diminishing geographical barriers, enabling broader ad reach. Together, the panel underscored the evolving need for brands to move beyond traditional short ads and craft meaningful, contextually relevant brand moments across formats and platforms.

The next session, titled ‘No Filters. No Formulas. Just Fierce Acting’, part of the theme IGNITE THE REAL, was presented by Rajasthan Patrika in association with Pulse Candy. The session featured actors Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat, in conversation with Atika Farooqui, Celebrity host, Performer, and Producer.

Vijay emphasized the importance of emotional honesty in performance stating that acting is about ‘being’ rather than ‘showing’. Known for his nuanced portrayals, he shared how deep character research is balanced with mental well-being, especially when dealing with disturbing roles. He prefers subtlety over theatrics and spoke about humanizing villains to heighten their impact. Real-life observation, he noted, is richer than cinematic references. Now shifting from villainous roles to more empathetic characters, Varma remains open to smaller roles if the script and team inspire him.

Jaideep celebrated for his quiet intensity, spoke about the power of awareness in performance—being fully present in the moment. He credited life experiences and emotional self-awareness as the foundation of powerful performances. He praised actors who focus on the craft over appearance and shared how his early years as a dancer shaped his versatility. Ahlawat encouraged emerging talent to experiment and resist being typecast, highlighting his admiration for norm-breaking performances in long-format storytelling. The session was a refreshing reminder that great acting isn’t about formulas—it’s about truth, presence, and fearlessness.

Soon after, the energy soared with the Grand Finale of Advertising Rocks, presented by Muzartdisco. Advertising Rocks Season 3 concluded on a high note with Raghav Garg as the winner and Shetanshu Dixit as the runners up for Indian solo category. Shachi Shetty won the International Solo and Anshita Singh was the runners up. The Duet Indian category witnessed Anshita Singh and Raghav Garg emerging as winners and Shabbir Abbas and Monobina Bhattacharya claiming the runners up position.

The inaugural season of Advertising Plays was highly competitive with significant participation from across the board. Havas Media’s Vikas Sheoran and Pulkit Grover won Table Tennis and TYL’s Kaustubh Pawar and Pushkar Deshmukh were declared as runners up. Hogarth’s Shubham Nag and Meharzad Contractor won Pickleball and Havas Play’s Venkat and Vaibhav Sawhney were the runners up.

The fest continued with Mediakart presenting the ABBY Awards 2025 Powered by One Show, powered by ZEE5 and in association with Guinness World Records. The awards honoured excellence across diverse categories such as Video Craft, Audio, Branded Content & Entertainment, Green Award, Brand Activation & Promotion, Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, Out of Home (Ambient Media), Still Print & Still Craft, Still Digital, Audio-Visual, TV, Cinema, Digital, OTT (Below 1 min duration), Audio-Visual, TV, Cinema, Digital, OTT (1 min and above), Integrated, Young Maverick Abby Award, Health Abby & Red Abby.

The dinner was presented by ZEE in association with ZEE5 and the Afterhours Party with DJ TAN was presented by Mediakart, and powered by Shemaroo in association with Jameson Ginger Ale. Exclusive screenings at Bioscope – The Cinema were hosted by Amazon MX Player, YouTube, SET India, and SONY SAB.

Alongside the main sessions, several masterclasses ran simultaneously, including Nick Eagleton from D&AD presenting ‘AI: A Playbook for Progress’. Jayesh Moorjani of YouTube discussed about ‘Building Brands in the Age of Creators’, Anoop Menon of Meta explored ‘Art of Meta Advertising’, and Ram Madhavani of Equinox Films shared insights on ‘The Hero/ine’s Journey” Advertising. Films. VR.

In a city that thrives on momentum, where ambition hums through every street and the skyline glitters with restless energy, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai invites to do something radical: slow down. Reimagined as a serene, light-drenched sanctuary that unfolds over two elegant floors, The Spa is where age-old healing traditions meet contemporary luxury, offering a kind of stillness that feels almost sacred.

The story of each treatment at The Spa begins with a grounding ritual: the Kansa foot massage, a centuries-old Indian practice that calms the nervous system and prepares the body to receive. From this serene beginning, therapies unfold like narratives; each one intentional, immersive, and deeply healing.

At the heart of this curated collection lie two signature experiences. The Rejuvenating Serenity Massage, with its flowing strokes and focused pressure, uses a bespoke blend of Serenity Oil to melt tension and ease the mind into stillness. Meanwhile, the 24K Gold Radiance Facial is pure alchemy, infusing skin with gold, hyaluronic acid, and potent vitamins, sculpting a glow that radiates from within.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. For those seeking tailored renewal, The Spa offers rituals inspired by the wisdom of the world. Myrrh, a therapy of Thai-inspired pressure and kneading, offers a full-body release. Noir dives deeper and is perfect for easing muscle strain and enhancing flexibility. The Neroli Massage, with its slow, rhythmic movements and aromatic oils, is like a meditation in motion, designed to lull body and spirit into complete surrender.

Every touch is enhanced by carefully chosen botanical-rich oils from Ras Luxury Oils, prized for their purity and Ayurvedic roots, while facials harness the power of Gemology, the French skincare house that brings gemstone science to life.

The Spa is not only for the solitary seeker. Couples can reconnect with Spa Romance, a soothing massage followed by a candlelit, aromatic soak, or embark on the Blissful Journey, a 180-minute odyssey into profound relaxation. Even little ones are lovingly embraced in this world of wellness, with gently scented treatments from the Junior’s Escape menu.

“At Four Seasons Mumbai, we believe that wellness is a state of being. The Spa is a reflection of our commitment to delivering deeply personalized, soul-soothing experiences where guests can truly disconnect and discover balance,” says Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager.

Bathed in natural light and wrapped in soft, neutral tones, the recently reimagined interiors of The Spa designed by LTW Designworks, unfolds like a breath of fresh air and evokes a sense of calm from the moment one enters. From private spa suites with Jacuzzis and steam rooms to serene vitality pools and a dedicated Ayurveda space, every detail is designed to elevate the experience. Even the quiet zones designed for post-treatment reflection, speak the language of serenity.

From its light-soaked interiors to its deeply restorative rituals, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is a soulful escape in the city’s heart which promises a true return to self.

In the Heart of the City, a Quiet Awakening

In a city that pulses with energy and ambition, where the tempo rarely slows and time always seems to race ahead, there lies a space designed to invite stillness. Tucked within the shimmering skyline of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, The Spa is a pause. A sanctuary where ancient traditions and modern elegance meet, coaxing guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover balance.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is not just about beauty or relaxation. It’s a soulful escape in the heart of the city—a modern temple of wellbeing where every therapy is a doorway, and every moment is a return to something deeper: you.

Noida: The Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida successfully organized a Mega Job Fair in collaboration with the E2E Career Launch, National Institute for Career Services (NICS), Noida, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. The fair witnessed participation from 46 leading companies and attracted approximately 800 students from over 20 higher education institutions.

Inauguration and Objective

The job fair was inaugurated on Saturday by Professor (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan, Director General of IMS Noida. Speaking at the event, Dr. Dhawan said: “The aim of this job fair is not merely to provide employment but also to prepare students to meet the evolving demands of the industry. At IMS Noida, we are committed to empowering our talented students to soar high and pursue their dreams. This initiative is a reflection of our dedication to building bright futures. Through such events, we strive to offer quality education along with the skills and industry exposure required for professional success. We are proud to have created opportunities not just for our students but also for those from other institutions.” He also acknowledged the vital contribution of E2E Career Launch, NICS Noida, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment in making this event a success.

Participation from Top Recruiters

Ms. Aarti Sabharwal, Head of Training and Placement at IMS Noida, highlighted the wide industry participation. Leading organizations such as Genpact, 3i Infotech, Paytm, NIIT, Yes Bank, SBI, LIC, among others, took part in the hiring process. These companies conducted interviews for students from diverse academic backgrounds including BBA, BCA, MBA, B.Tech, Mass Communication, Law, BA, B.Sc, B.Com, ITI, and Diploma programs. A total of 800 students from various streams were shortlisted for interviews, marking a significant milestone in student-employer engagement.

A Platform for Career Growth

Ms. Sabharwal added: “This Mega Job Fair has not only opened up promising career avenues for students but also provided companies a golden opportunity to connect with skilled and capable young professionals. Our goal is to make employment opportunities more accessible and to assist students in choosing the right career path based on their talents and experience.”

26 May, 2025, Bengaluru: “If you want to be a good scholar, you need to be an engaged one”, said Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore, while addressing participants of the Summer Research Methodology Workshop 2025 at IIM Bangalore, hosted by the Office of Research and Publications (R&P) from 19^th May 2025. The workshop concluded earlier today with the Editors’ Panel and valediction. Altogether 97 candidates from across India, including faculty and PhD students from other Indian Institutes of Management, took part in this workshop. Around 12 IIMB faculty members, who are well published in their respective domains, were involved with the workshop.

Providing valuable insights on ‘Research Leadership’ during the valediction, Professor RT Krishnan listed rigor, insight and relevance as the essential criteria for engaged scholarship. “However, the outcome of all this should be impact; you need to figure out how to extend the benefit of your research beyond academic journals. If you are smart in designing your research, you can take the outcome of your research in different directions to benefit academia, industry, policy making, and more.”

He quoted from papers co-authored by IIMB faculty and Doctoral scholars to explain the model of engaged scholarship further, adding, “To make research more impactful, you have to find interesting problems and provide unique solutions for the same. In India, the different and unique phenomena going around us give us a plethora of ideas to work on our research and publish in top journals. Working in the sustainability domain has also become crucial.”

He summed up his talk listing how to draw an action plan to be successful and impactful in research. “Remember that being a scholar is akin to a marathon, not a sprint, where personal vision as well as aspiration, focus, strategic intent and research plan are vital. View yourself as more than just a teacher – but as an engaged scholar. Benchmark yourself against the best in the world. Be committed to continuous improvement and embrace new technology as well as pedagogy. Manage time judiciously – try to align teaching, research and writing. This should be your individual agenda as a scholar.” He also explained the importance of personal effectiveness adding, “Prioritize and put first things first.”

“As an outstanding teacher, as a rigorous researcher, through contribution to practice, and sometimes through all three, can you be truly impactful. Become experts in your domains, an expert in an emerging method or approach, identify or build a unique dataset and then mine it. Develop a knack to identify interesting problems across domains and ways of addressing them.” He concluded by telling the participants that the best return gift they could give to IIMB faculty engaged in this workshop was to practise all that they have learnt in the workshop.

Editors’ Panel

The Editors’ Panel conducted on the concluding day of the workshop comprised discussions with a focus on research and paper development towards publication. The panel featured Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean, Programmes, Chairperson, Office of International Affairs and faculty of the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area; Prof. Srinivasan Rangan, Chairperson and faculty, Finance & Accounting, and Programme Director Prof. Sushanta Kumar Mishra, Chairperson of Research & Publications, Centre for Teaching & Learning and C-DOCTA, Editor-in-Chief of IIMB Management Review and faculty of OBHRM, and was moderated by Programme Director Prof. Deepak Chandrashekar of the Strategy area.

The discussion saw the panelists talk about paper rejections, reasons for rejection, how to work around feedback from reviewers and editors, and make improvements. The panelists recommended not to write misleading titles, focus on writing the abstract and introduction to get attention from Editors, not to copy from other research, when writing to the Editor before submission – to just send the synopsis and not the entire paper. Prof. Srinivasan was of the view that pre journal submission talk in conferences was more legitimate. It was also discussed that cover letters, if it was just a repeat of the abstract, was of no value. Prof. Deepak made a point by saying that it was only important if it was mentioned why it was potentially important to what was being written for the journal.

Prof. Srinivasan explained that instead of writing a cover letter at the initial stages, it was wiser to learn from rejections and then frame a cover letter. It was pointed out that in case of multiple papers being submitted, cover letter was an opportunity to state how one particular paper was different from the other. Waiting a reasonable amount of time, before writing to the Editor asking for the status, was recommended as well. “Can write to the Managing Editor too for faster response”, Prof. Mukta pointed out, adding, “Never turn around and submit the exact paper to another journal, you can end up with the same reviewer or one with similar views. Instead, take note of what the reviewer says, focusing on substantial comments, and work on the paper.”

Response letter, which can state what has been changed in the paper based on feedback, and what not, and the reasons why, was another aspect discussed. “Although papers get rejected in the first round, there can be a germ of an idea which can prove to be very meaningful, so rewrite a clear response document, mention how you have applied feedback from reviewers, address their concerns, and be authentic and serious in responding”, explained Prof. Srinivasan.

Addressing concerns surrounding use of AI, Prof. Mukta said if AI was used, then the researcher has to declare. Prof. Srinivasan recommended not to write entire papers based on AI, but to use it for select sections only. Prof. Sushanta shared that IMR is in the process of devising policy asking researchers if they had used AI/ChatGPT and in which way. The process of networking was discussed as well.

The panel discussion was followed by the Programme Directors addressing the participants. Prof. Sushanta Kumar Mishra thanked the participants adding that the workshop is sure to streamline their research process. “Just as we consider it our duty to help other academicians pick up and hone research skills, we hope that you carry this forward and make valuable contributions to solve problems of the society, government and the nation. Do not just consume all that you have learnt here, please spread and share these methods.”

Prof. Deepak Chandrashekar delivered the vote of thanks adding that faculty engaged in conducting sessions of the workshop are full of admiration of the aptitude and potential of all the participants.

The event concluded with all the candidates receiving a Certificate of Participation from IIM Bangalore, on successful completion of the workshop.

By-Prashanth G J ,CEO TechnoBind Solutions

Identity has quietly become the most targeted entry point in cyberattacks, yet many organizations still rely on outdated systems that treat access as a one-time check rather than a continuous trust evaluation. These legacy frameworks were designed for closed networks and fixed user roles far removed from the dynamic, interconnected environments of modern enterprises.

As cyber threats grow more intelligent and adaptive, the cracks in traditional identity management are no longer subtle, they’re becoming dangerous vulnerabilities. Cyber attackers are exploiting these dynamics, using sophisticated social engineering, credential stuffing, and lateral movement tactics that traditional IAM systems cannot detect or prevent in real-time.

The Key Gaps in Traditional Identity Management

• Lack of Contextual Awareness: Traditional IAM systems authenticate users based on static credentials and roles. They don’t evaluate behavioral anomalies, device health, geolocation, or access patterns. All these are critical in flagging and blocking suspicious activity in real-time.
• Password Dependency: Despite the well-known risks, passwords remain the cornerstone of traditional identity management. This exposes organizations to phishing attacks, credential theft, and password reuse vulnerabilities which are the most common vectors for data breaches.
• Inadequate Privilege Controls: Excessive or persistent access privileges, once granted, are rarely reviewed or revoked promptly. This makes it easy for insiders or attackers to escalate privileges unnoticed.
• Poor Integration with Modern Ecosystems: Legacy IAM solutions often struggle to integrate seamlessly with cloud platforms, SaaS applications, and DevOps pipelines, leaving security blind spots that adversaries can exploit.

The Shift Towards Identity-First Security

What’s needed is an identity-first security model that treats identity as the core control plane across all environments. This approach leverages technologies like AI-powered behavioral analytics, just-in-time access provisioning, zero-trust architecture, and password less authentication to defend against advanced threats.

Modern Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) tools are stepping in where traditional IAM fails, offering real-time visibility into identity-based threats and automating incident response to reduce dwell time. Combined with robust governance, continuous risk assessment, and adaptive access policies, these capabilities are vital in today’s hyper-connected, threat-prone world.

A Step Toward Smarter Identity Access Management- The BeyondTrust Example

To effectively counter today’s identity-based cyber threats, organizations need more than traditional role-based access control. The BeyondTrust Pathfinder Platform offers a modern, intelligent approach to managing and securing identities through real-time insights and adaptive controls.

Key capabilities of the Pathfinder Platform include:

• Just-in-Time, Just-Enough Access: Grants users only the minimal required privileges for a limited time, reducing the risk of over-provisioning and privilege abuse.
• Session Monitoring and Behavioral Analytics: Tracks user activity and detects anomalies across systems and sessions to flag potential misuse.
• Seamless Integration Across Hybrid Environments: Supports cloud, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructures with flexible deployment options.
• Identity Mapping and Contextual Awareness: Correlates data across identities, devices, and access patterns to deliver contextual risk analysis.
• Zero Trust Alignment: Continuously verifies users and devices before and during access, in line with zero trust security principles.
• Automated Threat Detection and Response: Accelerates incident response through intelligent alerts and automated policy enforcement.

In conclusion, the failure of traditional identity management isn’t just a technological gap, it’s a strategic blind spot. In a world where access equals opportunity for both users and attackers, securing identities must be dynamic, intelligent, and deeply integrated into the fabric of enterprise security. Solutions like BeyondTrust Pathfinder don’t just patch the cracks, they reimagine identity as a living, learning system that adapts with every login, every request, and every anomaly. This shift from static control to contextual intelligence will define the next generation of cyber resilience.

Greater Noida, 26th May 2025: Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, India’s premier multidisciplinary research university, and only one of the four private institutions to be recognized as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India – celebrated its 11th convocation ceremony at the University campus. Mr. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Over 3,000 guests, including faculty, parents, and graduates, attended the ceremony.

The event witnessed the conferral of honorary doctorates on three distinguished individuals by Shikhar Malhotra, Chancellor, and Professor Ananya Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, recognizing their exceptional contributions. Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space; Chairman, Space Commission; Chairman of ISRO; was recognised for his visionary leadership and contribution to Indian Space Research. Dr. Archana Sharma, a distinguished physicist and Principal Staff Scientist at CERN, was awarded for her outstanding achievements in science. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Non-Executive Chairman of ICICI Bank; Former Cabinet Secretary, and Former Principal Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, was also awarded his honorary doctorate in a separate ceremony on May 7, 2025.

Addressing the batch of 2025, Mr. Amitabh Kant said, “Students, you are graduating at a time which, to my mind, is one of the most transformational periods in the world’s history. Never before in the world have we seen such radical transformation in globalization. Many of you will play a critical role in transforming India and making it an innovative India. And I am sure that all of you will shape the future and bring pride to this great university.”

Dr. V. Narayanan, upon receiving the honorary doctorate, remarked, “With great humility, I accept this honorary doctorate. ISRO was established in 1969 and today we have come along way, we are working on our space program and in 2027 we are planning to send human on space using our rocket. To the graduating class, congratulations. Dream fearlessly, work selflessly, and the sky will never be your limit.” Dr. Narayanan also delivered a special lecture in the morning of the convocation on ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ to the students, parents, and faculty of Shiv Nadar University.

“We need to bring transformations in industries, transformation in the way our young startup ecosystem is marching forward, and that momentum needs to embrace public-private partnerships to transform healthcare, for example. I believe that this is the time to leverage science, not only to understand the universe like I do at CERN, but to serve humanity. May we walk together, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, citizens, towards a future where knowledge is not a privilege but a light for all”, said Dr. Archana Sharma.

Mr. Shikhar Malhotra, Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, said, “Today is a day of celebration at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, as we proudly graduate our largest-ever cohort of 910 exceptional students. The Class of 2025 holds a special place in the history of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi- NCR. The most diverse cohort we have ever had, representing 23 states and 2 Union Territories. Wherever life takes you, embrace diversity. At Shiv Nadar University, Delhi – NCR, our mission is not just to graduate students, but to build an institution that creates opportunity.”

This convocation marked the university’s largest graduating class to date, with 910 students graduating. 696 undergraduate, 152 postgraduate, and 62 Ph.D. degrees were awarded across the School of Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and School of Management and Entrepreneurship. Various other outstanding academic performances were also recognised with special awards and distinctions.

By-Rajendra Chitale,Chief Finance Officer Crayon Software Experts India

In a world where digital assets have eclipsed physical ones in value, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern – it is a cornerstone of enterprise risk management and financial governance. CFOs are often tasked with answering to shareholders, regulators, and customers about fiscal prudence and long-term value creation. Yet, many organizations overlook a fundamental truth: inadequate cybersecurity is a silent balance sheet liability.

Every unchecked vulnerability, every unmonitored access point, is a contingent liability waiting to materialize.

In this evolving landscape, Zero Trust Security offers CFOs a pragmatic and financially sound path forward, one that not only mitigates cyber threats but also strengthens the company’s economic fundamentals.

The Cost of Trusting Too Much

According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average data breach cost has climbed to $4.45 million – a 15% increase over the past three years. Indirect costs, such as reputational damage, regulatory fines, and lost customer trust, only amplify this burden. For CFOs, these are not abstract numbers; they directly impact EBITDA, shareholder confidence, and even market valuation.

Zero Trust Security is based on the principle of “never trust, always verify” that radically minimizes the attack surface by continuously authenticating users, devices, and transactions. It offers a pragmatic approach to prevention, rather than costly remediation.

Quantifying the Financial Benefits of Zero Trust

• Reduced Incident Costs: Organizations that have fully deployed Zero Trust architecture report cost savings of over $1 million per breach incident compared to those without, as per recent research. By investing upfront, CFOs can significantly lower potential outlays for breach management, legal penalties, and customer restitution.
• Lower Cyber Insurance Premiums: As insurers grow increasingly risk-averse, a strong cyber posture, anchored in Zero Trust principles, often qualifies organizations for lower premiums and better coverage terms. For companies paying six- or seven-figure sums for cyber insurance annually, this is a critical optimization lever.
• Improved Regulatory Compliance and Avoidance of Fines: Regulatory bodies such as GDPR, CCPA, and India’s DPDP Act now impose hefty penalties for data mishandling. Zero Trust ensures robust data access controls and audit trails, drastically reducing the risk of non-compliance fines.
• Operational Efficiency and Cost Optimization: Zero Trust doesn’t just improve security; it also streamlines identity and access management, simplifies device provisioning, and automates security workflows. This results in lower operational overhead and more efficient use of IT resources, enhancing margins over time.
• Enhanced Enterprise Value: Investors today scrutinize cyber resilience as closely as financial KPIs. A strong security posture fortified by Zero Trust principles can be a differentiator during M&A activities, valuations, and IPO preparations, ultimately protecting and elevating enterprise value.

Strategizing the CFO’s Role in Zero Trust Implementation

Adopting Zero Trust is not an IT project; it’s an enterprise-wide cultural and operational shift. CFOs must work hand-in-hand with CIOs, CISOs, and the Board to:

• Champion Investment Prioritization: Frame Zero Trust not as a cost center but as a value-generating asset that de-risks future cash flows.
• Embed Cyber Metrics into Financial Reporting: Track and report cyber resilience as part of enterprise risk management, tying improvements to financial outcomes.
• Model Scenario-Based ROI: Develop clear financial models demonstrating the long-term ROI of Zero Trust investments compared to the potential financial impact of breaches.
• Advocate for Phased Adoption: Encourage pragmatic, prioritized rollouts – starting with critical assets – to balance budgetary discipline with risk mitigation.

A New Mandate for Financial Leadership

Cyber resilience is no longer an operational nice-to-have; it is a financial necessity. In the era of digital transformation, every CFO must recognize that security is strategy, and trust is currency.

Investing in a Zero Trust framework not only safeguards cash flows and valuations but also builds an enduring competitive advantage rooted in stakeholder confidence. The future will favor organizations that can prove – not just promise – their ability to protect digital assets. As CFOs, we have a critical opportunity to lead this shift, ensuring that our companies are not just surviving the cyber onslaught but thriving in a trust-driven economy. Ultimately, Zero Trust is not merely about securing systems; it’s about securing the future of the business itself.