Archives May 2023

Delhi, 19th May 2023: Pearl Academy Delhi campus was abuzz with excitement as months of hard work, dedication and planning culminated into this year’s ‘Portfolio’. Portfolio by Pearl Academy is an annual, big-scale platform provided to the students that showcases and celebrates their ideas, innovation and ingenuity.

The presence and encouragement of esteemed dignitaries like Dr Harsh Vardhan, Member of Parliament, Former Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences added to their excitement and motivation. Creative luminaries, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI and A. Balasubramaniam, President, National Executive Council, ADI were also present and lauded the students for their hard work. It was also a one-of-its-kind opportunity for students to present their work in front of renowned fashion designers from the industry who they take inspiration from including David Abraham, Nitin Bal Chauhan, and Gaurav Jaigupta. Indian actress Pavleen Gujral and Antonio Maurizio Grioli, Dean, Pearl Academy also attended the showcase.

The two days of Portfolio 2023 were a kaleidoscope of individual imagination and interpretation of the theme ‘Future Flashbacks’. From modern fashion accessories inspired by the ancient art and craft of Kutch to Gen-Z’s take on social & cultural issues, every idea and every voice made its own impact.

There was also a series of captivating fashion shows that gave students a platform to showcase their collections. From personal styling, and makeup techniques to the fusion of fashion and technology, Pearl Academy’s Portfolio 2023 also kept its attendees engaged with an impressive line-up of workshops around diverse themes.

Thought-provoking concepts fostered dialogues on important issues like body positivity, cancel culture and sustainable fashion, which created momentum and empowered audiences, including hundreds of school students from in and around Delhi, with a meaningful experience. Based on such diverse and multifaceted concepts that encompassed various forms of human expression, creativity, and communication, the projects were truly an extension of each student’s individuality and experience.

Encapsulating the vibe of Portfolio 2023, Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy shares, “This event stands as a testament to the students’ unwavering dedication and Pearl Academy’s steadfast commitment to fostering and encouraging unique creative expression. With a strong foundation in creativity and innovation, the academy’s learning models have consistently nurtured these qualities, and witnessing them shine through the students’ designs is a truly gratifying moment. The exhibition unequivocally demonstrated that our students possess the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive industry of tomorrow”.

New Delhi: A 35-member team from Brazil and other Latin American countries visited the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) under a G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group initiative ‘Troika Youth for Disaster Risk Reduction & Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’. The delegation included Ms Daniela de Rogatis, Founder of Legado and the Head of the Delegation; Ms Mrinalini Shrivastava, Director (G20), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA); and Dr Sushma Guleria, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).

CDRI shared its youth-centric initiatives, which are playing a pivotal role in promoting disaster resilient infrastructure. These initiatives include the Fellowship Programme, which facilitates transformative, actionable, and scalable solutions for real-world issues of DRI; the IRAX initiative, which aims to develop a global network of academic institutions promoting resilient infrastructure; and the Young Professionals Programme, which recognizes the importance of investing in youth as vital stakeholders for a more resilient future.

CDRI also shared insights on its other ongoing projects in Power, Transport, Telecom, Health and Urban infrastructure sectors, and the programme for SIDS – Infrastructure for Resilient Island States.

“The unprecedented challenges posed by climate uncertainties and increasing frequency and impact of disasters make it imperative for countries to work collaboratively. As part of our mandate to ensure a more resilient future, CDRI is focused on youth initiatives that can facilitate shaping a robust and resilient future,” said Mr. Amit Prothi, Director General, CDRI.

To showcase sustainable and resilient infrastructure practices in large infrastructure projects, the Delegation also visited the flagship Regional Rapid Transit System project, connecting Delhi and Meerut on May 16, being built by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture between Govt. of India and the states of the NCR region.

Prime Minister Modi has spearheaded the formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which focuses on resilient infrastructure that can withstand and recover from the impacts of natural disasters. CDRI aims to promote research, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building for disaster resilient infrastructure. Through CDRI, Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the importance of planning and implementing sustainable and resilient infrastructure at the ongoing G20 Summit in India.

New Delhi, 18th, May 2023- Check Point Research (CPR) has been monitoring a series of targeted cyberattacks on European foreign affairs entities, which have been linked to the Chinese state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group named “Camaro Dragon” by CPR.

In a recent blog post, Check Point Research shared their comprehensive analysis of Camaro Dragon’s attacks, revealing a malicious firmware implant tailored for the popular TP-Link routers. Named “Horse Shell”, the custom backdoor provides attackers with full control of the infected devices and allows the threat actor to anonymize their activities and access compromised networks.

Highlights :

Check Point Research discovered and analyzed a custom TP-Link firmware image affiliated with the Chinese state-sponsored actor “Camaro Dragon”.
The firmware image contained several malicious components, including a custom MIPS32 ELF implant dubbed “Horse Shell”. In addition to the implant, a passive backdoor providing attackers with a shell to infected devices was found.
“Horse Shell”, the main implant inserted into the modified firmware by the attackers, provides the attacker with 3 main functionalities:

•  Remote shell
•  File transfer
•  SOCKS tunneling

The deployment method of the firmware images is still unclear, as well as its usage and involvement in actual intrusions.
Not only TP-Link

The discovery of the firmware-agnostic nature of the implanted components indicates that a wide range of devices and vendors may be at risk. Check Point Research has emphasized the importance of updating and securing network devices against potential threats.

Protection

Through their ongoing investigation, Check Point Research aims to provide a better understanding of the techniques and tactics utilized by the Camaro Dragon APT group and contribute to improving the security posture of organizations and individuals alike.

To protect against similar attacks, Check Point Research recommends network protections, such as monitoring traffic with unique and hard-coded headers, regularly updating device firmware and software, and changing default login credentials on internet-connected devices.

Quote: Itay Cohen, Research Lead in Check Point Research:

“The ‘Horse Shell’ router implant is an intricate piece of malicious firmware that showcases the advanced capabilities of the Chinese state-sponsored attackers. Through analyzing this implant, we can gain valuable insights into the tactics and techniques used by these attackers, which can ultimately contribute to better understanding and defending against similar threats in the future.

The firmware-agnostic nature of the implanted components suggests that a wide range of devices and vendors could potentially be at risk. It is crucial for organizations and individuals to maintain vigilance by updating their network devices regularly and implementing strong security measures to combat such advanced threats.”

18th, May 2023, Bangalore: Ekya School, a leading educational institution in India, is thrilled to announce the launch of Friends of Ekya, an initiative aimed at creating a vibrant community of individuals committed to students’ holistic development. Through this initiative, Ekya School seeks to leverage the expertise, experience, and networks of community members to create opportunities for students to learn and discover a world beyond boundaries.

Under this initiative, the Parent Champions Program enables Ekya to build a support structure involving parents in their children’s learning journey and school community. Parents can participate in a range of activities throughout the year, from volunteering at special events to mentoring students in college or career transitions.

As stated by Dr. Tristha, Head of Ekya School and Provost, CMR University, “Parents play a crucial role in their children’s development, and the Parent Champions Program is an excellent way for them to actively participate in their children’s learning journey. Through this program, parents can share their expertise, experience, and knowledge with their children and help them navigate the challenges of growing up.”

In addition to the Parent Champions Program, Friends of Ekya offers the Community Champions Program, which provides a platform for alumni, partners, professionals, enthusiasts, and change-makers to contribute their time, knowledge, and expertise to students’ success. Community members can share their skills and experiences with students, broadening their horizons and equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in the real world.

This empowering initiative highlights Ekya School’s commitment to creating exceptional individuals who will make a difference in the world. The program offers a range of activities and opportunities for parents, alumni, partners, professionals, enthusiasts, and change-makers to contribute to students’ success and play an active role in their development. Ekya School is proud to invite everyone to join this rapidly growing community and make a positive impact on the lives of our students.

Hyderabad,18th, May 2023: Nasdaq-listed Lytus Technologies Holdings PTV Ltd., a leading global technology-driven services company, has recently announced its acquisition of Sri Sai Cable and Broadband Private Ltd., a leading regional Multi Service Operator (MSO) based in Telangana, India. This strategic move signifies Lytus Technologies’ commitment to establishing a strong presence in the Indian market. By acquiring a 51% stake in Sri Sai Cable and Broadband Private Limited, which boasts a subscriber base of over 1 million, Lytus Technologies aims to expand its footprint in India in line with its strategic growth plans.

Lytus Technologies, established in 2017 by a visionary team of technology entrepreneurs, is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “LYT”. The acquisition of Sri Sai Cable is expected to significantly bolster Lytus Technologies’ reach in the Telangana region with a customer base extending into Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala. As the leading independent Multi Service Operators (MSOs) in Telangana, Sri Sai Cable will enable Lytus Technologies to enhance its service offerings and expand its presence in the region. With more than 40% market share in their dedicated network area, Sri Sai Cable and Broadband Private Limited boasts a flourishing network of over 6,500 local cable operators. As a result of Lytus Technologies’ acquisition of a majority stake in the company, current consumers of Sri Sai Cable will benefit from enhanced technology, resulting in a better viewing experience.

Specializing in Telecast & Multicast services, Lytus Technologies offers monthly subscription-based linear television and Internet services to both retail and business clients. The company’s robust network infrastructure spans over a 5,000-kilometer deployed network, providing fiber and broadband services. Since its inception, Lytus Technologies has expanded its presence in India through its Telecast & Multicast (IPTV) services. The recent acquisition of Sri Sai Cable further strengthens Lytus Technologies’ presence in India, allowing the company to cater to the Indian diaspora with captivating content and value-added services. This strategic acquisition represents a significant step forward in Lytus Technologies’ expansion plans, positioning the company as a key player in the Indian market and reinforcing its dedication to delivering innovative services to customers nationwide.

Commenting on the acquisition of Sri Sai Cable and Broadband Private Limited, Dharmesh Pandya, CEO, Lytus Technologies said, “Since our inception, Lytus Technologies has been committed to providing diverse entertainment options to the Indian audience. The recent acquisition of Sri Sai Cable and Broadband Private Limited enables us to expand our reach by offering cable and internet services not only to consumers in Telangana but also to their extended subscriber base in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala. Through collaborative efforts, we will develop new technologies aimed at better serving our customer base. India is our primary market for IPTV services, and this year, we are launching IPTV and Internet services, positioning ourselves for revenue growth. Additionally, we are in the process of revising rates in accordance with the New Tariff Order, further enhancing our offerings and providing value to our customers.”

Srinivas Palle, CEO, Sri Sai Cable and Broadband Private Limited said, “Indian customers are now evolving and are keen to receive high-quality services. Being one of Telangana’s major Multi Service Operators, we strive to cater to ever-changing consumer behavior. With our partnership with Lytus Technologies, we will continue to focus on client needs and expand our footprint in larger parts of India. We intend to maintain and improve our technology in order to gain a larger market share in our network locations.”

Lytus Technologies has established a consumer base across major cities in India, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Allahabad. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, providing access to over 450 linear SD/HD channels from various content sources such as Star TV (Disney), Zee TV, Sony, Times Broadcasting, and Discovery. The company is actively engaged in strategic alliances with numerous major global corporations, a move aimed at expanding its reach and presence in the market. These alliances position Lytus Technologies for further growth in the near future.

18th, May 2023  Glass exudes a luxurious aura due to its transparency and elegance. Glass doors are more frequently utilised in both residential and commercial areas, and hence you need hardware that provides effortless and fluid movement, bequeaths flawless aesthetics, and delivers maintenance free operations.

Hafele brings to you its range of Floor Spring & Patch Fittings in a contemporary black matt finish that supports this trend of minimal, understated aesthetics as well as provides the right functionality.

Häfele’s Range of Patch Fittings, consisting of a wide array of types and variants, enables conception of glass assemblies that suit your idea of functionality. These fittings not only make the glass assemblies look visually striking but also technically sound. Suitable for glass door thicknesses of 10 to 12 mm, the range provides for widely differing arrangements – with corner fittings, top and bottom patch fittings and double action door fittings in double / single door designs.

The Double Cylinder Floor Spring from this range comes with a weight carrying capacity of 90 kg and can fit doors with a width of up to 1000 mm. This floor spring can be used to install both wooden and glass doors and fits discreetly inside the floor, improving resistance to interference and vandalism. Designed for simple passage and improved user experience, it has a maximum opening angle of 180°, integrated hold-open and closing and latching speed adjustment functions. The new floor spring is extremely sturdy and durable, having been tested for 500,000 cycles.

[Mumbai] – Metamorphosis, a pioneering organization in the field of education, successfully hosted its first Education & Changemaker Conclave on the 13th of May 2023. The event, led by visionary founder Sonal Jhajj and supported by an exceptional team including Dr P.K. Rajput, Dr Pratik Mungekar, Dr Deepali Shirgave, and the entire Metamorphosis team, delivered an extraordinary experience for all participants.

The conclave commenced with the auspicious Ganesh Vandana and Lighting of the Lamp by esteemed guests of honours and special guests. Founder Sonal Jhajj took the stage and delivered a heartfelt welcome speech, outlining the aim, mission, and vision of Metamorphosis to the attendees.

Distinguished speakers Dr P.K. Rajput, Dr Pratik Mungekar, and Dr Pramila Kudwa captivated the audience with their insightful Keynote Addresses. Dr P.K. Rajput shared his thoughts on education and experiential learning, highlighting their importance in shaping future generations. Dr Pratik Mungekar focused on empowering education through strategies, innovations, and inspirations, emphasizing the need for a better future. Dr Pramila Kudwa enlightened the audience on the connection between humans and their bodies, shedding light on the significance of this relationship.

Following the keynote addresses, Founder Sonal Jhajj and the core team members felicitated the esteemed guest of honours and special guests, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the field of education. The list of participants included prominent names such as Dr Pramila Kudva, Nikita Bhate, Vishwas Vaidya, Dawood Vaid, Kala Natrajan, Anamika Panda, Surekha Landage, Neha Jain, Kudale Ashwini, Deepali Shah, Dr P.K. Rajput, Dr Deepali Shirgave, Dr Pratik Rajan Mungekar, Neeti Nagarkar, Dr Anita Sharma, Sejal Ray, Sonal Sheth, Amrit Nagpal, Suvidha Satam, Ushavati Shetty, Kajal Parmar, Krishna Kumar Sir, Renu Patil, Nancy Swamy, Dr. (HC) Siravjeet Kirad, Urmi Patel, Sonali Shivajirav Takalkar, Sonal Jhajj, Er. Ravishankar Kumar, Vishnu Mathur, Rewant Kumar Sharma, Rachna Bhimrajka, Ashwini Pansare, Deepali Shah, Gaurav N. Tiwari, Harshita Shetty, Priyanka Sharma, Agnus Naidu, Paviter Kaur, and Heena Purswani.

The highlight of the event was the young child performing a song on Mera joota hain Hindustani- The Charming Rockstar- Anishka Jain.

The conclave, dedicated to advancing education and fostering innovation, featured an exceptional lineup of speakers and engaging panel discussions. The event provided invaluable insights into the future of education, inspiring attendees to drive transformative change.

The founder’s visionary approach and the team’s meticulous planning ensured a seamless experience for all participants, leaving them inspired and empowered to revolutionize the field of education.

The Education & Changemaker Conclave hosted by Metamorphosis stands as a testament to the remarkable commitment and dedication of its founder, Sonal Jhajj, and the entire team. Through their tireless efforts, they continue to reshape and redefine education for a brighter future.

As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, cybersecurity brands are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen their defense mechanisms. One crucial area where AI is making a significant impact is real-time anomaly detection and data breach prevention. In this listicle, we will explore five leading cybersecurity brands that are leveraging AI technologies to identify anomalies, detect potential breaches, and protect sensitive data in real-time.

SecureAI:

SecureAI employs AI algorithms that continuously monitor network traffic, system logs, and user behavior. By learning the normal patterns and behaviors, SecureAI can quickly identify anomalies that may indicate a potential data breach. Their real-time anomaly detection capabilities enable organizations to detect and respond to threats swiftly, minimizing the risk of data breaches.

IntelliGuard:

IntelliGuard utilizes predictive analytics and AI to detect data breaches in their early stages. By analyzing extensive datasets, including network logs and threat intelligence feeds, IntelliGuard can identify suspicious activities and potential breaches before they cause significant harm. Their AI-driven approach empowers organizations to take pre-emptive action against data breaches, enhancing their cybersecurity posture.

Noventiq:

Noventiq is a leading global solutions and services provider in digital transformation and cybersecurity. The company enables, facilitates and accelerates digital transformation for its customers’ businesses, connecting 75,000+ organizations from all sectors with hundreds of best-in-class IT vendors, including AWS, Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Oracle, VMWare, among many others, alongside its own services and solutions. Their utilization of AI empowers organizations to proactively take action against data breaches, thereby improving their overall cybersecurity stance.

SentinelShield:

SentinelShield integrates AI technologies into their Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution. The AI-powered SIEM system collects and correlates vast amounts of security data, leveraging machine learning algorithms to identify anomalies and potential threats. With real-time anomaly detection, SentinelShield enables organizations to proactively respond to emerging data breaches and mitigate risks effectively.

Arete:

Arete is transforming the way businesses and governments manage cyber risk through proven incident response, tech-enabled managed services, and powerful data insights. Working on the front lines of thousands of ransomware attacks and some of the largest nation-state attacks, their team combines hundreds of investigative, technical, and cyber risk management practitioners with best-in-class data and software engineers.

Bangalore, 18th, May 2023 Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced its first-ever initiative of 4×4 experiential drives for motoring enthusiasts from across the country. Set to be held in four zones (regional level – North, South, East and West), with a ‘Grand National 4×4 X-pedition’ by Toyota is being planned this year. These drives have been designed to engage with the country-wide 4×4 SUV community, offering exciting and thrilling off-roading experiences. Through this initiative, TKM aspires to connect participants with their sense of adventure and inspire them to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and thereby deliver ‘Mass Happiness’.

Each of the zonal events will feature a convoy of SUVs including the proud owners of legendary Hilux, Fortuner 4×4, LC 300, and the Hyryder AWD (All Wheel Drive). Furthermore, the uniqueness of this experiential drive involves the participation of other SUV brand owners who will be a part of the first ever Great 4×4 X-pedition organised by Toyota in India. With a view to offer extreme off-roading, TKM has created additional 4WD tracks with many challenging obstacles, covering articulation, side inclines, rambler, deep ditch, slush, rocky bed and so forth.

Globally, Toyota is renowned for its robust line-up of SUVs and boasts of a strong and versatile 4×4 offering in India as well. The Hilux, Fortuner 4X4, LC 300 and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder with their commanding presence have earned some of the biggest fan base, all thanks to a notable combination of advanced style, unmatched toughness and powerful performance perfectly suited to make every journey a remarkable one. This flagship event of Toyota further creates ample opportunities to strengthen this association and offers new experiences through curated drives both on-road as well as off-road.

Notably, with the rising trend for motorsport and adventure seekers in the rapidly growing SUV segment, an unbreakable bond has been created with those who desire more, be it for business purposes or the fun-filled moments with family and friends. With this, Toyota’s primary focus is to connect with the 4×4 fraternity and create awesome experiences with the unique capabilities of varied SUVs from its product line-up. Needless to mention, the company’s passion in motorsport (Toyota Gazoo Racing e-Motorsport in India debuted in Aug 2020) continues to be one of the key attributes, driving this Great 4×4 X-pedition initiative, enabling the brand to connect with motorsports enthusiasts by providing them exhilarating drive opportunities. Going forward, the aim is also to create an exclusive group of such 4×4 enthusiast fan club, enabling continued engagement in off-roading activities.

The first regional event is scheduled to be held, in the Southern part of India. Starting from Bangalore and moving to cover the serene locations of Hassan and Sakleshpur between 26th – 28th of May 2023. The carefully chosen route will offer a chance to explore the scenic beauty through the journey, covering historical points. The participants will be in for an off-roading treat in a safe and supervised environment, additionally designed 4WD track experiences and outdoor recreations.

Furthermore, in line with Toyota’s core commitment towards sustainability and giving back to the society, this Great 4×4 X-pedition will also engage the participating 4×4 enthusiasts to contribute to social causes, whilst on this thrilling experiential drive. Taking this opportunity to spread awareness and encourage their social interventions, a host of eco activities such as restoration of the local ecosystem through waste collection and disposal and tree plantation has been planned towards conservation of natural biodiversity.

Speaking about Toyota’s first-ever Great 4×4 X-pedition, Mr. Atul Sood – Vice President, Sales and Strategic Marketing of Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Toyota believes in bringing unlimited experiences to its customers. In this direction, Toyota’s 4×4 Great X-pedition is designed to create a new platform and connect with the 4×4 enthusiasts group, enriching their experiences by providing them an opportunity through unforgettable journey with us that will remain etched in their memories for life. Furthermore, TKM’s foray into 4X4 drives in India will allow the SUV enthusiasts to unleash the true potential of their proudly owned vehicles and further enhance their active outdoor lifestyles.”

Going forward, TKM will continue to enhance the motorsport engagements which plays a crucial role in pushing the boundaries bringing in newer & advanced technologies, driving innovation, and building ever-better cars. Through the Great 4×4 X-Pedition, TKM hopes to inspire more people to pursue their discerning passion for motorsports and experience the thrill of driving 4×4.

Overview of TKM

Overview of TKM 1st Plant:

Overview of TKM 2nd Plant:

Hannover, Germany – 18th, May 2023 – Birla Carbon, a global leader in the production of high-quality carbon black solutions, will participate in The Battery Show Europe 2023, to be held from May 23 – 25, 2023, at Messe Stuttgart, Germany. Birla Carbon will exhibit at Booth 8-G63.

Birla Carbon will showcase its commercially available Conductex i14 and Conductex e series of products at the expo, along with an array of carbon-based solutions for the battery industry, including CB/CNT hybrids and graphites.

The Conductex i14 series of performance additives for lithium-ion batteries enables 8% higher solids loading in electrode slurries, reduced solvent usage, great adhesion to the current collector, and faster charge and discharge rate capability.

The Conductex e line of performance additives for lead acid batteries is a full portfolio of carbon black additives with high levels of purity and conductivity, resulting in increased charge acceptance and cycle life.
Our CB/CNT Hybrid conductive additives enable ease of mixing and good electrode properties at lower loading compared to competitive carbon blacks.

Graphite Anode Active Materials are high-performance graphites that deliver exceptional cycling efficiency and cycle life in high energy density and power density batteries.

Speaking about the participation, Dr. Ann Schoeb, Chief R&D Officer and Business Head Energy Systems, said, “Expanding upon over a decade of conductive carbon supply into the lead acid battery market, we assembled a dedicated team in our business called Energy Systems, focused on growing a leading position in conductive additives and active anode materials for the lithium ion battery market. These materials are extremely well received, and with this, we take a further step closer to commissioning our very own semi-commercial graphite operations”. She further added, “We look forward to engaging with customers at the Battery Show and exploring the potential of our carbon solutions in the technology of the future.”

The Battery Show 2023 will allow Birla Carbon to share its solutions with the batteries and energy systems market and will also provide an opportunity to gain insights into the latest advanced battery and automotive developments. Join Birla Carbon at Booth 8-G63 to learn more.