Archives October 2023

India, 14th October 2023: Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates, the home-grown luxury chocolate brand from ITC Ltd., is recognized for creating unparalleled chocolate experiences for its discerning consumers. In the last few years Fabelle has introduced several industry firsts such as the Fabelle Trinity – Truffles Extraordinaire -World’s most expensive chocolate, Fabelle Finesse – World’s finest chocolate*, setting a benchmark for the global chocolate industry.

Continuing the legacy, Fabelle this year is set to entice chocolate lovers with a novel creation. Inspired by the sentiment of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – The World Is One Family, Fabelle introduces its latest innovation – Fabelle One Earth Collection. At an event held at the ITC Sheraton, New Delhi, Fabelle, in a strategic collaboration with Chef Andy Allen, an acclaimed Australian food critic and TV presenter, unveiled this delectable fusion of global flavors and cultures.

This signature luxury chocolate offering has been meticulously handcrafted with the finest ingredients and cocoa. It comprises of 10 unique truffles, each of which truly represents the essence of the rich and diverse flavors of nations from across the world – Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Netherlands, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

ITC Fabelle Master Chocolatiers, known for their unwavering commitment to excellence conducted multiple iterations and co-creation sessions with Chef Andy Allen to perfect each truffle. A selection of hand-picked ingredients, including Afghan Figs, Australian Macadamia, Bangladesh-inspired Posto, England’s Morello Cherry, India’s Walnut, Condensed Whole Milk from the Netherlands, New Zealand’s Apple, Aqua Rose from Pakistan, Sri Lankan Coconut and South African Orange, were artfully harmonized with the unparalleled excellence of Fabelle’s chocolates. Each truffle therefore tells a unique story of the country that inspired this specific creation. This limited-edition offering will contain 10 truffles (130g) priced at INR 999/- inclusive of taxes, and will be available at Fabelle boutiques across Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.

The chocolate truffles serve as a testament to the artistry of ITC Fabelle Master Chocolatiers. They carefully combined these international ingredients with Fabelle’s premium chocolate to deliver a sensory journey that transcends borders and celebrates the universal love for chocolate much like sports.

To celebrate the launch of ‘Fabelle One Earth’, the event was graced by eminent personalities associated with the world of sports and cricket. Dinesh Karthik – Indian professional cricketer and commentator, Waqar Younis – Pakistani cricket coach, commentator, and former cricketer, and Lisa Sthalekar – Australian cricket commentator, former cricketer, and captain of the Australia women’s national cricket team exchanged ‘One Earth’ as a gesture to honor the essence of unity and community.

Emphasising on the launch of Fabelle One Earth, Mr. Rohit Dogra, Chief Operating Officer – Chocolates, Coffee, Confectionary & New Category Development Foods Division, ITC Limited, said “Fabelle is dedicated to giving chocolate lovers true world-class experiences. With Fabelle One Earth, we aim to bring people together through the magic of chocolate. This special collection has 10 distinct truffles, each with a singularly delectable taste. The assemblage of speciality ingredients inspired from different countries brought together in one box of chocolate truffles, the ‘Fabelle One Earth’ showcases the brand’s commitment to creating unique tastes and textures.”

Commenting on his first collaboration with the brand, Andy Allen, Australian Food Critic and TV Presenter, said “Fabelle has one of the finest collection of chocolates in the world in my view. It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside the Fabelle team to bring alive this masterpiece. Fabelle One Earth is a culinary journey that encapsulates the essence of diverse cultures and flavours from ten different countries. It was result of countless hours of craftsmanship, relentless commitment and tireless exploration of global flavours that have gone into the curation of each of the truffles. We are extremely happy with the outcome and hoping that everyone enjoys this beautiful amalgamation of chocolate and culture.”

New Delhi, 14th October 2023  RITES Ltd (NSE: RITES, BSE: 541556), a central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways, has been granted the coveted ‘Navratna’ status by the Ministry of Finance. With this, RITES has become India’s 16th Navratna CPSE.

Entering its 50th year of incorporation, RITES Ltd is a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm in India. It provides services in the diverse sectors of transportation, railways, export of rolling stock, highways, airports, metros, urban engineering & sustainability, ports & waterways, and energy management.

Crediting ‘Team RITES’ for this achievement, Mr. Rahul Mithal, Chairman and Managing Director, RITES Ltd, said, “It’s a proud moment for us to become a Navratna company and join the club of ‘Top-29’ CPSEs of the country. The distinction serves as a testament to the faith reposed by valued clients & supportive stakeholders and efforts of our devoted employees. It will enable RITES to further nurture our brand, expand our global footprints and pursue new frontiers more aggressively. It’s a step forward in achieving our vision of being the ‘Go-To’ Infrastructure Consultancy Company.”

Bengaluru,14th October 2023 Namma Smaraka Program Call with the Indian Diaspora in the USA marks a Historic Beginning for the Adopt a Monument Program with representation from Kannada Koota’s, TiE Global, and Individual Adopters from the USA

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Shri Devaraju. A, K.A.S, Commissioner, Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage setting the tone for the mission of the Namma Smaraka program – preserving and restoring our historical monuments.

Shri Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Culkey Foundation & Chairman of the Startup Vision Group, Government of Karnataka, Partner at Accel, and, emphasized the program’s significance and shared his insights. ‘The rich heritage of Karnataka is reflected in the numerous heritage sites, palaces, monuments, and forts, which have played a crucial role in promoting tourism both within the state and internationally’ he said.

The event also saw the active participation of eminent figures such as B J Arun, former Chairman of TiE Global Board of Trustees, Kumar Malavalli, Founder of Brocade Communications, Keerthi Swamy, Director of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce, and many others.

Dr. H. K. Patil, Honorable Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, expressed the theme of #ConnectToRoots through the #NammaSmaraka initiative. He called for active participation and highlighted the state’s diverse cultural heritage and the unique experiences it offers to tourists. Karnataka, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings, truly lives up to its brand promise of “One State, Many Worlds.” He said

During the event, Shri Satish Shekar, Director, Culkey Foundation, presented an action plan that emphasized the need to establish a comprehensive framework for providing essential amenities and services at Karnataka’s heritage monuments. The plan also aims to transform Karnataka’s heritage sites into must-visit tourism destinations.

Shri Karthik Kittu, Director of the Culkey Foundation, underscored the importance of archaeological monuments as expressions of India’s cultural heritage and national identity, particularly emphasizing the prevalence of temples among known archaeological sites.

Culkey Foundation, appointed as the official partner and project management unit, will facilitate the engagement of High Net Worth Individuals (HNI) and corporate leaders through monument adoption, further strengthening the Namma Smaraka program’s objectives.

About Namma Smaraka: The Namma Smaraka program is an initiative of the Government of Karnataka dedicated to preserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage and historical monuments. It seeks to engage individuals, organizations, and corporate entities in preserving and enhancing Karnataka’s historical treasures, ultimately transforming the state into a prominent tourism destination For more details visit – www.nammasmaraka.in

India,14th October 2023 MedRabbits, a pioneering integrated healthcare service based in India, collaborated with NRBC Bank PLC and DHAKA Bank Limited, leading financial institutions based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to host a comprehensive Health Camp aimed at safeguarding the health of its employees. The event was inaugurated by Mr.Golam Awlia, CEO and Managing Director of NRBC Bank PLC and Mohammad Abu Jafar, Acting Managing Director of Dhaka Bank Limited respectively at the respective bank’s head office on Sunday, October 08, 2023 and Monday, October 09.

The Health Camp was spearheaded by MedRabbits’ GM, Mr. Rana Bhatacharyya. The initiative was aimed to promote employee well-being and provide invaluable insights on a range of medical disciplines, including Radiotherapy, Cancer treatment, Robotic Knee Replacement, Liver cancer, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Specialist doctors from MedRabbits’ hospital partners K D Hospital, Ahmedabad and Cytecare Cancer Hospital, Bangalore respectively. During the event, employees and staff from branches and sub-branches of both the banks across the country were able to engage with specialist doctors through an online platform, ensuring access to quality healthcare regardless of the location.

Amol Deshmukh, CEO and Founder of MedRabbits, expressed his gratitude towards the partnership with NRBC Bank PLC & Dhaka Bank Limited , stating, “We are excited and honored to collaborate with NRBC Bank PLC & Dhaka Bank Limited in this endeavor to prioritize the health of their employees. MedRabbits is dedicated to delivering accessible and high-quality healthcare, and this Health Camp is a testament to our shared commitment to employee well-being.”

Golam Awlia, CEO and Managing Director, NRBC Bank PLC emphasized the bank’s commitment to the health and mental well-being of its employees stating, “We prioritize the physical and mental health of our employees. We believe that a healthy and motivated workforce can contribute to the overall improvement of the bank. During the time of the pandemic, we have provided medical services to our employees and customers through specialist doctors. Moreover, we have provided safety equipment to those deployed in emergency tasks.”

In presence of Deputy Managing Directors – Md. Mostaque Ahmed, A K M Shahnawaj, Akhlakur Rahman and H M Mostafizur Rahman, EVP & Head of Retail Banking of Dhaka Bank, Mohammad Abu Jafar, Acting Managing Director of Dhaka Bank Limited said, “In this campaign, employees of Dhaka Bank Limited will be awarded to protect their health and make significant improvement in their quality of life.” Employees of all branches of Dhaka Bank participated virtually spontaneously in the health care discussion session through Zoom Apps.

The Health Camp exemplifies NRBC Bank PLC’s & Dhaka Bank Limited’s unwavering dedication to the health and welfare of their employees, reflecting the bank’s broader mission to foster a thriving and motivated workforce.

In recent months, Check Point Research have diligently monitored an ongoing cyber campaign dubbed “Stayin’ Alive.” This relentless campaign, which has been active since at least 2021, has primarily set its sights on the Asian telecommunications industry and government organizations. As we delve into the intricacies of this campaign, we uncover a web of activities that shed light on its tactics, targets, and potential origins.
Campaign Overview

The “Stayin’ Alive” campaign revolves around the deployment of downloaders and loaders, often utilized as initial infection vectors against high-profile Asian entities. The campaign’s initial discovery, a downloader called CurKeep, zeroed in on countries like Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. However, our ongoing analysis has unveiled a much broader operation encompassing the entire region.
What makes this campaign particularly intriguing is the simplistic nature of the tools involved. They exhibit a wide variation and appear to be disposable, primarily serving as conduits for downloading and executing additional malicious payloads. These tools do not share code similarities with any known cyber actor’s products and exhibit little resemblance to each other. Yet, they all trace back to a common infrastructure, linked to ToddyCat, a threat actor with Chinese affiliations operating within the region.

Key Highlights

1. Targets and Geography: “Stayin’ Alive” primarily targets the telecommunications industry across Asia, with a focus on countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Vietnam.

2. Infection Tactics: The campaign employs spear-phishing emails to deliver archive files using DLL side-loading techniques. Notably, it exploits a vulnerability in Audinate’s Dante Discovery software (CVE-2022-23748) by hijacking dal_keepalives.dll.

3. Loader Diversity: Threat actors behind the campaign leverage multiple unique loaders and downloaders, all linked to the same infrastructure.

4. Basic Yet Variable Functionality: Backdoors and loaders used in the campaign exhibit basic functionality that varies widely. This suggests they are considered disposable and are primarily used to gain initial access.

Victimology

Throughout our investigation, a consistent pattern of targeting has emerged, focusing on Asian countries such as Vietnam, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Evidence points to spear-phishing emails, VirusTotal submissions, and file naming conventions as indications of this campaign’s primary targets within the telecom sector.
The Telecommunications sector is a lucrative target for nation-state-backed espionage campaigns. According to Check Point Research, since the beginning of 2023, we have seen a global weekly average of 1,504 attacks per organization in the communication industry. In Asia, we observed an average of 1,978 attacks in the same industry, which is 32% higher.

The telecommunications sector consistently faces such large numbers of attacks due to the connectivity and control these telcos have of different key infrastructures, as well as storage of sensitive information about individuals that use these telco services, which could be sold on the dark web for a huge profit.

Moreover, domains associated with various loaders and downloaders suggest that at least some of the targets, or their final targets, belong to government-affiliated organizations, predominantly in Kazakhstan. These domains include mimics of the Kazakhstan National Certificate Authority (pki.gov.kz) and certexvpn, a VPN software used by the Kazakh government.

Attribution

The “Stayin’ Alive” campaign represents only a fraction of a more extensive operation involving numerous unknown tools and techniques. These custom-made tools are likely highly disposable, with no discernible code overlaps to known toolsets, including each other. However, they all share ties to infrastructure associated with ToddyCat, a threat actor previously linked to Chinese espionage activities.

While it’s not definitively confirmed that ToddyCat is behind the “Stayin’ Alive” campaign, there is a clear connection through shared infrastructure. Furthermore, ToddyCat has been reported operating in the same countries as the “Stayin’ Alive” campaign.

Conclusions
In our report, we have provided insights into the tools and techniques used in this campaign, unraveling the connections between various backdoors through their infrastructure fingerprints. Additionally, we’ve highlighted a potential link to ToddyCat, a known Chinese–affiliated actor in the region. While absolute certainty about ToddyCat’s involvement remains elusive, the shared infrastructure and similar targeting objectives suggest a significant connection.

Check Point customers remain protected against this campaign and the threats involved by while using Check PointHarmony Endpoint, and Threat Emulation- which provides comprehensive coverage of attack tactics, file-types, and operating systems

Mumbai, 14th October 2023: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service has announced its latest romantic comedy, Half Love Half Arranged. As fans are loving the magic between Karan Wahi and Maanvi Gagroo on screen, the free streaming service hosted a star-studded screening of the show which was graced by some of the most popular names from the showbiz industry. While Karan Wahi donned a bright yellow t-shirt campaigning for ‘Team Arranged’ from the series, renowned actor Rithvik Dhanjani arrived in style in a co-ord set. Popular actors like Aly Goni, Suyyash Rai, and Arijit Taneja also joined the screening, looking all dapper! Maanvi Gagroo arrived in a stylish chic skirt accompanied by a cute black crop top. As the evening commenced further, talented actors like Jennifer Winget, Ridhi Dogra, and Barkha Bisht graced the event in breezy looks. Talented actor and comedian Kumar Varun was also present as he cheered on for his lovely wife, Maanvi, the female lead of the show.

Embarking on the journey of love and self-discovery with quirky potential matches on the line, Half Love Half Arranged takes you to the world of arranged dating. The story follows the life of Riya Tanwar, a millennial gynecologist, who is on a quest to find her ideal match in the modern matchmaking era. Due to an unexpected turn of events, she gets stuck in the middle of insane matches, and weird incidents until she meets Jogi.

Get ready to relish romance in the middle of modern love and arranged dating filled with laughter, with Riya and Jogi in Half Love Half Arranged. The series is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV and on Play Store.

Get ready for a delightful celebration as Conrad Pune invites you to experience the magic of the upcoming holidays at our exclusive Cake Mixing Brunch, hosted at the charming Coriander Kitchen. On October 15th, join us for a day of culinary indulgence and traditional merriment that promises to make this season truly unforgettable.

Indulge your taste buds with a delectable and diverse range of dishes specially prepared for the occasion. From mouth watering appetisers to sumptuous mains, our culinary experts will ensure a memorable dining experience.

Be a part of something truly special as you participate in the traditional cake mixing ceremony. Feel the thrill as our skilled chefs expertly blend high-quality ingredients, adding an extra layer of excitement to the holiday season.

Mark your calendars for an experience like no other. Our festivities kick off at a time designed for you to savor every moment. Coriander Kitchen, nestled within Conrad Pune, provides a picturesque backdrop for this celebration.

Conrad Pune eagerly awaits your presence as we create lasting memories during our enchanting Cake Mixing Brunch at Coriander Kitchen on October 15th. Elevate your holiday season in style, and let the festivities begin!

New Delhi, 13th October 2023 Say To Love Women’s Store, a brand born out of a dream to make high fashion accessible to all, proudly announces its grand launch. Founded with a vision to offer luxury at affordable accessories prices, Say To Love is poised to revolutionize how women shop for premium fashion accessories. This online jewellery store in India caters to the discerning tastes of fashion enthusiasts, providing an exquisite and premium-quality jewellery collection for every occasion.

Say To Love’s commitment to excellence is evident in its handcrafted products, meticulously designed to elevate your style and celebrate life’s special moments. Each piece of jewellery is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality, featuring genuine gemstones, precious metals, and other high-quality materials. The brand collaborates with skilled artisans who pour their craftsmanship into every detail, ensuring that each creation is a work of art.

Founder, Mr. Atul Kumar, on the launch of the brand, stated, “We believe that luxury should be within everyone’s reach, and that’s the essence of Say To Love. Our goal is to empower women with the finest fashion accessories that not only enhance their style but also celebrate their uniqueness. We are excited to introduce our brand to the world and invite everyone to experience the elegance and craftsmanship that defines Say To Love.”

The brand offers an extensive range of handcrafted jewellery, including exquisite earrings designed to complement every style and occasion, versatile necklaces that exude timeless charm, stunning rings that capture the essence of sophistication, and elegant watches that blend functionality with fashion. Moreover, the brand takes pride in offering a wide selection of women’s clothing, featuring kurta for women, kurti dresses for girls, lehenga dresses, and ethnic attire that radiate grace and allure.

At Say To Love Women’s Store, customers can expect a seamless shopping experience with personalized attention and care. The brand’s commitment to exceptional customer service is reflected in secure payment options and fast, reliable shipping, ensuring that every purchase is a delight from start to finish.

New Delhi |13th October 2023 Mary Kom, the boxing czarina who has garnered numerous accolades for the nation and left an indelible mark on the sports landscape, has been awarded the prestigious Amrit Ratna honour. She graciously expressed her gratitude for this esteemed honor.

Speaking on the occasion of Amrit Ratna honored held by News18, she appreciated the government’s effort to bring the Women’s Reservation Bill and said, “The Woman Reservation Bill is a good case for all of us. I fully support it. This will give lots of opportunities to women. Every woman should feel proud to have such kind of support.

Elaborating on what drove her to success in the field of boxing, she added, “I have intense hunger for achieving anything in life. The endless hunger is a God-given quality inside me that drives me to achieve the goals in my life. Still at the age of 40, want to represent India and bring medals for the country.”

“I started my sports career at the age of 18. I worked hard to be fit for sporting events. I could lose a meal but cannot afford to miss practice sessions.”

Kom said that her father never told her to not join boxing because it caused bruises on her face, and added, “This is a rumor that my father had forbidden me from joining boxing. My biopic was spiced up with such a proposition. A sportsperson can feel hurt during the boxing session but it cold not deface the personality. It is totally wrong that a woman boxer cannot get married.”

Asked about her political experience as a Rajya Sabha member, she stated: “I am not made for politics as it is not my cup of tea. I do not have much knowledge about politics. However, I am thankful to the government that I was given the opportunity to serve the nation as a Rajya Sabha member. It was indeed a great honour to me.”

Commemorating the momentous occasion of the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, the second edition of Amrit Ratna was elegantly orchestrated by News 18 India. The evening stood as an homage to luminaries whose substantial contributions have not only etched an enduring mark on the nation but have also been instrumental in steering its historical narrative.

The grand event witnessed the esteemed presence of eminent figures hailing from diverse domains, with a notable attendance of political stalwarts and Union ministers. Among the dignitaries were Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Actress Kangna Ranaut to name a few. Sarod maestros Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash also graced the occasion.

Mumbai,13th October 2023 Senco Gold & Diamonds, a leading pan-India jewellery retailer with a legacy of over five decades, has announced the grand launch of their exquisite collection Rajwada 2023 Festive Edit at their D’SIGNIA stores. This collection is a celebration of the festive spirit and embodies the perfect blend of traditional opulence and contemporary elegance and eternal beauty.

The Rajwada 2023 Festive Edit collection features an array of designs in Gold, Diamond, Polki, Kundan, and Antique jewellery. Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans of Kolkata, each piece seamlessly blends royal elegance with artistic grandeur. Rajwada 2023 Festive Edit collection is curated keeping the regional and cultural requirements, the designs include traditional meenakari, jadau, filigree and nakashi work with diamonds and semi-precious stones. The idea behind this collection is to unite diverse regional artistic works that customers can connect emotionally and culturally.

Rajwada 2023 Festive Edit is an extension of Senco Gold & Diamonds’ Vivaha – Rajwada 2022 Collection, offering a diverse range of products at various price points to ensure that the auspicious symbol of “Shagun” is accessible to everyone. Reflecting the latest trends, wedding shopping traditionally begins during the festive season’s auspicious Muhurat, prompting Senco Gold and Diamonds to curate designs suitable for every occasion. From lightweight temple and antique jewellery to elaborate Turkish designs crafted in both 22k and 18k gold, the collection caters to diverse preferences. Additionally, under the Everlite brand, Senco Gold & Diamonds will unveil more exclusive collections leading up to Dhanteras, featuring affordable pieces designed for everyday wear.

Senco Gold & Diamonds has also unveiled a captivating campaign to promote its Rajwada 2023 Festive Edit collection, starring the graceful actress, Jaya Ahsan. Known for her poise and charm, Jaya Ahsan adds a touch of star-studded allure to the ultimate jewellery wearing experience for connoisseurs of karigari. The campaign beautifully captures the seamless fusion of luxury and artistry, harmonizing the natural beauty and regal composure of Jaya Ahsan with the opulence of D’SIGNIA showrooms, ensuring a truly royal experience for its discerning customers.

Mrs. Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing and Designs at Senco Gold & Diamonds, said, “We are delighted to launch our Rajwada 2023 Festive Edit collection with Jaya Ahsan. Our special festive offers aim to make moments special for our esteemed customers, along with the luxurious experience of buying exclusive designs at our D’SIGNIA stores. The collection features designs in Antique, Polki-Kundan, and Diamonds to cater to the diverse demands across India. For this Dhanteras and wedding season, our Rajwada Collection combines traditional nuances with contemporary motifs and patterns, all crafted with the finesse of karigari. Shagun is for everyone with Senco Gold and Diamonds.”

To celebrate this festive spirit, Senco Gold & Diamonds is also offering festive discounts of up to 50% off on diamond making charges and 12.5% off on diamond value, up to 25% off on gold making charges and 0% deduction on old gold, and a special advance booking scheme for Dhanteras called Flexi Gold Special.

These offers will be available at all Senco Gold & Diamonds D’SIGNIA showrooms and on its online platform sencogoldanddiamonds.com