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Mohit Bhatia joins Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) as Director (Commercial)

In a significant development, Mohit Bhatia assumed the role of Director (Commercial) at Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) today. IGL, the nation’s largest CNG distribution company, welcomed Mr. Bhatia, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position.

Mr. Bhatia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from NIT, Suratkhal, Karnataka, and an MBA in Marketing from SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai. With over 31 years of dedicated service in the oil & gas sector, he is widely recognized as a seasoned leader with a proven track record in Operations, Engineering, and Marketing.

Prior to his appointment at IGL, Mr. Bhatia served as the Chief Executive Officer of Haridwar Natural Gas, a successful joint venture of BPCL and Gail Gas. His tenure there was marked by strategic sales and marketing initiatives that significantly contributed to the company’s growth and success.

Mr. Bhatia’s appointment comes following the departure of Mr. Pawan Kumar, who has transitioned back to his parent organization, BPCL. With his extensive industry knowledge and leadership acumen, Mr. Bhatia is poised to lead IGL towards continued excellence and innovation in the CNG distribution sector.

Acer Collaborates with ObserveNow to Co-Present 6th Education Leaders Conclave & Awards in Chandigarh

ObserveNow recently organised the 6th Edition of Education Leaders Conclave & Awards (ELCA) on 25-26 April 2024 at the LaLit, Chandigarh. Acer, which was Co-presenting the biggest gathering of higher education leaders from Northern India addressed the summit with a gracious presence along with their enthusiastic and dedicated team.

The summit kick started with an Inaugural session which was held on Day 1 of the conclave, followed by several other intriguing discussions and industry presentations. J. Ravikumar, Associate Director–Commercial Business (Private) from Acer joined the inaugural session and delivered insights on “Support of Government in Growth of Ed-Tech in Punjab & Haryana.”

During the conclave, speaking to ObserveNow journalist, Ravi Kumar J, Associate Director – Commercial Business (Private), Acer expressed his thoughts on the experience at ELCA and said, “The 6th Education Conclave & Awards was an excellent platform to meet with leaders from educational institutions in person and discuss the latest innovations, products, and solutions. Most of the leading institutions from northern India attended the conclave and shared their experiences and thoughts which established ELCA as an excellent platform for networking.”

acer booth

The 6th edition of ELCA highlighted the advancement in higher education, curriculum transition post National Education Policy, Impact of Globalisation on Higher Education Institutions, expanding Boundaries of Education with Vision 2030, Digital Evolution in Higher Education, Achieving Outcome-based Learning, Growth of Edtech in Future & Non-Conventional courses, Adaptive Learning, Impact of Personalised Learning with AI and few other recent topics that paved the way for making future education landscape a better place for all.

Acer’s commitment to supporting higher education institutions with cutting-edge technology aligns with the vision of fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders. J. Ravikumar highlighted Acer’s efforts to enhance the higher education ecosystem in an intriguing industry presentation on Day 1.

The 6th Edition of ELCA, organised by ObserveNow and Co-Presented by Acer, stimulated discussions and provided valuable insights that shaped the future of the education sector. ObserveNow is extremely grateful to team Acer for joining us on the momentous occasion – 6th Education Leaders Conclave & Awards.

RBI Releases New Operational Risk Management and Resilience Guidelines

In a move aimed at bolstering the stability and robustness of India’s banking sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled its latest “Guidance Note on Operational Risk Management and Operational Resilience.” This comprehensive document, now available on the RBI’s website, signifies a strategic alignment with global best practices, particularly those outlined by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS).

The new guidelines, a culmination of meticulous research and industry consultation, mark a departure from the previous “Guidance Note on Management of Operational Risk” issued in 2005. With an emphasis on enhancing operational resilience, the RBI’s latest directive is poised to equip financial institutions with the necessary tools and protocols to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic operating environment.

Crucially, the RBI underscores that while the prescribed systems, procedures, and tools are indicative in nature, they must be interpreted in conjunction with the RBI’s ongoing regulatory directives. In instances of any disparities, the RBI’s specific instructions will prevail, ensuring consistency and adherence to regulatory standards.

This proactive measure by the RBI underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering a secure and resilient banking ecosystem, capable of withstanding evolving challenges and safeguarding the interests of stakeholders. As India’s financial landscape continues to evolve, the implementation of these guidelines is poised to reinforce confidence in the banking sector and promote sustainable growth.

Panjab University granted ‘Category 1’ status by UGC

Chandigarh: The Commission has officially classified Panjab University, Chandigarh, as a ‘Category-l’ university in accordance with regulations. This designation grants the university access to various benefits outlined in Clause 4, including dimensions of autonomy specific to Category-l universities.

In compliance with Regulation 6 of the UGC Regulations, 2018, the university is required to inform the commission of any benefits being implemented and its altered status.

This new status enables PU to introduce new courses, programs, departments, and centers within its jurisdiction without UGC approval. Additionally, PU can establish research parks, incubation centers, and university society linkage centers independently or in collaboration with private partners, without needing approval from the commission. Moreover, the university can offer courses through open and distance learning modes without UGC approval.

Aadhar Housing Finance’s Rs 3,000-crore IPO to open on May 8

New Delhi: Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd, which is backed by private equity major Blackstone, is set to launch its Rs 3,000-crore initial public offering (IPO) on May 8. The initial share-sale will conclude on May 10 and the bidding for anchor investors will open for a day on May 7, according to the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP).

The IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 1,000 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of Rs 2,000 crore by promoter BCP Topco VII Pte Ltd, an affiliate of Blackstone Group Inc.

Currently, BCP Topco holds a 98.72 per cent stake in Aadhar Housing Finance and ICICI Bank owns 1.18 per cent stake.

The company plans to utilise Rs 750 crore of the fresh issue proceeds to meet future capital requirements towards onward lending and a portion will also be used for general corporate purposes.

Earlier this month, Aadhar Housing Finance received Sebi’s go-ahead to float the IPO.

Aadhar Housing Finance offers a range of mortgage-related loan products, including loans for residential property purchase and construction; home improvement and extension loans; and loans for commercial property construction and acquisition.

The company is an HFC focused on low income housing segment, serving economically weaker and low-to-middle income customers, who require small ticket mortgage loans.

It has a network of 471 branches, including 91 sales offices, as of September 30, 2023. The company benefits from the resources, relationships and expertise of Blackstone, one of the world’s leading investment firms.

ICICI Securities, Citigroup Global Markets India Pvt Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Ltd, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Pvt Ltd and SBI Capital Markets are the book running lead managers to the issue.

Fresh From Farm Secures USD 2 Million Investment in Pre-Series A Round Led by Inflection Point Ventures

New Delhi: Fresh From Farm, a platform facilitating the consolidation of fresh fruit demand, has secured a significant investment of USD 2 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. This funding round saw participation from Inflection Point Ventures, with notable investor Ashish Kacholia leading the charge. Fresh From Farm functions as a intermediary between farms and consumers, handling procurement, sorting, and distribution for retailers, thereby enabling them to concentrate on sales efforts.

The capital infusion will primarily be directed towards expanding the team, enhancing technological infrastructure, and diversifying product offerings. These initiatives are in line with Fresh From Farm’s overarching growth strategy, aimed at fortifying its position in the market and fueling further expansion.

Read more: PharmEasy Secures $216 Million Investment Led by MEMG, Valuation Takes 90% Hit

Fresh From Farm stands out as a pioneering online platform reshaping the dynamics of fresh produce sourcing and delivery. Employing a proprietary technological interface, the company effectively forecasts demand and optimizes supply chains to minimize wastage. Furthermore, Fresh From Farm’s innovative business model empowers fruit vendors by transforming them into mini-franchisees, handling the entire process from sourcing to grading, thus freeing them to focus solely on sales. Notably, the company is spearheaded by Rohit Nagdewani, a seasoned entrepreneur with prior success in founding two other ventures.

Vikram Ramasubramanian, Partner, Inflection Point Ventures, says, “The concept of buying fresh fruits sounds fresh and healthy, but the process, however, is not. Behind every purchase lies a chain of individuals—farmers, labourers, and retailers—working tirelessly to bring these products to market. F3 steps in as a transformative force, streamlining this process with its tech-enabled platform. By offering transparency and efficiency, F3 empowers retailers to sell quality produce at fair prices, bridging the gap between affordability and profitability. Moreover, F3 champions sustainability by reducing wastage—a testament to its commitment to a healthier, more equitable future.”

Ashish Kacholia, Founder, Lucky Investments says, “The F3 team is solving a large problem for fresh fruits retailers by handling their sourcing logistics and helping their quality of life. Consolidation of demand in an otherwise fragmented and unorganized market is the key driver of the business. Rohit and his team’s deep expertise on the subject matter and their focus on unit economics allowed us to build conviction for the investment.”

Rohit Nagdewani, Founder, Fresh From Farm, says, “Our vision of becoming India’s largest Fresh Fruits company aligns with our efforts to expand aggressively in New Delhi/ NCR. While currently delivering at over 300+ locations every day, our key focus at wastage reduction and efficient demand consolidation have allowed for our retailer partners to earn an average of 29% more than working through traditional channels. On the growth front, we are aiming to touch Rs 100 crore ARR by the end of this calendar year.”

The sector flaunts a significant market scale, totaling $115 billion, and it’s currently on a stable growth trajectory, boasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5%. These figures highlight the industry’s strong performance and its promising prospects for future expansion.

Redfox Security’s Role in Fortifying India’s Cyber Defense Landscape: An Exclusive Interview with Founder Karan Patel

According to the latest report from Mordor Intelligence, the cybersecurity market in India is projected to be worth USD 4.70 billion in 2024, with a forecasted growth to USD 10.90 billion by 2029, showing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.33% between 2024 and 2029. The surge in demand for digitalization and adaptable IT infrastructure, coupled with the ongoing necessity to address risks stemming from various factors like third-party vendors, the advancement of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and the embrace of a cloud-centric approach, are driving the market’s expansion.

In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, online training is essential for professionals to stay ahead of evolving threats. These courses provide accessible learning to navigate cyber risks, from detection to response. Penetration testing services offer tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes and industries, identifying vulnerabilities to strengthen security. Together, training and testing form a powerful defense against cyber threats, empowering businesses to safeguard their digital assets effectively. In this regard Sheeba Chauhan, Senior Assistant Editor, ObserveNow with Karan Patel, Founder, Redfox Securities.

Here are a few edited excerpts from the interview:

Can you tell us more about Redfox Security’s recent announcement regarding its strategic focus and expansion into the Indian market? What motivated this decision, and what are your goals for entering the Indian cybersecurity landscape?

Redfox Security’s recent announcement regarding our strategic focus and expansion into the Indian market is a significant step forward for the company. The decision to expand into India is driven by several compelling factors. Firstly, India’s cybersecurity market is on a rapid growth trajectory, fueled by the increasing digitization of businesses and the government’s ambitious Digital India campaign. Secondly, there is a noticeable shortage of trained personnel in India, highlighting the demand for specialized cybersecurity services. Thirdly, with India set to become a manufacturing hub, particularly for IoT devices, the need for robust cybersecurity measures will only intensify, presenting a wealth of opportunities for us.

Read more: Beyond Cyber Defense, The Strategic Leadership of Today’s CISOs: An ObserveNow Exclusive

At Redfox Security, our mission is to empower Indian businesses and institutions to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity with confidence and resilience. We are committed to fortifying their cybersecurity posture and protecting them from evolving cyber threats. We achieve this by leveraging our expertise and innovative solutions, ensuring we stay ahead in the industry.

Could you elaborate on the role of Redfox Security’s online academy, virtual training programmes, and conferences in reshaping industry standards and cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity experts?

Our training programs are not just a product of our experience with clients, but a testament to our unique approach. We focus more on manual testing than software-driven testing, and we have developed these courses to nurture these specific skill sets. These are personalized courses that offer robust training from our team of experts, ensuring that the next generation of cybersecurity experts are equipped with the right tools and knowledge.

What specific challenges do you anticipate as Redfox Security establishes its presence in India, and how do you plan to overcome them?

As I foresee, there are a couple of challenges that we may face in terms of our expansion to the Indian market. At the outset is India’s complex regulatory landscape. The country has specific regulations governing data privacy and cybersecurity, which Redfox Security must comply with to operate legally. Thorough research and consultation with legal experts will be essential to ensure we adhere to these regulations.

Next is the fierce competition in the Indian cybersecurity market, which we will be able to address through our unique value proposition. Last but not least, building a skilled workforce may pose a challenge. Recruiting and retaining top talent in the cybersecurity field in India’s competitive job market will require offering attractive compensation packages and investing in training and development programs.

To overcome these challenges, we will maintain strict compliance with regulations, differentiate our offerings, and invest in talent acquisition and development strategies tailored to the Indian market. We also aim to forge strategic partnerships with local businesses and government agencies.

How does Redfox Security tailor its penetration testing services to meet the needs of different clients, including small and medium-sized businesses, larger enterprises, and various industry sectors?

Small and medium-sized businesses often have budget constraints, which can make cybersecurity testing seem like an expensive and daunting task. To address this, Redfox Security offers tailored penetration testing services that focus on common attack vectors relevant to small businesses. The reports from these tests are designed to be easy to understand and provide actionable steps to enhance cybersecurity.

For larger enterprises, Redfox Security conducts thorough penetration tests on a wide range of systems, applications, and network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities throughout the enterprise. Tests are also performed on clients’ existing frameworks, ensuring areas of attack are identified.

Redfox Security conducts in-depth threat modelling exercises to identify industry-specific threats and vulnerabilities regarding specific industry sectors like finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. The penetration testing services are tailored to meet the compliance requirements of industry-specific regulations such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, and others. Post-testing recommendations and remediation strategies are customized to address each industry sector’s unique challenges and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance and effective risk mitigation.

By tailoring its penetration testing services to the specific needs of different clients, including SMBs, larger enterprises, and various industry sectors, Redfox Security ensures its clients receive targeted assessments, actionable insights, and customized solutions to enhance their cybersecurity posture and mitigate risks effectively.

Can you discuss Redfox Security’s approach to conducting penetration testing, particularly the emphasis on a manual, research-intensive methodology and the importance of accurate and reliable results?

Redfox’s approach stands out in the industry due to its manual, research-intensive methodology, which provides accurate and reliable results. We avoid relying solely on automated tools to minimize false positives and ensure effectiveness in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.

What are Redfox Security’s long-term goals and aspirations, both in terms of expanding its cybersecurity skills and training initiatives and becoming a listed company? How do you see these goals aligning with the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and challenges?

Our future plans include contributing to the country’s cybersecurity development, expanding our training initiatives globally, attracting investors, and eventually becoming a listed company. With around 200 engagements conducted annually and increasing turnover, we are poised to lead the charge in securing the digital frontier globally and in India.

CDS Infra Projects Welcomes Devendra Kumar Jha as New CHRO

CDS Infra Projects has appointed Devendra Kumar Jha as its new Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), effective this May. Jha, who announced his new role on LinkedIn, brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Head of Human Resources at both PNC Infratech Ltd. and Barbrik Project Ltd.

In his new position, Jha will oversee all aspects of HR operations at CDS, including talent strategy, employee benefits, HR metrics, and legal compliance.

He will work closely with senior management and project teams to ensure that HR objectives align with the company’s overall goals and values.

 

RBL Bank Enhances Cybersecurity Measures with Appointment of Dinesh Kamble as CISO

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its cybersecurity framework, RBL Bank has appointed Dinesh Kamble as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With almost a quarter-century of experience in the realms of information technology and cybersecurity, Kamble brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having spearheaded major security projects and initiatives throughout his career.

Having held various leadership positions at IDFC FIRST Bank over the past eight years, Kamble has demonstrated proficiency in regulatory risk management, compliance, and the development of robust security strategies. His background includes overseeing IT security audits, designing security solutions, and conducting business analysis, showcasing his seasoned capabilities in the cybersecurity domain.

Kamble’s strategic acumen also extends to data security, where he has led successful Data Classification and Security programs, ensuring the effective safeguarding of sensitive information. His adeptness in managing large teams and fostering collaborative work environments aligns well with RBL Bank’s commitment to upholding stringent cybersecurity standards.

Before joining IDFC FIRST Bank, Kamble held notable roles in technical sales at prominent security software firms such as Symantec and McAfee. His track record includes securing substantial deals in the Indian market and efficiently managing channel partners, demonstrating his ability to drive business growth while prioritizing security imperatives.

In his new capacity, Kamble is poised to steer RBL Bank’s information security initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience to bolster defenses against evolving cyber threats. His appointment underscores RBL Bank’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of customer data in an increasingly digitized landscape.

Work From Office Vs Work From Home? – A Trending Question at Workplaces

A recent study conducted by Cisco reveals that approximately 96 percent of businesses in India have implemented either full or partial returns to office settings, driven by factors such as productivity enhancement, improved team communication, and leadership expectations.

Contrary to common assumptions, a substantial majority of Indian employees (76 percent) have responded positively to their organizations’ directives to return to physical workplaces. Moreover, an overwhelming 82 percent express a desire to be in the office at least several times per week, according to the study titled ‘From Mandate to Magnet: The Race to Reimagine Workplaces and Workspaces for a Hybrid Future’.

While the enthusiasm for returning to the office is notable, there’s a notable shift in the motives behind it. Rather than solely focusing on individual tasks, employees are prioritizing collaboration (80 percent), brainstorming sessions (53 percent), and fostering a sense of belonging (58 percent) as primary reasons for being in the office. This evolution underscores changing expectations and requirements for office environments.

Echoing on WFH vs WFO, Sandeep Das, Vice President and Head Learning & Development, IIFL Finance stated “The work, workers, and workplace, all three have gone through an immense amount of transformation post-COVID. Nobody was prepared, but we did work and Due to COVID, companies lately realized that multiple roles and all work started happening remotely, whether it was IT, customer service, or sales.”

A new trend dubbed “office peacocking” has also emerged in 2024, gaining traction, particularly among workplaces keen on enticing employees back to physical offices.

The term “office peacocking” denotes the intentional transformation of office spaces into attractive environments aimed at encouraging prolonged employee presence. This makeover often involves the introduction of plush seating, cozy corners, abundant natural light, and an array of greenery, effectively converting traditional cubicle layouts into vibrant lounge-style settings. Additionally, some companies are investing in upscale decor and well-stocked kitchen facilities to further enhance the appeal of their office spaces.

“It’s not that only management wanted employees to come back, but employees also wanted to come back and the value of WFO reinforced post-COVID, hybrid can be effective for success in the workplace, better for both company and employees, organizations should also be flexible for hybrid mode of working” concluded Das.

 

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