Author: Sharad Natani
In today’s hyperconnected economy, cyberattacks are no longer isolated IT problems. They are existential threats capable of wiping out years of progress, draining millions in revenue, and even pushing entire companies into bankruptcy. From healthcare to finance, media to infrastructure, no industry is safe. “Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is survival.” CloudNordic: When Backups Fail, So Does the Business One of the starkest reminders of this new reality came in August 2023, when CloudNordic, a Denmark-based hosting provider, was crippled by ransomware. The attack didn’t just corrupt live data—it destroyed backups too. With 100% revenue lost and no ability to…
Indian Railways is all set to roll out its new Gati Shakti Freight Trains, a major push towards faster, greener, and more efficient cargo transport. With India’s freight traffic already crossing 1.6 billion tonnes annually, these next-generation freight trains are expected to transform logistics and ease congestion across the country. Boosting India’s Logistics Network The upcoming Gati Shakti Freight EMU (Electric Multiple Unit), designed at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF), will be a semi-high-speed train equipped with advanced container handling systems and improved crew amenities. It will primarily cater to the fast-growing e-commerce and FMCG sectors, ensuring quicker deliveries across…
Wildfires have long been one of Uttarakhand’s biggest environmental challenges, devastating forests, wildlife, and communities each year. But now, a groundbreaking mobile application—Forest Fire Uttarakhand—is changing the game. Developed under the leadership of IFS officer Vaibhav Singh, this app is being hailed as a model of smart governance and tech-driven conservation, drastically reducing fire response times and making firefighting more efficient than ever before. From a Spark of an Idea in Canada to a Statewide Revolution The seeds of this innovation were planted in 2017 when Singh, a 2015-batch IFS officer, was on a fellowship at the University of British…
In a major push to boost private-sector employment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) on Independence Day. The scheme promises Rs 15,000 in incentives for individuals securing their first formal job in the private sector, while also rewarding employers for creating new jobs. With an ambitious outlay of Rs 99,446 crore, the government aims to generate over 3.5 crore jobs by July 31, 2027. How the scheme works For job seekers: Anyone taking up their first private-sector job in an EPFO-registered company can receive up to Rs 15,000. Installments: Half after 6 months…
In a big Independence Day gift to highway commuters, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) today officially launched its much-awaited FASTag Annual Pass. The pass, priced at Rs3,000, will allow up to 200 trips on National Highway and National Expressway toll plazas, or remain valid for one year from activation, whichever comes first. The initiative aims to cut long queues, speed up toll clearance, and provide a more cost-effective option for frequent travellers. How to get the FASTag Annual Pass starting today From August 15, motorists can purchase the pass through the Rajmarg Yatra mobile app (Google Play Store…
In a landmark moment for India’s armed forces, the heroes of Operation Sindoor were honoured on the eve of the nation’s 79th Independence Day, marking one of the rarest recognitions in modern military history. Seven senior officers received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) — a wartime equivalent of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, awarded for exceptional strategic leadership. This year’s recipients: Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, AOC-in-C, Western Air Command Air Marshal Awadhesh Bharti, Director General Air Operations Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma,…