NewsBizkoot.com

Tag: red

  • Enjoy the wood-fired warmth of ‘Spring IMUA experience’ at Butcher’s Block, Raffles Hotel Singapore

    Enjoy the wood-fired warmth of ‘Spring IMUA experience’ at Butcher’s Block, Raffles Hotel Singapore

    The ‘Spring IMUA experience’ at Butcher’s Block Singapore
    The ‘Spring IMUA experience’ is a tribute to nature’s awakening. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

    One of the fining-dining restaurants housed within Raffles Hotel Singapore, the wood-fire-driven Butcher’s Block presents an avant garde interpretation of traditional cooking methods close to nature. From March to May this year, Butcher’s Block brings the ‘Spring IMUA experience’ to Singapore foodies, as a tribute to nature’s awakening.

    Butcher’s Block is helmed by Chef de Cuisine Jordan Keao, born and raised in Hawaii, where cooking, fishing, hunting, and farming are a part of everyday life. The restaurant exhibits the highest quality of produce, meats, and seafood sourced from around the world and translated through fire.

    Complement the dining experience at Butcher’s Block with over 288 premium wines, including a meticulous selection of natural wines, from The Library.

    The 44-seat dining room of Butcher’s Block Singapore
    The 44-seat dining room. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

    Spring is a very special season for Hawai’i — the warmer and longer days invite communities to gather and celebrate the season’s plentiful harvest and fresh garden delights.

    The Spring IMUA experience at Butcher’s Block captures the optimism and togetherness that define the essence of spring and Hawai’i’s eternal connection to nature.

    Jordan Keao, Chef de Cuisine, Butcher’s Block Singapore
    Jordan Keao, Chef de Cuisine. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

    Drawing inspiration from Hawai’i’s natural splendour and guided by the spirit of IMUA — ‘move forward with strength and spirit’ — this menu experience mirrors the season’s blooming transformations. Chef Jordan has a commitment to sustainable, whole-animal butchery and zero-waste principles.

    A quartet of Chef’s snacks promises an expressive medley of island-inspired flavours.

    Begin with the popular duo of Big Eye Ahi Tuna Poké, a refined take on the well-loved Hawai’ian poké classic, and Wagyu Beef Pipikaula, which spotlights a deeply umami Blackmore rump and chuck roll cured in aged garlic shoyu and dry-aged for 25 days.

    Chef’s snacks, Butcher’s Block Singapore
    Chef’s snacks: Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

    Newly introduced, the Grilled Asparagus Rosti showcases the definitive Spring produce lacto-fermented for over 36 hours before being grilled and assembled with parsnip puree and Agria potato rosti.

    Another new snack takes the form of Taramasalata, which is inspired by Chef Jordan’s childhood days spent with his uncle, who was a fisherman. The collar of the Ahi tuna is first smoked before being made into a pate with the same consistency as taramasalata, and piped into a pain souffle pillow made with laksa leaf powder.

    The essence of Hawai’i’s spring flavours comes to life with Lomi Lomi, a term derived from the Hawai’ian term to massage. This celebrates a three-century-old side dish where fish was salted and preserved. Chef Jordan’s inventive rendition highlights smoked Japanese hamachi cured in paprika, paired with tomato sorbet and agua chile for a zesty tang. Finally, crispy Jerusalem artichoke tops the dish for a textural crunch.

    Western Plains Kalua Pork Dumpling, Butcher’s Block Singapore
    Western Plains Kalua Pork Dumpling. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

    For dinner, guests may also delight in Western Plains Kalua Pork Ravioli, an innovative interpretation of the traditional Hawai’ian dish of Kalua Pork presented as a ravioli containing Western Plains pork shoulder that had been wrapped in banana leaf and slow roasted overnight. Cooked over the wood-fire, the dumplings are enlivened with taro leaf, sweet potato puree and fermented red cabbage, seamlessly marrying the flavours to perfection.

    Epicurean journey through the island’s heart

    Continue the bountiful feast of springtime with an array of main courses, including the signature Huli-Huli Dry-Aged Duck, a dish that embodies the island’s vibrant and unique identity.

    Malaysian farmed duck is first dry-aged whole for a week, then butchered into different parts: the breast undergoes further dry-ageing, then meticulously ‘huli’ (turned) over ambient heat above the fire and glazed with a luscious caramelised shoyu reduction. The duck leg is slow-cooked into a confit, and presented with a jus made from roasted duck bones. This reimagined classic pays homage to the smoky, flamekissed flavours of traditional Hawai’ian barbecue infused with the bounty of the season.

    Grilled Murray Cod takes centre stage, featuring the fillet of this sustainable, fatty fish paired with a turmeric-accented mousseline made with the trimming and collar from the same fish. Accompanied with beautifully charred kale alongside a luxurious bottarga cream and rich Koshihikari rice risotto, the dish delivers a symphony of umami complexities.

    Grilled Murray Cod, Butcher’s Block Singapore
    Grilled Murray Cod/Butcher’s Block
    Salad with caviar, Butcher’s Block Singapore
    Salad with caviar/Butcher’s Block

    Blackmore Farms Trio is a true reflection of Chef Jordan’s culinary prowess in wood-fired techniques and whole-animal butchery.

    Marvel at the artful presentation of prized Blackmore Farm wagyu showcased in three distinctly new ways — a grilled chef’s select cut, a luxurious beef bone marrow custard, and a beef fat financier — all created from the same half cow that the restaurant regularly brings in. English pea purée, shaved fennel and pea tendrils complete the dish with added freshness and texture.

    Blackmore Farm Wagyu with Bone Marrow Custard, Butcher’s Block Singapore
    Blackmore Farm Wagyu with Bone Marrow Custard. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

    Finish off the evocative journey through Hawai’i’s stunning landscapes and lush greenery with Haupia, a classic Hawai’ian coconut pudding that includes Chef Jordan’s delightful twist of a scoop of gula melaka ice cream alongside fermented Ichigo strawberries and a sprinkling of toasted macadamia nut crumble atop, finished with a subtle lemon balm garnish.

    Alternatively, opt for the Baked Alaska from the Spring a la carte menu for a delightful sweet treat comprising layers of meringue, ice cream and cake, flambéed tableside with a Butcher’s Block exclusive cask of Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon. 

    Baked Alaska, Butcher’s Block Singapore
    Baked Alaska. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

    Price: The Spring IMUA dining experience is available for lunch (SGD 178++) and dinner (SGD 228++) from now to 31 May 2025. Complement the flavours of Hawai’i’s scenic landscapes with a tailored wine pairing at SGD 158++ or the Dom Pérignon premium wine pairing at SGD 408++ per guest.
    Timings: Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 9.45pm (last seating at 9.30pm); Lunch: Wednesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 2.30pm (last seating at 2pm) Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
    Address: 328 North Bridge Rd #02-02, Raffles Arcade S188719 (Accessible via the North Bridge Road entrance)
     Website: www.butchersblock.com.sg; www.rafflessingapore.com
    Dress code: Casual Chic

    An Easter feast like no other

    On 20 April 2025, celebrate Easter in true IMUA style with a spectacular brunch at Butcher’s Block. Be enthralled by a sumptuous spread spotlighting the Blackmore Farm Easter Roast that is specially created for Easter and showcases a succulent dry-aged wagyu cooked to perfection over wood-fire and complemented with potato purée, English pea purée and chimichurri.

    Butcher’s Block at home

    Savour scintillating avant garde wood-fired creations and fresh produce from the comfort of your own home with Butcher’s Block’s newly-launched takeaway menu, made available for purchase in the restaurant.

    Choose from a delightful assortment of items curated by Chef Jordan, including house-made milk bread, kombu butter, Western Plains Spam, dry-aged smoked duck breast, dry-aged Blackmore Farm burger patty, choice steaks and wines.

  • Pensionable Age Cut: Will the age for additional pension for retired employees be reduced? know latest update


    – Advertisement –

    Pensionable Age Cut: The government has assured that the payment of additional pension is made automatically through banks and pension distribution agencies. Instructions are also issued from time to time to avoid any delay or disturbance in this.

    There has been a long standing demand to reduce the existing age limit for additional pension to retired central employees. However, the government has once again clarified its stand on this matter. The central government said that there is no plan to reduce the minimum age eligibility for additional pension to retired central employees.

    – Advertisement –

    There is no approval for reducing the minimum age limit for additional pension
    The central government has made it clear that the minimum age for additional pension will remain 80 years. In response to a question asked in the Lok Sabha, the government said that there was a proposal to increase this limit to 65 years, but it has not been approved.

    An MP asked whether the government was considering reducing the age limit to 65 years as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Pensioners’ Grievances and, if so, sought details about it.

    In response to this question, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in the Lok Sabha that on the recommendation of the Sixth Pay Commission, the government has approved 20% additional pension at the age of 80 years, 30% at the age of 85 years, 40% at the age of 90 years, 50% at the age of 95 years and 100% at the age of 100 years.

    He said that as age increases, especially health-related needs also increase, so provision for additional pension has been made. But there is no plan to reduce the minimum age eligibility for additional pension.

    Will the rules on additional pension age change for central government employees?
    The Parliamentary Standing Committee had recommended giving additional pension from the age of 65 in 2021. The government considered it and also submitted its report in 2022. After this, the committee decided not to pursue the issue further. That is, at present the government has no plans to reduce the minimum age eligibility.

    How are central government pensioners paid?

    The government has assured that the payment of additional pension is done automatically through banks and pension distribution agencies. Instructions are also issued from time to time to avoid any delay or disturbance in this.

    How will the impact of rising inflation on pension be reduced?

    Dearness Relief (DR) is given to pensioners, which applies to both their basic pension and additional pension. Its rate is the same as that of Dearness Allowance (DA).

    Possibility of change in pensionable age in future?

    At present, the government does not intend to make any changes in this rule. But in view of the rising inflation and cost of living, the government will keep an eye on this issue. It is clear from this decision of the government that one should not expect to get additional pension before the age of 80 years. At present, Dearness Allowance is the only support for retired central employees, through which they can get some relief.

    Related Articles:-

    ATM Users Alert! ATM interchange fee will change from May 1, you will have to pay more charge!

    ITR-1 or ITR-4, which is better for you… always keep these important things in mind

    New Bank Rules From 1st April 2025: ATM Fees, Minimum Balance Among 5 Key Changes

    – Advertisement –

  • Redcliffe Labs Launches ‘For the Women, By the Women’ Campaign with Over 220 Health Camps Across India

    The month-long campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and empowering women to prioritize their health.

    Over 220 health camps exclusively for women, being conducted across 21 states and 110 cities in India from 8th February to 8th March 2025, managed entirely by women healthcare professionals

    Redcliffe Labs has also curated three exclusive health test packages with hormonal screening as per the health needs of women belonging to different age groups

    MUMBAI: With 52% of women in India at risk of lifestyle disorders, Redcliffe Labs, a leading diagnostic healthcare provider, has launched a month-long campaign, “For the Women, By the Women,” to mark International Women’s Day. The initiative is dedicated to promoting preventive healthcare through 220+ health camps across the country managed entirely by women healthcare professionals, this campaign aims to drive awareness, encourage early detection, and empower women to take charge of their well-being.

    Redcliffe Labs’ “For the Women, By the Women” campaign spans 21 states and 110 cities. Major cities like Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are key focus areas, along with other important regions such as Varanasi, Patna, Jabalpur, Jaipur, and different parts of Bharat.

    Redcliffe Labs has designed the campaign by setting up health camps across India to enhance awareness and promote preventive healthcare. The camps offer specially curated full-body health checkups for women with free hormonal health evaluations. All the camps are operated entirely by women healthcare workers, phlebotomists, and support staff, symbolizing the strength and resilience of women in healthcare.

    Speaking about the initiative, Aditya Kandoi, CEO & Founder at Redcliffe Labs, said, “Women’s health has been overlooked for far too long, with over 52% at risk of lifestyle disorders. Hormonal issues like thyroid imbalances and PCOS often go undiagnosed, while rising cases of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases further elevate the health burden on women. Recognizing these growing concerns, our ‘For the Women, By the Women’ campaign offers specially curated health packages, including free hormonal health tests, to support early detection and timely medical intervention. Preventive checkups are not just about diagnosing problems early but about empowering women to understand their bodies better and take charge of their well-being. Led by our dedicated women healthcare professionals, this campaign reaffirms our mission to make quality diagnostics accessible and drive a culture of proactive health management for women.”

    As a part of the campaign, Redcliffe Labs has also introduced special health test packages with hormonal screening at discounted rates to cater to women across different age groups. These include the Essential Package (93 parameters) covering CBC, hormone screening (FSH, LH, PRL), thyroid profile, glucose, iron, kidney, liver, and lipid tests; the Advanced Package (98 parameters), which adds HbA1C for blood sugar monitoring, Vitamin B12 for nerve health, and Vitamin D for bone strength; and the Comprehensive Package (100 parameters), which further includes Hs-CRP for inflammation, RF for arthritis screening, and Testosterone Total for a full hormonal profile. All reports are available within 15 hours, ensuring timely insights.

  • Essential Insights for Visiting Jeddah, Red Sea Resorts, and Aseer

    There’s a special kind of thrill in being the first — posting a photo that stops your followers mid-scroll, standing where the footprints are few, or tasting something that hasn’t yet been endlessly hashtagged.

    Millions have snapped the world’s most famous landmarks and queued for the same trending restaurants, but Saudi, the Land of Firsts, offers a chance to uncover untold stories, untouched landscapes, and adventures no one else can claim.

    From shimmering coasts to ancient traditions, the Saudi Red Sea from Jeddah to the Red Sea Resorts, as well as the mountainous areas of the Aseer region invites you to carve your path. Be among the first to answer this land’s call — because experiences this extraordinary won’t stay secret for long. Here’s how to make the most of your visit to the Saudi Red Sea region.

    Day 1: Explore Jeddah’s fascinating history

    Check in to one of Historic Jeddah’s traditional houses

    In Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah district, daily life continues as it has for centuries among cobbled alleyways and weathered coral-stone buildings. Check into one of the area’s newly unveiled boutique hotels – Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess, or Beit Kedwan – the first luxurious stays of their kind. Each former family home has been painstakingly restored by local craftsmen, with hand-carved wooden details, traditional rawasheen window lattices, and materials sourced from the bustling souqs of Jeddah.

    Unearth old Jeddah’s authentic history guided by Saudi experts

    After checking in to your new home away from home, step out into Historic Jeddah’s labyrinthine streets, now fully open to curious explorers following an extensive program of restoration. A walk with a local expert guide – many of whom grew up in the area and still have family businesses tucked among the maze of streets – takes you past intricate merchant houses, souqs brimming with the scent of oud and spices, quiet corners, and secret spots.

    Feast on the freshest fish straight from the Saudi Red Sea

    As the sun dips below the horizon, make your way to Al Basli, a seafood restaurant that’s one of the oldest in the city and a local institution. Here, the Saudi Red Sea takes center stage with grilled fish pulled fresh from its waters, smoky flavors that reflect generations of culinary tradition, and a sense of warmth that feels distinctly local.

    Day 2: Sleep among the dunes in five-star luxury

    Discover the desert dunes like never before

    A five-hour drive north from Jeddah along the Saudi Red Sea coastline – or a short flight into Red Sea International Airport, Six Senses Southern Dunes is one of the first luxury retreats of its kind in this historic region, offering a reimagined connection to the country’s ancient landscapes. Villas echo desert rock formations with generous shaded courtyards and interiors that mix earthy textures with opulent touches. From your private terrace, gaze out at the mountains, their silhouettes shimmering in the morning light. Alternatively, stay at the newest hotel to open in the region, Desert Rock, set where mountains meet the desert, with villas that merge seamlessly into the ancient rocky landscapes.

    Stay in Saudi’s pioneering overwater resorts

    Just a 20-minute drive from the Six Senses, the Saudi Red Sea’s overwater resorts are a brand-new concept in the country, making your visit a rare opportunity to be among the first to experience this untouched marine wonderland. Shebara is suspended above shimmering turquoise waters, with its orb-like villas mirroring the fluidity of the ocean. Step out onto your private deck for views of brilliant blue skies melting into endless horizons.

    Day 3: Swim in crystal clear waters

    Explore untouched coral reefs in the Saudi Red SeaDon a snorkel or climb into a kayak to explore coral reefs so vivid they seem almost otherworldly, teeming with marine life that dart and shimmer like jewels in the sunlight. Paddle through hidden lagoons and drift past underwater gardens for an intimate encounter with a natural world that feels so untouched you might well be the first to discover its secrets.

    Day 4: Discover cuisine and culture in the mountainous Abha region

    Cook your meal Aseeri style

    After a quick flight via Jeddah to the rocky southern region of Abha, gather around an underground clay oven as a local chef carefully prepares traditional haneeth by marinating spiced meat in glowing embers and sealing it beneath layers of hot sand. The slow roasting creates a tenderness so perfect it melts on your tongue.

    Meet the Flower Men and wear a crown made from blooms

    Nearby in the lush mountain highlands of Aseer, discover the unique ancient heritage of the Flower Men. Adorning their heads with vibrant garlands of marigolds, jasmine, and basil, these crowns are more than just striking accessories — they carry more than 2,000 years of history.

    Return to Jeddah and end your trip with a walk on the Waterfront and watch the tallest fountain in the world pierce the sky, the King Fahd Fountain. Afterwards take an evening wander among the food stalls, cafés, and restaurants brimming with delicious snacks. 

  • How AI-powered features on Samsung Interactive Display WAF Series enhance learning potential

    Technology in the classroom is here to stay. According to an eSchool News report, 92% of K-12 schools in the U.S. use interactive displays or smartboards, often complementing 1:1 device policies, such as a Chromebook for each student.

    If you’re a K-12 educator, chances are you use these tech tools daily to teach and engage your students. You might already be playing around with artificial intelligence (AI) functions to automate tasks such as data analysis and creating assessments. With the explosion of development in the field of AI, new features are emerging constantly. Let’s look at how AI-powered features on the new Samsung Interactive Display WAF Series can take you and your students to new heights of efficiency and learning power.

    A simpler way to search

    Circle to Search with Google gives you a new way to search. When you’re teaching at an interactive whiteboard such as the WAF Interactive Display, Circle to Search with Google gives you an easy way to search the internet directly from the display — without having to open a new app or type in a search term. Simply circle the image or text, and results pop up in an overlaid window.

    To launch Circle to Search with Google on the WAF, all you have to do is click on the AI Assistant icon, and a pop up will appear on the screen with the features to use. You can use Circle to Search with Google to dig deeper on any subject or presentation. For example, if you’re teaching astronomy and have a picture of the solar system on display, circle a planet and immediately access information about its name, size, distance from Earth and more.

    Read the definitive guide on interactive displays

    See how educators can create an inclusive learning environment with the right technology.
    Download Now

    Want to see the definition of a word? Select it with Circle to Search, and the definition will pop up. You can also circle a word, phrase or image and add a specific question to your search — for example, “What is the linguistic origin of this word?”

    As a teacher, Circle to Search with Google gives you instant superpowers. If you’re teaching a multi-step math problem, you can circle the equation and bring up step-by-step instructions, including video tutorials and images. These added resources can give your students the support they need not only to know the solution but also to understand the path to get there.

    Circle to Search with Google is similar to Google Lens, a feature available on Google devices, such as your students’ Chromebooks. Google Lens is an on-screen tool that scans and searches what’s displayed, whether that be selected text or an image. When you model how to use Circle to Search with Google on the big screen in your classroom, students may be emboldened to experiment with using Google Lens on their own devices.

    The possibilities for Circle to Search with Google are endless, but it’s not the only AI feature you’ll want to use on the Samsung WAF.

    Transcribe and summarize lessons effortlessly

    What if you had a classroom assistant who could instantly transcribe lectures and compile written summaries of every lesson you teach? Now you do.

    With the transcription tool on the WAF Series, you can ensure students have access to accurate, detailed notes anytime they need them, enhancing learning and retention for all.

    Activated by an on-screen button, WAF’s AI Assistant tool has a voice transcription feature that lets you capture your voice through a webcam or microphone while presenting a lesson or lecture.

    When you’re done teaching the lesson, you can access the full transcription and share it with students with IEPs or needing note-taking help. Automating these tasks alone is a huge time-saver, but the AI Assistant takes it to the next level. Using Generative AI (GenAI), it can create a summary of the lesson, automatically populating headers for each section with a sentence or two and a timestamp where those points were made so students can skip to the specific section in the recording or transcript when they need more details.

    Using GenAI to create a summary is an easy way to gain significant efficiency — and help your students better grasp the big picture of what you’re trying to communicate. You can generate study guides, lecture notes and more.

    Classroom safeguards for AI use

    While most teachers want to learn how to use AI to teach students to use it responsibly, both administrators and educators have legitimate concerns about data privacy, overreliance on AI sources and student misuse. Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about using AI tools in the classroom:

    • Can I disable AI tools on the Samsung WAF? Yes, IT administrators can easily turn off AI tools on the Samsung WAF if desired. You can disable the app across the entire building or district, just as you can disable any app that appears on Samsung displays.
    • Are the AI tools subject to my school’s network security parameters? Yes, all data is still going through the network and utilizing any software security you have set up. AI tools and data will not bypass the school’s network settings and restrictions.
    • Why is it helpful to show students the safe use of AI? Across industries and technologies, AI tools are here to stay. Students benefit from learning how to use AI wisely and safely. Model how to pull out layers of information — such as steps to solve a math problem — that will help them gain understanding and proficiency. It’s not there to do the work for them; it’s there to support their learning.
    • How can I get started with AI in my classroom? If you’re nervous about it, play around and see what AI tools can do before adding them to a classroom lesson. Set up planning sessions with colleagues to test new tools and see how they work. Once you understand the tools, use your imagination to decide how to use them for your content area.

    Experiment, try new things and pursue your curiosity — and be patient with yourself as you learn. New technology in the classroom can empower teachers to create more engaging, personalized and interactive learning experiences, ultimately enhancing student outcomes and fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

    You can find the right classroom display for your students’ needs — and for your budget — by exploring Samsung’s full lineup of versatile interactive displays. And discover how simple, scalable and secure display solutions can empower educators to take control of the curriculum in this free guide.

  • Accenture and CrowdStrike team to transform security operations, mitigating cyber threats and reducing costs with AI-native solutions – CRN

    Accenture and CrowdStrike team to transform security operations, mitigating cyber threats and reducing costs with AI-native solutions – CRN

    Accenture and CrowdStrike are collaborating to drive cybersecurity transformation, helping clients confidently navigate the next wave of innovation and growth.

    By combining Accenture’s security services with the CrowdStrike Falcon® cybersecurity platform – including cloud security, identity protection and next-gen security information and event management (SIEM) – the collaboration will bring transformative improvements and cost efficiencies to areas such as security operations (SecOps), continuous threat exposure management and AI workload protection. This will enable real-time threat visibility, prevention and remediation with optimised operational costs.

    “Cybercriminals are infiltrating organisations with alarming sophistication and unprecedented speed,” said Paolo Dal Cin, global lead, Accenture Security. “To combat this, we work closely with organisations to understand their unique cybersecurity needs and tailor solutions to address their specific challenges. By combining our expertise with CrowdStrike’s technology, we can help clients adopt a more proactive and efficient approach to digital defence.”

    As businesses move to cloud-based environments and AI-enabled operations, the massive volume of data generated can overload traditional solutions, making it difficult for security teams to efficiently and effectively detect and respond to threats. This challenge is exacerbated as security teams often struggle to manage a mix of outdated technology and the need to constantly switch between disparate security tools, slowing down solutions designed to protect the business and customers from cyberattacks.

    WHSmith is a global travel retailer, operating over 1,700 stores in more than 30 countries selling key travel essentials including food & drink, health & beauty, tech accessories and books. The retailer has strengthened its security operations by leveraging Accenture’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MxDR) services and the CrowdStrike Falcon platform. The powerful combination of CrowdStrike and Accenture has enabled WHSmith to gain visibility across their global operations, extending advanced protection, detection and response capabilities from the corporate network to the storefront cash register.

    Jon Begley, Global CISO WHSmith Group, said, “The collaboration between Accenture and CrowdStrike is helping us improve threat visibility across our global business while maintaining a responsive and agile security operation to protect our digital assets. This means we can focus on growing our global travel retail business further and offering a leading experience in our stores for customers on their journeys across the world.”

    “Customer demand for Falcon platform adoption, cybersecurity consolidation, and SOC services expertise is driving our market-moving Accenture partnership,” said George Kurtz, founder and CEO, CrowdStrike. “Accenture’s deep expertise with the Falcon platform and SIEM transformation have directly assisted organisations in upleveling their cybersecurity programs from device to cloud to datacentre. Accenture plays a key role in guiding organisations to embrace the AI-native SOC, leaving legacy SIEMs, point products, and manual SOC operations behind for automated, resilient, and machine speed cybersecurity platform controls.”

    The integrated offering benefits organisations by consolidating point cybersecurity products, reducing costs and simplifying operational functions and enhancing detection and response capabilities through a unified platform. The collaboration between Accenture and CrowdStrike includes:

    • SecOps modernisation – Streamlines security operations workflows into an ecosystem that integrates threat prevention, detection and response with a unified approach based on CrowdStrike’s Next-Gen SIEM technology. This approach can unlock up to 30%1 cost optimisation through streamlined security workflows enabled by AI and technology rationalisation initiatives.
    • Managed detection and response – Delivered by a seamless combination of Accenture and the Falcon platform to detect, investigate and respond to threats faster leveraging Accenture’s global scale. This powerful combination, augmented by integrated AI solutions from Accenture and CrowdStrike, can drive up to 60%1 workflow optimisation for SecOps use cases.
    • Continuous threat exposure management – Helps clients transform their approach to vulnerability management while optimising investments in teams, processes and tools. The combination of the Falcon platform and Accenture’s transformation services enables clients to consolidate exposure visibility across the extended attack surface and streamline prioritisation using attack path analysis. This approach can help organisations simplify processes and consolidate tooling, realising up to 15% cost optimisation.

  • Sarah Warden Honored as a Top Educator by P.O.W.E.R.

    Sarah Warden Honored as a Top Educator by P.O.W.E.R.

    Maryland Heights, MO, March 19, 2025 — Sarah Warden of Maryland Heights, Missouri, has been recognized as a Top Educator by P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized). This prestigious distinction acknowledges her outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of early childhood education. Warden will be featured in a two-page spread in the Summer 2025 issue of P.O.W.E.R. Magazine.

    About Sarah Warden
    Sarah Warden is a lead preschool teacher at Little Hills Learning Center, where she demonstrates exceptional dedication to early childhood development. Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that all children are gifted, they just open their gifts at different times. Warden’s approach to education emphasizes celebrating and embracing each child’s unique differences. Her current professional initiatives include creating and implementing a new preschool curriculum and preparing her students for kindergarten success.

    Warden’s commitment to education was inspired by her mother, who worked in special education for over 30 years while simultaneously pursuing graduate studies and raising a family. This influence has shaped Warden’s dedication to providing children with the tools they need to succeed at their own pace.
    An esteemed member of P.O.W.E.R., Warden was also recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award and was named a Woman of the Month for December 2024. Sarah holds an associate degree in child and family development from St. Louis Community College, which she completed in 2023.

  • Deloitte announces strategic alliance to redefine customer engagement and retention with CleverTap – CRN

    Deloitte announces strategic alliance to redefine customer engagement and retention with CleverTap – CRN

    Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP has entered a strategic alliance with CleverTap to help businesses transform their customer engagement strategies through data-driven insights and AI-powered automation. The partnership aims to enable enterprises to optimise customer interactions, improve retention and accelerate digital transformation.

    As businesses shift towards data-led, insight-driven engagement models, there is a growing need for real-time analytics, predictive customer insights and personalised experiences. This collaboration will focus on key sectors, such as retail, financial services, quick commerce and travel, where enterprises are seeking to create seamless, personalised and scalable customer experiences.

    Commenting on the alliance, Hemendra Upadhyay, Partner, Deloitte India, said, “In today’s hyper-competitive business landscape, delivering a personalised and customer-centric experience has become a defining factor for success. Organisations across industries are leveraging data, digital tools and advanced technologies to not only identify their most valuable customers but also to stay ahead of the curve. This partnership is not just about addressing today’s challenges—it is about equipping businesses with the tools and insights to stay competitive in an evolving digital landscape through the “power of collaboration.”

    Anand Jain, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at CleverTap, added, “Partnering with Deloitte marks a pivotal step in expanding CleverTap’s reach. Their innovative strategies and local insights, combined with our AI-driven enterprise-grade platform, will empower businesses to drive deeply personalised, scalable engagement. Together, we’re redefining customer connections and accelerating growth across regions.”

    Balaji Venkataraman, Partner, Deloitte India, highlighted the importance of customer engagement in today’s business landscape, stating, “As businesses move beyond traditional models, they need scalable, AI-driven solutions that integrate seamlessly with their digital strategies to enhance agility and drive meaningful customer engagement. This partnership will bring together Deloitte’s expertise in advisory and build and operate with CleverTap’s advanced technology for brands to enrich customer experiences, increase retention and drive long-term business value.”

    Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer at CleverTap added, “Joining forces with Deloitte underscores CleverTap’s commitment to solving critical business challenges by delivering real-time, data-driven insights and personalised engagement at scale. Through our integrated solutions and joint go-to-market initiatives, enterprises can deepen customer relationships, optimise operations, and achieve sustainable growth. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for how brands accelerate digital transformation and drive market leadership.” 

    CleverTap’s MarTech solutions, product experience platform and VoIP-based engagement capabilities will be integrated with Deloitte’s digital strategy expertise, allowing businesses to enhance personalisation, automate marketing workflows and optimise engagement touchpoints.

    In the short term, the alliance will focus on pilot projects, joint training and co-marketing initiatives to validate integrated solutions and showcase early successes. Over the mid-term, efforts will deepen through industry-specific solution development, expanded go-to-market strategies and feedback-driven optimisation. Looking ahead, the long-term vision includes co-innovation labs, ecosystem expansion through strategic partnerships and a commitment to sustainable growth metrics to drive measurable value. This roadmap will evolve through continuous collaboration, ensuring market alignment and impactful digital transformation for clients.

  • Are We Ready for a New Wave of Digital Transformation Powered by AI and Cloud Synergy?

    Ravi Kumar Burila

    Exploring the Digital Transformation Era of Artificial Intelligence
    In the modern world, we live in a connected society, and AI and advanced cloud technologies are no longer futuristic ideas but the main drivers of change across most industries. In the process of transformation, AI is coming to be seen as a strategic tool for change, a determinant of how and where businesses grow. This shift is powered by algorithms, data analysis, and strong cloud infrastructure that not only increase productivity but also define the possibilities of the future.

    Today, across almost every sector from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and retail organizations are applying AI to enhance decision making and increase operational performance. Many organizations today take advantage of these new capabilities to perform tasks more efficiently, reduce costs, and maintain competitive position. The advancement in cloud technology that provides a secure and scalable infrastructure is also a major driver of these changes. In spite of the fact that the technical details may be quite complicated, the general idea is quite straightforward: the future is with those who are able to use these resources optimally to create value and progress.

    Notable Research Unveiled: A Closer Look at Recent Studies
    There are two quite influential research papers that have stirred both academic and practical interest. Though their focus is on the technical issues, the implications are relevant and go beyond the specific topics, enriching the story of the digital transformation.

    The first paper is on “Platform Engineering for Enterprise Cloud Architecture: Integrating DevOps and Continuous Delivery for Seamless Cloud Operations” ref. It explains how today’s businesses can develop cloud environments through the integration of DevOps practices and continuous delivery to produce strong and effective cloud architectures.

    This is supported by the research project called “Building Cloud Architectures for Enterprise AI Applications: A Technical Evaluation of Scalability and Performance Optimization” ref. It discusses the actual issues and solutions for integrating AI into cloud environments, with a focus on performance and scalability in developing AI systems for the enterprise.

    These articles explain the particularity of cloud architecture and AI and explain how they affect various sectors. They illustrate the process of progress, which is the process of theory creation and its implementation in the real world. Although this particular article can be read on its own, it supports the importance of further research in order to maintain digital transformation.

    Decoding the Research: Key Insights and Practical Takeaways
    Reading through these research efforts in more detail, one can see a clear distinction between theoretical concepts and their real-life application. The JST article calls for a systematic approach to the creation of platforms and explains why the integration of DevOps and continuous delivery enhances cloud operations and fits the needs of the modern enterprise. Its analytical views provide a basis for developing suitable cloud systems that can easily be adapted to different applications.

    However, the JAIR paper focuses on the construction of cloud structures for large-scale AI tasks. It discusses important issues such as scalability and performance adjustment that are very important for the effectiveness of AI-based applications in a complicated and dynamic context. In conclusion, both studies show that a key principle is at work: sound theory is as important as practical application in the advancement of technology.

    Spotlight on Leadership: The Forward-Thinking Approach of 
    At the helm of this shift is leadership, personified by Ravi Kumar Burila, a solutions architect with significant experience of implementing research in real-world environments. Ravi has a strong background in the implementation of corporate solutions and is one of the leading practitioners of digital change. He is the embodiment of research findings and practical business strategies, which shows how technological advancement can solve critical organizational problems.

    Ravi has been actively involved in the practical aspects of the job and has maintained a high level of professionalism throughout his career. He has helped implement important projects that not only incorporate the latest advancements in cloud computing and AI but also adapt them to actual business needs. His methodologies usually encourage the involvement of other units to guarantee that the researched findings are easily translated into practical solutions.

    Apart from his technical achievements, Ravi is also known as a mentor and a thinker. Through his active participation in industry conferences, technical forums, and big projects, he has influenced new technologists, encouraging them to develop concept-oriented strategies with a practical approach. In the technologically advancing world, his interest in continuous learning and careful planning is a reference for anyone who wants to initiate change in the digital world.

    Shaping Tomorrow’s Path: The Influence of Research and Leadership
    As for the issue of digital transformation, it is important to note that research is an essential component of leadership. The study of cloud architecture and AI enlarges the technological vision and provides the basis for future work. The studies presented in this paper show that progress is a cyclic process that draws much nourishment from both research and leadership exemplified by people like Ravi Kumar Burila.

    In the current world, where technology is developing very fast, the application of academic research and real-life experience is more crucial than ever. In the process of implementing AI strategies, the findings of such research and the practices of successful managers will continue to be useful. Indeed, the promise of new AI innovations depends on their capacity to revolutionize sectors, people, and the very nature of work.

    The future of technology is a major issue that leads to one question: Can collaboration between research and good management lead to the next level of innovation? The answer may lie in the attitude of those who are leading the way in digital innovation.

  • Tall Tales Publisher Unveils Redesigned Website for Children’s Author

    Tall Tales Publisher Unveils Redesigned Website for Children's Author

    Edmonds, WA, March 18, 2025 — Tall Tales, the publisher of the beloved three-book series of dachshund beach stories, is thrilled to announce the launch of a newly redesigned website for children’s book author Kizzie Jones. The updated site is a vibrant and interactive hub for young readers, parents, and educators seeking engaging ways to bring story time to life.

    Highlighting her activities with young readers in the U.S. and Mexico, the new website offers much more than just information about the series. It provides a dynamic space for young minds to engage with the stories through interactive playtime activities and creative projects that tie into the books.

    Key features of the website include:

    Video Clips: Watch scenes from the Dachshund Beach Stories come alive. Captivating videos of English and Spanish book readings bring the dachshund adventures to life.
    Creative Projects: Children can dive into fun, hands-on activities inspired by the series, such as drawing their own dachshund characters, making origami creations, and coloring pages that spark their imagination.
    Responsible Dog Adoption: Preparations for bringing a new dog into the family.
    Author Events: Stay up-to-date with Kizzie Jones’ appearances, including speaking engagements and book readings at schools and bookshops across the US and Mexico. Visitors can easily find upcoming events and book Kizzie Jones for school visits or special storytelling sessions.

    “We wanted to create an experience that would engage both children and parents in a way that goes beyond the traditional book,” said Kizzie Jones. “This website is a way for readers to interact with my dachshund beach stories and truly become a part of the adventure. It’s a place where children can create, play, and learn while enjoying the magic of storytelling.”

    Tall Tales has always been committed to publishing stories that inspire young readers, and this website redesign is just the latest effort to bring immersive and enriching content to children via English, Spanish, German, and French editions of the books.

    Visit the newly redesigned website at https://www.kizziejones.com to explore the world of dachshund Tall Tales and the joy of reading, creativity, and friendship.