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Google’s $32B Wiz Deal: A Catalyst for Cybersecurity & IPO Surge?

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Google’s landmark $32 billion acquisition of Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz could mark a turning point for the sluggish IPO and M&A markets. The deal, announced Tuesday, is Google’s largest-ever acquisition and follows a previously failed $23 billion bid. While IPO activity has slowed since 2021, signs of a resurgence are emerging. SailPoint went public in February, CoreWeave has filed for a $2.7 billion IPO, and StubHub has also entered the IPO race. The Wiz acquisition could further fuel momentum in both mergers and public listings, particularly in cybersecurity—an industry primed for growth as companies ramp up protection against AI-driven cyber threats. Cybersecurity: The Hotspot for Investment As businesses migrate to the cloud and AI-powered hacking grows more sophisticated, cybersecurity remains a high-priority investment. Analysts from CB Insights rank it among the top acquisition targets for 2025. “For Google, the Wiz deal strengthens its cloud security capabilities,” said Merritt Maxim, VP at Forrester. “It could also pressure Amazon (AWS) to make a competing move—perhaps acquiring Aqua Security, Orca Security, or Sysdig.” Neil Barlow, a private equity M&A expert at Clifford Chance, highlighted cybersecurity’s resilience. “Cyberattacks can cripple entire businesses. This sector is not just an investment—it’s a necessity.” What’s Next for IPOs? While Wiz’s acquisition may delay IPO plans for some cybersecurity firms, experts predict a surge in the second half of 2025. Potential IPO candidates include Proofpoint, Illumio, Netskope, and Snyk—all major players in cloud and data security. Netskope, founded in 2012, is under growing pressure from early investors seeking liquidity, while Snyk, last valued at $7.4 billion, has hinted at a 2025 public debut. “The big question is whether companies will seize the moment or wait out market volatility,” said Brianne Lynch, head of market insight at EquityZen. With Google’s Wiz buyout shaking up the industry, the cybersecurity sector—and broader tech market—could be on the verge of a new investment boom. Source: CNBC

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UP’s 8-Year Journey: From BIMARU to Economic Powerhouse

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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marked eight years of BJP governance in Uttar Pradesh by highlighting the state’s transformation into an economic powerhouse. Speaking at Lok Bhawan on Monday, he emphasized that the financial growth of UP was achieved without imposing new taxes. “Once considered a BIMARU state, UP is now the growth engine of the country,” he stated. A documentary titled Ek Jhalak, showcasing key achievements, was screened during the event, along with the release of a special booklet. The CM credited the success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and the collective efforts of 25 crore citizens. To celebrate the milestone, the state will host a Vikas Utsav from March 25-27. CM Yogi highlighted job creation as a key achievement, with over 8 lakh government jobs and self-employment opportunities provided to more than 2 crore youth through schemes like One District One Product (ODOP) and CM Yuva Udyami Vikas Yojana. Fiscal discipline has also been a priority, with revenue leakages curbed, corruption tackled, and direct benefit transfers implemented to eliminate middlemen. As a result, UP is now a revenue-surplus state. The state’s GDP has more than doubled from ₹12.75 lakh crore in 2017 to ₹27.5 lakh crore, while per capita income has risen from ₹46,000 to ₹1.24 lakh. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has also surged from ₹3,300 crore (2000-2017) to ₹15,000 crore (2017-2024). Reflecting on the pre-2017 scenario, CM Yogi recalled widespread lawlessness, farmer suicides, and economic instability. “In just eight years, the double-engine government has changed this perception. Today, UP is at the forefront of the nation’s development,” he declared. He also highlighted advancements in healthcare, education, law and order, industrial development, infrastructure, tourism, and social welfare. The event was attended by key leaders, including Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, UP BJP Chief Bhupendra Chaudhary, and several cabinet ministers. Source: TOI

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Prof. Kumud Ch. Goswami

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  Prof. Kumud Ch. Goswami is a distinguished academician with over 30 years of teaching experience, specializing in Finance, Taxation, and allied subjects. He has successfully guided 19 Ph.D. scholars and 18 M.Phil. scholars, with 8 Ph.D. candidates currently under his supervision. Prof. Goswami has presented numerous research papers at national and international conferences and has publications in reputed Scopus and UGC CARE-indexed journals. He has co-authored six books in Finance and Accounts and completed two UGC-funded research projects. Additionally, he is leading an ongoing ICSSR-funded collaborative research project. With his extensive contributions to academia and research, Prof. Goswami remains a dedicated mentor and thought leader in financial studies.

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Only 6.26% of Schools Complete SQAAF Evaluation Amidst SSC-HSC Exam Rush

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Amidst the ongoing SSC and HSC board exams, only 6.26% of schools in the state have completed the School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF) evaluation. The low completion rate is attributed to the heavy workload of teachers, who are engaged in exams, paper inspections, and capacity-building training. The evaluation, conducted by the State School Standards Authority Cell (SSSAC) under the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), requires schools to self-assess their performance based on 128 standards. Schools must upload comprehensive information, add photos of activities, and create individual Google links for each standard. Initially, SCERT had set a deadline of February 28 in a circular issued on February 3. However, due to teacher complaints regarding the complexity and time-consuming nature of the process, an extension was granted. As of March 17, out of 1,08,530 schools, 99,457 have begun the process, but only 6,796 have completed it. Former State Principals’ Association vice-president Mahendra Ganpule noted that teachers have been preoccupied with planning and training, which has delayed the evaluation. He suggested that scheduling SQAAF assessments at the start of the academic year would have improved completion rates. A principal, speaking anonymously, highlighted the logistical challenges, stating that schools must retrieve photos from past activities without state-provided devices or data packs. Additionally, creating 128 separate Google links has added to the workload. Attempts to reach SCERT Director Rahul Rekhawar for comments were unsuccessful. Source: punemirror

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Rohan Rajvanshi

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  Rohan Rajvanshi currently serves as the Education Partner Relationships Lead for North, East, West & Central India (NEWC) at ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Having spent more than seven years at ACCA, he has been instrumental in fostering institutional relationships, expanding the ALP network, collaborating with diverse corporations, and introducing innovative initiatives to drive the progress of the accountancy field for the Southern and Northern parts of the country. Before joining ACCA, he served as Assistant General Manager (AGM) at Aakash Educational Services Ltd. for a duration of four years. With a professional background spanning over 14 years, he has worked across diverse industries. He earned his MBA from the University of Wales, UK, and augmented his expertise by working with prestigious organizations in the United Kingdom, including Travelex, Marks and Spencer, and Sainsbury’s.

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Sangam City Sees Major Healthcare Boost with New Hospitals and Facilities

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Over the past eight years, the state government has made significant strides in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Sangam City. With the expansion of both state and central health schemes, residents now have access to improved medical facilities and treatments. Dr. Vatsala Mishra, Principal of Motilal Nehru (MLN) Medical College, highlighted several key developments, including a 160-bed PMSSY Super Specialty Block at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, built at a cost of ₹160 crore, benefiting patients from Prayagraj and nearby districts. Additionally, a ₹25 crore, 250-bed advanced children’s hospital is set to become operational by August. Healthcare advancements were further supported by a ₹75 crore budget from Maha Kumbh, enabling new constructions and equipment purchases. A new OPD facility was built at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, while a ₹9 crore Central Diagnostic Center now offers all tests in one place. A ₹36 crore L1 Trauma Center project was also approved, with ₹16 crore allocated for modern medical equipment. Furthermore, a ₹7 crore Green Corridor was created to facilitate safe patient transfers between hospital blocks. These developments have significantly increased outpatient department (OPD) visits, now ranging between 3,000 to 4,000 per day. Beyond urban centers, healthcare services have expanded into rural areas. Three new Community Health Centers (CHCs) were established, along with a 100-bed hospital in Bhagwatpur. The district now operates 551 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, offering primary healthcare and telemedicine consultations. Additionally, 12 Health ATMs have been installed for convenient medical testing. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, 13.64 lakh golden cards have been issued, ensuring financial coverage for medical expenses. These advancements mark a transformative era in healthcare accessibility and quality in Sangam City. Source: TOI

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Stagwell to Boost 2025 News Ad Spend by 22%, Reinforcing Commitment to Trusted Journalism

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Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) has announced a 22% year-over-year increase in its 2025 advertising spend in news media, reinforcing its commitment to supporting trusted journalism. The announcement aligns with Stagwell’s second annual Future of News UK Summit and the release of a new study highlighting the importance of news as an advertising platform for EMEA CEOs and Board Directors. “At Stagwell, we believe supporting trusted journalism isn’t just good for society — it’s smart business,” said Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell. The Future of News initiative, launched by Stagwell, aims to strengthen the relationship between news and marketing through research, events, and discussions around brand safety. According to a study conducted by Stagwell’s research consultancy HarrisX, business leaders across the UK, France, Germany, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) see news media as a vital advertising platform: 🔹 80% believe news media is a powerful medium to reach stakeholders. 🔹 85% view advertising on news platforms as a good investment. 🔹 73% of UK and 82% of GCC CEOs believe news media is critical to democracy. 🔹 92% of GCC executives say advertising in news is a strong investment. Despite the increasing emphasis on brand safety protocols, 71% of executives believe these measures are overapplied, hurting media outlets and advertisers. James Townsend, Stagwell EMEA CEO, emphasized that while AI, politics, and brand safety remain hot topics, business leaders still recognize the power of news media in driving effective advertising. Stagwell will host panel discussions at its EMEA headquarters in London with industry leaders from CNN International, Newsquest, and The Sunday Times, focusing on journalism’s role in truth and transparency. Source: prnewswire

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Amex GBT Amends Merger Agreement for CWT Acquisition

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American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), operated by Global Business Travel Group, Inc. (NYSE: GBTG), has announced an amendment to its merger agreement with CWT. The original agreement, signed on March 24, 2024, has undergone multiple revisions, with the latest amendment finalized on March 20, 2025. Key updates include: Revised Valuation: The transaction value has been adjusted to approximately $540 million (down from $570 million), maintaining the previously announced EBITDA multiples of 7.6x pre-synergy and 2.5x post-synergy. Stock Price Adjustment: The fixed stock price for Amex GBT shares in the transaction has increased to $7.50 per share (from $6.00), reducing the number of shares issued from 72 million to approximately 50 million. Extended Deadline: The “Drop Dead Date” for completion has been moved to December 31, 2025, allowing additional time to resolve an ongoing lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking to block the merger. Eric J. Bock, Amex GBT’s Chief Legal Officer and Global Head of M&A, reaffirmed confidence in the deal and the company’s ability to defend its position in court. He also emphasized Amex GBT’s strong financial position, bolstered by a $300 million share buyback program. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. About Amex GBT: Amex GBT is a leading software and services company specializing in travel, expense management, and meetings & events. Operating in over 140 countries, the company delivers cost-effective and flexible travel solutions to businesses worldwide. For more information, visit amexglobalbusinesstravel.com and follow @amexgbt on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Source: Business Wire

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Mridul Deka

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  Mridul Deka is an assistant professor at Krishnaguru Mahavidyalaya in the Department of Commerce, with seven years of teaching experience. He holds a Master of Commerce (M.Com) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Throughout his academic career, he has actively participated in various workshops and seminars, enhancing his knowledge and expertise. His dedication to continuous learning and commitment to academic excellence make him a valuable contributor to the field of commerce education.

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Dr. Manjeet Kaur Kaushal

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  Dr. Manjeet Kaur Kaushal is an accomplished academician and administrator with over 40 years in education. She holds a Ph.D. (FRPM) in Management and multiple degrees, including M.Com, M.Ed, and D.Litt. Currently serving as Vice Chancellor of CMJ University, she has held leadership roles at Himalayan University, St. Peters College, and CMJ University. With 26 years of teaching and 23 years in administration, she has mentored research scholars and contributed to academic development. A Gold Medalist, she has received numerous national and international awards and published research on poverty eradication. She is also a lifetime member of the American Biographical Institute.

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