Air India Set To Link Delhi With Phuket With Non-Stop Service

·         Second destination in Thailand after Bangkok

·         To enhance presence and connectivity in South East Asia and the Far East 

Air India, India’s leading global airline, is set to connect Delhi with Phuket, Thailand’s popular island destination, with a non-stop service from 15th December 2023. The service will meet the demand for convenient air link between the two cities for tourism and trade, while further bolstering the airline's expansion plans in the Far East and South East Asia.

Operated with an A320neo aircraft offering 162 seats (150 in Economy and 12 in Business Class), AI 378 will depart from Delhi at 0110 hrs to arrive in Phuket the same day at 0710 hrs. The return flight AI 379 will take off from Phuket at 0810 hrs and land in Delhi at 1050 hrs (All Local Time).

Commencing with a four-flights-a-week schedule (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays), the service will be enhanced to a daily operation from January 2024.

“Phuket is a popular global destination and holds a significant base for business and tourism. We are delighted to welcome Phuket into our network and will continue to expand our connectivity and enhance frequency on domestic and international sectors providing more flexibility of choice to our customers and contributing to the growth in the aviation sector," said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India.

Air India currently operates a total of 26 flights to Bangkok per week with daily non-stop flights from Delhi and Mumbai and six flights in a week from Kolkata. Besides, Air India passengers can avail convenient connections via Bangkok to and from 10 popular destinations in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia on the network of Bangkok Airways, with whom Air India enjoys an interline partnership.

Bookings for the flights will open today across all channels, including Air India’s website: (www.airindia.com), mobile app, and through travel agents (including online travel agents).

About Air India:

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others. 

Vistara Presents Flight To Flight to Riverdale - A Journey Back To 1964 In Collaboration With Netflix's The Archies

Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of the Tata group and Singapore Airlines, is thrilled to announce its exclusive collaboration with Netflix for the highly anticipated upcoming film, The Archies, for a one-of-a-kind experience - 'Flight to Riverdale.' The special flight UK 1964, welcomed aboard the cast of the film for this unique experience along with lucky fans and select Club Vistara members amongst others. Set in the 1960s, the film reimagines the legendary Archie comics as a live-action musical set in the imaginary idyllic town of Riverdale in India.

UK 1964; the ‘Flight to Riverdale’ commenced from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi at 14:40 hours and arrived at Manohar International Airport, Goa at 17:15 hours. The flight was operated on Vistara’s iconic Retrojet and aimed to offer the passengers a nostalgic journey by recreating the world of Archies on-board and by flying them to Riverdale; thereby offering a chance to bring a dream destination alive, one that was set up at the Manohar international Airport, Goa! The celebration onboard was marked by retro-themed décor in line with the film’s aesthetics, specially curated meals and beverages reminiscent of Pop Tate's, customised Vistara and Netflix giveaways, and a chance for the passengers to travel with their favourite characters from The Archies.

The cast of The Archies, accompanied by the renowned directors Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti participated in this experience onboard UK 1964. The cast was present in character to give an authentic touch to the experience and included Suhana Khan as Veronica Lodge, Khushi Kapoor as Betty Cooper, Agastya Nanda as Archie Andrews, Aditi Saigal as Ethel Muggs, Vedang Raina as Reggie Mantle, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead Jones, and Yuvraj Menda as Dilton Doiley. While the Archies soundtrack played as part of the boarding and landing music, our in-flight entertainment system Vistara World showcased exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of The Archies, enhancing the overall experience.

Speaking on this unique collaboration, Deepti Sampat, Vice President – Marketing, Vistara said, “We are delighted to be the first Indian airline to partner with Netflix to curate a journey down memory lane with our special 'Flight to Riverdale'. Vistara Retrojet, with its nostalgic charm, not only transports us back to a golden era but also propels us into a future where the boundaries between cinema and air travel seamlessly merge, offering passengers an experience that transcends the ordinary. UK 1964 will surely leave a permanent trail of enduring memories while also evoking nostalgia.”

Commenting on the partnership, Shilpa Singh, Senior Director, Marketing Partnerships - APAC, at Netflix added, "The Archies celebrates all things food, fashion and music from the 1960s. UK 1964, Vistara’s Retrojet ‘Flight to Riverdale’ is a unique and immersive experience curated to transport the passengers back in time, all while enjoying the company of the cast and crew. This special collaboration will carry the participants into the world of The Archies before it launches on Netflix.”

Upon touching down in Goa, the celebrations continued with the arrival hall having been transformed into a mini-Riverdale adorned with retro-themed props and backdrops from the film. A lively flash mob, featuring the cast, a dance troupe, and the Vistara crew ensured a memorable welcome for all.

Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. The only Indian carrier to feature amongst World’s Top 20 Airlines, Vistara has been named ‘16th Best Airline’ globally while also being recognised as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth consecutive year, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row and ‘Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia’ for the second time in a row at the coveted World Airline Awards 2023 by Skytrax. Vistara also received the ch-aviation Asia’s Third Youngest Airline Fleet award for the second consecutive year. 

About Vistara (TATA SIA Airlines Limited): TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). Vistara brings together Tata’s and SIA’s legendary hospitality and renowned service excellence to offer the finest full-service flying experience in India. Vistara commenced its commercial operations on January 9, 2015, with an aim to set new standards in the aviation industry in India and it today connects destinations across India and abroad. The airline currently, has a fleet of 63 aircraft, including 48 Airbus A320neo, 10 Airbus A321 and 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and has flown more than 50 million customers since starting operations.

For more information about Vistara, visit www.airvistara.com

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Clinches Two Prestigious EEPC India National Export Awards

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) takes pride in announcing that it has been honored with two National Awards for Export Excellence at the 52nd and 53rd editions of the Awards event held on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023, in New Delhi. These coveted awards were presented to TKM in recognition of its outstanding export performance in the engineering sector. The award is a testament to the company's commitment to export excellence and contribution to the economy of the state and the nation.

The awards ceremony was organized by Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) of India, to showcase and celebrate excellence in engineering exports and was graced by Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. Shri Arun Velayudhan, Vice President - Finance, Indirect Taxation & Impex Division of TKM, received the awards on behalf of the company.

TKM was lauded for its exemplary performance in the export domain and received the ‘Special Trophy for Excellence in Exports of MEIS Items 2015-20, Large Enterprise’, and the ‘Star Performer Award for the Year 2020-21 in the product group of Engines, turbines, and parts – Large Enterprise category.

Speaking on this recognition, Mr. Swapnesh R. Maru, Executive Vice President, and Chief Compliance Officer at Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are delighted and honored to receive the Export Excellence awards from the esteemed Engineering Export Promotion Council of India. This recognition is a source of immense pride and joy for the organization. It is a testament of our unwavering commitment to excellence and Innovation. These awards reinforce our belief that quality and customer satisfaction are key drivers of success in this highly competitive market.”

Recently TKM had also been bestowed with the esteemed Export Excellence Award at the FKCCI Star Exports Awards 2023 organized by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry ( FKCCI ).

Uber Rolls Out Rewards Program For Drivers In 12 Cities Across India

Uber has launched ‘Uber Pro’ - a rewards program inspired by drivers and designed to help them reach their goals - both on and off the road. Uber Pro provides drivers with new ways to earn, more options and support, and deeper discounts on what keeps them moving. It has been launched with exciting rewards, perks, and exclusive features across 12 Indian cities. By rewarding drivers with good customer rating (above 4.8) and low trip cancellations, this program aims to elevate overall platform experience by making every trip magical for riders and drivers alike.

Commenting on the launch of Uber Pro in India, Shiva Shailendran, Director - Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said, “Drivers are at the heart of what we do at Uber. We are committed to providing a great ride experience for a rider and driver each time they choose Uber. Uber Pro rewards drivers who provide a great service to riders by maintaining a high app rating and low trip cancellations. It will go a long way in promoting the adaptation and continued use of the Uber platform by top-rated drivers who have made us #IndiaKiRide over the last 10 years, and will improve the overall experience on the Uber app.”

Uber Pro has four tiers: Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond, with Diamond being the highest possible tier. A driver who is new on the platform starts with a Blue tier status and moves upwards by earning ‘points’ on every completed trip and meeting other criteria. The points reset every 3 months, so the drivers' tier status is determined on a rolling period of 3 months. As drivers move towards a higher tier status, they get access to exclusive perks and experiential rewards offered by third parties, such as discounted vehicle maintenance and motor insurance, and microcredit offerings etc.

Uber Pro benefits

Drivers who were able to maintain the top rating ‘Diamond’ for a full quarter were given a cash reward of INR 10,000/-. Top-tier drivers from Diamond and Platinum tiers also got access to exclusive experiential rewards including those mentioned below.

Area Preference: For two hours every day, drivers were able to choose to get trips from an area of their choice. This gave them flexibility to drive in their preferred area.

Priority support: In case they needed support, these drivers could skip the queue at Uber greenlight centers and received special attention from top support agents on priority.

Automatic Premier Eligibility: Eligible drivers also got upgraded to get ‘Premier’ trips on the Uber app. With a combination of Go and Premier trips, drivers not only had a chance to receive more trip requests, but also received more high-value trip requests with Premier.

Along with drivers in Platinum and Diamond tiers, Gold tier drivers also received a 30% extra discount vs. market price on Castrol vehicle PMS. Drivers from all tiers were eligible to access differential enhanced microcredit limits (up to INR 20k, INR 15k, INR 10k, and INR 8k, for Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Blue tiers respectively). These microcredits are cash

credits provided by a third-party, facilitated by Uber, that help drivers achieve life goals such as supporting their children’s education or contributing to house expenses, etc. All Uber Pro drivers were also eligible for discounted premiums for Life, Health, and Motor insurance.

Riders will be able to see the tier status of a driver on booking an Uber and drivers will be able to track their progress on the Uber app. The program is currently live in 12 cities including Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Guwahati and Jaipur. Uber plans to roll this out to more cities in the near future.

Disclaimer: Rewards vary by location and Uber Pro status of the driver, and are subject to change. Rewards described here may not be available in all cities where Uber Pro is available. Additional limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for complete details.

About Uber

We rode into India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. 10 years and over 3 billion trips later, we continue to build products to help people get where they need to be. Today, Uber is available across 125 cities in India and has become #IndiaKiRide where people can go where they have to on Moto, Auto, Cars and even Buses - designed for their various intracity and intercity travel needs. With just a swipe on the app we make mobility seamless for millions and have helped over 800,000 Indians earn a sustainable income by getting in the driver's seat. We continue to reimagine the way the world moves for the better in ever expanding ways and as we mark our ten year milestone - we remain committed to keep India Moving Forward.

Flagging Off EVs Supported By SIDBI For Delivering Services In NCR Under The 50KEV4ECO Program

* Shri Vivek Joshi and Shri SCL Das handing over sanctioned letters to 08 Startups/MSMEs

* Extension of support under SIDBI’s digital journey, 4E Scheme, Speed, and Venture Debt

* Cumulative sanction of Rs. 57 Crore to Startups/MSMEs/NBFCs

SIDBI, organised an Outreach programme "MSME & Start-Up Stakeholder Consultation Meet" on November 21, 2023, at Gurugram, Haryana. The program witnessed participation of more than 350+ Startups / MSMEs / Lead industry Association / Rating agencies and other enablers serving the MSME ecosystem. The objective was to obtain inputs on enhancing the outreach and effectiveness of service as also pick the aspirations of the sector and their preparedness towards New Bharat. An exhibition was also organized wherein startups, MSMEs, e-mobility OEMs and aggregators including SIDBI’s digital offering were displayed and explained to the visitors. The participants appreciated their exposure to EV as a preferred option as also could widen their outlook towards innovative offerings from MSMEs. SIDBI gave live demonstration on “Express Loan” product wherein SIDBI has brought down the TAT from months to minutes.

Shri Vivek Joshi (IAS), Secretary, DFS, Ministry of Finance was the Chief Guest and Shri Subhas Chandra Lal Das (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises was Guest of Honour.

The event commenced with Manthan session wherein Lead Industry Associations shared their perspectives to ease access to credit and non-financial services by MSMEs. Associations recounted the exemplary service of SIDBI especially the turnaround in last few years in terms of responsiveness, embracing digitization (leading to reduced TAT) and minimizing procedures and processes thus enabling entry of last mile into SIDBI folds. Shri Rajive Chawla, Shri Rakesh Chhabra, and Shri J P Malhotra represented the MSME voice.

The dignitaries raised the happiness quotient of participants by flagging off EVs supported by SIDBI for delivering services in NCR under its 50KEV4ECO program. Shri Vivek Joshi and Shri SCL Das handed over sanctioned letter to 08 Startups/MSMEs extending support under SIDBI’s digital journey, 4E Scheme, Speed and Venture Debt. Under 50KEV4ECO program, sanction letter was handed over to electric mobility as a service provider as also disbursement cheque was handed over to “cKers Finance” to support acquisition of commercial EVs at competitive rate to create the market.

Cumulative sanction of Rs. 57 Crore was handed over to the Startups / MSMEs / NBFCs on the occasion.

Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, Dy. Commissioner, Gurugram addressed the gathering and assured the continuity of the support from State authorities. Shri Yadav mentioned that the enterprising people of Gurugram have established their mettle in different sectors and the momentum should continue.

Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, CMD, SIDBI said that the presence of Secretary, DFS and Secretary, MoMSME reflects government’s commitment to strengthen MSMEs, the second largest contributor to the country’s economy and employment. Shri Ramann mentioned that our thrust has been on “Digitization” and “Greening the Enterprise Ecosystem”. SIDBI has been assessing the demand supply side gap and have provisioned for financial and non-financial services to address these. Shri Ramann mentioned that SIDBI values the feedback and inputs of Industry Associations which helps to become more responsive. Shri Ramann mentioned that SIDBI has been working on digitizing the registration of MSMEs, access to finance by them as also leveraging GST data for democratizing credit access. Shri Ramann mentioned that in line with expectation of GoI that SIDBI should evolve as largest direct lender to MSMEs, SIDBI has strategized, the ABC approach. It includes App based, Branch based and Co-partners based lending.

Shri S.C.L Das, Secretary, Ministry of MSME stated that the ministry is committed to create a strong and enabling ecosystem for MSME to grow and flourish. Shri Das emphasized on innovative offerings of ministry woven around growth with sustainability. Shri Das highlighted the increased coordination among different ministries for effective implementation of Central schemes such as PM Vishwakarma.  Shri Das also mentioned that Ministry is geared up to introduce new schemes to catalyse green investment and contribute to National Determined Contributions (NDCs) of India. Shri Das appreciated the increasing contribution of SIDBI and suggested called upon that Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects need to be embedded and mainstreamed in entire enterprise lending.

Shri Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, advocated the significance of MSME sector in the Indian Economy and reaffirmed government’s commitment towards Development & Growth of MSME sector. Shri Joshi also acknowledged the instrumental role played by SIDBI in strengthening the credit flow to MSMEs particularly through digitization, credit guarantee, channelizing ECLGS (as a COVID relief). Shri Joshi also highlighted the thrust of Government of India on reaching the last mile through banking and digital tools. Shri Joshi also recounted how banks have been proactively engaged for reaching Street Vendors under PMSVANidhi and also PMVishwakarma to provide End to End holistic support to Artisans. Shri Joshi appreciated the exhibition which reflects increasing orientation and demand towards net zero journey of the country. Shri Joshi called upon entrepreneurs to avail services such as Express Loan by SIDBI, look at e mobility as preferred mode of transport, etc. While appreciating SIDBI’s role, Shri Joshi laid expectations for tripling SIDBI’s footprints. MoMSME and DFS would continue to extend whole-hearted support to boost the MSME ecosystem particularly those at bottom of pyramid.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

SIDBI, set up on 2nd April 1990 under an Act of Indian Parliament, is the Principal Financial Institution for Promotion, Financing and Development of the MSME sector. SIDBI has been playing a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working towards Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 using support of multilateral institutions like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. Furthermore, SIDBI has been touching the lives of citizens across various strata of society through its integrated, innovative, and inclusive approach. Be it traditional, domestic small entrepreneurs, bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs, to high-end knowledge-based entrepreneurs, SIDBI has directly or indirectly impacted the lives of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through various credit and developmental measures.

To know more, check out: https://www.sidbi.in

Johnson Controls Outlines New Blueprint For India’s Net Zero Future

* Johnson Controls Launches Its Whitepaper Titled “Tech For Green India - Mission Net Zero” At The 21st Edition Of India Green Building Congress 2023

* Details the role of green buildings and technology in India’s vision for decarbonisation, and key challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. 

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, today launched a whitepaper titled “Tech for Green India - Mission Net Zero” at the 21st edition of Green Building Congress 2023, India’s flagship conference and expo on the green built environment. 

“Buildings contribute nearly 40% of global emissions and at Johnson Controls, our priority is to help make buildings more sustainable and energy efficient, providing solutions that meet the specific needs of each building. We believe a holistic and collaborative approach will enable the nation to realise its full potential effectively,” said Anu Rathninde, president, Asia Pacific, Johnson Controls. “This white paper aligns with our vision for sustainability, and we are committed to continuous innovation and collaboration with our ecosystem partners, in the journey to a decarbonised future.”

The launch was presided over by Mr. Rathninde and Mr. Arun Awasthy, president & managing director, Johnson Controls India. 

In response to the climate crisis, nations across the world have accelerated their efforts towards achieving net zero emissions and have set targets in alignment with their developmental needs. India, the third largest energy consumer in the world, established a target of meeting net zero emissions by 2070. In the collective efforts towards achieving these goals, the whitepaper details the role of technology in transforming buildings and urban spaces. The whitepaper explores the multiple challenges facing the Indian green building industry today, and provides a framework within which these challenges can begin to be addressed. A comprehensive strategy is imperative along this journey:

Increasing Awareness & Adoption: Comprehensive information campaigns are an effective tool to educate both professionals in the sector as well as citizens. Also important is incorporating sustainability and green building modules into academic curricula, creating a pool of energy experts and offering life-cycle costing training to emphasise long-term financial gains. Meanwhile, strengthening the incentive framework around green building projects in terms of low-interest loans, additional construction area, discounted property taxes, and worker skilling would be hugely beneficial to the sector. 

Enhancing Standardisation: Consolidating a set of consistent green building standards into one or two legally binding certifications will bring more effectiveness, and these standardised certifications need to be aggressively promoted across various channels, to promote adoption. Also there is a call for consistent evaluation matrices, for accurate and consistent performance assessment.

Optimizing the Use of Data & Technology: The whitepaper suggests leveraging India's PM Gati Shakti Platform to consolidate information on green buildings, fostering a network and an information dashboard for more effective use of green building technology. Also, establishing sustainability indices becomes essential while assessing the sustainability and performance of a city or locality in comparison to its counterparts in different regions, which should be adjusted to factor in the developmental and climactic realities of the region. Leveraging technology, such as smart controls and IoT, along with innovative materials and behavioural changes in residents, can create smart, energy-efficient, and resilient buildings. 

“India is at the cusp of making some great breakthroughs in the Green Building sector. We are at a point that demands immediate action and collaboration. It is heartening to see that there is a strong willingness among stakeholders in the public and private sector to collaborate on a framework that accelerates India’s green building adoption. At Johnson Controls India, we look forward to being at the forefront of this reform,” said Mr. Awasthy.

Johnson Controls, an industry leader in providing cutting edge building technologies for nearly 140 years, improved building performance across multiple industries. In India, its work spans both public and private enterprises, across industries like transportation, information technology, health care, hospitality, manufacturing and industry parks. With its integrated building technologies including high-efficient chillers, heat pumps, building management systems, and OpenBlue digital solutions, Johnson Controls has helped customers in India significantly reduce energy cost and cut carbon emissions, making due contributions to the country’s drive for a green future. 

Goldmedal Electricals Introduces Powerful Air Purification Solution With Oxyrich Air Purifying Bladeless Fan At MRP Of Rs. 35,999

* Experience Clean Air and Comfort with Goldmedal Electricals Innovative Air Purifying Bladeless Fan!

Goldmedal Electricals, one of India's leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) brand, introduced the Oxyrich Air Purifying Bladeless Fan. This fan offers a unique experience, combining advanced technology with modern design to enhance your living environment and well-being. It not only purifies the air but also cools your space, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable environment.

At a time of severe air pollution and deteriorating air quality that’s afflicting many cities across India, air purification has become essential to safeguard people’s health. The new Oxyrich Air Purifying Bladeless Fan is a powerful air purifier solution that displays real time air quality in the room and the fan can be controlled through a magnetic remote control and a LED touch panel. Goldmedal Electricals’ dedication to quality and innovation shines through in the new sleek and safe bladeless design, making it a must-have for those who want style, comfort, and health.

Commenting on the Oxyrich Air Purifying Bladeless fan, Bishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals, said, “At Goldmedal Electricals, we focus on creating innovative fans that improve the comfort and well-being. Our advanced Oxyrich Air Purifying Bladeless Fan purifies and cools your living space which is the need of the hour amidst rising air pollution levels across India. It's easy to control with a magnetic remote and a simple LED touch panel. Plus, it has ambient lighting and can be tilted up to 15 degrees, making it a versatile and efficient addition to any room for the best air quality and comfort.”

Other features of Oxyrich Air Purifying Bladeless fan include:

Fan Type: A Bladeless Fan with purifying technology is an innovative cooling device designed to provide a refreshing airflow without traditional fan blades, making it safer and easier to clean

Remote Control: The sleek magnetic remote is a user-friendly device that complements the fan's modern design. Its stylish, minimalist appearance and magnetic feature make it easy to store and access whenever you need to adjust the fan's settings

Control Panel: The fan's LED touch control panel is user-friendly for easy operation

Oscillation Angles: The fan offers a range of oscillation angles, including 30, 60, 90, and 120 degrees, allowing you to customize the airflow direction to suit your preferences and the layout of your space

Modes: The fan comes equipped with various operating modes, each designed to cater to different cooling and comfort needs

Light: The fan incorporates a large ambient light source, which not only adds to the fan's aesthetic appeal but also enhances the ambiance of your space

Off Timer: The fan offers a programmable off timer feature that allows you to set a specific time duration for the fan to operate before automatically turning off

Tilt Angle: The fan's adjustable tilt angle feature enables you to direct the airflow according to your preferences. With the capability to tilt up to 15 degrees, you can control the vertical orientation of the fan head

This product is available online as well as in retail stores at MRP of Rs. 35,999/-. The Oxyrich Air Purifying Bladeless Fan comes with a warranty of two years.

About Goldmedal Electricals

Goldmedal Electricals is a home-grown electrical company which was established in the year 1979 with a vision to create electrical switches and accessories that make a positive difference to the lives of consumers. The company is known in the industry for manufacturing high quality wiring devices and introducing a host of innovations in the industry. The company has manufacturing units in Vasai outside Mumbai, Bhiwadi in Rajasthan, and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the few companies in the industry to have a completely in-house, state-of-the-art tool room and testing facility. Today, the company manufactures a vast range of electrical products including various types of Switches, Home automation systems, LEDs, Fans, Security Systems, Entertainment devices, Doorbells, Wires, Cables, DBs and more for residential buildings as well as commercial establishments.

Revvity Joins India’s Fight Against Tuberculosis (TB) By Launching Its T-SPOT.TB For Latent TB Screening In India

* The T-SPOT.TB test will be officially launched in India during the 46th Edition of MICROCON in Lucknow.

* Tuberculosis remains a major health issue in India, causing nearly two deaths every three minutes and affecting 2.6 million Indian people annually (WHO).[i]

* Identifying individuals with latent TB who are at risk of developing active (infectious) TB and treating them is a crucial component of the disease elimination.[i]

Revvity, a global company that leverages innovation in Diagnostics and Life Sciences, with a strong presence in India, today announced the country launch of its T-SPOT®.TB test for latent TB screening, at MICROCON in Lucknow.

Revvity’s T-SPOT®.TB is the only FDA-approved, commercially available IGRA (interferon gamma release assay) based on the ELISPOT technology. This technology includes the isolation, washing and counting of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from whole blood to standardize the test and provide reproducible results for reliable detection -- even in challenging-to-screen groups, such as the immunosuppressed[i].

Shripad Joshi, President, India & South Asia at Revvity said: “With approximately 40% of the Indian population being infected with latent TB, detecting the infection before it progresses to active disease, which is symptomatic and infectious, is paramount. We recognize the critical role that collaboration between the public and private sectors plays in the Government’s mission of eradicating TB by 2025. As a result, we are committed to working closely with the Indian healthcare sector to integrate our reliable, single visit T-SPOT®.TB test into the country’s existing healthcare infrastructure, increasing accessibility and affordability of latent TB screening.

“We have 20 years’ experience in TB screening and have been collaborating with several healthcare systems around the world. We are now thrilled to be able to start equipping healthcare professionals in India with advanced screening tools that can support the Government’s mission effectively, decreasing costs associated with treating active or drug-resistant TB, and more importantly, saving lives.”

Revvity T-SPOT®.TB test

Based on the ELISPOT technology, the T-SPOT®.TB test is the only WHO recommended IGRA that uses a standardized sample, reducing the influence of factors in the blood which may affect performance and normalizing for cell number variation. The WHO diagnostic guidelines acknowledge the benefits of the normalization step prior to cell stimulation required in the T-SPOT®.TB test.[i] Normalizing the T-cell count before cell stimulation can help obtain accurate results in populations with weakened immune systems.[i] In addition, the T-SPOT®.TB test does not cross-react with the BCG vaccine[i], which is commonly used in India.

The T-SPOT®.TB test is one of the three IGRAs that are recommended by WHO as alternatives to the tuberculin skin test (TST) or the Mantoux test for the detection of TB infection. The T-SPOT®.TB test is available in over 50 countries including in Europe, China, Japan, and the US, and is in the list of in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) recommended by WHO for use in countries to improve access to IVD testing and advance universal health coverage.[i]

Automation of the T-SPOT®.TB test is possible using the T-Cell Select TM reagent kit, and automated platforms are available for low, medium, and high throughput settings. The use of the T-Cell SelectTM reagent kit in the automated workflow allows for the blood samples to be transported and stored at ambient temperature for up to 54 hours prior to processing, improving sample collection logistics.

Launch of T-SPOT®.TB at MICROCON 2023

Revvity is launching its ELISPOT-based IGRA T-SPOT®.TB at the 46th Edition of MICROCON held at King George’s Medical University in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Celebrating excellence in Clinical Microbiology, MICROCON congregates renowned international and national experts and attendees who are set to discuss and gain valuable insight into cutting-edge developments in the fields of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Amita Jain and Dr. Surya Kant will act as the honorable chief guests during the launch event of Revvity T-SPOT®.TB at the Congress.

Dr. Surya Kant, Professor and Head of Department of Respiratory Medicine at King George's Medical University, and Chairman, North Zone Task Force of National TB Elimination Program, commented: “Our country has made notable progress in both active and latent TB testing, fostering optimism around the attainment of the Government’s goal of eradicating TB by 2030. It's important to highlight that despite the existence of a few solutions for latent tuberculosis screening, Government organizations are actively involved in advancing innovative and effective screening tools other than the traditional TST. Early detection through widespread testing, coupled with appropriate medical intervention, can prevent the progression of latent TB into its active and more contagious form."

Dr. Amita Jain, Professor and Head of Department of Microbiology at King George's Medical University, and Organizing Chairperson at MICROCON, added: “The very high percentage of the Indian population infected with latent TB emphasizes the growing national importance of screening to prevent community transmission and achieve India’s TB eradication mission. High-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals, expectant mothers, and pediatric patients are significantly impacted. We celebrate the launch of tests that promise reliable latent TB detection, even in groups that are difficult to screen due to their weakened immune systems.”

Revvity is introducing the T-SPOT®.TB test during the 46th edition of MICROCON in Lucknow, at stand number 13.

About Revvity

At Revvity, “impossible” is inspiration, and “can’t be done” is a call to action. Revvity provides health science solutions, technologies, expertise, and services that deliver complete workflows from discovery to development, and diagnosis to cure. Revvity is revolutionizing what’s possible in healthcare, with specialized focus areas in translational multi-omics technologies, biomarker identification, imaging, prediction, screening, detection and diagnosis, informatics and more. 

With 2022 revenue of more than $3 billion and over 11,000 employees, Revvity serves customers across pharmaceutical and biotech, diagnostic labs, academia and governments. It is part of the S&P 500 index and has customers in more than 190 countries.

Godrej Locks 'Live Safe, Live Free' Study Reveals 42% Indians Leave Live Events To Coordinate An Exchange Of Keys At Home

In India, homes serve as the nucleus of people's lives. While people frequently participate in various experiences at restaurants, concerts, or theatres, a subtle yet inherent concern about home safety always persists. This was revealed in a new research study ‘Live Safe, Live Freely’ by Godrej Locks & Architectural Fittings and Systems, a business of Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group. The study offers unique insights into Indians lifestyle and technology choices for home safety that enable them to live freely.

One of the key insights, the study revealed is that 42% of the respondents have left live events or social gathering early to coordinate an exchange of keys at home. These occurrences shed light on the dependence for home access, which compels people to return home.

According to a popular event ticketing portal, in 2022, about eight million people stepped out for live entertainment from across over 19,000 events. The study 'Live Safe, Live Free' study complimented this data as it revealed that 54% of the respondents expressed discomfort at the idea of disturbing their neighbours for a spare key, when attending late night events. Further, 41% of the respondents claim that if they had left their home and realized that their geyser home or gas on, they would rush back home.

According to Shyam Motwani, Business Head at Godrej Locks & Architectural Fittings and Systems, “These primary insights from the ‘Live Safe, Live Free’ study delve into consumers’ sentiments about the most intimate aspect of their home, which is safety. The insights from the study intimately demonstrate to us people’s concerns about home safety while also revealing their aspirations and how best we can meet them. While there is still an evident dependency on external factors in the way Indians perceive the safety of their homes, they are also seeking reliable tech solutions that enable them to live safe and live freely in today’s fast-paced world. At Godrej Locks, a brand synonymous with trust, we understand the needs of our consumers and develop innovative, cutting-edge, digital home safety solutions that offer both convenience and safety, allowing them to live free.”

The study ‘Live safe, Live Freely’ aimed to understand human behaviour on the adoption of smart-home devices to ensure safety and convenience. It was undertaken amongst 2,000 individuals across five cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Bhopal.

About Godrej Locks & Architectural Fittings and Systems:

Godrej Locks & Architectural Fittings and Systems is a division of Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the renowned Godrej Group. Founded by Ardeshir Godrej, the name 'Godrej' is 126 years young and has evolved into a symbol of trust, security, and integrity. Godrej has consistently set industry standards in the field of locks through continuous innovation, introducing products such as India's first 'Made in India' digital lock, cutting-edge postmodern biometric and connected digital locks and even a lock with the 1st patented dual motion technology in the world.

Godrej has made significant strides in delivering world-class smart locking solutions, transforming the perception of a lock from a mere functional device to an effective home safety solution. Recently, the brand expanded its offerings by introducing architectural fittings and systems, showcasing a true pioneering spirit in product development.

With a mission to raise awareness about the imperative need to adopt advanced home safety technology, Godrej Locks initiated a unique nationwide home safety awareness campaign - 'Har Ghar Surakshit.' Under this initiative, the brand introduced and continues to celebrate 'Home Safety Day' every year on the 15th of November, emphasizing the importance of keeping every home safe.

For more information, log on to https://www.godrej.com/godrej-locking-solutions-and-systems.

Coca-Cola India Launches “Honest Tea” An Iced Green Tea

* Made from Organic Green Tea, the green tea is sourced from the Makaibari Tea Estate, owned by the Luxmi Group.

In an endeavour to provide consumers with wider beverage options Coca-Cola India enters the world of ready-to-drink tea beverages with the launch of Honest Tea, a brand owned by Honest, Inc. a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company. Honest Tea is a refreshing, Organic Green Tea based drink. The Organic Green Tea for Honest Tea is being exclusively sourced from Luxmi Tea’s renowned Makaibari Tea Estate.

Situated on the steep slopes located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Makaibari is the oldest Organic Darjeeling Tea plantation. At Makaibari, the tea is meticulously handpicked in a biodynamic agricultural environment, famed for its rare moonlight plucked tea.

“There is no greater tea estate in Darjeeling than Makaibari; it is the last word among teas, whether in Japan, or England, royal houses,” says Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Kolkata-based Luxmi Group. “It is also the choice of tea Satyajit Ray decided for his fictional detective character Feluda.”

Commenting on the launch Karthik Subramanian, Director, Marketing - Hydration, coffee and tea category, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia said, “We are thrilled to introduce our new ready-to-drink iced green tea. With Honest Tea, we are offering consumers a unique experience of a great tasting green tea based beverage. Whether one is on the go or is simply seeking a moment of tranquillity, ‘Honest Tea’ is the perfect companion offering refreshment and goodness.”

Honest Tea comes in two refreshing flavours, Lemon-Tulsi and Mango, to suit the varied tastes of the consumers. Meant for the modern women and men of today who wish to live a balanced lifestyle, the newly launched beverage provides a 'Moment of Good' with every sip of the iced green tea. Made from Organic Green Tea grown in harmony with nature, Honest Tea not only tastes great but is made with the best quality tea leaves.

Honest Tea has been launched exclusively on E-Commerce in Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune and will be available at the price point of Rs 50. For more details visit Honest Tea’s Instagram page - @honestteaindia

About The Coca-Cola Company

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’, offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and juice beverages. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca Sportz, Smartwater, Kinley, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water and Kinley Club Soda. Premium products constitute Schweppes range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers Costa Coffee and organic green tea based beverage- Honest Tea amongst its range of coffee and Tea. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 4 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable agriculture initiatives and carbon emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

BITS Pilani, Aditya Birla Capital Foundation Collaborate With NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform For Women Start-Ups

~ Launches ‘Womenpreneurs for Bharat 1.0’ start-up program across Northeast Region, Rajasthan, Haryana, and J&K ~

BITS Pilani’s technology business incubator, Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (“PIEDS”), has announced the launch of its start-up program, ‘Womenpreneur for Bharat 1.0,’ in association with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), incubated within NITI Aayog, and supported by Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, the CSR arm of Aditya Birla Capital Limited. Aditya Birla Capital Foundation is the apex body, which sets the strategic direction for all of Aditya Birla Capital’s development projects. The foundation has Mrs. Rajashree Birla as the mentor; Mrs. Vishakha Mulye, Dr. Pragnya Ram and Mr. Subhro Bhaduri serve as Directors of its Board.   

The partnership was announced at the state workshop on ‘Enabling Women-Led Development through Entrepreneurship’ at Dorjee Khandu State Convention Center, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on November 24, 2023. Held under the aegis of the State Support Mission of NITI Aayog, the workshop conducted jointly by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) brought together the innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive development ecosystem across business, government, and civil society to discuss pathways of furthering women-led development through entrepreneurship.

‘Womenpreneurs for Bharat 1.0’ is aimed at providing funding and incubation support to women entrepreneurs who are building solutions for/from Tier 2/3/4 cities across Northeast region, Rajasthan, Haryana, and J&K. The program will seek both for-profit and non-profit women-led start-ups working across UN-SDG areas and solving business or societal challenges in those regions.

Commenting on the announcement, Mrs. Vishakha Mulye, Director, Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, and CEO of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, expressed, “We are committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and long-term social and economic growth for the country. Through ‘Womenpreneurs for Bharat 1.0’, we aim to provide a platform to nurture the growth of women entrepreneurs in the country, who have the potential of impacting a large number of underserved Indians through innovative solutions.”

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “India’s diversity across its length and breadth requires localized solutions from local entrepreneurs. I strongly believe that women innovators, especially from Northeastern states will lead the next wave of innovations in solving their region’s own unique problems. We are happy to partner with Women Entrepreneurship Platform and Aditya Birla Capital Foundation to help bring some of these innovations to the fore and help them scale.”

Speaking about the development, Ms. Anna Roy, Mission Director, WEP, said, “The project embodies a strategic approach to bolster women’s entrepreneurship in the tech4good sector which has significant market and impact potential, aligning with national goals of gender equality, women-led development, and digital inclusion. Women entrepreneurs leading innovations in critical development areas with a tech-led approach can have significant gains overall for business and society.”

The program would provide funding of up to Rs. 10 lakhs to eligible start-ups, along with extended incubation support from PIEDS, including 1-1 mentoring, market access support, and opportunities to raise future investments. Interested innovators can apply to the program here: https://www.f6s.com/womenpreneurs-for-bharat-1.0/apply

According to a research report published by Niti Aayog, India has 63 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), of which around 20% are women-owned, employing 22 to 27 million people. Estimates suggest that by accelerating women's entrepreneurship, India could create more than 30 million women-owned enterprises, potentially creating 150 to 170 million jobs.

About PIEDS

PIEDS or Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (“PIEDS”) is a Technology Business Incubator of Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, that work with idea and early-stage start-ups in technology-focused areas across India. The initiative was established with a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

About Aditya Birla Capital Foundation

Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (“ABCF”) is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Aditya Birla Capital for undertaking its developmental projects. Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, ‘The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development’, is ABCF’s mentor; Mrs. Vishakha Mulye, CEO, Aditya Birla Capital Limited, Mr. Subhro Bhaduri, CHRO, Aditya Birla Capital Limited and Dr. Pragnya Ram, Group Executive President, Group Head - CSR, Legacy, Documentation & Archives serve as Directors. ABCF is committed to driving programs for inclusive growth and development of the underserved sections of society. Its engagement is primarily focused on women-centric programs in the areas of healthcare, education, women empowerment, sustainable livelihood, and sports, amongst others. Until now, ABCF has made a qualitative difference in enriching the lives of over 5.5 Lakh people and is reckoned as a Force for Good among beneficiaries.

About WEP

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) incubated in NITI Aayog, and now running as a public-private partnership, is a one-stop hub relevant to women entrepreneurs, including SmartMatch feature for government schemes, incubators, accelerators and private sector initiatives, a community page, and mentorship module.

The State Support Mission, an umbrella initiative by NITI Aayog, is strategically designed to support states and union territories in achieving their socioeconomic goals by 2047. Under the aegis of the State Support Mission, a series of workshops are being conducted to provide a platform for Centre-State exchanges and forging partnerships. The primary goal is to augment awareness regarding the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and unveil a range of pioneering initiatives that WEP has embarked upon. Under the State Support Mission, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform is now expanding its reach to the grassroots through a hub-and-spoke model.

UMANG 2023 Concludes With A Triumphant Blend Of Sportsmanship, Unity, And Athletic Excellence At IIIT-Bangalore

The 3rd edition of Umang, IIIT-Bangalore's annual intercollege sports fest, has come to a resounding close. From November 3rd to November 5th, Umang 2023 played host to more than 850 students representing 25 different colleges, competing across a spectrum of over 10 exhilarating sporting events. The event was marked by fierce competition, unwavering dedication, and a celebration of the spirit of sports.

Umang 2023 officially kicked off on November 3rd with a captivating opening ceremony. The ceremony was a blend of tradition and excitement, featuring the hoisting of the IIIT-B flag and a mesmerizing performance by the college's music club, Symphony. The event was declared open by the esteemed Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, who served as the Chief Guest. He remarked, "Umang is a reflection of  talent, commitment, and unity that thrive among students from diverse backgrounds. It's truly heartening to witness Umang grow each year, and I'm proud to see such enthusiasm from all participants."

Throughout the three-day event, the participants displayed exceptional sportsmanship, passion, and determination in a variety of sports, including Football, Volleyball, Throwball, Basketball, Badminton (men’s, women’s, and mixed), Chess, Table Tennis (men’s and women’s), and Powerlifting (men’s).

Day 2 continued with the same energy and enthusiasm, with numerous matches and a substantial presence of home team (IIIT-B) supporters. Despite a brief spell of rain in the evening, the matches continued without significant disruption, highlighting the resilience of the participants.

The final day of Umang 2023 saw nail-biting matches that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. IIIT-B secured first place in chess and powerlifting and secured second place in men’s Table Tennis and powerlifting, further demonstrating their prowess and dedication to the sporting spirit.

The event concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the sports complex, attended by IIIT-Bangalore's Director and Special Chief Guest, Trupti Murgunde. Ms. Murgunde, a distinguished badminton player, Dhyan Chand awardee, and South Asian and Commonwealth Games Medal Winner expressed her admiration for the athletes, saying, "Umang 2023 has exemplified the unifying power of sports. The commitment and dedication displayed by the participants are truly inspiring. I firmly believe that events like Umang play a pivotal role in nurturing future champions."

Umang 2023 showcased diverse sporting talent. Winners included New Horizon in Football, Shiva DS, Haneef Bilal, Ahijith Melath, Vidhu, and Yeshwanth Kumar in Powerlifting, PES RR in Badminton Men's Singles, Surbhi Mittal in Badminton Women's Singles, Bits Goa in Table Tennis Men's Singles, IIIT-B in Chess, Surana in Volleyball, SJU in Basketball Women's 3v3, MSRIT in Basketball Men's 3v3, Alliance University in Basketball Men's 5v5, PES RR in Badminton Mixed Doubles, and SJU in Throwball.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute focused on Post-Graduate IT education and research, located in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2022, IIIT-B has secured 74th ranking. The institute was ranked number 1 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations. The institute’s specially designed courses make the students cognitive

For more details, log onto https://www.IIIT-B.ac.in

Disney Star Delivers The Biggest ICC Men's World Cup Ever

* Over 30 Crore fans tune in to the live broadcast on TV of the final between India and Australia, making it the highest viewed match ever

* Peak concurrency on TV for the final match at 13 crore

* Peak concurrency on Disney+ Hotstar at 5.9 Crore for the finals, creating a global record for any live sport

* 52 Crore viewers tuned in to TV for the marquee tournament, consumption reaches 422 billion minutes making it the biggest World Cup ever

In a historic triumph for sports broadcasting, Disney Star, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, has set new benchmarks for viewership, redefining the cricketing landscape. The highly anticipated final clash between cricket powerhouses India and Australia has not only etched itself into the chronicles of sporting history but has also become the most-watched event ever on both linear TV and digital streaming. With an astounding reach of 30 Crore for the live broadcast on TV, Star Sports Network ensured that cricket enthusiasts across India were glued to their television screens, making it the most watched Television event ever. The magnitude of the final was further highlighted by a peak concurrency of 13 Crore viewers on TV and 5.9 crore peak concurrency on Disney+ Hotstar (Digital).

As per BARC, the tournament crossed a viewership of half a billion viewers for the first time as 518 million (51.8 Crore) TV viewers tuned in for the live broadcast of the marquee tournament being played in India after 12 years. The live TV broadcast for the tournament garnered 422 billion minutes of TV watch time making it the most watched ICC Men’s World Cup in the history of the event. The final between India Vs Australia delivered a peak concurrency of 13 crore which surpassed the previous highest peak concurrency in the tournament with India Vs Pakistan at 7.5 crore and India Vs New Zealand at 8 crore. Disney Star left no stone unturned in bringing the grandeur of the World Cup to fans in India and across the globe, showcasing its unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled sporting content.

The streaming arm of Disney Star broke its own record five times through the tournament to witness a peak concurrency of 5.9 crores for the final, solidifying its position as the go-to destination for cricket enthusiasts seeking a seamless and immersive viewing experience. The platform surpassed global streaming records across all formats of cricket at the beginning of the tournament with the peak concurrency of 3.5 crore viewers during the India Vs Pakistan match. This was followed by a streak of record-breaking numbers - 4.3 crore peak concurrent viewers during the India Vs New Zealand match, 4.4 crore peak concurrent viewers during the India Vs South Africa match and most recently, 5.3 crore peak concurrent viewers during the thrilling semifinals between India and New Zealand match. 

Speaking about the recent success of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, K Madhavan, Country Manager & President, Disney Star, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), for their invaluable support, making this tournament an overwhelming success. We would also like to thank the fans, who showered their support throughout the tournament and with their unwavering passion making this historic achievement possible. Disney Star is dedicated to paving the road for sports broadcast in India and it has been extremely encouraging to see growth across both, the linear and digital mediums, thereby increasing the fan base of cricket. This is testament to the uniqueness of the India market where linear and digital continue to grow alongside each other. This successful tournament has set the stage for a promising future in our association with the ICC."

Disney Star, in its pioneering approach to sports broadcasting, redefined and reimagined how fans consume cricket. In a groundbreaking collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Disney+ Hotstar introduced MaxView—a technological innovation that allowed cricket enthusiasts to experience the game in vertical mode (9X14 portrait view) for the first time in the history of streaming cricket.

Disney Star also provided an extensive 11 feeds for ICC Men’s CWC 2023, including coverage in 9 different languages (English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, & Malayalam), ensuring that cricket enthusiasts across diverse linguistic landscapes could savor the thrilling moments of this historic World Cup.

As the curtain falls on this historic event, Disney Star takes pride in having orchestrated a cricketing spectacle that captivated the hearts and minds of millions, reaffirming its commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment.

All BARC Data for 2+U+R (including DD).

Tata Chemicals Recognised for Innovation, Secures CII Industrial Intellectual Property Award 2023

Tata Chemicals Limited was recognised in the Large Manufacturing - Trademarks category at the CII Industrial Intellectual Property Award 2023 during the 9th International Conference on IPR held in New Delhi. The award was presented by Dr. R A Mashelkar, Padma Vibhushan, and Former Director-General of CSIR, along with Hon'ble Justice Prathiba M. Singh, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court.

The CII Industrial Intellectual Property Award aims to celebrate enterprises fostering a culture of intellectual property generation and protection for business and economic growth. It highlights achievements in the public domain, establishes links with academic institutions, and informs the government about IP-driven enterprises, engaging them in policy-making exercises. Tata Chemicals and its subsidiaries cumulatively have filed 204 patent applications.

Commenting on this recognition Dr Richard Lobo, Head Innovation, R&D, Business Excellence and Chief Ethics Counsellor, Tata Chemicals Limited said, “Our mission has always been to serve society through science. Our robust R&D facilities and a team of dedicated scientists have cultivated a culture of innovation. We are constantly working towards strengthening synergies between all R&D centres and improving our infrastructure. Recognition from esteemed bodies like CII for our efforts is indeed a source of encouragement.”

About Tata Chemicals Ltd. 

A part of the US$ 150 billion Tata Group, Tata Chemicals Limited, is a leading supplier of choice to Glass, Detergent, industrial and chemical sectors. The company has a strong position in the crop protection business through its subsidiary company Rallis India Ltd. Tata Chemicals has world-class R&D facilities in Pune and Bangalore.

Axis Bank Launches SPLASH, A Pan-India Competition To Engage Young Minds Through Art, Craft And Literature

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, announced the launch of SPLASH, an annual Pan-India competition on Art, Craft, and Literature for children in the age group of 7-14 years. This year, Splash will focus on the theme ‘Kindness’ to instil the thought of kindness and foster a sense of goodwill amongst the new generation. The participants can register and submit their entries on www.axisbanksplash.in, till 31st December 2023. Through this initiative, the Bank aims to reach out to over 6 lakh participants by conducting the competition phygitally (both physically and digitally), ensuring that every child has an opportunity to showcase their talent.

The competition will be divided into two age groups: 7-10 years and 11-14 years. The participants will need to express their thoughts and ideas through two themes 'Helping One Another' and 'Making the World a Kinder Place'. They can unleash their creativity through drawing, craft, or essay writing. The participants will be evaluated by an esteemed jury panel comprising Vikrant Shitole, a revered artist from Art Society of India; Disha Katharani, Co-Founder of Imagimake; Savio Mascarenhas, Group Art Director at Amar Chitra Katha; and Rajiv Chilaka, CEO of Green Gold Animation.

Speaking on the initiative, Anoop Manohar, Chief Marketing Officer, Axis Bank, said, ''We are delighted to announce the 11th edition of Splash. This year’s theme of ‘Kindness’ stems from our brand philosophy ‘Open’- which aims to engage with communities beyond banking and business. Through Splash, we are providing a vibrant canvas for these young minds to explore, express and embrace the value of kindness in order to create a better tomorrow."

Scaling new heights, this year Axis Bank will reach out to over 2000+ schools, 50% more than the previous year. In addition to the competition, the Bank will organise engaging sessions and other fun-filled activities.  It has roped in children’s beloved character ‘Chota Bheem’ to impart valuable life lessons on earning, saving, investing, and giving through the art of storytelling. 

The winners will be conferred scholarships of Rs. 1 lakh, exciting hampers, and electronic gadgets from partners such as Hamleys, Faber Castle and BoAt. They will also be given an opportunity to visit the National Institute of Design (NID) and participate in exciting workshops conducted by the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). The runners-up will be awarded Rs.50 thousand each.

Atos And WWF Partner Up To Leverage Technology To Support Biodiversity Conservation

Atos and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) today announce a 3-year strategic partnership to leverage technology to support biodiversity conservation and to encourage businesses to decarbonize. This comprehensive partnership has been designed to tackle three key priorities – business transformation, financing and influence – which are essential to effectively tackle the current biodiversity crisis.

As part of the partnership, four main initiatives are being rolled out, leveraging the expertise of Atos and WWF teams from all over the world.

sAtos to develop responsible IT solutions for WWF and its partners

Atos and WWF have defined the following projects by which conservation organizations and other stakeholders could benefit from Atos’ technological expertise.

Automating biodiversity surveillance - The first project aims to bring automation to the monitoring of important ecosystems. Atos experts are working to combine the use of artificial intelligence to analyze satellite imagery with the development of algorithms which identify patterns over a given time period in order to identify irregular trends which might indicate a negative biodiversity impact. In the future, organizations will not only be able to identify the areas of greatest concern, but also benefit from predictive solutions for nature conservation. The first pilot, currently being developed, will analyze grasslands and savannahs in East Africa.

Predicting & preventing epidemic risk - The second project focuses on predicting hotspots of emergence for zoonoses – diseases that jump between species, including humans. Atos teams are developing machine learning algorithms to analyze demographic, environmental, animal health and pathogen data, in order to identify patterns and predict the risk of new diseases. These solutions will complement existing surveillance systems by providing predictive data, to help governments and organizations anticipate and take preventive actions before the threat of an epidemic becomes a reality. A pilot is being developed to analyze data available in the Mekong basin.

Improving tech tools - The third project aims at improving an existing solution known as SMART - a Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool – which is already used by 50,000 agents in 80 countries to support wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Atos experts are developing a streamlined, more efficient process with SMART’s IT team, to enhance its usability in the field. In addition, they are developing improved dashboards and visualization options to give users greater and more granular insight into their data. They are also enhancing SMART with a tool to support users working to shift ‘conflict to coexistence’, that is, holistically manage conflicts between humans and wildlife to create mutual benefits of coexistence.

Atos and WWF to help advance decarbonization initiatives for industries

Atos and WWF have envisioned to analyze every year, an industry which has a significant carbon footprint, to identify its main decarbonization levers and provide recommendations to accelerate their decarbonization efforts. The first report focuses on shipping, which accounted for around 80% of global trade by volume in 2022, and is responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions*.

Since the publication of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee's new greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy in July 2023, Atos and WWF teams have compiled the literature devoted to the decarbonization of shipping into a comprehensive report. They found that most research focuses on new fuels and ship design, initiatives that could take a long time to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions. In order to provide sustainability leaders with a clear and more achievable mid-term roadmap, the research focuses on energy efficiency, operational levers and concrete use cases where digital technology can help the shipping industry decarbonize its operations.

Atos to support on-site WWF France biodiversity projects

As part of the partnership, Atos supports two carbon capture and restoration projects managed by WWF France:

the Posidonia project, which aims to protect the meadows of Posidonia, a plant noticeable by its extensive capacity to stock carbon, in the Mediterranean region,

the Nature Impact project for the conservation or restoration of forest biodiversity in France, using the approach developed by WWF based on Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES).

Atos and WWF to encourage employee involvement in sustainability projects driven by WWF

Many of Atos employees are already regularly involved in volunteer work and environmental preservation. Atos and WWF aim to facilitate and encourage their commitment with a dedicated program that will integrate onsite and digital volunteering opportunities in one platform compliant with CSR reporting frameworks. The first engagement programs for Atos employees will be launched in pilot countries in 2024.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 107,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space

MAGGI Empowers The Next Wave Of Home Cooks With MAGGI Apna Food Business

MAGGI is excited to introduce the latest edition of its unique initiative, 'MAGGI Apna Food Business.' This edition signifies a new chapter as MAGGI prepares to support budding home cooks across the country. MAGGI aims to empower aspiring content creators with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful culinary content creators. The winners will also have the opportunity to win INR 5 lakhs in seed capital to kickstart their own online food channel.

MAGGI has been a trusted companion over the last four decades in India, igniting the culinary curiosity of budding chefs. With the MAGGI portfolio, millions of homemakers and foodpreneurs are delighting people with extraordinary dishes each day. In line with the commitment towards fostering culinary talent and innovation, MAGGI Apna Food Business is offering individuals the perfect platform to embark on their journey as food content creators. Further to this, every registrant also gets a thoughtfully crafted starter kit. This kit comprises all the essential tools and guidance required to foray into the realm of food content creation.

Commenting on this initiative Rajat Jain, Director, Foods business, Nestlé India said, “Over the years MAGGI has evolved into a symbol of empowerment, innovation, and a celebration of the culinary arts. ‘MAGGI Apna Food Business’ is another testament of our unwavering commitment towards celebrating the chefs and being their ally. We would like to thank our partners: India Food Network and some of the most prominent food influencers in India, Kabita Singh (KabitasKitchen), Madhura Bachal (MadhurasRecipe), Teja Paruchuri (Vismai Foods), and Tanhisikha Mukherjee (Tanhir Paakshala), who have joined hands with us in this endeavour.

In our country, numerous individuals who possess remarkable culinary skills, aspire to venture into content creation. However, they require the essential direction, expertise, and resources to initiate their own online food channel. MAGGI Apna Food Business is designed to provide them with the initial support they need to turn their dreams into reality.”

Registration for ‘MAGGI Apna Food Business’ is now open, inviting all aspiring food content creators to seize this remarkable opportunity and be part of something that's not just bigger and bolder but better in every way. To ensure the ease of accessibility for all, a missed call to 9289722997 is all it takes to register for MAGGI Apna Food Business initiative. The participants can even choose the language in which they would like to register and receive content in English, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada and Telugu. Like its debut edition, this edition also aims at being a step-by-step guide for culinary enthusiasts to explore their passions, create mouth-watering content, and connect with audiences across the nation.

PURE EV Launches Eco Dryft 350: Electric Motorcycle Packed With 171 KM Range & Performance

PURE EV proudly announces the launch of its new motorcycle variant, ecoDryft 350 with a range of 171 KM. ecoDryft 350 is positioned as the longest-range e-Motorcycle in the Commuter segment (~110 CC), that boasts an array of features tailored to enhance rider experience for Indian roads.

With a remarkable 171 KM on a single charge, ecoDryft 350 is best suited for consumers who travel extensively on a daily basis and, at the same time, looking for monthly savings to the tune of INR 7000 & above. This electric motorcycle is powered by a 3.5 kWh Li-Ion battery, 3 KW Powertrain integrated with 6 MCUs providing processing power more than a smart phone. It boasts a top speed of 75 KMPH with 40 NM torque and in three different modes, aligning with the needs of motorcycle riders.

ecoDryft 350 stands out with features designed to enhance the overall rider experience. From Reverse Mode, Coasting Regen, and Hill-Start Assist to Down-Hill Assist and Parking Assist, which help to distinguish itself from an average 2W ICE vehicle. The vehicle's Smart AI takes center stage in ensuring battery longevity as per the State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH).

The ecoDryft 350 is not merely any other electric motorcycle; it's a strategic step towards reshaping e-Motorcycle market, acting as a direct competition to motorcycles like Hero Splendor, Honda Shine, Bajaj Platina in the 110 CC segment.

The ecoDryft 350 comes to market at a convenient price of RS 1,29,999 and with easy EMI options starting from INR 4,000 per month and making it a compelling choice for those seeking value for money and environment friendly transport option. The ecoDryft 350 is available for purchase at over 100 exclusive PURE dealerships, offering appealing financing alternatives with the most competitive rates through partnerships with HeroFincorp, L&T Financial Services, ICICI etc.

Highlighting the launch of ecoDryft 350, Mr. Rohit Vadera, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said, "At PURE EV, we are committed to provide pragmatic and sustainable mobility solutions to the masses in India. The ecoDryft 350 is a testament to our dedication to providing value products to our loyal consumer base. We believe it will redefine the way India commutes in the near future, offering a reliable and eco-friendly alternative in the 110 CC segment. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on the electric vehicle landscape. The launch aligns with PURE's broader vision to bring long range vehicles with fully integrated new-age features''.

Unlike conventional product launches, PURE has already deployed ecoDryft 350 to major outlets and consumers can start taking test drives and bookings across Pan India outlets.

Emirates World’s First Airline To Operate A380 Demonstration Flight With 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Dubai’s flag carrier, Emirates, has completed an Airbus A380 demonstration flight using 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), making it the first airline in the world to do so.

Emirates test flight EK2641 took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) after 11.36 am with one of four Airbus A380’s powered by SAF. It returned to DXB at 12.12 pm, after circling the Dubai coastline.

The 100% drop-in SAF used on today’s flight includes renewable aromatics and closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet fuel. This is the first time that drop-in SAF has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems.

The flight carried four tonnes of SAF, comprised of HEFA-SPK provided by Neste (hydro processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene) and HDO-SAK from Virent (hydro deoxygenated synthetic aromatic kerosene).

ENOC helped to secure the neat SAF comprised of HEFA-SPK, and blended it with Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAK) at its facility in Dubai International Airport ahead of the demonstration, and also carried out into-plane services.

Tanker arrive to fill sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Emirates Airbus A380 test flight EK2641 which took off from Dubai International Airport with one of A380 jumbo jet's engines to be powered by SAF.

According to Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Airline, the test flight conducted today paves the way for future standardisation, qualification and adoption for 100 per cent SAF flying.

He said, “Emirates is the first passenger airline in the world to operate an A380 with 100 per cent drop-in SAF (sustainable fuel blended with conventional fuel) powering one of four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines.” The PW980 auxiliary power unit (APU) from Pratt and Whitney Canada also ran on 100 per cent SAF.

Al Redha said the test also marks a significant step in validating the use of SAF in one of the engines of the A380, a wide-body aircraft with four engines.

This is the first time drop-in SAF (sustainable fuel blended with conventional fuel) has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems.

SAF needed on a large-scale

Al Redha said, “Now that we have completed this test, the next step would be to ensure the availability of the fuel in various airports. We rely on fuel suppliers to start manufacturing and producing such fuel in the required volume, and that will be the challenge.” He added, “We’re just in the beginning of it and that’s why we’re not seeing the quantity we need but I expect in the next five to seven years we will see a major step-change in this direction.”

The growing global demand for lower-emission jet fuel alternatives is there, said Al Redha. “However, there’s work (cut out) for producers and suppliers to commercialise SAF and make it available will be critical in the coming years,” he explained.

World’s First 3D Printed Temple By Apsuja Infratech In Collaboration With Simpliforge Creations Unveiled In Telangana unveiled In Siddipet

The future of architecture, technology, and spiritual marvel converge in an extraordinary construction as Apsuja Infratech in collaboration with Simpliforge Creations proudly announced the inauguration of the world’s first 3D Printed Hindu Temple at Charvitha Meadows. Nestled in the heart of Burugupally, Vayupuri, Siddipet, this iconic temple stands tall, a testament to pioneering innovation and cultural heritage. Mr. Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, Managing Director, Apsuja Infratech, Mr Amit Ghule, Chief Operating Officer & Mr Waseem Chaudhary, Chief Technology Officer – Simpliforge Creations today inaugurated the temple.

Crafted meticulously over months of dedicated work, the temple embodies the union of tradition and cutting-edge technology. This architectural marvel, standing at 35.5 ft tall and spanning across 4,000 square feet, stands as an awe-inspiring testament to human ingenuity and devotion.

Scheduled for public to visit from 24th November 2023, following the completion of the Prathistapana, the temple welcomes devotees and enthusiasts to experience its spiritual aura and architectural brilliance.

Speaking at the occasion Mr. Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, Managing Director, Apsuja Infratech said that "Bringing divine visions to life through the synergy of innovation and tradition, the 3D-built Hindu temple at Charvitha Meadows in Siddipet stands as a testament to our dedication in merging technology with spirituality, forging a sacred space that transcends time and elevates the soul." 

Mr Amit Ghule, Chief Operating Officer said “This is a first-of-its-kind 3D Temple not just in India but in the world. This construction takes care of the structural requirements, principles of temple design, 3D printing requirements, while dealing with the challenges of in-site construction. This proof of concept also sets the stage for future applications of Simpliforge's robust systems in inaccessible areas like frontiers, high altitude areas, desserts and snowy regions with applications in challenging terrain, disaster hit areas and defence applications.” 

Mr Waseem Chaudhary, Chief Technology Officer, remarked, "The Garbhagudis have been meticulously designed to enhance the resonance of Vedic chants, mesmerizing devotees with their reverberations. Drawing inspiration from the Puri Jagannath temple style, the Gopuram designs showcase our commitment to architectural finesse and cultural heritage."

Breaking barriers in construction and design, the temple was meticulously built using Simpliforge’s patented 3D Printable Construction material, Simplicrete. The sanctums and dome Spires, including the Modaka, Shivalay, and Lotus Garbhagudis, were crafted entirely through on-site 3D printing, a process that took across 70 days of continuous printing. The temple’s Mandapam slab was constructed using traditional methods, emphasizing the fusion of conventional techniques with futuristic innovation.

Moreover, this ground-breaking endeavour stands as a testament to Apsuja Infratech’s and Simpliforge’s dedication to innovation and drive for automation in construction. Noteworthy points include the temple being built 100% on location, signifying the accelerated pace and structural robustness achievable through 3D printing technology. With this radical achievement, Apsuja Infratech and Simpliforge Creations have not only carved a niche for themselves in the construction industry but have also positioned India as a global pioneer in 3D printed architecture.