Emirates Skywards Hits the 20-Year Mark with Over 27 Million Members

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has marked 20 years of excellence, innovation and unmatched rewards. Over the past two decades – the loyalty programme has continued to grow its membership base by offering value and rich, personalised experiences to its members around the world.

The programme has continually invested to diversify its brand partnerships, and utilise innovative digital technology, so that it can offer its members across the globe with more ways to earn and enjoy rewards, conveniently and via new touchpoints.

From a million members in 2005, to 27 million members in 2020

The loyalty programme has 27 million members worldwide, of which, more than 32,000 are founding members who joined the programme in 2000 and are still active. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Emirates Skywards is offering members double Tier Miles on any flight booked by 10 December, for travel until 31 March 2021,* while founding members can earn double Tier Miles and double Skywards Miles on any flight booked by 10 December, for travel until 31 August 2021*

Emirates Skywards members come from more than 180 countries, including: 3.5 million members in the United Kingdom, 2.7 million in the United States, 2 million in Australia, 1.9 million in India, and 1.9 million in the United Arab Emirates.

Offering more flexibility, choice, and ways to earn on the ground

Emirates Skywards has expanded its range of partners over the past 20 years to create new, exciting and exceptional value offerings for its diverse membership base. The loyalty programme currently has nearly 200 partners, including: 16 airline partners; more than 100 hotel partners; 33 financial partners, 22 retail and lifestyle partners, 7 car rental partners.

Earlier this year, the loyalty programme launched skywardsmilesmall.com – introducing over a thousand new ways to earn Miles while shopping online with popular UK and US brands. Expanding its financial partnerships, the loyalty programme has launched the Emirates Skywards Mastercard® in partnership with Barclays – its first Emirates branded credit card in the U.S allowing customers to accumulate even more Skywards Miles on their everyday spend and travel purchases.

‘My Family’ programme, which launched in 2018, has enhanced its features to now accept family members pooling up to 100% of all Skywards Miles earned, not just on Emirates flights - allowing customers to redeem rewards even faster than before.

Members can also earn thousands of Miles with Emirates Skywards Hotels at over 400,000 hotels, in over 900 destinations worldwide – and up to 2,500 bonus Miles per night, when using a co-branded Emirates Skywards credit card for payment.

Emirates Skywards’ introduction of personalised offers integrated within the booking flow is an industry-first loyalty benefit, whereby logged-in members can avail enhanced Cash+Miles redemption rates and discounted Miles Upgrades when booking flights directly on emirates.com and the Emirates app. These exclusive offers are tailored to suit each member’s preference – offering vast opportunities to save on travel costs.

Enhanced customer experience

Members can enjoy more personalised offerings at their fingertips through four Skywards apps – Emirates app (Skywards section integrated within), Emirates Skywards Go (offering dining and leisure offers in 160 destinations), Emirates Skywards Cabforce (booking taxis in over 100 cities in more than 25 countries), and Skywards Everyday (allowing members to earn Miles instantly when shopping at beauty and wellness stores, dining, groceries, luxury, leisure and entertainment outlets, as well as other services across the UAE). Members can download the Skywards Everyday app from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

Emirates Skywards also has a partnership with The Dubai Mall, rewarding members with Skywards Miles when shopping at over 1,300 brands, dining at over 200 outlets and visiting attractions at the world’s largest shopping destination.

Reassuring members during COVID-19

With continued travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Emirates Skywards is offering its members reassurance and flexibility during this difficult time.

Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members have had their tier review dates extended to enable an additional 12 months at their current status.

The loyalty programme has also extended the validity of any Skywards Miles due to expire from April 2020 until 31 March 2021. Members can also redeem Miles up to 11 months in advance for an extensive range of rewards.*

More than 50 industry awards in 20 years

As a pioneer in the industry – Emirates Skywards has scooped more than 50 awards over the past 20 years including Best Frequent Flyer Programme from Business Traveller Middle East (2019) and Middle East's Leading Airline Rewards Programme from World Travel Awards (2019). This year, Emirates Skywards was ranked top 10 Best Frequent Flyer Program by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice 2020 – recognised for its industry leading initiatives and innovative product offerings.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com/skywards.

*Terms and conditions apply 

About Emirates Skywards

Emirates Skywards offers four tiers of membership: Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum, with each tier earning exclusive privileges. Emirates Skywards members earn Skywards Miles with partners ranging from airlines, hotels and car rentals to financial, leisure and lifestyle brands. Skywards Miles can be spent on an extensive range of rewards, including flight tickets on partner airlines, flight upgrades, hotel stays, tickets, hospitality at sporting and cultural events, tours and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Meditronic Launches First Pacemaker that Can Communicate Directly with Patients' Smartphones and Tablets

India Medtronic Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), today announced the launch of the Azure™ pacemaker with BlueSync™ technology – India’s first and only pacemaker that can communicate directly with patients’ smartphones and tablets. The latest addition to Medtronic’s Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure portfolio in India, Azure is designed to accurately detect and reduce the likelihood of atrial fibrillation. It offers improved longevity (up to 13.7 years), so patients potentially need fewer device replacements and allows patients to have MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans in either 1.5 or 3 Tesla (T) machines.

Azure features Medtronic-exclusive BlueSync technology, which enables automatic, secure wireless communication via Bluetooth Low Energy and remote monitoring via the Medtronic CareLink™ Network, providing more timely alerts of clinically relevant patient events that can be reviewed by a clinician at any time. Security controls implemented and validated on BlueSync enabled devices include access restrictions to protect integrity of device functionality and end-to end encryption to protect patient data.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular, rapid heart rate that may cause symptoms like heart palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. AF occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat out of rhythm. As a result, blood is not pumped efficiently to the rest of the body, causing an unusually fast heart rate, quivering, or thumping sensations in the heart.

“The launch of Azure, our most advanced pacemaker, is testament to our commitment toward re-imagining innovation and delivering improved outcomes while reducing the burden on healthcare systems. The pacemaker communicates directly and securely with the MyCareLink Heart™ mobile app - an important advancement in the ongoing quest to constantly monitor patient condition remotely. Remote monitoring of heart conditions allows patients to receive expert medical advice from their physician while at home or traveling instead of making multiple trips to the hospital. It is a boon for heart patients and caregivers, especially in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, providing peace of mind and freedom,” said Madan Krishnan, Vice President, India Medtronic Pvt Ltd and Minimally Invasive Therapies Group APAC.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Medtronic and the Medtronic logos are trademarks of Medtronic. All other Medtronic products are trademarks of a Medtronic company.

Raymond Appoints Joe Kuruvilla as the New CEO of Raymond Lifestyle

Raymond Limited today announced the reinforcement of its management team at Raymond Lifestyle with the appointment of Joe Kuruvilla as the Chief Executive Officer. Joe was till recently the Vice President - Digital Transformation, Media and E-Commerce for East Europe at Unilever PLC. The recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, Ganesh Kumar will report to Joe and work with Joe to execute the transformation agenda for the business as it emerges from the nationwide lockdown due to the global pandemic.

Raymond Lifestyle is the flagship division of the company which includes branded textile and apparel business including brands like Park Avenue, Colour Plus, Parx, ethnix and Khadi and one of the largest distribution network in the country. Joe will drive strategy, vision, and Product portfolio enhancement for Raymond Lifestyle. Global market development will also be a key area of focus for him. Further, he will be responsible for digital adoption, and alignment to emerging consumer needs while Ganesh Kumar will continue to focus on internal organization, omni-channel distribution, driving operational efficiencies and enhanced process alignment. Ganesh will also lead the Fabrics & Garmenting businesses.

Commenting on the development, Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, Raymond Ltd. said, “We are charting a refreshed approach in our Lifestyle business as we emerge in the new normal. The strengthening of the management team with the addition of Joe Kuruvilla is an exciting development and in line with our commitment to invest in global talent to enhance the scale of our business. We keenly look forward to consolidate our leadership position in the market as also develop our recent offerings with comprehensive integrated digital first outlook.”

Joe has spent all his working career at Unilever PLC starting as a Management trainee.  He also been the Vice President - Marketing for Home Care and Beauty & Personal Care for East Europe region, leading Unilever’s fastest growing business in European Union. Joe, who has also worked in India in various capacities, is a Civil Engineer with an MBA in Marketing from Pune University and has done Executive Education from IIM (A) and Columbia Business School, New York.

About Raymond Limited

Raymond is India’s largest integrated worsted suiting manufacturer that offers end-to-end solutions for fabrics and garmenting. Over the years, Raymond has been synonymous with quality, innovation and market leadership. It has some of the leading brands within its portfolio – ‘Raymond Ready to Wear’, ‘Park Avenue’, ‘ColorPlus’, ‘Parx’, ‘Raymond Made to Measure’ amongst others. Raymond has one of the largest exclusive retail networks in the country with over 1,500 stores in more than 600 towns.

Raymond also has presence in FMCG sector through Raymond Consumer care that offers wide range of products in men’s personal grooming category and personal hygiene. The group also has presence in engineering and auto components across national and international markets. In 2019, Raymond has also forayed into the realty sector through the launch of its maiden project ‘aspirational district’ spread across 14 acres housing ~3,000 residential units.

Having enjoyed the patronage of over a billion consumers, Raymond as a brand has been consistently delivering world class quality products to its consumers over the past nine decades.

Microsoft India Announces Public Preview of Power Automate Desktop Solution to Help Businesses Accelerate Transformation with RPA

Microsoft India has announced the public preview of its Power Automate Desktop, a new desktop-based Robotic Process Automate (RPA) solution that expands low-code automation capabilities for organizations. Part of Microsoft Power Automate service, this solution enables coders and non-coders alike to automate processes and tasks across desktop and web applications with minimal effort from a single intelligent platform. From simple data transfers to complex business workflows, the solution helps businesses automate repetitive, manual tasks and focus on higher-value work to achieve more.

Power Automate Desktop’s intuitive design environment allows non-coders to automate processes quickly without writing a single line of code. It also provides complete control and flexibility for advanced users, programmers and developers in a scalable and secure environment. It further democratizes the RPA capabilities within Power Automate by providing a desktop automation option for citizen developers and business users.

Commenting on the announcement, Irina Ghose Executive Director - Cloud Solutions, Microsoft India, said, “Organizations and IT departments are seeking ways to quickly adapt to the unprecedented pace of change across every industry around the world. With Microsoft Power Automate Desktop, we aim to empower organizations automate tasks across the desktop and web, using an integrated platform to complete tasks at speed and scale. It enables businesses to free their knowledge-workers from time-consuming and repetitive jobs and focus on strategic tasks to deliver higher value to customers. Organizations can minimize human errors, simplify workflows, reduce maintenance effort and cost, and improve scalability while ensuring security. This will play a vital role in transforming and reimagining their  businesses in the new normal.” 

Power Automate Desktop handles both Attended RPA (repetitive tasks like front-office activities) and Unattended RPA (back-office processes) with equal efficiency. The advanced functionalities in the Power Automate Desktop environment enables organizations to:

Accelerate automation with an easy-to-use visual designer: Power Automate Desktop empowers all users to automate tasks or processes right from their Windows machines. The drag-and-drop visual designer and live debugging tool make it possible to automate processes by placing the steps in a logical manner, helping turn ideas into reality in a clear, simple way.

Simulate multiple scenarios with the web and desktop recorders: Users can automate their favorite web apps with the Web Recorder or capture on-screen elements for Windows apps with the Desktop Recorder. The recorders track keyboard and mouse interactions and translate them into a clear automation path that can be replayed across web apps and any Windows applications.

Automate between Windows applications with key actions: Users can automate both modern, Windows applications and legacy systems with a diverse set of actions—without making changes to their existing IT infrastructure. A single flow can support tasks across systems that include SAP, websites, and legacy terminals such as mainframes and AS/400, Citrix, among others

Reduce bottlenecks with flexible exception handling: The solution enables users to prepare handler errors at any point in the automation process. It ensures automations run with precision and speed by setting up safeguards such as retries, alternate execution or notifications when errors occur. Each action in the script supports no-code error and exception handling, and execution logs that include error details and screenshots to help with troubleshooting.

Power Automate Desktop is available worldwide in English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. Earlier this year, Microsoft acquired Softomotive, a London-based RPA solutions provider, to expand low-code, robotic process automation capabilities in Microsoft Power Automate, strengthening the ability for anyone to automate processes. Microsoft Power Automate service is being used by more than 350,000 organizations worldwide to build and deploy custom, end-to-end business solutions using low-code solutions.

IBM Splits Into 2 Companies But Won't Impact Indian Operations, Says CEO Arvind Krishna

As IBM splits into two companies globally, separating the heritage IT infrastructure-managed services business from the futuristic hybrid cloud and AI piece, Arvind Krishna, Indian-born chief executive officer (CEO) of the technology major, has said the split will have “no material impact” on its Indian operations and structure while it unlocks enough potential in the country in both the spaces.

The separation, he said, would come into force in the second quarter of 2021, creating two companies globally as well as in India with different heads.

We will have two entities in India but it will take a year to play out. I expect most people to find a place in one or the other (company),” said Krishna, who succeeded Ginni Rometty as CEO in January this year.

“We have not done the full employee split but close to 100 per cent of our clients get touched by our infrastructure-managed services employees. Maybe about one-third to one-fourth of our India employees will be part of the new company.”

Unlike many global technology companies, IBM is uniquely positioned in India, which is not only a large market for the Big Blue but also houses a big chunk of its global employee base.

Over 33 per cent of IBM’s global workforce of around 380,000 are estimated to be located out of India. The technology major, which reported revenues of Rs 26,542 crore from the Indian market in FY19, counts several large banks including the State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda, and telcos such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone among its clients.

Krishna said the company saw huge opportunities in the hybrid cloud space, where the company is uniquely positioned as compared with Microsoft and AWS.

Two of the largest telecom operators in the country, including Airtel and Vodafone, he said, are using its platform while SBI has partnered it for the cloud transformation of its banking app Yono.

“People have to work in an environment that involves both public and private clouds, and we believe that we have the best answer (for that) that is based on open technology. It allows you to run (your data) anywhere and when you run across multiple environments,” said Krishna, who graduated from IIT-Kanpur and has a PhD from University of Illinois. He has been with IBM since 1990.

The CEO said he expected the firm’s India footprint to grow stronger both in its services as well as software and R&D business.

“As our business expands in services, there will be opportunities for employment, promotions, skills, and interactions with university and all of that.”

With the separation of two businesses, IBM expects the hybrid cloud and AI-focused company would target $1 trillion while managed infrastructure will also continue to grow with a $500 billion market opportunity.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Come Together to Express Gratitude to Healthcare Warriors

Continuing its efforts to motivate and encourage employees to partake in social causes, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, today, conducted its 18th ICARE activity, in Bangalore, spreading the message of respect and care for all human beings. Staying true to the company’s key social values of sustained community development, this time around, 380 employees came together to make personalized thank you e-cards for our indomitable frontline warriors in the fight against Covid pandemic. These e-cards will be distributed to the healthcare workers who are at the forefront which includes doctors, nurses and support staff from hospitals namely Victoria Hospital, KC General Hospital and CV Raman Hospital in Bangalore.

As a part of this activity, TKM employees came together virtually through an e-enabled platform to make more than 500 personalized thank you e-cards for the healthcare warriors for their selfless contribution to save lives. This initiative acted as a platform for the volunteers to engage with each other and shower gratitude to healthcare warriors.

Sharing his thoughts on this activity, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Senior Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At TKM, we have been constantly striving for holistic and sustainable development of the local community through our CSR initiatives. Through ICARE platform we share our creative and best practices with the society and work towards bringing about a positive change in the community we live. We are happy to see the active participation of our employees in each of the ICARE activities. This platform has helped us connect together as one Toyota family and further amplify our CSR efforts to cover a wider spectrum, reaching out to more communities and inspiring more employees to work for the betterment of the society.”

‘ICARE’– an employee voluntary initiative, is an effort aligned with the company’s commitment to sustained community development.  TKM believes that it is important for the employees to align with our morals and principles to make key contributions to the nation and society at large. This drive actively involves the employees and strives to enhance their understanding on various societal issues, contributing to address vital needs within TKM’s CSR framework. Since its launch in 2017, ICARE has grown manifold and managed to create a large impact in the society which benefited more than 45,000 lives. Currently, more than 800 employees have been registered under TKM’s ICARE initiative. So far, TKM has implemented 18 ICARE activities in the area of Education, Environment, Road Safety, Skill Development, Disaster Management and supporting special children by creating massive transformation in the society and providing enriching experience to employees every time.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor will further continue its various CSR activities keeping the development perspective of socio-economic structure of the society, providing aids to many individual’s lives to make a difference in their livelihood.

TECNO CAMON 16 Set to Redefine Photography with 64 MP Camera and Pioneering Eye Auto Focus

* Priced at INR 10,999, CAMON 16 becomes the first and only smartphone to feature 64MP Quad camera & Eye Auto focus under 11K

* TECNO CAMON 16 will be available on Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale (https://rb.gy/jjp5mr)  starting 16th October 2020

TECNO, the global premium smartphone brand that has a track record of introducing innovative products with premium features in the mid-budget segment, today launched the TECNO CAMON 16 with a 64 MP Quad camera set-up and the game-changing Eye Auto Focus feature to provide a stellar photography experience to category consumers. The smartphone will effectively allow photography enthusiasts to take pro-quality photographs. The smartphone’s excellent camera ability will allow TECNO to gain a firm foothold in India’s mid-budget smartphone market and command substantial market share in the Aspirational Bharat. 

The introduction of TECNO CAMON 16 will further redefine the mid-budget smartphone segment. The new camera modules supplemented by the automatic eye- focusing technology will bring unprecedented clear photography experiences for users. TECNO’s CAMON 2020 smartphone range earmark the era of higher camera pixels, premium AI-enabled Ultra Night lens powered by TAIVOS™ (TECNO AI Vision Optimization Solution) technology and human eye tracking feature for sharper focus at an incredibly affordable price points that will set new standards for competition in the segment.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TRANSSION India said, “With TECNO’s CAMON portfolio, we are constantly pushing the boundary to make cutting-edge mobile camera technology available to everyone at a competitive price. Our CAMON products seek to constantly transform users photography experience. CAMON 16 launch continues to be part of our “For India” approach that aims to disrupt the mid-budget segment with products customized to cater to Indian sensibilities in a better way.  We are launching this product in India first before other countries. Designed for young millennials and Gen Z consumers, TECNO CAMON 16 pioneers the most affordable ‘64MP Quad cam with Auto Eye Focus feature in the under-11K segment. We are confident that with this new festive product portfolio, we will amaze the consumer and consolidate our brand position in the Indian smartphone market.”

TECNO CAMON 16 Will be Available in Two Colour Variants: Cloud White and Purist Blue.

Key USP’s of CAMON 16:

* Segment first 64MP AI Quad Rear Camera with Eye Auto Focus

The CAMON 16 features a Quad Rear Camera setup with a 64 MP Primary Lens, 2 MP Blurred Depth of Field Lens, 2 MP Macro Lens and an AI Lens with Penta Flash. Explore pro photography modes such as Night Portrait, Macro, Body-shaping, 10x Zoom, etc or shoot perfect Slow-motion, video Bokeh or 2K QHD videos for a memorable experience. While the unique Eye Auto focus feature, found on a few high end smartphones and mostly DSLR cameras, enables one to stabilize focus around the eyes and makes the portraits sharp.

-Super Night Shot powered by TAIVOS

Equipped with world's exclusive trademark TAIVOS™ (TECNO AI Vision Optimization Solution) technology, that filters image noise and better optimizes photo and video output quality. The powerful match of software and hardware together support unimaginable clear and smooth photography experiences. The TAIVOS Technology along with an aperture of f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, YUV Encoding, 4-in-1 pixel binning and 7 flash lights in total enabling one to capture super clear night shots with vivid colors.

* 16 MP Dot-In-Selfie camera – All eyes will be on your selfie

The CAMON 16 sports a 6.8” HD + Dot-In-Display that seemly integrates the front camera, & light sensor that boasts an 89.1% screen-to-body ratio, super wide view, and a much more efficient display of information. It comes with 16MP AI Selfie Camera with Built in Eye Autofocus technique for brilliant portraits. Bright night selfies with the Super Night Shot and professional video modes including 2K QHD recording, Video Bokeh, video beauty and short videos makes it an ultimate choice for Selfie Lovers. Click all day every day.

- Power your game with Helio G70 SoC Processor

Now enjoy seamless mobile experience on your CAMON 16 that is powered by MediaTek Helio G70 SoC processor which is a Hyper Engine Fast AI performer that is great for gaming and daily robust usage. Multiply your delight with 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM internal storage that will make you a smooth multi-tasker!

* Massive 5000 mAh Battery with fast charge

The CAMON 16 houses a powerful 5000 mAh battery which provides a standby time of 29 days, 34 hours calling time, 16 hours web browsing, 22 hours video playback, 15 hours game playing and 180 hours music playback. The CAMON 16 also comes with an 18W Fast Charging support enabling the device to get fully charged in approx. 2 hours.

* HiOS 7.0 based on Android 10

The CAMON 16 runs on Hios 7.0 based on Android 10, which is loaded with new features like Video Caller ringtone, Smart Scanner, Auto Ear Pickup, Gesture Flashlight and Photo Compressor, altogether providing for a seamless, premium smartphone experience.