Cleartrip Partners With Axis Bank; Unlocks Industry-First Benefits For 12.5 Million Users

Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, and Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India partner to introduce a one-of-a-kind proposition to provide travel benefits to all the existing and new Axis Bank credit cardholders booking through Cleartrip. This collaboration offers customers an array of privileges for domestic flight bookings, including seats valued up to INR 1200, free meals worth up to INR 500, exemption from convenience fees, and the choice to cancel and reschedule flights for a mere Re. 1 under CT FlexMax. Additionally, Axis Bank credit cardholders can access specially curated travel offers without having to wait for collecting/redeem points to enjoy the benefits.

The strategic partnership marks a stark departure from the conventional standards of booking discounts for domestic flights. In the current market landscape, most Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) focus on offering instant cash discounts through partnerships with banks. However, they offset these discounts by imposing substantial convenience fees and additional charges for seats and meals. Furthermore, they often demand a premium for flexible bookings, limited to just cancellations or date changes. In contrast, our program stands out by offering a comprehensive suite of services at a nominal fee of Re.1. This approach eliminates the need for heavy discounts to be covered by inflated convenience fees.

Elaborating on this partnership, Ayyappan R., CEO, Cleartrip said, “Cleartrip is deeply invested in disrupting the OTA space through a transparent and customer-centric approach. Our partnership with Axis Bank is an extension of this commitment. This will include features such as flexible bookings, cancellation options, and date changes, all without any additional costs. This unique proposition truly sets us apart in the market. and is set to benefit close to 12.5 million customers.”

He further adds, “Axis Bank is a trusted financial player with a strong affiliation with Flipkart and a large user base. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to strengthening this collaboration and elevating our value proposition.”

Speaking on this announcement, Sanjeev Moghe, President & Head, Cards & Payments, Axis Bank, said, “We are delighted to partner with Cleartrip, a brand that shares our vision to provide unmatched customer experiences. We continue to build on innovation-led partnership models to offer customers a value proposition specifically designed to cater to their evolving needs, while delivering greater convenience and more benefits. We have observed that the travel segment is a high engagement area for our customers and this one-of-a-kind proposition with Cleartrip will add immense value to our customers’ travel plans.”

The Cleartrip-Axis Bank collaboration is poised to shape the future of travel with its comprehensive suite of privileges. With customer-centricity fuelling the company's growth, Cleartrip will continue to look at unique value propositions for its users while ensuring sustained growth for the business.

About Cleartrip

Launched in July 2006, Cleartrip Pvt Ltd., a Flipkart company, has emerged as India’s fastest-growing online travel technology company. In April 2021, Flipkart acquired 100% of Cleartrip’s shareholding. Cleartrip recently emerged as the no. 2 OTA player as per a recent study by VIDEC. With an aggressive plan to emerge as a leading innovator in the industry, Cleartrip is on its way to building a differentiated value proposition for its customers looking for end-to-end travel solutions. With industry-first offerings such as ‘CT Flexmax, CT Flex, and CT Upgrade’, Cleartrip has a clear vision to provide innovative solutions in the OTA segment. Combining intuitive products with a customer-centric approach and a wide selection of flights and hotels, Cleartrip brings a unique selling point to the market, offering its customers convenience, choice, competitive prices, and premium content.

About Axis Bank:

About Axis Bank: Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. With its 4,945 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 15,798 ATMs across the country as on 30th June 2023, the network of Axis Bank spreads across 2,754 cities and towns, enabling the Bank to reach out to a large cross-section of customers with an array of products and services. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.

For further information on Axis Bank, refer to the website: https://www.axisbank.com

URBAN-X By MINI Introduced In The Indian Market

* Urban-X supports early-stage startups working to make life in cities more sustainable, livable, and resilient under the global MINI Impact Program.

* Call for applications in India for the global MINI Impact Program from August 2023.

* #URBAN-X #MINIImpactProgram #BIGLOVE #MINIIndia

MINI India announced the launch of URBAN-X by MINI in India. URBAN-X supports Indian urban tech startups for the first time under the global MINI Impact Program. The program supports early-stage startups working to make life in cities more sustainable, livable, and resilient. The program extends to India for the first time along with seven other countries including Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Portugal, France, Spain and Germany.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President BMW Group India, said, “MINI is and has always been an urban brand. Born out of a crisis as a response to the first gasoline crisis in the late 1950's, its small footprint, creative use of space, and innovative design and engineering laid the foundations of an iconic brand. URBAN-X by MINI follows the same creative spirit for startups reimagining city life and has created a leading program for urban tech entrepreneurs, providing them with the network and necessary resources to have an unparallel advantage in scaling up their solutions. With successful launches in markets across the world, URBAN-X is now ready to enter the Indian market. We are delighted to invite Indian startups to share their creative solutions to tackle challenges in our urban cities.”

MINI India along with Utopia, the world's first urban innovation group for urbantech entrepreneurs in emerging cities will identify the right startups in India with the best ideas to tackle urban challenges in India. A combination of experts on all aspects of early-stage venture including leading industry mentors who deeply understand regulated industries, urban design and planning with an extensive knowledge base as well as a dense network of VCs and partners will evaluate applications from startups. Founders can participate by applying at https://urban-x.com/programs/mini-impact-program.

One winning team from India will participate in the 4-week program by URBAN-X that provides a tailored journey to get to ‘product-market fit’ through an intensive and immersive program, both virtually and for a week on campus at the URBAN-X headquarters in Newlab, Brooklyn, New York.

Entrepreneurs from participating countries will receive support tailored to the stage and needs of their startup. For idea stage startups, the experts will focus on customer discovery, business roadmap, and pitching the solutions. For seed stage companies, product and pitch will be reviewed, a strategy to enter the market framed, and the supply chain assessed.

Ideas for the fight against climate change.

In the 7 years since its inception, URBAN-X has already supported over 100 startups developing novel, scalable solutions. As the fight against climate change has never been more urgent, the URBAN-X platform was expanded last year with the MINI Impact Program, leveraging MINI’s global distribution network to maximize impact amid growing climate challenges in cities around the world.

About URBAN-X

URBAN-X is the platform for founders reimagining city life. Built by MINI in 2016, URBAN-X partners with startups to build bold technology solutions for a sustainable planet. Breaking from traditional startup program molds, URBAN-X provides early-stage entrepreneurs with tailored support that accelerates growth and builds successful businesses for the next generation of climate and city focused innovators. Find URBAN-X on Twitter & Instagram at @urbanxtech or at https://urban-x.com/.

SAP Labs India Hosts Bengaluru Edition Of Its SAP Inside Track Event With 1300+ Participants

* Some of SAP’s key customers and partners across sectors like Automobile, Manufacturing, Retail, IT and ITeS were present at the event

SAP Labs India recently hosted the Bengaluru edition of the SAP Inside Track (SIT) – a local grassroots community event where SAP Community members come together to share knowledge about SAP related topics. With participation from nearly 1400 community members the event witnessed a huge turnout of customers, partners and freelancers. Some of SAP’s key customers and partners across sectors like Automobile, Manufacturing, retail and IT were present at the event. This was the Largest SAP Inside Track, globally in its 20- year history, a record which SIT Bangalore itself set in the previous edition in March 2023. 

The event was kickstarted with a keynote session by Sindhu Gangadharan, MD and SVP, SAP Labs India, who emphasized on the power of community. This was followed by 70+ tracks comprising multiple sessions by subject experts and industry veteran to their insights on the latest advancements under the SAP product portfolio.

Speaking at the event, Sindhu Gangadharan, SVP and MD, SAP Labs India and Head, SAP User Enablement said, “SAP Inside Track is a community event driven by the people, for the people. This event is a testimony to the thriving SAP community in India. Together, we've created a space where we come together, not as mere attendees, but as partners in learning, collaborators in innovation, and champions of shared knowledge. SAP Inside Track offers the end users a brilliant platform for fostering connections, staying updated on the latest SAP technologies, and gaining recognition for new technical developments. We will continue to build on the power of community to fuel a new generation of SAP experts.”

The SAP Inside Track Bengaluru edition featured 70+ tracks with multiple sessions conducted by subject experts and industry veterans, offering their insights on the latest advancements under the SAP product portfolio. This included SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Build, User Experience (SAP Design Topics) and SAP Concur, to name a few.

The event also had best practice sessions on SAP BTP and Data to value strategy, SAP Business AI and Gen AI Strategy, Rise with SAP, SAP Concur, Sustainability, SAP UX & cross topics among others. It saw speakers from EY, TCS, AWS, Bosch, Ikea, Mercedes Benz, Deloitte, Walmart Global Tech, Capgemini, Razor Pay, etc. who shared their success stories and learnings from integration with SAP. 00+ Participants travelled from multiple cities across India including Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune and Chennai. 

This season saw a dedicated track for hands-on experiences, which saw more than 200 participants building 235 apps on SAP.

About SAP

SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as a sustainable intelligent enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 87% of the world’s total global commerce touches an SAP® system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into sustainable intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives.

For more information, visit www.sap.com

ICC And NIUM Call On Cricket-Loving Technologists To Complete In “Next In” Hackathon

* Calling cricket and technology innovators to register here for the Next In hackathon before 29 September  

* Shortlisted teams will be invited to the hackathon final in early November during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 

The International Cricket Council (ICC), together with official fintech infrastructure partner and leading real-time global payments platform, Nium, (https://www.nium.com)  invited all cricket-loving technologists to revolutionize the sport through cutting-edge innovation as part of the second edition of the Next In hackathon. 

The "Next In" hackathon is a unique platform that brings together technologists from around the world who share a passion for cricket. The second edition promises to be bigger and better offering participants the chance to showcase their skills, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and contribute to the evolution of cricket in a digital age, culminating in the hackathon final in India in early November during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Through this platform, technologists will have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions that can elevate high performance training, enhance fan engagement, and encourage mass participation in the sport. 

This is an opportunity for the global community of sports and technology innovators, to create new and improved fan engagement experiences and facilitate the growth of cricket. Through the ICC’s vision for more players, more fans and more nations enjoying cricket, the hackathon provides a great opportunity to create more opportunities for fans to engage and access the sport. 

The three tracks for participants to focus on are: 

Enhancing team / athlete training experience 

Fan experience – In stadium and at home 

Growing participation in the sport 

There will be no limit to how many technologies are used for each track, but at least one of the below listed technologies must be utilized within the derived applications for the above tracks: 

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning 

Fintech 

AR / VR 

Web3 

Blockchain 

Data Science 

To register to be a part of the hackathon click here (https://hackathon.icc-cricket.com/) and express your interest by 29 September. A shortlist of teams will be invited to build and present their creations to a panel of prestigious judges including hackathon ambassador, Anil Kumble at an exclusive event in India in early November during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. As part of the process there will be knowledge sessions with mentors and meetups in Singapore, Mumbai and San Francisco. 

ICC Head of Digital, Finn Bradshaw said: "I'm thrilled to continue our journey with Nium as we drive the intersection between invention and a collective passion for Cricket. Our focus on three pivotal tracks – High Performance, Fan Engagement, and Grassroots Participation – propels us into an exciting phase. With innovation as our driving force, we're geared up to enhance cricketing experiences at the highest level, foster stronger connections with fans, and nurture budding talent. We're excited about the path ahead and look forward to engaging with the brightest and most passionate minds." 

Jeremiah Glodoveza, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Marketing and Communications at Nium, said: “The Next-In Hackathon has become the showcase for the world’s best technologists to share new experiences that will advance the game we love. We’re proud to celebrate innovation in all forms, whether it’s on the pitch or off. We look forward to seeing how fans are envisioning the future of cricket, in what will no doubt be an amazing hackathon in November.” 

Hackathon Ambassador Anil Kumble said: “I am delighted to be the Next In Hackathon Ambassador for its second edition. I believe there are many new ways of integrating technology into the sport, with data being a key part in how it will shape cricket moving forward. There were some fascinating innovations as part of the inaugural hackathon connecting technology and cricket together and I can’t wait to see what ideas will be presented to us this time around to help make the game more accessible and engaging for fans and cricketers alike.” 

The first ever Next In hackathon saw 9550 teams from 113 countries involved, including 1000 registrants from the USA with the winning idea presented by team ‘Fanisko’. Their solution offered an enhanced live cricket viewing experience through 3D Augmented Reality, allowing users to play the game in real time from the comfort of their homes. The team’s solution was based on Web AR technology, which was integrated within the ICC app and offered in-depth player insights, bringing cricket spectators closer to the action.

Schwing Stetter India Collaborates With SRM Easwari Engineering College; Offers One-Year Internship For Students

Schwing Stetter India, one of the country’s leading construction and concreting equipment manufacturer, has announced its partnership with SRM Easwari Engineering College, Chennai to provide a comprehensive one-year on-the-job training program for engineering students specializing in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, Electronics and Communication, Robotics and Automation, and Automobile Engineering.

The initiative’s goal is to bridge the gap between academia and the industry by giving students practical knowledge and skills. And to ensure that their programme is relevant with current industry standards and practises, Schwing Stetter India has customised the training course to comply with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

As part of the program, selected students will have the opportunity to work closely with Schwing Stetter India's experienced professionals and gain insights into the manufacturing sector. Through hands-on experience and exposure to real projects, students can work on their problem-solving abilities, technical proficiency, and engineering skill development.

Speaking about the importance of such industry academia initiatives, V.G. Sakthikumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Schwing Stetter India said, "Our company's vision is to develop young talent and create a strong connection between academic knowledge and practical application. This collaboration aims to give students the tools they need to succeed in the workplace, spur innovation and make significant contributions to the manufacturing industry."

Furthermore, Schwing Stetter India extends a collective medical insurance scheme to all enrolled students. With a steadfast dedication to the interns' welfare, the company will secure them under this policy, affording coverage worth Rs 1 lakh during their training period.

About Schwing Stetter India Private Limited:

Incorporated in June 1998, and commencing its manufacturing operations in 1999, Schwing Stetter India is a 100% subsidiary of Schwing GmbH, a 1.30 billion USD German concreting machinery manufacturer and a part of the XCMG group. Schwing Stetter is a pioneer in manufacturing equipment for concrete preparation, placement, transportation, and recycling. Schwing Stetter (India) Private Limited manufactures concrete batching plants, concrete placing booms, concrete pumps, concrete truck mixers for transporting readymade concrete to construction sites, concrete truck mixers with concrete pumps, and concrete recycling plants, plastering pumps, self-loading mixers, and sludge pumps.

Schwing Stetter (India) sells and services equipment like concrete pavers, aerial working platforms, all-terrain cranes, cold milling machines, crawler cranes, excavators, horizontal directional drilling, motor grader, rotary drilling rig, tower crane, truck cranes, and wheel loader are our various newer range of equipment that has been launched recently from GOMACO and XCMG. We cater to the requirement of infrastructure developers and act as an OEM supplier to various cement companies that offer ready-mix concrete. Schwing Stetter has its manufacturing units in 12 countries including Germany, Austria, USA, Brazil, Russia, Ostrava, UK, and India supported by sales and service centers in France, Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden as well as representations in more than 150 countries worldwide.

AU Small Finance Bank Redefines Exclusivity With The Launch Of “AU IVY Program” For Ultra HNI Customers

* AU IVY Program sets a new standard in premium banking, offering an unparalleled suite of privileges to elite clientele. 

AU Small Finance Bank, India's largest SFB, has announced the launch of all-new AU ivy program. Designed exclusively for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (Ultra-HNIs), this opulent super premium banking program is a pinnacle of exclusivity, extended through personal invitations to a select group of discerning customers. 

The AU ivy Program is meticulously tailored to cater to the sophisticated needs of distinguished individuals, including CXOs, top-tier professionals, and self-employed entrepreneurs, among others. This initiative is built upon the foundation of cultivating long-lasting relationships and providing a collection of exclusive banking experiences that resonate with the unique aspirations of this elite clientele. 

At the heart of the AU ivy Program lies its most distinguished feature - the '3-in-1 Metallic Debit Card.' This card, built on the esteemed Visa Infinite platform, seamlessly integrates the functions of a debit, forex, and priority pass. It's not just a card, but a gateway to a world of convenience and luxury. Offering a range of complimentary services and a 'no charges” promise, the program stands as a testament to AU Small Finance Bank's commitment to redefine banking experiences. 

Key Features: 

Zero Cross Currency Mark-up: Travelling abroad becomes seamless with 'Zero Cross Currency Mark-up,' eliminating additional charges on international transactions. 

Unlimited Banking Convenience: AU ivy clients enjoy unlimited transactions across any bank's ATM, as well as limitless cash deposit, withdrawal at branches, and digital payments. 

Exclusive Locker Access: Members are granted two complimentary lockers of any size, offering secure storage for valuable possessions. 

The value proposition of the AU ivy Program extends further along with reward program of 1% cashback on non-fuel expenses, making each purchase a rewarding experience. AU ivy transcends conventional banking models by offering an exquisite array of benefits aligned with the Total Relationship Value of the customer's family with the bank.  

New members are greeted with a specifically curated Taj Epicure Privileged Membership, opening doors to exclusive privileges at renowned hotels, fine dining establishments, spa treatments, and more. 

"AU IVY isn't just a banking program; it embodies distinction and sophistication," stated Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director of AU Small Finance Bank. "Our bank has consistently led the way in reshaping the banking experience through personalized services, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The AU IVY Program introduces a new dimension, transcending traditional banking to deliver an extraordinary lifestyle curated to match the refined tastes and aspirations of our distinguished members." 

Sujai Raina, Head – Business Development, Visa India said, “We are thrilled to partner with AU Small Finance Bank to power this super premium debit card that caters to the Bank’s high net worth and super affluent customers. This exclusive proposition offers a perfect blend of a superior banking experience and premium lifestyle benefits including privileged access to premium hotels and other hospitality experiences, benefits on international travel and exclusive access to airport lounges and golfing privileges; all of this with the Visa promise of safe, secure and seamless transaction experience." 

The launch of the AU IVY Program cements AU Small Finance Bank's dedication to offering an unparalleled level of service and exclusivity, tailored to the unique needs of its ultra-premium customers. 

Popular Shooter Game, VALORANT Brings Team Deathmatch Mode For Gaming Enthusiasts In Bangalore

* The new mode’s ease of access allows players to experience the VALORANT gameplay with friends in a fun way

The popular free-to-play first-person shooter game, VALORANT, has introduced a new mode called Team Deathmatch to enhance the gaming experience for the growing number of gamers in Bangalore. The new mode allows players to experience the VALORANT gameplay in a fun and engaging way.

VALORANT is a leading PC tactical shooting game by Riot Games involving two teams with 5 players in each team. Every player can sign in and play remotely from anywhere in the world. At the beginning of the game, players have the option to choose from a variety of in-game agents, each with their own unique background story from different countries and cultures around the world. In 2022, VALORANT released Agent Harbor, a character hailing from India’s coast. The launch of Harbor was marked by a massive celebratory event in Mumbai, and has been very well received both by the Indian gaming community and globally.

Team Deathmatch, the latest 5v5 game mode, pits players against an enemy team in one of three new custom maps. In Team Deathmatch, players will get to choose their loadout for each stage at the start of the match or anytime they’re in the spawn room. Weapon spawners will also be placed around the map as well as recovery and ultimate orbs. With four timed stages, no econ, and players respawning every 1.5 seconds, the key to victory is simple: the first team to get 100 kills will win. The new game mode Team Deathmatch has been designed to be a quick and action-packed mode to appeal to new players of various skill levels who dive directly into the exciting action of VALORANT matches and enjoy the game with friends.

“The Indian gaming community's passion and enthusiasm have been a tremendous source of inspiration for us. We've been working hard to build a strong Riot team in the region to bring exciting developments like Team Deathmatch to local gamers. We're committed to providing the best possible experience for our players and we're excited to continue to invest in India and South Asia.” - Arun Rajappa, Country Manager, Riot Games India & South Asia

The positive response to Team Deathmatch has been encouraging to see, and the team behind VALORANT is committed to exploring new ways to improve the player experience. Riot Games is also hosting walk-in VALORANT tournaments in prominent gaming cafes in Bangalore such as LXG Indiranagar to encourage gamers interested in trying the new game mode.

“We are confident that the more fast-paced nature of Team Deathmatch will be appealing to gamers of all levels of experience and skill. Our goal with this game mode is to provide a simple, accessible version of the core VALORANT experience that's both rewarding and enjoyable for both new and experienced players in Bangalore. We're excited to see how the VALORANT community will develop and evolve, and we'll continue to do everything in our power to support and foster its growth.” - Ashish Gupta, Marketing Lead, Riot Games India & South Asia

Making waves in the Indian gaming scene, the new mode of Team Deathmatch has garnered substantial attention. Popular Indian gaming influencers like Hydraflick (327K subscribers), Euphoria (103K subscribers), and SKRossi (151K subscribers) have been streaming the gameplay in the new mode for their viewers on YouTube. VALORANT is available to play on https://playvalorant.com/

ABOUT RIOT GAMES

Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, and led by CEO Nicolo Laurent, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has 4,500+ Rioters in 20+ offices worldwide. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports.

VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. VALORANT is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play.

VALORANT is a free-to-play game and optimized to perform on a wide variety of PC hardware, allowing for a global audience to compete. Demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience.