Vistara Inaugurates Non-Stop Flights Between Mumbai And Doha From Dec 15, 2023

Vistara, India's finest full-service carrier and a joint venture between the Tata group and Singapore Airlines, inaugurated direct 4x weekly flights between Mumbai and Doha. The inaugural flight, operated on Vistara's A321neo aircraft, commenced from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 18:45 Hours (IST) on 15 December 2023 and arrived at Hamad International Airport, Doha, at 20:30 Hours (local time zone).

With a consistent surge in demand for travel between India and the Middle East, Vistara has been focussing on expanding its presence in the region. The airline already offers direct connectivity to five destinations in the region, namely Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Dubai, Jeddah and Muscat.

Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, "Based on the remarkable response to Vistara’s Middle Eastern routes, we are confident that the launch of operations to Doha will further strengthen our footprint in the region. Doha – an essential commercial hub and home to a large Indian diaspora – is Vistara’s 50th destination and the sixth in the middle east. We are excited to bring the Best Airline in India and Southern Asia to Doha with direct connectivity from Mumbai. We firmly believe that Vistara’s widely appreciated product and globally awarded service make for just the right combination to cater to the market requirements and customers’ demand.”

Ms Sujata Suri, Senior Vice President, Finance and Procurement at Hamad International Airport said: “We are pleased to announce our new partnership with Vistara, linking Doha to Mumbai—a strategic collaboration that reinforces Hamad International Airport's commitment to expanding connectivity and offering passengers unparalleled travel experiences. As Doha becomes Vistara's 50th destination, this collaboration signifies a shared commitment to excellence and marks a milestone of its own for Hamad International Airport, underlining our dedication to facilitating seamless and enriching journeys for travellers around the world."

Vistara accepts all eligible customers meeting visa/entry requirements in both countries, as specified by the respective government bodies. Vistara strongly encourages its customers to fully understand these guidelines before making their bookings.

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 India's finest full-service flying experience. Vistara commenced its commercial operations on 9 January 2015 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 66 aircraft, including 50 Airbus A320neo, 10 Airbus A321, and 6 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and has flown more than 50 million customers since starting operations.

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

Military Engineering Services, BRO & CE Industry Leaders Collaborate At CII EXCON 2023 To Shape India's Infrastructure Future

At CII EXCON 2023, during the Session on ‘Exploring Opportunities in Defence & Border Roads Projects’ held on Thursday, Border Roads Organization (BRO) shed light on its extensive contributions to infrastructure development and outlined future initiatives.

Lt Gen. Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of the Border Roads Organisation, remarked, "Through engaging with our industry partners, the BRO effectively conveyed its precise requirements for a model bridge, emphasizing the necessity for increased width, two lanes, and enhanced support for larger spans with a higher load classification. In response to these clearly defined needs, the industry has successfully delivered a model of the bridge that aligns with these specifications. The triumph of this collaborative endeavor underscores the indispensable role played by state-of-the-art construction equipment technologies in meeting the evolving requirements of organizations like the BRO. Advanced engineering and construction equipment, characterized by their adaptability and precision, not only facilitated the realization of the organization's specific demands but also significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the infrastructure development process."

Lt. Gen Arvind Walia, Engineer -In- Chief, Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence said, "Joining hands with industry leaders marks a significant milestone in the tech-driven evolution of the construction industry. As we navigate the surge in technological innovations, construction equipment plays a crucial role in reshaping the world we live in. With a focus on defence infrastructure and an allocation of almost 3.3% of our GDP, approximately 125 billion US dollars, we are poised to contribute to the nation's growth and technological prowess. Today, we stand at the forefront of progress, ready to meet the evolving demands of a rapidly growing economy on the path to a 5 trillion GDP."

Mr. Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Pvt Ltd and Mr Anand Sundaresan, Managing Director, Ammann India also spoke at the Session.

At a separate CEO Roundtable 2023 on the theme, ‘Infrastructure  Growth Story – Driving Sustained Demand’, convened prominent industry leaders for an in-depth conversation addressing the challenges and opportunities within India's construction equipment sector. The discussions centered around the crucial role played by the Indian Construction Equipment (CE) industry in the nation's infrastructure development.

The session dwelved into a range of subjects, highlighting sustainable development, a dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and the obstacles encountered by companies such as Reach International in supplying aerial work platforms for construction sites. Panel participants recognized the importance of private-sector funding to supplement government initiatives in infrastructure advancement. Noteworthy points encompassed the sector's emphasis on digitalization, minimal Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), and the vital collaboration between industry and academia to tackle skill shortages in the operation of construction equipment.

Mr. Vivekanand Vanmeeganathan, President, ICEMA said, “In the context of sustainability, the industry acknowledges the crucial importance of ESG. Commitment to sustainable practices is not only for current operations but also for ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.”

Mr. Jaswinder Singh Bakshi, Chairman – Taskforce on User Industry EXCON 2023 said, “The government's focus on infrastructure is evident in increasing budget outlays, with flagship initiatives like NIP, NLP, and GMP driving steady growth. Optimism is high due to a significant pipeline of projects, indicating sustained and growing demand for the next five years."

Other speakers at the session included; Mr. Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Pvt Ltd; Mr. V G Sakthikumar, Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India Pvt Ltd; Mr. Munish Sharda, Group Executive & Head (Bharat Banking), Axis Banking; Mr. Ramu Ravuri, Managing Director, M/s Sree Raja Rajeswari Constructions(India) Pvt Ltd and Mr. Dhruv Sharma, Founder, Reach International.

CII EXCON 2023 highlighted a collective industry commitment to embrace sustainability, recognizing its significance not only for current operations but also for ensuring a resilient and eco-friendly future. As the dialogue unfolds, it becomes evident that the trajectory of India's infrastructure sector holds promise, backed by determined efforts to address challenges and leverage opportunities for long-term growth.

Photo Caption:  From L – R: Mr Anand Sundaresan, Managing Director, Ammann India; Lt. Gen Arvind Walia, Engineer -In- Chief, Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence, Government of India; Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General, Border Roads Organisation and Mr. Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Pvt Ltd at the Session on ‘Exploring Opportunities in Defence & Border Roads Projects’ held in Bangalore on Thursday.

Elgi Powers The 11th Edition Of The Coimbatore Marathon

Elgi Equipments Limited (BSE: 522074 NSE: ELGIEQUIP), one of the world's leading air compressor manufacturers, is committed to fostering a sustainable and healthy lifestyle and living environment for employees, channel partners, and the community across the globe. As a demonstration of this commitment, ELGi is proud to power the 11th edition of the Coimbatore Marathon, the most significant sporting event in Coimbatore. The marathon aims to unite people passionate about running, walking, fitness, and wellness in general, helping them make a difference by raising awareness about cancer - the 2023 edition expects participation from 18500+ runners, including 1600+ ELGi employees and their families.

During the last decade, the collaboration between Elgi Equipments and the Coimbatore Marathon has transformed the fitness landscape in Coimbatore and helped make substantial progress in combating cancer, a critical health issue. The Coimbatore Marathon was conceived as a platform to raise awareness about cancer and support the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation (CCF). Over the years, this event has become synonymous with cancer awareness in the region. The proceeds from the marathon have helped CCF expand its various activities, such as screening, counseling, and support groups, ensuring essential services are accessible to a greater number of individuals. In addition, the proceeds have also helped enhance the monetary aid provided to cancer patients, encompassing surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, diagnostic tests, hospital fees, and rehabilitation services.

For more details on ELGi, visit www.elgi.com

Bandhan Mutual Fund Paves The Way Forward With New Brand Tagline - 'Badhte Raho'

Bandhan Mutual Fund unveiled its new brand tagline - 'Badhte Raho', an invitation to enrich life. The tagline was derived based on the insight that financial security empowers us to live life to the fullest and ‘Badhte Raho’ encapsulates this philosophy by encouraging everyone to celebrate every joy, face challenges confidently, and embrace the continuous journey of progress. In sync with the vibrant spirit, the refreshed visual design language amplifies the dynamism of the flame in the logo, symbolizing innovation, challenging the status quo, and embracing a playful and energetic approach to wealth management.

Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC, shares, "We often see and know people who are so concerned with building their wealth for the future that they often forget to enjoy the present. Financial security enables people to enjoy the finer things in life, without worrying about the future. Our unique proposition is to help people enjoy their money today while responsibly building wealth for tomorrow. Badhte Raho distils the essence of our attitude and promises into a simple yet powerful statement that encapsulates our values, vision, and commitment. It is a call to enjoy the present, stay positive, share joy, and explore further possibilities. It’s a nudge to learn endlessly, expand perspectives, and embrace new experiences. It urges everyone to be dynamic, push ahead, and keep evolving. It’s a reminder to transform limitations into steppingstones, and challenges into opportunities to overcome."

The new brand voice is infused with a touch of playfulness and creativity, using language that engages and resonates with the audience and sets Bandhan Mutual Fund apart from other fund houses. The new imagery combines eclectic mixed-media visuals with graphic illustration and human elements, playfully supporting a clear message. As the brand embarks on this journey, it invites everyone to join in celebrating the spirit of 'Badhte Raho' – to keep enriching life, where financial security would allow everyone to revel in life's myriad joys. Bandhan Mutual Fund would be the steadfast partner in this playful, innovative, and enriching adventure.

To bring the tagline to life, Bandhan Mutual Fund launches two TVCs - 'Dal Delight' & 'Tuesday Celebration,' focused on showcasing the joy in life's smaller moments. The multimedia campaign spans TV commercials, in-cinema ads, digital platforms, outdoor spaces, and in-flight magazines, creating a visually captivating narrative that celebrates financial security and provides the ability to afford life's little joys.

TVC - Badhte Raho with Bandhan Mutual Fund –

The TVC introduces everyone to the Nema family who enjoy every moment and celebrate the little moments in life. In the first TVC, Dal Delight, the Nema family are seen enjoying home-cooked dal, made by the husband. The neighbour is seen jealously acknowledging the fact that the Nema family celebrate every small thing in life, including dal preparation. Watch Dal Delight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afHwOQ1cdqs

In the second TVC, a person delivering a parcel to the house is seen asking the Nema family’s neighbour about the celebrations in the house. The neighbour, just as he did in the first TVC, grudgingly says that the Nema family does not need an occasion to celebrate and that they celebrate everything, including Tuesdays.

Watch Tuesday Celebration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfXel4eaM4E 

ELGi Celebrates Commitment To Innovative, Energy-Efficient Compressed Air Solutions At Technology Day, 2023

Elgi Equipments Limited (BSE: 522074 NSE: ELGIEQUIP), one of the world's leading air compressor manufacturers, marked another milestone in advancing technology and innovation at the 6th edition of Technology Day 2023, held at the Le Meridien, Coimbatore.

Technology Day celebrates ELGi’s commitment to advancing futuristic technology while continuously creating energy-efficient compressed air solutions to minimize emissions and enhance our customers' competitive advantage.

The signature initiative saw over 200 attendees, including ELGi employees and industry representatives, gather to witness the unveiling of cutting-edge developments in the realm of compressed air. The technology team's contributions and complex engineering achievements were applauded during the event, amid technology presentations, knowledge-sharing sessions, and an impressive product display.

For more information on ELGi and its innovative solutions, visit www.elgi.com.

Combonation Announces Its New App: Your One-Stop Destination For Online Shopping!

Combonation, India’s premier combo deal destination, is pleased to announce the official release of its much-awaited mobile application. The platform offers users a one-stop shop for carefully curated combo deals across a wide variety of product categories, revolutionising the e-commerce scene.

Offering a wide range of products, including gift packages, home decor, wellness and health products, beauty and baby care items, Combonation's e-commerce platform stands out. The platform's unique value proposition is its ability to allow users to seamlessly mix and match products, allowing them to create combo deals that suit their preferences.

Combonation's partnerships with well-known brands, such as Ajmal, Beardo, The Body Shop, Wildcraft, Coloressence, and many more, are among its main selling points. Through its partnerships with these reputable names, Combonation guarantees that customers will have access to premium products from reliable brands, along with the added bonus of exclusive bundles and competitive discounts.

Pooja Sodhi, co-founder and CEO of Combonation, stated, "Our vision has always been to redefine the way consumers shop, offering a diverse range of products that can be bundled together to create unique and cost-effective deals. We hope to enhance the shopping experience by offering users the ability to find and personalise combo deals that meet their unique requirements through our easy-to-use app."

To commemorate the app's launch, Combonation is providing an exclusive incentive for new users. Users who register for the app will receive a special sign-up bonus of 10% off their first order. This limited-time offer is Combonation's way of thanking early adopters and welcoming them to the exciting world of personalized combo deals.

Key Features of the Combonation App:

Extensive Product Range: Discover a diverse range of products from various categories.

Brand Collaborations: Get access to merchandise from reputable brands for a reliable online buying experience.

Customised Combo Offers: Assemble products in different combinations to make customized combo offers.

Competitive Discounts: Take advantage of eye-catching savings and premium packages.

User-Friendly Interface: For a hassle-free shopping experience, navigate the app with ease. 

Combonation invites users to download the app and experience the future of combo deal shopping. The app is available for download on iOS and Android, and more information can be found on the official Combonation website. 

Meghalaya’s Khasi Mandarin Takes Centre Stage At The “ZestFest 2023” In Bengaluru

ZestFest, a celebration dedicated to the flavors and cultural significance of the Khasi Mandarin Orange of Meghalaya is all set to captivate attendees with a burst of citrusy excitement spanning over four days starting from the 14th till 17th of December 2023. This unique event aims to showcase the rich heritage and zestful traditions associated with the Khasi Mandarin orange from Meghalaya. 

The event which is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru across different malls located in the city – Lulu Mall, Bangalore, Forum Mall, Kanakpura and Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, will celebrate and showcase the flavors and cultural richness of Meghalaya’s Khasi Mandarin oranges, bringing together local farmers, businesses, and communities in a vibrant celebration. The event witnessed the presence of the Minister of Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh who graced the event as special guest. Hon’ble Agriculture Minister expressed, “The festival serves as a platform for Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Companies to showcase their orange harvest in Bangalore. The market conditions are favorable for farmers to dedicate their efforts, given the government's unwavering commitment to investing in, introducing, and empowering technology-based practices for improved agricultural growth. This initiative aims to prepare agricultural produce for both national and international markets. I encourage the young sellers present to step forward; numerous opportunities await you, and the government is dedicated to providing continuous support. Various schemes, including FOCUS, CM-ELEVATE, and PRIME, have been implemented to facilitate this. Today, we also witnessed a cultural exposure. Even Karnataka has the presence of different tribal groups. Despite differences, there is a cultural unity reflected in their attire and vibrant dances, echoing our own cultural richness. This integration is crucial for our collective progress and understanding.”   

Highlighting Meghalaya’s rich agricultural heritage, ZestFest showcases the succulent Khasi Mandarin oranges, renowned for their unparalleled flavor and vibrant zest. The festival aims to showcase the exceptional quality and distinctive taste of these locally grown oranges, emphasizing the region’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and culinary excellence. It may be mentioned that on the 11th of December 2023, the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing board in a momentous ceremony, flagged off 20 metric tons of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai marking a significant milestone for Meghalaya’s rich agricultural diversity. 

In addition to the culinary extravaganza, ZestFest will offer a cultural immersion into the world of Khasi Mandarin oranges, including a display of a wide variety of fresh produce, with a focus on Khasi Mandarin oranges and related products. Visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, witness live demonstrations of orange harvesting techniques, and explore the unique cultural showcase inspired by the vibrant citrus fruit. ZestFest is not just a celebration of Khasi Mandarin oranges but a tribute to the hardworking farmers and the rich agricultural landscape of   Meghalaya. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of community, agriculture, and celebration. It recognizes and applauds the dedication of our local farmers who play a pivotal role in cultivating the exquisite Khasi Mandarin oranges that grace the state of Meghalaya. The festival serves as a platform to shine a spotlight on their tireless efforts, resilience, and the vital contribution they make to the community and appreciate the hard work that goes into every orange we enjoy. It not only promotes Meghalaya’s agricultural heritage but also boosts tourism, and economy, providing a platform for local businesses to thrive.