Air India's New Year Bonanza: Bookings Open For Airbus A350 Flights On Domestic Sectors

Air India today announced that its brand-new aircraft and India’s first, Airbus A350, will enter commercial service on 22 January 2024. The carrier today opened bookings for the flights to be operated by the A350, as a New Year tribute to the soaring aspirations of the nation.

Initially, while the aircraft is deployed on domestic routes for crew familiarization and regulatory compliance purposes, passengers from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai will have the opportunity to fly and experience the unparalleled comfort and state-of-the-art technology of the Airbus A350 aircraft in Air India’s bold new livery. Ushering in the most visible manifestation of Air India’s epic transformation journey, the A350 aircraft will be later deployed for longer-haul flights to destinations across continents.

On 23rd December 2023, the first of Air India’s 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered VT-JRA, was welcomed at IGI Airport, Delhi, flying in from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. The landing of the A350 marked the arrival of the first widebody aircraft from Air India’s record-setting 470 aircraft order – with scheduled arrivals of one new aircraft every six days throughout 2024. Fitted with the Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, these aircraft are 20 per cent more fuel efficient than other similar aircraft, reducing fuel emissions and ensuring sustainable operations.

Air India’s A350-900 aircraft comes in a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats: 28 private Business suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and other amenities, and 264 spacious Economy seats. All seats on the aircraft feature the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens to provide superior flying experience which will be offering an all-new content for our guests on board.

Air India has already rolled out its new global brand identity across guest touchpoints and unveiled its new collection of uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew designed by celebrity couturier, Manish Malhotra. Air India’s cabin crew and pilots will be seen in the new uniforms with the entry of service of the A350.

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. A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

Godrej Properties Buys 4-Acre Land Parcel In The Prime Corridors Of North-West Bengaluru

* The project will have an estimated revenue potential of INR 1,000 * Crore with the scope to increase to INR 1,250 * Crore basis an additional 1acre land acquisition

Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL) (BSE scrip id: GODREJPROP), one of India’s leading real estate developers, today announced that it has purchased a ~ 4-acre land parcel on an outright basis. The land is located in Yeshwanthpur abutting the National Highway - 75, one of the prime locations in Bengaluru.

This project is estimated to have a developable potential of approximately 0.7 million square feet of saleable area comprising primarily of premium residential apartments of various configurations with an estimated revenue potential of INR 1,000* Crore with scope to increase to INR 1,250* Crore basis additional 1-acre land acquisition, making it overall a ~ 5-acre parcel.

The site is strategically located with a huge frontage on National Highway - 75, Yeshwanthpur. The area offers well-developed commercial and social infrastructure and is in proximity to Goraguntepalya and Peenya metro stations providing access to the Central Business District, (CBD) and other parts of Bengaluru. The location also provides connectivity to the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and other key areas of Bengaluru through Outer Ring Road – Hebbal. 

Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties said, “Yeshwanthpur is an important micro market for us, and we are happy to add this land parcel to our portfolio. This will further strengthen our presence in Bengaluru and complement our strategy of deepening our presence in key micro markets across India's leading cities.”

* On the basis of the current business assumptions.

About Godrej Properties Limited:

Godrej Properties brings the Godrej Group philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate industry. Each Godrej Properties development combines a 126-year legacy of excellence and trust with a commitment to cutting-edge design, technology, and sustainability. In FY 2021, Godrej Properties emerged as the largest developer in India by the value and volume of residential sales achieved.

Godrej Properties has deeply focused on sustainable development. In 2010, GPL committed that all of its developments would be third-party certified green buildings. In 2020 and again in 2021 and 2022, the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ranked GPL #1 globally amongst listed residential developers for its sustainability and governance practices. In 2017, GPL was one of the founding partners of the Sustainable Housing Leadership Consortium (SHLC), whose mission is to spread sustainable development practices across the Indian real estate sector. In recent years, Godrej Properties has received over 400 awards and recognitions, including the Porter Prize 2019, The Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in the 2019 Brand Trust Report, Builder of the Year at the CNBC-Awaaz Real Estate Awards 2019, and The Economic Times Best Real Estate Brand 2018.

India's E-commerce Market Set To Exceed $2028 Billion, Reports 'The How India Shops Online

In a groundbreaking report titled 'The How India Shops Online,' Bain & Company projects that India's e-commerce market is poised to surpass an impressive $2028 billion by the year 160. The report emphasizes the remarkable growth observed in online shopping in India, forecasting a leap from $57 billion in 2023 to an astonishing $5 billion over the next 160 years.

The data aligns with the findings of Ben & Co's online 2023 report, which tracks customer spending patterns in the e-commerce market. Notably, India's online retail market has shown steady growth, increasing by $8-12 billion annually since 2020.

Bain & Co, in collaboration with e-commerce giant Flipkart, reveals that the Indian online shopping market is expected to grow by 17% in 2023, compared to a year ago. Although this growth rate is slower than the 25-30% observed from 2019 to 2022, it is attributed to factors such as high inflation.

Seshu Kumar Tirumala, Chief Buying and Merchandising Officer, shared insights during the recent Internet Commerce Summit 2023. He highlighted the strategic shift made after the COVID pandemic, focusing on quick deliveries. With 350 dark stores delivering 6,000-20,000 items in 15-20 minutes, this initiative started in late 2022 and has shown steady growth.

Tirumala emphasized the importance of catering to customer preferences for fast delivery, acknowledging the significance of reaching 100 smaller markets within 15 minutes. The plan includes opening 1,500 more stores in the next 3-4 cities, with a major focus on the Quick Commerce segment.

Lenskart's Co-founder, Ramneek Khurrana, underscored the success in non-metro cities like Jaipur and Kochi, revealing that less than 50% of their overall business comes from metro cities. Recognizing substantial growth potential in cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gujarat, Khurrana highlighted the significant market share yet to be captured, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Despite the booming e-commerce trend in India, the report notes that online spending accounts for only 5-6% of total retail expenses, indicating vast untapped potential. The report concludes that India's e-commerce market is poised to grow by over 5% in the next five years.

In response to this surge in online shopping, several major e-commerce players are increasing their investments in India. Amazon, Flipkart, and Ajio are among the key players capitalizing on the growing opportunities in the country. Amazon, for instance, recently pledged an additional $2030 billion, bringing its total investment in India to $26 billion.

The landscape of online shopping in India continues to evolve, with an emphasis on quick deliveries, strategic expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and increased investments from major e-commerce players. As the market continues to grow, industry leaders are navigating the changing dynamics to meet consumer demands and maintain sustainable growth.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Of IIL's Greenfield Animal Vaccine Manufacturing Facility

Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL),one of India's leading biotechnology companies dedicated to manufacturing and supplying life-saving vaccines, has started construction of its new greenfield veterinary vaccine facility to manufacture the Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine (FMD-Vac) as well as Foot and Mouth Disease + Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Vaccine (FMD+HS-Vac) in Hyderabad’s Genome valley. 

This brand-new unit will have a BSL3 facility for the manufacture of Drug substances and a Fill-Finish capability for the production of both drug products FMD vaccine and the FMD+HS vaccine.  

Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (TSIIC), a Government of Telangana undertaking had allotted the land to IIL at Biotech Park, Phase III, Karkapatla, Siddipet district in Telangana. The proposed facility has a capacity of 150 million doses/annum of FMD vaccine or FMD+HS vaccine each. With an investment of approximately INR 700 Cr, the proposed facility is expected to create more than 750 direct and indirect jobs. 

Indian Immunologicals Limited is a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). In its more than 40 years of journey, IIL has carved a niche space as a leading “One Health” organization, manufacturing animal and human vaccines. IIL also exports its products to more than 60 countries across the globe.  

Today the Chairman of NDDB & IIL led the groundbreaking ceremony in the presence of IIL board members, employees, and officials from NDDB. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB and IIL said, “IIL continues to fulfil the purpose for which it was created by NDDB as a world class vaccine manufacturer. This new vaccine manufacturing facility in Hyderabad is dedicated to the nation and will certainly aid in the eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease in our country. IIL's ability to discover and manufacture affordable vaccines has saved the exchequer several thousand crores of rupees”. 

Dr. K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, IIL said, “We are the largest supplier of FMD vaccine to Government of India’s prestigious Livestock Health Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). We are in an exponential growth phase and expected to grow 40% this year alone. In order to sustain the momentum, IIL is seriously considering making additional investments in building infrastructure within India and in other emerging geographies including Africa in a manner to develop tools that will help in control and eradication of diseases.” 

About Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) 

Indian Immunologicals Limited headquartered in Hyderabad, India is one of the largest producers of vaccines in Asia. IIL was setup by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1982. IIL has multiple GMP manufacturing sites and exports to over 50 countries. IIL has a strong R&D pipeline and has launched several animal and human vaccines in the Indian market at affordable prices. IIL specializes in the development of various types of vaccines ranging from inactivated and live viral vaccines, polysaccharide conjugate vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, toxoid vaccines, live bacterial vaccines. More details about the company can be viewed on www.indimmune.com. 

"Tourism In Madhya Pradesh To Wear A New Look In 2024," Says Principal Secretary Tourism Sheo Shekhar Shukla

In an effort to boost tourism the Madhya Pradesh government has mapped an innovative strategy for 2024. Besides introducing new elements, the government plans to revamp and broaden the existing schemes to add more vibrancy to the sector.

Cruise tourism, all women rides, safety of women, wellness and rural vacations will be an integral part of the 2024 trajectory.

“We designed a multi-pronged strategy for tourism in 2023. In 2024, the plan is to make it more holistic, inclusive, sustainable, eco-friendly and adventure packed,” says Principal Secretary Tourism Sheo Shekhar Shukla.

Cruise Tourism, New Trails

“We have a buoyant plan for cruise tourism in 2024. The main attraction will be the nearly 130 km inter-state cruise on river Narmada from the Statue of Oneness in Omkareshwar to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. Floating jetties are already being put in place for this,” says Shukla who is also the Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.

The multi-option, multi-destination cruises, will be punctuated with rural experiences in between the two destinations.

Elaborating on other cruise projects lined up for 2024 Shukla said that plans were afoot to link the Rajhat Dam near Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh.

“Long distance, intra-state cruises will be a new attraction for 2024,” he added.

Intra-state cruises from Miakal Resort in Bargi near Jabalpur to Tindini in Mandla district, Dharaji in Dewas to Sailani Tapu east of Omkareshwar, Sanjit village to the tent city of Gandhi Sagar are also on the anvil. The Tawa-Madhai cruise will be given a facelift by adding new experiences.

Identifying and developing new trekking trails in various buffer zones of National Parks/Sanctuaries will form part of the 2024 tourism strategy.

There will be promotion of state through different biking trails and car rallies. A special attraction – The Queens on the Wheel—an all women seven-day biking event – slated for February 2024 will take the riders on an adventurous ride from Bhopal to Orcha to Bhopal via Chanderi, Kuno, Gwalior, Mitawali, Padavali, Bateshwar, Orchha and Khajuraho.

“We have elaborate plans to develop many new off-beat destinations thereby leveraging the USP of our State.”

Catalyzing Connectivity, Wellness Vacations

In a bid to enhance connectivity between the various destinations, the tourism department is working to reintroduce small aircrafts under PPP.

“This is the best time to re-start this as the tourism sector has now bounced back after a post pandemic lull,” adds Shukla.

The 2024 calendar will have retreats for yoga and meditation.

“Wellness vacations offers much beyond diet and physical nurturing. The retreats will have a number of creative offerings. I am confident that the endeavor will spiral the tourist graph of the state,” says Shukla.

The plan is to host 12 such retreats in the first year followed by 24 and 36 in the second and third consecutive years. The retreats would be hosted in the select hotels owned by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

Offbeat destinations, Rural Tourism

In 2024 plans are up the sleeve to connect atleast 10 unexplored destinations with the mainstream tourism. The process for tapping the offbeat destinations had kick-started in 2023 and in 2024 this will take a more robust shape.

“The thrust will be on connectivity and infrastructure development of these destinations. We want to map a holistic development of these places,” maintains Shukla adding: “The concept of building glamping sites with multifarious immersive experiences around these destinations had started in 2023. In 2024, besides increasing the number of tent cities we will make them more tourist friendly.”

While the contours of Rural tourism were sketched during pandemic days, this will be widened in 2024.

Maintaining that the number of home stays would be increased to more than 500 in 2024 he said: “We would be introducing new village life experiences that are innovative and in sync with the rural life.”

Shukla said that safe destinations for women will be a priority and various initiatives were underway for mass skilling of women in hospitality related job roles to increase their strength in various front line jobs. “The Board has already trained more than 4000 women and in 2024 we propose to absorb more of them in the hotel and travel industry.”

BOX

An upswing for MP tourism in 2023

After battling an inclement weather due to the pandemic, tourism in Madhya Pradesh bounced back in 2023, thanks to the steadfast efforts made by the state government.

Introduction of new circuits, festivals and setting of tent cities at offbeat destinations, providing rural experiences were some of the hallmarks of 2023.

The first editions of Kuno and Chanderi festivals got a good jumpstart while the Mandu and the Gandhi Sagar Floating Festival made novel ways to attract visitors including the sprawling ultra- luxurious tent cities built around these destinations

“Our objective for starting the festivals at Kuno and Chanderi was to knit tourism with culture and wild life. We have got a good feedback from tourists,” says Shukla.

ABP Live Presents An Exclusive Roundtable Discussion Featuring Top OTT Actors At Meta Office, Mumbai

ABP Live’s Entertainment channel ENT Live, has announced an exclusive and star-studded roundtable discussion set to captivate audiences, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the world of digital entertainment. Hosted by ENT Live's Editor, Amit Bhatia, this engaging discussion brings together eight prominent OTT actors at the esteemed Meta office in Mumbai.

Scheduled for airing on December 30, 2023, at 9 PM, this momentous gathering promises an evening of unparalleled insights and candid conversations. Viewers will be treated to the thoughts and perspectives of some of the industry's most versatile and celebrated actors, shedding light on the intricacies of their craft and the rapidly evolving landscape of OTT platforms.

The ensemble of talent features esteemed personalities, including:

·         Naveen Kasturia, renowned for his exceptional portrayal in Amazon Prime's "Aspirants."

·         Sharib Hashmi, acclaimed for his captivating performance in the widely acclaimed "Family Man."

·         Maanvi Gagroo, a household name from the popular web series "Four More Shots" and the recent "Half Love Half Arranged."

·         Sunny Hinduja, known for his impactful roles in the web series "The Railway Men."

·         Gagan Arora Aka Bagga, the engaging talent behind "College Romance."

·         Lubna Salim, a notable figure from ZEE5's "Aam Aadmi Family," bringing her charm to the table.

·         Dibyendu Bhattacharya, seen in "The Railway Men" and the movie "Mission Raniganj," offering his seasoned presence.

·         Anshul Chauhan, recognized for her role as Ranbir Kapoor's sister in "Animal," completing the stellar lineup.

This dynamic roundtable discussion, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Meta office in Mumbai, promises an intimate and insightful exploration into the world of these accomplished artists. Audiences will have the exclusive opportunity to witness first-hand the candid exchanges and profound perspectives that shape the future of digital entertainment.

ENT Live invite viewers to tune in at 9 PM on December 30, 2023, for this unforgettable rendezvous with brilliance. Don't miss the chance to be part of the conversation and experience the magic, only on ABP Live’s Entertainment channel ENT Live.

About ABP Network

An innovative media and content creation company, ABP Network is a credible voice in the broadcast & digital sphere, with a multi-language portfolio of news channels reaching 535 million individuals in India. ABP Studios, which comes under the purview of ABP Creations – the content innovation arm of the network – creates, produces, and licenses original, path-breaking content outside of news. ABP Network is a group entity of ABP, which was incorporated almost 100 years ago and continues to reign as a leading media company.

Cyber Frauds During Festivals: How To Stay Safe During 2024 And Beyond?

By Uma Pendyala, Head Business Ops, SecurEyes

As we near the year end festivities across the globe, a kaleidoscope of colors, lights, and the spirit of giving, there's also an unwelcome guest lurking in the shadows—cyber fraud. While the celebrations bring joy, they also create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit the heightened shopping frenzy and the eagerness to revel in the festivities. In this article, we'll unwrap the latest trends and tactics employed by cybercriminals during this vulnerable period and arm ourselves with the knowledge needed to navigate the festivities safely.

Festive Fraud Flavors:

1. Phishing Frenzy:

   The festive season sees a surge in phishing attempts through emails, SMS, and messages that mimic legitimate brands. These messages often promise unbelievable deals on festive essentials, leading unsuspecting victims to fake websites designed to steal financial information. Beware of urgent requests for immediate action or claims of winning prizes.

To protect yourself during this phishing frenzy, exercise caution when faced with unsolicited messages, especially those demanding immediate responses. Legitimate businesses seldom pressure customers with urgency, so any claim of an imminent reward or threat should be met with skepticism. It's crucial to verify the authenticity of communications before taking any action, ensuring that the festivities remain joyful and free from the clutches of cybercriminals.

2. Fake Festive Offers:

   Glittering deals and discounts on everything from electronics to travel packages can be tempting. However, caution is advised when encountering websites with poor design, grammatical errors, or unfamiliar payment methods. Research the seller and compare prices before making any purchases.

Before making any purchases, scrutinize the website's legitimacy, check for customer reviews, and validate the offered discounts against market norms. This discerning approach ensures that your festive shopping remains a celebration of savings without falling prey to the deceptive tactics of cyber fraudsters.

3. Lucky Draw/Win Prizes Hoax:

 The festive spirit thrives on the hope of winning big, and scammers exploit this by offering lucrative prizes in exchange for personal information or participation fees. The golden rule here is: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Vigilance is paramount when encountering such schemes. Verify the legitimacy of any prize offers through official channels and avoid divulging personal information hastily. By adhering to this golden rule, you can shield yourself from the disappointment and potential harm associated with falling victim to these win-now-pay-later schemes.

4. Festive Ponzi Schemes:

As the season of giving approaches, be wary of investment opportunities promising quick returns. These fraudulent schemes often prey on the desire to earn extra cash for festive expenses. Remember, genuine investments rarely offer guaranteed high returns.

Protect your financial well-being by conducting due diligence before engaging in any investment. Scrutinize the legitimacy of the scheme, seek advice from financial experts, and be wary of high-pressure tactics. By maintaining a cautious stance, you can ensure that your festive season is characterized by genuine joy rather than financial woes.

5. Smishing Scams:

 SMS messages offering festive discounts or claiming urgent action needed on your bank account are a growing threat. Avoid clicking on any links or sharing personal information through SMS. When in doubt, verify directly with the bank or brand.

It is important to verify the information directly with the purported sender, whether it's a bank or a trusted brand. By adopting this cautious approach, you can thwart the attempts of smishers and preserve the security of your personal data during the festive season.

Staying Safe in the Festive Frenzy:

1. Double-check the Sender:

Before clicking on any links or responding to messages, verify the sender's email address, phone number, or website URL. Look for misspellings or inconsistencies that could indicate a phishing attempt.

2. Ditch the Urgency:

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into making quick decisions. Take your time, and verify information before taking any action. Legitimate entities will not rush you into decisions.

3. Beware of Freebies:

In the festive season, offers that seem too good to be true often are. Exercise caution with promotions that promise freebies, and remember that nothing truly comes for free.

4. Strengthen Your Passwords:

Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it more challenging for cybercriminals to access your accounts.

5. Shop from Trusted Sources:

Stick to reputable websites and brands with secure payment gateways. Avoid unfamiliar online stores or deals that seem too cheap. If in doubt, do a quick online search for reviews and customer feedback.

6. Report Suspicious Activity:

If you encounter a scam, report it to the relevant authorities and the platform where you found it. By reporting such incidents, you contribute to the collective effort to create a safer online environment for everyone.

Festive Fraud: A Shared Responsibility:

Cybersecurity is not an individual endeavor; it's a collective effort. By staying informed about the latest threats, being vigilant in our online interactions, and reporting suspicious activities, we can create a safer digital space for everyone. Remember, the festive season is about joy, connection, and celebrating with loved ones. Don't let cybercriminals steal your sparkle. Embrace the festivities with caution, and may your celebrations be merry, bright, and secure.