Cleartrip Onboards A New Captain; Signs Up Mahendra Singh Dhoni As Brand Ambassador

* As part of this association, Cleartrip and Mahendra Singh Dhoni make an appeal for ClearChoice

Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, has onboarded the cricketing legend - Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its new brand ambassador. This collaboration marks a historic milestone for Cleartrip as it joins forces with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and advocates to make the right choices in travel. Under the bucket of "ClearChoice," the brand aims to inspire travellers to simplify decision-making and ensure seamless and anxiety-free travel experiences.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as Captain Cool, epitomizes the values of, Transparency, Optimism and Straightforwardness, making him the perfect embodiment of Cleartrip's ethos. Through this association, Cleartrip seeks to leverage Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s universal appeal that transcends generations and geographies and reinforce its position as a trusted travel partner for a diverse user base. This is in line with Cleartrip’s vision to make travel accessible, aggressively expand its customer base and drive its market presence.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Cleartrip Brand Ambassador said, “Throughout my career, travelling across continents, I have been a true globetrotter, and I discovered my love for travel. After so many years, travel has become something I look forward to. I couldn’t be more thrilled to come onboard Cleartrip, a brand that mirrors what travel should be like - fun, memorable and meaningful. In my career, I continue to make tough decisions every day, but with Cleartrip, decision-making is easy and straightforward. Their commitment to transparency simplifies choices and allows anyone to go on a journey of their dreams confidently.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Ayyappan R., CEO, Cleartrip, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Mahendra Singh Dhoni to the Cleartrip family. He is a revered sportsman who has inspired an entire generation - he is known for his values and is often associated with building trust and great leadership skills. Through our association with him, we hope to empower individuals to make the right choices in travel, seamlessly. As we continue to grow in scale, we hope to make travel an achievable aspiration for everyone, no matter where they are from. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni aboard, we aim to encourage a large demographic to step out and explore the world with confidence.”

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will mark his debut innings with Cleartrip with an entertaining ad film that will soon go live. 

Together, Cleartrip and Mahendra Singh Dhoni aspire to inspire travellers across the country to trust in ClearChoice and embark on journeys filled with clarity, confidence, and unforgettable experiences. Come onboard Cleartrip, follow the captain's lead and make the right choice.

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 a majority stake in Cleartrip. Cleartrip recently emerged as the no. 2 OTA player as per a 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, CT Upgrade and Cancel for No Reason’, 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, hotels, and buses, Cleartrip brings a unique selling point to the market, offering its customers convenience, choice, competitive prices, and premium content.

Celebrate Ugadi With The Timeless Elegance of Platinum Jewellery

Ugadi, observed on the first day of Chaitra, the initial month in the traditional Hindu calendar, signifies the arrival of the spring season. The southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, to mark the commencement of the Hindu New Year. It is the time for new beginnings and fresh starts. In the early hours of this special day, families partake in a traditional oil bath, and the surroundings come alive with the vibrant decor of flowers and mango leaves adorning the entrances of temples, homes, and shops.

Ugadi, a festival synonymous with fresh starts, calls for gifts that mirror the preciousness and timelessness of the occasion itself. What better way to convey this sentiment than with the gift of pure and precious platinum? This exceptional metal, believed to have celestial origins, is renowned for its resilience, maintaining its elegant white sheen and shape even through frequent wear.

With an unparalleled purity level of 95%, platinum jewellery emerges as the ideal choice for those seeking to purchase or gift jewellery during the festivities of Ugadi. The durability and versatility of platinum make it a symbol of enduring love and commitment. Whether it's an exquisite pendant, an elegant ring, or a sophisticated bracelet, the gift of platinum is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your loved ones.

This Ugadi, celebrate the beauty of new beginnings with the timeless elegance of platinum jewellery. Make a statement that echoes the enduring nature of your love and commitment. Embrace the traditions of the season with a gift as rare and precious as the metal itself – platinum.

Commenting on this auspicious occasion, Vaishali Banerjee, Managing Director, Platinum Guild International-India said, “As we embrace the joyous occasion of Ugadi, there is a renewed sense of excitement and exuberance among consumers. A harbinger of prosperity and good fortune, Ugadi, is expected to further enhance the demand for platinum jewellery, leading to higher footfalls across all retail partners. With the upcoming festivities, we anticipate a positive trajectory in sales, paving the way for a flourishing quarter for our valued retail partners."

Mr G.R. ‘Anand’ Ananthapadmanabhan, Managing Director of GRT Jewellers, said, “Ugadi is a time filled with hope, positivity, and joy, symbolizing a fresh start and bringing families and loved ones together in celebration. Precious jewellery always holds a special significance during our festivities, and this Ugadi, we anticipate a preference for platinum jewellery among consumers. Rare and precious, platinum jewellery appeals to those seeking unique, statement pieces with distinctive designs that complement a variety of outfits, from traditional wear to western attire and daily casual wear. From minimalist kadas for men to bold pendants and rings, as well as elegant necklaces, delicate bracelets, and earrings for women, we are thrilled to present a diverse range of platinum jewellery collections and eagerly await the arrival of our patrons this Ugadi!”

Mr G. R. Radhakrishnan, Managing Director, GRT Jewellers, said, “Ugadi is time to embrace the new and is celebrated with much fanfare across the southern states. Consumers have already started buying precious jewellery for themselves and their loved ones as a symbol of prosperity to mark this auspicious occasion. Platinum jewellery for men, especially minimalistic platinum chains and charming platinum kadas, have emerged as favourites and we expect to see the trend only pick up further momentum with the upcoming festivities. We wish all our consumers a very happy and prosperous Ugadi, made brighter and shinier with our precious jewellery.”

Rajesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director of Kalyan Jewellers said, “Ugadi is a symbol of new beginnings and prosperity. Consumers have already begun indulging in purchasing jewellery for themselves as well as their loved ones. Over the years given the resilience of the metal and the brilliance of the designs and the value that it encapsulates, platinum jewellery has emerged as the preferred choice, for the younger audience. We are extremely optimistic that Ugadi will generate a positive momentum that will only grow further throughout the festive season, with platinum jewellery standing out as the quintessential symbol for meaningful celebrations."

Joy Alukkas, Chairman Joyalukkas Group said, “Ugadi signals the beginning of a new year and fresh starts. The joy and excitement is palpable in the air, with consumers seeking to purchase jewellery to mark this festival of prosperity and good fortune. We are already witnessing higher footfalls with a rise in demand for platinum jewellery. The rare and precious platinum with its many unique qualities such as superior resilience and the alluring white sheen that does not fade with time, has made quite an impact on our discerning consumers. We expect platinum jewellery interspersed with precious stones to take centre stage this Ugadi and continue to drive our footfalls and sales as the year progresses.”

Vedanta Debt To Be Divided Among Demerged Firms In Ratio Of Assets

Mining conglomerate Vedanta is on track for the demerger of its key businesses, including aluminium, into separate listed companies and allocation of debt across the demerged entities would be done in proportion to their assets, sources familiar with the matter said.

Vedanta is in advanced stages of engagement with its lenders on the issue, and the process has proceeded smoothly, they said.

There is clarity about the allocation of debt across entities after the demerger. "The debt will get divided amongst the resulting demerged entities in the ratio of assets getting allocated to them as per the prescribed rules and regulations," a senior company official said at a recently concluded investor event.

Citing the example of Vedanta Aluminium, the official said the debt that would get allocated to the company would be in direct proportion to the book value of the assets held by it. This is to ensure that the transaction is tax-neutral.

Vedanta had in September last year announced the creation of demerger of metals, power, aluminium, and oil and gas businesses to unlock potential value. After the exercise, six independent verticals - Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Vedanta Power, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, Vedanta Base Metals and Vedanta Limited - will be created. For every share of Vedanta, shareholders will receive one share of each of the five newly listed companies.

After the demerger, the businesses of Hindustan Zinc as well as the electronics business will remain with Vedanta Limited. Immediately after obtaining the NOCs, the application will be moved to NCLT.

SBICAPs has been onboard to represent lenders with respect to debt allocation and they are hopeful to obtain the NOCs at the earliest, sources said. In parallel to the demerger, Vedanta is also undertaking a deleveraging programme to cut debt at the group level by $3 billion in the next three years, taking its net debt level below $9 billion.

The deleveraging is expected to be funded largely by robust internal cash flows, further supported by proceeds of strategic asset sales and potential equity partnerships.

"The demerger is expected to simplify the Group's corporate structure with sector-focused independent businesses. Each of our businesses is at a global scale hence the board decided to go for a demerger. We intend to build a corporate structure with asset ownership and entrepreneurship mind-set, where each company would chart out its growth trajectory.

"The demerger will give global investors, including sovereign wealth funds, retail investors, and strategic investors, direct investment opportunities in dedicated pure-play companies. With listed equity and self-driven management teams, the demerger would also provide individual units a platform to pursue strategic agendas more freely and better align with customers, investment cycles, and end markets," Vedanta had said in its demerger announcement.

BMW India Is The Luxury Mobility Partner At Hero Indian Open

BMW India is the exclusive ‘Luxury Mobility Partner’ at the 2024 edition of Hero Indian Open held from 28 – 31 March 2024 at the DLF Golf & Country Club. Showcasing the symbol of forwardism, BMW India will exhibit the all-new BMW 7 Series and the first-ever fully electric BMW i7.

The pinnacle of luxury and innovation can be experienced at the Hero Indian Open, where a prestigious fleet of BMW i7 will grace the event, reflecting the perfect blend of elegance and cutting-edge technology. The BMW iX xDrive50 will be awarded as a Hole in One prize.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “We're thrilled to further our commitment as the exclusive 'Luxury Mobility Partner' for the Hero India Open, bringing the unparalleled BMW experience closer to golf aficionados. With the fully electric BMW iX xDrive50 as the coveted 'Hole in One' award, we're excited to blend the spirit of innovation with the prestigious tradition of golf at the Hero Indian Open.”

The Hero Indian Open this year will be a part of the Asian Swing of the DP World Tour, bringing added benefits for the Swing Champion. The tournament will see 144 players compete for the trophy, with the winner receiving a handsome USD 382,500.

BMW iX

Born Electric: The BMW iX is the BMW Group’s new technology flagship. It is the first BMW without any numerals in its designation. ‘iX’ stands for the first BMW electric all-wheel drive vehicle (SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle). It effortlessly combines premium mobility with zero-emissions, sporting agility and a long operating range with luxurious spaciousness. The BMW iX is available as completely-built-up unit (CBU) in two variants - the BMW iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive50 and can be booked through BMW dealerships across major metropolitan cities in India as well as shop.bmw.in.

Characterised by sculptural and monolithic design, the iX represents a new face that makes mobility easier and comfortable while creating powerful presence. Interior is minimalist yet spacious with a feeling of ease and relaxation with freedom of movement giving it a lounge-like atmosphere. A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continue to break the innovation barrier. The Fifth generation BMW eDrive technology features a highly integrated drive unit within a single housing that is powered by two electric motors (for front and rear axles), single-speed transmission and power electronics. The iX instantly accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers/hour in 6.1 seconds with an output of 326 hp. ‘My Modes’ switch changes driving character to Personal, Sport or Efficient. BMW IconicSounds Electric creates engaging driving sounds and pedestrian alerts. Two high-voltage batteries integrated in the floor have a combined capacity of 76.6 kWh and provide a range of up to 425 kilometers.

BMW i7

BMW i7 is a true all-electric luxury sedan that clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. BMW’s flagship luxury sedan with its enhanced level of comfort and the unique in-car entertainment system takes a pioneering route to maximising wellbeing inside the car. The i7 offers all-electric innovation, visionary design, and powerful driving dynamics so that you can make a striking impression everywhere you go.

"SecurEyes Urges Data Backup Vigilance On World Backup Day"

In today’s hyper-connected world, data is the kingmaker. As our lives become increasingly reliant on technology, World Backup Day on March 31st serves as an important reminder on the importance of protecting our valuable digital assets.

The primary goal of World Backup Day is to emphasize the significance of backing up data regularly to prevent data loss due to various reasons such as hardware failure, malware attacks, accidental deletion, or natural disasters.

The Day was first observed in 2011 by a group of Reddit (Reddit is a social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website)  users who wanted to promote the importance of data backup. Since then, it has gained recognition and support from individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide.

From cherished family memories captured in photos to critical business documents, the reliance on digital data has never been greater. This year, as we observe World Backup Day, SecurEyes, a pure-play cybersecurity consulting services, and products company that also provides cybersecurity training and education, advises people to understand the importance of backing up their data, which can save them from potential consequences of a cyber crisisdisaster.

Emphasizing the importance of backup, Karmendra Kohli, CEO of SecurEyes, opines, “Any data today is more vulnerable than ever before. Implementing robust backup strategies acts as strong mitigation measure to safeguard against data loss due to cyber threats.”

Seemanta Patnaik, CTO of SecurEyes, says, “I hope this World Backup Day serves as a catalyst to prioritize data protection, data security and data resilience. It is important to practice regular backups to minimize risks and ensure uninterrupted operations.”

Risks and Challenges 

The explosion of digital data is staggering, with projections indicating that the global datasphere could reach a massive 180 zettabytes by 2025. This includes everything from social media posts and emails to financial records and professional presentations. With such an overwhelming volume of data being generated, the risk of data loss looms larger than ever before.

One of the most potent threats to our digital security is the rise of ransomware attacks. These malicious programs encrypt your data, essentially holding it hostage until a hefty ransom is paid. In 2023 alone, ransomware attacks increased by 66%, reportedly, highlighting the urgent need for robust backup solutions – which can act as the primary mitigation against such attacks.

While many turn to cloud storage for its convenience and accessibility, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not infallible. Accidental deletions, service outages, and even account breaches can result in data loss. 

Understanding the Consequences of Data Loss

The repercussions of data loss reach far beyond mere inconvenience and can have profound emotional and financial impacts. Losing irreplaceable photos, videos, and documents can be heartbreaking, while businesses that lose critical data face lost productivity, reputational damage, and potential legal issues.

Common causes of data loss include hardware failure, software corruption, cyberattacks, and accidental deletion. Each of these poses a significant risk, with potentially devastating consequences in terms of both personal attachment and financial loss.

Harnessing the Power of Backups

Fortunately, the power of backups offers a lifeline in the face of digital disaster. A backup is simply a copy of your information stored on a separate device or location, acting as a safety net that allows you to restore lost or corrupted data with minimal fuss. Different backup methods, such as local and cloud backups, offer varying advantages, from faster access and control to convenience and accessibility.

Local backups involve storing your data on an external hard drive or USB flash drive, providing a tangible sense of security and control. On the other hand, cloud backups utilize online storage services, offering convenience and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. Regardless of the method chosen, the key is to ensure redundancy and regularly test backups to verify their functionality.

“On World Backup Day, we urge individuals and businesses alike to take action and create a simple yet effective backup plan. Start by identifying critical data and understanding what is most important to you, whether it’s personal photos, financial records, or work documents,” added Mr. Patnaik.

Consider a combination of local and cloud backups to ensure redundancy, following the 3-2-1 backup strategy (three copies, two different media, one offsite location) for added redundancy, resilience and security (availability).

Benefits of a Strong Backup Plan

Peace of Mind and Reduced Stress: A recent study found that data loss can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Knowing your data is safeguarded allows you to relax and focus on what matters most. 

Increased Productivity and Efficiency: When disaster strikes and data loss occurs, the time spent recovering information can significantly disrupt your workflow. Having a readily available backup minimizes downtime and allows you to resume your activities quickly.

As per reports (https://securitytoday.com/Articles/2024/03/11/Study-Insider-Driven-Data-Loss-Events-Cost-an-Estimate-15-million.aspx) , a study estimates that data loss events can cost businesses an average of INR 28,13,434 per hour. Implementing backups helps minimize such financial losses.

KPIL Awarded New ORrders Includes T&D, Metro Rail Projects Of Rs 2,071 Crores

Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), one of the largest Engineering & Construction companies listed in India along with its Joint Ventures (JVs) and international subsidiaries have secured new orders/notification of awards of Rs 2,071 Crores.

The details of the aforesaid new orders are as follows:

·         Orders in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) business in overseas markets

·         Order for design & construction of an underground metro rail project in India

Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO, KPIL, said, “We are happy with the new order wins, reinforcing our optimistic outlook for the T&D and Urban Infra business. The T&D orders in Brazil and underground metro rail-tunnelling order in India have significantly enhanced growth visibility for Fasttel and Urban Infra business going forward.

KPIL’s order intake (including LOAs/LOIs) in the current financial year stands at record high of ~?30,000 Crores including some large and strategic order wins in T&D, B&F, Oil & Gas and Urban Infra business. This landmark achievement has been on several counts - intensive efforts that we have been putting in over last several years on improving our geographical footprints in high growth EPC markets, developing strong client relationships and penetrate deeper into the focused businesses on back of our strong technical and execution capabilities. Our robust order book position and established execution capabilities gives us confidence to deliver good growth going forward. ”

About Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL)

KPIL is one of the largest specialized EPC companies engaged in Power Transmission & Distribution, Buildings & Factories, Water Supply & Irrigation, Railways, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Urban Mobility (Flyovers & Metro Rail), Highways and Airports. KPIL is currently executing projects in over 30 countries and has a global footprint in over 70 countries. KPIL has maintained a leadership position in all its major businesses backed by strong organisational capabilities, superior technical know-how, and adherence to best-in-class sustainability standards.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Manipal Unveiled A new Bio-LC Analytical System To Enhance esearch Output

In a significant stride towards enhancing research capabilities, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal inaugurated a state-of-the-art Agilent Bio-LC Infinity II analytical system as a part of the MAHE Core Research Facility at Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research. The Bio-LC system was unveiled by the honorable Vice Chancellor of MAHE Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences Dr. Sarath K Rao, marking a proud moment for the institution. Dr. Vadiraja Bhat, Business Development Manager of Agilent Technologies India Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. B S Satish Rao, Director, Directorate of Research, MAHE, graced the event as guests of honor.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh urged scientists and Ph.D. scholars across disciplines to leverage this innovative facility to advance research in life sciences, health sciences, and technology. “May this cutting-edge facility not only aid our present endeavors but also lay a strong foundation for future research initiatives, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enabling breakthroughs that will shape the landscape of science and technology for years to come”, he further added.

Dr. Sharath Rao emphasized MAHE’s continuous efforts in investing significantly in building new research infrastructure to establish “MAHE Research Park”soon. He said, “Through our relentless pursuit of research excellence and strategic investments in advanced facilities, we are dedicated to empowering our scholars to chart new frontiers in knowledge sharing, innovation, and societal impact”.

The newly installed system boasts of bio-inert operation, ensuring minimal interference from columns and tubing, particularly beneficial for analyzing sensitive biological samples such as oligonucleotides, peptides, neurotransmitters, metabolites, and pharmaceuticals, Dr. Vadiraja Bhat announced.

Heads of the institutions and faculty members from different health sciences and technology disciplines of MAHE attended this inaugural ceremony. Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Raviraja N S, Professor and Coordinator of MCBR, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the visionary leadership of MAHE that has led to the realization of this core facility as we celebrate the “Year of Research Excellence” at MAHE. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the scientists and researchers of MAHE from various disciplines. Dr. Souvik Dey, the coordinator of this core facility emphasized the transformative impact of the ultra-HPLC system, highlighting its enhanced performance and efficiency over conventional HPLCs.

Dr. Raghavendra Upadhya, Assistant Professor, MCBR, MAHE, delivered the vote of thanks and Ms. Aditi Khamamkar anchored the program.

The inauguration marked a proud moment for MAHE and all its stakeholders, solidifying the institution's commitment to driving forward innovative research and setting a promising trajectory for a future of research excellence.