Narayana Health City Advances Cancer Care With Landmark CAR T-Cell Therapy Success

-          Breakthrough CAR T-cell Therapy proves life saving for South India’s first patient

Narayana Health City, Bangalore recently held a press conference to celebrate a remarkable victory against cancer, highlighting the institution's strides in advancing cancer care. Hamza Khan, a 42-year-old man from Bangalore, triumphed over relapsed follicular lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes, following a challenging journey that began in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Hamza is the first patient in South India to receive the novel CAR T-Cell therapy – a breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Initially diagnosed in 2020, Hamza's condition required multiple rounds of chemotherapy and maintenance with rituximab. Despite these efforts, his cancer relapsed in February 2022, leaving him with few viable treatment options. Standard chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant proved ineffective, and his prognosis worsened following a severe COVID-19 infection.

In September 2022, with traditional therapies failing and his disease progressing, Hamza was considered for cutting-edge immunotherapy known as CAR T-cell therapy, initiated by IMMUNEEL in Bangalore. Under the expert care of Dr. Sharat Damodar, Senior Consultant Haematologist and Head of Adult BMT at Narayana Health City, a team of doctors swiftly administered CAR T therapy in November 2022.

CAR T therapy, or Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, is a ground breaking form of immunotherapy used primarily to treat certain types of cancer, particularly blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The therapy involves modifying a patient’s own T-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response, to better recognize and attack cancer cells. Remarkably, Hamza experienced minimal side effects and achieved remission, crossing the significant milestone of one year post-treatment without relapse.

"CAR T-Cell therapy has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment, offering a lifeline to patients who have exhausted conventional options," said Dr. Sharat Damodar. "This case exemplifies the potential of CAR T-Cell therapy to provide durable remission in relapsed lymphoma."

Follicular lymphoma is a prevalent yet aggressive form of cancer, often proving resistant to standard therapies. The recent approval of CAR T-Cell therapy by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for commercial use represents a significant advancement, especially for patients with relapsed and refractory cancers.

Grateful for his second chance at life, Hamza Khan expressed his profound gratitude, saying, “Thanks to the expert care, I could undertake the Haj pilgrimage. I have fully recovered because of this innovative intervention and the life-saving therapy that I received.”

This groundbreaking success heralds a new era in cancer treatment, providing hope to countless patients facing relapsed cancers. Narayana Health City is at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring that world-class treatment options are accessible within India.

"We are immensely proud of the strides made in cancer treatment at Narayana Health City," said the Hospital’s Facility Director. "Our commitment to adopting cutting-edge therapies like CAR T-Cell underscores our dedication to offering the best possible care and hope to our patients."

Narayana Health City, Bangalore’s continuous efforts to integrate innovative treatments reflect its mission to lead the way in cancer care, offering patients not only advanced medical solutions but also renewed hope for a healthier future. 

“The Great Indian Wallet” Study By Home Credit India Reveals Surging Confidence In Financial Well-Being

36% respondents showed interest towards using ‘Credit on UPI’ and 11% respondents showed interest in using UPI Lite in near future. However, 83% respondents said they would stop using UPI if the service becomes chargeable.

35% affirmed that they hear/see online financial frauds happening around, 16% have been victims of online fraud, 39% receive hoax calls/messages that are triggered with an intent to commit financial fraud.

In Bengaluru, average personal monthly income stands at 38k in 2024 vi-a-vis 35k in 2023; while fixed monthly expenses stands at 22k in 2024 vi-a-vis 17k in 2023.

When it comes to essential monthly expenses, people in Bengaluru spend the most on grocery (25%), rent (22%), commute (17%), children’s education (23%), medicals (5%), electricity (3%), cooking gas (3%), and mobile (2%).

74% of consumers expect their incomes to increase by next year, and about two-thirds claim that they will be able to save more (66%) and invest more (66%) in the coming year

Home Credit India (HCIN), a local arm of the leading global consumer finance provider, released the second edition of its in-house annual consumer survey – The Great Indian Wallet Study: Consumer behaviour towards key financial aspects.

The Great Indian Wallet study was conducted across 17 cities including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Patna, Ranchi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ludhiana and Kochi. The sample size was approx. 2500 in the age group of 18-55 years, with an annual income between Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs.

Speaking on the findings, Ashish Tiwari, Chief Marketing Officer, Home Credit India, said: “The Great Indian Wallet study serves as our compass, guiding us through the intricate landscape of consumer financial behaviour each year. By delving into the underlying behavioural trends, we gain valuable insights into household financial stability and the potential risks associated with technology in financial transactions. This year’s study reflects an upswing in the overall Financial Well-Being among urban and semi-urban consumers due to the strong economic growth, providing a clear insight into consumer sentiments, spending patterns, and saving habits among various demographics and segments.”

As per The Great Indian Wallet study, the Financial Well-Being Index among urban and semi-urban consumers has increased over last year, both in terms of current status and future perception. 52% of the consumers said that their income increased in the current year over last year, while 74% of consumers expects their income to increase by the coming year. About two-thirds claim that they would be able to save more (66%) and invest more (66%) in the coming year. This buoyancy in consumer sentiment is fuelled by the upward growth trajectory in the economy, an increase in earning capacity, and a positive perception of income growth.

Regionwise, in 2024, the average personal monthly income in Bengaluru is 38k, compared to 35k in 2023, while fixed monthly expenses have risen to 22k from 17k. Despite these increased expenses, 88% of respondents were able to save more in 2024, the highest among metros and Tier 2 cities. Essential monthly expenses in Bengaluru are primarily on groceries (25%), rent (22%), children's education (23%), commute (17%), medical expenses (5%), electricity (3%), cooking gas (3%), and mobile bills (2%). Bengaluru, along with Kochi, spends the highest on children's education (23%) and the least on electricity (3%) compared to other metros. Discretionary spending trends include local travel and sightseeing (35%), dining out (18%), movies (14%), fitness (4%), and OTT apps (4%).

Over the last six months, 69% spent on clothes and accessories, 68% on outstation travel, 18% on electronic devices, and 22% on home décor and 33% on home appliances. Financial security concerns are noted, with 35% aware of online frauds, 16% having been victims, and 39% receiving hoax communications. Interest in 'Credit on UPI' is shown by 36%, and 11% are interested in UPI Lite, but 83% would stop using UPI if it became chargeable.

Meanwhile, on national level, the study further shows that the average of Personal Monthly Income in 2024 stands at 35k for Metros and 32k for Tier 1 & 2 cities, showing an increase from 33k (Metros), 30k (Tier 1), and 27k (Tier 2) in 2023. Among Metros and Tier 1 cities, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune emerged as pivotal hubs, offering newer and better prospects for consumers seeking advancement. These cities witness rise in income levels, with Bangalore and Hyderabad leading with incomes 15% and 33% higher than the national average, respectively.

The study also provides an overview of the income and expenses among lower-middle-class individuals in 2024. On average, the personal monthly income of lower-middle-class individuals is around 33K, while monthly expenses stand at 19K in 2024. The growth in income over the past year has kept pace with the increase in expenses.

In terms of Wallet Share, the study revealed that Grocery (26%) and Rent (21%) continues to be the primary expenses dominating the wallet share of the average lower-middle-class Indian. This is followed by Commute (19%), Children’s Education (15%), Medical Expenses (7%), Electricity Bills (6%), Cooking Gas (4%), and Mobile Bills (2%).

As for Discretionary Spends, distinct spending patterns among different demographics could be seen.  Chennai leads in local travel/sightseeing (59%), eating outside (54%) and watching movies outside (55%) when compared to other metros. Lucknow, on the other hand, is the lowest spender on local travel/sightseeing (17%) and eating outside (14%). Chennai also pays the highest rent (29%), while Kolkata and Jaipur pay the lowest (15%). Ahmedabad and Dehradun spend the least on fitness (1%). Bengaluru & Kochi spends the most on children’s education (23%). Dehradun tops in medical expenses (13%) but spends the least on children’s education (10%).

The study also indicates that in the last six months, almost 60% of people had purchased fashion products like apparels and accessories, with Gen Z showing a greater inclination towards purchasing fashion products and electronics.

Household Expenses witness a notable uptick, with an average increase of 6%. In households with more than one earning member, the chief wage earner (CWE) contributes ~80% of the total household expenses, while non-CWE contributes ~20%. In the study, 42% of the women are CWE in their respective households.

In terms of Savings, ~60% of consumers prioritise building a cash reserve to address emergency expenses after covering their monthly fixed expenses. According to the study, Men (62%) outpace Women (50%) in savings. Similarly, Gen Z (68%) demonstrates a stronger inclination towards savings than Millennials (62%) and Gen X (53%). Regionally, consumers from the East exhibits higher savings rates (63%) compared to those from the West (61%), South (59%), and North (59%). Furthermore, metros led in savings, with 62% of urban consumers prioritising savings over Tier 1 (61%) and Tier 2 (54%) cities.

As per the study, one-fifth of consumers; (21%) have been victims of Financial Fraud. Cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune report a higher prevalence of financial fraud incidents. Men, Gen Z, and consumers from the North recalled receiving frequent fraudulent calls and messages over the past months. The study also revealed that 19% of consumers store their financial data on their smartphones, while 24% shared such sensitive data with their friends and family, indicating a complacent approach to data security. Interestingly, Women, Gen Z, and residents of the South region exhibit higher levels of complacency in this matter.

In the realm of digital transactions, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) remains a focal point, warranting heightened vigilance and security measures to mitigate the risk of financial fraud. The study indicates that 72% are current users of UPI, with most usage among men, Gen Z, and metro residents. Notably, UPI usage is the highest in Chennai (90%) and lowest in Ahmedabad (58%).

Furthermore, the study shows that 42% of consumers, especially men, Gen Z and Tier 1 consumers, expressed interest towards using Credit on UPI. Interestingly, the reasons to use “Credit on UPI” includes reduced timeframe in taking loans (53%), ease of payments at retail stores (44%), probability of getting better offers (23%), and lesser charges (16%). 

The City of London Honours Rev. Daaji With The Prestigious “Freedom Of The City Award”

* Special MoU with the Commonwealth Secretariat among other key highlights during his visit

In a yet another moment of pride for India, the City of London has conferred upon Rev Daaji – the Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission the prestigious “Freedom of the City of London Award” at Guildhall in recognition of his lifetime dedicated to humanity and noteworthy efforts in education, wellness, and environmental initiatives. As the Guide of Heartfulness, Daaji has made meditation accessible to millions of people around the world and has helped bring transformation in their lives, thereby the award ceremony also aptly coincided with World Meditation Day.

The Freedom of the City of London Award is the greatest honour that is in the power of the City of London to bestow. The past recipients of the coveted award were Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Nelson Mandela, as President of South Africa; Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru – the first Prime Minister of India; Bill Gates – Co-Founder Microsoft; J K Rowling – renowned author and many other prominent personalities. Recent high-profile recipients include Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine; theatre entrepreneurs, Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter; and former Managing Director and Chief Privacy Officer at the London Stock Exchange, Vivienne Artz.

Known as ‘Daaji’ by his followers and celebrated for his teachings on meditation and spirituality, Shri Kamlesh Patel (Daaji) was nominated by the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Mr. Chris Hayward, and the Chair of the organisation’s Freedom Applications Sub-Committee, Ms. Rehana Ameer. Daaji’s ceremony was attended by members of his family, friends and local Heartfulness practitioners, and was conducted by the Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court, Ms. Laura Miller.

Expressing his gratitude upon being conferred the honour, Rev. Daaji – Guide of Hreartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “I am delighted to reconnect with the United Kingdom and accept the Freedom of the City Award. This recognition is an honour to all the volunteers and practitioners of Heartfulness not just in London, but around the world. Now more than ever, unity and harmony are important. Meditation serves as an important means to bring the world together.”

Speaking after the Freedom ceremony, City Corporation Policy Chairman Mr. Chris Hayward said, “It was my pleasure to nominate Kamlesh D. Patel for the Freedom, which can be awarded to individuals in recognition of their contribution to public life, and which continues to attract people from a wide range of backgrounds and areas of expertise. Mr. Patel received a very warm welcome from my colleagues at Guildhall and I hope that he and his guests enjoyed the ceremony and will remember it for many years to come.”

Former Chair of the City Corporation’s Freedom Applications Sub-Committee, Rehana Ameer, said, “I admire people who make a tangible difference to other people’s lives, and who feel fulfilled and derive pleasure from their work. I was delighted to support the nomination for Kamlesh D. Patel Ji, whose work on meditation and spirituality will have helped bring a sense of calm, peace, and improvements in the mental health and well-being of so many people over the years. As a woman with a proud Indian heritage and someone who recognises Daaji’s contribution to the diverse communities as a spiritual leader and author, this award from the City goes some way towards thanking him for his achievements in education, environment, and wellness over the last four decades.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Earlier this year Rev. Daaji was also appointed as the Global Ambassador for Peacebuilding and Faith to the Commonwealth by Her Excellency Patricia Scotland, KC, Commonwealth Secretary General. Last year The House of Lords had conferred India-UK Triumph Award upon Rev. Daaji for his extraordinary contribution to the world as a spiritual catalyst for heart-centered approach to life. Rev. Daaji is also a Padma Bhushan recipient in recognition for his extraordinary contributions to the world.

This is Rev. Daaji’s first visit to the UK in a decade. The other chief highlights of his visit are marked by signing a special Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Secretariat, delivering a speech at the 22nd Commonwealth Education Ministers Conference at Marlborough House, engaging with Members of Parliament at the House of Lords, and meeting with practitioners of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha at the Neasden Temple in London.

Openhouse Introduces Preschools In Bangalore's Indiranagar And Sarjapur, Bringing World-Class Early Childhood Education To Bangalore

-          Since its inception in 2018, Openhouse has established eight Early Years Learning Centres across Bangalore and Kolkata.

-          With the launch of new preschools within our Openhouses at Indiranagar and Sarjapur, Openhouse is setting new benchmarks in preschool education for children aged 1 to 6 years

-          Aims to make quality child care accessible to families across India by expanding to 300 learning centers by 2030.

Openhouse, renowned for its holistic approach to education, is proud to announce the expansion of its offerings with the launch of preschools in Bangalore’s Indiranagar and Sarjapur neighborhoods. This marks a significant milestone in the realm of early childhood education. Catering to children aged 1 to 6 years, these preschools are designed to bring in a new wave of active childcare that focuses on exploration and curiosity over traditional academic learning.

Founded by Akshay Rampuria and Yashovardhan Poddar, who are recognized in Forbes 30 under 30 for their innovative contributions to education, Openhouse Preschool is tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern parents and their children, bringing global standards in early childhood education to India. Integrating best practices from IB, Montessori, Reggio, and Waldorf methodologies, Openhouse crafts a holistic play-based curriculum tailored to the developmental needs of each child. While most preschools in India do not emphasize the environment, at Openhouse, children remain engaged and stimulated throughout the day in a variety of activity rooms—such as homeroom, play area, sandpit, makerspace, atelier, roleplay room, and movement studio.

“Childcare and early year’s education need to be seen through a new lens to better serve today's children and families," stated Yash Poddar. "Unlike in the West, where strong regulations ensure high standards of delivery, the lack of regulation here means that preschools often do not maintain quality standards such as adhering to low student-to-teacher ratios and ensuring adequate teacher training before starting a school. Moreover, traditional schools fail to support working parents who are juggling the immense responsibilities of work and childcare, as they offer only half-day programs or provide daycare that lacks an engaging environment for the child."

Poddar continued, "At Openhouse, we emphasize the importance of play-based learning over traditional academic teaching. We want to shift from teacher-centric classrooms to child-centric classrooms. This expansion is a significant step toward fulfilling our vision to reshape the future of childcare in India, supporting the modern, thoughtful parent and making each child the protagonist of their own story."

Every child at Openhouse Preschool receives personalized attention, made possible by a 1:6 teacher-to-child ratio. Acknowledging the demands of modern family life, Openhouse extends flexible scheduling, full-day programs, transportation support, and nutritious meals, making parents' lives easier. This family-first approach enables working parents to continue in the workforce while ensuring their children receive quality care and learning.

Since its inception in 2018, Openhouse has rapidly expanded, establishing eight centers—six in Bangalore and two in Kolkata—and has positively impacted over 7,000 students. Their goal is to make quality education more accessible to families across India, eventually scaling to 300 learning centers by 2030. Besides the newly opened preschools, Openhouse offers a diverse array of co-curricular activities for children aged 3 to 10, including art, robotics, theater, public speaking, chess, karate, and dance. These programs complement traditional academic curricula by fostering holistic development, allowing children to explore their interests and ignite new passions outside of regular school hours.

Admissions for Openhouse Preschool are now open, with the next session set to begin on June 15th, 2024.

About Openhouse

Openhouse is a leading early years center tailored for children aged 1 to 10 years, based in Bangalore and Kolkata. Our centers provide specialized preschool and co-curricular programs that cultivate creativity, curiosity, and essential life skills, moving beyond traditional learning methods. Located in the comfort of your neighborhood, Openhouse provides engaging and vibrant learning environments that are perfectly aligned with the needs of today's discerning, modern parents.

Preschool Website: https://preschool.openhouse.study/

SecurEyes Advises Businesses And Individuals For A Safer Digital Experience On World Password Day

By Uma Pendyala     

Every year on the first Thursday of May, we celebrate World Password Day – a global initiative dedicated to promoting cyber hygiene and empowering users to take control of their online security. Think of it as a yearly wake-up call reminding us of the silent guardians protecting our digital lives – our passwords. In today’s world, where our online presence is ever-expanding, from social media to banking and healthcare, strong passwords are the first line of defence against a growing wave of cyber threats.

This article explores the importance of strong passwords in today’s digital world while also looking ahead to emerging password less authentication trends. The Login Labyrinth Ever spend 15 minutes frantically refreshing your memory, trying to recall that perfect blend of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols you used for that one specific website? We’ve all been there. Juggling countless passwords in today’s digital world can feel like navigating a never-ending login labyrinth. But this struggle isn’t just a source of frustration – it’s a major cybersecurity risk. The Password Breach Panic Imagine waking up to the news that a popular online store you frequent has suffered a data breach. Now picture the sinking feeling as you realize you used the same password for that store as for your bank account. This scenario, unfortunately, plays out all too often due to weak passwords. World Password Day serves as a crucial reminder to take charge of our online security by creating strong, unique passwords. The Case of the Compromised Code Remember the recent social media giant that experienced a major security breach? The culprit? Millions of weak user passwords. This incident highlights the devastating impact cyberattacks can have on individual users, and also on entire companies and their reputations. World Password Day reminds us that strong passwords are a critical line of defence in the fight against cybercrime.

The Supply Chain Surprise Last year’s attack on a major software provider exposed a worrying truth – sometimes, even strong passwords aren’t enough. It turned out that a single weak password within the company’s supply chain was all it took for hackers to gain access to a vast network of users. This incident emphasizes the importance of vigilance and highlights the need for robust security practices beyond just individual passwords. The State of Passwords in 2024 While the internet offers endless convenience, it also comes with a hidden threat: the vulnerability of weak passwords. Let’s face it, creating and remembering unique, complex passwords for every single online account we have can feel like an impossible feat. But here’s the sobering truth – common password mistakes leave us exposed in today’s evolving cyber threat landscape. So, what are these common pitfalls we tend to fall into?  The Repetition Trap: Reusing the same password across multiple accounts is a recipe for disaster. If a hacker cracks your password on one site, they have a free pass to all your other accounts secured with that same key. Imagine using the same house key for your front door, back door, and garage – that’s essentially what password reuse does! The Dictionary Disaster: Using dictionary words, even with minor tweaks like adding a number at the end, is a big no-no. Hackers have sophisticated tools that can crack these predictable combinations in seconds. Think beyond the obvious – your pet’s name or your favourite sports team just won’t cut it. The Personal Information Minefield: Birthdays, anniversaries, pet names – these might seem like clever ways to personalize your password, but they’re easily discoverable through social media or basic online searches. Keep your password distinct from any information readily available about you online. Rising Cyber Threats The digital world is constantly evolving, and unfortunately, so are the tactics of cybercriminals. Today’s threats go beyond the stereotypical hacker hunched over a computer screen. Here’s a glimpse into the ever-changing landscape and how weak passwords make us easy targets: Phishing Attacks: These sophisticated scams often come disguised as legitimate emails or messages, tricking users into revealing their login credentials. A strong password acts as a shield – even if you click on a malicious link, hackers won’t have the key to unlock your accounts.        Credential Stuffing: Imagine a criminal trying every single house key on your street until they find the right one. Credential stuffing operates on a similar principle. Hackers exploit data breaches from other websites, where usernames and passwords might have been compromised. They bombard login pages with stolen credentials, hoping to gain access to accounts protected by the same weak passwords.  Social Engineering: Cybercriminals are skilled manipulators. They might use phone calls, emails, or even social media to trick users into divulging their passwords. A strong, unique password minimizes the damage – even if you fall victim to social engineering tactics, other accounts remain secure. Advanced Malware: Evolving Threats: Malicious software is constantly getting more sophisticated. Some malware can even capture your keystrokes, potentially recording your passwords as you type them. A strong, complex password makes it significantly harder for malware to crack. Entering the Password less Era The future of authentication is looking brighter, with password less methods emerging as strong contenders. Here are some exciting trends to keep an eye on: Biometric Authentication: Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, and iris scans use your unique physical characteristics to grant access. Secure and convenient, but not fool proof (think identical twins!).

Magic Links: A unique link is sent to your email or phone, granting access upon clicking. Easy to use, but may raise concerns about phishing if not implemented carefully. Security Tokens: Physical devices or smartphone apps that generate temporary codes for logins. An extra layer of security, but requires carrying or having the device handy. FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance Standards: An industry effort to create a more universal and secure password less experience. Promising interoperability between different services, making things smoother for users. The transition to a password less future holds immense promise for enhanced online security and a more convenient user experience. However, addressing the potential challenges will be key to ensuring a smooth and successful adoption. By working together, users, tech companies, and policymakers can create a secure and user-friendly online environment where passwords become a relic of the past.

(The author is Head Business Ops, SecurEyes, a pure-play cybersecurity consulting, services, and products company that also provides cybersecurity training and education. The author can be reached at uma.pendyala@secureyes.net  and the views expressed in this article are her own).

Meta Hosts ‘Digital Suraksha For Teens’ Roundtable With Parents, Educators To Discuss Digital Safety Initiatives

Reiterating its commitment to the wellbeing of youth, Meta today organized the ‘Talking Digital Suraksha for Teens’ roundtable, in partnership with 1M1B. The parent-educator forum was held to build parental awareness on Meta’s approach to online safety and share best practices to safeguard the wellbeing of teens engaged in the online world.

The session discussed ways of empowering parents to confidently manage their teens’ usage of smartphones and devices – including on Meta’s platforms, while also gathering insights from parents and educators on their feedback around teen usage of social media and other online trends. The roundtable was attended by a select group of educators and parents from 10-15 selected schools in the city to learn more about digital safety initiatives and discuss experiences of their teen’s social media journey.

Speaking on the occasion, Natasha Jog, Director, Public Policy in India, Instagram, said, “We recognize the need for our young users especially to spend time online meaningfully, to do all the things that they love while staying safe. Through this series of conversations across India, we are seeking ways to engage with educators and empower parents to manage their family’s online experiences, with the boundaries and protections that work best for them.”

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the user safety ecosystem, Meta held the ‘Digital Suraksha Summit’ last year, which was built on a continuous endeavor to provide for a safe and balanced online experience for youth and women. Meta has also announced a two-year partnership with the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology (ITBT), Government of Karnataka to empower students across schools and colleges, and educators on information, awareness and education on online safety and digital citizenship.

Over the past three years, Meta has launched 50+ safety tools and features to promote online safety. Recently rolled out features around teen safety include, ‘Night Nudges’, which encourages users to shut down the Instagram app when being used late at night, as well as ‘Quiet Mode’, which help give teen users more control over the time spent on Instagram and what they see. Further, with Instagram’s Parental Supervision feature, parents can view the accounts their child follows, the accounts that follow their children and be more involved in their online experiences. Meta’s ‘Family Center’ also provides parents and teens to find information on how to safely navigate the platforms.

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology.

Cleartrip Adds A Host Of Travel Benefits To Flipkart’s And Myntra’s Reward Programs

* This program will offer unique travel booking benefits to Flipkart and Myntra Loyal customers.

With its customer-centric approach, Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, will now extend unique flight and hotel booking benefits to members of Flipkart Plus and Myntra Insiders (loyalty programs for Flipkart and Myntra). This strategic move reflects the commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering loyalty across the Flipkart Group of companies and its ecosystem of brands, including Cleartrip and Myntra.

The program will help maximize user benefits with each transaction. Cleartrip will now provide an array of Value-Added Services (VAS), which will also be extended to loyalists of the Flipkart group companies.

Key Features of the Flipkart Group Companies Benefits Program:

Flipkart VIP: Members enrolled in the VIP tier can access ClearChoice Max (Free Cancel/Reschedule of Flight booking) at Rs. 1, and get up to 15% additional discount on hotel booking on Cleartrip App

Flipkart Plus Premium: Members can get  ClearChoice Plus (Free rescheduling of Flight booking) at Rs. 99, and get up to 10% additional discount on hotel booking on the Cleartrip App

Myntra Insider - Icon & Elite: Members enjoy exclusive benefits such as ClearChoice plus (Free rescheduling of Flight booking) at Rs.1 and Rs.99 respectively, and get up to 15% additional discount on hotel booking on the Cleartrip App

These exceptional benefits are live for Flipkart customers (VIP & Plus Premium) and Myntra Insiders (Icon & Elite). Under the gamut of ClearChoice, Cleartrip offers travellers unprecedented flexibility to modify or cancel their flight bookings and save more on hotel bookings. This enables the users to experience a stress-free booking experience while being prepared for any last-minute changes at a nominal cost.

Regarding the development, Ayyappan Rajagopal, Chief Executive Officer, Cleartrip commented, “At Cleartrip, customer delight is at the heart of everything we do. This new endeavour will fuel the cross-utilisation of customers, offering unparalleled travel benefits to loyal patrons of Myntra and Flipkart.  Through this industry-first integration, we will deliver superior value to a wider and more diverse customer base with every transaction, enriching their overall experience with enhanced services, convenience, and loyalty rewards.”

This latest venture by Cleartrip marks an important step towards elevating the customer experience across the Group ecosystem.

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 including ClearChoice Plus, ClearChoice Max 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.