Thomas Cook India Launches New AI-Powered Platform To Help Customers Plan Holidays, Check Availability And Book – In Minutes

·         Customizes itineraries in minutes –basis individual customer preferences

·         Intelligent recommendations based on Deep Learning & AI algorithms

·         Integrated with global suppliers for seamless, real time check of availability & booking of flights, hotels, experiences and local transport

·         Platform deployed with sellers currently. Will extend the platform via company websites and apps to end customers in a few months

Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel have announced the launch of an AI-powered platform to help customers plan their customised holidays, check availability and book – in minutes. 

The platform has been deployed with sellers initially. Over the next few months, end customers will have direct access to the platform via the company websites thomascook.in & sotc.in and the company apps.

Creating a customised travel program has traditionally been an arduous task for holiday experts: from the discovery-research stage to creating an itinerary and then pricing and booking. This involves coordination with several disparate sources, with multiple external suppliers for various components, be it air, hotels, attractions, local transportation, etc. The average time frame involved being between 48 - 72 hours, or more. With the Thomas Cook and SOTC AI-based platform, customised trip planning will now become seamless – in under 10 minutes!

Leveraging a combination of Deep Learning & AI algorithms, intelligent recommendations intuitively tailor travel itineraries by analyzing unique customer preferences. With access to a global network of partners for flights, hotels, experiences and transport, holiday planning and booking is now more personalized and streamlined than ever before.

Capabilities of the AI platform:

·         Inspire Engine: AI-driven suggestions to optimize time and budget based on customer interests

·         Swift Personalization: Build a customized trip in just minutes with tailored recommendations

·         Speed: Turnaround time reduced - to under 10 minutes

·         Convenience: Curate a trip at ease - anytime, any day

·         Flexible Customization: Book recommended options or adjust every element of the itinerary to suit individual preferences.

Key Features:

·         Theme-based destination rankings

·         Flight price predictions and recommendations

·         Activity ranking and scheduling

·         Hotel price predictions and recommendations

·         Optimization within budget

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, ”The new age Indian consumer is increasingly demanding personalized trips - unique, tailor-made programs based on their preferences. Extending our digital-first strategy, I am delighted to announce our AI-powered platform, to help customers plan their customised holidays, check availability and book – in real-time. This will empower both our frontline and customers to create deeply personalized programmes in minutes. This cutting-edge AI technology will transform how Indians plan their travel, and as travel pioneers, we continue to improve our customer experience.”

Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “We are excited to unveil our AI-powered platform to help customers plan their customised holidays in real time. This platform will ensure the delivery of real-time recommendations and optimize every aspect of trip planning - personalizing travel like never before. We believe that AI is the key to unlocking intuitive, efficient, and personalized experiences in this new age of travel, and we at SOTC are excited to lead the way."

Understanding The Links Between Sustainable Development And Public Policies – A Seminar at MAHE, Bengaluru

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in partnership with the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC) and Indian Institute of Public Administration Karnataka Regional Branch (IIPA-KRB) is thrilled to announce ‘SUSTAINITI’, a National Seminar on Sustainable Development in an Unequal World – Public Policy Paths 2024. During the event MAHE will be singing an MoU with ISEC and IIPA-KRB. The first-of-its-kind seminar aims to focus on the roles of public policy in sustainable development keeping in mind socio-economic and environmental factors. The seminar is to be held on 5th and 6th of June, from 9:30 AM onwards, at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus, in Yelahanka.

Dr. Harini Santhanam, Head, Department  of Public Policy (DPP), MAHE, Bengaluru will welcome the guests and the participants, following which Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Bengaluru will deliver the inaugural address. The Chief Guest of the seminar, Prof. D. Rajasekhar, Director, ISEC will then address the audience.

Eminent professor, Prof. M.V. Nadkarni, Honorary Visiting Professor, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru will deliver the keynote address and Prof. V. Anil Kumar, Head, Centre for Political, Institutions, Governance and Development (CPIGD), ISEC, Bengaluru will introduce the national seminar to the audience.

A panel discussion on Day 1 (5th June 2024)  is proposed to be held deliberating on “Sustainability from different perspectives” from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The chairperson for this panel discussion will be Prof. Jeevan Kumar, Secretary, IIPA-KRB including panellists: Prof. D. Rajasekhar, (Director, ISEC) on “Rural Sustainability”, Prof. Krishna Raj (CESP, ISEC) on “Urban Sustainability” and Dr. Siddhartha Krishnan (ATREE Bangalore) on “Environmental Sustainability”. Parallel technical sessions with oral presentations on environmental, economic and social sustainability  have been scheduled throughout the day.

The parallel sessions are scheduled to continueon Day 2 (6th June 2024) and the day will be concluded by a second panel discussion on the theme “Interlinking data and communication in public policymaking for sustainable development” from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.  Shri. T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, IIPA-KRB will chair the session with panelists-Dr. Indu K. Murthy (CSTEP Bangalore), Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander (Visiting Professor, DPP) and Dr. K.V. Gururaja (Associate Professor, SMI, MAHE-BLR). Dr. A. Ravindra, IAS (Retd.)  & Chairman, Centre for Sustainable Development will deliver the Valedictory Address.

Faculty members, postgraduate students, PhD scholars and other students of diverse domains including political science, social sciences, humanities, law, economics, environmental science, data sciences, are invited to participate in the two-day seminar and listen to experts and researchers present their work in the intersectional areas of public policy and sustainability.

Apsara Ice Creams To Launch Muskaan Initiative On Its 53rd Anniversary

In a bid to bring joy and smiles to people's faces, Apsara Ice Creams today announced the launch of a unique initiative titled Muskaan on its 53rd Anniversary on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day. Apsara Ice Creams is an established and trusted brand with a presence in the market for more than five decades and has been providing premium quality ice creams to their customers since its inception.

As part of its 53rd anniversary, Apsara Ice Creams will launch a unique initiative to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day, which is indeed a matter of great pride for all the Indians. The initiative will be launched on August 15th in Mumbai and Pune, and will be carried out in the other cities in a phased manner.

Under the initiative of Muskaan, the company intends to distribute 53,000 (ice cream), which is close to four tonnes of ice cream. This initiative will cover 9 states and 25 cities in India. The ice creams would be distributed amongst various NGOs’, orphanages, old age homes, and various foundations in government and non-government sectors.

The aim is to bring a smile to their faces and give them a scoop of joy. The initiative is also to add sweetness to their lives, that too on such an auspicious occasion of Independence Day of India. NGOs and leading social organisations like Lions International, Leo International, Leo Club of Andheri Achievers, Rotaract Club, and Shree Nityanand Education Trust will also be a part of the initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nemchand Shah, Founder Partner, Apsara Ice Creams said, “The main aim of Muskaan is to bring about joy among the various sections of society and also celebrate our 53rd anniversary. The launch will take place on August 15th, on the 78th Independence Day, which is a matter of great pride for all of us. We are really excited and thrilled to see the smiles on their faces and make their day a memorable one. We truly believe in giving back to society and adding happiness to their lives.”

Sharing his views, Mr. Keyur Shah, Managing Partner, Apsara Ice Creams explains, “The entire thrust is to reach out to various strata of society. It is a matter of great pride that we are celebrating our anniversary on this occasion of the 78th Independence Day. This initiative aims to spread joy and smiles among those in need, showcasing Apsara’s commitment to social responsibility.

Through the Muskaan initiative, Apsara Ice Creams cherishes its anniversary by contributing to the well-being and joy of many.” He further said, “We are looking forward to the initiative covering 25 cities in India. On this occasion, we would like to thank all our customers, partners, employees, and key stakeholders for their unwavering support over the years. I would also like to thank all our franchise partners and organisations who have come forward to help us make this initiative a grand success. I am confident that their effort will surely add a silver lining to the initiative.”

"Divine Solitaire Ropes In Bollywood Actor Vaani Kapoor As The Face Of The Solitaire Festival Of India Campaign"

Divine Solitaires, a leading diamond solitaire jewellery brand that unveiled the 3rd edition of The Solitaire Festival of India (TSFI) in association with Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor a week ago has already clocked a positive response from partner jeweller stores and customers alike. In its last two editions more than 12500 gifts where given and won by the customers who bought during the festival. This year also there is a lot of excitement among consumers, especially since gold prices have fallen after the budget and diamonds too have become more affordable.

TSFI, known as India’s biggest diamond solitaire promotion, is running in 200+ partner jeweller stores of Divine Solitaires in 100+ cities across India and their online platforms, displaying world’s finest diamond solitaires set in stunning designs. Starting at only INR 20,000 and onwards, these stunning natural diamond solitaire collections are attracting customers with different budgets ahead of the festive and wedding season. Divine Solitaires, which never discounts its products, and they are always sold at their nationwide standard sticker prices, brings this promotion every year in August to reward its customers and delight them with prizes and gifts. It is also the time when fresh designs are unveiled and it’s a great opportunity for diamond lovers to buy into the latest trends early and be rewarded for it too!

Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor, the face of the festival, is featured wearing a 3-carat diamond solitaire ring, a two-line solitaire necklace, and solitaire studs for the promotions of The Solitaire Festival.

"Solitaires symbolize love, commitment, and promise, and Divine Solitaires offers the finest to celebrate your milestones. With a variety of stunning designs to choose from, The Solitaire Festival encourages customers to purchase solitaires and adds excitement by rewarding them with gifts and prizes." said Vaani Kapoor.

This annual event is open to all until August 31st. Customers can shop at the stores of the 200+ partner Jewellers like Senco, Ranka Jewellers, Reliance Jewels, Khimji, and so many more across the country as well online. They can browse through and purchase the best quality diamond solitaire jewellery with Hearts & Arrows (Ex. Ex. Ex.) Plus cut at standard and transparent prices across. This is the time to get rewarded and customers get assured gifts as well get a chance win some fantastic prizes with weekly mega draws scheduled for August 11, 17 and 24 and grand bumper draw on 4th September, featuring exciting prizes ranging from iPhones, TVs, laptops to cars and SUVs.

“The whole idea of hosting the TSFI each year is to allow every customer who aspires to own and buy the best quality solitaires an opportunity to see, feel and touch the finest gems in the market and make an informed choice when it comes to their purchases. Our customers can be assured of our unmatched promise of Quality Guarantee and Pricing transparency. We offer nothing but the best to enable them to celebrate and cherish the most divine moments of life like engagements, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays” said Jignesh Mehta, Founder of Divine Solitaires who has been revolutionizing the diamond buying experience for consumers across the world since he founded Divine Solitaires in 2006.

Customers from varied placed like Jamnagar, Kolkata, Patna, Indore, Pune, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Gurgaon have won prizes like SUVs, cars, iPhone and more. Shri Dileep Sanghvi from Ahmedabad was elated last year when he won a car and said “Winning the car last year was a most wonderful surprise and double one for my wife for whom I had purchased a solitaire ring from Divine for our 10th anniversary. I am looking forward to this year’s festival too. Buying solitaire is becoming a habit now.”

Celebrate Rakshabandhan With Oxbow Brands' Exquisite Gift Hampers!

As Rakshabandhan approaches, we at Oxbow Brands are delighted to celebrate this cherished festival by offering an exquisite selection of food and beverage gift hampers. This special occasion is not only a time for family gatherings and festivities but also a moment to reflect on the deep bonds that tie us together.

Rakshabandhan, often referred to as Rakhi, is a vibrant festival celebrated with great joy across India. It is a heartwarming occasion that symbolizes the bond between brothers and sisters. The word "Rakshabandhan" translates to "the bond of protection," highlighting the mutual love and care shared between siblings.

Our Gift Hampers

In honor of this festive occasion, we are proud to present our food and beverage gift hamper. Each hamper is thoughtfully curated to include a delightful selection of gourmet treats and premium beverages that embody the warmth and joy of Rakshabandhan. These hampers are perfect for celebrating with loved ones, whether near or far, and make for a meaningful gift that conveys heartfelt wishes.

The hamper includes the following:

Cotton Candy: Relive the nostalgia of childhood with our cotton candy, now in a cup! Super-fine, super-soft cotton candy in delightful flavors of Strawberry and Bubblegum.

Tapioca Crisps: Get extra cheesy with your sibling with Dobra Tapioca Crisps. Thin, crispy, and full of cheesy delight, share this bag of chips to get into your sibling's good books!

Pop Goli: Share the fun of pushing the marble and enjoy a fruity, blueberry fizz with Pop Goli Blueberry!

Coco Poco: Lychee and coconut bliss come together in this exotic beverage. Coco Poco offers a sip with a bite!

Rakhi & Card: A beautiful rakhi with meenakari work and a heartfelt note for your brother.

Package Cost: INR 435/-

We look forward to helping you celebrate Rakshabandhan with these thoughtful and delicious hampers.

MIT, MAHE Hosted 78th Independence Day Celebration At Manipal

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), hosted the 78th Independence Day celebration on 15th August 2024. The event was held in front of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences (formerly MMMC, Manipal).

Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE Manipal, was present as the chief guest, and Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE Manipal, was the guest of honour. Dr. P Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE, Manipal, and Dr. Somashekar Bhat, Joint Director, MIT, Manipal, graced the event with their presence along with other dignitaries.

The day commenced at 8:50 AM with an assembly in front of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, followed by the welcome address by Dr. Somashekar Bhat, Joint Director, MIT, Manipal. The National flag was hoisted by the chief guest, followed by Parade Reporting, Inspection, and March Past. The Guest of Honour delivered the Independence Day message, and participation awards were then presented.

Dr. H S Ballal, said, "We honor not only our country's independence on this Independence Day, but also the spirit of harmony, resiliency, and advancement that characterizes us as a people. While we honor the men and women who gave their lives defending our freedom, let's also resolve to create a future where inclusivity, innovation, and education are at the forefront. Working together, we can make a positive effect on society and pursue greatness to uphold the legacy of our wonderful country."

While delivering the Independence Day message, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, said, “On this Independence Day, we remember the sacrifices made by those who battled for our freedom and consider the principles that characterize our wonderful country: solidarity, tenacity, and the unwavering quest of progress. Let's keep in mind that we have an obligation to defend these principles both within and outside of our academic community as we commemorate this day. Together, we can support innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in everything we do, which will aid in the growth and development of our country. A very happy Independence Day to all of you!"

Prof. Suhas Kowshik, Assistant Professor (Senior Scale), Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, MIT Manipal, and Dr. Shilpa Suresh, Assistant Professor, Mechatronics Engineering Department, MIT Manipal, were the masters of ceremony.

Dr. Sriram K V, Associate Director, Industry Liaison, Placement & Practice School, MIT Manipal, concluded the day by delivering a vote of thanks, expressing his sincere appreciation to everyone who attended the auspicious occasion of Independence Day.

Contingent Prize Winners:

- 1st Place: Manipal Institute of Technology, (MIT) Manipal

- 2nd Place: Kasturba Medical College, (KMC) Manipal

- 3rd Place: Manipal College of Health Professionals, (MCHP) Manipal

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence and a Deemed to be University. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience.

Fresh Bus Raises INR 87.5 Crore Series A To Expand Route Network And Scale Operations

-          The new round of funding is being led by prominent investor Maniv, with participation from Shell Ventures, Alteria Capital, and existing investor Riverwalk Holdings

-          Fresh Bus will utilize the new funds to add 15 routes and deploy 150 new electric buses

All-electric, digital-first intercity bus startup Fresh Bus has raised INR 87.5 Crore ($10.5 million) through its Series A funding round. The Series A financing was led by international early-stage transportation-focused VC fund Maniv, with participation from Shell Ventures, Alteria Capital, and existing investor Riverwalk Holdings.

With its state-of-the-art fleet of 20 electric buses, Fresh Bus today provides seamless, convenient, affordable and eco-friendly travel on its current Bengaluru-Tirupati and Hyderabad-Vijayawada routes. Fresh Bus offers customers a digital-first customer experience, with best-in-class ticketing, real-time tracking of buses, a robust loyalty program, and more.

With this new injection of funding, Fresh Bus will expand its route network by adding 15 new routes and launching 150 e-buses soon. The new round will finance Fresh Bus’ fast-growing fleet. Fresh Bus will use the funds to scale its operations, enhance its technological capabilities, and strengthen its strategic team to drive growth. Fresh Bus was previously backed by notable industry leaders including Kunal Shah, Founder & CEO, CRED, Sudarshan Venu, MD, TVS Motors, and Deepak Garg, CEO & Founder, Rivigo. Earlier, Fresh Bus also secured 16 Cr as an investment from ixigo, a leading Indian OTA.

"Having served over 4 lakh passengers to date with an impeccable 95% OTP (On-Time Performance), an industry best, our goal is to establish a nationwide network and become the Indian market leader for intercity bussing in the upcoming years,” said Sudhakar Chirra, Founder & CEO of Fresh Bus: “We expect to scale to 1000 electric buses pan-India over the next four years, generate skilled employment opportunities for thousands of people and offer a green alternative for mass road transportation.”

Every day, over a hundred thousand bus services transport over 1 Cr Indians between the country’s cities, a market worth over INR 84,000 crore today. Since its inception, Fresh Bus has saved over 42 lakh liters of diesel, reducing nearly 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions – an impact equivalent to saving about 2.5 lakh trees.

“Fresh Bus is demonstrating that the wide-scale decarbonization of transportation is not a promissory burden but an already lucrative economic opportunity,” said Nate Jaret, partner at Maniv Mobility, a transportation-focused early-stage venture fund investing globally. "India’s intercity bus travel is ripe for disruption, and Sudhakar’s team is rapidly modernizing it through innovations in drivetrain, infrastructure, and customer experience."

“Electrifying mobility in India offers a unique chance to improve air quality, cut emissions, and reduce costs. Fresh Bus leads in electric intercity travel, driven by a data-driven, customer-focused approach.", said Robert Linck, Shell Ventures’ Chief Investment Officer.

"We are excited to double down on our investment and back the Freshbus team to create a sustainable and customer-first bus travel experience", said Jai Sumer Singh, Partner at Riverwalk Holdings, an early-stage VC fund.