Air India Express Launches Flash Sale With Fares Starting At Rs 1037

^ Air India Express Flash Sale offer is valid for bookings made till August 25, 2024

Air India Express launched its ‘Flash Sale’, featuring Xpress Lite fares starting from ?1037 and zero convenience fee for logged-in members on the airline’s award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com and mobile app. The sale is open for bookings made till 25th August for travel from 26th August to 24th October, 2024, on domestic sectors of the airline.

The sale also includes Xpress Value fares starting for as low as ?1195 as the airline offers fab deals on routes such as Delhi-Jaipur, Kolkata-Imphal, Chennai-Bhubaneswar, along with special sale fares across its network of 32 domestic destinations.

Bookers on airindiaexpress.com get exclusive access to the exclusive zero-check-in baggage Xpress Lite fares. Xpress Lite fares also include the option to pre-book an additional 3 kg of cabin baggage at no fee and a discounted fee for check-in baggage at ?1000 for 15 kg on domestic flights and ?1300 for 20 kg on international flights.

Air India Express loyalty members get exclusive discounts and can earn up to 8% NeuCoins on the airline’s website, in addition to exclusive fab deals like upto 47% off Biz and Prime Seats, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals and beverages and add-on packs. In addition to loyalty members, students, senior citizens, SMEs, Doctors and Nurses, and members of the armed forces and their dependents can also book special discounted fares on the airline’s website.

Xpress Biz fares are available on all the new Air India Express Boeing 737-8 aircraft, as a Business Class equivalent, disrupting the traditional LCC model with the proposition of a hybrid value carrier in keeping with the refreshed Air India Express brand positioning ‘Fly As You Are’. Guests can also upgrade to Biz seats for an enhanced travel experience with a seat pitch of up to 58 inches. As it rapidly expands its fleet, the airline is inducting nearly 4 new aircraft every month and has 4-8 Biz seats in the over 30 new aircraft inducted since it’s brand launch in October 2023.

About Air India Express

Air India Express, is a subsidiary of Air India and a part of the Tata group, operating over 380 daily flights, connecting 32 domestic and 15 international airports, with a fleet of 82 aircraft, comprising 54 Boeing 737s and 28 Airbus A320s. Air India Express invites guests with the proposition to ‘Fly As You Are’, using thoughtfully considered technology to enable flyers to personalise and take charge of their travel experience. The airline offers ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, comfortable seats, and a host of exclusive loyalty benefits with a sense of unique Indian warmth, and an award-winning digital experience on its mobile app and website, airindiaexpress.com.

Bollywood Actress - Amrita Rao As Brand Ambassador For Hi Kalpaa Event In Bengaluru

* Amrita Rao to Champion Hi Kalpaa’s Vision of Experiential Learning, Aiming to Elevate Early Childhood Education Nationwide

Hi Kalpaa, a leading institution in early childhood education, proudly announces the onboarding of renowned Bollywood actress- Amrita Rao as its official Brand Ambassador. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for Hi Kalpaa to provide top-notch education and care for young minds.

Hi Kalpaa, known for its innovative approach to early childhood education, emphasizes the importance of creation through experiment and experience. By nurturing each child's individual potential, interests, and needs, Hi Kalpaa provides a holistic and enriched learning experience.

“We are delighted to welcome Amrita Rao as the Brand Ambassador of Hi Kalpaa,” stated Shalini Sharma, CEO and Founder of Hi Kalpaa. “Her values and commitment to excellence mirror our own, and we provide an environment where every child can thrive. We are confident that her association with Hi Kalpaa will further our mission to revolutionize early childhood education and expand our reach nationwide.

Amrita Rao, celebrated for her contributions to Indian cinema, brings with her a reputation of grace, intellect, and integrity. Her involvement with Hi Kalpaa underscores a shared vision of nurturing future generations through quality education.

“It is a privilege to join hands with Hi Kalpaa, a pioneering institution that truly understands the significance of early childhood education,” said Amrita Rao. “The school’s focus on creating a nurturing and stimulating environment aligns perfectly with my values. I am excited to contribute to this meaningful initiative and help inspire the young minds of tomorrow.”

This partnership with Amrita Rao marks a significant milestone in Hi Kalpaa’s journey. As a Brand Ambassador, Amrita Rao will play a pivotal role in various campaigns and initiatives aimed at highlighting the unique strengths of Hi Kalpaa’s educational programs. Her involvement will further enhance the school’s efforts to connect with parents and communities who prioritize the best start for their children.

About Hi Kalpaa:

Hi Kalpaa is a School of Experiential Learning, dedicated to providing an environment where children can explore, learn, and grow with confidence. Backed by a team of exceptionally experienced educators, Hi Kalpaa is committed to nurturing the individual potential of each child through innovative and hands-on learning experiences.

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A35 5G With Circle To Search Now Available Starting INR 25999

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced a never-before-seen price on Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G smartphones. Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G deliver the best of Samsung’s flagship mobile innovations, and now come with Circle to Search with Google, an AI feature.

Under the limited period offer, Galaxy A55 5G will be available at a net effective starting price of INR 33999, while Galaxy A35 5G will be available at a net effective starting price of INR 25999.

The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G have multiple flagship features including Gorilla Glass Victus+, camera features enhanced by AI, Samsung Knox Vault, four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

Customers can avail attractive bank cashback of INR 6000 on Galaxy A55 5G and INR 5000 on Galaxy A35 5G, when buying these smartphones using credit cards from leading banks. They can also avail EMIs of up to six months.

Customers can also enjoy an upgrade bonus of up to INR 6000 on Galaxy A55 5G and up to INR 5000 on Galaxy A35 5G. However, customers can avail either bank cashback or upgrade bonus.

Circle to Search

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G come with Circle to Search, offering a transformative experience of discovery that goes beyond traditional search methods. This feature — the result of a deep collaboration with Google — has continuously evolved to enhance its usability and intuitiveness. As one of the most popular features of Galaxy AI, Circle to Search allows users to search for anything on their screen with a simple gesture – drawing a circle around a text with a finger or scribbling on an object on screen – without the need to switch apps. For instance, if users come across a clothing item they like in a social media post, they can draw a circle around it using Circle to Search to find similar products online instantly. Circle to Search, which has also become a standout in the Galaxy S24 Series, can further help with daily tasks like identifying a landmark, shopping for an untagged item, or exploring details within a video.

Awesome Camera

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G come with a host of impressive features including photography capabilities inspired by Galaxy’s flagship camera innovations and a stunning 6.6-inch screen display that adjusts to users’ surroundings with Vision Booster. Galaxy A55 5G comes with 50MP Main with OIS and 12MP Ultra-Wide, while Galaxy A35 5G comes with 50MP Main with OIS and 8MP Ultra-Wide. Both feature a 5MP Macro. Galaxy A55 5G features a 32MP Front Camera, while Galaxy A35 5G comes with a 13MP Front Camera. The devices also have features such as 4K stabilization due to VDIS + adaptive VDIS (video digital image stabilization) and OIS (optical image stabilization) that keep photos and videos crisp even when filming on the go. The enhanced Nightography feature on Galaxy A55 5G ensures stunning low-light photography, capturing vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. Both devices also boast Super AMOLED displays, offering full HD clarity and an immersive viewing experience.

Moreover, Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G smartphones come with multiple innovative AI enhanced camera features that can take the user’s content game to the next level. Once a picture is clicked, AI-suggested edits like Photo Remaster allow users to enhance their images, Portrait Effect helps focus on what is truly important, and the Object Eraser feature can remove unwanted photo-bombers and reflections. The extremely popular Image Clipper lets users clip the subject of any image and use it as a sticker. The Adjust Speed feature is also phenomenal since it helps dynamically change the speed of the videos and create dramatic outputs similar to professionally shot clips.

Awesome Design & Durability

They are rated IP67, which means they can withstand up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of fresh water. They are also built to resist dust and sand, making them ideal for any situation. Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are additionally designed to withstand slips and falls due to the Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the front and back.

Awesome Performance

The all-new Exynos 1480 processor built on 4nm process technology powers Galaxy A55 5G while the Galaxy A35 5G has been upgraded to the Exynos 1380 processor built on 5nm process technology. These power-packed smartphones come with several NPU, GPU and CPU upgrades along with a 70%+ larger cooling chamber that ensures a smooth output whether you game or multi-task.

Awesome Secure like None Other    

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G bring one of Samsung’s most innovative security features from flagship Galaxy devices to Galaxy A series users for the very first time - Samsung Knox Vault. The hardware-based and tamper-resistant security solution offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks by constructing a secure execution environment that is physically isolated from the system’s main processor and memory. It can also help protect the most critical data on a device, including lock screen credentials, such as PIN codes, passwords and patterns.

For even more ways to stay protected, Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G smartphones offer Auto Blocker, which when switched on can block app installations from unauthorized sources, provide app security checks to scan for potential malware and block potentially malicious commands and software installations to your device while connected by USB cable.

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G devices are available for purchase via Samsung.com, across Samsung stores, and other online platforms. Galaxy A35 5G is available in three colours - Awesome Lilac, Awesome Ice Blue & Awesome Navy while Galaxy A55 5G is available in two colours - Awesome Ice Blue & Awesome Navy.

Vi Honours Indian Artisans; Ties-up With NGOs To Showcase Local Handicrafts

* Artisans supported by various NGOs showcased their creations at Vi Stores across India

Celebrating India, leading telecom operator Vi launched its unique initiative, Artisans of India. This special initiative celebrated the craftsmanship and skills of local artisans, adding a vibrant touch across the country.

Vi helped provide a platform to over 60 talented artisans across its stores in multiple States. Vi Stores in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, New Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat collaborated with local NGOs to showcase artisans’ work to the public.  

These artisans, working with various crafts and traditions, showcased hand-painted bags, chikankari embroidery, paintings, toys, decorated diyas, and more.

Some NGOs Vi partnered with for this initiative included Universal Smile, ESSCENT, Astha Foundation’s Parivartan School for Specially-Abled Children, Shwwas Samiti-Swastik Handicraft Women Welfare Association, Disha Shakti Swayam Sahayta Samooh, and RAFEC. At Kolkata’s South City store, Universal Smile showcased hand-painted cloth bags made by women, with proceeds supporting an orphanage, while in Gujarat, the Astha Foundation worked with specially-abled children to create and showcase decorated Diyas.

This reflects Vi’s commitment to supporting local communities and preserving the rich artistic heritage of India. Through the Artisans of India initiative, Vi paid tribute to the cultures that unite us all. Vi remains committed to uplifting the artisans and craftsmen who contribute richly to the fabric of the nation.

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service provider. The company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platforms. Company holds large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave 5G spectrum in 16 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The company’s equity share are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”. 

For more information, please visit: www.MyVi.in

Drone-Tech Startup NxtQube Raises Seed Round Funding To Enhance Operations across Asia Pacific, Europe, And The USA

* The funding round was led by Venture Catalysts and was participated by Pontaq VC, Ananta Bizcon LLP, Rushikesh Bhandari and others 

NxtQube, India's premier drone infrastructure company, is announcing that the firm has obtained a seed round funding led by Venture Catalysts, India's leading integrated incubator and accelerator platform, and also witnessed participation from Pontaq VC (STPI), Ananta Bizcon LLP, Rushikesh Bhandari, and other angel investors. The Nashik-based firm will use the acquired funds to enhance its operations in the defence and enterprise sectors across markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, and the US with 2 million drones.

The seed funding round marks a notable milestone for NxtQube in its objective to develop a Universal Drone Docking Station, designed to serve diverse drone categories irrespective of applications. This essential capital inflow will assist NxtQube to make headway in accelerating its strategic expansion, research & development, increasing product line and penetrating new strategic markets to cater to new-age consumers across levels. Furthermore, the firm also envisions unlocking new dimensions of interaction with aerospace technology and enriching lives through innovative solutions. This will be driven through NxtQube’s Drone dock;  a fully automated and industrial-grade universal drone docking station offering cross-compatibility with diverse drone manufacturers and technologies to ensure an efficient aerial ecosystem.

Nikhil Rajput, Co-Founder & CEO of NxtQube, shared his optimism following the seed round success, saying, “The aviation sector has been transforming rapidly through the growing emphasis on drones and this investment will further assist us to ensuring a future to seamlessly integrate technology with the skies to enhance human lives. This funding will also enable us to advance a step further to enhance the quality of our Universal Drone Docking Station to cater to diverse categories and applications. Soon after our domestic launch, we will debut this globally to ensure strategic market penetration to sustain and enhance our profitability. By leveraging innovations,  NxtQube is poised to transform how drones interact with the world, making aerial solutions more accessible and effective.”

Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder, and Managing Director of Venture Catalysts, shared his insights on the investment decision, saying, “NxtQube's innovative approach to drone infrastructure aligns perfectly with the rapidly evolving drone ecosystem. Their universal docking station has the potential to significantly reduce operational costs and increase efficiency in drone deployments. We believe NxtQube is well-positioned to become a global leader in drone infrastructure, catering to the growing demand for autonomous drone operations across various sectors. What particularly excites us is the scalability of their solution and its potential to revolutionise industries beyond just drone operations. As India pushes towards becoming a drone hub, companies like NxtQube will play a crucial role in building the necessary infrastructure.”

Since its inception in 2022, NxtQube has been able to sustain a meteoric rise in the domain, developing indigenous docking stations, building indigenous hardware and feature rich firmware — complementing the Made in India initiative. This has helped the firm to make uninterrupted remote drone operations possible irrespective of locations. NxtQube’s docking stations boast top of the line compatibility of scheduling autonomous missions, along with remote diagnostic capabilities with minimal downtime and assistive pilot features.

The firm is presently developing a battery-swapping module to extend the operational efficiency of drones. However, the firm is also set to address the growing emphasis on global drone innovations by developing docks for swarm capabilities, logistics docks designed for hub-to-hub and last-mile delivery, and platforms for virtual piloting. Its Universal drone docking station, Nxtqube Drone dock is capable of undertaking complex activities that include take-off, landing, flight surveillance, charging and data extraction. 

About NxtQube

NxtQube is on a mission to build Universal autonomous docking stations, with a vision to empower aerial and on-ground robotics for Unmanned Level 2+ Autonomy. Currently leading the Autonomous Drone Docking Stations space in India. NxtQube is focused on building complementary technology and working with the ecosystem, focusing on the Niche technology of Autonomous Drone Docking Stations to continuously innovate and make reliable robotics technology.

PSG College Of Technology honors Leela Kaza, Founder & Co-CEO, Bounteous x Accolite With Distinguished Alumni Award

*  Leela Kaza has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in the IT industry and his role in fostering entrepreneurship 

*  Leela Kaza, Founder and Co-CEO of Bounteous x Accolite, has been recognized by PSG College of Technology as a Distinguished Alumni during the institution’s Foundation Day celebrations. The prestigious honor was awarded in recognition of Leela’s significant  contributions to the IT sector - for spearheading and delivering cutting-edge IT solutions to the world’s leading global brands, creating employment opportunities for thousands, and mentoring over 20 software enterprises to help them scale and thrive.  

Shri. Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd., along with Shri. L Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee of PSG & Sons’ Charities, presided as chief guest for the event. 

The PSG Tech “Distinguished Alumni Award” is an esteemed accolade bestowed upon former students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and excellence in their respective fields. This year, Mr. Leela joins a select group of five other alumni, each of whom has made notable advancements in their industries. 

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Leela remarked, “I am overwhelmed with this recognition from my alma mater, PSG College of Technology. It is a privilege to have studied at such a prestigious institution, and being acknowledged as a Distinguished Alumni is an honor that I hold close to my heart. The foundation laid during my time at PSG Tech has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey, and I am deeply humbled to receive this award alongside such esteemed peers. The relationships I formed during my college days remain intact even today, and it has been incredible to witness how each of my batchmates has gone on to have illustrious careers. This award is not just a recognition of individual achievement but also a celebration of the enduring bonds and shared successes of my PSG Tech family.” 

Dr R Nadarajan, Dean Placement and Training, PSG College of Technology, commented on the award, stating, “We are immensely proud to recognize Leela Kaza as a Distinguished Alumni of PSG Tech. His achievements in the IT sector are truly exemplary and reflect the values and education that PSG Tech strives to instill in its students.

Having an alumnus like Mr. Kaza, who has made such significant contributions and continues to lead with integrity and innovation, is a matter of great pride for our institution. His success is an inspiration to our current students and to the broader PSG community.”  

About Bounteous X Accolite: 

Bounteous x Accolite makes the future faster for the world’s most ambitious brands. Our services span Strategy, Analytics, Digital Engineering, Cloud, Data  & AI, Experience Design, and Marketing. We are guided by Co-Innovation, our proven methodology of collaborative partnership. Bounteous x Accolite brings together 5,000+ employees spanning North America, APAC, and EMEA, and partnerships with leading technology  providers. Through advanced digital engineering, technology solutions, and data-driven digital experiences, we create exceptional and efficient business impact and help our clients win. 

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Marks Women's Equality Day With Renewed Commitment To Gender Equality And Empowerment

In recognition of Women's Equality Day on August 26th, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women within its workforce and beyond. Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), TKM has initiated a series of transformative measures aimed at fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

As part of its long-term vision, TKM has set a target to increase the representation of women in its workforce to 30% by 2030. To achieve this, TKM has implemented a series of robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including the formation of a focussed senior level team dedicated to DEI, extensive benchmarking across industries and aligning with the International Labour Organization’s 2030 agenda of creating greater opportunities for women.

On March 13, 2024, TKM celebrated a significant milestone with the capping ceremony of its first batch of 55 women supervisors, along with the induction of 160 new female team members, raising the total number of women in the company to over 450, with plans to reach 850+ by the end of the year. TKM has also introduced a Gender Diversity Standard Operating Procedure Manual, detailing best practices for promoting gender diversity. These efforts, including unconscious bias surveys and the "Samvardhana" sensitization program, underscore TKM's holistic approach to creating a supportive, inclusive ecosystem that not only empowers women but also enhances the overall quality and competitiveness of its workforce.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G. Shankara - Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that gender equality is not just a goal, but a critical driver of our success and sustainability. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is deeply embedded in our organizational values, and we are proud to be making significant strides in empowering women within our workforce. By setting ambitious targets and investing in the necessary infrastructure and training programs, we are not only enhancing gender diversity but also creating a work environment where every individual can thrive. As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, we reaffirm our dedication to creating equal opportunities and paving the way for a more equitable future for all.”

TKM’s commitment to gender diversity is further exemplified by the expansion of its training programs. The three-year residential course at Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) now has its intake doubled to 1200 students, with up to 600 female students, while the Toyota Kaushalya program offers a two-year training program for rural and economically disadvantaged students. To support this initiative, TKM has made significant infrastructure investments, including the construction of a new dormitory at Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) to accommodate 600 female students, and the enhancement of safety features and facilities such as upgraded restrooms and locker rooms.

As TKM marks Women’s Equality Day, the company reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. This vision extends beyond the organization’s boundaries, encompassing the entire value chain and society at large. TKM believes that diversity and inclusion are not only corporate responsibilities but also societal benefits that contribute to the development of world-class talent and mass happiness. TKM remains dedicated to supporting the professional development and advancement of women through targeted initiatives and programs, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive in their careers.