Turkish Airlines Announces Its Flights To Sydney, The Largest City Of Australia

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, adds Sydney, the largest city of Australia to its robust flight network. With its second foray into the continent, flag carrier airline also marks the city as its first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights in the future. Set to start on December 4, 2024, ?stanbul – Sydney flights will be operated four times a week via Kuala Lumpur with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

This new route not only strengthens Turkish Airlines presence in the newest continent in its flight network but also continues to bolster ties between Türkiye and Australia, driving growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

About the new addition to global airline’s flight network, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are happy to announce the launch of our Sydney route, which opens another chapter for us in the continent. This new route not only enhances our flight network but also reaffirms our commitment to our presence in Australia as we connect our guests to new opportunities and experiences with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Sydney will also be our first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights when we receive the aircraft capable of making the journey in a single leg.”

On the new development, Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “I am thrilled that Turkish Airlines is touching down in Sydney for the first time, providing European travellers with direct access to our state’s world-class visitor experiences. The NSW Government has worked closely with Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines to secure this new service. Sydney is the gateway to Australia and supporting this new route holds enormous potential for the growth of the state’s visitor economy.”

Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton said: “This announcement of direct flights marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub. We are proud that Turkish Airlines Sydney and NSW for their first non-stop service which is a strong endorsement of everything our city and state has to offer. In the meantime, passengers will get to experience Turkish Airlines’ award-winning service from Sydney to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur in December 2024.

With more than 15,000 Turkish-born Australians in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently rated as one of the top destinations for Australian travellers, we’re confident this service will be strongly supported. Today’s announcement is also incredibly important for the Sydney and NSW economies and speaks to the impact of international aviation in supporting our visitor economy.

We’re looking forward to Turkish Airlines inaugural flight and growing their services in the years to come.”

he special launch prices for Turkish Airlines' Sydney to Istanbul flights are 1489 AUD, and 999 USD for Istanbul to Sydney flights.

The launch prices are valid for:

Ticketing Date: 12 September – 31 December 2024

Travel Date: 04 December 2024 – 31 May 2025.As the largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is a major global hub for business, tourism and the arts. Home to the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the city offers a unique and iconic experience for its visitors whether they are visiting for business or leisure. Now, travelers around the world will have the opportunity to enjoy Sydney with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines while flag carrier’s Australian guests will be able take advantage of its globe spanning network in a more convenient manner.

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 462 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 349 worldwide destinations as 296 international and 53 domestics in 130 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

About Star Alliance:

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,500 daily flights to over 1,150 airports in 189 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.

HUBNER India’s “Namma Factory” Achieves Significant Milestones Within 18 Months Of Commissioning

·         HUBNER India successfully completes two major orders, delivering a total of 540 gangway systems for the Vande Bharat Express (Train 18).

·         HUBNER India has commenced production of gangway systems for metro projects in São Paulo, Brazil, and Cairo, Egypt.

·         With increased demand, HUBNER India has expanded its workforce from 125 to nearly 200 employees.

·         Among the significant ongoing projects is an order from BEML for 800 gangway systems for the Mumbai Metro – one of the largest orders in HÜBNER Group's history.

·         The plant was commissioned at the beginning of 2023

HÜBNER Group has today announced that its “Namma Factory” in Bengaluru has achieved a significant milestone of the production and delivery of 2,000 gangways since the factory was commissioned at the beginning of 2023. In addition, HUBNER India has started production of gangway systems for metro projects to serve the Brazilian metropolis of São Paulo and the Egyptian capital Cairo, from the plant.

The Namma Factory is developing into a major success story for the HÜBNER Group with its achievements within such a short time frame. The Indian subsidiary HUBNER Interface Systems India Pvt. Ltd. (HIN) manufactures products and components in a particularly resource-efficient manner thanks to high-performance sustainability technologies.

Production levels raised with resource-saving manufacturing methods

“Our plan in India to meet the requirements of our local customers quickly and flexibly with a modern plant and a growing, high-performance team is working out just as we hoped,” says Kai Mentel, Managing Director of the HÜBNER Group. “With the Namma Factory facility we are proving that it is possible to both raise our production capacities for India and Asia as a whole while at the same time manufacturing with especially sustainable and resource-conserving methods.”

With the production and delivery of 2,000 gangways, the Namma Factory team has also achieved other important milestones: Two major orders for a total of 540 gangway systems for the Vande Bharat Express (Train 18) have now been completed. In addition, HUBNER India has started production of gangway systems for metro projects to serve the Brazilian metropolis of São Paulo and the Egyptian capital Cairo.

Handling major projects with increased production capacities

With a positive order situation, HUBNER India has increased its staff from 125 to nearly 200 employees. Among the major projects being handled by the growing team is an order from the Indian train manufacturer BEML for 800 gangway systems to serve the Mumbai Metro. This is one of the largest orders in the history of the HÜBNER Group.

With the commissioning of the new factory, the HÜBNER Group has significantly increased its production capacities for mobility markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The HÜBNER Group has been the global market leader for gangway systems for many years. It is now using the added production capacities in India to undertake major projects for leading mobility providers such as BEML, as well as Alstom and Indian Railways.

Focus on sustainability: Half a million kilowatt hours of solar power

When designing the new Namma Factory, the HÜBNER Group placed a special focus on sustainability. The bulk of the energy required to run the factory is generated by a photovoltaic system, which produced 587,055 kilowatt hours (KWh) of electricity in its first year of operation alone. Around 72 percent of this was fed into the local power grid. “To generate the same amount of electricity, 32 tons of coal would have had to be burned for the Namma Factory’s first year of operation,” explains Uwe Sperber, Location Head of HUBNER India. “This has saved us the equivalent of 60 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.”

The plant’s in-house wastewater treatment plant is also paying for itself – with a daily capacity of 15 cubic meters for wastewater treatment and a capacity of 60 cubic meters for storing and using rainwater. Through the use of this treated water for landscaping work and sanitary facilities, approximately 350 cubic meters of water have already been recycled in the first year. “We are proud of these successes in the operation of the Namma Factory and see them as an incentive to manage our processes with even greater resource efficiency in the future,” says Uwe Sperber.

In India for India: Developing local engineering expertise

It has been possible to develop local engineering expertise in the Namma Factory in connection with the Metro Cairo project for HÜBNER’s customer Alstom. The train manufacturer has been mandated to make Egypt’s largest metro line more energy efficient and to design it for larger numbers of passengers – up to 2,580 people in a single train. For the development of the necessary gangway systems, the HÜBNER Group is pooling its expertise at its locations in Kassel, Germany, and Bengaluru. The aim is to make it possible for the entire product development process for future projects to take place in India by the end of 2025.

“We have launched a real lighthouse project in the growing market of India with our Namma Factory,” points out Managing Director Kai Mentel. “This also sends a strong signal to our customers. The HÜBNER Group is a high- performance partner that is acting on a global scale and is continually improving in the area of sustainability.”

HÜBNER Group

Mobility. Materials. Photonics. | united by passion.

With its business divisions Mobility Rail, Mobility Road, Material Solutions and Photonics, the HÜBNER Group is a global system supplier for the mobility sector, for manufacturing, and for life sciences and research applications. HÜBNER is the worldwide leader in gangway systems for rail vehicles and buses as well as a supplier of chassis technology, cockpit display solutions and door sealing and safety profiles. The company is also an internationally recognized supplier of sophisticated solutions involving elastomers, insulation and composite materials. HÜBNER’s business unit for laser technology is developing successfully, featuring applications for cancer diagnostics and spectroscopy, for example.

In 2023, the HÜBNER Group generated sales of approximately €472 million, with approximately 3,500 employees worldwide. In addition to its headquarters in Kassel, Germany, HÜBNER is present with more than 30 locations around the world.

www.hubner-group.com 

Samsung Announces Exciting Limited Period Offer On Galaxy S24 Ultra; Now Available Starting INR 109999 In India

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced a never-before-seen price on its flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone.

Starting September 12, 2024, Galaxy S24 Ultra will be available at just INR 109999 as part of a limited period offer. The smartphone was originally priced starting INR 129999. The special price includes an instant cash back of INR 8000 along with an additional upgrade bonus of INR 12000. Alternatively, consumers can also avail bank cashback of INR 12000. Additionally, consumers seeking enhanced affordability can take advantage of no-cost EMI for 24 months.

Galaxy S24 Ultra ushers in a new era of mobile AI, enabling consumers to do more with Galaxy AI. Galaxy S24 Ultra enhances and redefines the phone’s most fundamental role: communication with Live Translate, two-way, real-time voice and text translations of phone calls within the native app. With Interpreter, live conversations can be instantly translated on a split-screen view. It even works without cellular data or Wi-Fi for messages and other apps. In addition, Chat Assist can help perfect conversational tones to ensure communication sounds as it was intended. AI built into the Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages, including Hindi.

With the Note Assist feature in Samsung Notes, users get AI-generated summaries and create templates that streamline notes with pre-made formats. For voice recordings, even when there are multiple speakers, Transcript Assist uses AI and Speech-to-Text technology to transcribe, summarize and even translate recordings. Galaxy S24 Ultra also gets ‘Circle to Search’ with Google.

Galaxy S24 Ultra features ProVisual Engine, a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximize creative freedom. The Quad Tele System on Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 5x optical zoom lens that works with the 50MP sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x, 3x, 5x to 10x, thanks to Adaptive Pixel Sensor. Images also show crystal clear results at 100x with enhanced digital zoom. With upgraded Nightography capabilities, photos and videos shot on Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Space Zoom are brilliant in any conditions, even when zoomed in. Galaxy S24 Ultra’s larger pixel size, now 1.4 ?m, is 60% bigger, helping capture more light in dim conditions.

Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 6.8” flat display, optimized not just for viewing but also for productivity. It is equipped with Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy that delivers remarkable NPU improvement for incredibly efficient AI processing.  Galaxy S24 Ultra features 2600 nits of peak brightness.

Corning® Gorilla® Armor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is optically enhanced for superior durability. It delivers dramatically reduced reflection by up to 75% in a wide range of lighting conditions, ensuring a smooth, comfortable viewing experience.  Available in four vibrant colours – Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Black and Titanium Yellow, Galaxy S24 Ultra is the first-ever Galaxy phone to feature a titanium frame, enhancing device durability and longevity. Galaxy S24 Ultra’s significantly thinner body enables a better on-the-go experience with a more comfortable grip.

Galaxy S24 Ultra continues Samsung’s commitment to extending the product lifecycle, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates to help users reliably experience the optimized performance of their Galaxy devices for even longer. Galaxy S24 Ultra is secured by Samsung Knox for safeguarding critical information and protection against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.

Galaxy S24 Ultra is available in all leading online and offline retail stores.

Orkla India Partners With CleanMax To Make MTR Karnataka Factories 100% Renewable

Orkla India, the parent company of MTR and Eastern, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with CleanMax, a Brookfield backed company, to solidify its sustainability goals and accelerate its journey towards net-zero emissions. The partnership involves a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the generation and supply of renewable energy from a 6.6 MWp Solar Captive Power Project located in Jagaluru, Karnataka. With this partnership, Orkla India factories based out of Karnataka will run on 100% renewable energy.

The project is structured under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), with Orkla India holding a 26% equity stake and CleanMax retaining the remaining 74%. Under this arrangement, CleanMax will manage the energy generation, operation, and maintenance of the solar plant, ensuring optimal performance throughout the 25-year term.

This 6.6MW plant will provide 10 million KWh units per annum which is equivalent to the reduction of 7500 tons of CO2 emission annually which corresponds to planting 1.3 lakh trees annually.

Aligning with the company's global sustainability objectives, this initiative will significantly reduce Orkla India's carbon footprint, with all its manufacturing units in Karnataka achieving net-zero upon complete implementation.

Niklas Stoltz, Director, Sustainability said, “Orkla India’s partnership with CleanMax is about powering change. We want to set a new standard for sustainable manufacturing in India's FMCG sector. With this partnership, Orkla India factories based out of Karnataka will run on 100% renewable electricity and at a pan India level 70% of our electricity consumption will be from renewable sources."

Kuldeep Jain, Founder and Managing Director, CleanMax said, "Our journey with Orkla since 2018 has been exciting, and I’m glad to expand this partnership further. We’re focused on enabling Orkla's shift to clean energy with solutions that align with their broader sustainability and net-zero goals. Together, we’re making a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions and advancing a more sustainable future."

Orkla India remains committed to creating a resilient and healthier future as it believes that sustainable production and consumption is the path to a healthier tomorrow. 

Mobil™ Hosts India’s First Night Street Race in Chennai With ‘Indian Racing Festival 2024’

Mobil™, a leader in automotive lubricants, associated with Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL) for India’s first-ever night street race in Chennai during the ‘Indian Racing Festival 2024’ at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit on August 31 and September 1. This landmark event marked Mobil’s third year of association with the Indian Racing Festival, showcasing a spectacular combination of speed, skill, technology and performance.

As the official lubricant partner for both the Indian Racing League and the Formula 4 Championship, Mobil™ underscored its commitment to advancing Indian motorsports, aligning with its focus on ‘Performance by Mobil 1’. The festival, organized by RPPL, has five exciting rounds across the country all the way through November 2024. This event also celebrated Mobil 1’s 50-year presence in India.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Vipin Rana, CEO - ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are honoured to be a part of the India Racing Week, an event that not only demonstrates our dedication to advancing global motorsports but also accelerates the future of racing in India. In the last three years, we have empowered racers and enthusiasts with the confidence provided by Mobil™ products, enabling them to unlock their potential.

Mr. Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman of RPPL, added, We are incredibly proud of this association with Mobil™ and thrilled to bring India’s first night street race to life. The excitement and energy of night racing have added a new dimension to the festival, showcasing the talent and passion of our racers. Congratulations to all the teams of F4 and IRL for their remarkable performance, and we look forward to continue the same momentum in the future.

The festival attracted significant attention, with celebrity team owners such as Bollywood stars John Abraham and Arjun Kapoor, cricket legend Saurav Ganguly, and actor Naga Chaitanya contributing to its high profile

The event concluded with a grand award ceremony, celebrating the exceptional performances of the winning teams and individuals, and further cementing Mobil 1’s role in driving the future of motorsport in India.

About ExxonMobil in India

ExxonMobil has been powering India’s growth for three decades.

The company brought the first supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India in the early 2000s and is now a major LNG supplier to the country, helping to advance its transition to a gas-based economy.

ExxonMobil’s cutting-edge product solutions such as Mobil lubricants are driving productivity and energy efficiency in India’s automotive and industrial sectors, helping individual consumers and businesses achieve more with less. The company’s chemical products are enabling Indian manufacturers to make high-quality products and deliver sustainability benefits across sectors including food processing, consumer durables, agriculture, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and construction.

ExxonMobil’s business and technology centers in Bengaluru provide critical support to the company’s global operations. The technology centers help develop strategies to reduce global emissions and collaborate with homegrown manufacturers to enhance the global competitiveness of made-in-India products.

To learn more about ExxonMobil lubricants in India, visit https://www.mobil.co.in/en-in.

MAHE To Host 5th National Conference On Youth In Social Change

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institute of Eminence, is set to host the 5th National Conference on Youth in Social Change on September 16-17, 2024, at its campus in Manipal, Karnataka. Since its inception in 2017, this conference has aimed to inspire students from Higher Education Institutions across India to contribute to their communities, while also celebrating the spirit of "Daan Utsav – the joy of giving week."

This year’s conference theme, “Bridging the Gap Between Academic & Corporate Volunteering to Synergize Social Change,” will focus on how students’ volunteering efforts during their academic years can transition into impactful corporate volunteering. The event will feature prominent speakers from leading corporates, and students from across India will present posters on unique community-giving ideas, enriching the conference discussions.

Students interested in social change and volunteering are encouraged to register for the conference through the official website (https://conference.manipal.edu/youthinsocialchange/).

This event promises to provide a platform for insightful exchanges on how academic experiences can foster long-term professional and social growth.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams; through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. 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, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

AU Small Finance Bank And Kotak Life Partner To Expand Access Of Life Insurance And Financial Security Solutions

AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank and Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd (“Kotak Life”), one of India’s private life insurers, announced their strategic partnership to provide AU SFB’s customers with a comprehensive suite of life insurance and financial security solutions. This collaboration is based on a revised business proposition, in continuation to Kotak Life’s relationship with erstwhile Fincare Small Finance Bank (now merged with AU SFB).

Effective immediately, AU SFB’s new and existing customers, including those from former Fincare SFB branches, can now access Kotak Life’s comprehensive range of life insurance products including term, retirement, savings and select investment plans.

This partnership is expected to significantly enhance AU SFB's offerings in southern India by leveraging Kotak Life's diversified portfolio. Additionally, Kotak Life will collaborate closely with AU SFB to ensure seamless service options, facilitating a smooth transition and maintaining business continuity for customers.

As AU SFB pursues its universal banking license with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), it is now poised to serve its vast customer base of over one crore with a diverse array of products from leading life insurance companies. This strategic approach enables AU SFB to assess and address the unique needs and financial requirements of each customer, delivering personalised solutions that cater to their individual circumstances.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director and Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank said, "At AU Small Finance Bank, our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to offering them a wide array of choices and personalised solutions. As we expand our offering in the bancassurance segment, partnering with Kotak Life, a trusted leader in life insurance, strengthens our product suite and enhances the financial planning options available to our customers. By combining our expansive distribution network with Kotak Life’s diverse portfolio, we will provide a broader selection of tailored life insurance solutions. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings and look forward to collectively shaping a more secure and prosperous future for our customers.”

Mr. Mahesh Balasubramanian, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited, said, “At Kotak Life, we firmly believe that life insurance is a necessity for every Indian. We are committed to the vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047,' as outlined by the IRDAI. Through our collaboration with AU SFB, we aim to reach out to the untapped segments of the population. By

leveraging AU SFB’s customer reach and our expertise in life insurance, we help ensure a secure future and protect the financial dreams of AU SFB customers.”

About AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank Limited (AU SFB) is a scheduled commercial bank and has established itself as the largest SFB in India since starting its banking journey in April 2017. Established in 1996 by Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, a first-generation entrepreneur, AU SFB boasts a 29 year-legacy with deep understanding of the rural and semi-urban markets and customer segments. The Bank operates a sustainable business model that facilitates credit to the unserved and underserved retail and MSME customer segments while providing complete banking solutions to its deposit and branch banking customers. As a tech-led Bank, AU has a strong digital presence with innovative products and services like 24X7 video banking, credit cards, personal loans, UPI QRs, payments, merchant lending, WhatsApp Banking, Chatbots etc. and its digital bank application AU0101 remains among the higher rated banking apps in India.

The Bank operates from 2,414 banking touchpoints across 21 States & 4 Union Territories serving 1.08 Cr customers with an employee base of 46,000+ employees. As on 30th June’24, Bank has a Shareholders Funds of Rs 15,516 Cr, Deposit base of Rs 97,290 Cr, Total Loan Portfolio of Rs 99,792 Cr and a Balance sheet size of ~Rs 1.26 Lakh Crore. AU SFB enjoys the trust of marquee investors and is listed at both NSE and BSE. It has consistently maintained high external credit Rating and is presently rated ‘AA/Stable’ by CRISIL Ratings, ICRA Ltd., CARE Ratings and India Ratings, while the Bank’s FD is rated ‘AA+/Stable’ from CRISIL Ratings.

Website: www.aubank.in | Twitter: @aubankindia | Facebook: AU Small Finance Bank | LinkedIn: AU Bank

About Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd     

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited (Kotak Life) is a 100% owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (Kotak). Kotak Life provides insurance products with high customer empathy. Its product suite leverages the combined prowess of protection and long term savings. Kotak Life is one of the fastest growing insurance companies in India with 303 branches across 146 cities and has covered more than 5 crore active lives as on 31st August 2024.

For more details, visit www.kotaklife.com