Air India Express To Start Direct Flights From Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) To Bengaluru

* Jammu and Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) become the 46th and 47th destinations on Air India Express’s rapidly expanding network, with flight services commencing on 1st December 2024.

Bangalore: Air India Express has announced the addition of two new stations—Jammu and Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)—marking another milestone in the airline’s rapidly growing domestic network. Starting 1st December 2024, Jammu will be connected with direct flights to Delhi and Srinagar. On the same day, Air India Express will start direct flights from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) to Bengaluru and Kolkata. Bookings are now open on the airline’s award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com, mobile app, and other major booking channels.

Commenting on the introduction of these new additions, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our domestic network to Jammu and the Andaman Islands this holiday season. AIX continues to scale up its presence in the domestic India market, on the back of a rapidly growing fleet. We have recently added stations and capacity in the north-east and south, and now offer a compelling pan-India domestic product, besides our large, short haul international, living up to our mission of being new India’s Smart Connector.”

Further enhancing the convenience of travellers, Air India Express offers 'Xpress Holidays', a convenient platform that empowers travellers to book their entire vacation, including flights, accommodation, transport, and activities, in one place. Powered by MakeMyTrip, Xpress Holidays offers exclusive deals when booking holidays through the airline's award-winning website airindiaexpress.com.

Jammu:

From Jammu, Air India Express will operate 14 weekly flights directly connecting to two domestic destinations including Delhi and Srinagar. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to nine domestic destinations: Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, and Surat and three international destination including Bahrain, Dammam, and Muscat.

Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair):  

From Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Air India Express will operate 21 weekly flights directly connecting to two domestic destinations including Bengaluru and Kolkata. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 15 domestic destinations: Agartala, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Varanasi, Vijayawada and one international destination – Abu Dhabi. 

Srinagar:

From Srinagar, Air India Express operates 53 weekly flights directly connecting to three domestic destinations including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jammu. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 18 domestic destinations: Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Ranchi, Surat, Varanasi, Visakhapatnam and six international destination including Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, and Muscat, Riyadh, and Sharjah.

Delhi:

From Delhi, Air India Express operates 307 weekly flights directly connecting to 17 domestic destinations including Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Ranchi, Surat, and Srinagar and four international destinations: Bahrain, Dammam, Muscat, and Sharjah. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 12 domestic destinations: Agartala, Chennai, Hyderabad, Imphal, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and six international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Ras al-Khaimah, and Riyadh.

Bengaluru:

From Bengaluru, Air India Express operates 379 weekly flights directly connecting to 25 domestic destinations including Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Gwalior, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Pune, Ranchi, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and one international destination, Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to four domestic destinations: Amritsar, Imphal, Agartala, Srinagar and 13 international destinations including Al Ain, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Salalah, Sharjah, and Singapore.

Kolkata:

From Kolkata, Air India Express operates 188 weekly flights directly connecting to 14 domestic destinations including Agartala, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Surat, and Varanasi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 13 domestic destinations: Ayodhya, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Gwalior, Goa, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and nine international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Riyadh, Sharjah, Singapore.

About Air India Express

Air India Express, is a subsidiary of Air India and a part of the Tata group, operating over 400 daily flights, connecting 35 domestic and 14 international airports, with a fleet of 90 aircraft, comprising 61 Boeing 737s and 29 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.

Good News For Guests Seeking Green Mobility: NueGo Launches Electric Bus Service On Bangalore-Mysore Route

NueGo, India’s leading electric intercity brand by GreenCell Mobility, proudly announces the launch of a new intercity route between Bangalore and Mysore. The addition of this route reinforces NueGo's commitment to sustainable mass mobility while offering guests a premium and comfortable travel experience.

NueGo, a guest-centric brand, currently operates in 110+ cities across India. These 100% electric buses are equipped with comfortable seats, zero tailpipe emission capabilities, and undergo 25 rigorous safety checks, including mechanical and electrical inspections. With a range of over 250 km on a single charge, NueGo ensures a timely, safe, and comfortable journey for all its guests.

The Bangalore–Mysore route is part of NueGo's ongoing efforts to expand its network and promote sustainable travel in South India. By connecting these key cultural and economic centers, NueGo aims to foster sustainable tourism and provide smoother commutes within Karnataka.

Commenting on the brand’s expansion plans, Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD of GreenCell Mobility, said, “We are announcing an extensive expansion of NueGo’s services across the country. This move aligns with our mission to improve intercity travel along with a superior guest experience. With this new route, we aim to enhance connectivity for our guests while contributing to a greener future.”

In addition to promoting green mass mobility, NueGo recently concluded its Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) record expedition, which aimed to demonstrate the resilience of electric buses across diverse terrains and underscore the importance of public engagement in achieving sustainability goals.

Launched in 2022, NueGo operates over 250 buses running 450+ departures daily. The brand focuses on enhancing intercity travel through offerings such as Snack-on-the-go, superior in-cabin experience, and advanced safety features. NueGo’s well-trained staff and airport-like lounges in select cities add to the premium travel experience. Its app and website (www.nuego.in) also provide exclusive offers and discounts for its guests.

NueGo is also a leader in promoting women’s safety in India’s intercity bus travel. It is the first brand to introduce a dedicated Pink Seat feature for women during ticket booking, a 24x7 helpline for women guests, advanced security measures such as CCTV surveillance, GPS live tracking, driver breath analyzer tests, and speed locks set at 80 km/hr.

Power And Impact of Movie Theatres Cannot Be Duplicated: Actor Rajit Kapur On OTT Disruption at MIT-World Peace University Conference

* He was speaking at the sixth National Conference on Media and Journalism (NCMJ), organized by the Department of Media and Communication at MIT World Peace University.

Amid growing concerns about the relevance of movie theatres, as more people gravitate toward OTT platforms, celebrated actor and director Rajit Kapur emphasized that the power and impact of movie theatres cannot be replicated, despite advancements in technology.

Renowned for his performances in Byomkesh Bakshi, the acclaimed films Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda and The Making of the Mahatma, where he portrayed Mahatma Gandhi, Kapur shared his insights at the 6th edition of the National Conference on Media and Journalism (NCMJ), organized by the Department of Media and Communication at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU).

In his interactive session with students at MIT World Peace University, the veteran actor stressed the importance of movie theatres in the era of digital disruption caused by social media and OTT platforms.

He said, “In the movie theatre, you are allowing yourself to immerse in a space and letting that content, that story, that scene, overpower you, envelop you, involve you, take you in, and suck you in. And that you can't get from an iPad, a screen monitor, or a phone; I think we have to understand that. I also watch content on OTT platforms, but I just love the thought of going to the theatre and being immersed and enveloped in that story, so you come out of it. It's an experience. The power and impact of movie theatres cannot be duplicated, despite our progress in technology.”

The celebrated actor and director also discussed the growing influence of social media on young minds and the concerns surrounding it. He said that social media has become deeply ingrained in our lives today, and he acknowledged the concerns associated with it, making it essential to consider our responsibilities.

“While I fully support freedom of speech and expression, we must also acknowledge our social responsibility when we engage online. It’s not just about the filters we apply to our photos—what about the filters in our minds? People often post without considering the consequences of their words. Freedom of speech carries weight, especially when social media is literally in the palm of your hand. You must be mindful of what you share because every action has a reaction. Unfortunately, we sometimes lose sight of this balance. You, the youth, are the foundation of this country. Your actions, reactions, and mindset will shape the future of our nation. You are tomorrow, so please think carefully about the future you want and how you plan to shape it with the choices you make today,” he added.

Themed “Media and Society: The Emerging Landscape,” this flagship event focused on the evolving relationship between media and society, with discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of journalism.

The event began with an inspiring keynote speech from Prof. Dhiraj Singh, Associate Dean of the Department of Media and Communication. His address centered on the role of artificial intelligence in media, the influence of journalism in peacebuilding, and the future of digital cinema.

The inaugural program also featured industry veterans like Ravi Capoor, former CEO of Sansad TV, Suneet Bhave, President of the Pune Union of Working Journalists, and Siddharth Kak, renowned television producer and documentary filmmaker.

The event offered an enriching experience for students, featuring plenary sessions that delved into various aspects of media. One of the key sessions was “Media & Journalists as Peacemakers.” Another session was “The Art of Storytelling and Persuasion,” where journalists and communication professionals participated in thoughtful discussions.

Prof. (Dr.) R. M. Chitnis, Vice Chancellor of MIT-WPU, highlighted the growing importance of AI in media, urging future media professionals to adopt these technologies while maintaining ethical journalistic standards.

In his address, Siddharth Kak emphasized the responsibility of content creators, saying, "In today’s digital age, the power of storytelling lies in creativity and authenticity. We must always strive for truth in our narratives and be responsible for what we create."

Rahul V. Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, concluded the conference with a powerful message, stating, "Media has the power to shape society’s future. As students and professionals, we must ensure we use this power responsibly, focusing on truth, transparency, and the betterment of society. This conference has shown how vital it is to engage with the world in thoughtful and meaningful ways."

The conference was supported by key partners, including the Pune Union of Working Journalists, the R.K. Laxman Museum, and the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia, bringing diverse perspectives into the conversation on media's societal impact. It provided an invaluable platform for students, educators, and professionals to engage in dynamic discussions through panel sessions, fireside chats, and interactive workshops, reinforcing the crucial role of media in today’s rapidly changing world.

IPRS Sustains Its Position As The 4th Largest Society By Revenue In Asia-Pacific Region As Per CISAC Global Collection Report 2024

* However low compliance and slow paid subscription growth restrict revenue potential

The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) continues to solidify its position as one of the top four revenue-generating societies in the Asia-Pacific region, as indicated by the recently released CISAC Global Collections Report 2024. The report reveals record-breaking global royalty collections, highlighting significant trends in the Indian and Asian music markets. The report reveals that global music collections reached an all-time high of €13.09 billion, representing a 7.6% increase compared to the previous year. While the Indian music landscape continues to expand with promising digital growth, issues related to low compliance and the slow growth of paid subscriptions on streaming platforms continue to hinder the revenue potential for creators and publishers in the Indian music industry.

In 2023, IPRS’s total collections surpassed INR 500 Crores, with digital revenues accounting for 74.2% of this figure. This impressive digital growth, 493.6% over the last five years, reflects India’s evolving digital consumption habits. India is one of the largest consumers of music globally, with millions accessing music daily through multiple digital and streaming platforms. Despite this, the number of paid subscribers in India remains disproportionately low compared to other major markets. The reliance on free, ad-supported tiers significantly limits the revenue generated from streaming, creating a value gap for artists and rights holders.

Another critical concern highlighted in the CISAC report is the issue of fair value and low compliance with copyright and licensing laws in India. Many broadcasters, venues, events and digital platforms fail to adhere to licensing requirements, leading to delayed payments to rights holders and missed opportunities for revenue growth.

The low compliance rate is a major concern for rights management organizations like IPRS, which have been working to improve transparency and strengthen the enforcement of copyright laws. Ensuring that music creators receive fair compensation for the use of their work remains a top priority, but it will require more collaborative efforts between industry players and policymakers to bridge the gaps in the current system.

While digital streaming dominates India's music revenues, the live music industry too holds significant untapped potential. Live and public performances, including concerts and festivals, rebounded strongly in 2023, contributing to a 22% increase in global collections. India, with its rich cultural diversity and growing appetite for live entertainment, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

However, the live music sector in India remains fragmented, with a vast number of organizers and venues across the country needing greater awareness and adoption of music licensing norms and best practices. Enhancing this understanding is essential to ensure that revenue flows equitably to the creators who form the foundation of the music ecosystem. While there is a broad exception in law for marriage-related events, where music usage does not require licensing, it is important to note that other live music performances still require proper licensing to ensure fair compensation for creators. IPRS is actively addressing this gap by promoting industry-wide compliance through its robust licensing network, aiming to diversify revenue streams beyond digital collections and support the thriving live music sector.

Commenting on the same Mr. Javed Akhtar, Chairman of IPRS said, “Our standing as one of the top revenue-generating societies in the Asia-Pacific region truly reflects the incredible creativity and talent that defines India’s music industry. While we are pleased with our growth in digital collections, there are important challenges that we must address, particularly around low compliance and adequate enforcement of copyright laws. We urge for greater support from the industry stakeholders and the administration to unlock the immense potential our music holds and solidify our position on the global stage.”

CISAC Director General Gadi ORON commented, “This Report gives a unique overview of the economic and cultural value of our global CISAC community. This year’s figures, for royalties’ collections by CISAC members in 2023, paint a positive picture of a healthy, stable and promising sector. Overall, collections on behalf of creators reached a new all-time high of EUR13.1bn, an impressive 7.6% increase. During the last five years, CISAC members have added over EUR3bn to the amounts they collect for authors and copyright holders. This, in itself, is a major achievement and shows the strength of the collective management system.”

Mr. Rakesh Nigam, the CEO of the Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS), added, “We are proud of the progress IPRS has made, but we recognize that significant challenges remain. The low compliance rate in India is a serious concern, as it directly affects the earnings of our creators. We are committed to working with industry players to ensure that licensing agreements are properly enforced, and that creators are fairly compensated for their work. At the same time, we see the huge possibilities the live music sector holds, and by focusing on its growth, we aim to complement our already robust digital revenues.”

The CISAC report serves as a reminder that while India’s music industry is thriving, key challenges such as low compliance and a lag in paid subscriptions need to be addressed to ensure sustained growth. Industry stakeholders, music users, and government agencies must collaborate to create a more supportive environment for the music ecosystem.

As the industry moves forward, IPRS remains committed to advocating for creators' rights and promoting the Indian music industry on the world stage. By addressing the current challenges, the industry can unlock new growth opportunities and ensure that India continues to be a key player in the global music economy.

HCIL Expands Its Campaign For Preventive Replacement Of Fuel Pump In India

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) informed that it has expanded its previously announced campaign to voluntarily replace Fuel Pump in 90,468 old units of its select models in India. Additionally, the campaign will cover 2,204 units of old models which have undergone this part change earlier as spare part. 

The fuel pumps installed in these vehicles may contain defective impellers, which could, over time result in engine stopping or not starting. The replacement will be carried out free of cost at HCIL dealerships across India in a phased manner starting from 5th Nov 2024 and the owners are being contacted individually.

The customers can check whether their cars are covered under this campaign by submitting their 17-character alpha-numeric Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the special microsite which has been created on the company’s website (www.hondacarindia.com).

Further, customers who may have bought Fuel Pump Assy from the Honda Cars authorised dealerships between Jun’17 ~ Oct’23 through over the counter sale, also may get check their vehicle through Honda Cars dealership.

Herbalife India Partners With IRONMAN 70.3 GOA 2024 To Empower Athletes

* Continuing a Successful Association for the Third Consecutive Year

Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform has announced its partnership with IRONMAN 70.3 India, marking the third consecutive year of collaboration. This agreement underscores Herbalife's commitment to supporting athletic performance through premium sports nutrition.

The IRONMAN 70.3 event is a premier long-distance triathlon affiliated to the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). It covers a total distance of 113.0 km, including a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km run. The race will take place in the scenic backdrop of Goa, providing athletes with both an exceptional experience and a demanding course.

Herbalife will provide nutritional support to athletes during the event, ensuring they have access to the products needed for optimal performance and hydration. Through this initiative, Herbalife aims to promote exercise as part of a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, reinforcing the importance of nutrition in achieving sporting success or your wellness goals.

Panchali Upadhaya, Vice President – Sales, Marketing, and Associate Communications at Herbalife India, said, "We are truly honored to continue our collaboration with IRONMAN 70.3 India. At Herbalife, we believe in the transformative power of sports to uplift lives and create connections within our communities. Our passion drives us to support athletes and empower individuals, not just in their training but in their overall journey toward health and wellness. This partnership is a testament to our belief in the power of nutrition in helping everyone live their best lives.”

Deepak Raj, CEO of Yoska and franchise owner of the IRONMAN brand in India, added, “This long-standing association of Herbalife with IRONMAN 70.3 Goa is a testament to Herbalife's commitment to sports and sports nutrition to help athletes perform at their best. It aligns with the spirit of a globally renowned race like IRONMAN 70.3 Goa India and signifies a shared commitment to supporting sports enthusiasts and fostering a fitness culture across the nation. I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Herbalife for their continued support and partnership with IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, India.”

The profile of sports nutrition in India is rapidly increasing. The IMARC Group reports that the Indian sports nutrition market was valued at approximately USD 1.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach an estimated USD 3.1 billion by 2032. This growth is fueled by rising health consciousness, an increasing number of fitness enthusiasts, and a shift towards healthier lifestyles. Herbalife’s Sports Nutrition Portfolio ‘Herbalife24’ supports this trend by offering products designed to help athletes with recovery, hydration, and overall performance.

Herbalife sponsors over 150 athletes, teams, and leagues across the globe, supporting them with quality sports nutrition products at all stages of their training and competing. In India, Herbalife continues to support athletes like Virat Kohli (cricket), Smriti Mandhana (cricket), Lakshya Sen (badminton), Manika Batra (table tennis), Mary Kom (boxing), and para-badminton player Palak Kohli. Herbalife also supports major teams and sporting events including the Indian Olympics, Special Olympics and Commonwealth teams, IPL, Pro Kabaddi, Ironman 70.3 Goa 2024, and others. 

About Herbalife Ltd

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.

For more information, visit https://www.herbalife.com/en-in

Fastrack Launches ‘Afterhours’ Campaigns With Its First Sun Moon Chronographs For Men

 

* Fastrack’s new party collection with watches that keep the party going long after the festivities.

Fastrack, India’s go-to youth watch brand, is bringing fresh energy to the festive season with its latest “Afterhours” campaign. To capture the Afterhours vibe, Fastrack has launched the Opulence Collection—a chic party collection designed for those who want to keep ticking.

The collection comes in multiple style variants for both men and women, with a standout feature for men: Fastrack’s first-ever Sun-Moon chronograph. This unique design transitions seamlessly between day and night.

This campaign taps into those unforgettable moments that happen when the festivities end and the real party begins. We all love family traditions, but let’s be honest—the night gets real when it’s just you and your crew, the music’s still playing, and the afterparty kicks off.

The 'Afterhours' campaign celebrates those late-night stories—spontaneous dance-offs, deep conversations, and the moments that stay with you long after the night is over. It's about embracing the afterhours, where the night feels effortless, and the best memories are made.

For women, the collection features bracelet-style watches that easily go from family events to the afterparty. Whether you're catching up with cousins or partying with friends, these versatile pieces are the perfect plus-one—something to show off.

“We created 'Afterhours' for the generation that never calls it a night,” says Danny Jacob, Head of Marketing at Fastrack at Fastrack. “The campaign is all about the moments that define youth culture—the spontaneous fun, the real conversations, and the energy that keeps you going long after the official festivities are done. Our collection seamlessly transitions from day to night, making it the perfect accessory for both sides of the celebration.”

With prices starting from INR 5795/- this collection is accessible for everyone looking to elevate their festive game. You can find it at your nearest Fastrack store, shop online at Fastrack's official website, or visit Titan World and other authorized dealers across the nation.This festive season, own the afterparty with Fastrack—the ultimate accessory for unforgettable nights. When the lights go down, the fun is just getting started.