Turkish Airlines Debuts In Sydney With The Arrival Of Its Longest-Ever Flight

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, has launched its longest flight with the addition of Sydney flights. The flag carrier landed on Sydney soil for the first time on November 29th, marking a monumental milestone as it expands to its second destination in Australia, reaching 351 destinations across six continents within its global network.

Flight between Istanbul and Sydney will be operated with the airline’s new, modern fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft which is designed for long haul comfort with 32 flatbed seats in business class, and 297 recliners for economy travellers. Set to be operated four times a week via Kuala Lumpur, flights will take 19 hours with its 9,300-mile flight path. The new route will not only bolster the ties between Türkiye and Australia, driving growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, but also provide Australian guests the flag carrier’s robust flight network, ensuring they can explore the world with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines.

Following the launch of Turkish Airlines' first flight from Melbourne in March this year, Sydney becomes the second Australian city added to flag carrier’s ever-expanding network. The inaugural flight sets the stage for Turkish Airlines' future plans to introduce direct, non-stop services from Sydney to Istanbul, revolutionising travel between the two iconic travel destinations.

On the arrival of the first aircraft in Sydney, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ek?i stated: “This momentous occasion marks Turkish Airlines' longest flight path in history, as we happily add our second Australian city to our flight network. The arrival of our first flight from Istanbul to Sydney represents our ongoing commitment to connect travellers across the globe, providing a seamless gateway between Europe and Australia with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Once we receive our aircraft capable of conducting the journey in a single leap, we look forward to further expanding our offering in the near future with Australia’s first non-stop flights to Istanbul.”

New South Wales Minister for Jobs and Tourism, The Hon. John Graham said: "Turkish Airlines' arrival in Sydney is a landmark moment that offers a new high-quality option for local travellers to Europe and a boost in visitor numbers to Sydney. This exciting new route from Istanbul was made possible by a financial incentive from the Minns Government. We are backing our airports to increase capacity and bring more visitors to NSW, creating jobs and economic growth in our tourism destinations right across the state. Bringing more passengers into our airports is part of the Minns Government’s plan to boost jobs and growth in our statewide visitor economy.”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton commented: “We’re proud to welcome Turkish Airlines as they launch their inaugural flight to Sydney. This new service strengthens Sydney’s already strong international network, offering passengers even more choice and connectivity to Europe and beyond through Turkish Airlines' extensive hub in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines will bring added competition to the market, and with over 15,000 Turkish-born Australians residing in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently being a top choice for Australian travellers, we are confident this new route will see strong demand."

The 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:

Last Ticketing Date: 31 December 2024

Travel Date: 28 November 2024 – 20 June 2025.

Providing a direct gateway between Sydney and Europe, the flight will not only bolster ties between Türkiye and Australia, but it will also spur growth across tourism, trade and cultural exchange programs, supporting 290 jobs and generating an estimated A$53 million for New South Wales visitor economy.

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 have the opportunity to enjoy Sydney with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines while flag carrier’s Australian guests are able take advantage of its globe spanning network in a more convenient manner.

To view the flight schedules please visit www.turkishairlines.com, contact the call centre at +90 212 444 0 849, or visit any Turkish Airlines sales office.

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 489 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 351 worldwide destinations as 298 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.

The Sustainable Action For Climate And Health Initiative

The Sustainable Action for Climate and Health Initiative, USAID Mission, and ARTIST for Her  are organizing a transformative Workshop on Advancing Climate Resilient Healthcare: Pathways for Private Healthcare Facilities   on Thursday, December 5, 2024 in Bengaluru. This event will convene healthcare leaders, policymakers, and experts to address critical issues in sustainability and health equity, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities for private healthcare facilities in adapting to climate change. Attendees will explore innovative tools like the "Menu of Interventions" to enhance climate resilience, reduce environmental impacts, and improve patient outcomes, alongside strategies for fostering public-private collaboration. 

Renowned speakers such as Dr. Hema Divakar, CEO of ARTIST for Her. The other key contributions include Dr. Reuben Swamickan, Deputy Director of USAID Mission, and representatives from the BBMP and  Department of Health and Family Welfare, GOK will discuss government-supported sustainable healthcare initiatives. This workshop is poised to be a pivotal step in advancing climate resilience in the health sector.

HEJJE, India’s First Luxury Transition Care Centre, Opens In Bangalore

HEJJE, India’s first luxury transition care centre, opened their doors today, ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with an aim of revolutionizing recovery and rehabilitation, thereby setting new standards in healthcare. Dr M.R.Seetharam – Vice Chairman of Ramaiah Group of Institutions, ex-Minister and current MLA did the honours of lighting the lamp to inaugurate HEJJE. The Launch of HEJJE saw the much-anticipated panel discussion featuring luminaries such as Dr. Nandini Mundkur, Prof. Shekar Sheshadri, Dr Saraswathy Viswanathan, Dr. Arjun Srivatsa, and Mr B.S.Badrinath Rao. The  guests were later taken on a guided tour of the facility and to experience the innovative facilities in person.

HEJJE is an offshoot of the very prestigious M.S. Ramaiah Family Conglomerate. The Ramaiah Group of Institutions has been a leader in medical education, healthcare, and research for over 40 years. HEJJE, a vital part of this group, plays a significant role in fostering excellence. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital delivers world-class care to patients from over 30 countries, specializing in neurology, orthopaedics, urology, and more. Ramaiah Medical College trains future doctors through programs like MBBS and MD, supported by expert faculty and modern facilities. The Advanced Learning Centre (ALC) offers hands-on training in advanced surgical techniques. With cutting-edge research labs and global partnerships, the Ramaiah Group continues to drive healthcare innovation.

Co-Founders – Sunder Ram and Dr Varun Devdass shared their vision for the centre, “HEJJE is the first of its kind in the country, combining a transition care facility with luxury hospitality, an enabling garden, a multisensory environment, an integrative art and music therapy and virtual gaming rehab. This groundbreaking approach will provide a healing environment and effective interventions. It will be particularly beneficial for conditions such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, deformity correction, paralysis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. This centre of excellence will put Bangalore on the global map as home to such a unique facility.”

HEJJE is created to fill the vital space between hospital care and home recovery, providing an easy transition for patients and families. HEJJE implements an evidence-based, protocol-driven approach with a multidisciplinary team of experts to facilitate care with a focus on optimizing recovery. Their services are specifically designed to ease the emotional stress and time that inevitably accompany the rehabilitation journey, to ensure that families come home ready and happy.

The centre is mainly involved in paediatrics with developmental disabilities and deformity correction cases and will also provide services to adults and the elderly, caring for patients recovering from serious trauma, post-surgical procedures, neurological disorders, and geriatric issues. HEJJE, has 20 premium rooms for IP, along with OP and Daycare facilities.

HEJJE's is situated in a residential estate at MSR North City, Hebbal that is very peaceful. State-of-the-art medical technologies - including an unweighing system developed to facilitate mobility training, robotic rehab equipment for motor recovery, Oculus virtual reality therapy to enhance cognitive outcomes, and robotic laser therapy for proactive pain management and tissue repair – are all integrated into the facility. HEJJE's leading-edge technologies also includes administrating Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS), a treatment known to be effective on neurological and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety.

HEJJE has a 10,000-square-foot enabling garden, a space designed to promote recovery through a stimulating sensory experience. The garden is the only such facility in India that is accessible to differently-abled people. It has sensory plants, an amphitheatre, and a coffee shop and is designed to be a calming and therapeutic space for patients and their families.

Its multi-sensory rooms are designed specifically for children, providing children with a rich and diverse experience of senses, nurturing relaxation, and focused engagement. The centre’s holistic approach aims at patients and families recovering in a nurturing, joyful environment that tends to both physical and mental health.

HEJJE’s mission is to become a global centre of excellence in transition care. Combining clinical excellence, comfort, and mental wellness, the centre aims to revolutionize the way recovery is approached — and the standards for care across the industry.

About HEJJE

HEJJE is India’s first luxury transition care centre delivering evidence-based, protocol-driven rehabilitation services. The Bangalore-based centre combines advanced technology, rare multidisciplinary expertise, and a focus on mental health to provide holistic care solutions for patients and their families. HEJJE strives to establish a global standard for transition care, allowing the healing process to take place in an enjoyable and nurturing atmosphere.

For more details visit - https://hejje.health/

Freshworks Appoints Srinivasan Raghavan As Chief Product Officer

* Former executive at RingCentral, Five9 and Cisco, joins to lead product innovation and scale growth of Freshworks’ AI, CX and EX solutions

Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH) today announced Srinivasan Raghavan as its new Chief Product Officer (CPO) with over two decades of leadership experience in the enterprise SaaS industry. Srini will lead and scale the Freshworks’ product strategy and vision for its people-first AI service software used to deliver exceptional customer experiences (CX) and employee experiences (EX). He joins the Freshworks executive management team, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer and President Dennis Woodside.

“Srini is a key addition to our team to lead innovation that delivers a scalable trajectory for growth across our three key business priorities: employee experience, artificial intelligence, and customer experience,” said Dennis Woodside. “Srini’s track record driving enterprise growth and managing complex multi-product scaling efforts coupled with his bold vision for the future of AI, make him uniquely qualified to lead our CX and EX product strategy.”

Srini most recently served as Chief Product Officer at RingCentral, where he broadened the company’s portfolio to generate additional sources of revenue from new cloud-based contact center, marketing, and sales intelligence solutions. Prior to that, as Senior Vice President of Product at Five9, he spearheaded the development of AI-powered digital engagement and automation solutions, including a platform for workflow automation, virtual agents, and assistive tools for contact center agents. Earlier in his career, Srini held strategy and product leadership roles at Cisco in the Applications Software and Collaboration Business units. His deep technical expertise, rooted in his engineering background, is complemented by his experience in product management, user experience and corporate strategy and development. 

“Joining Freshworks at a time when AI is unlocking new possibilities for businesses worldwide to drive growth and improve operational efficiency is an incredible opportunity,” said Raghavan. “By continuing to integrate AI and workflow automation across the Freshworks platform and solutions, we can add significant customer value and shape the future of CX and EX together.”

Srini holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Computer Science and Engineering, and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He has a passion for creating customer-centric, innovative and scalable solutions. His global leadership experience across the U.S., Europe, and Asia positions him to bring a diverse and strategic perspective to Freshworks.

About Freshworks

Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH) provides people-first AI service software that organizations use to deliver exceptional customer and employee experiences. More than 68,000 companies, including American Express, Bridgestone, Databricks, Fila, Nucor, and Sony choose Freshworks’ uncomplicated solutions to increase efficiency and loyalty. For the latest company news and customer stories, visit www.freshworks.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Step Into The Purr-fect World: ITC Nimyle Teams Up With PetFed, Transforming Bangalore Into A Safe Playground For Pets

ITC Nimyle in association with Pet Fed will host an exciting two-day carnival of fun and frolic for your furry friends in Delhi. With ITC Nimyle's commitment to leaving no chemical residue,

you can be rest assured that your pets will be playing in a safe and healthy environment

Mark your calendars:

Date: December 7-8, 2024

Time: 11 am to 9 pm

Venue: Jayamahal Palace, Bangalore

ITC Nimyle is a pet-friendly floor cleaner made with the power of neem. With 100% natural action*, ITC Nimyle makes floors safe for your pets and kids.

Come visit the ITC Nimyle booth at PetFed, Delhi with your furry friends for a fun experience.

From Crisis To Clean Air, Here’s How Air Purifiers Are Helping Address India’s Climate Crisis

By Mr. Kishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals

Earlier this year, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shared findings that brought India’s air pollution crisis into light. Among the 98 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), none met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended PM2.5 levels, and only 32 complied with India’s more lenient air quality standards. PM2.5 particles, small enough to seep into our lungs and bloodstream, are cutting years off people’s lives. According to another report, meeting WHO guidelines could add nearly two years to the average lifespan in India, translating to over 14 billion life years gained globally.

These numbers represent millions of lives touched and often irreparably harmed by the air we breathe. Behind every Air Quality Index update are children struggling with asthma, elderly individuals battling respiratory diseases, and families fearing for their health every day. The smog that blankets cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata has become an unwelcome symbol of our times.

This is where we must collectively step forward with a vision to bring transformative change. It demands decisive action from policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike. We need bold strategies, sustainable practices, and a relentless focus on the well-being of people.

The Place of Air Purifiers in the Fight for Cleaner Air

While many solutions can contribute, air purifiers stand out as an important and practical step we can take to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones. They can help people to take charge of their health, especially when the air outside often feels beyond our control. 

What makes air purifiers highly valuable is their ability to address the complexity of indoor air pollution. Behind the sleek designs lies powerful science. HEPA filters trap microscopic particles like allergens, dust, and even smoke, while activated carbon absorbs harmful gases and odors. Some advanced models go a step further, neutralizing bacteria and viruses. However, it’s important to keep perspective. Air purifiers are not the direct solution to fix the root causes of air pollution. For that, we need broader action. Reducing emissions, adopting cleaner energy, and holding industries accountable are steps that will make a real, lasting difference. Just as crucial is raising awareness about how deeply connected we are through the air we breathe. Change takes time, but every step, irrespective of how small, brings us closer to a healthier future. 

Looking Towards the Future

The road ahead might seem tough, but it is also full of potential. India has shown time and again that it has the resilience and innovation to tackle its biggest challenges. Addressing air pollution demands the same resolve. The question is no longer whether we need to act, but how quickly we can make the shift. While air purifiers can offer respite, the ultimate goal is a future where we no longer need them to breathe safely indoors. That future is only possible with collective action, innovation, and the strong will to prioritize health and sustainability above all else.

Marriott Bonvoy Debuts The Savor Series In Bangalore, India’s Premier Pub Capital

* Crafting a signature blend of luxury, sound, and style in India’s nightlife epicentre

Marriott Bonvoy, the acclaimed travel program by Marriott International, teams up with GQ India to launch the next chapter of its exclusive Savor Series in Bangalore, celebrated as India’s Pub Capital. Following its success in Mumbai, this extraordinary event promises a fusion of taste, sophistication, and innovation. Mark your calendars for December 7th, as the Savor Series by Marriott Bonvoy makes its Bangalore debut at the iconic High Ultra Lounge, Sheraton Grand Bangalore.

Savor Series by Marriott Bonvoy redefines India’s drinking culture and fosters extraordinary experiences for consumers, celebrating the artistry of India’s top mixologists at Marriott’s most exclusive venues. After a remarkable debut in Mumbai, this sensational event is ready to ignite Bangalore’s vibrant nightlife. Guests can anticipate an unforgettable evening of signature cocktails crafted by Aashie Bhatnagar, a celebrated mixologist with over seven years of expertise in creating innovative libations that embody the city’s spirit of curiosity and bold experimentation. The night will reach its peak with a high-energy performance by Madboy Mink, India’s premier Electro-Disco-Funk duo, delivering a captivating fusion of taste, sound, and style for a truly immersive sensory journey.

Commenting on the Savor Series by Marriott Bonvoy’s Bengaluru debut, Khushnooma Kapadia, Vice President of Marketing – South Asia, Marriott International, said, “With Marriott Bonvoy, we’re dedicated to creating unforgettable moments that elevate every guest’s journey. The launch of the Savor Series highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that seamlessly fuse art, music, culture, and gastronomy in our signature bars and lounges. This experience perfectly mirrors Bengaluru’s vibrant cosmopolitan energy, renowned for its dynamic nightlife and culinary excellence.”

To sign up for the ‘Savor Series’ as a Marriott Bonvoy member, please visit High Ultra Lounge Events.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok