Air India Express Begins Operations From Patna With Direct Flights T Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar And Hyderabad

The airline will operate 21 weekly flights from Patna offering direct connections to three domestic destinations and one stop connection to 14 domestic and two international destinations

15-January-2025, Bangalore: As part of its strategy to connect emerging cities to key destinations across the country and beyond, Air India Express commenced operations from Patna today, launching three inaugural flights in a single day - to Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Hyderabad. Bengaluru, often regarded as India’s ‘Silicon Valley’ and a hub for technology and innovation; Bhubaneswar, the ‘Temple City’ and an emerging centre for tourism and economic development; and Hyderabad, the ‘City of Pearls’ and a leading IT and pharmaceutical hub, are now directly connected to Patna by Air India Express, paving the way for enhanced economic activity and greater opportunities for travellers and businesses alike.

A celebratory event was held at Patna Airport to mark the occasion, with the inaugural flights taking off amidst much enthusiasm. The celebration was graced by senior officials of Airport Authority of India, Air India Express, and other key stakeholders from the Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna.

To commemorate the event, special boarding passes were presented to the first guests on the inaugural flights, symbolising the airline’s commitment to creating memorable travel experiences.

Air India Express is in a phase of rapid network expansion, supported by its growing fleet, which is on the cusp of reaching the 100-aircraft milestone. The airline recently surpassed the 50-destination mark, adding Dimapur, Dibrugarh, Sri Vijay Puram (Port Blair), Jammu, and now Patna to its domestic network, alongside Bangkok and Phuket on the international front. This growth has enabled a 30% increase in its winter schedule compared to last year, with the airline now operating more than 400 daily flights, up from over 325 during the same period last year.

From Patna: Air India Express operates 21 weekly flights from Patna, connecting directly to three domestic destinations: Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, and Hyderabad. Additionally, Air India Express offers convenient one-stop connectivity to Kozhikode, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mangalore, Pune, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam, and two international destinations, including Abu Dhabi and Dammam.

From Bengaluru: Air India Express operates 419 weekly flights from Bengaluru connecting directly to 28 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and two international destinations including Abu Dhabi and Dammam. The airline also offers one-stop itineraries connecting Bengaluru to six domestic destinations including Agartala, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Imphal, Jammu, and Srinagar. And 14 international destinations including Al Ain, Bahrain, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Phuket, Ras al Khaimah, Riyadh, Salalah, Sharjah, Singapore 

From Bhubaneswar: Air India Express operates 104 weekly flights from Bhubaneswar connecting directly to 11 domestic destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, and Pune. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 19 domestic destinations: Agartala, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Goa, Guwahati, Imphal, Indore, Jammu, Kannur, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam and 10 international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Dammam, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, Sharjah, and Singapore. 

From Hyderabad: Air India Express operates 208 weekly flights connecting Hyderabad with direct flights to 20 domestic destinations, including Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Pune, Srinagar, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam as well as Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Phuket internationally. Additionally, Air India Express offers convenient one-stop connectivity from Hyderabad to 13 other domestic destinations, including Agartala, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Calicut, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Imphal, Kannur, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Port Blair, Ranchi, and 10 international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Singapore.

Air India Express offers a convenient vacation booking platform, Xpress Holidays, which makes travel planning hassle-free. Accessible through the airline's website, guests can book entire vacations, including flights, accommodation, transport, and experiences. The platform also offers specially curated packages that travellers personalise according to their preferences.

About Air India Express 

Air India Express is A Tata Enterprise and a subsidiary of Air India, operating over 400 daily flights, connecting 37 domestic and 16 international airports, with a fleet of 94 aircraft, comprising 62 Boeing 737s and 32 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. 

SBI General Insurance Partners With Abhyudaya Co-Operative Bank Ltd. To Offer Integrated Insurance Solutions

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, partnered up with Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank Ltd. adding another key partnership and extending presence with yet another co - operative bank having a significant presence. This partnership offers the bank’s customers access to SBI General Insurance's entire range of products

The Corporate Agency Agreement was formalized by Smt. Priya Kumar (EVP & Business Head), Shri Piyush Singh (Head – Rural, Agriculture & Micro Insurance), and other senior officials of SBI General Insurance representatives along with  Shri Premnath Salian (Chief Executive Officer), Shri Venkatesh Hegde (Advisor), Shri Devendra Kumar (Advisor), Shri Suhas Gokhale (Advisor) and other Senior representatives from Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank Ltd. also attended the event. This partnership will help enhance the bank's existing portfolio of financial services and offer customers a diverse range of general insurance products.

Speaking on the partnership, Smt. Priya Kumar, EVP & Business Head, SBI General Insurance, said “We are delighted to collaborate with Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank, a renowned name in cooperative banking space. This partnership allows us to extend our reach to the Bank’s customers and give r them access to entire range of products including motor, health, home, travel, cyber and commercial insurance. We look forward to fostering a mutually fruitful relationship that enhances customer satisfaction.”

This partnership reinforces the shared commitment of SBI General Insurance and Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank to empower communities by offering financial and insurance solutions catering to their diverse needs. The collaboration seeks to deliver a seamless and convenient experience for policyholders, supported by SBI General Insurance’s expertise and robust claims settlement process.

About SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence of over 146 branches. In FY 2023-24, SBI General Insurance achieved significant growth, with a notable 17% increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), reaching INR 12,731 crores.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named the winner in the Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of 8,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, Broking, Rural & RetailDirect and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network of over 22,518+ that includes, SBI branches, agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and Rural partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India.  By covering to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural customers, by offering  diverse product solutions  through both digital and physical channels.

For more details: https://www.sbigeneral.in/

Quest Global Announces 13th Edition of Ingenium: Fostering Innovation Among India's Engineering Institutions

Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, announces the launch of the 13th edition of Ingenium, India's premier engineering student competition. Ingenium invites students from select engineering institutions in India to compete and showcase their innovative engineering skills. The theme for 2025’s challenge is ‘Solving the world’s hardest engineering problems.’

Ingenium 2025 offers aspiring engineers a dynamic platform to demonstrate their technical acumen, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The competition challenges participants to develop cutting-edge solutions that address complex engineering problems across diverse industries. “Ingenium has always been about fostering the next generation of engineering leaders,” said Lux Ramalingam, Chief Operating Officer, Quest Global. “This year, we’re raising the bar by concentrating our efforts on some of India’s most promising engineering talent, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to solving real-world challenges. We believe that investing in these bright minds is crucial for driving innovation and shaping a brighter future for the industry.”

The registration for the competition is open and will remain live until 27th January 2025. The 10-week competition, spanning January to March 2025, comprises four key stages. Initially, shortlisted teams will submit their ideas, followed by select teams advancing to the detailed project submission round with virtual presentations. The grand finale will feature the top 10 teams presenting solutions to Quest Global business managers at an event in Bangalore. The winning team will receive INR 2,00,000 a financial award and an educational visit to a manufacturing facility abroad, while the first and the second runners-up will be provided a financial reward as well.

Quest Global’s Ingenium is a testament to engineering's transformative power to create a greener, safer, and better world. For over 12 years, this flagship initiative has served as a launchpad for aspiring engineers, bridging the gap between academia and industry through expert mentorship and real-world problem-solving opportunities. Eligible students are invited to register and demonstrate their engineering prowess in ways that could potentially shape tomorrow's engineering landscape.

For more information and registration, visit Quest Global Ingenium

About Quest Global:

Founded in 1997, Quest Global is one of the world’s leading engineering research and development (ER&D) services companies. Quest Global believes engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For more than 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, the team at Quest Global lives and works in 18 countries, with 78 global delivery centers and offices, driven by 20,000+ extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, and faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, med-tech & healthcare, rail, communications, and semiconductor industries. 

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Expands Premium Motorcycle Line-Up Launches New “CB650R” And “CBR650R”

* ‘Bookings Now Open’

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) strengthened its premium motorcycle line-up with the launch of latest editions of the “CB650R” and “CBR650R”. These new models will cater to motorcycle enthusiasts across different categories, offering a perfect blend of performance and style. Customers can now book the New CB650R and CBR650R at their nearest BigWing dealerships while the deliveries will commence from February 2025 onwards.                                                                

Introducing the new premium motorcycles, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the latest editions of the CB650R and CBR650R for our customers in India. The premium motorcycle category in the country is experiencing remarkable growth, fueled by a rising demand for high-performance machines that offer a great combination of advanced technology and distinctive design. At HMSI, we remain committed to meeting these aspirations by bringing world-class products that cater to diverse riding preferences. We are confident that these motorcycles will set new benchmarks and elevate the premium motorcycling experience in India”.

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are excited to introduce the New CB650R and CBR650R for our premium customers, who value thrilling performance, advanced technology, and distinctive design. Also, the wait is over for our adventure-seeking customers as the deliveries for the pre-booked NX500 will begin starting this month (January 2025). At HMSI, we understand the aspirations of biking enthusiasts, and these motorcycles are crafted to deliver on their expectations. Bookings for the CB650R and CBR650R are now open at our BigWing dealerships and deliveries will commence from February 2025 onwards. We are confident that these bikes will not only enhance our customer’s riding experience but also reinforce Honda's position in the premium motorcycle segment. The journey ahead is exciting, and we look forward to creating more milestones together."

New Honda CB650R | Minimalist Perfection

The new CB650R embodies Honda's Neo Sports Café design philosophy, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with a round all-LED headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, and exposed frame that radiates rugged sophistication. The compact dimensions and balanced ergonomics ensure a comfortable yet thrilling ride, whether cruising through city streets or carving up winding roads. The CB650R will be available in two colours - Candy Chromosphere Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.

At its heart, the CB650R is powered by a 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline-4-cylinder engine, delivering 70 kW of maximum power at 12,000 RPM and 63 Nm of peak torque at 9,500 RPM. Tuned for smooth, linear power delivery, the engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and gets an assist & slipper clutch. Built to perform, the CB650R features inverted SHOWA (SFF-BP) front fork for precise handling and a rear mono-shock with adjustable preload, ensuring a responsive and composed ride on varied surfaces.

The braking duties are performed by dual radial-mounted 310mm floating discs at the front and 240mm single disc at the rear, complemented by dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. In terms of features, the new CB650R gets a 5.0-inch TFT full-colour crystal liquid display and is compatible with Honda RoadSync application that allows the rider to access functions such as calling and navigation by connecting the motorcycle and smartphone via Bluetooth.

New Honda CBR650R | What R You Today?

The new Honda CBR650R is a striking middleweight sportbike that embodies the perfect balance of power, precision & style, offering an exhilarating ride. Designed with Honda's Racing DNA, it boasts a sleek and aggressive profile, featuring sharp, aerodynamic lines and a hunched-forward stance that exudes speed even when stationary. The full-LED lighting system, including the dual-eye headlights, adds a modern touch while enhancing visibility and safety. Available in two striking colour options, Grand Prix Red and Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, the CBR650R ensures heads turn on every ride.

At the heart of the CBR650R lies its captivating 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline-4-cylinder engine, delivering 70 kW of maximum power at 12,000 RPM and 63 Nm of peak torque at 9,500 RPM. This powerhouse generates thrilling acceleration and a smooth power delivery, allowing riders to push their limits with confidence. Moreover, its compact and lightweight design makes it both thrilling on winding roads and manageable in urban settings, appealing to a wide range of riders seeking excitement and versatility. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox and gets an assist & slipper clutch ensuring precise shifts, while Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) enhances traction and stability.

Premium hardware like the inverted Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) and radial-mounted dual 310mm front disc brakes elevate handling and stopping power to professional-grade levels. Just like the CB650R, it also gets dual-channel ABS as an added safety net. The CBR650R’s new 5.0-inch TFT full-colour crystal liquid display provides all essential information at a glance. It is also compatible with Honda RoadSync application that allows the rider to access functions such as calling and navigation by via Bluetooth, ensuring a connected and informed riding experience.

New Honda CB650R, CBR650R: Price and Availability

The new Honda CB650R has been priced at Rs. 9.20 lakh and the CBR650R will retail at Rs. 9.99 lakh, all prices ex-showroom Delhi. Bookings for these premium motorcycles are now open at all BigWing dealerships across India. One can also book them online via Honda BigWing India’s official website (www.HondaBigWing.in). The deliveries of the new CB650R and CBR650R will commence from February 2025 onwards.

SBI Credit Cards: The Ultimate Companion For Travellers And Wanderlust Seekers This Winter

As winter sets in, the season calls for memorable getaways, cozy retreats, and adventures in far-off destinations. For wanderlust seekers, a travel credit card is not just a payment tool—it’s a passport to premium experiences, financial convenience, and unmatched rewards. With enhanced travel perks, rewards, savings, robust insurance coverage, and low forex mark-up, travel credit cards make exploring the world both convenient and rewarding. Whether it’s a tropical escape or a snowy retreat, your travel credit card ensures you save more while creating unforgettable memories.

Earn Accelerated Miles

Premium travel credit cards allow you to earn air miles, reward points, or cashback on every travel-related expense—be it flight bookings, hotel stays, or dining. Cards like the KrisFlyer SBI Card for example offers up to 80,000 miles per year, welcome bonus of up to 10,000 miles, and additional bonus of 3000 miles on annual spends of ?10 Lakh. Miles earned through KrisFlyer SBI Card can also be redeemed for flight tickets or upgrades on Singapore Airlines, flights on Scoot, gifts purchased from KrisShop.com and on booking travel experiences globally via Pelago.

SBI Card MILES, another travel credit card, is designed for globetrotters looking to convert Travel Credits into Air Miles and Hotel Points, along with accelerated rewards on travel bookings and access to airport lounges among many other privileges. This credit card offers up to ?20,000 in Travel Credits on spending ?12 lakh, with an annual fee waiver upon reaching ?15 lakh in spends.

Travel in Comfort

Travelling often involves long journeys and delays, but with premium travel credit cards, comfort is never compromised. Features such as complimentary airport lounge access, priority check-ins, and discounted hotel stays elevate a cardholder’s travel experience. For premium travellers seeking versatility, cards like AURUM and SBI Card ELITE are perfect companions. These cards offer varied services, ranging from complimentary luxury dining experiences, golf rounds, concierge services, access to both domestic and international airport lounges, and many other lifestyle privileges, making every spend inch closer to your next dream vacation.

Manage Spends

Travel credit cards help in managing expenses efficiently. From EMI options for large bookings, to fuel surcharge waivers for those seeking road trips, these cards offer practical solutions for managing spends. For instance, the BPCL SBI Card OCTANE offers commuters accelerated reward points equivalent to 6.25%, 7.25% value back, and 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions up to ?4000.

Ageas Federal Life Launches “New Super Cash Supreme Plan” With Critical Shield And Accident Care Riders

* Offers customers flexibility through financial resilience and protection against up to 50 critical illnesses and 200% payout in case of death in the event of airplane or train accidents.

Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading private life insurer in India, introduces two unique riders - Critical Shield Rider and Accident Care Rider along with its latest offering, the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Super Cash Supreme Plan. The plan combines immediate liquidity with long-term financial security, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a stable income and comprehensive protection for their families.

The Super Cash Supreme Plan is a flexible life insurance solution designed to meet diverse financial goals while ensuring family security. It offers the first-of-its-kind Guaranteed Supreme Advantage Benefits in the first policy year, providing assured returns. Policyholders can choose from options which provide guaranteed returns thereby receiving uninterrupted income benefits. With life cover throughout the policy term, the Super Cash Supreme Plan is an ideal choice for securing one's family’s future while achieving financial goals.

Benefits of Critical Shield Rider:

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Critical Shield Rider is designed to enhance policyholders’ base life insurance policy with financial protection against critical illnesses.

Offering coverage for up to 50 critical illnesses, it comes in two variants, Critical Protect, covering 30 illnesses, and Critical Protect Plus, covering 50 illnesses.

The rider provides flexibility to choose the sum assured, policy term, and premium payment mode, ensuring it meets diverse needs. It offers a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of a covered critical illness, allowing buyers to manage medical expenses, recovery costs, or other financial needs.

Benefits of Accidental Rider:

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Accident Care Rider is designed to offer robust financial protection against unexpected accidents.

This rider ensures enhanced security for the policyholder’s family, providing coverage for accidental death, including an exceptional 200% payout of the rider sum assured in the event of airplane or train accidents.

Policyholders can opt for a comprehensive benefit option covering a wider range of illnesses and offering peace of mind and financial stability during challenging times.

Mr. Amitabh Verma, Chief Transformation Officer, Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said, “At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, our goal is to equip our customers with the flexibility and financial resilience needed to navigate today’s dynamic environment. Our new Ageas Federal Life Insurance Super Cash Supreme Plan, which offers a range of benefits designed to ensure our policyholders’ families' security along with the Critical Shield Rider and Accident Care Rider, with enhanced financial protection, helps us realize this goal. Competitively placed, these new offerings, showcase our keen understanding of people’s evolving needs and our ability to cater to them.”

Ageas Federal Life Insurance provides peace of mind, empowering policyholders to focus on their goals with confidence, knowing their financial security is well-covered. To know more about this plan visit our website: https://www.ageasfederal.com/insurance-plans/savings-plans/Super-Cash-Supreme.

EKA Mobility Tie Up With VehicleCare To Strengthen EV Fleet Services Nationwide

EKA Mobility, a leading electric vehicle (EV) and technology company, has tied up with VehicleCare, a premier automotive service and technology platform, to enhance the maintenance and service ecosystem for its electric SCV range. This collaboration targets to transform the service and maintenance experience for EKA’s entire small commercial electric vehicle (e-SCV) fleet of 3 Wheeler & 4 Wheeler.

It reaffirms EKA Mobility’s commitment to delivering safe, effective, and sustainable shared mobility solutions with VehicleCare’s strong network and refined technology to transform fleet management.

The collaboration brings numerous advantages to EKA’s customers. VehicleCare’s more than 1,000 workshops will offer advanced repair and maintenance services for EKA e-LCVs nationwide. With real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance tools will identify and fix issues before they become problems, reducing downtime. B2B fleet services will offer customized repair and maintenance solutions for fleet hubs, while the integrated tech platform will streamline spare parts distribution to ensure quicker service.

Commenting on the tie up, Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Chief Growth Officer of EKA Mobility,  said, “Our alliance with VehicleCare marks an essential moment in our journey to redefine sustainable mobility. With VehicleCare’s contemporary solutions and extensive service network, we are confident in delivering unparalleled service experiences to our customers while advancing the adoption of electric mobility in India.”

Mr Arvind Verma, Founder of VehicleCare, stated, “Our collaboration with EKA Mobility to provide top-notch service solutions for their fleet. Our shared vision for a sustainable future, paired with our expertise in fleet maintenance, will help us set new standards for the electric vehicle industry and ensure smooth, efficient operations for EKA’s customers.”

This partnership lowers the maintenance costs owing to its shared nature and helps to create a more economical and environmentally friendly electric mobility ecosystem across India & including remote locations and supports the company's expansion objectives.