Titan Company Champions Craft-Based Livelihoods With Project Tarasha

The ongoing Tarasha Craft Exhibit 2025 at the Bengaluru International Centre, a collaborative effort between Titan Company Limited and Creative Dignity, has been the spark of the town this week. The exhibit focused on empowering rural craft entrepreneurs and enhancing craft-based livelihoods. This year Tarasha went to new heights, witnessing 75 craft entrepreneurs from 18 states, promoting 40+ unique crafts. The event was also graced by Ms. Suparna Mitra, CEO Watches and Wearables, Titan Company Limited.

The initiative sets premise as an organic incubator for rural artisans. Through various activities like workshops, personalized mentoring, training sessions, and continuous monitoring, it aims to empower craftpreneurs and promote local artisans. Adding to the exhibit’s vibrancy are workshops, engaging panel discussions and live performances through the week. Swarathma, Bengaluru’s iconic folk-rock band also graced the event with a special performance and immersive interactions with the artisans.

Open to the public until 19th January 2025 at the Bengaluru International Centre, Domlur, Bengaluru, Tarasha underscores Titan’s dedication to celebrating India’s cultural and rich artisans’ heritage.

Jaypore Partners With Shobitam To Showcase India’s Handcrafted Masterpieces – Also Launches Shobitam’s Vidya Balan’ Collection

* The partnership seeks to amplify Jaypore's role as a champion of India’s artisanal heritage, advancing the recognition of handcrafted products and traditional Indian crafts

Jaypore, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited’s leading artisanal lifestyle brand, has partnered with Shobitam, a renowned D2C ethnic fashion brand. This partnership will bring Shobitam’s signature offerings—including the coveted ‘Shobitam Vidya Balan’ collections and handwoven pure silk sarees from their award-winning weaves—to Jaypore’s thoughtfully curated retail experience as well as its e-commerce platform. Through this initiative, Jaypore continues to offer a premium shopping experience that connects consumers to India’s finest artisanal traditions.

Jaypore, known for its focus on preserving and promoting India’s artisanal legacy, has long been a champion of handcrafted artistry. This partnership with Shobitam, which brings their beautifully crafted sarees to Jaypore’s in-store experience, marks another milestone in Jaypore’s journey to bring authentic, timeless designs to its customers.

Sooraj Bhat, Chief Executive Officer, Ethnic Business, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, said, “This partnership with Shobitam is yet another step towards elevating the narrative of India’s artisanal legacy on a global stage. At Jaypore, we are deeply committed to celebrating and preserving the timeless traditions of India’s crafts. By combining Shobitam’s exceptional craftsmanship with our dedication to authenticity, we are not just offering a product, but an experience that connects our customers to the heart of India’s heritage. This partnership is a testament to our unwavering vision of bringing the finest handcrafted creations to the world."

Aparna Thyagarajan, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder of Shobitam, added, “Taking the Shobitam experience offline is a significant milestone for us, and our partnership with Jaypore marks an exciting new chapter. Jaypore’s unwavering commitment to celebrating India’s indigenous art forms and its artisans aligns seamlessly with our mission and our shared passion for preserving and promoting India’s textile heritage. We’re thrilled to partner with Jaypore, renowned for offering exceptional value to its customers across India and Globally”

Radhika Chhabra, Creative Head, Jaypore, shared, “At Jaypore, our mission has always been to showcase India’s artisanal brilliance through creations that resonate with authenticity and heritage. This partnership with Shobitam is a celebration of India’s timeless craftsmanship, bringing their exquisite weaves to our customers. Together, we are not only presenting masterpieces but also fostering a deeper connection with the rich cultural tapestry of India, ensuring it continues to inspire generations to come.”

The curated ‘Store-in-Store’ experience at Jaypore will spotlight Shobitam’s exquisite collections, celebrating intricate craftsmanship and heritage. Shobitam sarees feature a wide array of crafts, including hand block prints, hand painting, hand weaving, Jamdani, Kanjivaram, Madhubani, Maheshwari, Shibori, and intricate embroidery, representing diverse weaving traditions from across India. Each saree is a tribute to the artistry and cultural richness of the states they originate from.

The first phase of this partnership will see Shobitam’s exquisite sarees available at Jaypore’s flagship locations in HSR Bangalore, Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, and Khan Market Delhi, as well as on Jaypore’s e-commerce platform, www.jaypore.com. As part of Jaypore’s ongoing commitment to promoting exceptional artisanal craftsmanship, the brand plans to expand the availability of Shobitam’s collections to more stores in the coming months, bringing a curated selection of traditional artistry and contemporary design to an ever-growing audience across India.

Realme Unveils 14 Pro+ 5G And Realme 14 Pro 5G Launched In India:; Unveils First Cold-Sensitive Colour-Changing Smartphones

Realme on January 17, 2025 launched the Realme 14 Pro series 5G featuring Realme 14 Pro+ 5G and Realme 14 Pro 5G smartphones in Bangalore. The new Realme 14 Pro series carries forward the legacy of Realme 13 Pro series launched last year.

The Chinese smartphone maker also launched the Realme Buds wireless 5 ANC which claims to offer up to 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation, ENC call noise cancellation, and a 38 hour battery life. The earbuds are IP55 rated as well for dust and water. It has been priced at ?1,799. It goes on sale starting January 23 on Flipkart, Realme and offline stores.

The new Realme 14 Pro series 5G claims to be the world’s first cold-sensitive colour-changing smartphones, developed with Nordic design studio Valeur Designers.

Available across Realme 14 Pro+ and Realme 14 Pro, when the temperature drops below 16°C, the phone’s back cover transitions from Pearl White to a Vibrant Blue. The lower the temperature, the faster the transition becomes. The colour-changing feature is also reversible, as environmental temperatures rise again, the company claims.

The Realme 14 Pro series 5G comes in a globally available Pearl White and Suede Grey, along with two India-exclusive variants shades: Bikaner Purple and Jaipur Pink.

Realme 14 Pro+ 5G

The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G has a 6.83 inch AMOLED quad curved display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 1,500 nits peak brightness. It uses Gorilla Glass 7i protection.

Realme 14 Pro+ 5G holds a 6,000 mAh battery supported by an 80 W charger inside the box.

Realme has used Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor with up to 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. It operates on Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15.

The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G sports a 50 MP main Sony IMX896 sensor, along with a 50 MP Sony IMX882 telephoto lens and an 8 MP ultrawide lens. It has a 32 MP selfie camera. The phone also brings triple flash to the forefront.

The phone is IP66. IP68 and IP69 rated for dust and water immersion.

The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G will start at Rs 29,999 for the 8 GB/128 GB. The 8 GB/256 GB variant comes at Rs ?31,999 and the 12 GB/256 GB model for Rs 34,999.

It goes on sale starting January 23 on Flipkart, Realme and at retail stores.

Realme 14 Pro 5G

Realme 14 Pro 5G features a 6.77 inch display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness.

The Realme 14 Pro ships with a 6,000 mAh battery accompanied by a 45 W charger inside the box.

Realme has used the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage in Realme 14 Pro. It operates on the same UI as Realme 14 Pro+ 5G

The Realme 14 Pro 5G comes with a 50 MP main camera, a 13 MP ultrawide lens and a 2 MP macro sensor. It has a 16 MP front camera as well.

It is also IP66, IP68 and IP69 rated.

The Realme 14 Pro 5G will begin at Rs 24,999 for the 8 GB/128 GB variant. The 8 GB/256 GB model will cost Rs 26,999. It also goes on sale the same day and on same platform as Realme 14 Pro+ 5G

FlixBus India Expands In South India With New Routes Introduced To Goa And Kerala

·         FlixBus introduces night services from Bangalore to Goa and Alleppey, offering affordable, eco-friendly travel options priced at ?1600 and ?1400 respectively

FlixBus, a global travel-tech leader providing sustainable and affordable travel options, announced the launch of its new routes connecting Bangalore to Goa and Alleppey starting January 17, 2025. These routes will cater to the rising demand for eco-friendly and comfortable mobility solutions in South India. With fares starting at ?1600 for Bangalore-Goa and ?1400 for Bangalore-Alleppey, the reliable night services will operate six days in a week on L (large) bus models and seven days in a week on XL (extra-large) bus models, offering a convenient travel option for both tourists and business travellers.

“We are thrilled to introduce these two new routes in India. Goa and Alleppey are vital economic and tourist hubs, that perfectly align with our mission to create a robust travel network in the region. By connecting Bangalore to these iconic locations, we aim to provide comfortable, affordable, and eco-friendly travel options for business travellers and tourists alike,” said Surya Khurana, MD, FlixBus India.

The new routes are part of FlixBus India’s strategy to expand its network and deepen its presence in South India. Goa and Kerala are key markets for FlixBus, and this network expansion aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering tech-enabled bus travel options to larger segments of the second largest bus market in the world.

FlixBus has meticulously designed its Bangalore-Goa and Bangalore-Alleppey routes to meet seasonal travel demands and regional festivities. The Bangalore-Goa route caters to the high influx of tourists during the winter season, while the Bangalore-Alleppey route aligns with monsoon tourism, showcasing Kerala's picturesque backwaters. With flexible schedules, these routes ensure smooth travel for major celebrations such as Onam in Kerala and the Goa Carnival in Goa. Passengers can enjoy convenient night services on both routes, with the Bangalore-Alleppey line featuring stops at Krishnagiri, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kochi, and Alappuzha. Also, Bangalore to Goa route includes stops at Tumkuru, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Haveri, Yellapur, Karwar, and key locations in Goa such as Palolem, Madgaon, Panjim, and Mapusa.

FlixBus is committed to safety and quality, utilizing standardized BS6 buses that meet strict emission norms and include advanced safety features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) for all buses. The buses are equipped with live tracking and staffed by background-verified personnel, ensuring a secure and comfortable journey for our travellers.  

The 2nd Edition Of Education Excellence Awards – Celebrating Outstanding Contributions To Education

After the tremendous success of the inaugural edition, The Education Excellence Awards returns for its highly anticipated 2nd edition. The event, scheduled for January 18th, 2025, at the Courtyard by Marriott, Hebbal, Bangalore, aims to honor institutions, educators, and leaders who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field of education.

Designed to inspire and foster meaningful connections, The Education Excellence Awards will offer attendees valuable insights that go far beyond mementos and certificates. This year, we are honored to welcome Dr. G. Parameshwara, Minister of Home Affairs for Karnataka and Chancellor of Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, as the Chief Guest. The event will also bring together over 150 esteemed educational professionals, including Principals, Directors, Chairpersons, Vice Chancellors, Chancellors, Deans, Professors, and other thought leaders in the field of education, alongside our distinguished guests.

Attendees can look forward to two thought-provoking panel discussions on trending educational topics - The Role of Government Policies in Shaping Educational Excellence and Importance of Mental Health, featuring top educational personalities.

In essence, the Education Excellence Awards 2024 aspire to go beyond merely celebrating educational achievements. But the aim is to serve as a platform for showcasing innovative practices, impactful contributions, and inspiring success stories that resonate with and uplift the education community across India.

A Message from Rakesh Raj, CEO of Academic Insights:

"Our aim is to shine a spotlight on the exceptional efforts of educators and institutions, motivating others to reach new heights in educational excellence."

Key Highlights of the Event:

* Lifetime Achievement Awards:

* Lord Prakashnath Swamiji, BGS National Public School, Bangalore – Lifetime Achievement Award in K12 Education

* Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, Adichunchanagiri University – Lifetime Achievement Award in Higher Education 2024

* Felicitation of leading educational institutions and individuals.

* Insightful discussions on the future of education and innovation in pedagogy.

* Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.

About Us:

The mission of the Education Excellence Awards is to recognize and celebrate excellence in education by honoring outstanding colleges, schools, teachers, management profiles, and students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in their respective fields.

The award selection process follows a multi-phase methodology. It begins with open nominations from various stakeholders, which are then shortlisted by The Academic Insights editorial panel based on data provided by the institutions and individuals, along with, where applicable, on-site visits. The selected institutions and individuals are publicly recognized and celebrated during the award ceremony.

Awards are presented in several categories, including:

* Awards for Higher Education Institutions in various categories

* Awards for Schools (K-12 Education) in multiple categories

* Best Teacher Awards

* Top Education Pioneers

* Awards for Student Innovations

* Awards for Edtech Companies

This event aims to honor and uplift those shaping the future of education across diverse sectors.

Join us as we come together to celebrate educational excellence and the leaders shaping the future of our students.

Date: 18th January, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Venue: Courtyard by Marriott, Hebbal, Bangalore.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage At Maha Kumbh 2025 With Coca-Cola India’s Maidaan Saaf initiatives

·         Showcasing innovative waste management practices, products made of recycled plastic, and promoting recycling awareness at one of India’s largest events

·         Empowering millions to contribute to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship

The Coca-Cola India and its foundation, Anandana, has collaborated with the PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF) and Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) to spearhead sustainability initiatives at Maha Kumbha 2025. This collaboration focuses on creating a social and environmental impact by championing innovative solutions for waste management and recycling.

As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, the company has created and distributed 21,500 recycled PET jackets for sanitation workers, boatmen and waste management volunteers. This includes 10,000 jackets for sanitation workers involved in the SwachhKumbh initiative, 10,000 life jackets for boatmen across 4000 boats to stay safe during river crossings, and 1,500 jackets for volunteers who are working on waste management. These jackets ensure the safety and easy identification of workers while showcasing the transformative potential of recycled plastic, encouraging visitors to rethink about the uses of waste and its possibilities.  In addition, Coca-Cola India has installed 1,000 changing rooms for women, that are made entirely from recycled multi layered plastic waste which are erected alongside the 12 km stretch of the river ghats. Designed to ensure women’s privacy and a well-ventilated space for female visitors to change, these rooms feature illustrations by top Indian illustrators, Aravani Art Project, Gaysi Family, and Priyankar Gupta, turning waste segregation and recycling into a fun, insightful and visually engaging depiction.

"The Mahakumbh Mela is a sacred confluence of faith, culture, and tradition, attracting millions globally. This partnership with Coca-Cola India is a vital step toward embedding sustainable practices into this historic event. By introducing recycled plastic initiatives like changing rooms, life jackets, and hydration kiosks, we are setting a benchmark for a cleaner, safer, and eco-conscious Kumbh. These efforts resonate deeply with our vision of a Swachh (Clean) and Surakshit (Safe) Kumbh, where modern solutions meet traditional values to create a meaningful and lasting impact for generations to come," said Vivek Vyas, CEO, PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF), social arm of  PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Devyani Rana, Vice President, Coca Cola India said, " At Coca-Cola India, we believe in the power of innovation to drive meaningful change. These initiatives showcase how recycling can help transform discarded items into valuable resources. Through Maidaan Saaf, we aim to unite millions of visitors in collective action to help reduce waste, reinforcing our commitment to supporting waste management systems that help ensure product packaging has a second life.”

Building on this vision, Coca-Cola India has deployed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at railway stations, food courts, and key locations in the city for collection and recycling of PET waste, along

with partnerships for effective waste management. Furthermore, Coca-Cola’s hydration carts, placed every 400 meters, feature built-in bins for waste collection of bottles from source and display creative artwork  that encourages visitors to actively engage in waste segregation, turning waste into a valuable resource.

Through these initiatives, Coca-Cola India, PHDRDP, and PMA are helping the Maha Kumbh 2025 serve as a powerful example of how actions can lead to impactful change. 

Malaysia Airlines And Firefly Named Official Airline Partners For The ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX)

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have been appointed as official airline partners for the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX). A key component of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, TRAVEX serves as a business platform connecting ASEAN buyers and sellers, showcasing a diverse range of destination products and services. The event is scheduled to take place from 15 to 18 January 2025 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Malaysia.

As official airline partners, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will offer seamless travel solutions for delegates attending ATF 2025 and TRAVEX, including buyers and media representatives. By offering extensive connectivity across domestic and international routes, both airlines will ensure convenient access to Johor, Malaysia – the host destination for this prestigious event. The collaboration underscores a commitment to promoting ASEAN as a unified travel destination while showcasing the service and hospitality that define the travel experience with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly. Malaysia Airlines will showcase the essence of ‘Malaysian Hospitality’, while Firefly will complement this effort by offering connectivity across domestic and regional destinations, supporting accessibility for the event.

Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group, said, “Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are honoured to be the official airline partners for TRAVEX 2025. This collaboration underscores a commitment to enhancing connectivity across ASEAN and beyond, ensuring seamless and efficient travel for delegates. By providing exceptional service and culturally immersive travel experiences, Malaysia Airlines continues to strengthen its role as the gateway to Malaysia and beyond for global travellers.”

“ATF 2025 serves as a vital platform for shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for ASEAN’s tourism industry,” said Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. “This forum offers an opportunity to showcase Southeast Asia’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and inspiring stories, captivating travellers from around the world. Malaysia is honoured to host this prestigious event, and with the support of Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, we aim to ensure seamless connectivity and exceptional experiences for all attendees.”

Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, ATF 2025, under the theme “UNITY IN MOTION: SHAPING ASEAN’S TOURISM TOMORROW,” aims to unite leaders from ASEAN nations to drive sustainable tourism and digital transformation across the region. As official airline partners for TRAVEX, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are committed to supporting the forum’s vision of a thriving and sustainable ASEAN tourism industry. Both airlines will provide seamless travel solutions for delegates, including ministers of tourism, government representatives, corporate leaders, and media from across the region.

Additionally, to encourage travellers to rediscover the joy of exploration, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and create unforgettable experiences, Malaysia Airlines recently launched its global “Time For” travel campaign happening from now until 22 January 2025, inviting travellers worldwide to make 2025 a year of memorable journeys. For more information and to book your next holiday, visit the official Malaysia Airlines website at www.malaysiaairlines.com or mobile app to get the latest information and promotions conveniently at your fingertips anytime and anywhere.

About Malaysia Aviation Group

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a global aviation organisation comprising three focused business portfolios from Airlines, Loyalty and Travel Services (LTS) and Aviation Services.

Its current Airlines business portfolio that serves the global, domestic and segmented market comprises Malaysia Airlines – the national carrier of Malaysia, Firefly and MASwings – the regional airlines focused on serving communities across Malaysia, and AMAL by Malaysia Airlines – leading one-stop pilgrimage travel solutions centre.

MAG also focuses on Aviation Services business such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), cargo, ground handling and training that houses MAB Engineering, MASkargo – one-stop cargo logistic and terminal operations service provider, AeroDarat – one-stop ground handling solution provider and Malaysia Airlines Academy – one-stop Aviation and Hospitality Centre of Excellence.

The Loyalty and Travel Services (LTS) business portfolio focuses on providing end-to-end travel solutions and loyalty programs, complementing its established strength and expertise in the airline and aviation service businesses. It comprises Journify - the integrated one-stop travel and lifestyle digital platform, Enrich – the award-winning Travel & Lifestyle Loyalty Programme of Malaysia Airlines; and MHholidays and Firefly Holidays – the tour operating arm for the Group.

With the clear business portfolios, MAG is set to achieve its vision anchored on becoming Asia’s Leading Travel and Aviation Services Group, focused on delivering highly customised, end-to-end travel solutions by 2025.