Bengaluru GAFX 2025 Opens With Theme “Future Of Immersion: Experience. Explore. Disrupt”

* Powered by Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka And ABAI

India’s largest and most influential Bengaluru GAFX 2025 Conference, commenced today at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, and will run from February 27th to March 1st, 2025. Organized by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with ABAI, the event reinforces Bengaluru’s position as the world’s leading hub for AVGC-XR and a key driver of India’s global leadership in immersive media and entertainment.

The grand inauguration witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, alongside key industry leaders and policymakers driving the future of immersive storytelling. The event had the privilege of welcoming Mr. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, as the Special Guest of Honour.

Among the distinguished attendees were Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson & Founder, Biocon Limited; Shri Rizwan Arshad, Member of Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Shri Sharath Bachegowda, MLA & Chairman, KEONICS; Mr. Marc Lamy, Consul General of France, Bengaluru; Ms. Hilary McGeachy, Consul General of Australia, Bengaluru; Mr. Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy, Bengaluru; Mr. Nitish Mittersain, CEO & MD, Nazara Technologies; Mr. Ashish Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Punnaryug Artvision Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka; Mr. Sai Srinivas Kiran Garimella, Co-founder, MPL; Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka; Shri Daljeet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka; and Mr. Biren Ghose, Chairman, Bengaluru GAFX & President, ABAI.

With the theme “Future of Immersion: EXPERIENCE. EXPLORE. DISRUPT.”, GAFX 2025, champions its commitment to furthering the frontiers of creativity and technology. Attendees will experience the power of immersive technologies in storytelling, from real-time rendering breakthroughs to the transformative potential of virtual and augmented reality. As a premier platform, GAFX 2025 will bring together global thought leaders, visionary creatives, and cutting-edge innovations, fostering collaboration and shaping the future of the industry.

A patron of Bengaluru GAFX 2025, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka said “This event holds significance not just for the government of Karnataka but for the entire nation. Our professionals are not just contributing to global projects—they are leading them, bringing unique perspectives and unmatched expertise to the forefront.  In animation and visual effects, Indian artists are instrumental in delivering cutting-edge visuals for domestic and international productions. Our contributions have garnered global acclaim, positioning India as a hub of high-quality animation and VFX services.

Despite the central government’s 28% GST, we remain the fastest-growing market in the gaming sector, achieving an impressive 23% year-on-year growth. By the end of the 2024 financial year, we are set to reach $3.8 billion. Looking ahead, I hope to see Karnataka host its own national e-sports festival this year, with the vision of creating the country’s—and possibly Asia’s—largest e-sports event.”

“Karnataka has always been at the forefront of technology and digital innovation, and our leadership in AVGC-XR continues to shape the industry. Home to over 300 AVGC studios and 15,000+ professionals, Karnataka contributes significantly to India’s digital content revolution. We were the first state to introduce an AVGC-XR policy in 2012, and our third five-year policy, announced last year, strengthened this sector with production grants, tax incentives, and skill development initiatives. With India’s 500 million gamers, Karnataka leads with the highest number of gaming startups, positioning Bengaluru as the hub for next-gen game development. Our AVGC-XR fund, the first of its kind in India, supports startups and SMEs with investments up to ?2 crore. Additionally, we are setting up India’s first AVGC-XR Park, offering production studios, incubation spaces, and research facilities. By 2029, we aim for a 30% increase in operational efficiency, a 20% boost in creative output, and a 25% expansion in digital marketing reach. GAFX 2025 reflects this vision, bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and students. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and strengthen Karnataka’s position as the global capital for AVGC-XR excellence.” - said Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Biren Ghose, Chairman, Bengaluru GAFX & President, ABAI said, “Storytelling is evolving beyond screens into immersive experiences that redefine how we engage with content. Just as astronomers explore the cosmos, we are visionaries shaping the visual language of tomorrow. Disruption isn’t an obstacle—it’s a catalyst, much like black holes and supernovae giving birth to new creations in the universe. Bengaluru stands at the heart of this transformation, where technology, artistry, and innovation unite to take India to the world and bring the world to India. From animation and gaming to AR, VR, and beyond, we are forging global alliances, building billion-dollar franchises, and nurturing the talent that will drive the next era of entertainment. This isn’t just ambition—it’s a roadmap. The seeds are sown, and the wave of change is here. Welcome to the future of immersion.”

Bengaluru GAFX is a premier event in the AVGC industry, serving as a vital platform for collaboration between Indian and global talent. The event brings together leading international and domestic studios, along with industry veterans, to showcase some of the most acclaimed and high-profile titles. By fostering cross-industry synergy, GAFX continues to drive innovation and excellence in the animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics landscape.

Key Highlights of Bengaluru GAFX 2025

Unveiling a Landmark Collaboration: Cine star Rana Daggubati, known for his role in Baahubali and a strong advocate for Indian storytelling, will unveil an exciting partnership between Zebu Animation and Tinkle, bringing India’s iconic comics to life through cutting-edge animation.

India Pavilion: A first-of-its-kind showcase of AVGC talent from across Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam, fostering regional co-production and collaboration.

Esports National Championship: India’s top 4 esports teams from different zones will battle it out in the Counter-Strike 2 grand finale, bringing high-energy gaming action to GAFX 2025.

Investor Connect: Over 25  leading investors will engage with 50 AVGC-XR startups, offering exclusive opportunities for funding and mentorship.

Spotlight on Indian Comics: Tinkle, Amar Chitra Katha, Raj Comics, and Pran Studios will discuss the future of Indian comics, their potential to generate original IPs, and their influence on the media industry.

AI & AVGC-XR Convergence: Experts from Deloitte, Autodesk, AMD, Nvidia, Myelin Foundry, and Adobe will explore the impact of AI in content creation, virtual production, and immersive experiences.

Startups Innovation Zone: AVGC startups from Karnataka’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) will showcase groundbreaking work, offering a glimpse into the future of the AVGC-XR industry.

Strengthening International Alliances: The Karnataka Government will establish a Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), bringing together France, Australia, the UK, Scotland, Uzbekistan, and Italy to foster global collaborations in AVGC-XR.

With an expected footfall exceeding 20,000 attendees, world-class speakers, immersive showcases, and disruptive innovations, Bengaluru GAFX 2025 is set to elevate India’s role in the global AVGC-XR landscape.

For more information, visit https://gafx.in/   

Threat Actors Are Moving Faster Than Ever: SonicWall Warns SMBs And Highlights The Importance Of Not Fighting Alone

Highlights 

India saw jumps in IoT and Cryptojacking

India was the only country that saw a jump in targeted crypto attacks

APAC accounts for almost 20% of all malware attacks

IoT up big as more devices become available, the threat landscape grows

On average we safeguarded 19% of our customers’ annual at-risk revenues.

For a $10M company = $1,900,000

61% of the time hackers exploit new vulnerabilities within 2 days – compared to what can take the average organization 120-150* days to apply a patch

SonicWall detected 210,258 ‘never-before-seen’ malware variants – 637 each day

Malware trended up 8% YoY, including a massive 92% spike in May alone

IoT attacks (+124%) and encrypted threats (+93%) continue to climb globally

Identity, cloud, and credential compromise account for 85% actionable alerts

SonicWall has released the 2025 SonicWall Annual Cyber Threat Report, revealing a continued onslaught of cyberattacks on small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Once exclusively targeting large enterprises, threat actors now use more efficient targeting and AI-driven attacks making it clear that SMBs and organizations of all sizes can’t fight this battle alone — relying on the expertise of a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP) to defend at-risk revenue and protect the integrity of brands and organizations.

SMBs are facing a storm of cyber threats, as attackers leverage automation, AI, and advanced evasion techniques to evade traditional defenses. These evolving tactics make it nearly impossible for businesses to defend themselves without dedicated cybersecurity expertise. As attack surfaces expand and the time to exploit vulnerabilities shrinks, SMBs must prioritize proactive security measures.

“Threat actors are moving at an unprecedented pace, exploiting new vulnerabilities within days, while we’re observing that it takes some organizations 120 to 150 days to apply a critical patch,” said President and CEO Bob VanKirk. “Now more than ever, businesses need the expertise of an MSP/MSSP backed by with real-time threat monitoring and SOC capabilities. Legacy security solutions are no longer enough, businesses must adopt a new mindset to stay ahead of modern cyber threats.”

“Threat actors are moving faster than ever, exploiting vulnerabilities with unprecedented speed. As outlined in the 2025 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report, to stay ahead, cybersecurity professionals must not only match but surpass this pace, and they will need help to do it. Leveraging real-time threat intelligence, automation, and proactive defense strategies will help counteract emerging threats before they escalate," said SonicWall Vice President of Sales, APJ Debasish Mukherjee.

The report provides insight, in particular for SMBs, and highlights why businesses of all sizes shouldn’t go it alone in the fight against cybercrime. SonicWall is aggressively growing our network of managed service providers to defend SMBs against the ever-evolving threat actors.

“With the increasing speed and sophistication of cyber threats, we needed a partner that could provide real-time threat intelligence and proactive security,” said Nick Sabatini, Vice President of Managed Services at Ubeo. “Ubeo is focused on best-in-class partners that bring innovation and flexibility to meet our customers' needs, and SonicWall’s SOC services allow us to deliver 24/7 monitoring and rapid threat response, ensuring our customers stay protected without the burden of managing security alone. Their expertise and advanced security solutions empower us to protect businesses against today’s relentless cyberattacks. We've seen firsthand how SonicWall's expanded portfolio and global security reach have helped us better protect our clients and respond to the increasingly sophisticated threat landscape."

Cyber Threats Surge, Businesses at Risk

SonicWall intelligence found that on average, companies were under critical attack – the type of attack most likely to deplete business resources – for 68 days. Ransomware continues to rise, increasing 8% in North America and surging 259% in Latin America. Malware spiked 8% year-over-year, while IoT attacks jumped 124% and encrypted threats climbed 93%.

The 2025 SonicWall Mid-Year Cyber Threat Report provides insight on a range of threats, including:

AI Automation Tools Lower Barrier for Entry While Increasing Attack Complexity - Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks became a critical cybersecurity concern in 2024, marked by a dramatic 452% increase compared to 2023.

Staggering Spike in Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attacks – Nearly one-third of all reported cyber events were BEC attacks, up dramatically from only 9% in 2023.

The Escalation of Ransomware Attacks in 2024 – Ransomware was far and away the biggest threat to the healthcare industry, utilized in 95% of all breaches in this sector.

Living Off the Land Binaries (LOLBins): No Laughing Matter – LOLBins are integral to fileless malware campaigns, where attackers utilize native system tools to avoid leaving traditional artifacts, thus evading detection by conventional signature-based solutions.

“The data in this year’s threat report underscores a disturbing reality: threat actors are exploiting vulnerabilities at lightning speed, while organizations take far too long to respond,” said SonicWall Executive Director of Threat Research Douglas McKee. “Our findings indicate that organizations struggle to keep their businesses safe from the ever-present cyber threats, and the data that we gather paints a clear picture of the growing challenges they face. From ransomware surges to the rapid rise in IoT and encrypted threats, businesses are increasingly at risk.”

Patented RTDMI Discovered ‘Never-Before-Seen’ Malware Variants

SonicWall’s patented Real-Time Deep Memory InspectionTM (RTDMITM) technology identified a total of 210,258 ‘never-before-seen’ malware variants. The threat landscape remains complex, with over 630 strains of new variants discovered each day.

To learn more about SonicWall and get the complete 2025 SonicWall Mid-Year Cyber Threat Report, please visit www.sonicwall.com/threat-report.

*As cited in Security Intelligence: How Do You Measure the Success of Your Patch Management Efforts?

About SonicWall Capture Labs

SonicWall Capture Labs threat researchers gather, analyze and vet cross-vector threat information from the SonicWall Capture Threat network, consisting of global devices and resources, including more than 1 million security sensors in nearly 215 countries and territories. SonicWall Capture Labs, which pioneered the use of artificial intelligence for threat research and protection over a decade ago, performs rigorous testing and evaluation on this data, establishes reputation scores for email senders and content, and identifies new threats in real-time.

About SonicWall

SonicWall is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as a leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research center, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organization—enterprise, government agencies and SMBs—around the world. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Arvind Limited Unveils “For All Kinds Of Cool” – A Campaign Reimagining Linen

* Introduces new linen range with over 300 new styles, wrinkle-resistant and performance fabrics (Intelli Range)

Arvind Limited, an integrated solutions provider in textiles with strong fibre to fashion capabilities for a global and domestic customer base, announced the launch of its latest summer campaign, ‘Linen by Arvind, For All Kinds of Cool’. The campaign highlights Arvind Limited’s commitment to redefining linen as the ultimate fabric for summer, offering style, breathability, and comfort for consumers who prefer linen during the warmer months.

Alongside the campaign, Arvind Limited has also expanded its linen range with over 300 new styles. The latest range introduces innovative Intelli-Fabric technology with unique features such as wrinkle-resistant linen, breathable blends, and wool blended linen fabrics, designed to keep up with today’s lifestyles. The suiting range has also grown, offering stylish, yet comfortable linen options suited for both formal and special occasions. The new collection is available across 160+ Arvind Limited stores and leading multi-brand outlets nationwide.

Speaking on the campaign, Pranav Dave, Chief Business Officer – Knits and Retail, Arvind Limited, said, “Linen has always been synonymous with summer, but with this collection, it's time to see it as more than just a summer fabric. Today’s fashion is about versatility, and linen as a fabric adapts to such demands perfectly. Whether for work, travel or everyday work, linen is a timeless choice that offers both style and comfort. With this collection, we want people to experience and make it an all-year essential. We want people to embrace linen not just for its comfort, but for the confidence it brings, because true style is about feeling as good as you look.”

With this campaign and the expanded range, Arvind Limited aims to showcase the versatility of linen to a wider audience.

The campaign film brings to life three distinct expressions of linen, reflecting the diverse ways individuals embrace style and comfort:

Lazy Cool: Some styles are best when they’re effortless. This collection is designed for those who prefer laid-back dressing with an edge; airy, relaxed fits that feel as good as they look.

Digital Cool: Built for those always on the move, this collection blends lightweight, breathable fabrics with effortless style. Whether it’s a packed work schedule or a spontaneous night out, these outfits deliver sharp looks without compromising on comfort.

Traditional Cool: A fusion of heritage and modern design, this collection is for those who appreciate classic styles with a contemporary twist. These pieces offer the ease of linen with tailored elegance, making them perfect for everything from business meetings to celebrations.

Arvind Limited has continually set the benchmark for innovation and craftsmanship, shaping the way India experiences fashion. With decades of expertise, the brand remains committed to redefining fabric excellence with innovation and inspiring generations with its timelessly elegant creations.

The campaign is now live across digital platforms and retail stores.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7GTYDg5gVE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ2TAjz1NTs

Yulu Launches India’s First WhatsApp-Based Road Safety Learning Initiative For Delivery Riders

* Over 3,600 delivery riders have completed the first module of the initiative and earned ‘Safe Rider Beginner’ badges

* Over 1,200 users have sent in videos pledging to observe traffic rules

* The novel campaign is a part of Yulu’s ‘3E’ framework aimed at raising road safety awareness among delivery riders

Yulu, India’s leading shared electric mobility company, has launched the country’s first WhatsApp-based Road Safety Learning Initiative(For video click on the link) for delivery riders. The initiative, launched on the company’s platform, has thus far engaged over 3,600 Yulu riders who have completed the first module — which includes basic traffic rule education and a quiz — and earned ‘Safe Rider Beginner’ badges from Yulu. Over 1,200 of these riders also submitted video-based pledges committing to follow traffic rules.

The WhatsApp-based initiative is Yulu’s latest step in promoting road safety among the 30,000+ quick commerce and e-commerce delivery partners who use its shared EVs. As an industry leader, Yulu has consistently championed safety through its holistic ‘3E’ framework — Education, Enforcement, and Ecosystem Partnerships — integrating technology, processes, and strategic collaborations to shape rider behaviour, drive compliance and address public concerns around the safety of hyperlocal delivery.

By proactively addressing this complex, multi-stakeholder challenge, Yulu reinforces its commitment to making urban mobility safer and more sustainable for all.  

Inside Yulu’s 3E Framework for Road Safety

1. Education: Empowering Riders with Knowledge

To address the knowledge gap among delivery partners regarding traffic regulations, Yulu implements user education at multiple levels. The WhatsApp-based Road Safety Learning Initiative, launched earlier this month, creates awareness about three main traffic violations: wrong-way riding, riding or parking vehicles on footpaths and jumping signals. To do this, Yulu sends users a training video, followed by a quiz to test their comprehension. After successfully completing the quiz and earning their Safe Rider badge, users are prompted to submit a video pledge undertaking to respect traffic rules.

That’s not all. Yulu’s intuitive mobile app nudges users to follow traffic regulations and avoid offences. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets for their own safety, even though helmet use is not legally mandated for low-speed vehicle users in India. In addition, the company’s field promoters educate first-time Yulu riders about acceptable riding habits and make it clear that non-compliance will attract penalties both by Yulu and the traffic authorities. Finally, Yulu’s social media platforms serve as a constant reminder for users to ride safely and responsibly.

2. Enforcement: Combining People-led and Technology-driven Safety Measures

Yulu enforces safety through a blend of human oversight and advanced technology. It has deployed Bike Marshals, who work closely with local communities and law enforcement to ensure responsible vehicle usage and parking. These Marshals are stationed at key points where they can proactively minimise violations and levy penalties on offenders.

The technology behind Yulu’s smart vehicles, which are manufactured by Bajaj Auto Ltd., includes features like wrong-way ride detection to monitor and restrict non-compliant rider behaviour in real-time. This feature is currently active in all the metros where Yulu operates, and it enables Yulu to proactively track violations and notify users about any infraction(s). Repeat violations trigger warnings and fines, with the possibility of permanent bans from Yulu’s platform, creating a strong incentive for delivery riders to ride safely and follow traffic rules.  

3. Ecosystem Partnerships: Collaborating on Solutions

Addressing traffic violations in the gig economy requires collaboration among key industry stakeholders. Since 2022, Yulu has been conducting Safe Rider Workshops in partnership with local traffic police across various cities. In 2024 alone, over 1,100 delivery partners, including a few non-Yulu riders, benefited from these sessions. Yulu also partners with quick-commerce companies to educate delivery riders at dark stores.

Looking ahead, Yulu plans to host a roundtable discussion with quick commerce and e-commerce players, along with the Bengaluru Traffic Police, to explore collaborative solutions for improving road safety.

Amit Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Yulu, says, “Following traffic rules is the individual responsibility of every motorist.  But as a company dedicated to making urban mobility better for all, Yulu goes the extra mile to educate and guide its users towards the right behaviour. Our commitment to safety is enforced through rigorous systems and built-in safeguards, both on and off the field.”

He adds, “Safety is a continuous process that involves multiple stakeholders. Therefore, Yulu collaborates with quick commerce and e-commerce brands, government authorities, police and transport officials to make our cities safer and more sustainable. This integrated approach helps us to tackle the root causes of traffic issues even as we empower countless riders with sustainable livelihood opportunities.”

Pioneering a Greener, Safer Future

Yulu’s initiatives align with its broader vision of making urban mobility clean, inclusive and sustainable. The company has facilitated over 240 million green deliveries, preventing more than 32 million kilogrammes of CO2 emissions, while creating lakhs of livelihood opportunities. Through its 3E framework, Yulu continues to lead the way in making urban transportation safer and more sustainable for all.

Turkish Airlines Holidays Expands Globally At Peninsula London Hotel

Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, has launched its comprehensive package holiday brand globally, offering travellers a seamless way to plan and book their trips in one place. The launch event held at The Peninsula London Hotel welcomed numerous distinguished guests from around the world, marking a strategic expansion for the brand.

Holidaymakers can now arrange flights, hotels, tours, activities, car rentals, airport transfers, insurance and more through holidays.turkishairlines.com with just a few clicks. Previously available only for outbound flights from Türkiye, Turkish Airlines Holidays has now expanded to key markets including the UK, Europe, South Korea, Mexico, Australia, and many more through strategic partnerships with HBX and PerfectStay.

This expansion marks a significant milestone in Turkish Airlines’ aim to provide seamless and high-quality experiences for travellers worldwide. Building on this momentum, Turkish Airlines Holidays is preparing for its launch in the U.S. in the coming months.

Commenting at the exclusive launch event, Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer Bilal Ek?i said: “Passengers travelling outbound from Türkiye have enjoyed the convenience of booking their entire trip through Turkish Airlines Holidays. Now, we are extending this seamless experience to travellers worldwide, making holiday planning easier than ever while strengthening our global presence. We are delighted to provide such comprehensive, one-stop booking options for our guests, further improving their travel experiences.”

Nicolas Huss, Chief Executive Officer of HBX, also shared his thoughts on this milestone moment: Today’s travellers expect a seamless and connected booking experience. With this in mind, we are proud to embark on this strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines to launch Turkish Airlines Holidays. Through this collaboration, passengers can now enhance their journeys by combining flights with our extensive global inventory of accommodations, transfers, car rentals, and experiences—powered by Perfect Stay’s advanced packaging technology—to create the ideal getaway. As a company dedicated to connecting global travel, we are thrilled about this opportunity and eager to shape the future of travel together."

Launching Turkish Airlines Holidays globally not only highlights the flag carrier’s commitment to passenger experience but it also promotes Türkiye as a must-visit destination, supporting Turkish Airlines’ goal of promoting the country and contributing to Turkish tourism on a global scale.

Exclusive Launch Offer

To celebrate the global launch, Turkish Airlines Holidays is introducing a special promotional campaign. Travellers who book their first holiday package or tour to Türkiye through Turkish Airlines Holidays will receive airport lounge access. They can also enjoy exclusive discounts of up to £350/€350 based on their total spend during the launch period.

A Smarter Way to Travel

Turkish Airlines Holidays offers travellers a comprehensive and flexible way to book their dream destinations:

Holidays in over 60 countries: The most extensive airline holiday brand, offering packages across 200+ destinations from over 60 countries.

Exclusive flight & hotel advantages: Special pricing and bundled packages for better value.

Best price guarantee: Competitive and reliable pricing for worry-free booking experience.

Tailor-made tours: Personalised itineraries catering to unique travel preferences.

Expansive service network: A selection of over 550,000 hotels and services in 300+ destinations.

Extra Miles&Smiles rewards: Earn additional miles on holiday package bookings, not just on flights.

ABTA and ATOL guarantee: Full financial security and peace of mind for travellers. These certifications ensure that bookings are safeguarded against unexpected situations, changes, or disruptions providing peace of mind throughout the travel experience.

Flexible payment plans: Instalment options, making dream vacations more accessible.

Free checked-in baggage: A complimentary baggage allowance on all holiday bookings.

For more details and to start planning your next gateway, visit  holidays.turkishairlines.com

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 477 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 352 worldwide destinations as 299 international and 53 domestics in 131 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Star Alliance:

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

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

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

MIT World Peace University Celebrates “Bharat Asmita National Awards (BANA) Ceremony and Founder’s Day”

* Dr. Abhay Bang, Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, and musician Shekhar Sen honoured with Bharat Asmita National Award.

MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) celebrated the prestigious Bharat Asmita National Award (BANA) Ceremony, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to society in fields such as social activism, healthcare, governance, and the arts. The event also marked Founder’s Day, a special occasion honouring the 85th birthday of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, the guiding force behind the university’s establishment and growth. The ceremony was further enriched by a live musical performance from the iconic Padma Shri awardee- Kailash Kher, whose soulful melodies captivated the audience and added a festive spirit to the celebrations.

This year’s Bharat Asmita National Award recipients included a distinguished group of individuals: Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, the director of IIM Ahmedabad; Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization; Shri Vivek Agnihotri, a renowned film producer, director, and author; and Shri Shekhar Sen, a noted singer and musical composer, all of whom received recognition. Padma Shri Dr. Abhay Bang, a leading social activist and the director of the Search Foundation, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation and Former Chief Scientist, World Health Organization said, “Science without humanity is one of the seven social sins, as Gandhiji said, and it holds true even today. Knowledge is best used when shared—it multiplies a thousand times and benefits countless others. Science and technology can solve many pressing issues like climate change, pandemics, and malnutrition. It is essential for young people to focus on innovation, guided by their passion and a sense of responsibility. Let us use science wisely to create solutions for a better future.”

Sharing his thoughts during the event, Vivek Agnihotri, Acclaimed Film Producer, Director & Author said, "Protecting freedom is not just a right; it is our duty. True freedom is safeguarded only when we cultivate wisdom and deep understanding. One may earn degrees and achieve financial success, but true peace comes from righteous actions. Real peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is the result of thinking beyond the ordinary, of striving for a world where knowledge empowers and justice prevails. We must fight for peace and fight for freedom, not with force but with the power of wisdom. To the students present here, always remember: freedom is not merely given; it is earned through awareness, courage, and responsibility."

The university remains at the forefront of shaping the future of Bharat by empowering students, promoting innovation, and fostering leadership across a diverse range of disciplines.

Padma Shri Dr. Abhay Bang, a leading social activist and the director of the Search Foundation said,” MIT World Peace University is a place where we discuss world peace at a time when political parties and global leaders are driving people apart. Here, we take pride in discussing world peace, thanks to the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad. From parliamentarians to sarpanches, the emphasis on governance and political responsibility is commendable. My mission in life is not over yet—many people, especially the poor in rural and tribal areas, are still waiting for essential healthcare services. I hope young people will step forward to fulfill these needs.”

On the occasion, Shri Rahul V. Karad, Managing Trustee and Executive President, MIT-WPU said, “Swami Vivekananda proclaimed long ago the unification of science and spirituality and how it can help create better human beings. He was a torchbearer of this vision and a symbol of world peace. We strive to communicate his message to the student community, emphasizing the importance of independent thinking. Each of us has our own thought process, and we must not blindly follow the West. This is the message I wish to convey. Our institution does not merely provide a professional degree; it instills in us the knowledge and responsibility to use that degree for societal and global transformation.”

MIT-WPU’s commitment to nurturing individuals who are not only academically successful but also socially responsible is a testament to the enduring influence of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D Karad’s vision.

Honda Cars India Crosses 1 Lakh Cumulative Sales Milestone Of The Bold & Stylish Honda Elevate

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading premium car manufacturer in India, has crossed 1 lakh cumulative sales milestone of its global SUV model Honda Elevate owing to its success both in the domestic as well as international market. The Elevate is exclusively made in India currently at HCIL’s manufacturing plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan. The company has cumulatively sold 53,326 units of the Elevate in India and exported 47,653 units to countries including Japan, South Africa, Nepal & Bhutan till January’25. 

The Elevate was first launched in India in Sept’23 and quickly became a strong business pillar for HCIL. The new offering successfully established itself in the competitive domestic SUV market sweeping away over 20 prestigious automobile industry awards including laurels such as Car of the Year, Viewer’s Choice Car of the Year, SUV of the Year etc. from leading media houses. The car has resonated well with its strong customer base and enjoys a high level of recommendation from them.   

The Elevate has been the company’s first ever Made in India model exported to Japan which expanded its global reach and reinforced HCIL’s commitment to produce global quality cars from its manufacturing operations in India. Elevate is the largest export contributing model for HCIL. Since the start of exports of the Honda Elevate in 2023, it has helped the company to grow its export business by 65% in FY’23-24 and by over 92% in the ongoing financial year (Apr’24-Jan’25 period).

Speaking on this achievement, Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, "1 lakh cumulative sales milestone for Elevate is a proud moment for all of us which has solidified Honda’s presence in India’s domestic SUV market and also strong export business from India. The model since its global debut has garnered exceptional admiration and acceptance among customers across age profiles for its bold styling, comfortable in-cabin experience, exceptional ‘Fun to Drive’ dynamics and advanced safety package. The Elevate export volume to Japan not only expanded its global reach but also reinforced our Indian manufacturing prowess and global competitiveness. We would like to thank our customers across markets for the love and trust they have shown for the brand and for choosing the Elevate as their trusted partner.”

Developed on the grand concept of ‘Urban Freestyler’, Elevate aims to appeal to customers with active lifestyles & a global mindset, and blends cutting-edge aesthetics with functionality to create a visually stunning, incredibly versatile, comfortable, and fun-to-drive SUV that's ready for adventure inside and outside the city limits. The All New Elevate incorporates Honda’s global standard of safety offering host of active and passive advanced safety features including innovative Advanced Driver Assistance System - Honda SENSING. To offer wide variety and choice for customers, HCIL introduced Apex edition and Black edition of the Elevate which have been very well received by the customers. The Elevate is E20 (20% Ethanol blended) Petrol compliant which highlights Honda’s commitment to sustainable mobility and supporting India’s transition to greener and cleaner transportation.

Keys trends of Elevate domestic sales and consumer preferences in India

53% of Elevate sales come from Top grade ZX variant equipped with ADAS tech of Honda SENSING

79% of Elevate customers have chosen CVT variants available in 3 grades – V, VX and ZX

22% of Elevate buyers are First-time car buyers reflecting growing aspirations of young Indian consumers opting for advanced technology products with strong value

Over 43% customers buy the Elevate as the additional car in their household

Colour preference in Elevate –

Platinum White Pearl (35.1%)

Golden Brown Metallic (19.9%)

Meteoroid Gray Metallic (15.4%)

Obsidian Blue Pearl (15.3%)

Others (Lunar Silver Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Phoenix Orange Pearl) – 14.3%

Cumulative Kms clocked by Elevate customers in India- over 32.6 crore kms.