Archives February 2024

Mumbai, 8th February 2024 Whistling Woods International (WWI), the torchbearer of excellence in media and creative arts education, commemorated its 16th Convocation, marking a celebration of creativity, talent, and education. As the Convocation unfolded, over 400 graduate students, the emerging talents who’ll be shaping the media and entertainment landscape, were recognized for their academic and creative achievements.

The ceremony further witnessed the conferral of the prestigious Maestro Awards to veteran actor, Ms. Shabana Azmi, for her impactful performances and renowned filmmaker, Mr. Priyadarshan, known for his cinematic brilliance and their respective contributions to Indian cinema.

As an added highlight of the event, Ayaz Memon, a distinguished figure in the field of sports journalism, was felicitated with a special honor in recognition of his significant contributions to the field. Featuring as keynote speakers for the occasion, Mr. Vivek Krishnani, CEO, of MovieVerse Studios; Mr. Ayaz Memon, acclaimed Sports Writer & Journalist, and Mr. Sameer Nair, CEO, of Applause Entertainment, delivered impactful speeches that deeply connected with the graduating batch. Their insights and experiences served as a valuable roadmap, offering essential guidance for the students as they embark on their professional journeys.

Ms. Shabana Azmi, Maestro Award recipient, encouraged the graduating students and said, “An artist’s biggest resource base is life itself. Remain connected with life because that’s where all your strength will come from.”

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Vivek Krishnani inspired the graduating batch and stated, “Find your dream and be hungry about it. Passion should drive you.” He further added, “Be open to learning, ready to grasp every opportunity, and work hard to achieve your dreams.”

Encouraging the graduating students to make a difference in the media and entertainment landscape, keynote speaker Mr. Sameer Nair said, “Global storytelling is the biggest thing that is happening at the moment. If there was ever a time for India to be put on the global entertainment map, it is now.”

Congratulating the graduating Batch of 2023, Mr. Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman, WWI, shared an invaluable piece of advice: “The first sign of success is to have a noble soul. Love and respect people. Accept your defeats with a smile and restart again to be successful in life.”

As the Convocation approached its conclusion, the certificates were conferred upon the graduates by Mr. Ravi Gupta, Dean, WWI, and Mr. Rahul Puri, Director of Academics, WWI, along with other dignitaries. Awards were presented to outstanding students across all schools, and the Valedictorians for the Class of 2023 were honoured.

On a closing note, Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri, President, WWI, wished the students and said, “You exhibited immense courage when you took this step to do what you love. I hope you’ll continue to be courageous in your journey ahead.”

On this special occasion, continuing its dedication to sustainable practices, Whistling Woods International has planted over 400 trees on behalf of each graduating student, further contributing to its ongoing efforts for environmental responsibility.

This amalgamation of talent, recognition, and inspiration made WWI’s 16th Convocation an unforgettable celebration of creativity and accomplishment.

Hyderabad: 8th February 2024: The Premia Academy, a leading premium educational institution, recently organized its Annual Sports Meet 2023-24 – The League of Lions at the prestigious Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. The week-long event was a phenomenal showcase of sportsmanship, talent, and teamwork, showing the academy’s commitment to holistic education. and its year-long focus on sports. In addition to academic excellence, the academy places significant emphasis on physical fitness and sportsmanship, offering a wide array of sporting activities throughout the year. These include basketball, futsal, cricket, badminton, kho-kho, long jump, and various track events, providing students with ample opportunities to explore their athletic interests and talents.

The event was graced by the presence of M. Sunitha Anand, a seasoned professional cricketer and analyst associated with the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Ms. Anand inspired the young audience with her valuable insights and experiences in the world of sports. She emphasized the importance of participation in sports events and encouraged parents to support and nurture their children’s sporting interests.

The Premia Academy extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, parents, staff, and sponsors for their unwavering support in making The League of Lions a resounding success. The event not only showcased the physical prowess of the students but also showed the academy’s commitment to fostering holistic development through sports and extracurricular activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sindhuri Reddy, Founder, and Managing Director, The Premia Academy said “We are truly pleased to witness the incredible enthusiasm and active participation from the students. The competitive spirit and camaraderie among participants created an electrifying atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for both players and spectators. The Premia Academy believes in promoting holistic development, and we eagerly anticipate hosting more events to further nurture our students into well-rounded individuals. We extend our best wishes to all students for contributing to the resounding success of this event.

Adding to this, Ms. Trupti Rao, Principal, The Premia Academy said- “We’re thrilled by the vibrant energy and wholehearted participation from students and parents in the League of Lions. We extend our sincere thanks to the parents who came out in large numbers to cheer their kids, adding immense joy to the event. We express gratitude to everyone involved for making this occasion a memorable success.

Saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir has been a topic of concern, as recent data reveals a significant decline over the past 13 years. According to Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, the production of saffron in the region has plummeted by more than 67 percent from 2010 to 2024. This decline is stark, considering that saffron is a crucial agricultural commodity for the region.

However, amidst this concerning trend, there is a glimmer of hope. In the year 2023, saffron production saw a marginal increase of four percent, according to information disclosed by the Central government in response to a question posed by National Conference MP Hasnain Masoodi. This increase, albeit modest, provides a ray of optimism for the future of saffron cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir.

KesarTV.com reported this significant revelation about saffron production in the region. The report highlights efforts made by various departments, such as the Horticulture Department and the Mechanical Engineering Department Kashmir, to improve irrigation facilities through projects like the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, such as the underutilization of irrigation facilities due to the absence of user groups for borewell management and maintenance. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding potential adverse effects on saffron flowers from factors like cement dust. To address these issues, the Agriculture Production Department, revenue officials, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are actively implementing laws and regulations to safeguard saffron-producing land.

In conclusion, while the decline in saffron production over the years is concerning, the recent uptick provides hope for the revival of this vital agricultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Through collaborative efforts and stringent measures, stakeholders aim to preserve and enhance saffron cultivation in the region for future generations.

8th February 2024 Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, has signed an MoU with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The MoU was signed by Mr. Vinaya Kumar Sharma, Head Commercial, Yara India, at the 2nd International Conference and Buyer-Seller Meet in Agra on February 04, 2024. The strategic partnership aims to support potato farmers in enhancing crop productivity and quality to gain acceptance for produce in the market. The primary objective is to introduce them to emerging digital technologies and build their capacity for higher efficiency and sustainability in farming practices.

Following the MoU signing, Dr. Atul Kumar Singh, Director- Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Uttar Pradesh, visited Yara’s Knowledge Grows Centre (YKGC) in Agra, which serves as a center of excellence, fostering development and enhancing the best farming practices. During the visit, officials from the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the leadership team of Yara India interacted with potato farmers and toured four demo potato plots, which showcased the efforts Yara has made to enhance crop productivity and contribute to farmers’ livelihood.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said, “We are excited to partner with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, on this transformative journey towards enhancing the productivity and profitability of potato farmers in the region. Our collaboration is focused on building an ecosystem that supports and uplifts the livelihoods of our farmers, while also revolutionizing food systems for a healthier and more resilient future. We are committed to working closely with other value chain players, from seed to final output companies, along with our team of Yara Agronomists, to introduce digital innovations such as our newly revamped FarmCare app and improve food quality.”

Dr. Atul Kumar Singh, Director- Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Uttar Pradesh, said, “Yara India’s partnership with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, is a significant step towards empowering potato farmers in the region. This partnership will introduce farmers to cutting-edge digital technologies and innovative solutions that will significantly enhance crop productivity and quality, thereby contributing to the overall prosperity of the farmers and their families. The Yara Knowledge Grow Center in Agra is an excellent platform for developing and enhancing the best farming practices, and we are confident that our farmers will benefit greatly from the knowledge and expertise shared by Yara’s team of agronomists.”

Yara Knowledge Grow Center (YKGC) in Agra is a center of excellence for developing and enhancing the best farming practices. The YKGC serves as a platform for conducting physical meetings and actively engages with the local community by conducting regular training programs for farmers. The research farm present within the YKGC hosts Yara’s scientists who strive to create sustainable farming models shared with farmers. This involves research on innovative solutions for current crops as well as studying the viability of new crops and farming techniques in the region. Through this research, Yara India aims to develop an ecosystem that supports and uplifts the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

New Delhi,8th February 2024 – The second edition of PlastFocus 2024 At Yasoboomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi, India’s biggest international plastics industry exhibition—began with considerable excitement on February 1. 500 consumers were engaged by Subhot Enterprises during this lively show, which was hosted by Triune Exhibitors and supported by the Plastic Machinery Manufacturers Association of India (PMMAI). The five-day event has seen remarkable success.

Receiving support from the Indian government’s Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Ministry of Heavy Industries, PlastFocus 2024 has grown to become a gathering place for professionals, enthusiasts, and leaders in the industry. The Subhot Enterprises’ Mr. Dhawal Gupta stated “I am pleased with Plastfocus Exhibition’s success for Subhot Enterprise. It served as a venue for creativity and opportunity, showcasing our dedication to a brighter tomorrow. The positive reaction supports our commitment, and I am grateful for the teamwork that allowed us to accomplish this.”

Prominent members of the industry, such as Bill Shukla, Vice-Chairman of PMMAI, Tushar Parikh, Chairman of PMMAI, and Mahendra Patel, Chairman Emeritus of PMMAI, graced the opening event. In front of a sizable audience drawn from a variety of industries, Sandeep Engineer, Chairman and Managing Director of Astral, officially opened the event. Spanning 1,200 stalls spread across a massive 1,00,000 square meter exhibition area, PlastFocus 2024 is expected to draw over 50 foreign exhibitors from 18 different nations. With over 300 cutting-edge pieces of equipment on display, the event serves as a vital forum for the sharing of concepts, inventions, and commercial partnerships in the plastics sector.

Mumbai, India 8th February 2024 — ASUS India today announces the new ASUS Chromebook— the 14-inch ASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C2MA). With a fresh, stylish look and design, this dynamic laptop is primed to boost productivity and empower fun, all day, every day.

Powered by an efficient MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and with up to a 15-hour[i] battery life, the new ASUS Chromebook CM14 delivers the freedom to stay productive throughout the day. It brings forth a gateway to the best of Google, including the rich library of Android and apps for work and leisure found on Google Play[ii], and benefit from Wi-Fi 6 for fast, stable connectivity at home, at the office, in the classroom or on the go. With ChromeOS’ support for Linux backend runtime, you can also avail the benefits of being able to run Linux PC apps in a safe sand-box environment.

With smooth performance, robust automatic security, and convenient features, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is ideal for empowering seamless entertainment and productivity for everyone — and primed for remote work and learning.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Dinesh Sharma, Vice President, Commercial PC and Smartphone, System Business Group, ASUS India, said, “I am delighted to introduce the ASUS Chromebook CM14 Series, a game-changer in the world of productivity and digital excellence. With an impressive battery life of up to 15 hours, this Chromebook is a perfect companion for the user’s all-day productivity. Seamlessly integrating with Google’s extensive app library for work and play, the CM14 offers a seamless and efficient user experience. Beyond cutting-edge features, this new Chromebook is designed for durability, meeting stringent MIL-STD 810H US military tests, ensuring resilience for every journey. Embracing sustainability with recycled materials, the CM14 reflects our commitment to an eco-friendly future.”

Mumbai, Wednesday, 08 February 2024 – The BEST Chalo Airport Express, Mumbai’s premium Airport bus service was officially launched today, keeping in mind the various challenges travelers face during their airport travel. These buses are set to change the way public mobility is seen and, in many ways, the quality of these services is at par with those that are found at airports in some of the prominent metros of the world.

With comfort being at the core of this service, the Airport Express stands to positively reduce traffic congestion. Chalo has been operating public trials of the service so far, and the response has been good. Based on public trials and feedback, the service is now being launched on four routes officially.

Fleet and frequency: The Airport Express currently operates 230 trips daily to and from the airport and is on its way to expanding the fleet in the near future. With 50% buses already electric and the fleet going towards 100% electric buses by March 2024, it is a positive step in the direction of sustainable mobility for the city of Mumbai. The Airport Express service operates every day from Monday to Sunday. The buses are scheduled to run at approximately 30-minute intervals in both directions, starting at 6.30 AM from the airport, with the last bus departing at 11.00 PM.

Booking: These buses offer guaranteed seating. ● Passengers can find the Airport Express counters outside both the airport terminals from where they can book their ticket ● They can also book confirmed seats via the BEST Chalo App ● Booking can also be done via the web portal chalo.com/airport-express

Faster travel: The Airport Express will only stop on the way if a passenger has made a reservation, ensuring faster travel with fewer stops.

Mohit Dubey, CEO of Chalo, highlighted the transformative aspects of the service, “The Airport Express service aligns with what Chalo exists for – making bus travel better for everyone. This extends beyond a mere convenience; it is an effort to shape how we should travel in our cities. It has been built on the pillars of efficiency and positive ecological impact so that we not only have a better quality of life today but also for future generations”.

The Airport Express service transforms Mumbai’s airport commute, emphasizing both comfort and sustainability. The express route, tailored for value-conscious travellers, ensures swift connections between the airport and key city spots connecting the airport to all corners of Mumbai, including Colaba in the south, Borivali in the north, Thane in the northeastern suburbs, and Kharghar in Navi Mumbai.

Bengaluru, 8th February 2024: Amadeus announced it is acquiring Vision-Box, a leading provider of biometric solutions for airports, airlines, and border control customers.

The acquisition of Vision-Box will bring new capabilities around biometrics hardware and software, adding border control solutions to the Amadeus portfolio. Through this combined offering with Vision-Box, Amadeus will now be able to deliver a full end-to-end seamless passenger experience from booking to arrival at the airport, through border control and boarding.

This acquisition will contribute to Amadeus’ ambition to connect the travel industry through a seamless ecosystem approach. With this in mind, this deal will deliver outstanding biometrics interoperability between airports, airlines and border control authorities. Additionally, it will complement and improve Amadeus’ existing airline and airport value proposition, which focuses on providing a frictionless experience for all passengers, optimizing operations, and driving effective disruption management.

The use of biometrics in border control is expected to grow significantly in the coming years – with the Biometrics Research Group estimating the global biometrics sector will grow to US$86.1B by 2028 from its projected 2023 value of US$47.8B. This growth is being pushed by the travel industry’s increased focus on the digitalization of the passenger journey to improve the experience of travel, meet operational pressures, and deliver against regulatory demands.

Vision-Box, which is a fast-growing global business with expected revenues of €70 million, and an estimated normalized EBITDA of close to €20 million in 2023, is partially owned by Keensight Capital, a private equity fund dedicated to pan-European Growth Buyout investments. Amadeus will be fully acquiring privately-owned Vision-Box for an agreed price (EV) of approximately €320 million. As part of this acquisition, approximately 470 Vision-Box employees will transfer to Amadeus. The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in H1 2024.

Decius Valmorbida, President, Travel, Amadeus, said, “Biometrics is a strategic and fast-growing industry, and Vision-Box’s capabilities will allow us to accelerate our growth in this area. With a portfolio which is deeply complementary to our existing offering for both airports and airlines, our combined best-in-class solutions will now deliver a seamless passenger journey from booking to boarding. This acceleration of our ecosystem approach will bring immediate and tangible benefits to our customers and travelers: it’s how travel works better.”

Miguel Leitmann, Founder & CEO of Vision-Box, adds, “I’m extremely excited about the growth opportunities for Vision-Box as we join Amadeus, a leading travel technology player with a global footprint. Together we can deliver the next big step in the travel experience: to unite all separate players and systems in a single, digitally- integrated, and orchestrated ecosystem. This compelling value proposition will drive user experience, on-time-performance, infrastructure usage, and other key indicators to new levels of efficiency.”

Biometrics technology delivers value for airports, airlines, and their passengers. IATA’s Global Passenger Survey 2023 found that 75% of passengers are keen on using biometric data to expedite processes at the airport instead of showing passports and boarding passes. Frictionless touchpoints allow passengers to arrive at the boarding gate on time, reducing stress levels and freeing up time to spend at lounge or retail areas. A faster and smoother boarding experience powered by biometrics also enables airlines to improve their on-time performance targets. Another upside of this technology is that fewer airline staff are required to assist at biometric touchpoints, freeing agents to look after more complex customer enquiries and deliver the best possible customer service at the airport.

This Valentine’s, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the perfect blend of romance. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Aravali mountains, the resort offers an idyllic backdrop to celebrate with your loved one. Whether you are planning a memorable getaway or simply wish to spend some quality time, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort is the place to create unforgettable moments.

Guests can escape the hustle and bustle of the city to bask in the tranquillity of the resort, surrounded by the Aravali range. They can enjoy strolls through lush gardens or unwind by the inviting pool, all while soaking in the beauty of this serene location.

To celebrate the cherished bond with your significant other on the occasion of Valentine’s Day, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort presents exquisite F&B offerings. Guests are invited to savour a delectable Sunday Brunch at Aravali Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant enveloped in a festive and serene ambience. Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort also welcomes couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special couples brunch, open to both in-house and walk-in guests, all priced at INR 2999+ taxes. To cap off this memorable day, one can also indulge in irresistible Asian culinary delights at Huang, the Pan-Asian speciality restaurant.

Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort extends a joyful invitation to all to embrace heartwarming hospitality during Valentine’s Day. Whether guests are in pursuit of a revitalising daycation or a sumptuous brunch adventure, the resort assures an oasis filled with happiness, serenity, and grandeur. This guarantees the creation of treasured memories that will remain etched in hearts for a lifetime.

Pune, 8th February 2024 – Today, Saudi’s national tourism brand ‘Saudi Welcome To Arabia’ has kicked off another global marketing campaign featuring football legend and Saudi Tourism Ambassador, Lionel Messi.

Launching across key target markets in Europe, India and China, the “Go Beyond What You Think” campaign is anchored on consumer insights, which revealed there are still common misconceptions about the destination, and invites audiences to experience the incredible and vibrant cultural transformation taking place across Saudi. Those that know Saudi are encouraged to share positive experiences and memories on TikTok and social channels using the bi-lingual hashtags #ShareYourSaudi and in Arabic #السعودية_بعيونك,.

The latest ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ brand campaign is a combination of TV, Social, Digital, and OTA tactics activated over a three-month period. It is the latest in a series of initiatives by Saudi Tourism to foster broadening of perspectives, and bridging cultures through tourism.

The campaign brings to life the UN Tourism, ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ Initiative that launched on World Tourism Day in Riyadh in September 2023, which extends a compelling invitation for travelers to broaden horizons and explore uncharted corners of the world. Governments and Industry were presented with a special pledge, calling on them to promote new and under-appreciated destinations while consumers pledged to ‘be open-minded to new cultures and destinations, holding an open heart while travelling’.

Lionel Messi is one of many leading international figures who took that pledge. Messi has a fond connection with Saudi being a frequent visitor to the country, including most recently with his wife, Antonella and two children last Spring. Both Messi and his family have expressed delight in their Saudi experiences and a desire to continue visiting the country.

Boldly addressing these misconceptions head-on, the campaign’s powerful call-to-action encourages visitors to discover the unexpected beyond outdated stereotypes, with a hero video featuring Messi breaking down metaphorical ‘walls’ of various misconceptions about the country.

The video showcases Saudi’s diverse locations, weather, and terrain – from the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the lush green mountains in Aseer, snow-covered Tabuk, the coastal city of Jeddah and Riyadh, the bustling capital. In celebration of Saudi’s activities and attractions, the Messi campaign highlights the Diriyah E-Prix, Riyadh Season’s theme park rides, AlUla’s hot air balloon flights and MDL Beast music events.

The campaign also places a spotlight on Saudi’s open and welcoming culture and the importance of inspiring young Saudi women to reach their full potential. Messi celebrates the Saudi women who have been trailblazers in their fields and led Saudi’s cultural transformation such as the Saudi Women’s National football team, motorsport athlete Dania Akeel, DJ Cosmicat, and Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Saudi woman in space.

With a powerful entry, Saudi continues to pioneer a new era of tourism development and growth through the creation of new destinations and show-stopping experiences, embracing sustainability and enabling world-class culture, entertainment and sports scenes to flourish. Saudi especially comes alive during its sunny Winter Season – this year the country is hosting 17,000 events, making it ‘the world’s most happening winter’. Ongoing events include Riyadh Season, Jeddah Season and Diriyah Season, with notable events coming up including the Saudi Cup (February 23-24), Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (March 7-9), AlUla Arts Festival (Feb 9-March 2), AlUla skies festival (April 10-27) and much more.

Of note, the campaign is launching ahead of Messi’s imminent and much-anticipated Saudi return playing two matches with his current Club, Inter Miami, against Al Nassr on 1 February and against Al Hilal on 29th January.

For more information about Lionel Messi and “Go Beyond What You Think,” visit www.visitsaudi.com/en/Messi or www.visitsaudi.com/ar/Messi

It has never been easier to visit Saudi – visa initiatives have been continuously developed, with the eVisa program now including 63 countries and special administrative regions, the GCC residents visa, and the free 96-hour Stopover Visa.

Stopover Visa holders are eligible for a complimentary one night hotel stay during the stopover when booking with the national carrier, SAUDIA. Travelers can use the Stopover Visa to explore Saudi and perform Umrah.

Planning your visit to Saudi is easy at www.visitsaudi.com