Archives January 2025

Mysore – 24 January 2025: Winter is one of the most awaited seasons in India, but it may also bring a plethora of diseases like Cold, Cough, and Respiratory problems to name a few; which are most prevalent in this season and usually occur due to low immunity. Chyawanprash is an around 3000-year-old & well-known Ayurvedic formulation that is used for boosting immunity and helps protect against common day-to-day infections like cough and cold. Dabur Chyawanprash contains many ‘Rasayana’ herbs which help in the prevention of a variety of infections through its immunomodulatory effects.

As part of its commitment to safeguard the health of future generations, Dabur Chyawanprash announced the launch of a mega awareness initiative aimed at securing the health of underprivileged kids across the country. Under this initiative, Dabur Chyawanprash, along with a renowned doctor, will conduct Immunity awareness sessions to educate children about the need to build a stronger immune system to fight against illnesses due to the changing season, common bacteria, and viruses.

The drive was flagged off in Mysore with a special session conducted for more than 150 kids from GHPS Gungral Chhatra llawala Hobli in Mysore With the esteemed Head Mistress, Mrs. Susheela, and Mr. Rajeev John, Marketing Head, Dabur India Ltd, Dinesh Kumar Dabur India Ltd & teachers from school attendance. The session was aimed at creating awareness among kids to fight illness in winter. The kids were also educated on ways to boost their immunity through basic hygiene and a nutritious diet.

Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Ltd, General Manager Marketing, Mr. Amit Garg said, “Dabur Chyawanprash has been committed to helping every Indian achieve the strongest immunity for over 100 years. This initiative is a leap forward towards this commitment. We are concerned about the cold wave that claims so many lives every year. Through this initiative, we will attempt to reach out to provide protection to underprivileged kids by highlighting the importance of Immunity besides providing Chyawanprash to these kids.”

Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, said, “During cycles of seasonal change, there is a sudden temperature variation, which leads to illnesses like cough, cold & flu. Enhancing immunity is an effective way to fight illnesses like cold, cough, respiratory problems, etc. Dabur Chyawanprash is an effective solution to boost one’s immunity needs through changing weather cycles.”

Under this campaign, Dabur Chyawanprash has joined hands with leading NGOs from 22 cities in India i.e. Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Patna, Gaya, Indore, Raipur, Pune, Aurangabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mysore, Nasik, Nagpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.

Mumbai, 24 January 2025: Inspira Enterprise, a global cybersecurity services organization today announced the appointment of Rajesh Ananthakrishnan as President and Head of Managed Security Services. Rajesh, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the IT Security domain, will be responsible for accelerating the growth and strengthening Inspira’s Managed Security Services portfolio. Based in Chennai, Rajesh will enable organizations across the globe to bolster their defenses against ever-evolving threats with advanced Cybersecurity services from Inspira.

Having held extensive leadership roles in the cybersecurity space at multi-national organizations, Rajesh brings a unique blend of leadership skills and technical expertise to his role at Inspira. Prior to joining Inspira, Rajesh served as the General Manager at HCLTech where he was responsible for Security Monitoring & Incident Response, Security Operations, Threat & Vulnerability Management, and Security Assurance, among others. He has also worked with Wipro and Hewlett-Packard during his earlier years.

Commenting on the appointment, Chetan Jain, Managing Director, Inspira Enterprise., said, “We are pleased to welcome Rajesh Ananthakrishnan to our leadership team. With proven expertise in the cybersecurity space, Rajesh will be a key asset to address the security challenges faced by organizations worldwide as we continue to help these customers protect themselves in an ever-expanding threat landscape”

Rajesh Ananthakrishnan, President and Head of Managed Security Services at Inspira Enterprise states. “I am honored to join Inspira Enterprise and lead the organization’s managed security services team and associated innovative initiatives to excel in today’s complex cybersecurity space. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to develop and deliver cutting-edge MSS solutions that empower our customers to achieve exceptional security and resilience at all given times.”

Inspira’s Managed Security Services deliver a cost-effective and scalable solution to manage cybersecurity risks, detect threats, and respond in real-time, allowing organizations to focus on their core business. Inspira’s core services include Managed Detection and Response, Cloud Security Operations, Managed Identities and Access, Managed Risk and Compliance, Managed Infrastructure Operations, and Managed Threat & Vulnerability Management. Inspira has forged strategic alliances with industry leaders such as IBM, Palo Alto, Microsoft, Fortinet, Saviynt, and others in the industry to help its customers stay one step ahead of threats. The organization is expanding its service portfolio with innovative solutions while its proactive approach positions it as a forward-thinking partner in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity services.

Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India:

“Education is not just a fundamental right, it is the foundation for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. It has the power to transform lives, advance human potential, and unlock opportunities for all, especially for children and youth with disabilities who are often left behind. At CBM India, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education that empowers them to thrive and be active participants in their communities.

Inclusive education is about providing access and creating environments that meet every learner’s needs. Through our work, we strive to bridge gaps, partner with schools to create inclusive environments, support children with disabilities in their learning journey, and empower teachers with the tools and training they need to develop methods that reach and engage every student. We envision a future where education is a universal right, not a privilege, and no one is excluded from its transformative power.

On this International Day of Education, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive education and call upon governments, communities, and stakeholders to unite to ensure every child has access to learning opportunities. Together, let us promote equitable and accessible systems, and create environments where education makes it possible for every child to achieve their dreams. By working together, we can build a world where inclusive and equitable quality education drives positive change.”

24th January 2025: As Ayodhya observes the first anniversary of Ram Lalla’s ‘Pran Pratishtha,’ Amish Tripathi’s lauded documentary, ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’, continues to captivate audiences with widespread acclaim and growing viewership. Raking in an impressive viewership of 10 million, the documentary secured the 4th position among the most-watched unscripted shows, according to Ormax Media. It was also the Top-most liked by viewers. Hosted by Amish Tripathi, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the story of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, from the birth of Lord Ram till today, blending historical context with profound spiritual importance. It features insightful interviews with influential figures such as Former Home Minister L.K. Advani, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Chief Justice Bobde, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Archaeologist K K Muhammed, among others.

Reflecting on the documentary’s journey, Dilip Piramal said, “As we mark the anniversary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, I’m grateful for the continued appreciation and recognition this documentary has received from our viewers. This is a civilizational moment for India and Dharma.’

Amish Tripathi said, ‘This project was born from a sincere attempt to narrate the story of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple’s cultural significance and its reconstruction — a moment of pride and unity for all Indians. It’s humbling to witness the enduring impact that the documentary ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’ has created so far.’

Produced by Dilip Piramal, Immortal Studios (founded by bestselling author and diplomat Amish & and his wife Shivani), and Casa Media, the documentary employs a thorough narrative technique to provide a realistic and detailed portrayal of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The title music composed by Grammy-award winning Ricky Kej, and sung by legendary singers Sonu Nigam and Malini Awasthi, has struck a chord with audiences.

As Ayodhya commemorates this historic anniversary, ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’ continues to inspire meaningful conversations around India’s rich cultural heritage and history.

24 January 2025, New Delhi: The National School of Drama (NSD) will organise its flagship Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM), International Theatre Festival of India (completion of 25 years). Fondly called ‘Bharangam’, BRM is the world’s largest theatre festival, and is set to take place from 28 January to 16 February, 2025, across 13 cities in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Through this pioneering effort, NSD is expanding the festival’s outreach with enhanced international engagement, building on last year’s theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam.’

“One Expression, Supreme Creation.” This slogan for Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 resonates with the spirit of unity in creative expression, and the oneness of all. Noted actor and NSD alumnus Sh. Rajpal Yadav has been named the Rang Doot (Festival Ambassador) for this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, said: “Bharat Rang Mahotsav has become a quintessential theatre festival on the global stage with its expansive approach. It has not only served as a platform for theatre performances from around the world but has also offered opportunities for the amalgamation of various traditional performing art forms. Additionally, it has facilitated knowledge-sharing and idea-exchange among individuals from the dramatic arts and other creative fields.”

BRM 2025, which spans a period of 20 days, will feature more than 200 unique productions from 9 different countries, showcased across 13 locations in India and abroad. International theatre groups participating in the said festival are hailing from Russia, Italy, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Nepal, Taiwan, Spain, and Sri Lanka.

For the first time, the institution is expanding the festival beyond India, with satellite chapters scheduled in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Alongside the festival’s epicenter in Delhi, Indian satellite locations include Agartala, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Goa, Gorakhpur, Jaipur, Khairagarh, and Ranchi.

“In continuation of NSD’s legacy, we are organising the Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 in two international locations this time. In the coming years, we aim to broaden the scope of this festival further, and extend it to other continents,” Shri Tripathy added.

Furthermore, after securing the World Book of Records, London’s Certificate for ‘Largest Number of Artistic Performances on a Common Theme’ with 2024’s Jan Bharat Rang project, the National School of Drama (NSD) has initiated the ‘Vishwa Jan Rang’, virtual performances of short plays by NRIs across seven continents worldwide, and by the youth of India. That, along with the monumental success of the festival in terms of its scale and wider reach, bolsters the confidence of NSD officials in securing a place for the festival in the Guinness World Records for Largest Theatre Festival (Plays) this year.

The Opening Ceremony of BRM 2025 will be held on 28 January 2025 at 3 pm at the Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi, featuring a musical evening titled Rang Sangeet by the NSD Repertory Company. During the event, NSD artists will perform songs composed by various Music Directors of the NSD Repertory since its inception.

Notably, the Bharat Rang Mahotsav coincides with the 65th Anniversary of the National School of Drama, and the 60th Anniversary of the National School of Drama Repertory Company. To commemorate these milestones, the Repertory Company is celebrating the Rang Shashthi theatre festival series, staging some of its most popular plays on various platforms across the nation. The Company will also present its productions during BRM 2025 in locations such as Colombo, Kathmandu, Bengaluru, and Goa.

BRM 2025 will also feature a parallel student-led fiesta, Advitiya 2025. Advitiya has existed almost as long as BRM itself, giving NSDians an opportunity to connect with students from across disciplines, studying at other universities and practicing performing arts. Their festival features Street Theatre, Folk Bands, Open Stage, Talks, and more, fully curated and conducted by the current batch of First, Second, and Third Years.

While the primary objective of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, since its inception in 1999, has been to provide a platform for Indian theatre artists, it has grown as a knowledge-sharing platform too, offering a plethora of enriching experiences. Ambience Performances of Folk and Traditional Forms from across India will entertain audiences outside various gathering spaces; Director-audience dialogues, seminars, and master classes will explore various facets of theatre in the form of Allied Events, sparking stimulating conversations and insights. Moreover, a dedicated programme on literary arts, ‘Shruti’ will feature book launches and discussions on literature. Attendees can immerse themselves in the vibrant Rang Haat, and explore the diverse offerings at the Food Bazaar, letting the spirit of theatre truly captivate them.

Mr. Shobhit Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Stone Sapphire India Pvt Ltd:

“As we look forward to the next Union Budget, we urge the government to focus on both sustainability and affordability for MSMEs, which are the future of India’s economy and sustainable growth. While the government has taken commendable steps in this direction, such as the PLI scheme for toys and the NAPT, much more needs to be done in terms of financial reforms to encourage MSMEs to become sustainable and innovative.

With India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, MSMEs, especially in the toy and sports industries, need to be empowered to adopt green practices. This would mean increasing access to financial incentives and government-backed programs such as RAMP, TEQUP, and ZED certifications, which enable MSMEs to adopt green technologies and reduce their carbon footprint.

However, MSMEs still struggle to access timely and affordable credit with a mere 14% credit penetration compared to the global average. The government should simplify the loan application process and consider alternative financing options like government-backed P2P lending platforms and credit insurance schemes that will bridge this gap. A compliance framework simplified and tailored to the needs of MSMEs will also ease the regulatory burden on businesses, helping them focus on growth and sustainability.

Present-day consumers are very conscious about their environment and so MSMEs should take advantage of this and support the sustainability movement that is trending globally; thereby not only marketing themselves better but also securing some loyal customers as well as overseas partnerships. Long-term growth is only achievable through the government, which needs to offer the necessary financial support and policy measures that can enable MSMEs to succeed sustainably in the competitive international market.”

 

Hyderabad, January 24, 2025: The Government of Assam, in partnership with FICCI as the Industry Partner, hosted the ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ Hyderabad Roadshow on January 23rd, 2025; at Hotel Taj Krishna. The Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025, to be held on February 25 and 26, 2025; in Guwahati, aims to position Assam as a leading investment hub and gateway to Southeast Asia. Assam with its enhanced infrastructure, natural resources, and a single-window clearance system for investors, is primed for transformational growth. The Roadshow at Hyderabad was hosted to build momentum toward the Summit.

Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Minister of School Education, Higher Education, Tribal Affairs (Plain), Government of Assam; delivered a special address on ‘Advantage Assam’ at the Hyderabad Roadshow on ‘ADVANTAGE ASSAM 2.0 SUMMIT 2025’, highlighting the economic transformation of Assam and its investor-friendly policies, while inviting investments from across diverse sectors.

Senior officials from the Government of Assam addressed the gathering of potential investors on the state’s pro-investment policies and engaged in direct discussions with the potential investors. Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Additional Chief Secretary, spoke about Investment Opportunities and the Tourism Sector in Assam and K. S. Gopinath Narayan, Principal Secretary (IT) addressed the gathering on Opportunities in AI-VR Tech for an immersive experience to boost IT. Oinam S Singh, Commissioner, Industries & Commerce, and Mr. V V Rama Raju, Co-Chairman, FICCI Telangana State Council & Founder & Managing Director, Gaja Engineering Private Ltd.; also spoke on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering Minister Pegu said, ‘We have already seen tremendous interest from national and international players in Assam’s potential. The Hyderabad Roadshow will continue this momentum, connecting us with the brightest minds and businesses that can help shape Assam’s journey as a top investment destination. Assam has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, redefining itself in terms of communication, infrastructure, and industrial development. Today, we proudly present Aspirational Assam—a rapidly developing, forward-looking state poised for a brighter future.’

The Minister further deliberated on harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize the education sector. ‘An AI-driven management system for schools has been introduced, enabling real-time updates on every student’s performance and fostering seamless communication between teachers and parents. Our commitment to restructuring the educational landscape is evident through significant investments’, stated the Minister.

He added that the number of medical and engineering colleges has been expanded, with even more institutions set to open by 2026-27. Minister Pegu stated, ‘We are also proud to announce the commissioning of a dedicated university for Science and Technology and another exclusively focused on new-age technologies like AI and ML, which will soon become operational. In the past decade, 25% of the population has been lifted out of multi-dimensional poverty, laying a strong foundation for sustained progress. Assam is on the cusp of rapid industrial growth, and we invite you to explore the opportunities in East India, particularly Assam. The mindset of the people has shifted—they are more welcoming and eager to drive growth within the state. The State Government has also established the Assam Skill University, dedicated to skilling students and creating an employable workforce. The Government of Assam is committed to supporting industries by ensuring a steady supply of skilled manpower and providing a robust framework of assistance, incentives, and subsidies for those ready to invest in our state. We warmly welcome you to witness the rise and be part of the new Assam, journey as a dynamic, aspirational, and ready to take its place as a hub of innovation and industrial progress’, said the Minister.

Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy said, Assam has achieved extraordinary economic growth over the last decade, doubling its economy from $29 billion to $68 billion, with an ambitious goal of reaching $130 billion by 2030. The growth rate outpaces the national average by 2%, showcasing Assam’s determination to catch up and even surpass expectations. Our tax revenue growth hit an impressive 25% last year, reflecting the state’s robust financial momentum. To further boost our economic landscape, the Government of Assam is establishing multi-modal logistic parks that will connect Assam to the entire South East Asian region, attracting significant interest from investors. Assam is also making an unprecedented ₹1 lakh crore investment in mega infrastructure projects, which will transform the region into a vital economic hub. With six operational airports and more in the pipeline, connectivity across the state and beyond is being strengthened like never before. In a landmark development, the Tata Group has invested in a semiconductor unit in Assam. Beyond this, they are partnering with us to equip the youth of Assam with industry-relevant skills through ITIs and polytechnic institutes, ensuring a skilled workforce that’s ready to meet the demands of global industries. Assam is not just growing; it’s thriving. ‘We invite you to be a part of this journey as we emerge as a gateway to South East Asia, brimming with opportunities and promise’, stated Chakravarthy.

Principal Secretary (IT) K. S. Gopinath Narayan said, Assam’s industrial policy is designed to be bold and aggressive, offering investor-friendly incentive schemes that make doing business here seamless and rewarding. We are deeply committed to fostering investor growth and building a strong partnership that leads to shared prosperity. With a vision to create an environment where businesses can thrive, Assam is paving the way for mutual success and sustainable development. Together, let’s unlock the immense potential of this dynamic state and achieve new heights of progress.

Commissioner of Industries and Commerce Oinam Sarankumar Singh said that Assam has an exhaustive basket of investor friendly policies. The industry policies of Assam are the most enabling ecosystem any state can offer.

V V Rama Raju, Co-Chairman, FICCI Telangana State Council & Managing Director, Gaja Engineering Private Ltd. said, the state of Assam is rapidly emerging as a key driver of India’s economic growth, carving out a pivotal role in the nation’s development. With dynamic advancements across diverse sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, defence, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and food processing, Assam is making its mark on the global map. Today, Assam stands tall as a bright and promising destination for investors, offering unparalleled opportunities in a region brimming with potential. With its strategic location, rich resources, and forward-thinking initiatives, Assam is not just growing—it’s transforming into a beacon of progress and innovation.

The Hyderabad Roadshow laid emphasis on Assam’s strategic strengths in key industries including Electronics and Semiconductors; Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing; Renewable Energy; Pharmaceuticals and Food Processing and Tourism and Hospitality.

Assam has witnessed unprecedented growth, bolstered by over ₹ 65,000 crore in infrastructural investments since 2014. Some of the key initiatives undertaken by the Government include:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Tata Group’s establishing India’s first Semiconductor Assembly and Test Unit in Jagiroad.
• Infrastructure Development: Six-lane highways, bridges over the Brahmaputra River, and digital connectivity initiatives.
• Healthcare and Education: Partnering with the Tata Trust for world-class cancer care and the establishment of 23 medical colleges.

The Hyderabad Roadshow marks a significant step in realizing Assam’s vision of inclusive economic development and global investment partnerships. With its unparalleled growth story, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies, Assam invites industries across sectors to be a part of its transformational journey.

Davos, January 24, 2025: KPMG in India today released its report, “India’s Digital Dividend: A Strategic Roadmap Towards Becoming a Global Digital Leader,” on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos. The report was officially launched during a joint panel discussion by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and KPMG in India, which examined India’s increasing prominence and strategic role in shaping the global digital economy. The report was launched in the presence of Hon’ble minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship as well as Minister of State in the Education Department, Government of India; Bill Thomas, Global Chairman, KPMG International and Yezdi Nagporewalla, CEO, KPMG in India.

The report delves into how India’s digital dividend—economic and societal benefits arising from its dynamic digital landscape—coupled with advancements in digital infrastructure, AI, and emerging technologies, has significantly amplified its role in reshaping the global digital economy. It highlights India’s capacity to leverage technology to tackle critical issues, from fostering sustainable governance and creating job opportunities to driving modern urban planning and combating climate change. The findings of the report call on policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to collaborate and leverage India’s digital potential to create a more inclusive and prosperous future. In alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, a national initiative aimed at transforming India into a developed and sustainable nation by its centenary year, this strategic roadmap outlines the critical steps needed to position India as a global leader in the digital economy.

Commenting on the report Bill Thomas, Global Chairman and CEO, KPMG International, said “The world is grappling with an array of rapid technological shifts, from the rise of AI to evolving regulation. This report highlights the key role India is playing in helping tackle these challenges, leveraging its digital assets to drive growth, foster innovation, and build a more inclusive society. India’s strong progress has created the potential for the country to become a true digital powerhouse.”

“India’s rapid digital transformation is propelling the nation toward Viksit Bharat ambition. By leveraging strategic investments in frontier technologies including AI, alongside the power of a skilled and agile workforce, India is setting new benchmarks in the global digital economy. India’s vision of inclusive growth, where technology bridges divide, empowers citizens, and drives innovation at scale is becoming a reality and India is poised to not only lead the development but also shape a sustainable, digital-first world,” said Yezdi Nagporewalla, CEO, KPMG in India.

The report outlines core factors, briefly listed below, that will determine the journey of Viksit Bharat 2047 to drive long-term, inclusive growth.

AI and Emerging Technologies for Resilience: Addressing the World’s Polycrisis
The role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving digital transformation across key sectors such as healthcare, education, and fintech is crucial. These collaborations are not only enhancing equitable access to digital services but also ensuring scalability and long-term sustainability. By leveraging AI and emerging technologies, we can solve complex global challenges, helping build resilient systems that support economic and social stability.

India emerging as a Leader in AI Skills Among G20 Nations: Pioneering Predictive Analytics and Automation
India is rapidly adopting AI technologies, bolstered by a strong engineering base and leadership in predictive analytics and automation. The success of initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission showcases how public-private partnerships are driving scalable, inclusive digital transformation. This makes India a global leader in shaping the future of AI, setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.

Workforce in 2025 and beyond – Hybrid Work and Gig Economy: India’s Blueprint for a Resilient Future Workforce
As the future of work evolves, it is essential to upskill the workforce in emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT. With the rise of hybrid work models and the gig economy, the need for virtual mentoring, AI-powered performance reviews, and establishing social safety nets for gig workers becomes paramount. AI interventions can amplify human capabilities, enabling more efficient work processes.

Strategic Actions for Success in the Digital Age: Innovation Clusters and Robust Governance
To accelerate innovation, we must establish innovation clusters, co-invest in R&D, and foster cross-sector collaboration. Transparent governance frameworks are equally important to ensure that progress remains ethical and sustainable. By uniting businesses, governments, and academia, we can drive transformative solutions across sectors such as fintech, smart cities, and digital connectivity, laying the foundation for a digitally empowered future.
Governance Frameworks: Ensuring Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Ethical AI in India’s Digital Ecosystem
The importance of robust governance frameworks prioritizing data privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance, and how initiatives like DEPA and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act support secure and transparent digital platforms. The report highlights the need for businesses to make ethical AI a core part of their governance, ensuring AI models are transparent, fair, and free from bias.

GURUGRAM/ MANILA, 23 January 2025: Air India has announced the appointment of Airesources Incorporated as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for passenger business in the Philippines.

Airesources, Inc. will oversee reservations & ticketing, support marketing efforts, and provide comprehensive passenger sales support in the region on behalf of Air India, ensuring streamlined and personalised service delivery to travel agents and customers.

The collaboration will help to strengthen passenger traffic feeding into Air India’s flights from and to Southeast Asia and beyond.

“It is an honor for us to represent Air India in the Philippines. We are fully committed to utilizing Air India’s extensive network, our profound industry knowledge, and our customer-centric approach to showcase Air India’s offerings and strengthen its presence in the Philippine market,” said Ella Sanchez, President of Airesources, Inc.
Air India’s growing fleet and transforming on board experience, combined with Airesources’ commitment to excellence, will provide a world-class travel experience to passengers. Air India operates non-stop flights between India and six destinations in Southeast Asia: Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bali (Indonesia), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Air India’s services to these points in Southeast Asia also offer convenient one-stop connections to destinations across Europe, United States and Canada via its hubs in Delhi or Mumbai, and vice versa.
Air India is modernising its fleet and introducing new products and services. Air India recently confirmed an order for 100 widebody and narrowbody Airbus aircraft, adding to its previous orders for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing announced in 2023, thus taking the total number of new aircraft ordered to 570.

24th January 2025, Delhi: Jaipur Rugs is proud to announce its acquisition of Shyam Ahuja, a luxury rug and fabric brand with over five decades of experience bringing exceptional Indian carpets to the world. Jaipur Rugs has acquired ‘the jewel in the crown’ of carpeting making through this deal that obtains both the personal collection of Shyam Ahuja and his entire design archive. It is a landmark opportunity that Jaipur Rugs intends to approach with respect and develop independently as a separate entity with its own supply chain.

Shyam Ahuja, the visionary who founded the luxury rugs and textile design brand in 1963, was then a successful businessman who recognized the potential of the flatwoven dhurrie as a woven canvas, and resolved to sell the textile in America, a market where he built a cult following amongst A-list designers. His name became synonymous with exceptionally crafted dhurries.

Shyam Ahuja’s brand remains an enduring symbol of quiet sophistication and understated elegance, celebrated for its distinctive designs, unparalleled quality and global aesthetic. He was the author of the definitive book, Dhurrie: Flatwoven Rugs of India. In his book, he mentions that the late Princess of Wales had her feet on one of his carpets in her confessional interview, while they also decorated the homes of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis and Gianni Versace.

Jaipur Rugs was established in 1978 by Mr. Nand Kishore Chaudhary, who saw the potential for hand- knotted carpets as a way to preserve India’s rich artisanal legacy while benefiting rural populations. His vision has created a global craft brand that is widely respected for its socially conscious business culture. Both Nand Kishore Chaudhary and the late Shyam Ahuja put artisans at the heart of their enterprise and communication.

“We are thrilled to have acquired the exceptional brand, Shyam Ahuja, with his legacy known for timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. We have a shared vision for preserving and elevating the artisanal wealth of our country. The brand has an extremely strong emotional connection with so many customers and patrons around the world, which we will harness to revive the glory days of Shyam Ahuja and re-establish its unique positioning at the top of the market, globally,” said Yogesh Chaudhary, Director, Jaipur Rugs.

“I have long been an admirer of Shyam Ahuja and the cult status aura that surrounds the brand. His instantly recognizable dhurrie designs and sophisticated sensibility for color make for the richest design archive to curate from. It gives me immense joy to see Jaipur Rugs acquire the jewel in the crown – a sleeping beauty that we intend to revive with great respect. It’s an exciting moment in both our stories.” said Greg Foster, Artistic Director, Jaipur Rugs.