Archives August 2024

13-August-2024, National: Air India Express has launched six new daily direct flights in a single day, further strengthening its domestic network. The new flights operate on the Chennai-Bhubaneswar, Chennai-Bagdogra, Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata-Varanasi, Kolkata-Guwahati, and Guwahati-Jaipur sectors.

Five of these routes are new to the airline’s growing network. The newly introduced Guwahati-Jaipur flight is an exclusive route, served by Air India Express. To meet the increasing demand on the Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram route, previously served with two weekly flights, the airline has now introduced an additional daily service, bringing the total to nine flights a week.

Air India Express Operations:

From/To Chennai: Air India Express now connects Chennai directly to 10 destinations, including Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram domestically, and Dammam, Kuwait, and Singapore internationally. Additionally, the airline offers convenient one-stop connectivity to 24 destinations, both domestic and international.

From/To Bhubaneswar: With this expansion, Air India Express now provides direct connectivity from Bhubaneswar to seven domestic destinations, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. The airline also offers 26 one-stop itineraries to a variety of other destinations.

From/To Bagdogra: Air India Express connects Bagdogra directly to five domestic destinations, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, and offers access to 26 one-stop destinations, both domestic and international.

From/To Kolkata: Kolkata is the third largest station for Air India Express, operating 124 weekly flights to 34 destinations, including 12 direct domestic destinations and various one-stop destinations.

From/To Thiruvananthapuram: Air India Express offers 12 direct flights connecting Thiruvananthapuram to domestic and international destinations and connects the city to 23 one-stop destinations.

From/To Guwahati: Air India Express connects Guwahati with eight domestic destinations and 23 one-stop destinations, including both domestic and international.

From/To Varanasi: With 42 weekly departures, Air India Express connects Varanasi directly to three domestic destinations and one international destination. The airline also provides convenient one-stop itineraries to several other domestic and international destinations.

From/To Jaipur: Air India Express offers nine direct flights connecting Jaipur to domestic destinations and one international destination. The airline also connects Jaipur to 24 one-stop destinations, both domestic and international.

New Delhi, 13 August, 2024: The Indian Government released the ‘National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2024’, in New Delhi, for all categories. Amongst both government and private universities in India, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has been distinguished as the 27th top-ranking university. It has jumped 11 positions from last year’s ranking.

LPU’s Pharmacy discipline is 16th; Law is 19th; Agriculture and Allied Sectors is ranked 22nd; Architecture and Planning is ranked 24th; Management is 38th; Engineering is 50th; innovation 11 to 50 rank band and in Research Institutions in the top 44 institutions in India. This NIRF score reflects where the institution is standing with respect to other institutions in a similar category.

Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, expressed pride in LPU’s achievements, stating, “We are delighted to see Lovely Professional University’s continued success in the NIRF Rankings. This recognition underscores our commitment to academic excellence and innovation in education. It is our collective effort, commitment to quality education, and passion for growth has brought us here today. Let us continue to strive for greatness and inspire each other to reach even greater heights.”

The NIRF rankings lists have been released for 16 different categories. Three new categories—state public universities, skill universities, and open universities—have been added this year. The other categories include universities, colleges, research institutions, engineering, management, pharmacy, medical, dental, law, architecture and planning, agriculture and allied sectors, and innovation.

The participating universities are selected based on the quality of work in “Teaching, Learning, and Resources (TLR); Research and Professional Practice (RP); Graduation Outcomes (GO); Outreach and Inclusivity (OI); and Peer Perception (PR).

Pune, August 13, 2024: IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), the worldwide association of accountants and financial professionals in business, is launching a CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) certification course in partnership with Symbiosis School of Arts and Commerce. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will provide opportunities for commerce graduates to lucrative career options globally and marks a significant step towards enhancing the professional competencies of students in the field of management accounting.

Under the MoU, Symbiosis will offer IMA’s professional program to its students which will complement their academic studies. This includes IMA’s prestigious CMA certification, focusing on financial planning, performance, analytics, and strategic financial management, which will ensure graduates are well-rounded and equipped to excel in various professional settings.

“In the face of rapidly evolving global market dynamics, the importance of equipping future professionals with comprehensive and adaptable skill sets is paramount. The partnership with Symbiosis is a significant step in our mission to advance the management accounting profession globally,” said Michael DePrisco, President & CEO, IMA. “By offering our certification programs to Symbiosis students, we are providing them with a robust foundation to excel in their careers with the critical skills needed in today’s competitive job market.”

IMA’s certification programs will be integrated into Symbiosis’ existing curriculum, allowing students to explore relevant knowledge from their first year, with the possibility of completing the CMA exam before graduation. Candidates will cover their membership, exam, training, and study materials fees, with special discounts provided to Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce students. Additionally, IMA will also collaborate with the college to conduct joint seminars, conferences, and research projects to enhance student learning and industry exposure. Additionally, IMA’s academic members will gain access to an extensive library of research reports, case studies, and online courses.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Hrishikesh Soman, Principal, Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, said, “Symbiosis is honoured to be associated with IMA, who is offering the CMA to our students. This integrated certification programme will help our students compete on a global level and develop expertise in the field of management accounting. We are looking forward to a strong collaboration with IMA in the future.”

This collaboration will empower students to compete on a global scale, develop robust technical management accounting skills and knowledge, and provide them with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and success.

13, August, 2024: Salam Kisan, a pioneering agri-tech platform, has recorded a remarkable 11X growth in revenue for the fiscal year 2023-2024, reaching an impressive total of ₹23.61 crore. This exponential growth showcases the company’s success in leveraging its operational efficiency in drones and technological capabilities to boost overall sales and profitability.

Offering services across 35 districts in Maharashtra, Salam Kisan covered 41,000 acres in drone spraying that generated a revenue of ₹2.41 crore. The success of their drone services and real-time crop calendar with agri-input recommendations has boosted Salam Kisan’s agri-input sales, which recorded a significant ₹5.41 crore. Additionally, the company’s buyback program for farmers using the Salam Kisan platform and services throughout the agricultural cycle offered linkages worth ₹15.225 crore in FY 23-24. By onboarding over 80 FPOs, Salam Kisan makes their advanced agricultural technology accessible to a wider spectrum of farmers.

Salam Kisan is a multi-stack precision farming platform that helps farmers in making informed decisions. They provide an array of services that leverage technology and data insights to empower modern farming practices. These services include an AI-enabled crop calendar for tailored crop management, precision agriculture guidance, customized fertilizer dosage recommendations, drone rental for fertilizer and seed spraying, farm mapping, input product marketplace, farmers community, government convergence, agriculture news, traceability solutions, and guaranteed output procurement.

Over the past year and Q1 24-25, Salam Kisan, under its parent company PRYM Group, has invested ₹9.1 crore in developing agricultural drones and precision farming software. These advancements enhance the company’s technological and operational capabilities, enabling farmers to use drones and advanced analytics to optimize crop yield and soil health. This investment significantly boosts farmers’ productivity and profitability. The company deployed over 50 drones and pilots in Maharashtra, saving at least 70 lakh liters of water through optimized drone-based spraying.

Dhanashree Mandhani, Founder & CEO of Salam Kisan, said, “Our exceptional growth and remarkable increase in revenue this fiscal year is a clear indication of our commitment to transforming the agricultural sector through innovation and technology. Our crop calendar, drone services, and precision farming tools have not only improved yields but have also redefined farming practices in India. Farmers using Salam Kisan have seen an incremental revenue of at least ₹16,000 and a 30% cost saving each season. As we expand into Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, we intend to aid more farmers across India with our advanced agritech solutions.”

Salam Kisan projects an additional ₹16 crore in revenue from drone spraying services and input sales during the upcoming Kharif season, driven by farmers’ increasing adoption of its application. The company has been bootstrapped with positive EBITDA since its inception, and Salam Kisan is expecting to raise its first round of investment to expand its business with drones and increase market penetration.

Additionally, the company’s success in drones has given it the confidence to double down on the potential of drones in precision farming. Salam Kisan is now focused on powering the farmer’s journey on its platform through drones and AI. This expansion is expected to accelerate the company’s growth further and bring its advanced services to a larger agricultural community.

Since its inception, Salam Kisan has transformed the Indian agricultural landscape by engaging with more than 1 lakh farmers through 250+ centers across 7,000 villages. The platform covers 67+ crop varieties, impacting 60,000 acres of farmland with over 200 agricultural input products. This impressive impact underscores Salam Kisan’s commitment to a more integrated and prosperous future for farming communities.

GURUGRAM/SCOTTSDALE, AZ, AUGUST 13, 2024 — Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Arrivia, the world’s largest stand-alone travel loyalty provider and a travel technology company, have entered into a partnership for Air India’s Flying Returns loyalty programme. The partnership enables Air India Flying Returns members to earn Reward Points on their cruise trips on more than 40 major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa & Cunard, among many others, offering over 30,000 itineraries across the world.

Through the partnership, Flying Returns members can earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on their cruise fare when booked via: flyingreturnsicruise.com

Flying Returns Members will also be able to earn Reward Points on a range of experiences, from ultra-luxurious Caribbean escapes to once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan excursions and increasingly popular river cruises.

“We are committed to making Flying Returns a truly world-class loyalty programme, and this exciting new partnership with arrivia International is one of the many ways in which we are reimagining Flying Returns,” said Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty & E-Commerce at Air India.

“Flying Returns is no longer just about flights. It’s about enriching travel experiences, whether our valued members enjoy those on Air India or anywhere else around the world. We are delighted to present to our members exciting new ways to earn Reward Points beyond the conventional means in our effort to establish Flying Returns as a truly comprehensive loyalty programme.”

John Williams, Managing Director of arrivia International, added: “Cruising is more than just a transaction. Flying Returns members have thousands of sailings to choose from and are serviced by our expert team of knowledgeable and experienced cruise specialists via our global call centres. Our cruise specialists provide a seamless booking process with personalized assistance and expert advice to ensure that every aspect of the journey exceeds expectations.”

Arrivia’s iCruise program that powers Flying Returns is celebrating its 20th anniversary with strong industry relationships, unbeatable rates, and commitment to value. iCruise is ready to help Flying Returns members set sail on their dream vacations offering more than 30,000 worldwide itineraries spanning oceans, rivers, and expeditions. This partnership ensures that members receive the highest quality cruise experiences, while earning valuable rewards.

The cruise industry has shown impressive resilience and growth despite economic challenges. According to the CLIA State of the Industry Report, global passenger volume reached 31.7 million in 2023, a nearly 7% increase from 2019. Projections indicate ocean-going cruise passenger volume will hit 106% of 2019 levels in 2024, with gross bookings soaring over 500% year over year. Passenger volume is forecasted to approach an impressive 40 million by 2027. Air India’s Flying Returns program is well positioned to thrive in this robust market.

The cruise industry continues to grow rapidly in India and this partnership ensures that voyages are not only unforgettable but also more rewarding for Flying Returns members.

Mumbai/Chandigarh, India, 13th August 2024 – Torque Pharma, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies, has announced today that it has been honoured with the prestigious MYFM Excellence Award for the Most Trusted Corporate brand “Torque Pharma” in the pharmaceutical category.

This esteemed recognition was presented by renowned Bollywood celebrity Chitrangda Singh in Chandigarh.

The MY FM Excellence Awards, held annually in Chandigarh, celebrates the exemplary contributions of businessmen and service providers across various fields.

A.I.S Bedi, Managing Director of Torque Pharma said, “We are immensely honoured to receive the MY FM Excellence Award for the Most Trusted Corporate brand in the pharmaceutical category. This recognition highlights our dedication to quality, innovation, and integrity. At Torque, we aim to provide the best healthcare solutions to our customers, and this award drives us to keep pursuing excellence in this field.”

Mandeep Singh, Executive Director of Torque Pharma said, “This accolade not only highlights our dedication to excellence but also reinforces the trust our customers place in us. We are thankful to MYFM Excellence Awards for recognizing our efforts and to our amazing team, whose hard work makes these achievements possible.”

Torque Pharmaceuticals has consistently demonstrated its dedication to enhancing healthcare through stringent quality standards.

Mumbai, 13th August: GSK , launched a new campaign on Shingles awareness, featuring veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan and Manoj Pahwa, explaining the scientific link between chickenpox and Shingles. The campaign films use everyday conversations between two friends to talk about shingles and the increased susceptibility of shingles in people with diabetes.

Commenting on the campaign, Manoj Pahwa said, “I am in an age group that is susceptible to shingles, and through GSK’s shingles awareness campaigns I have understood more about this painful disease and its associated risk factors. I have faced multiple health problems and know how difficult it is to lead an active and fulfilling life when affected by infectious diseases. I am proud to be a part of this initiative to educate people about the cause of shingles and the importance of prevention. I encourage adults over 50 years, to talk to their doctors about shingles and its prevention.”

Shingles is caused by the re-activation of the virus that lies dormant in the nerves if a person has had chickenpox.  People with a history of chickenpox who also have diabetes face a 40% higher risk of developing shingles.High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, and when that happens it can increase the risk of reactivation of the chickenpox virus and emergence of shingles.

Vigyeta Agrawal, Patient Empowerment Head, GSK said, “The 2023 API-Ipsos survey showed that even those who had shingles did not know the cause of this painful disease.It is essential that all people above the age of 50 years know about shingles and its prevention. We wanted to explain the science behind the cause of shingles and the link between chickenpox and shingles in a simple manner. Amitabh Bachchan has an unparalleled ability to connect with people across all demographics. We are confident that having him as the face of the campaign, will help us reach and encourage more people, especially ageing adults, to talk to their doctor about shingles and its prevention.”

Harikrishnan Pillai, co-founder and CEO, Blitzkraig, an arm of TheSmallBigIdea Network, said, “The campaign comprises of two campaign films. One film shows two ageing friends reminiscing about school days and establishes the link between chickenpox and shingles, while the other depicts a caring bond between two friends and focuses on increased vulnerability of people with diabetes to shingles. The ‘Yeh Science Hai’ campaign urges adults above the age of 50 to talk to their doctor about shingles and its prevention. The messages that come through are clear and memorable.”

R. Balki, the Director, commenting on the creative insight for the film said “Shingles is a disease that is misunderstood by many people. The challenge was to talk about the link between shingles and chickenpox in an easy-to-understand and engaging manner. I was instantly aligned with how TheSmallBigIdea crafted a simple and strong message. In this case, clarity, not creativity, was the need of the hour.”

The campaign films will be released across multiple platforms, including YouTube (mobile and connected TV), Google Display, Meta, select OTT platforms, Paytm, Google Pay, and various TV channels spanning multiple genres such as general entertainment channels (GEC), movies, and news in both Hindi and regional languages. Additionally, a partnership has been established with the popular television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) for this campaign.

13th August 2024: BAYSIDE CORPORATIONS (BCS), a leading name in luxury real estate consultancy with a strong presence in Goa and Chandigarh-Tricity, has announced a strategic partnership with Integrated Centre For Consultancy Pvt. Ltd (ICCPL), a renowned PR firm specializing in real estate. This collaboration aims to generate a Gross Transaction Value (GTV) of over INR 500-700 crores in FY 24-25.

Under this partnership, BCS will be responsible for converting leads into actual sales, while ICCPL will handle marketing and lead generation for luxury properties. The joint effort targets luxury housing markets in Goa and Chandigarh-Tricity, with plans to market and sell over 16 projects in both regions. The portfolio includes properties ranging from Rs 3 crores to Rs 15 crores, including 3BHK units to 1-acre farmhouses.

An official spokesperson for the partnership stated, “The Indian luxury housing market is expanding rapidly, extending beyond metros to major tourist destinations like Goa and emerging cities such as Mohali and Panchkula. With this potential, it is crucial to have organized and structured brokerage firms to consolidate smaller brokers and amplify sales in these markets.”

The spokesperson added, “Through this strategic partnership, we aim to build a robust network of independent investors, brokers, and professionals interested in investing and earning from real estate.”

ICCPL is a diversified media and communications firm with a strong presence in Northern India, as well as cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa. The firm is also a leading digital marketing agency through its wholly-owned subsidiary DIGICOMM and handles marketing designs through its subsidiary STUDIO 360. ICCPL was a pioneer in the proptech segment with the launch of FIND MY CO-WORK (FMCW) in 2018, which was later integrated with one of its subsidiaries.

On the other hand, BAYSIDE CORPORATIONS (BCS) has been a prominent player in the luxury real estate market in Goa since 2021 and expanded into Tricity in 2024. Recently, BCS made headlines with plans to hire over 400 employees in FY 24-25.

Mumbai, 13 August 2024: PayU, one of India’s leading digital financial services providers, announced its partnership with Fynd, a Reliance-owned retail technology company, to offer enhanced payment experiences for merchants in India. The partnership aligns well with both companies’ commitment to helping Indian merchants become digital-first and unlock new revenue opportunities.

By integrating PayU’s Payment Gateway on its platform, Fynd will enable its extensive network of 2300+ merchants to seamlessly and securely accept payments through 150+ online options, including Affordability & EMI options, credit and debit cards UPI, wallets, net banking. Additionally, Fynd’s merchants and their customers will be able to benefit from PayU’s international payment suite, which is supported by industry-leading transaction success rates, advanced secure technology, and a dedicated customer support team. Furthermore, PayU will extend its advanced Offers Engine platform to Fynd’s merchants, helping them curate and deliver customized offers to their customers, boosting their transactional volumes, driving customer acquisition and retention.

Speaking on the partnership, Nikhil Mehta, Senior VP – Partnerships & Payments Strategy, PayU said, “Our strategic collaboration with Fynd represents a significant step forward in delivering an industry-leading payment solution tailored to the needs of merchants and customers alike. This collaboration is a testament to PayU’s unwavering commitment to innovation, offering a wide range of payment options to merchants, making online payments more accessible, secure, and convenient for them & their customers.”

Ragini Varma, CBO–India, Fynd said, “We are committed to empowering all our sellers with the means to create world-class shopping experiences. Our partnership with PayU’s advanced payments ecosystem will help us make checkouts significantly smoother with more payment options and seamless international payments. This is an important step in improving the merchant experience even further on Fynd Commerce Platform.”

Mumbai, India, August 13, 2024 – Gaja Capital, a leading growth-stage private equity firm in India, has unveiled the sixth edition of the ‘Gaja Capital Business Book Prize.‘ Since its inception in 2019, this prestigious prize has been dedicated to celebrating and encouraging the contributions of Indian entrepreneurs, business owners, authors, and journalists.

With an enhanced purse of INR 20 lakhs this year, the award celebrates authors whose work significantly impacts the business landscape through insightful research and compelling narratives on entrepreneurship and leadership. In its sixth year, the prize continues its tradition of excellence by honouring those who offer innovative perspectives and practical insights into various aspects of business and leadership.

The jury for the sixth edition includes eminent figures from industry, investments, public policy, and governance: Manish Sabharwal, Vice-Chairman at TeamLease (Chairman, Jury), Imran Jafar, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Gaja Capital, Aarthi Subramanian, Group Chief Digital Officer at Tata Sons, Arindam Bhattacharya, Senior Advisor and Emeritus Partner at Boston Consulting Group, Dr. Lakshmi Venu, MD of Sundaram-Clayton (SCL), Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint MD of Apollo Hospitals, Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist, Head of Global Research and Board member at Axis Capital, Prithvi Haldea, Founder Chairman of Praxis Consulting, Shailesh Haribhakti, Founder and Managing Partner of Shailesh Haribhakti & Associates, and UK Sinha, Former Head of the RBI Expert Committee on MSMEs and Former Chairman of SEBI.

Gopal Jain, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Gaja Capital, said “Winston Churchill at a poignant moment in his long and illustrious public life said “Man is spirit”. An inspiring story can awaken that spirit and motivate entrepreneurs to take the path less travelled towards achieving good for society at large. We are pleased to re-affirm our commitment to India’s start-up ecosystem through another edition, of the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize. Over the past five years, the book prize has consistently recognized and valued the efforts of authors, bringing their important stories to the world’s attention. As India progresses towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, supporting young entrepreneurs and authors is essential to sustaining this growth. The Gaja Capital Business Book Prize, inspires future leaders, thereby reaffirming our commitment to fostering knowledge and celebrating contributions to India’s vibrant business landscape.”

The 2024 longlist showcases ten compelling titles that are essential reads for anyone interested in business and economics. These include (1) Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future by Raghuram G. Rajan & Rohit Lamba, (2) Doctor Steel: My Life and Times with the Tatas by J.J. Irani, (3) Entrepreneurs Who Built India – Lala Shri Ram: The Man Who Saw Tomorrow by Sonu Bhasin, (4) FinTech for Billions: Simple | Human | Ubiquitous by Bhagwan Chowdhry and Anas Ahmed, (5) India in Search of Glory: Political Calculus and Economy by Ashok K. Lahiri, (6) Just Aspire: Notes on Technology, Entrepreneurship and the Future by Ajai Chowdhry, (7) Middle of Diamond India: National Renaissance through Participation and Enterprise by Shashank Mani, (8) Silver Lining: Overcoming Adversity to Build NephroPlus – Asia’s Largest Dialysis Provider by Kamal Shah, (9) Swadeshi Steam: V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and the Battle against the British Maritime Empire by A.R Venkatachalapathy, and (10) The Great Bank Robbery: NPAs, Scams and the Future of Regulation by V. Pattabhi Ram and Sabyasachee Dash.

The winning book will be judged on its narrative quality, research depth, insights, and ability to inspire and guide young entrepreneurs. The jury will reveal the shortlist in October 2024 and announce the winner in December 2024.

In its fifth edition, the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize was jointly awarded to ‘Against All Odds: The IT Story of India’ – a chronicle of the trials, triumphs, and history of the Indian IT sector over the last six decades by esteemed authors Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder of Infosys, N. Dayasindhu, Co-founder and CEO of Itihaasa Research and Digital, and Krishnan Narayanan, President of IIT Madras Alumni Association, and ‘Winning Middle India: The Story of India’s New-Age Entrepreneurs’ – a detailed account of the new generation of startup founders who are catalysts for innovative products and services in India by T.N. Hari, angel investor and advisor, and Bala Srinivasa, Managing Director of Arkam Ventures.

Previous winners include journalist and author Harish Damodaran’s “Broke to Breakthrough” (2022), a detailed and perceptive account of the rise of dairy company Hatsun Agro and its founder R.G. Chandramogan; Amrit Raj’s book “Indian Icon: A Cult Called Royal Enfield,” (2021) a gripping account of how a strong Indian brand became global; Mint journalist Mihir Dalal’s debut book, “Big Billion Startup: The Untold Flipkart Story” (2020) and “The Tatas: How a Family Built a Business and a Nation” (2019) co-authored by Girish Kuber and Vikrant Pande.