Category: Business

~The airline is offering 10% discount on group bookings~

Vietjet, Vietnam’s new-age carrier, is thrilled to announce its special promotion of the year, offering travellers an exciting opportunity to save on group bookings. From December 16 to December 30, 2024, passengers can enjoy a 10% discount (excluding taxes and fees) when booking Eco tickets for groups of 3 to 5 people (excluding infants under 2 years old).

This exclusive promotion is valid across VietJet Air’s entire flight network, allowing travellers to explore a variety of exciting destinations at reduced fares. The flight period for this promotion extends from January 1 to October 25, 2025, making it the perfect opportunity to plan upcoming holidays, family reunions, or group getaways.

Passengers can easily book tickets through VietJet Air’s official website or mobile app. Travelers can take advantage of this limited time offer to explore VietJet Air’s expansive route network, featuring popular destinations across Asia and beyond.

In 2024, the airline expanded its global presence with a network of 168 across Asia and Australia. Since 2019, Vietjet has pioneered direct connections between Vietnam and India, continually expanding its routes to meet rising demand. Currently, the airline operates 68 weekly flights between the two countries connecting key Indian cities—New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kochi—to major destinations in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

The programme equips participants with skills in risk governance and financial technologies, driving long-term value creation in the evolving digital finance landscape

As the cryptocurrency era reshapes the financial landscape, the convergence of finance and technology has become a driving force behind new opportunities and challenges. With the rise of digital platforms, blockchain, and fintech innovations, professionals must be equipped with a solid understanding of technology and risk management to ensure consumer protection and financial stability. To address this growing demand, the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow), a leading business school which is ranked 4th amongst all B-schools in India (ranked by FT-100), in collaboration with Emeritus, has announced the launch of its 10th batch of Executive Programme in Fintech, Banking & Applied Risk Management.

According to the Global Fintech 2023: Reimagining the Future of Finance Report, Asia-Pacific (APAC) is poised to outpace the US and become the world’s top fintech market by 2030, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%. This data clearly underscores the urgent need for professionals in the region to sharpen their skills in emerging financial technologies and advanced risk governance, enabling organizations to harness the opportunities presented by this remarkable growth.

With a sharp focus on developing expertise in financial technologies and risk management, this 10-month high-impact programme is specifically designed for mid to senior-level managers in the banking and financial services sector aiming to grasp financial technologies, business leaders and risk management consultants overseeing digital transformation, as well as early-career professionals. Additionally, it will also benefit entrepreneurs  and visionary business owners seeking to elevate their ventures.

Speaking on the programme, Mr. Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President, India and APAC, Emeritus, said, “We are thrilled to partner with esteemed institutions like IIM Lucknow to launch this high-impact programme that equips professionals with the essential skills to excel in fintech and risk management. This programme will empower participants to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape, fostering their ability to develop innovative solutions that drive meaningful change.”

The IIM Lucknow Executive Programme in Fintech, Banking & Applied Risk Management offers immersive live online learning sessions delivered by top IIM Lucknow faculty and international expert practitioners as well as a 2-day in-campus immersion at the IIM Lucknow campus. It also includes a capstone project guided by IIM Lucknow Faculty, real-world case studies and hands-on learning through business simulations. The modules of this programme include overview of risk management in banking and financial services, regulatory landscape and credit risk models, and digital disruption, innovation, and transformation among others.

Jagat Pharma, a trusted name in Ayurvedic wellness, is poised for remarkable growth as it targets revenue exceeding ₹250 crore by the financial year 2027. Renowned for its expertise in Ayurvedic eye care and wellness products, the company has steadily expanded its reach across India and beyond, combining a legacy of over 42 years with innovative strategies.

The company has an impressive reach in the offline space also, with over 200 distributors across 17+ states. This includes a strong presence in South India with 50+ distributors for a territory that is embracing Ayurvedic solutions in increasing folds. With yearly 200% growth its online space dominance gives it a 60% market share in the Ayurvedic eye care segment as well. The company makes its products available to millions of customers across the country by using this comprehensive dual-channel strategy.

Jagat Pharma’s ambitious expansion plans extend far beyond Indian borders. The company is actively preparing to enter the lucrative markets of the Middle East and African countries, tapping into regions with a rising demand for holistic healthcare solutions. A significant milestone in its international journey is its imminent entry into the United States, with exports slated to begin in December 2024. This step is backed by Jagat Pharma’s commitment to quality and compliance, as evidenced by its recent USFDA certification. Combined with its existing WHO-GMP certification, the company is well-positioned to meet the stringent global standards required to compete in international markets.

Domestically, Dr. Basu Group is increasing infrastructure growth by expanding its presence in metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, Noida Gurugram. It is a prudent move by the company to bring Ayurvedic

solutions closer to the minds of people who are seeking natural alternatives for health and wellness in urban settings. In alignment with market needs, the infrastructure growth of Jagat Pharma aims to further solidify its leadership in the Ayurvedic wellness space.

Company’s Director Dr Mandeep Singh Basu says “At Jagat Pharma, we are driven by a vision to make holistic Ayurvedic solutions accessible to people worldwide. Our move to expand into the global market, diversification into nutraceuticals, and focus on innovation reflect a continuous focus on health and wellness enhancement. We don't merely set revenue targets but redefine the future of natural healthcare. Together, we aim to touch lives and make a meaningful impact globally.”

Recognizing the growing demand for holistic health products, Jagat Pharma is diversifying its product portfolio to cater to a broader audience as it plans to enter the nutraceutical and dietary supplement sector. Its dedication to blending Ayurvedic principles with modern science fosters the company's consistent growth. Entering this growth stride, the company is committed to bringing holistic health solutions to every nook and corner of the world. By taking advantage of its strong distribution network, Jagat Pharma reaches new markets and innovates through the wellness industry to not only achieve its revenue target but redefine the future of Ayurvedic healthcare on a global scale.

EDITIOR’S SYNOPSIS

·         24 SEDI alumni from Bhatapara and Rawan receive honours for securing jobs at the Diwali Milan event.

·         51 SEDI trainees recognized under the district's initiative for their career successes.

·         Ambuja Cements’ SEDI initiative continues to empower rural communities through skill development and sustainable livelihoods.

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, celebrated a moment of pride at the Diwali Milan event organised by the district administration in Baloda Bazaar, Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, Cabinet Minister Mr. Tank Ram Verma, and District Collector Mr. Deepak Soni honoured 24 alumni from Ambuja’s Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (SEDI) in Bhatapara and Rawan for securing employment in renowned organisations.

As part of the district administration's ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ initiative, a total of 51 SEDI trainees were recognised at the event for their career achievements. Sharing her journey, one trainee said, “SEDI gave me the skills and confidence to not only secure a job but also improve my family’s living standards.”

Ambuja Cements remains dedicated to empowering rural communities through skill development and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Initiatives including SEDI underscore the company’s commitment to building stronger, self-reliant communities and transforming lives across the nation.

• The Kylaq achieves over 10,000 bookings within 10 days
• Škoda Auto India to embark on a 43-day India Dream Tour, covering close to 70 cities

Škoda Auto India’s first-ever sub-4-metre SUV, the Kylaq, has achieved a significant milestone, securing 10,000 bookings within 10 days of the opening of bookings. This strong response highlights the growing demand for Škoda Auto’s latest offering in the booming Indian SUV market. Building on this momentum, Škoda Auto India will also embark on an India-wide ‘Dream Tour’ with the Kylaq, connecting with customers across key cities. Starting from the Chakan plant, three Kylaq SUVs will be heading off on different routes over 43-days, covering the length and breadth of the country.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India said, “10 days and 10,000 bookings, without a car in the showroom! For us, Kylaq is a completely new car, in a completely new sub-4m SUV segment. These 10,000 bookings have come without any possibility for customers to experience Kylaq, which reflects the unmatchable trust in the Škoda brand, and we are extremely humbled. We are confident that Kylaq will democratise European technology on Indian roads. The India ‘Dream Tour’ will allow us to bring this exciting product closer to the ever-growing ‘Fans of Škoda’. We aim to create a deeper connection with our customers by giving them a first-hand experience of the Kylaq’s unique features and modern design language.”

The India Dream Tour

Starting from the Chakan plant on December 13, 2024, three Škoda Kylaq SUVs will embark on a nationwide tour covering close to 70 cities across three routes. Each route will explore a different region, heading out in distinct directions before returning to the plant by January 25, 2025. The West-South route will include cities like Pune, Kolhapur, Panaji, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The West-North route will visit cities such as Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, while the third route will head East from Pune, covering cities like Nashik, Nagpur, and Kolkata, among others.

At each stop, prominent public static displays will give customers a hands-on experience of the Škoda Kylaq. Visitors will get an up-close look at its new Modern Solid design and other features ahead of its official arrival in dealerships by January 27, 2025. This initiative provides a great opportunity for customers to experience the Kylaq’s excellence firsthand, further building excitement around the latest addition to Škoda Auto India’s lineup.

The Kylaq

The Kylaq is powered by the efficient and reliable 1.0 TSI engine with a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, four variants and seven colour options. The Modern, Bold and Muscular Kylaq will truly democratise European technology on Indian roads. The Kylaq will ensure best cabin safety with over 25 standard safety features in all variants, including six airbags and several active and passive safety features. The Kylaq has undergone testing of over 800,000 kms which is more than the distance to the moon and back.

Škoda Auto India has already announced a limited offer for the first 33,333 customers, who get a complimentary 3-year Standard Maintenance Package (SMP). This enables, by far, the lowest maintenance cost within the sub 4m SUV segment, of Rs 0.24/km for 5 years, for the first 33,333 customers. The Kylaq Classic variant is sold out and hence not available for booking anymore, but customers can register their interest and book the variant once the 33,333 bookings are complete.

Key Highlights –

• Glance TV transforms idle, ambient TV screens into dynamic, AI-powered smart surfaces, offering a truly unique and immersive experience.
• The platform delivers live, personalized content on connected TVs when the screen is idle and not in active use
• Glance aims to expand this innovative platform to global markets in the near future

Glance, a leading consumer technology company, has unveiled Glance TV, a pioneering feature that transforms idle, ambient TV screens into dynamic, AI-powered smart surfaces, setting a new benchmark in the connected TV (CTV) industry. The platform launches in India with Airtel as its first partner, allowing customers to experience Glance TV through Airtel Xstream devices powered by Android TV OS.

Glance TV redefines how connected TVs can serve users, turning passive moments into engaging experiences. Unlike traditional screens that remain static, Glance TV delivers live, personalized and real-time content even when the TV is not in active use. This always-on, immersive experience ensures the screen stays engaged, providing entertainment and updates tailored to individual interests. 

In the first phase of its deployment, Glance TV has been rolled out on over one million Airtel Xstream devices, with users engaging for an average of 200 minutes across three sessions per day. The platform aims to be available on four million devices in India by June 2025, with plans to expand into select global markets in the near future.

With content sourced from a large network of leading publishers, Glance TV offers live and trending content, across multiple categories such as breaking news, entertainment, sports, business, financial, automobiles, and technology. It is currently available in English. 

One of the key features of Glance TV is its live updates, which allow sports enthusiasts to stay informed with real-time scores, detailed statistics, and comprehensive scorecards. Additionally, users can access a weather widget, providing all the essential details to help plan their day. Together, these features make Glance TV a comprehensive destination for both real-time and relevant information. 

Siddharth Sharma, CEO – Airtel Digital TV, Bharti Airtel, said, “Customers are increasingly moving away from traditional entertainment, seeking platforms that offer more value. Our strategic partnership with Glance will elevate customer experience by delivering interactive features that enables access to advanced AI technology directly through their TVs. We are excited to provide our customers with this enhanced experience and hope they make the most of it.”

Piyush Shah, Co-founder at InMobi, and President & COO at Glance, said, “Glance TV marks a groundbreaking step in redefining televisions as intelligent, AI-powered platforms that go beyond traditional media consumption. It elevates TVs from mere entertainment devices to dynamic surfaces that engage, connect, and inspire users, creating a seamless blend of content and interaction. Glance TV reimagines the very essence of the TV experience.” 

He further added, “Our partnership with Airtel is instrumental in scaling this vision, combining their robust ecosystem with our cutting-edge AI technology to unlock new possibilities for television.”

Globally, connected TVs are transforming the entertainment landscape. In India, this market has seen remarkable growth, expanding to over 40 million in 2024, driven by affordable smart TVs and improved internet connectivity. These devices are redefining content consumption and solidifying their position at the heart of the future digital ecosystem.

Glance, a pioneer in building smart surface experiences, is reshaping how users engage with devices. From revolutionizing lock screens which are currently present on over 450 million smartphones worldwide, to launching its innovative Glance TV product, Glance is redefining internet consumption by delivering dynamic and personalized content across multiple device surfaces.

~The brand celebrates one of the proudest moments in India’s History and the man behind it~

Celebrating four decades of excellence, Titan Watches marked its 40^th anniversary by paying homage to one of India’s most cherished milestones – the historic space journey of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to venture into space. In 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11, Mr. Sharma made history as he gazed down at Earth and famously declared, “Saare Jahaan Se Achha,” when asked how India looked from the space. A phrase that captured the hearts of millions and embodied the spirit of a unified India. Forty years later, as Titan celebrates its own legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, the brand launched the ‘Unity Watch,’ a celestial-inspired limited-edition timepiece that encapsulates this extraordinary story. The Unity watch draws inspiration from Mr. Sharma’s profound perspective of Earth from space—one of unity and limitless possibilities. Its name reflects the vision of a world united by the shared dreams of humanity and the future of togetherness.

In a heartwarming felicitation ceremony, Titan presented the first Unity watch of the collection, which is limited to 300 pieces, to Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma during an intimate gathering at Lupa, Bengaluru. Mr. Sharma captivated the attendees by narrating fascinating stories of his space journey remembering the awe-inspiring view of Earth – a perspective that transcends borders and reminds us of humanity’s shared home. Titan's design team showcased the intricate process behind creating this commemorative timepiece. The discussions drew parallels between the precision and engineering prowess required in both space exploration and watchmaking, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and nostalgia. The discussion also highlighted the shared ethos of “Make in India” reflected in both Titan's watchmaking journey and India's advancements in space exploration.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rahul Shukla, Vice President & CSMO of Titan Watches added, “For four decades, Titan has woven the soul of India into every timepiece we create. This year, we proudly mark the 40^th anniversary of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s legendary space journey — a moment that united India in its limitless aspirations. The Unity Watch, crafted by our in-house team, embodies the innovation and artistry of 'Make in India.' It celebrates space, science, and our leap forward in creating watches that honor India’s remarkable legacy. With this launch, we reaffirm our commitment to crafting timepieces that embody and celebrate the indomitable spirit propelling India forward.”

Speaking at the launch, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma said, “Time takes on a different meaning when you view our planet from space. Forty years ago, when I gazed at Earth from above, I saw no boundaries—just one beautiful, unified Earth. It is time to rework our outdated societal model that prefers confrontation over co-operation to protect our beautiful home for future generations. I'm deeply touched that Titan has captured this perspective in the Unity Watch. Its celestial dial features our beloved India, and the inscription on the watch serves as a reminder that while we measure time in seconds, we ought to measure progress in terms of the peace dividend achieved by us. This timepiece not only commemorates a journey into space but celebrates every Indian's ability to reach for the stars.”

With the Unity Watch, Titan proudly redefines artistry and innovation, unveiling its first concealed automatic timepiece — a masterpiece of understated elegance and groundbreaking design. The dial, in a stunning midnight blue, showcases a meticulously detailed view of India, capturing the awe-inspiring perspective Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma witnessed from space. Adding a patriotic flourish, the hour markers are imbued with the vibrant colors of the Indian tricolor — saffron, white, and green. The second hand, shaped like a rocket, symbolizes Mr. Sharma’s historic space voyage and the unyielding spirit of discovery. Paired with a premium deep blue leather strap, the celestial dial design exudes sophistication and pride. Completing this extraordinary tribute, the back of the watch bears an engraving of Mr. Sharma’s iconic statement, “Saare Jahan Se Accha,” alongside the date of his historic space expedition — a timeless celebration of India’s boundless aspirations and achievements.

Titan is excited to announce the release this tribute watch for watch enthusiasts which will be available for purchase at select Titan stores and online, offering everyone to own a piece of this historic saga.