2, Jan 2024
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Received 8 USFDA Approvals in Q3FY24

2nd January 2023, India: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited (Alembic) announced that it has received US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) approvals on eight of its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) in Q3FY24.

The Company has received five final approvals that includes Selexipag Tablets, 200 mcg, 400 mcg, 600 mcg, 800 mcg, 1,400 mcg and 1,600 mcg, Dapsone gel, 7.5%, Fluorouracil Injection USP 5g/100mL (50 mg/mL), Pharmacy Bulk Package (Vial), Carmustine for Injection USP 100 mg/vial (Single-dose Vial) and Acyclovir Cream, 5%. The Company has also received three tentative approvals that includes Rivaroxaban Tablets USP, 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg, Dapsone gel, 7.5%, Bromfenac Ophthalmic Solution, 0.07%., and Osimertinib Tablets, 40 mg and 80 mg.

Selexipag Tablets, 200 mcg, 400 mcg, 600 mcg, 800 mcg, 1,400 mcg and 1,600 mcg with brand name Uptravi Tablets of Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. the medication is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I) to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization for PAH.

Rivaroxaban Tablets USP, 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg with brand name of Xarelto Tablets of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Rivaroxaban tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It is also used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), for the reduction in the risk of recurrence of DVT and/or PE in patients at continued risk for recurrent DVT and/or PE after completion of initial treatment lasting at least 6 months. These tablets also used for the prophylaxis of DVT, which may lead to PE in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery and for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and VTE related death during hospitalization and post hospital discharge in adult patients admitted for an acute medical illness who are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to moderate or severe restricted mobility and other risk factors for VTE and not at high risk of bleeding. These tablets also used in combination with aspirin, is indicated to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke) in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Dapsone gel, 7.5% with brand name of Aczone Gel of Almirall, LLC. Dapsone gel, 7.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older.

Bromfenac Ophthalmic Solution, 0.07% with brand name of Prolensa Ophthalmic Solution of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07% is indicated for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain in patients who have undergone cataract surgery.

Fluorouracil Injection USP, 5 g/100 mL (50 mg/mL), Pharmacy Bulk Package (Vial) with brand name of Adrucil Injection USP of Pharmcia and Upjohn. Fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum, breast, stomach and pancreas.

Carmustine for Injection USP, 100 mg/vial (Single-dose Vial) with brand name of BiCNU Injection of Avet Lifesciences Private Limited. Carmustine for injection is indicated as palliative therapy as a single agent or in established combination therapy in the brain tumors glioblastoma, brainstem glioma, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, and metastatic brain tumors. It is used in multiple myeloma in combination with prednisone. It is also used in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma/Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with other approved drugs.

Acyclovir Cream, 5% with brand name of Zovirax Cream of Bausch Health US, LLC. Acyclovir cream, 5% indicated for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

Osimertinib Tablets, 40 mg, and 80 mg with brand name of Tagrisso Tablets of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Osimertinib tablets are indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test. It is also used in the treatment of patients with metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.

2, Jan 2024
Ring in the New Year with fresh groceries from “Super Value Days” on Amazon Fresh

Bengaluru, 2nd January, 2024: Welcome the New Year with stocked pantry by shopping during ‘Super Value Days’ on Amazon Fresh until 7th January. Explore a diverse range of fresh produce, pantry staples, and culinary delights with up to 45% off on a wide range of products from the comfort of your home. From vibrant fruits and vegetables to gourmet ingredients, Amazon Fresh provides a selection that caters to all your culinary preferences. Customers can shop from popular brands such as Nivea, Del Monte, Ariel, ITC and Saffola among others, across categories including groceries, daily essentials, packaged foods, snacks, beverages, and staples. Say goodbye to the chaos of traditional grocery shopping and ring in the New Year with the ease and efficiency of Amazon Fresh, where your celebration starts with the click of a button. So, enjoy the chilly winters at home with convenient doorstep deliveries, quality ingredients and value offers from a single online destination.

In addition, customers can avail an instant discount of 10% by using ICICI Bank Debit and Credit Card from 1st – 4th January with a minimum transaction of INR 2,500, and discounts up to INR 300. New customers can enjoy a cashback offer of INR 400 on their first four orders. Prime repeat customers can enjoy mega savings with cashback rewards of up to INR 150.

Shop for winter essentials and ring in the New Year from the specially curated Winter Store & New Year Store on Amazon Fresh, so you remain cozy and comfortable at your home throughout the month.

Satiate your snacky cravings:

Mccain Veggie Finger (400g Regular Pack): McCain Veggie Finger is an amazing combination of potatoes, vegetables, and a bold tandoori seasoning, that is finely coated in crispy golden breadcrumbs. This snack pack of Veggie Nuggets will make sure that you enjoy every bite thoroughly. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 155 approx.

 Amul Chocomini Chocolate (250 gms): These chocobites from Amul make for a perfect movie snack. They come in a reusable tub and come with the goodness of milk. It is made with the goodness of rich creamy milk and delicious cocoa. Get it on Amazon.in for INR 140.

 Dlecta Cheese Slices, 400g: D’lecta cheese slices are 100% vegetarian and made from processed cheddar cheese. Each slice is individually wrapped to provide ease of use, this also guarantees less wastage. It provides fresh flavor and superior rich taste. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 350 approximately.

 Vedaka Raw Peanuts, Pink, 1kg: Enjoy high-quality raw peanuts from Vedaka that are hygienically packed to retain goodness. These peanuts undergo stringent and rigorous laboratory tests to meet fssai food safety norms. They contain no artificial flavours or preservatives. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 220 approximately.

 The Baker’s Dozen Banana Walnut Cake (150g): With the sweetness of freshly mashed bananas and the crunchiness of Kashmiri walnuts, this 100 percent whole wheat cake is a wholesome nutritious meal. With no added maida this whole wheat banana walnut cake is packed using Fresh Lock packaging technology that retains its oven baked freshness. Use it as a teatime snack or pack it in your child’s tiffin for a healthy natural meal. Get it on Amazon.in for INR 175 approx.

Shop for cleaning & household essentials:

Ariel Complete + Semi Auto and Hand Wash Detergent Washing Powder, 4Kg Value Pack: New & Improved Ariel Complete gives tough stain removal for a bright clean in just 1 wash. Ariel Complete is uniquely designed to deliver outstanding results when used in a semi-automatic machine as well as when used as a handwash detergent. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 800 approximately.

 Giffy Lemon & Active Salt Dishwash Liquid Gel ,2 Ltr: With the power of lemon & active salt, Giffy Lemon & Active Salt works 2x faster compared to ordinary dishwash liquids. The natural ingredients make it effective even on tough grease, but gentle on your hands. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 255 approximately.

 Godrej Ezee Liquid Detergent, 2kgs (1 bottle & 1 refill): Elevate winter fabric care with Godrej Ezee Liquid Detergent – No Soda Formula. Gentle on fabrics, tough on stains, and with a pleasing fragrance, Ezee makes winter laundry a breeze. This 2kg combo pack, including a bottle and a refill, ensures season-long freshness. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 367 approximately.

 Savlon Germ Protection Multipurpose Thick & Soft Wet Wipes: Savlon Germ Protection Wipes protect you from 99.99% germs* along with dust and impurities. These wipes have a Skin Friendly pH and are soft and gentle on the skin. You can use these wipes on hands, body and surfaces, at home or at work, or on-the-go. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 179 approximately.

Stock up on cooking essentials:

Pro Nature 100% Organic Mustard Oil, 500ml: Are you someone who has been looking for a healthy food option, but without compromising the super-awesome taste of your daily food? If so, then look no further and say hello to pro nature’s range of 100 percent certified products – a perfect combination of health and taste. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 207 approximately.

 Nature’s Gift Khushboo Basmati Rice, 5Kg: This basmati rice is grown and nurtured in the valleys of the Himalayan mountains, ideal for dishes prepared regularly in households like biryani, pulao, steamed rice & kheer. It is known for its delicate texture, flavor, and unique aroma. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 850 approximately.

 Tata Sampann Unpolished Toor Dal (Arhar Dal), 1kg: Essential in every household, Tata Sampann dals are unpolished and do not undergo any artificial polishing with water, oil, or leather, thereby retaining their goodness and wholesome character. A staple in the Indian diet, Toor Dal provides nutrients such as Protein & Fibre. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 264 approximately.

 Nature’s Gift Chicory Root Powder (Roasted), 1 KG: Chicory root is a good source of fiber, which may help improve several aspects of your digestive health. It is a good source of insulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that has been linked to increased weight loss and improved gut health. Chicory coffee can be an excellent way to help reduce your caffeine intake. Chicory root is naturally caffeine-free. Buy this on Amazon.in for INR 549 approximately.

2, Jan 2024
DCB Bank Launches Happy Savings Account with Cashback Rewards for UPI Transactions

Mumbai, 2 January 2024: Celebrating the newness of the year. DCB Bank, a new generation private sector bank, is delighted to announce its latest offering, ’DCB Happy Savings Account.’ This innovative account is set to redefine the banking experience, making it both convenient and rewarding for its customers.

Account holders will now have the opportunity to enjoy cashback rewards on their eligible UPI debit transactions within India. The rewards can go as high as Rupees 7,500 per financial year on eligible UPI transactions. UPI transactions are ubiquitous, therefore the more transactions an individual does via DCB Happy Savings Account, the more one stands to earn as cash back rewards. The minimum UPI transaction amount is just Rupees 500.

To keep the happiness flowing, account holders will need to maintain an average quarterly balance of Rupees 25,000 in their DCB Happy Savings Account.

The table below indicates the salient features of the scheme:

Average account balance in a Quarter Minimum transaction amount for cash back eligibility Maximum eligible UPI transactions per month Cash back per transaction Maximum cash back amount permitted per month
Rupees Rupees   Rupees Rupees
25,000 500 5 10 50
50,000 500 10 15 150
1,00,000 500 15 20 300
2,00,000 500 25 25 625

In addition to the enticing cashback rewards, DCB Happy Savings Account offers a host of benefits, including unlimited free access to all DCB Bank ATMs in India, free unlimited use of online RTGS, NEFT, and IMPS facilities, DCB Personal Internet Banking, and DCB Mobile Banking App.

“We are excited to introduce the DCB Happy Savings Account, a product that offers the best of both worlds—exciting cashback rewards and a seamless banking experience,” said Mr. Praveen Kutty, Head of Retail & Agri Banking at DCB Bank. “We believe this account will empower our customers to make the most of their everyday banking, with the potential to earn significant cash back while maintaining the required average quarterly balance. This is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and rewarding banking solutions to our valued customers.”

It is important to note that the minimum Average Quarterly Balance (AQB) for the DCB Happy Savings Account is INR 10,000. To be eligible for cash back rewards, account holders must maintain an AQB of INR 25,000. Cash back for a specific quarter will be credited to the customer’s account in the first month of the following quarter, with a maximum cashback of INR 625 per month and INR 7,500 per year.

This exciting cash back offer is available to new customers as well as existing account holders who request for transfer of their account(s) from any other savings bank account type to DCB Happy Savings Account.

2, Jan 2024
Newton School of Technology opens first round of admission for Class of 2024

National, 2nd January 2024– Following the tremendous success of the inaugural cohort of the on-campus Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence program, Newton School of Technology, in collaboration with Rishihood University, is now accepting applications for the online entrance exam NSAT (Newton Scholastic Aptitude Test) for the batch of 2024. Beginning December 22, students from across the country who have secured more than 50% in their Higher Secondary School exams in 2022, 2023 or 2024- from a recognised board can apply for a B.Tech. in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence here.

newton school of technology

Through the early intake round, applicants can avail a bunch of scholarships and increase their chances of admissions. Based on NSAT, Interview scores, JEE, CBSE, KVPY and Olympiads performance, students can avail up to 100% merit-based scholarships for tuition fees. To encourage more students to achieve their academic goals the programme additionally offers higher scholarship on tuition fee for female students across all 4 years. The meticulously curated curriculum of the course is designed to empower individuals to think critically, solve complex problems and thrive in the fast-paced tech first environment ensuring success in the industry. With 2000+ hiring partners, Newton School of Technology (NST) offers students with placement assistance and 6-month industry relevant internships to have practical experience with top-tier companies. Newton School has 3000+ alumni working in top companies with a ₹5-40 LPA placement package.

Located in Delhi NCR, the course offers students opportunities for global exposure with funded international study trips and conferences, classes from international faculty from MIT, Duke University and tech leaders from Amazon, Google, and more. NST students have qualified for ICPC (International Collegiate Programming Contest) regionals- world’s most sought after student coding competition- under the mentorship of industry experts, just in their first semester, outperforming India’s top colleges. The course also offers students the opportunity to pitch their start-up ideas directly to venture capitalists and stand a chance to raise funds with an added advantage of a ₹1 cr start-up fund available to the students.

One of the students enrolled in the program Murali Madhav said, “I am excited to be visiting National Technical University, Singapore, and grateful for the opportunity that Newton School of Technology has provided me. The global exposure of interacting with founders and fellow students across the globe has helped me deep dive into the latest technology with inputs and insights from industry experts. The tech integrated programme played a major role in supporting me score the 1st rank in IEEE Haryana, opening a plethora of opportunities in the future.”

Siddharth Maheshwari, Co-founder, Newton School said, “At NST, we’re bringing the future of tech education to life. Our eight-semester curriculum is designed to evolve and is constantly updated to integrate the latest in Computer Science and AI. This proactive approach keeps us and our students at the forefront of technological advancements, transforming them into nimble, forward-thinking problem-solvers. With fresh batch of students starting the course we look forward to equipping them with the skills and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges and become future tech leaders”

In the first and second years, students focus on programming fundamentals, data structures and algorithms, web development, and foundational software engineering. The third-year advances into intricate user research and growth strategy, mathematics for AI, machine learning, and NLP. The final year centers on entrepreneurship- building start-ups, leading teams, and comprehensive understanding of the start-up environment, preparing students as future tech leaders.

2, Jan 2024
Tata Motors registered total sales of 234,981 units in Q3 FY24

Bengaluru, January 2, 2024: Tata Motors sales in the domestic & international market for Q3 FY 2023-24 stood at 234,981 vehicles, compared to 228,169 units during Q3 FY 2022-23

Domestic Sales Performance:

Category  Dec’23  Dec’22  % Change  Q3 FY24 Q3 FY23  % Change 
Total Domestic Sales  76,138 72,997 4% 229,610 223,001 3%

Commercial Vehicles:

Category Dec’23  Dec’22  % Change  Q3 FY24 Q3 FY23  % Change 
HCV Trucks 11,199 10,178 10% 29,656 27,625 7%
ILMCV Trucks 5,675 5,255 8% 15,411 14,092 9%
Passenger Carriers 3,060 2,694 14% 7,704 6,494 19%
SCV cargo and pickup 12,734 14,827 -14% 38,964 43,493 -10%
Total CV Domestic 32,668 32,954 -1% 91,735 91,704 0%
CV IB 1,512 995 52% 4,791 4,210 14%
Total CV 34,180 33,949 1% 96,526 95,914 1%

Domestic sales of MH&ICV in Dec 2023, was 16,851 units vs 15,244 units in Dec 2022; In Q3 FY24 it was 44,365 units, compared to 40,391 units in Q3 FY23.

Domestic & International sales for MH&ICV in Dec 2023 was 17,591 units vs 15,756 units in Dec 2022; while in Q3 FY24 it stood at 46,534 units vs 42,369 units in Q3 FY23.

Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors Ltd. said, “Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles registered domestic sales of 91,735 in Q3FY24, marginally higher than Q3FY23 sales of 91,704. The M&HCV segment grew ~14% vs Q3FY23, with demand coming from government’s infrastructure initiatives, expansion in core industries, and sustained growth in e-commerce. The Passenger Commercial Vehicles segment continued to register consistent post pandemic recovery with sales rising ~19% vs Q3FY23. The YoY growth trend witnessed during past quarters paused in Q3FY24 on account of the higher base effect, impact of elections held across 5 states, and the post festive seasonal slowdown in rural consumption. Going forward, we expect demand to improve in Q4FY24 across most segments of the CV industry due to the Government’s continuing thrust on infrastructure development, the promising growth outlook of the economy and our demand-pull initiatives.”

Passenger Vehicles:

Category  Dec’23  Dec’22  % Change  Q3 FY24 Q3 FY23  % Change 
Total PV Domestic (includes EV)  43,470 40,043 9% 137,875 131,297 5%
PV IB 205 364 -44% 580 958 -39%
Total PV (includes EV) 43,675 40,407 8% 138,455 132,255 5%
EV (IB+Domestic)   5,006 3,868 29% 15,232 12,596 21%

Includes sales of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, both subsidiaries of Tata Motors Limited.

Mr. Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. said, “The PV industry is expected to post its highest ever sales in the calendar year 2023 (CY23), crossing the significant 4 million mark, supported by a strong supply situation, new nameplates launched in the SUV segment, and a robust demand during the longer festive period. Coming off a high base, the industry recorded a single digit growth overall with the key highlight of this moderate rise being the sharp growth registered in emission-friendly product categories. Both EV and CNG segments posted growth greater than 90% and 25% respectively, signaling a growing preference for green and smart technologies by Indian customers.

For Tata Motors, CY23 was the third consecutive year of posting highest ever sales of ~553K, led by its commanding position in the compact SUV segment and strong growth in hatches, despite the hatch segment degrowing at an industry level.

In Q3FY24, we recorded wholesales of 138,455 units (up 5% vs Q3FY23). Our strong focus on retail sales during the quarter resulted in Vahan registrations significantly rising by ~14% vs Q3FY23 and ~24% vs Q2FY24. We significantly strengthened our market position, reduced channel stock sharply and received an excellent market response to the new avatars of the Nexon, Harrier and Safari, launched during the quarter. Sales of our emission-friendly products in the EV segment and innovative twin-cylinder iCNG range, also recorded steep growth during Q3FY24. EV sales posted a healthy growth of 21% vs Q3FY23 (domestic + IB), led by the launch of the new Nexon EV and continuing popularity of the Tiago EV, while the four products in the CNG segment cumulatively registered a substantial 214% growth vs Q3FY23.

Going forward, with multiple new products, including a new nameplate scheduled for launch in CY2024, we remain optimistic about continuing the growth trend in the quarters ahead.”

2, Jan 2024
KLH Bachupally Campus Unveils Inaugural Design Thinking and Innovation Project Expo

New Delhi: KLH Bachupally proudly hosted the first edition of the “Design Thinking and Innovation Project Expo” recently. This expo witnessed a display of creativity and problem-solving prowess, with over 80 teams presenting an array of unique and innovative projects steeped in the principles of design thinking at the Bowrampet campus of KL Deemed to be University.

Design Thinking and Innovation (DTI) is a transformative course designed for first-year BTech students. It is meticulously crafted to cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among both students and faculty members. The program encourages students to conceive groundbreaking ideas, transform them into tangible solutions—such as prototypes—and rigorously test these ideas. The DTI Expo provided a platform for students to showcase their projects designed during the semester. This event will become a biannual tradition, with future expos planned every semester.

The inaugural DTI Expo drew the enthusiastic participation of over 600 students, who collectively unveiled over eighty projects. These projects spanned a diverse spectrum of domains, including cybersecurity, IoT innovations, agriculture-based solutions, clean and sustainable technologies, smart education initiatives, cutting-edge transport and logistics systems, renewable energy innovations, robotics, drones, smart vehicles, and automated solutions.

KLH Bachupally campus projectexpo (2)

One standout project featured at the expo is “The Guardian App.” This application is designed to safeguard users from phishing attacks and unauthorized access, and the developers are actively working on a research paper based on this project. Another notable innovation is the “Weather Assessment Drone,” engineered for weather condition analysis, offering potential in various industries. Additionally, the expo showcased a “Farmers’ Fire Alarm System,” dedicated to alerting farmers of potential crop-damaging fires, presenting the fusion of technology and agriculture. The P Cart innovation is a cutting-edge smart shopping cart concept crafted by students to optimize the shopping experience for customers by reducing queues in supermarkets and similar settings.

Bhoomannagiri Amith Reddy, a first-year CSE student at KLH Bachupally, passionately described his project, “The Guardian”: “Our vision was to develop ‘The Guardian’ app, focused on keeping users informed about background activities performed by various applications on their devices. The app provides personalized feedback and reports, helping users identify and control app permissions effectively, ensuring enhanced privacy and security. Our presentation at this expo has boasted my confidence to focus on cerating more such projects that are aligned to industry demands.”

Dr. G. P. Saradhi Varma, Vice-Chancellor of KL Deemed to be University, shared his pride and optimism: “We are committed to nurturing students in an environment that fosters creativity and innovation—qualities that are paramount for their future success. Our comprehensive system ensures that students are equipped with the skills and mindset required for employability. I am eager to witness their future accomplishments.”

Dr. L. Koteswara Rao, Principal of KLH Bachupally campus along with convenor Dr. M. Seshadri, actively engaged with each participating team, providing motivation and encouragement. KLH Bachupally campus is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. As part of KL Deemed to be University, this campus also remains at the forefront of excellence, paving the way for countless achievements for its students in the years ahead.

2, Jan 2024
Godrej Properties buys ~ 4-acre land parcel in the prime corridors of North-West Bengaluru

Bengaluru, January 2, 2024, Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL) (BSE scrip id: GODREJPROP), one of India’s leading real estate developers, today announced that it has purchased a ~ 4-acre land parcel on an outright basis. The land is located in Yeshwanthpur abutting the National Highway – 75, one of the prime locations in Bengaluru.

This project is estimated to have a developable potential of approximately 0.7 million square feet of saleable area comprising primarily of premium residential apartments of various configurations with an estimated revenue potential of INR 1,000* Crore with scope to increase to INR 1,250* Crore basis additional 1-acre land acquisition, making it overall a ~ 5-acre parcel.

The site is strategically located with a huge frontage on National Highway – 75, Yeshwanthpur. The area offers well-developed commercial and social infrastructure and is in proximity to Goraguntepalya and Peenya metro stations providing access to the Central Business District, (CBD) and other parts of Bengaluru. The location also provides connectivity to the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and other key areas of Bengaluru through Outer Ring Road – Hebbal.

Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties said, “Yeshwanthpur is an important micro market for us, and we are happy to add this land parcel to our portfolio. This will further strengthen our presence in Bengaluru and complement our strategy of deepening our presence in key micro markets across India’s leading cities.”

2, Jan 2024
Air India – Bookings Open for Airbus A350 Flights on Domestic Sectors

Bangalore, 02 January 2024: Air India today announced that its brand-new aircraft and India’s first, Airbus A350, will enter commercial service on 22 January 2024. The carrier today opened bookings for the flights to be operated by the A350, as a New Year tribute to the soaring aspirations of the nation.

Air India A350

Initially, while the aircraft is deployed on domestic routes for crew familiarization and regulatory compliance purposes, passengers from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai will have the opportunity to fly and experience the unparalleled comfort and state-of-the-art technology of the Airbus A350 aircraft in Air India’s bold new livery. Ushering in the most visible manifestation of Air India’s epic transformation journey, the A350 aircraft will be later deployed for longer-haul flights to destinations across continents.

SCHEDULE OF AIR INDIA’S A350 DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Effective 22 January 2024

Flight No.

Days of Operation

Sector

Departure

Arrival

AI589

All, except Tuesdays

Bengaluru-Mumbai

0705 Hrs

0850 Hrs

AI589

All, except Tuesdays

Mumbai-Chennai

1005 Hrs

1205 Hrs

AI589

All, except Tuesdays

Chennai-Bengaluru

1320 Hrs

1430 Hrs

AI587

All, except Tuesdays

Bengaluru-Chennai

1600 Hrs

1710 Hrs

AI587

All, except Tuesdays

Chennai-Hyderabad

1830 Hrs

1940 Hrs

AI587

All, except Tuesdays

Hyderabad-Bengaluru

2110 Hrs

2220 Hrs

AI868

Tuesdays

Bengaluru-Delhi

0740 Hrs

1030 Hrs

AI869

Tuesdays

Delhi-Bengaluru

1900 Hrs

2150 Hrs

On 23rd December 2023, the first of Air India’s 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered VT-JRA, was welcomed at IGI Airport, Delhi, flying in from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. The landing of the A350 marked the arrival of the first widebody aircraft from Air India’s record-setting 470 aircraft order – with scheduled arrivals of one new aircraft every six days throughout 2024. Fitted with the Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, these aircraft are 20 per cent more fuel efficient than other similar aircraft, reducing fuel emissions and ensuring sustainable operations.

Air India’s A350-900 aircraft comes in a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats: 28 private Business suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and other amenities, and 264 spacious Economy seats. All seats on the aircraft feature the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens to provide superior flying experience which will be offering an all-new content for our guests on board.

Air India has already rolled out its new global brand identity across guest touchpoints and unveiled its new collection of uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew designed by celebrity couturier, Manish Malhotra. Air India’s cabin crew and pilots will be seen in the new uniforms with the entry of service of the A350.

30, Dec 2023
India’s E-commerce Market Set to Exceed $2028 Billion by 160, Reports ‘The How India Shops Online

Bengaluru , Dec 30 : In a groundbreaking report titled ‘The How India Shops Online,’ Bain & Company projects that India’s e-commerce market is poised to surpass an impressive $2028 billion by the year 160. The report emphasizes the remarkable growth observed in online shopping in India, forecasting a leap from $57 billion in 2023 to an astonishing $5 billion over the next 160 years.

The data aligns with the findings of Ben & Co’s online 2023 report, which tracks customer spending patterns in the e-commerce market. Notably, India’s online retail market has shown steady growth, increasing by $8-12 billion annually since 2020.

Bain & Co, in collaboration with e-commerce giant Flipkart, reveals that the Indian online shopping market is expected to grow by 17% in 2023, compared to a year ago. Although this growth rate is slower than the 25-30% observed from 2019 to 2022, it is attributed to factors such as high inflation.

India's E-commerce Market Booms

Seshu Kumar Tirumala, Chief Buying and Merchandising Officer, shared insights during the recent Internet Commerce Summit 2023. He highlighted the strategic shift made after the COVID pandemic, focusing on quick deliveries. With 350 dark stores delivering 6,000-20,000 items in 15-20 minutes, this initiative started in late 2022 and has shown steady growth.

Tirumala emphasized the importance of catering to customer preferences for fast delivery, acknowledging the significance of reaching 100 smaller markets within 15 minutes. The plan includes opening 1,500 more stores in the next 3-4 cities, with a major focus on the Quick Commerce segment.

Lenskart’s Co-founder, Ramneek Khurrana, underscored the success in non-metro cities like Jaipur and Kochi, revealing that less than 50% of their overall business comes from metro cities. Recognizing substantial growth potential in cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gujarat, Khurrana highlighted the significant market share yet to be captured, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Despite the booming e-commerce trend in India, the report notes that online spending accounts for only 5-6% of total retail expenses, indicating vast untapped potential. The report concludes that India’s e-commerce market is poised to grow by over 5% in the next five years.

In response to this surge in online shopping, several major e-commerce players are increasing their investments in India. Amazon, Flipkart, and Ajio are among the key players capitalizing on the growing opportunities in the country. Amazon, for instance, recently pledged an additional $2030 billion, bringing its total investment in India to $26 billion.

The landscape of online shopping in India continues to evolve, with an emphasis on quick deliveries, strategic expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and increased investments from major e-commerce players. As the market continues to grow, industry leaders are navigating the changing dynamics to meet consumer demands and maintain sustainable growth.

30, Dec 2023
Air India Express expands operations in Ayodhya

30-December-2023, Bangalore: In addition to Delhi, Air India Express announced the commencement of new routes from Ayodhya to two major metros – Bengaluru and Kolkata, starting January 17. The airline will operate direct flights on these routes, significantly boosting connectivity to and from Ayodhya, its third station in Uttar Pradesh. Air India Express will operate its inaugural flights between Ayodhya and Delhi on December 30, alongside the inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham.

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The first flight on the Bengaluru-Ayodhya route, will depart on January 17, 2024, at 08:05, reaching Ayodhya at 10:35. The return flight will leave Ayodhya at 15:40, arriving in Bengaluru at 18:10. On the Ayodhya-Kolkata route, the flight will take off from Ayodhya at 11:05, landing in Kolkata at 12:50. The Kolkata – Ayodhya flight will depart from Kolkata at 13:25, touching down in Ayodhya at 15:10.

Speaking about the launch of the new routes, Dr Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, said “Our dedication to expanding connectivity throughout India remains steadfast, driven by our expanding fleet. The introduction of non-stop services connecting Ayodhya to Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata underscores this commitment. As pivotal hubs in our network, Bengaluru and Kolkata will serve as gateways to Ayodhya, providing pilgrims from South India and Eastern India with convenient one-stop itineraries.”

The airline has released the schedule for tri-weekly non-stop flights between Ayodhya, Bengaluru, and Kolkata with bookings available through the airline’s award-winning mobile app and website airindiaexpress.com, as well as other major booking platforms.

Schedule effective January 17, 2024

Schedule effective January 17, 2024
Departure Arrival Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency
Bengaluru Ayodhya 08:05 10:35 Mon, Wed, Thu
Ayodhya Bengaluru 15:40 18:10 Mon, Wed, Thu
Ayodhya Kolkata 11:05 12:50 Mon, Wed, Thu
Kolkata Ayodhya 13:25 15:10 Mon, Wed, Thu

 

Ayodhya is the third airport in Uttar Pradesh in Air India Express network, following Varanasi and Lucknow. The airline connects UP to both domestic and international destinations. Air India Express made history as the pioneer airline to commence Varanasi-Sharjah flights, marking the first international connection for Varanasi. With a weekly schedule of 21 flights, the airline connects the sacred city to Bengaluru and Sharjah. Air India Express offers 60 weekly flights from Lucknow, connecting the capital city of Uttar Pradesh to Dubai and prominent Indian cities Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune.

Bengaluru is the largest domestic station on Air India Express network with 344 weekly flights, directly connecting the city to 22 destinations. Additionally, the airline provides direct connectivity from Kolkata to 6 destinations, operating a total of 85 weekly flights.

Recently, the airline also launched the Vista VIP, its business class-like product, in a bid to enhance customer experience. The offering includes wider seats and increased legroom, Gourmair hot meals, additional baggage allowance, and Xpress ahead priority boarding services. More recently, Air India Express also became the very first airline to operate a direct flight from Surat to Dubai on the day when the Surat International Airport had its new international terminal inaugurated.