23, Apr 2024
India and Russia are closer than they seem: Indian Vibes in Moscow
Moscow is a multicultural city. It is home to 13 million people, and only about half of them are native Muscovites. The capital attracts residents of smaller Russian cities, as well as immigrants from CIS countries, Middle Asia, Europe, and even India, with its opportunities both for education and career development and for a rich cultural life. The Indian diaspora in Moscow numbers about 15,000 people. Many come to Moscow to get higher education and stay on, finding good jobs in their specialty, doing business, and building families.
Indian culture has taken root in modern Moscow
Muscovites are interested in Indian culture and are happy to adopt some of the festivals and traditions. In recent years, there have been numerous festivals of Indian culture in the capital, bright Holi celebrations are organized in parks, and young women often decorate themselves with mehendi. Muscovites who lead an active lifestyle have come to appreciate yoga and various forms of meditation as practices that help to harmonize themselves and fill their lives with joy and inspiration, to find a fulcrum within themselves. However, yoga with a Moscow accent may differ from the Indian tradition. Often Moscow yoga implies the presence of curious attributes, such as brightly colored leggings, a mat decorated with the phases of the moon, the use of incense palo santo. The decor of decent yoga clubs necessarily includes aged statues of Ganesha or Buddha’s head. It is also very desirable after practice to go to a trendy smoothie bar with a friend to chat about the finer things and signs the universe gives us.
Indian cuisine
In Moscow, you can find restaurants of almost every cuisine in the world. Muscovites are great gourmets and enjoy trying different flavors. As a rule, most people do not dine at home. Businessmen and office workers go to cafes and restaurants for lunch and meetings. There are many Japanese, Italian, Vietnamese, Georgian, and Chinese establishments in the city. And, of course, authentic Indian restaurants thrive in the capital, as well as small Indian corners in gastrocenters (former Soviet food markets or streetcar depots rebuilt in a modern style, which now house food outlets popular especially among young people). It is important that the chefs and owners of the establishments are Hindus. Therefore, their knowledge and skill in cooking Indian food can be trusted. In Moscow restaurants of Russian and European cuisine, as a rule, all taste preferences are treated with understanding – there is a choice of vegetarian dishes or you can always ask to exclude animal products from your order.
Spirituality
The most common religion in Russia is Orthodox Christianity. However, in addition to Orthodox churches, Moscow has several Catholic and Protestant churches, synagogues, mosques, and Hindu temples. Many modern Muscovites are atheists, but they study the history of different religions and beliefs with interest. Both Hindi living in Moscow and Muscovites visit the Sikh temple Gurudwara Sahib, as well as the temple of Lord Krishna, where services and lectures are regularly held. By the way, Krishna has many followers in Moscow: even just walking along one of the central streets in good weather, one can meet a group of people in brightly colored clothes and saris dancing and singing Hare Krishna.
Art
If you are interested in classical music, fine arts, and contemporary art, Moscow is ideal for a wide variety of cultural leisure activities. It would take more than one day to visit all the best Moscow museums and galleries; besides, expositions and exhibitions change quite often. Often there are temporary exhibitions related to the Indian tradition. For example, in the main art state museum – Tretyakov Gallery, in addition to the permanent exhibition, which showcases masterpieces of Russian art of the XI – early XX centuries, now (from October 10, 2023 to March 10, 2024) you can visit the exhibition of Nicholas Roerich. It presents vivid landscapes of the famous artist, philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, and follower of Agni yoga. Roerich found inspiration for his works both in Russian and Indian culture – he made many trips and expeditions to India, and for the last 18 years of his life the artist worked in Naggar (Himachal Pradesh).
Conclusion
Thus, Indian culture is firmly embedded in the life of modern Moscow. Coming to another continent as a tourist, Hindi can not only get new impressions, see the famous Moscow sights, museums, theaters, parks, and estates, get acquainted with the rhythm of the city, but also be sure that even far from home you can meet something dear to your heart.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release is provided by a third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of our organization. We do not endorse or guarantee its accuracy.
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- By Rabindra
23, Apr 2024
Two Faculties at NMIMS Chandigarh SOC Awarded International Patent On Blockchain-based Technology
Chandigarh, 23rd April, 2024: In a historic milestone, Dr. Hemant Bhanawat and Dr. Deepa Guleria, both Assistant Professors at NMIMS Chandigarh School of Commerce, were recently jointly awarded a patent titled, “Blockchain-based System of Secure Transaction Protocol for Efficient Financial Auditing of Large Organisations” by the German Patent and Trademark Office. Their innovation relates to Financial Transaction Processing and Auditing. It pertains to the application of Blockchain technology in the auditing of financial transactions within large organisations.
The field of financial auditing within large organisations currently consists of methodologies that are primarily manual, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Traditional financial auditing systems are heavily reliant on centralised databases. They have significant limitations in terms of efficiency, transparency, and security. Moreover, the centralised nature makes these systems vulnerable to fraud and cyber-attacks, and their manual components introduce risks of human error and inefficiency. There is an urgent need for auditing systems that are not only capable of handling large volumes of transactions but also provide robust security features, real-time data processing, and transparent audit trails in light of heightened regulatory demands and the sophisticated nature of financial crimes today.
The advent of blockchain technology has introduced new possibilities for enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency in various fields, including finance. Initially popularised by its application in cryptocurrencies, blockchain’s potential for broader financial applications, especially in auditing, is increasingly being recognised. However, the use of blockchain for auditing in a way that balances confidentiality with transparency remains largely unexplored and undeveloped.
The invention by Dr. Hemant Bhanawat and Dr. Deepa Guleria introduces a novel approach to financial auditing by employing a dual-layer blockchain architecture, encompassing both private and public blockchains, to enhance the security, transparency, and efficiency of financial transaction processing and auditing. The invention integrates advanced cryptographic techniques, smart contract automation, and user-friendly interfaces and also encompasses scalability and interoperability features, making it suitable for integration with a variety of existing financial systems and databases. The use of blockchain technology in this context represents a significant innovation in the fields of financial auditing, data integrity, and regulatory compliance, offering a robust solution for large organisations facing complex
auditing challenges in the digital age.
NMNIMS congratulates Dr. Bhanawat and Dr. Guleria on their stupendous achievement. Their innovation marks a significant development in the field of finance and business. It also asserts the School of Commerce’s pursuit to promote innovation and critical thinking on its campus.
23, Apr 2024
Sony India introduce the next level of home cinema entertainment with BRAVIA Theatre Quad
Mumbai, 23rd April 2024: Sony India today launched the future of home entertainment with the launch of the BRAVIA Theatre Quad, a groundbreaking audio system that redefines the cinematic experience. Designed to transport viewers into the heart of their favorite movies and TV shows, the BRAVIA Theatre Quad combines cutting-edge technology with elegant design to deliver unparalleled sound quality and immersion. With features such as 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Sound Field Optimization, and compatibility with IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos, the BRAVIA Theatre Quad promises to revolutionize the way audiences experience audio in their own homes.
“Drawing from decades of experience in professional film production equipment and consumer electronics, we have occupied a distinctive position. With BRAVIA Theatre Quad, we have combined our unparalleled knowledge from the film industry and cutting-edge innovation to revolutionize the home movie-watching for our customers,” said Shohei Toyoda, Head of Audio Business at Sony India.
1. Immersive Cinematic Experience with unique 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
The BRAVIA Theatre Quad introduces 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, revolutionizing home audio. This cutting-edge technology creates a three-dimensional audio environment, enveloping listeners from all directions. It replicates the immersive soundscapes of professional cinemas, bringing the magic of the big screen directly into your living room. Say goodbye to flat audio and experience movies and TV shows like never before with BRAVIA Theatre Quad.
2. Premium sleek design blends with living room complementing any decor
Sony’s new BRAVIA Theatre Quad has a premium design which seamlessly blends with your living room, enriching the cinematic experience at home. With features like 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Acoustic Center Sync, it delivers immersive audio that mirrors the ambience of a movie theatre. Utilizing recycled materials for eco-conscious design, this product not only enhance sound quality but also integrate accessibility features, ensuring inclusivity for all users.
3. Sound Field Optimisation automatically adjusts audio for optimal performance
Sound Field Optimization in the BRAVIA Theatre Quad ensures optimal audio performance tailored to your room’s layout. By automatically measure the relative height and position of each speaker, room acoustic and listener position then based on this information it will create the multiple phantom speaker analyzing the acoustic characteristics of the space and listener position this feature adjusts the audio settings to deliver the best sound experience, regardless of room size or shape. Immerse yourself in cinematic audio without worrying about acoustics with the BRAVIA Theatre Quad’s Sound Field Optimization.
4. Enjoy seamless audio-visual synchronization with BRAVIA Acoustic Centre Sync
BRAVIA Acoustic Center Sync seamlessly integrates audio from the BRAVIA Theatre Quad with compatible BRAVIA TVs[i], ensuring perfect alignment between sound and visuals for a captivating viewing experience. By synchronizing audio output, it creates a cohesive audio-visual environment, immersing viewers in the action on screen. This feature enhances the overall cinematic experience, bringing the magic of the cinema into the comfort of the living room.
5. Voice Zoom3 enhances dialogue clarity for crisp speech
Voice Zoom3 intelligently enhances dialogue clarity in the BRAVIA Theatre Quad, ensuring crystal-clear speech even amidst action-packed scenes or noisy environments. By recognizing and amplifying human speech, Voice Zoom3 makes every word crisp and clear, enhancing the overall viewing experience and allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the narrative of their favourite movies and TV[ii] shows.
6. IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos offers premium cinema-quality experience
The BRAVIA Theatre Quad delivers an unparalleled home cinema experience with compatibility with IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos technologies. This ensures premium audio quality that meets the rigorous standards set by IMAX and Dolby, allowing users to enjoy immersive soundscapes and lifelike audio reproduction. Get ready to be transported into the heart of your favorite movies with breathtaking sound quality like never before.
7. With all new BRAVIA Connect App enjoy intuitive control from your smartphone
The all-new BRAVIA Connect App revolutionizes home entertainment control. Seamlessly manage BRAVIA Theatre Quad’s settings from your smartphone or tablet. Enjoy intuitive navigation and personalized audio adjustments with ease. With the BRAVIA Connect App, immerse yourself in a tailored audio experience that brings the cinema to your living room at the touch of a button.
8. Experience voice control and streaming options with Alexa, Airplay2 and Spotify
The BRAVIA Theatre Quad seamlessly integrates with popular streaming platforms and voice assistants, including Alexa, Airplay2, and Spotify. With effortless compatibility, users can easily access their favorite music and control their audio experience with voice commands or through their preferred streaming service. Enjoy the convenience of hands-free control and access to a world of entertainment at your fingertips.
9. Enjoy wireless music streaming with Bluetooth connectivity
The BRAVIA Theatre Quad features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to stream music wirelessly from their smartphones or tablets. With this convenient feature, you can enjoy your favorite playlists and audio content without the hassle of cables or wires, enhancing the overall flexibility and convenience of your home entertainment setup.
Enjoy easy setup and operation
BRAVIA Theatre Quad comes with four wireless speakers, all of which can be mounted either on a table or on a wall. Additionally, there is one control box included, equipped with HDMI (eARC) and Optical connectivity options. Simply connect your TV using either HDMI or Optical cables to enjoy your favorite movies.
Add deep and powerful bass for enhanced audio with optional subwoofer
The BRAVIA Theatre Quad offers an optional wireless subwoofer[iii] to enhance your audio experience with deep, powerful bass. Seamlessly integrated into the system, the subwoofer provides an immersive soundstage that complements the cinematic experience, ensuring every scene comes to life with rich, resonant audio. Upgrade your home theatre setup with two optional subwoofers for richer bass add SA-SW5 wireless subwoofer with 300W deep bass from 180mm driver with passive radiator. Or opt for the SA-SW3 wireless subwoofer with 200W of sound from a compact bass reflex subwoofer with 160mm driver.
Environmental initiatives and commitment to accessibility
Sony has set forth an environmental plan called Road to Zero, which aims to achieve zero environmental impact through its business activities and product life cycles by 2050. To contribute to this vision, BRAVIA Theatre will pursue innovations that provide the best viewing experience with high picture and sound quality and a premium design, all the while contributing to reducing environmental impact. The choice of material affects sound quality. Sony has spent years developing a unique recycled plastic that is both environmentally conscious and conducive to creating high-quality audio products. BRAVIA Theatre Quad uses unique recycled plastic[iv], enabling Sony to reproduce superb acoustic performance whilst reducing the use of virgin plastics. The fabric used in the BRAVIA Theatre Quad is recycled from PET[v] bottles. The material was carefully selected for optimum sound quality, design, texture, and colour.
Sony aims to contribute to an inclusive society through its business, increasing accessibility to enable those with diverse needs to use its products. BRAVIA Theatre Quad has been developed with accessibility in mind so that all customers can enjoy the movie experience, regardless of disability or age. To help visually impaired set up BRAVIA Theatre Quad, a raised square frame on the package indicates a QR code[vi] for the BRAVIA Connect app[vii], which offers screen reader support.
23, Apr 2024
STEER World to Exhibit Breakthrough Innovation in Industrial Recycling at 2024 KPLEX in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, 23 April 2024 – STEER World, a global leader in engineering innovation, specializing in materials transformation, today announced that it will participate in the 2024 KPLEX at BIEC in Bengaluru from April 26th to 29th 2024.
STEER World will showcase path breaking, first of its kind industrial recycling with 100% value recovery, capable of transforming the way industries approach waste, turning a perennial problem into a portfolio of opportunities. By empowering businesses to reprocess their waste on-site into valuable materials, the technology will set a new benchmark for sustainability, efficiency, and circular economy principles worldwide.
We will be exhibiting our technologies in 3 different locations at KPLEX. We cordially invite everyone interested in recycling plastics to visit our Booth A19, Geodesic Dome and Recycling Pavilion to learn more about our company’s history and the advantages of our technology and products.
“We are excited to participate in this event and showcase our breakthrough innovation in plastic recycling in alignment with the current global momentum towards sustainability and the circular economy,” said Dr. Babu Padmanabhan, Founder & Chief Knowledge Officer at STEER World. “At STEER World, our endeavour is to show the world what’s possible and transition from a linear economy, where waste plastics end up in the environment, landfills or incinerators, to a truly circular economy where waste is infinitely recycled and reused.”
23, Apr 2024
Shriram Finance Introduces Fixed Deposits That Will Be Exclusively Available on Shriram One App and Website
Mumbai, 23 April 2024: Shriram Finance Ltd (SFL), one of India’s largest NBFC, is offering a digital-only Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme that can be obtained only through the Shriram One App and their website – from Monday, April 22, 2024. Usually, SFL’s products are available in India both online and through their physical presence.
Customers would be able to obtain a Shriram Unnati FD with a tenor of 15 months at a rate of interest of 8.15%. Senior citizens and women depositors can get an additional benefit of 0.50% and 0.10%, respectively, while all depositors can claim an additional benefit of 0.25% on renewal of the FDs, done digitally or through online channels. While Unnati FDs with other tenors will be available both online and offline, the specific 15-month FDs will only be available for purchase through the Shriram One App and its website. The minimum deposit amount would be Rs 5000.
Along with the new launch, SFL has also made its Fixed Income Plan (FIP), or Recurring Deposit (RD) currently marketed through digital and offline mode, exclusive to the Shriram One App and SFL website. Also, SFL has increased the interest rates for the said product as under:
| Tenor | Existing Rate | Increased Rate |
| 12 months – 23 months | 8.10 % | 8.50 % |
| 24 months – 35 months | 8.40 % | 8.75 % |
| 36 months – 48 months | 8.60 % | 9 % |
There will be an additional interest rate benefit of 0.10% for woman depositors. The minimum deposit amount would be Rs 1000 a month.
Both the digital-only FD and the FIP (Recurring Deposit) scheme will be available on the Shriram One app and the Shriram Finance website from April 22, 2024. From that date onwards, customers would no longer be able to book FIPs physically at branches or through the company’s representatives.
Commenting on the new products Mr Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman, Shriram Finance said, “Shriram Group has regularly introduced innovative financial products. We firmly believe that India’s digital movement is maturing at the right pace. Young Investors are becoming increasingly digital-savvy and are keen to explore non-traditional means of investing in traditional products. With our new digital-only offerings, we wish to accelerate the digital India movement and enable depositors to grow their wealth through convenient means. We aspire to provide our customers with tech-enabled services of the highest order.”
23, Apr 2024
Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. appoints Mr. Gajanan S. Kale as its new Chief Executive Officer
Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL), a leading power utility supplying electricity to a populace of 7 million in North Delhi, today announced the appointment of Mr. Gajanan Sampatrao Kale as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with effect from 19th April 2024.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “I welcome Gajanan as the new CEO of Tata Power-DDL. With his extensive experience in the distribution domain, I am confident that he will lead Tata Power DDL to new heights of success.”
Prior to joining Tata Power-DDL, Mr. Kale was the Chief Executive Officer of Tata Power Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) from 2021 to 2024. He has also served as the CEO of Tata Power Ajmer Distribution Ltd (TPADL) from 2018 to 2020. Mr. Kale has been with Tata Power group since 2003. This is his second stint with Tata Power-DDL. During his previous tenure at Tata Power-DDL in the Operations and Commercial verticals, he spearheaded major projects for Operations Transformation, Network Revamping, Business Process Reengineering of Revenue Management, and Resource Planning & Management.
Mr. Kale started his career at BHEL in Bhopal and also held positions at the Central Railway Nagpur Division, and Delhi Vidyut Board/Tata Power-DDL among others.
Congratulating on his appointment, Mr. Sanjay Banga, President (T&D), Tata Power said, “Gajanan is a seasoned distribution sector professional with proven track record. I am sure that under his leadership Tata Power DDL will continue to set new benchmarks in the industry.”
Talking about his new role as the CEO, Mr. G. S Kale said, “I am honoured to join Tata Power-DDL and thankful to the board for appointing me as the CEO. Tata Power-DDL has a rich legacy of technological advancements and excellence in the power distribution sector, and I am committed to building on that legacy. Together with the talented team at Tata Power-DDL, I look forward to driving growth, fostering innovation, and delivering value to our customers and stakeholders.”
Mr. Kale holds an M. Tech in Integrated Power Systems from the National Institute of Technology, Nagpur University. He graduated with a B.E. degree in Electrical Power Systems from Amravati University. He holds an MBA degree in Finance. Mr. Kale is an alumnus of the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad where he pursued an Advanced Management Program.
23, Apr 2024
Gear Up for Your Next Expedition: Must-Have Gadgets for Adventure Junkies
Embarking on an adventure requires reliable and versatile gear that can keep up with your explorations. This article showcases a collection of essential gadgets that will elevate your outdoor experiences, whether you’re scaling the highest peaks or diving into the depths of the ocean. From rugged smartwatches to powerful audio companions, these must-have items will ensure you’re equipped for any challenge that comes your way.
Amazfit T-Rex Ultra Smartwatch
This Amazfit smartwatch is the perfect choice for adventure seekers who demand uncompromising durability and performance. Its military-grade toughness and accurate dual-band GPS make it an indispensable companion for your outdoor excursions, while the comprehensive fitness tracking and long-lasting battery life ensure you can focus on the journey ahead.
Key Features:
• Military-grade toughness with 316L stainless steel construction
• Excellent outdoor visibility with 1,000 nit peak brightness
• Accurate dual-band GPS and support for 30m freediving
• Comprehensive fitness tracking, including strength exercise recognition
• Zepp OS 2.0 for health-centered monitoring
• Ultra-long 20-day battery life
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Experience immersive audio in even the most challenging environments with the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. These cutting-edge headphones provide exceptional noise-cancelling technology, allowing you to stay focused and entertained during your adventures.
Key Features:
• Advanced noise-canceling technology for an immersive audio experience
• Sleek and comfortable design for extended wear
• Exceptional sound quality for music,podcasts, and more
JBL Charge 5 Speaker
Bring the party with you on your next expedition with the rugged and waterproof JBL Charge 5 speaker. This powerful audio companion delivers impressive, high-quality sound and can withstand the elements, making it the perfect companion for your outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
• Rugged and waterproof design for outdoor use
• Impressive, high-quality sound performance
• 7,500mAh battery that can also charge your devices
• Convenient USB-C charging and wireless Bluetooth connectivity
GoPro HERO11 Black Camera
Capture your most incredible moments with the GoPro HERO11 Black, a versatile and durable action camera that can withstand the rigors of your adventures. With stunning image quality, advanced stabilization, and a range of mounting options, this camera will help you immortalize your expedition memories in stunning detail.
Key Features:
• Stunning image quality for capturing your adventures
• Advanced stabilization for smooth, steady footage
• Variety of mounting options for diverse shooting angles
• Durable and rugged design for outdoor use
Ambrane 20000mAh Power Bank
Keep your devices powered up on the go with the Ambrane 20000mAh Power Bank, a high-capacity and rugged companion for your adventures. With its impressive capacity, dual USB ports, and fast-charging capabilities, this power bank ensures your essential gadgets stay charged throughout your expedition.
Key Features:
• Durable and rugged construction for outdoor use
• 20,000mAh capacity for extended runtimes
• Dual USB ports for charging multiple devices
• Fast-charging capabilities to quickly power up your gear.
23, Apr 2024
Chalo Commemorates World Earth Day by Distributing 750 Saplings on Chalo BEST EV Buses to Promote Green Commuting
Mumbai, Monday 23rd April 2024 – Chalo, a leading innovator in transport technology company celebrated World Earth Day today by distributing plant sapling to its passengers in buses. In a bid to thank individuals for opting buses and to encourage sustainable transportation choices, Chalo distributed 750 saplings to passengers on routes from Thane to BKC and Andheri.
Chalo’s work is aligned towards combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions, by making bus travel more reliable and convenient. Chalo operates in 61 cities, powering 150 million rides every month on close to 20,000 buses. Chalo is solving a real-world problem that affects hundreds of millions of people and creating one of the world’s largest mobility companies along the way. Chalo also operates EV buses in Mumbai to cater office and airport travellers.
With the World Earth Day initiative, the company aims to express gratitude to passengers choosing public transportation while fostering a deeper connection to environmental stewardship. Therefore, it distributed complimentary saplings as a token of appreciation with a tagline of #ChaloGreen to the passengers for their commitment to greener commuting practices.
The Co-founder and CMO of Chalo Mr Dhruv Chopra said “We started Chalo to increase the reliability and efficiency of public transport. Our end goal is to reduce the number of private vehicles and help decongest our cities. While we’re working hard every day towards this goal, this journey itself isn’t possible without commuters who make a sustainable travel choice every day. We’d like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts for paving the way for a greener tomorrow, one ride at a time.”
Join Chalo in celebrating World Earth Day by posting a picture planting a tree along with the tagline of #ChaloGreen and embracing a greener, more sustainable future.
23, Apr 2024
Earth Day 2024: RPG Group & its companies Champions Green Initiatives
Mumbai, April 23rd, 2024: RPG Group, one of India’s leading business conglomerates, reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability through a series of impactful initiatives across its various companies. The group has pledged to conserve, restore and grow one million trees by 2030, with 1t.org, a Geneva- based World Economic Forum platform. The choice of conserving and growing trees is a symbolic representation of the group’s focus on a green and clean environment.
CEAT Ltd., a flagship company under the RPG umbrella, is at the forefront of sustainability initiatives with its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and embrace renewable energy. In accordance with the national commitment of net zero emission by 2070, CEAT has proactively stepped up in emission management. With a vision to “Reduce Carbon Footprint by 50% by 2030,” CEAT has embarked on multiple initiatives to achieve this goal. These include increasing the use of renewable electricity by 40% by 2025, reducing water intensity by 50% by 2030, and aiming for 40% sustainable materials in tyre raw materials by 2030. CEAT has also prioritized manufacturing sustainability, with several factories certified by leading environmental organizations and adopting zero liquid discharge practices. CEAT’s efforts in digitisation and smart factory enablement with Industry 4.0 is creating a significant positive impact on resource and process efficiency.
Raychem RPG, another key player in RPG Group’s portfolio, involved in appliances, electrical, and electronics manufacturing, is committed to renewable energy and water conservation efforts. The company has installed solar power systems at its facilities, enhancing its cumulative renewable energy capacity up to 2081 kWp. Additionally, Raychem RPG has implemented rainwater harvesting ponds and surrendered its bore-well to central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to reduce groundwater usage, showcasing its dedication to sustainable water management practices.
Harrisons Malayalam Limited, an integrated agricultural & plantation business, under RPG Group company focuses on biodiversity conservation, plastic-free zones, and reducing agrochemical usage. HML is continually improving the environmental performances by minimizing the consumption of natural resources, water harvesting and contributing to social forestation. As a part of HML sustainability policy, the company reduced the man-animal conflict in the farms by implementing various activities of wild life protection in association with Forest Department like ‘respecting Elephant corridor’, ‘no killing and hunting and trafficking of wild animals’ etc.
RPG Foundation, the philanthropic arm of RPG Group, is dedicated to environmental conservation. Through its nature:re initiative the foundation aims to preserve land and marine biodiversity while promoting regenerative agriculture practices. Most recently, RPG Foundation through nature:re has installed artificial reefs in Arabian Sea near the coast around Worli Koliwada. These reefs become a harbour for small and large native species, and act as a carbon sink as well as boost the livelihood of coastal communities at Worli Koliwada, once they mature. The foundation is also establishing a network of interconnected public parks and green zones from the Northern tip to Southern end of Mumbai to provide suitable habitats for native flora and fauna. In collaboration with associations of similar interest, RPG Foundation works to preserve and improve the natural environment in the bustling urban landscape of India, where green spaces are declining rapidly.
Through nature:re, RPGF is working towards rebalancing the ecosystem by giving back to earth through regenerative farming practices. Transition to regenerative agriculture is crucial as it promotes economic progress, food security and helps to reverse climate change.
23, Apr 2024
MakeMyTrip Report Reveals Where, How, When and With Whom India Travels
Gurugram, April 23, 2024: From Backpackers to Bon-Vivants – and everything in between – Indian travellers are not just reshaping the realm of domestic tourism but also commanding an increasingly important role in the ambit of international travel, leaving no corner of the globe too out of reach. Taking insights from travel searches by its 100M+ annual active users, MakeMyTrip has put together some of the top behaviours of Indian travellers it the first edition of its India Travel Trends Report. Insights include where, when and how India travels, top trends from millions of journeys – both from a national and a region-wise perspective.
Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip said, “Understanding the evolving travel behaviours of Indian travellers is essential to help shape the future of tourism, both domestically and globally. MakeMyTrip’s India Travel Trends Report highlights some the latest essential trends. As India emerges as a formidable force in the tourism sector, these insights can help bridge the demand and supply gaps in the travel and hospitality space. This means crafting policies, identifying destinations, and creating experiences that resonate with the traveller’s unique travel preferences and aspirations. Recognizing and catering to each traveller’s diverse behaviour will not only enhance travel experiences but also contribute significantly to the growth and development of the tourism industry.”
Some Key Insights from the report are as below –
WHERE INDIA TRAVELS
Number of people taking more than 3 trips per year has grown by 25% in 2023 as compared to 2019.
Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are embracing spiritual journeys, with searches for destinations with or around religious spots growing 97% in the last two years.
Searches for Ayodhya grew by 585%, Ujjain by 359% and Badrinath by 343% in 2023 as compared to 2022.
Weekend getaways continue to curry favour with Indian travellers – Searches for Jim Corbett grew by 131% in 2023 as compared to 2022; Ooty and Munnar are other favourites in this context.
30% all international travel searches from India are for Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore while London, Toronto and New York are the most searched long-haul destinations.
Searches for emerging international destinations grew by multi-fold in 2023 – hot favourites include Hong Kong, Almaty, Paro, Baku, Da Nang and Tbilisi.
WHEN, WITH WHOM AND HOW INDIA TRAVELS
Family vs Solo – Family travel bookings surged by 64% in 2023 as compared to 2022, followed by solo traveller booking growth at 23% for the same comparative period.
Flight booking preferences –
50% of all domestic flyers pick flights between 9am and 6pm irrespective of destination or origin.
A significant portion of travel bookings in India are made spontaneously, with 46% of domestic flights booked less than a week before the travel date. In contrast, about half of all international bookings are made at least two weeks in advance.
Only one-third of international bookings are made more than a month before the travel date, suggesting a flexible approach to international travel planning among Indian travellers.
Women prefer to pre-book window seats, while men pick aisle seats.
Tomato Cucumber Cheese Lettuce Sandwich is the most ordered in-flight meal on domestic flights.
Accommodation booking preferences –
56% of domestic leisure hotel bookings on the platform are made less than a week before the day of travel.
33% of international hotel bookings are made at least 30 days before the date of travel.
Alternative accommodations on the platform recorded 24% growth in bookings in 2023
For Hostels and Apartments, the preference is for those less than INR 2,500 per night but for Villas, it is higher.
Close to 20% of family travellers searched for properties with tariffs over INR 10,000 per night.
Payment Preference – UPI is the most preferred payment method for booking travel, making close to 40% of all transaction types, followed by use of credit cards. Credit card is the most used payment mode for high value transactions such as for booking international hotels and flights. This can be attributed to the benefits associated with credit card payments.
The gift of travel – Wedding gift cards in the denominations of INR 5000 and 10000 are the most gifted. 1 out of 2 travel gift cards being purchased are being gifted as wedding shagun.
