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World Earth Day: 1.30 crore planted trees turn arid city into green paradise in Karnataka

Bengaluru, 23rd April 2024: The ‘Koti Vruksha Abhiyana’, a massive plantation drive under the Hon’ble Minister M B Patil, Ministry of Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure has successfully planted 1.30 crore trees in Vijayapura, Karnataka, in collaboration with the local forest departments and NGOs since its inception in 2015. This initiative not only aims to revive the once-arid landscape of the district but also to empower the local farmers in the region through the distribution of these saplings at 90% subsidized rates – incentivizing farmers to cultivate sustainable farming and living practices.

During FY2021-22, the Koti Vruksha Abhiyan succeeded in achieving its ambitious goal of planting one crore trees, by disseminating over 80 lakh saplings to farmers and the subsequent planting of over 50 lakh trees across over 100 block plantations, encompassing 5,000 hectares of land within the district. Notably, Vijayapur now houses one of the largest urban forest plantations, with over 60,000 saplings planted on over 600 acres on the city’s outskirts. The project’s resounding success has spurred the implementation of a second phase, with the new target of planting 2 crore trees.

Commending the success of the drive so far, Hon’ble Minister M B Patil noted, “The collaborative efforts of all agents – from field workers and guards, farmers, and the District Forest Officers, over the past eight years are the true torchbearers of this project. Through this initiative, not only did we aim to erudite farmers on the significance of the cause by encouraging the plantation drive through subsidised rates of saplings, but also ensure maintain the plant death rate to a minimum of 2%, a substantial feat considering Vijayapura’s complex topography. By ensuring sustainable planting techniques via solar-driven drip irrigation for each plant, the cooperative determination has enabled self-sustainability across the entire plantation. As we continue to enhance our efforts in the region, the next phase of the plantation drive aims to build one of the largest man-made block plantations around the village of Mamadapur, aiming to plant 2 lakh saplings in a single-block plantation – with 1 lakh saplings to be planted by the end of 2024, covering a total area of 626 hectares.”

The substantial contribution of the partnering NGOs, such as the Society for Protection of Plants and Animals (SPPA), in particular, further enabled the drive’s successful operations by raising awareness about the campaign in the rural region – by educating over 8,000 rural students in the district via a myriad of interactive campaigns/activities, such as building/making bird feeders.

Commenting on the crucial impact of the plantation drive to date, Mr. Dhruv Patil, President of the SPPA, noted, “We have witnessed immense progress in the region’s wildlife and environment only over a span of five years, with the forest cover of the district – which was the lowest in the state – improving from 0.17% to 0.24%. Further, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists have already documented over 185 species of birds residing in these plantations, while even acting as home to migratory species. Significant reductions in temperatures have also been witnessed, with the district enjoying the season’s first spell of rains, while the state met with soaring temperatures. We believe that the plantation drive was undertaken/implemented with future generations in mind – creating a vital lung space for the state to filter the urban air, and are immensely proud to be a part of such an ambitious yet noble cause.”

Surpassing the planting of 1.30 crore trees, the Koti Vruksha Abhiyan demonstrates unwavering determination, thriving on continuous growth, and serving as a global exemplar. Aiming to plant another 2 crore trees by 2025 the project aspires to continue to persevere, despite formidable challenges – fostering a flourishing green revolution.

Securing Our Earth on Earth Day 2024: A Call to Action for Conservation

By Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director at Check Point Software Technologies, India & SAARC

Cybersecurity solutions quietly stand as guardians of our society, ensuring the seamless functioning of economies, businesses, and critical infrastructure worldwide. While commonly associated with defending against data breaches and cyber-attacks, one often overlooked aspect is their contribution to securing our planet’s sustainable future. They play a vital role in monitoring environmental changes, predicting natural disasters, and safeguarding satellite systems tracking asteroids, thus shielding us from potential catastrophes.

In this blog post, we delve into this unseen yet critical facet of cybersecurity, shedding light on its significance beyond merely protecting digital assets. As we observe Earth Day this year, we also reflect on how cybersecurity solutions have evolved and become integral to securing life on Earth.

Cyber security as The Guardian of Our Planet

Cybersecurity has come a long way from its early days of simple virus protection. Today, it encompasses a broad range of technologies and strategies designed to protect networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

India’s ranking in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) has improved, with the country now ranked 7th in the 2024 index, up one spot from the previous year. This ranking is a testament to India’s efforts to address climate change and meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India’s NDCs include a commitment to reduce the emissions intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 from the 2005 level and achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. As our reliance on digital technology has grown, so too has the importance of cyber security in safeguarding critical infrastructure, including those vital to our societal, environmental, and overall planetary well-being.

One of the most significant areas where cyber security intersects with environmental protection is in the monitoring and management of satellite systems. Satellites play a crucial role in tracking environmental changes, predicting natural disasters, and even detecting asteroids that could pose a threat to our planet. However, these satellites are vulnerable to cyber attacks that could disrupt their functionality or manipulate their data.

A notable case study is the 2019 incident involving the European Space Agency’s Aeolus satellite, which plays a crucial role in gathering data for climate research and weather forecasting. Cyber attackers attempted to gain control of the satellite’s communication systems, aiming to disrupt its data transmission and potentially compromise the accuracy of crucial environmental data. Thankfully, the attack was detected and mitigated in time, preventing any damage to the satellite’s operations and ensuring the continued reliability of its vital environmental monitoring functions.

This successful detection and mitigation of the attack on the Aeolus satellite underscores the critical importance of cyber security measures in protecting our planet, highlighting the need for vigilant and robust defenses to safeguard the data that informs our understanding of Earth’s changing climate.

India’s own space program, managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made significant strides in satellite technology, including the launch of military satellites like GSAT-7, GSAT-6, and GSAT-7A, which have enhanced India’s maritime security capabilities.

The country’s focus on space-based assets, particularly in the maritime domain, underscores the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the reliability of satellite systems that play a vital role in environmental monitoring and disaster prediction. India has also been focusing on securing its satellite communication (SATCOM) systems, which play an important role in ship-to-ship and ship-to-land GPS navigation, and tracking. The Indian Navy has been ensuring adherence to cybersecurity protocols, strict inspections, regular software upgrades, risk assessments, and establishing best practices to deal with cyberattacks.

How Cyber Security Factors into Environmental Protection

The buck doesn’t stop there when it comes to the critical role that cyber security plays in securing our planet. For instance, cyber security infrastructure could be essential in protecting satellite systems used for tracking and predicting the paths of asteroids headed toward Earth.

Another instance is the protection of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, which are crucial for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, including those in the energy sector. A cyber attack on these systems could result in environmental disasters, such as oil spills or nuclear accidents in the worst case, or, similar to the case of the wide-reaching Viasat hack, result in critical malfunctions in the operation of renewable energy infrastructure.

Indeed, we are proud of the fact that Check Point’s cyber security solutions are pivotal in protecting such advanced and essential SCADA systems from such threats, thereby safeguarding our environment from potential harm, while ensuring the steady generation of climate-friendly renewable energy sources.

Cyber Security as a Smart Solution

The emergence of smart cities, smart buildings, smart transportation, and even smart health signifies a leap towards more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected environments. These advancements integrate various services, from traffic and emergency management in urban settings to global shipping coordination and remote healthcare, through digital platforms. They rely heavily on real-time data exchange and interconnected networks to improve living standards, streamline transportation, enhance energy conservation, and offer advanced medical care remotely. However, the backbone of these systems is their cyber security measures, which ensure the reliability and safety of these critical services.

Recent cyber incidents, such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the SolarWinds hack, underscore the vulnerabilities that come with increased connectivity. These events demonstrate the potential chaos and severe repercussions that cyber attacks can have on national security, economic stability, and public safety. Cyber security is not merely a technical necessity but a critical infrastructure requirement that protects essential services and sensitive information across sectors including healthcare, energy, finance, and government.

A Secure and Sustainable Future is Essential

As we celebrate Earth Day, we also recognize the integral role that cyber security plays in ensuring a long and sustainable future. The development of cyber security solutions, as demonstrated by Check Point’s technologies, has been crucial in safeguarding critical infrastructure that prevents potentially large-scale environmental catastrophes, while ensuring the sustainability of our digital and physical worlds. It is a testament to the fact that in our interconnected world, securing our digital realm is inseparable from securing our Earth.

However, Check Point’s responsibility goes beyond its commitment to securing our environment and society. Check Point has set the notable goal of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2040, and we monitor our carbon emissions while committing to improving the environmental performance of our future generation of products. In addition, Check Point also embraces the need for more environmentally- friendly products for the betterment of the planet. For instance, in our latest firewall offering of Check Point Quantum Force, the solution offered the most power-efficient design in the market, meaning they consume less power per gigabyte per second of throughput than any seen in the market, to serve our society and the environment responsibly.

Furthermore, by fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace, the company functions as an island of stability in an ever-changing world. The full scope of our commitments is outlined in our 2022 ESG Report, and we look forward to sharing our 2023 ESG Update in the coming months.

Finally, it is important to remember that our planet is the only home that we have. At Check Point, we will continue to work diligently to shape a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, with the hope that we can play our part in shaping a secure and sustainable world for generations to come.

Locus.sh Unveils Sustainability Trends & Insights on Earth Day

New Delhi, 23rd April 2024: Sustainability has become a top priority for governments and corporations across the world including heightened consumer awareness. In a recent PwC survey, 8 out of 10 respondents are willing to pay a premium of up to 5% for sustainably produced products. Against this backdrop of thriving sustainability frameworks, Locus.sh shared some key insights and trends based on internal industry assessment.

The industry assessment by Locus. sh on Decoding Asia’s Last Mile Maturity: Trends, Technology, Transformation, has uncovered significant gaps in how businesses are addressing sustainability and customer experience, two critical areas that have become imperative for organizations to excel in. While consumer awareness and willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products have grown significantly, the assessment found that follow-through on sustainability initiatives has been weak. Most respondents in three of the five industries do not factor in carbon emissions while tracking. According to the findings, 49% of global organizations are not confident that they can track sustainability metrics that can help reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

The assessment also delved into the customer experience landscape, where it uncovered significant room for improvement. As per findings from the assessment, when it comes to meeting and exceeding customer expectations around fulfillment, half of the respondents are still looking for ways to provide greater choice, convenience, and differentiated experiences, but at a viable cost to both the business and the customer.

On a sector-based level, e-commerce businesses were the lowest performers in customer experience, with more than 50% of the respondents in the sector responding that their customers were not satisfied with the timeliness of their fulfillment, while 45% were not satisfied with the kind of updates they receive on their order status. A large reason for this is that consumer expectations around seamless fulfillment experiences have been growing steeper. This has largely resulted from new benchmarks set by industry leaders in the past two decades. According to a McKinsey report, Amazon has reduced the time frame of its free-delivery service from eight days in the year 2000 to two-day shipping in 2015 – 75% drop in just 5 years. This clearly reflects the complexity of balancing customer expectations with sustainable operations.

Araiya Hotels and Resorts Expands Reach Across Indian Hospitality Sector

India, 23rd April 2024 – Araiya Hotels and Resorts, led by the vision of Amruda Nair, granddaughter of renowned Captain C.P Krishnan Nair of Leela Hotels, is making waves in the Indian hospitality industry. Despite being a relatively new player, the company boasts of a legacy in hospitality spanning generations, infused with a fresh perspective and a commitment to excellence.

Murlidhar Rao, the Chief Operating Officer of Araiya Hotels and Resorts, reflects on the journey thus far, emphasizing the company’s deep-rooted hospitality heritage. “While the onset of Covid presented challenges, our resilience and dedication to quality prevailed. Araiya Palampur stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, setting the stage for our future endeavors,” states Murlidhar.

Central to Araiya’s success is an unwavering focus on aligning with owner expectations while leveraging operational expertise to exceed guest satisfaction. With a robust foundation in operations, encompassing core brand standards, sales, marketing, technology, and guest engagement, Araiya ensures a seamless experience across all touchpoints.

Looking ahead, Araiya Hotels and Resorts embarked on an ambitious expansion journey. The upcoming Alibaug project, featuring the Araiya Spa in collaboration with Avas Wellness, showcases the brand’s innovative approach to holistic hospitality. Additionally, projects such as Soul by Araiya in Dharamsala and a boutique hotel in Kannur underscore the company’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio.

Expanding beyond the Indian shores, Araiya Hotels and Resorts is set to make its mark in international destinations, including the Maldives and Sri Lanka. With a keen eye on the midscale market, the brand remains steadfast in delivering unparalleled guest experiences, irrespective of location or property type.

“Whether it’s a serene resort or a bustling city hotel, our goal remains consistent – to evoke the unmistakable Araiya experience,” affirms Mr. Murlidhar Rao.

At Araiya Hotels and Resorts, the belief is steadfast in the power of business to drive positive change in society and the environment. As a responsible corporate citizen, Araiya is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives that create a lasting impact. Their CSR and ESG activities are integral to their core values of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility, guiding everything they do as they strive to build a better future for generations to come.

Araiya Hotels and Resorts continues to redefine Indian hospitality, blending tradition with innovation to create memorable experiences for guests worldwide.

BluSmart introduces the smartCitizen campaign to encourage India to vote

Bengaluru, 23rd April 2024 – BluSmart, India’s leading electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing service and EV charging infrastructure network, is proud to announce the launch of its #SmartCitizen campaign to encourage Indian citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote on election day. This initiative aims to generate awareness, and empower and mobilize the voters in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Bengaluru to participate actively and responsibly in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

On polling dates in Bengaluru – on 26th April and in Delhi NCR – on 25th May, BluSmart will offer discounted rides to its customers, enabling eligible citizens to cast their vote including the youth of India and the first-time voters to exercise their fundamental right to vote conveniently and on time.

BluSmart passengers traveling anywhere within 30 kilometers of polling stations in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR will be provided a one-time 50% discount. This offer can be availed on BluSmart rides to and from the polling station from 6 am to 7 pm on the respective polling days in these cities. The initiative underscores BluSmart’s commitment in promoting civic engagement and responsible and smart citizenship.

“Every vote counts, and every citizen can make a smart choice to contribute to the democratic process. As a partner in driving India’s growth, our #SmartCitizen campaign is a call to action for all citizens to exercise their right to vote and be active participants in shaping a smarter future for our nation. The campaign reflects BluSmart’s values as forward-thinkers, fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens and empowering them with seamless access to the polling stations.” said Anirudh Arun, Co-founder & CEO, BluSmart Fleet.

A month-long election awareness campaign will be executed through online and offline channels such as communication inside BluSmart EVs, in-app notifications, emailers, and social media. The #SmartCitizen campaign will further educate users on the significance of voting and how one vote can make a difference. Moreover, the incorporation of a voting badge by BluSmart for riders who participate in elections will incentivize civic engagement and foster a sense of accomplishment.

OneEarth Foundation’s EarthDay2024 Philanthropic Initiative Transforming Waste into Opportunity

Goa, India, 23rd April 2024 – To commemorate Earth Day 2024 and contribute to a cleaner environment, OneEarth Foundation is donating study tables and benches made from segregated low-value plastic waste collected during the 30-day Drive Against Plastic Pollution (DAPP) campaign to an underprivileged school in a slum near Old Goa. The campaign, aimed at combating plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices, sensitized over 1300 individuals and students, collected 1.4 tonnes of waste, conducted 59 workshops & clean-up drives and paddled 120 km along the Goa coastline. This initiative, beyond being a symbolic gesture, embodies OneEarth Foundation’s core principles rooted in circular economy practices. It believes in closing the loop by sustainably managing waste, contributing to a more environmentally conscious society.

Moving forward, OneEarth Foundation’s focus is on government schools, differently-abled schools, and underprivileged institutions, where resources and opportunities are limited. The Foundation aims to deliver engaging climate education workshops and programs to empower these communities with knowledge and tools for environmental conservation.

Ferdin Sylvester, Founder of OneEarth Foundation said, “We strongly believe in the power of conscious communities and holistic systems, which is evident in every action we take. Today, we take pride in our contribution to these young minds by providing benches made from zero-value waste that would otherwise have ended up in landfills or oceans. They grasped the impact of waste on their lives and have now transitioned from lacking even a basic dustbin to actively segregating waste in their school. It’s immensely satisfying to know that our organization has truly made a positive difference in their lives. Going forward our focus areas encompass implementing a circular model through recycling, educating youth on climate resilience, promoting mangrove restoration, and collaborating with coastal communities, including fisherfolk, to eradicate ghost gear and other plastic waste.”

Earth Day Every Day: India Sweet House Makes Sustainability a Sweet Deal

This Earth Day, India Sweet House, a beloved name for traditional Indian sweets and savories, is taking a delicious step towards a greener future. In a thoughtful initiative, they are encouraging customers to be part of the solution with “Unbox Sustainability”, offering a 10% discount to those who choose to forgo disposable packaging.

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, serves as a vital reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet. Sustainability is not just a buzzword, it’s the key to ensuring a healthy and thriving environment for generations to come. India Sweet House recognizes this and is committed to making a positive impact.

Leading by example, India Sweet House has always strived to minimize its environmental footprint. They prioritize using eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo and paper products whenever possible, actively discouraging the use of plastic in their daily operations.

The “Unbox Sustainability” initiative kicks off on Earth Day, April 22nd, and will continue for the entire year. Customers are encouraged to bring their reusable containers for their favorite sweets, enjoying a discount while making a sustainable choice. This small step collectively contributes to a significant reduction in single-use packaging, fostering a healthier planet for everyone.

Vishwanath and Shwetha, the Founders of India Sweet House said, “At India Sweet House, the sweetness extends from our treats to the world we create. By offering eco-friendly options, we hope to inspire a ripple effect of conscious consumption, one delicious bite at a time. The ‘Unbox Sustainability’ initiative is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and promote a mindful approach to consumption.”

Sandeep Ahuja appointed as the Global CEO of Atmosphere Living

Mumbai, 23rd April 2024: Sandeep Ahuja has been elevated to the position of CEO of Atmosphere Living. He was previously the Managing Director, and now in his new role is responsible for operations in India along with Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Maldives. Atmosphere Living is an innovative luxury player that is focused on transforming luxury living with customized end-to-end amenities and indulgences, including coffee lounges, wine cellars, private transport, and bespoke concierge services.

Sandeep has extensive experience in media, hospitality, and retail, having worked with firms such as Tata Housing and Barista Coffee Company, among others. During his stint at Tata Housing, he bought 26 projects totalling USD 3 billion across ten active cities and established businesses in international markets. He also introduced the “Riva” Senior Living project in Bangalore as the head of “New Business Initiatives”.

Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, said, “Atmosphere Living is an innovative concept that will transform the way luxury real estate is viewed, especially in India and Asian countries. With his expansive experience, business acumen and progressive ideas, we are certain Sandeep will rewrite the rules of luxury in residential real estate under his able leadership.”

Sandeep specializes in business development, strategic planning, retail, sales, and entrepreneurship, and he has an elite Leadership Program in Business Administration and Management from the prestigious University of Michigan. Along with pursuing his professional ambitions and personal hobbies, he believes in living a healthy lifestyle, striking a work-life balance, and maintaining a positive attitude.

“I am very bullish about the untapped potential in India for providing ultra-luxury residences to HNIs and UHNIs. This segment lacks enough avenues within this space and we hope to bridge this gap with Atmosphere Living,” said Sandeep Ahuja, CEO of Atmosphere Living.

CHANGE STARTS HERE initiatives for wellbeing of the community and environment at Ronil Goa – part of JdV by Hyatt

Goa, 23rd April 2024: Ronil Goa the first JdV by Hyatt Hotel in India and Southwest Asia is committed to sustainability across the colleague and guest areas. From bio-degradable guest amenities to large format dispensers in the bathrooms, VRV systems, motion sensor monitored lighting, water recycling to wooden key cards and supporting and working with local communities and vendors – here Sustainability is not a program but a way of life.

“Everything we do at the first JdV by Hyatt property – Ronil Goa is designed around our commitment to World of Care – Hyatt’s global approach to advancing care for the planet, people, and business. At the first JdV by Hyatt hotel in India, we have ensured that we not only embrace sustainability as a way of life but also support local businesses who are committed to sustainability,” said Pratiti Rajpal, General Manager, Ronil Goa – part of JdV by Hyatt

Here are some of the sustainable practices at Ronil Goa-

Energy Efficiency: Energy conservation by using non-CFC equipment for its HVAC systems. Utilizing heat pumps instead of traditional boilers not only reduces carbon emissions but also ensures efficient hot water generation. The integration of solar water heater panels further optimizes energy usage, elevating the resort’s dedication to harnessing renewable resources.

Waste Management: Our boutique resort and the free-spirited team is committed to waste reduction and recycling through its waste segregation practices. By proper segregation of wet and dry waste, we ensure proper disposal and recycling, with a dedicated wet pulverize machine ensuring efficient processing of food waste before disposal.

Waste Water Management: We minimize the water pollution, and we conserve water through the optimized operation of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Recycled water is used in maintaining landscaping across the property and rainwater soak pits help in recharging the groundwater source and help to maintain cleanliness around the property.

Sustainability in the Guest Rooms: From biodegradable guest amenities in rooms, large format toiletries, Hyatt’s Conserve Program to motion sensor controlled lighting and VRV units – we ensure our guests continue to make conscious choices, while on vacay. By partnering with locally loved brands such as Tea Trunk and Hermit Coffee, who pack their products in bio-degradable packaging respectively, we endeavor to not only support local businesses but also promote their efforts towards sustainability.

Sustainability in the Food & Beverage: Our unique Farmhouse breakfast concept helps us reduce food waste while ensuring guests enjoy seasonal and locally inspired dishes served fresh as per their liking. Eco-friendly sugarcane pulp packaging upcycled paper bags, bio-degradable straws, wooden stirrers, and coconut straws are few of the current examples. To reduce the use of plastic water bottles, we serve RO water in all our dining venues – Ronil Bistro, Patrao’s, and The Hub. Also, we have installed water dispensers across our residential-style venues – Ronil Studio, The Loft, and Stay Fit by Hyatt Gym.

More Sustainable Practices: Operating to ensure current and future generations can live healthier and better lives, we have installed electric vehicle chargers on site. Also at our Souvenir Shop – we support local brands and organizations thereby trying to make a difference to the local artisan communities.

Ronil Goa – part of JdV By Hyatt is located on the iconic Calangute Baga Road in North Goa. In its new avatar under the World of Hyatt, this boutique resort is the first five-star hotel on this bustling stretch and is well connected to key tourist attractions as well as upscale shopping and entertainment areas. With 135 rooms with private balconies and countless reasons to celebrate the joy of life, this is the quintessential Goan Susegad destination.

Mumbai Comic Con Wraps Up with a Bang, A Celebration of Pop Culture and More

Mumbai, India – 23rd April 2024 – The city of dreams, Mumbai witnessed an exhilarating weekend of the year for all things pop culture. Comic Con India brought pop culture enthusiasts from across the city for the last of this season’s event. The event served as a haven for cosplay enthusiasts and spectators alike, offering a gateway to a world where fantasy and reality collide. The weekend was filled with interactive activities, games, and an array of merchandise, keeping the spirit of Comic-Con soaring high.

Presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena, powered by Crunchyroll and in association with Android, Mumbai Comic Con 2024 treated every attendee to an exclusive copy of Spiderman-India (No.1 Issue) comic book, in collaboration with Marvel Comics. The event showcased comics in a big way with a slew of upcoming publishing houses and Indian artists like Indusverse, Holy Cow Entertainment, Acid Toad, Garbage Bin, Bullseye Press, Bakarmax, Art of SAVIO, and Abhijeet Kini and many more along with International guests Jason Loo and GUY Delisle graced the event. The event saw immense love pouring in for popular movies, games and comic book characters like Itachi, Luffy, Goku, Deadpool & Wolverine, Spidermans, Batman, Viper (Valorant), Victor (Pubg shooter), Subzero (Mortal Kombat), Franklin (GTA), Xiao, Zhongli (Genshin Impact), Brimstone (Sage) and so much more.

The venue buzzed with excitement as new comic book launches took center stage, including Karejwa by Bakarmax, Monday To Friday by Corporate Comics, Ghosts of South India by Abhijeet Kini, Minnal Murali by Tinkle Comics, and the announcement of Suppandi’s birthday by Google Android. Art Guy Rob conducted a captivating session igniting nostalgia among audiences.

A special panel on Demon Slayer, featuring voice-over artist Natsuki Hanae, stole the spotlight, while the dynamic duo Rohan Joshi and Sahil Shah delivered yet another hilarious session of Binge-O-Clock. Popular rapper MC Altaf set the stage on fire with his rap, and the cast of Lakadbaggha also made an appearance. DJ Kazu and Shahrule kept the crowd grooving with their electrifying beats and rap. The talented comedian Harsh Gujral brought laughter to everyone with his wit.

Speaking about the thrilling weekend celebration, Jatin Varma, Founder, Comic Con India, said, “The excitement and enthusiasm that the celebration brings along with boundless creativity and passion of pop culture enthusiasts at Comic Con, fills me with immeasurable joy. Each edition of Comic Con has been a rewarding journey, and Mumbai, as the final stop, embodies the vibrant spirit of our community. The infectious energy witnessed at our shows creates memories that last a lifetime. I am grateful to our audience for their unwavering support and participation and eagerly anticipate more unforgettable moments in the editions to come.”

MC Altaf shared, “Mumbai Comic Con is very close to my heart as it’s my home turf. Performing here was a memorable experience that I will always cherish.”

Comedian Harsh Gujral said, “This is my first Comic Con experience. I think the energy in the audience was exceptional. I was scared in the beginning to perform in the open, but I was really surprised. People were enjoying the entire event while also paying attention to all the various performances happening and that’s what I loved the most. The vibe and energy of the audience was commendable.”

Comic artist and cartoonist Jason Loo said, “Working with Marvel comics is always a dream. I’m always amazed at every project I do, I get to draw or write this character today like Thor or Captain America; this is awesome, and Mumbai Comic Con has been overwhelming. It has exceeded all my expectations with the high energy and enthusiasm of all the fans. I’ve never been shown this kind of love before in any kind of show. I would definitely like to be back for another Comic Con in India.”

On April 20th-21st, 2024, the event also featured The Arena – a dedicated gaming expo, featuring amazing experiences, tournaments, free play zones as well as the opportunity to meet & greet with leading streamers. Key Event Partners include brands such as CELIO, HDFC, Comedy Central, OnePlus, Android, NYX Cosmetics, McDonald’s & VH1.