Mumbai, January 21, 2025 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s new-age airline, offers flyers a golden opportunity to enjoy additional privileges during their journeys with an attractive 20% discount on Business and SkyBoss tickets . The promotion is valid for all passengers purchasing the airline’s premium seats on the 20th of every month.

Starting January 20, 2025, travellers can take advantage of this exciting offer when booking their flights via the website www.vietjetair.com, the Vietjet Air mobile application, booking offices and agents globally. Promotional tickets are available for journeys between March 1 and May 29, 2025 .

With Vietjet’s Business and SkyBoss services, passengers will enjoy priorities and privileges throughout their flights. SkyBoss tickets come with a 5-in-1 benefit package, including access to luxurious lounges, checked baggage allowance of up to 50kg, a diverse in-flight dining menu, spacious soft seats, and free Sky Care travel insurance. Meanwhile, Business class is the top choice for flights between India/Australia and Vietnam, offering private cabins and spacious seats on modern Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft for maximum comfort.

Vietjet’s growing flight network connects key hubs like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to numerous destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, making travel to Vietnam more convenient and affordable. Indian travellers can fly to the three Vietnamese cities with Vietjet’s non-stop services from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi. With the airline’s expansive domestic network within Vietnam, visitors can easily explore the country’s diverse attractions.

Kolkata, January 20, 2025: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom services providers and Bajaj Finance, the country’s largest private-sector Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced a strategic partnership to create one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial services and transform last mile delivery.

The one-of-a-kind partnership brings together Airtel’s highly engaged customer base of 370 million, 12 lakh+ strong distribution network, and Bajaj Finance’s diversified suite of 27 product lines, and distribution heft of 5,000+ branches and 70,000 field agents.

Airtel will initially offer Bajaj Finance’s retail financial products on its Airtel Thanks App for seamless and secure customer experience, and later through its nation-wide network of stores. The combined strength of the companies’ digital assets will enable Airtel and Bajaj Finance to significantly deepen penetration of financial products and services.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel, said, “Airtel and Bajaj Finance, two trusted names in this country, have the shared vision of empowering millions of Indians with a diverse portfolio of financial needs. The combined reach, scale and distribution strength of the two companies will serve as the cornerstone of this partnership and help us succeed in the marketplace. We are building Airtel Finance as a strategic asset for the group and will continue to invest in and grow the business. Today. we are trusted by over 1 million customers and our vision is to make Airtel Finance a one-stop shop for all the financial needs of our customers.”

Rajeev Jain, Managing Director, Bajaj Finance, said, “India’s digital ecosystem has been at the heart of data-driven credit underwriting and financial inclusion. Our partnership with Airtel not only leverages India’s digital infrastructure for inclusive growth but also brings together the expertise and reach of two of India’s leading and most-trusted brands. Together with Airtel, we seek to be the financier of choice to India and enable millions to access financial services, even in remote areas. We are excited to join hands with Airtel at a time when Bajaj Finance is harnessing the power of AI to enhance efficiencies and elevate customer experiences.”

So far, two products of Bajaj Finance have been piloted on the Airtel Thanks App. By March, four products of Bajaj Finance will be available to customers on the Airtel Thanks App. These include Gold Loan, Business Loan, a co-branded Insta EMI Card and Personal Loan. Airtel will progressively offer close to 10 financial products of Bajaj Finance within this calendar year.

Airtel customers have the opportunity to apply for the Airtel-Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card via the Airtel Thanks App and later through its nation-wide network of stores. Airtel-Bajaj Finserv EMI card provides access to a range of offers available to Bajaj Finance customers. Users will benefit from flexible EMI options and payment plans for purchasing various goods, including electronics, furniture and groceries at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across more than 4,000 cities. Additionally, the co-branded card is applicable for e-commerce transactions on multiple platforms.

The Airtel Thanks App now also enables customers to secure a gold loan, enabling new-to-credit customers to access finance and integrate with the formal financial system.

As part of the partnership, both the companies are committed to strong regulatory compliance, data privacy and security, and seamless customer service.

New Delhi Jan 20, 2025: In a bid to address the growing technological demands of modern defence systems, IP Bazzaar, in collaboration with Reinforce Intellectual Property Association (RIPA), is organizing a Tech Talk on “Emerging Technologies Shaping Modern Defence.” The event will take place on January 24, 2025, at the National Productivity Council, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

The roundtable discussion will bring together experts from the defence sector, academia, and the industry to focus on enhancing collaboration for the development of cutting-edge defence technologies. The event will explore the current state of India’s defence technology landscape in comparison to global advancements and will seek to identify critical gaps that need to be addressed to foster self-reliance.

A key theme of the discussion will be the importance of aligning academic research with the strategic needs of the defence sector to create indigenous solutions that meet India’s specific requirements. The organizers have emphasized the need for targeted research and development initiatives to address the challenges of modern defence systems and improve country’s technological readiness.

“India’s defence sector is at a pivotal point where technological advancement is critical to meet evolving security challenges. Strategic collaboration between industry and academia is essential for cultivating innovation, facilitating international cooperation, and developing state-of-the-art Indigenous technologies,” said Mr Lalit Ambastha, Co-Founder of IP Bazzaar.

The Tech Talk will include perspectives from key stakeholders, highlighting the gaps in defence technology development and strategies to bridge them. Discussions will focus on research and development priorities, innovation frameworks, and long-term pathways for collaboration between academic institutions and the defence industry. The event will also touch upon ways to foster a culture of innovation within the defence sector, ensuring that India remains competitive in the global defence landscape.

The roundtable is expected to feature notable speakers and delegates from leading institutions, think tanks, and organizations, including the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). These discussions aim to identify actionable steps for enhancing India’s defence capabilities through focused innovation and partnerships.

January 20, 2025: InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, and IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, in collaboration with Sahapedia, organised an enriching Heritage Walk under the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign. The specially curated walk was held in Kozhikode, Kerala, and explored the rich history and cultural legacy of the Zamorin era.

The ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign promotes awareness of India’s heritage and culture, fostering conversations and partnerships to preserve both tangible and intangible heritage. It acts as a catalyst for the local citizens of these cities and towns to learn more about the rich history and culture that engulfs their surroundings. Similar walks have been held previously in Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, and Hyderabad.

The walk, themed “Zamorin’s Trail: Exploring Kozhikode’s Glorious Heritage,” offered participants a unique opportunity to delve into the city’s vibrant past. It commenced in the morning from the Tali Shiva Temple and concluded at the 1980’s restaurant, passing through significant heritage landmarks, including Palayam, SM Street (Mittai Theruvu), Kuttichira’s historic mosques, Gujarati Street, the Big Bazaar Market, and more. The journey truly highlighted the city’s rich legacy of cosmopolitanism, religious harmony, governance, literature, and scholarship. Led by Sruthin Lal, a culture and heritage practitioner, the walk was attended by members of the local community, government officials, media, and senior leadership of IndiGo and InterGlobe Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to showcase the naturally beautiful and culturally rich city of Kozhikode through the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign. Building on our previous Heritage Walks, this initiative reinforces our ongoing efforts and commitment to preserve and promote India’s built and natural heritage. Kozhikode’s enduring cultural significance, shaped by centuries of history and diverse influences, offers a fascinating glimpse into India’s rich heritage, and we are delighted to share this experience with the community.”

Speaking at the occasion, Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “Kozhikode, a prominent tourist destination, is distinguished by its rich cultural heritage. This sixth Heritage Walk underscores IndiGo’s commitment to celebrating and preserving the historical legacy of the Zamorin era. IndiGo’s extensive network connects Kozhikode to 6 domestic and 4 international destinations, enhancing global accessibility to this culturally significant region. As India’s leading airline, we remain dedicated to promoting tourism and showcasing Kozhikode’s unique history, further solidifying our commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and community engagement by connecting people, places, and culture.”

InterGlobe Foundation, in partnership with Sahapedia, launched the ‘My City My Heritage’ project in 2019, dedicated to reviving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Indian cities. This initiative transcends traditional preservation efforts by actively engaging with local communities to explore, document, and share the diverse heritage assets that shape urban identities. After initially covering ten cities across India, the program has expanded to explore the rich heritage of Srinagar, Kozhikode, Lucknow, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), aiming to create an immersive experience for a diverse audience.

Both the InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach have undertaken various projects to promote heritage conservation and preservation in India. Some of the major initiatives of InterGlobe Foundation include the conservation and cultural revival of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, the cultural mapping and documentation of ten cities, restoration of ‘Indra Kund’ stepwell in Delwara, tile restoration of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum, and Heritage Fellowships. IndiGoReach has done projects for the conservation of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad and the restoration of the interiors of the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore.

MUMBAI, 20 January 2025: Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC), a premiere institute and a pioneer in high-end 3D animation, Gaming & VFX training, organised a special webinar for its students, giving them an exclusive and in-depth behind the scenes (BTS) access into the making of popular Netflix hits from India, Chamkila, CTRL and much more. Over 5000 students from MAAC’s centres across India and interested aspirants of MAAC attended the webinar online. The event, which is part of MAAC’s ongoing initiative called Behind the Screens, aims to provide real-world industry exposure to its students, setting a new benchmark by leveraging strong industry ties to prepare students for successful careers in the growing AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comic) industry.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian, MAAC said, “At MAAC we believe that initiatives & platforms such as Behind the Screens play a far crucial role skilling our students to prepare them for a successful and effective career in the media & entertainment industry. These sessions offer a pivotal industry exposure for our students. Interactive sessions with an industry expert always help bridge the gap between academic training and the dynamic demands of the industry – especially in a fast-paced sector like OTT. It is our constant endeavour to empower our students by connecting them with top industry professionals, giving them insights into the latest technologies and trends shaping the world of filmmaking,”

The webinar was presented by Mr. Sumit Mandre of philmCGI at the MAAC centre in Mumbai and live streamed at all its centres pan India. Mr. Sumit holds over 10 years of experience as an animator, character design, and storyboarding, among others. He shared an exclusive window into the world of VFX for MAAC students and aspirants, talking through the creative and technical challenges of bringing some of the most ambitious and competitive stories to life. The live demonstration showcased the films’ complex VFX breakdowns, providing a rare look into the making of one of the most visually stunning films in recent Indian cinema.

With the AVGC industry poised for significant growth, MAAC’s continued efforts to provide such platforms to students ensures they are well-prepared for future opportunities in the global media landscape. The webinar not only showcased MAAC’s commitment to skill-building but is also aligned with the government’s vision of fostering a self-reliant India (Viksit Bharat). The real-world exposure and professional insights shared during the event strengthened the trust in MAAC’s commitment to inspiring future industry leaders.

Bangalore, 20, January 2025 – Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading technology company providing business management software, announces its collaboration with the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST) at IIT Kanpur through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership will focus on driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship through mentorship, technological support, and professional networking for emerging start-ups incubated at IIT Kanpur.

Under this partnership, both Tally Solutions and FIRST will work together to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem for emerging start-ups. The incubation centre of FIRST, the Start-up Innovation & Incubation Centre (SIIC) will lead in nurturing early-stage start-ups, providing resources to help them scale and succeed. Tally Solutions will organize and facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions on critical topics to equip these start-ups with the insights and skills necessary to thrive. Tally will also offer customized technology training and ongoing support, including a free license of TallyPrime, ensuring enterprises can maximize the potential of Tally’s products and services, driving operational efficiency and sustainable success in the long term.

Mr. Tejas Goenka, Managing Director of Tally Solutions, said, “India’s start-up ecosystem is growing rapidly, driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. At Tally, we are dedicated to supporting this growth by providing technology that is simple, reliable, and supports scalability. We are excited to partner with IIT Kanpur’s Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST) and aim to equip these emerging entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to grow.”

Mr. Goenka also served as a panel speaker at IIT Kanpur’s Abhivyakti’24, where he expressed his thoughts towards the “Roadmap to Making India a Tech-Powerhouse in Emerging Technologies.”

The IIT Kanpur team also expressed their excitement about this partnership. Prof. Deepu Philip, Professor-in-Charge of SIIC, IIT Kanpur, said, “This collaboration with Tally Solutions is a significant step towards creating a vibrant start-up ecosystem at IIT Kanpur. Through this MoU, we aim to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey—grooming their ideas, providing mentorship, and connecting them with industry experts and investors. We are confident that this partnership will foster a new wave of innovative ventures that will contribute to India’s growing economy.”

This MoU will be reviewed in two years to evaluate its progress and adapt to the changing needs of the start-ups. Both Tally Solutions and FIRST are committed to building a supportive, resourceful, and dynamic environment for India’s most promising entrepreneurs, further cementing their dedication to innovation and the growth of India’s startup ecosystem. Tally Solutions is optimistic that through this joint effort, many startups and aspiring entrepreneurs will benefit from access to mentorship, resources, and technology, positioning them for success in the competitive business landscape.

World Trade Center Mumbai hosted H.E. Mr. Sardar Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India to discuss emerging areas of economic cooperation between both the countries and strategies to deepen bilateral partnership across various sectors. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Rustambaev mentioned, “Uzbekistan is a strategic partner of India and we have friendly diplomatic and political relations. Last year, the number of weekly flights between India and Uzbekistan has grown three-fold to 18 and by March 2025 it will grow to 24. The objective of my visit is to strengthen bilateral economic relations especially with Maharashtra in next generation sectors such as quantum technologies, semiconductors, electronics and also in manufacturing. Uzbekistan is emerging as an attractive investment destination and one of the largest industrial hubs in the CIS region. Our government is willing to offer land, support infrastructure, tax benefits and cheap power to Indian companies bringing technology, skilled labour and capital to our country. Uzbekistan can be a gateway for Indian companies to the 300 million consumer market of the CIS region, with which it has a trade agreement.”

The Ambassador informed that Uzbekistan has preferential market access to Europe under GSP regime and it has signed preferential trade agreement with the USA. Uzbekistan has 24 Industrial Economic Zones, especially in pharmaceuticals and other manufacturing sectors, including IT parks. “We invite Indian companies, startups and IT companies to invest in these economic zones and also in other parts of the country. Indian companies can bring capital equipment and technology. Our government will provide land, cheap power, tax and duty-free benefits to Indian and foreign investors. Already, Indian companies have invested in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, logistics, education and other sectors in Uzbekistan.”

The Ambassador pointed out that in the last 10 years, industrial landscape of Uzbekistan has transformed significantly. He said, “Uzbekistan needs Indian technology and skills for further development of the industrial ecosystem. The country is the leading manufacturer of home appliances, including air conditioners. Uzbekistan has emerged as a leading automobile and auto-component manufacturing hub in the CIS region. More than 20 automobile brands from South Korea, China and other countries have set up production facilities for tyres, plastics, accumulators and other auto-components. Uzbekistan also has an electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem as we produce and supply power trains to Brazil and other countries.

The Ambassador invited Indian gems and jewelry to invest in Uzbekistan. He mentioned, “Uzbekistan is one of the world’s leading producers of gold. We have traditional gems & jewelry craftsmen whose designs are popular in the CIS region. Indian gems & jewelry companies can bring their casting and AutoCAD technologies to Uzbekistan and collaborate with the craftsmen of Uzbekistan to manufacture and export gems & jewelry.”

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries mentioned, “The time has come to strengthen multi-dimensional partnership with Uzbekistan in manufacturing, green energy, tourism, creative industries and food security. Our bilateral trade is hardly USD 470 million, which has potential to double in the next two years. WTC Mumbai and AIAI will promote exchange of trade delegations by selecting focus sectors to grow bilateral trade and investment.”

During the event, leaders from India’s gems and lab-grown diamond industry expressed willingness to partner with Uzbekistan in terms of mining reserves, technology exchange, scaling up their operations and establishing manufacturing facilities in Uzbekistan. “I invite Letter of Intent from Indian gems and jewelry companies for partnership so that I can take this forward with the relevant Ministry in Uzbekistan,” the Ambassador assured.

The Ambassador also highlighted scope for collaboration in tourism and education sectors. He said, “Uzbekistan is becoming a popular tourist destination as the number of Indian tourists has more than doubled to 80,000 last year and this year, it may exceed 1 lakh. More than 10,000 Indian students are studying in Uzbekistan and 20,000 Indian workers are employed in our country.”

Dr. Kalantri suggested Indian companies to benefit from the tax and infrastructure benefits provided by the Uzbek government. He also invited Uzbek companies to participate in Government of India’s Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. The event was also attended by Mr. Khurshidbek Samiev, Trade – Economic Counsellor, Embassy of Uzbekistan in India and members of Indian trade and industry.

During his visit to Mumbai, H.E. Mr. Rustambaev had successful meetings with captains of Indian industry from logistics, pharmaceuticals, textile, gems & jewelry, telecom and other sectors. Specifically, the Ambassador met Mr. Prakash Hinduja and Mr. Ashok Hinduja from the Hinduja Group, Mr. K.P. Nanavati, President, Reliance Industries, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), and also senior officials of Gold Star Diamonds, Sonani Group and Reliance Jio. The Ambassador also had fruitful meetings with Bollywood Film Producer and Director Mr. Boney Kapoor, Ms. Hema Malini, Mr. Mithun Chakravorty and other celebrities to promote collaboration in film production and distribution.

The Ambassador also called on Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra H.E. Mr. C.P. Radhakrishnan to discuss areas for strengthening trade and investment relations between Uzbekistan and Maharashtra.

Bengaluru, India, 20th January 2025: Timbertales Luxury Resort, nestled amidst the lush forests of Coorg, is delighted to announce its grand opening this January. This much-anticipated retreat with 71 villas, spread across 100 acres, is designed to pamper, soothe, and offer an oasis of serenity for those who seek an escape.

Timbertales is more than a resort. It is an experience where every leaf tells a tale. Designed by a noted architect Mr. Abdul Manan, the resort’s global architecture seamlessly blends eco-luxury with traditional local craftsmanship. All villas on the property are made with Murukallu (Laterite stone) also known as “Mangalore ittige”, with the structure blending harmoniously with the lush greenery, exuding an air of understated luxury.

The true essence of Timbertales comes alive with the extensive use of Balinese bamboo that reflects our limitlessness. The design features open spaces and abundant natural light, making you feel part of the forest and seamlessly blending architecture with nature, creating a tranquil and immersive retreat.

Mr. Prasad G P, Joint Managing Director and the visionary behind Timbertales, said, “Timbertales is not just a place to stay, it’s an experience that embodies the charm of Coorg while redefining luxury tourism in India. Our goal is to create a retreat where guests can reconnect with nature, immerse themselves in local culture, and indulge in personalized luxury”.

Wellness in Nature

Embrace wellness and tranquility at Viyoma, where nature and tradition unite to rejuvenate your mind and body. The 27,000 sq. ft. centre, which is over three levels, has 25 therapy rooms offering Swedish, Balinese, Ayurvedic, and Aromatherapy treatments. Viyoma also offers the only Turkish Hammam in the region.

Guests can also relax in the panoramic sauna, which creates a calm environment with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, Viyoma includes specialized skin and hair care treatments designed to enhance natural beauty and rejuvenation. Understanding that wellness is a necessity in today’s fast-paced world, Viyoma expands its services to include wellness for kids that are carefully chosen to help them develop healthy habits from an early age.

Offering guided yoga and meditation sessions, the Vinyasa Yoga Deck is an atmosphere that offers calm and vitality. Set against the backdrop of a vast 7-acre lake, transports you into the embrace of nature and fosters an unmatched sense of tranquillity.

The Villas

Each of the 71 villas at Timbertales is designed with luxury and comfort in mind, offering a sitting area and a private bedroom.

Windchimes Duplex Villa – This cozy yet luxurious duplex villa offers a unique experience where you descend to a beautifully designed room and wake up to an amazing nature view. Ideal for couples with distinct personas.

Riverstone Family Villa – Designed for families seeking togetherness and personal space, the villa has interconnected staircases that balance privacy and connection. The large balconies, invite you to spend time outdoors, offering a seamless connection with nature.

Mistwood Pool Villa – This villa is designed as a serene retreat, where the mist whispers ancient woodland stories to those who listen, offering a breathtaking view from its infinity pool, perfect for a young family.

Forestlight Luxury Villa – This villa is a world in itself, covering 3200 sqft of luxurious space. It offers a truly unique experience, featuring an open living area, an in-house therapy space, an open-air shower, a jacuzzi, and an infinity pool overlooking the lake.

Timbertales offers an all-inclusive experience priced between INR 40,000 and INR 1,00,000, where everything from meals to curated experiences is thoughtfully managed, embodying the essence of “Stress-Free Getaways.”

The Dining Experience

Food is at the heart of any holiday memory. In line with this philosophy, the resort’s restaurant “Bamboo Buzz” offers over 250 curated dishes, lakefront views, and a unique ‘pan-to-plate’ experience. The ‘pan-to-plate’ concept emphasizes a fresh, immersive dining experience where guests can witness and ensure that each dish is as authentic and flavorful as it can be. “The Cellar Lounge Bar” awaits, where Winchester-style seating and a well-stocked bar offer a perfect backdrop making it a must-visit destination.

“Twisted Basil” a plant-based culinary haven, features a dedicated vegetarian kitchen, private waterbodied seating, and tropical surroundings with fountains and stunning panoramic views. Offering 8 exclusive gazebos, the restaurant features 4 set menus – Asian, Continental, a Chef’s Choice Menu, and a special menu that you get to curate with the Chef. Each menu offers a luxurious 7-course meal, crafted to soothe any palate.

The Experience

At Timbertales, there is never a moment to get bored. Nature walks, aided by expert naturalists; therapies, curated yoga sessions around the lake, kayaking, infinity pool ‘Ripples’ overlooking the lake and equipped with a bar, and more.

For children, an exclusive play area ‘Funky Turtle’ offers distractions and takes them away from the screen. ‘The Modur Kaapi’: A Coffee Experience Centre offers guests a glimpse of the process of coffee making, as well as delightful choices in local brews. Guests can explore the entire process, from bean selection to brewing techniques, as part of the resort’s unique Bean to Brew concept.

Timbertales is situated 7 km away from the main city of Madikeri and can be accessed by road or nearby aerodromes. The villa also has a helipad for direct approach.