Air India Express Expands with New Flights from Hindon Airport

03-March-2025, Bengaluru: Strengthening Bengaluru’s connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR), K. Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, inaugurated Air India Express’ services from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad. The airline will operate 40 weekly flights from Hindon, directly connecting five key destinations—Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Jammu, and Kolkata. The inaugural event at Hindon Airport was attended by Atul Garg, Member of Parliament, Ghaziabad; Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India; and Air Commodore Sanjay Chopra VSM, Commanding Officer, Air Force Station Hindon. The maiden flight on the Kolkata–Hindon route landed at 09:30 hrs, while the first departure from Hindon to Goa took off at 10:40 hrs. As part of the celebrations, the Union Minister presented the first guest of the inaugural flight with a commemorative boarding pass.

With operations from both Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Hindon Airport (HDO), Air India Express becomes the first airline to serve the National Capital Region from two airports. This strategic expansion will serve the vast catchment area of North and East Delhi NCR, as well as Western UP. In particular, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Noida, besides the key localities such as Akshardham, Anand Vihar, Chandni Chowk, Indirapuram, ITO, Karol Bagh, Vaishali, and beyond, will be conveniently connected to the new air services. For those arriving from Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, and Kolkata, it provides quicker access to the National Capital Region.

 

Departure Arrival Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency
Hindon Goa 10:40 13:15 Daily
Goa Hindon 14:00 16:35 Daily except Saturday
Hindon Kolkata 17:15 19:40 Daily except Saturday
Kolkata Hindon 07:10 09:30 Daily
Hindon Bengaluru 16:00 18:35 Daily except Saturday
Bengaluru Hindon 12:40 15:15 Daily except Saturday
Schedule Effective from March 10, 2025 (all timings are local)
Bengaluru Hindon 4:45 7:40 Daily
Hindon Bengaluru 8:40 11:40 Daily
Schedule Effective from March 22, 2025 (all timings are local)
Hindon Chennai 15:10 18:05 Daily except Saturday
Hindon Chennai 09:45 12:40 Saturday
Chennai Hindon 05:55 08:55 Daily
Hindon Jammu 09:45 11:20 Daily except Saturday
Jammu Hindon 13:00 14:30 Daily except Saturday

Commenting on Air India Express’ commencing operations from Hindon Airport, K. Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Air India Express for continuously expanding its network and enhancing the travel experience. With the addition of Hindon to its growing network, Air India Express is not only strengthening connectivity but also offering greater flexibility across the National Capital Region. The launch of services from Hindon will complement existing operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, reflecting the government’s vision of expanding aviation infrastructure to meet the growing demand for air travel.”

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “The launch of our operations from Hindon marks another milestone in our network expansion journey. Hindon serves a vast catchment area covering Eastern and Northern geography of the Delhi NCR, besides Ghaziabad and western parts of UP. As the Indian air market grows and matures, metropolitan regions can be served by multiple airports as we see in cities like London, New York and Tokyo. The services from Hindon will complement our extensive operations from Indira Gandhi International Airport, from where we serve 18 domestic and four international destinations. As our fleet crosses the 100 aircraft mark, we continue our journey of expansion and remain dedicated to offering a seamless and affordable flying experience across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.”

From Delhi: Air India Express operates 306 weekly flights from Delhi connecting 18 domestic destinations including Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Goa, Guwahati, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Lucknow, Mangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Surat, and Varanasi. The airline connects four international destinations Bahrain, Dammam, Muscat, Sharjah with 23 weekly flights. Additionally, Air India Express connects 14 one-stop destinations from Delhi – Agartala, Calicut, Chennai, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Hyderabad, Imphal, Kannur, Kolkata, Patna, Port Blair, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam

From Bengaluru: Air India Express operates 440 weekly flights from Bengaluru connecting directly to 29 domestic destinations including Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hindon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kannur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and internationally to Abu Dhabi and Dammam. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to seven domestic destinations: Agartala, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Imphal, Jammu, Srinagar, and Tiruchchirappalli and 14 international destinations: Al Ain, Bahrain, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Phuket, Ras al Khaimah, Riyadh, Salalah, Sharjah, and Singapore.

From Chennai: Air India Express operates 110 weekly flights from Chennai connecting directly to 14 domestic destinations including Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Guwahati, Hindon, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Pune, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Surat, and Tiruchchirappalli and four international destinations: Dammam, Kuwait, Muscat, and Singapore. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 21 domestic destinations: Agartala, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Dimapir, Gwalior, Imphal, Indore, Jammu, Kannur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Patna, Ranchi, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and nine international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Phuket, Riyadh, and Sharjah.

From Goa: Air India Express operates over 100 weekly flights from Goa connecting directly to seven domestic destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hindon, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai and internationally to Dubai. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 24 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and nine international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Phuket, Sharjah, and Singapore.

From Jammu: Air India Express operates more than 25 weekly flights from Jammu connecting directly to three domestic destinations including Delhi, Hindon, and Srinagar. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 13 domestic destinations: Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, and Varanasi and three international destinations including Bahrain, Dammam, and Muscat.

From Kolkata: Air India Express operates over 180 weekly flights from Kolkata connecting directly to 15 domestic destinations including Agartala, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hindon, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Patna, and Sri Vijaya Puram. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 18 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Dimapur, Goa, Gwalior, Jammu, Kannur, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Srinagar, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchchirappalli, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and 10 international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Phuket, Riyadh, Sharjah, and Singapore.

India TV Speed News Hosts Education Conclave Key Highlights

New Delhi, March 3rd, 2025: A premier news and broadcasting channel, India TV Speed News recently held the much-anticipated Education Conclave 2025 in New Delhi. The event brought forth key stakeholders from the education sector to nurture discussions on equipping Indian students with future-forward skills.

The Chief Guest of the day, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister of India, discussed strategic initiatives to enhance the nation’s educational output. In the same spirit, he underlined the role of NEP 2020 in influencing the future of students, thereby ensuring quality education and overall skill development. He further reiterated that the policy prioritises education in mother tongues to enhance comprehension and cognitive development. Addressing a question about the progress in the Indian education system, he expressed optimism in its ability to provide holistic development to an enormous 26 crore student population. In addition, he discussed the role of emerging technologies in education which are bound to equip students with the necessary skills to compete globally.

The first session of the day, ‘Dakhile ki Daudh, Dakhile ki Hoadh’ kicked off discussions on the growing pressure of nursery admissions, where parents compete for top schools. The panellists opined that while securing quality education is important, instilling good values in students is equally crucial. The next session was titled, ‘How are Indian Educational Institutions Enhancing Infrastructure and Curriculum to Meet International Standards?’ As part of it, eminent educationists discussed the need for government initiatives to fall in tandem with quality education and training to meet the needs of a global workforce. Then, ‘Berozgaari ko karo Kill, Badhao Yuvaaon ka Skill’, emphasised the need for skills in education. The keynote speaker, Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NET shared his views on the relevance of fields like ML, Data Science, Data Security, Cybersecurity and AI, which will create new jobs and raise employability. He also stressed upon the need for acquiring skills through digital platforms to stay abreast.

Furthermore, Ms. Ritu Dhawan, Managing Director, India TV shared her thoughts on the conclave, “India TV Speed News Education Conclave 2025 sparked important conversations about the future of education. By bringing together eminent educationists, policymakers and officials, we hoped to shed light on the improvements in the quality of education in the country. In this context, we aim to empower students with the pertinent skills and knowledge to succeed in an evolving world. This conclave is a step forward in ensuring that education remains relevant to the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.”

Following this, the panel, ‘Why do Engineering and Medical Graduates Opt for Civil Services, Banking, or Startups?’ had insights from Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, Ministry of Science and Technology. He debated the shift of graduates from core fields, underlining the importance of understanding one’s interests early in their education. He advised parents against pushing children into conventional careers and hoped that NEP 2020 would help bridge this gap. The session on ‘The Role of Social Media in Education – Opportunities & Threat’ then discoursed the rising number of smartphones, social media platforms which have emerged as powerful tools of attaining education. Weighing its pros and cons, the panel converged on the need for regularisation to ensure that the right knowledge reaches students.

During the conclave, a special session was devoted to ‘National Education Policy’. It comprised prominent speakers, JS Rajput, Former Director, NCERT and Professor Poonam Verma, Principal, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies. They discussed the relevance of new-age skills and the need for modern learners to adapt to them. In the next panel, ‘Abroad Education Craze’, Professor H.P Gupta, Chairman, IME Group of Colleges and Er. Onkar Bagaria, CEO & Trustee, VGU, Jaipur examined the reasons behind the pursuit of an education abroad. They delved whether foreign degrees truly guarantee better job placements.

In ‘Admission is not Guaranteed’, eminent professors from the University of Delhi discussed the struggle of high cut-offs and the CUET entrance examination system, which has rendered board percentiles irrelevant. They focused on skilling, upskilling and re-skilling to stay relevant in today’s job market scenario. Additionally, the session ‘Indian Education System & the Coaching Industry: Necessity, Business, or Burden?’ underlined on the role of coaching institutes in competitive exams, the challenges faced, and the growing need for regulation. It also included debates on the financial, emotional, and social burdens that coaching institutes place on students and their families. In line with this, ‘Paper Leak: System Kaise Thik?’, addressed the critical challenges of building a robust examination system to cater to a vast student population at both national and state levels. Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE and Prof RK Singh, Dean Student Welfare, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University emphasised the need for corrective measures to be implemented in response to paper leak incidents.

Towards the end, ‘Is Our Education System Becoming Excessively Competitive and Stressful for Children and Youth?’, underscored the mental pressure students experience, debating instances of student suicide in coaching hubs like Kota. Dr. Sameer Malhotra, Director and Head, Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Max Healthcare, Dr. Surabhika Maheshwari, Associate Professor, Psychologist and Pooja Chadda, Senior Councellor, Amity International School expressed their views on the subject. They concluded that striking a balance between academic pressure and mental well-being is the need of the hour.

As a prominent media organisation, India TV is creating awareness and empowering today’s youth by exploring innovative educational solutions. It remains committed to ensuring that education is relevant, accessible, and futuristic for the upcoming generation of learners.

India TV Speed News:

Driven by the core values of Continuity, Composition, and Credibility, India TV Speed News is India’s first 24X7 fast news channel, brought to you by the India TV Group. Offering a comprehensive range of updates in Hindi, it covers everything from political developments and general news to sports, entertainment, business, and global events. Starting on connected TV, it has broken new ground as the first linear channel to adopt a digital-first strategy.

Ashoka One Mall Marks National Science Day with Science Fair

Hyderabad: 1st March, 2025: Ashoka One Mall, in association with Crimson Group of Schools (St. Andrews High School Suchitra & St. Michael’s School Alwal), hosted a dynamic Science Fair, showcasing the creativity and innovation of young minds. The event featured an impressive lineup of projects, including a Moisture Sensor Drift Irrigation System, LPG Leakage Detector, Smart Power Controller at Railway Stations, Smart Medicine Box Using RFID, a Mini Robot, and 3D Printing Machine, among many others.

Students enthusiastically presented their projects to mall visitors, impressing customers with their ingenuity and technical expertise. The interactive format allowed shoppers and young visitors to engage with the exhibits, sparking curiosity and discussions around science and technology. Parents and teachers appreciated the initiative, acknowledging the importance of platforms that encourage hands-on learning beyond the classroom.

The event not only highlighted student innovation but also reinforced Ashoka One Mall’s role as a hub for community engagement. By bringing education into a public space, the mall provided a unique learning experience while fostering a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N Jaideep Reddy, Managing Director, Ashoka Developers and Builders Limited, said, “At Ashoka One Mall, we are committed to fostering education and innovation. This Science Fair was a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their talents while inspiring our visitors. We are proud to support such initiatives that encourage learning and creativity.”

Action TESA launches Studio on wheels 3.0 at MATECIA 2025

24th Feb 2025, Bangalore: Action TESA, the largest manufacturer of engineered wood panel products in the country and leader in the category, proudly announces the launch of its innovative revolutionary mobile experiential center “Studio in wheels 3.0” at MATECIA 2025, the premier exhibition for architecture and interior products.

Studio on wheels 3.0 is the upgraded version of Action TESA’s revolutionary mobile experiential center designed to bring the latest trends and sustainable innovations in interior and building solutions directly to customers’ doorsteps. The experiential center will also showcase Action TESA’s cutting-edge products, including HDHMR, BOILO, MDF, Particle Boards, and Flooring solutions, all under one roof. Visitors to MATECIA 2025 will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the “Studio on Wheels 3.0” and experience the superior quality and versatility of Action TESA’s products firsthand. Interior designers, architects, students etc. shall also benefit from the knowledge sharing and insights as they interact with the studio during its national journey.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Aggarwal, Managing Director, Action TESA said, “Since its inception, Action TESA has been driven by a simple yet powerful goal – delivering best-in-class products that combine innovation, quality, and reliability. As a testament to our KOI NAHI AISA philosophy, we are extremely delighted to introduce the new version of the mobile experiential center “Studio on wheels 3.0” aimed at providing first-hand opportunity for all stakeholders to experience the cutting-edge products and design innovations in the INR8000crore engineered wood industry”.

He further added that, “As a market leader and responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to creating sustainable solutions that allow us to give back to the environment what we consume. To achieve this goal, we plan to invest in research and development of innovative solutions while collaborating closely with farmers and other channel partners as well. These initiatives represent our modest contributions to the national agenda of promoting sustainable living and growth across all segments.”.

MATECIA 2025 will bring the business ecosystem in the building material and interior products industry under one roof. The annual event encourages dialogue, discovery, research and analysis and promotion of best market practices through various programmes organized as part of the exhibition. Action TESA’s showcase at MATECIA will grow the company’s exposure to and visibility among global peers, and also deepen its network in cities where the housing and real estate market is experiencing rapid growth.

Herbalife India Partners with Rising Cricket Star Yashasvi Jaiswal

Bangalore, 17 February 2025: Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, community, and platform, proudly announces its partnership with rising cricket star Yashasvi Jaiswal. This collaboration amplifies Herbalife India’s commitment to enhancing athletic performance through premium sports nutrition in India.

Over the years, Herbalife has been a steadfast supporter of top athletes, providing them with the nutritional tools necessary to achieve remarkable success. The partnership with Jaiswal highlights Herbalife’s belief in the power of sports to promote health and community engagement.

Jaiswal’s inspiring journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the Indian national cricket team is a testament to his resilience and dedication. Starting his cricketing career at just ten years old, he has faced numerous challenges, making him a role model for aspiring athletes. This partnership reflects a shared vision of using sports to encourage well-being and inspire positive change.

Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said, “We are excited to partner with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who truly represents hard work and excellence. His journey shows the determination we value at Herbalife. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in India, this journey reflects our growth and success in empowering athletes through proper nutrition. We believe that our science-backed products and expert support are essential for athletes to perform at their best. Together with Yashasvi, we aim to inspire young athletes across India to pursue their dreams and prioritize their health.”

Yashasvi Jaiswal said, ” I am excited to be part of Herbalife’s nutrition and wellness journey. Access to proper nutrition is key for helping athletes maintain peak performance and endurance, and I am thrilled to partner with Herbalife. They not only provide nutritional support but also promote overall well-being.

Herbalife sponsors over 150 athletes, teams, and leagues across the globe, supporting them with quality sports nutrition products at all stages of their training and competing. In India, Herbalife continues to support cricket and non-cricket athletes like Smriti Mandhana, Lakshya Sen, Manika Batra, Mary Kom and Palak Kohli. Herbalife has supported major teams and sporting events, including the Official Nutrition Partnership with Team India for the Summer Olympics in 2016, 2021, and 2024, the Commonwealth Games in 2022, and Special Olympics Bharat in 2023. Additionally, Herbalife was the Official Nutrition Partner for 7 Pro Kabaddi Teams in Season 8 and has been the Official Presenting Sponsor of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa since 2022, among other partnerships.

Uptown Mall Hosts a Musical Valentine’s Celebration with Lekka

February 15, Noida— This Valentine’s Day, Uptown by Advant invites couples, friends, and music lovers to an evening filled with love, music, and celebration. Renowned singer Lekka will take the stage for a soul-stirring live performance, making the night truly unforgettable.

One of India’s most dynamic trilingual artists, Lekka seamlessly blends English, Hindi, and Punjabi in her music. She has released hit songs such as Le Jaana (Jjust Music and Warner Music India), Kaabil-e-Tareef (Sony Music India), and Kingpin (T Series). Her journey has been remarkable, with performances at major festivals like Zomaland, Horn Ok Please, and Sundowner. Her dynamic setlist for the evening is expected to feature songs like Stayin Alive, Ghungroo, and Bang Bang. As the tempo builds, guests can dance to high-energy tracks such as Tauba Tauba, Bijlee Bijlee, and Kala Chashma.

“We want Uptown to be the ultimate destination for special celebrations. With Lekka’s electrifying stage presence and soulful music, this Valentine’s Day will be a magical experience for our visitors,” said Mr Sunil Sharma, Managing Director, Uptown.

Beyond the music, Uptown will set the perfect romantic ambiance with:

    •  Exclusive Valentine’s Day promotions
    • Themed dining experiences at partner restaurants
  •  Stunning decor to enhance the romantic mood

Whether you’re celebrating with your partner, friends, or family, Uptown is the perfect place to soak in the spirit of love and togetherness.

Orchid Pharma Sustains Growth, Strengthens Market Position

New Delhi, 14 February 2025: Orchid Pharma Ltd., a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company spanning the entire pharmaceutical value chain from discovery to delivery has announced its Q3 financial results for FY 2024-25, reporting a 26% year-on-year increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) in YoY-9 month.

This steady trajectory reflects the company’s strategic execution and ongoing expansion efforts, particularly in the Anti-Microbial Stewardship (AMS) division, which is poised to drive sustained momentum.

The Orchid AMS division is a key pillar of Orchid Pharma’s long-term strategy and has contributed significantly to the company’s performance. As the division continues to gain traction, it is laying a strong foundation for future scalability in the critical fight against anti-microbial resistance.

Commenting on the results, Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director, Orchid Pharma said, “We believe that our commitment to innovation and operational excellence will yield positive results. The AMS division is progressing as expected, and we are confident in its potential to drive future growth. Our focus remains on developing specialized solutions, such as our novel drug Enmetazobactam, and enhancing market reach with ORBLICEF, launched in partnership with Cipla. With a robust product pipeline and strategic R&D investments, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth in the coming quarters.”

Orchid Pharma remains dedicated to addressing global healthcare challenges through innovation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable expansion and enhanced global presence. With a pipeline of promising developments and continued operational enhancements, the company is poised for strong performance in the next phase of its growth journey.

IBNII Coorg Unveils Aarogyaa A Sanctuary for Ayurvedic Healing

Coorg, India, 11 February 2025: The IBNII Coorg, an Eco Luxury Nature resort, where sustainable living meets luxury, as the Luxury of tomorrow, has announced the opening of Aarogyaa by The IBNII, an exclusive Ayurvedic healing sanctuary within its premises. Offering guests a transformative wellness experience, rooted in ancient Ayurvedic principles and eco-sustainability, Aarogyaa by The IBNII is designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul through a multi-faceted approach to holistic well-being.

Aarogyaa by The IBNII is spread over 15 acres within The IBNII, which sits over a 125-acre lush premise. This dedicated Ayurveda sanctuary is located amidst three water bodies, with a dedicated Kitchen and restaurant for preparing diet-based food according to each patient’s satvik requirements, a large Yoga deck overlooking one of the Natural ponds, inhouse Ayurvedic Doctor with 6 male & female therapists and dedicated 8 new Ayurveda cottages.

Dr. Sherry Sebastian, Managing Director, The IBNII Coorg, said “Opening an Ayurvedic Sanctuary was always part of our plan. Our approach integrates the wisdom of Ayurveda with the serenity of nature, ensuring a unique and rejuvenating experience for every guest to balance their doshas. This area also boasts of herbal trees, for the guest to heal through the herb-infused fresh air. At Aarogyaa, we invite our guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, relaxation, and inner balance,”

An Ayurvedic Wellness Retreat, Aarogyaa by The IBNII Coorg integrates Ayurveda, Yoga, Pranayama, and therapeutic activities, providing guests with a well-rounded, immersive experience. By combining traditional healing techniques with modern relaxation therapies, the luxury retreat fosters a deep sense of inner balance and rejuvenation.

  • Ayurvedic Rituals: Drawing from India’s rich heritage, Ayurvedic therapies at Aarogyaa include specialized massages, herbal treatments, and personalized wellness programs aimed at restoring harmony between the body and mind.
  • Yoga and Pranayama: Guests can engage in guided yoga sessions to improve mobility and strength, while breath-control techniques (pranayama) enhance focus, reduce stress, and declutter the mind.
  • Therapeutic Activities: The retreat offers various therapeutic engagements, including painting, pottery, baking, and gardening—activities that stimulate the senses and promote mental well-being.
  • Eco-Sustainability Commitment: Consistent with The IBNII Coorg’s commitment to eco-conscious hospitality, Aarogyaa integrates sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.

Muddappa Kuppanda, General Manager, The IBNII Coorg said “At The Ibnii, wellness is not just about personal health—it’s about creating a holistic, balanced connection with the environment. Aarogyaa, our signature wellness program is designed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit and integrates all traditional wellness practices like Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda with modern healing therapies”.

Aarogyaa also offers multiple seven-day packages including Abhasa and pre-wedding packages for a transformative experience.These packages include accommodation, all meals, and various Ayurvedic therapies such as Foot Ritual and Consultation, Shiro Abhyangam, Abhyangam & Swedhanam, Potli Massages, and Shirodhara. The Aarogyaa packages are designed exclusively for individuals or couples, with a recommendation to abstain from alcohol during the program to maximize its benefits.

At a driving distance of 5.5 hours from Bangalore Airport and 2.5 hours from Mysuru railway station, The IBNII Coorg is nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Madikeri.

Spread over 125 acres of the pristinely wooded resort, with lakes and mist and early morning dew, bird songs and cicadas and a deep hue of lush green, The 47 cottages of The IBNII are a perfect honeymoon destination as much as a luxury family resort. It has 22 private pool villas of which 11 are temperature controlled pool villas , 10 wooden cottages, 8 Ayurvedic Cottages, 2 Presidential Suites with indoor temperature controlled pool , 2 Honeymoon suites with indoor temperature controlled pools , and 1 premium honeymoon suite. The IBNII has refined luxury and comfort to match the highest expectations of the global traveler and yet maintain their delicate balance with Nature. The IBNII boasts over 2.5 acres of density per cottage with ample space separating every villa offering adequate privacy.

PVR INOX announces results for the Quarter & 9 months ended 31st Dec 24

Gurugram, February 7, 2025: PVR INOX Limited today announced its unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter and the 9 month period ended December 31, 2024.

Blockbuster movies propelled Q3 to the highest box office earnings of the year. This success led to record-breaking average ticket prices and spending per head, reaching Rs 281 and Rs 140 respectively. Advertising revenue also soared to Rs 1,486 mn, the highest since the pandemic. Admissions during the quarter were 37.3 mn. For the 9 month period, the company recorded 106.4 mn admissions with an average ticket price of Rs 259, spend per head of Rs 137 and ad income of Rs 3,513 mn.

Notably, Pushpa 2 made history as the biggest blockbuster ever in Indian cinema, contributing 36% of Q3’s India box office collections and 12% of CY 2024’s India Box office collections.

Q3 began with strong performances from Tamil and Telugu films. Spillover from Junior NTR’s Devara Part-1 and Rajnikanth’s Vettaiyan led October’s box office, together generating almost 25% of the month’s total box office collections. Their success highlights the growing popularity of South Indian cinema across various regions. However, underwhelming performance of Hindi and English releases like Jigra and Joker 2 impacted the overall October box office.

In November, Hindi cinema rebounded with two Diwali hits, Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, each earning approximately Rs 300 crores. Regional films continued their strong performance, with Amaran surpassing Rs 250 crores and becoming the 2nd highest-grossing Tamil film of the year. The Telugu film Lucky Baskhar, a mid-budget production, also performed well, grossing around Rs 90 crores.

December emerged as the biggest month of the year, driven by the record-breaking release of Pushpa 2. The film grossed over Rs 1,450 crores in India, with its Hindi dubbed version achieving over Rs 900 crores, a new record for the highest-grossing Hindi film ever. Hollywood also found success with Mufasa: The Lion King, which resonated with urban family audiences and collected over Rs 100 crore at the Indian box office. Despite these successes, Q3’s overall momentum was impacted by the rescheduling of key films like Sitare Zameen Par and Chhaava amongst others.

Following a lackluster 2024, Hollywood anticipates a strong rebound in 2025 with a packed slate including sequels to popular franchises. Marvel fans can look forward to three releases: Captain America in February, Thunderbolts in May, and Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. Other major releases include Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning, Final Destination: Bloodlines and Karate Kid: Legends in May, Formula One starring Brad Pitt, Ballerina, and How to Train Your Dragon in June. Additional notable titles include Superman, Jurassic World: Rebirth, Conjuring: The Last Rites, Mortal Kombat 2, Now You See Me 3, Predator: Badlands, and Avatar 3: Fire and Ash among others.

Bollywood’s 2025 lineup looks promising with major releases – Chaava (Vicky Kaushal) releasing next week, followed by Shankara (Akshay Kumar and Madhavan), Diplomat (John Abraham), and Sikandar (Salman Khan) in March. Other notable titles for the year include Jaat (Sunny Deol), Raid 2 (Ajay Devgn), Housefull 5 (Akshay Kumar), War 2 (Hrithik Roshan), Jolly LLB 3 (Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi), Son of Sardar 2 (Ajay Devgn), Sitare Zameen Par (Aamir Khan), Thama (Ayushman Khurana) among others.

Regional cinema also promises a diverse selection. Thandel (starring Naga Chaitanya) releases tomorrow, while Empuraan (Mohanlal) and Hari Hari Veera Mallu (Pawan Kalyan) are expected in March. Other notable titles for the year include Good Bad Ugly (Ajith Kumar), Idli Kadai (Dhanush), Hit the 3rd Case (Nani), Retro (Suriya), Mass Jathara (Ravi Teja), VD 12 (Vijay Deverekonda), Thug Life (Kamal Hassan), Kantara 2 (Rishab Shetty), Raja Saab (Prabhas), Coolie (Rajinikanth), Thalapathy 69 (Vijay Thalapathy) among others.

Till date in the current fiscal, the company has added 77 new screens and exited 67 underperforming screens. For the whole year, the company expects to open about 100–110 new screens. Screen portfolio currently stands at 1,728 screens across 350 cinemas in 111 cities in India and Sri Lanka.

For future openings, the company has signed 100 new screens under the new ‘Capital Light’ growth model. These screens are expected to come up over the next 2-3 years. Of these, 31 screens are under the ‘Management Contract’ model, and 69 are under the ‘Asset Light model’.

Post-merger, the company has consistently managed to reduce its net debt. As of December 2024, net debt stands at Rs 9,958 mn as compared to Rs 14,304 mn in March 2023, a reduction of Rs 4,346 mn.

Commenting on the results and performance, Mr. Ajay Kumar Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Ltd., said, “As we look ahead, our focus remains on pivoting to the capital light model, enhancing free cash generation, reducing net debt, controlling costs and delivering a diverse slate of films that excite and inspire moviegoers. With a robust content pipeline, a slew of strategic growth initiatives, and continued financial discipline, we are confident in sustaining our leadership and driving long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Budget Boosts Consumer Spending and FMCG with Tax Relief

By: Vikram Agarwal, Managing Director, Cornitos

“The budget strategically focuses on strengthening the consumer spending and purchasing power. The proposed increase in income tax exemption slab will boost investments and consumption, which will have a positive impact on the FMCG and retail sectors. In addition, considering the growing awareness of healthier food options and the increase in the demand for nutritious food, the government’s initiative towards improving the accessibility and affordability of these essential food items in itself is a remarkable move. These significant steps along with the investments in rural infrastructure and health sectors will accelerate the overall growth of the economy.”