AIR INDIA TO FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY IN VIETNAM FROM 01 JUNE 2024

Air India, India’s leading global airline, will start non-stop service between Delhi and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in Vietnam, starting 01 June 2024.

 

Using its two-class configured Airbus A320neo aircraft, Air India will operate on the new route at convenient times five days a week – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

 

The new route will further strengthen Air India’s network of destinations in Southeast Asia, offer a new flight option to an increasing number of travellers between India and Vietnam, and open new connections for Vietnamese travellers to access Air India’s global route network. The new service will also enable convenient one-stop connections to Vietnam via Delhi for travellers from the U.S., Canada, UK, and Europe.

 

SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI AND HO CHI MINH CITY, EFFECTIVE 01 JUNE 2024

Flight # Sector Departure Arrival Days of Operation
AI388 Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City 1315 Hrs 1955 Hrs Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
AI389 Ho Chi Minh City-Delhi 2055 Hrs 0030 Hrs (+1) Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

Departure and arrival times are displayed in local times. +1 denotes next day arrival.

Currently, Air India flies non-stop between India and four points in Southeast Asia, namely Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), and Yangon (Myanmar).

Air India

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others.

A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

 

LTIMindtree Introduces Composable Storefront Solution on Salesforce to Quick-Launch Digital Commerce Experiences

LTIMindtree [NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, announced Composable Storefront Quick Launch, a cohesive solution for composable storefront, to enable retailers to translate their expectations into elevated customer experiences with e-commerce components that suit their demands. This solution is built on Salesforce Commerce Cloud.

 

LTIMindtree’s composable storefront solution allows for retailers to create customized shopping experiences to increase business growth, with its over 20 best-in-class UI enhancements and features to kickstart B2C commerce experience in addition to leveraging all out-of-box capabilities including Salesforce Einstein, personalization, campaign management, and Wishlist. The solution also helps speed up the go-to-market timeline of the storefront with built-in custom features like enhanced UX, Dynamic Marketing Pages leveraging Page Designer capability, Store Locator with Google Maps, and Order History.

 

“The fast-paced nature of the e-commerce and retail industry stipulates staying ahead of the constantly evolving technology landscape. With LTIMindtree’s Composable Storefront quick launch solution, businesses can reduce their go-to-market time allowing for strategic maneuvers to achieve business success. This will elevate customer experiences, enhance business growth, and provide the flexibility to implement selling across channels and geographies,” said Nachiket Deshpande, Whole-Time Director & Chief Operating Officer, LTIMindtree.

 

“Brands that leverage innovative technologies to enhance their customer experience can increase customer loyalty and business success. LTIMindtree’s Composable Storefront quick launch solution on Salesforce, will provide a rapid kickstart to any e-commerce venture looking to build a strong commerce business foundation,” said Michael Affronti, SVP & General Manager, Commerce Cloud – Salesforce.

 

Conventional e-commerce solutions are indivisible, standardized software blocks that are slow to update and difficult to customize, often referred to as legacy or monolithic platforms. Because of this innate lack of adaptability and agility, businesses find it difficult to innovate and even to attract and retain personnel. Furthermore, running monolithic infrastructures now comes with prohibitive costs because of extra fees for integrations, upgrades, etc.

 

Transitioning from a rigid strategy to one that allows for maximum adaptability in their technology stacks will enable businesses to prepare for future goal oriented and economic actions. Adopting a staggered migration to LTIMindtree’s Composable storefront will further reduce the OpEx for the transition, and provide customizable customer experiences, reduced bounce rate, etc. LTIMindtree’s Composable storefront also allows the businesses to offer B2C buyers a personalized experience where they can discover, purchase, products easily and when convenient. It will also assist in selling across channels and various geographies.

To know more about LTIMindtree Composable Storefront Quick Launch, click here.

 

Salesforce, Commerce Cloud, Einstein and others are among the trademarks of Salesforce, inc.

Green, Social, and Sustainability Bonds: NSE collaborates with IFC and Climate Bonds Initiative for industry wide knowledge enhancement workshops

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) is pleased to announce the completion of its inaugural deep-dive workshops specifically designed with focus on various sectors of the Indian industry. These pivotal events were held across two days at different venues: the first in Mumbai on April 3, 2024, and the second in New Delhi on April 5, 2024. These day long workshops titled ‘Deep Dive in Green, Social, and Sustainability (GSS) Bonds Issuance Process’ was a joint effort with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Climate Bond Initiative (CBI) sponsored by HSBC and The Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the IFC REGIO Technical Assistance facility.

More than a mere workshop, this initiative served as a rallying point for industry leaders, and policymakers to leverage the power of GSS bonds to forge a sustainable future for our markets and society. Designed to enhance knowledge and foster discussions around the burgeoning field of GSS bonds, this program marked a significant stride towards bridging the climate financing gap in India. It provided a comprehensive platform for stakeholders from various sectors to engage in dialogue, share insights, and explore innovative financial mechanisms aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.

The training attracted participants from finance, real sector, and various other industries, delving into the intricacies of GSS bond issuance. Expert-led sessions on finance and sustainability offered in-depth exploration of topics such as overview of the labelled bond universe, labelled bond pre- and post-issuance process, and country-specific context for issuance of GSS bond.

Emphasizing the importance of GSS bonds in advancing India’s sustainability agenda, the training highlighted the critical role of innovative financial instruments in financing and mobilizing resources for green infrastructure. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees gained a practical knowledge on how to navigate the landscape of thematic bond issuance and capitalize on emerging opportunities in sustainable finance.

 

 

 

Shri K Rajaraman, Chairperson – IFSCA in his insightful address on the significance of GSS Bonds, emphasized, “Addressing the pressing challenge of climate change is paramount, and in India, this necessitates a robust embrace of Green, Social, and Sustainability-linked financial instruments.” He further added that today’s training event represents a pivotal initiative, enhancing awareness and preparedness among individuals and organizations to effectively navigate this landscape. Additionally, he highlighted that with GIFT IFSCA at the forefront, particularly in setting up voluntary carbon credits trading at GIFT IFSCA and contributing at full pace to India’s updated NDC, we are not merely committing to a greener future but are actively leading the charge towards achieving it on both a national and global scale.”

Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary – Planning and CEO, Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPPGG), Government of Uttarakhand highlighted, “The integration of GSS principles within the financing mechanisms for ULBs and other government utilities & infrastructural programs is not just strategic but imperative for sustainable urban development.” He further elucidated, “At CPPGG, we aim to harness research, integrated planning, and strategic partnerships to bolster the Government of Uttarakhand’s efforts in policy reforms and sustainable development. This approach not only propels the state towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals but also exemplifies our commitment to sustainable, technology-driven solutions for economic growth and community welfare.” Dr. Sundaram underlined, “I am sure this workshop jointly organised by the IFC, Climate Bonds Initiative and NSE shall go a long way in embracing coordination, convergence, and community participation, along with strengthening our partnerships and networks.”

Smt. Shalini Agrawal, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Surat Municipal Corporation while discussing the transformative power of GSS instruments, stated, “In our quest against climate change, GSS instruments emerge not just as tools but as beacons guiding the urban transformation towards sustainability.” She added, “This training event serves as a critical platform, enlightening and preparing stakeholders for a journey in sustainable financing, underscoring the essence of collective action and informed decision-making.” Reflecting on her achievements and future plans, Ms. Agrawal shared, “With the introduction of Green Bond for Surat, we aim to not only champion sustainable urban development but also set a precedent for municipalities across India, demonstrating the effective use of financial markets for the betterment of society and the environment.”

Ms. Wendy Jo Werner, India Country Head, IFC said, “As a global issuer of GSS bonds, and a long-term investor in India, IFC is committed to catalyzing the sustainable finance market in the country. We look forward to engaging with issuers and the larger ecosystem to expand the reach and impact of GSS bonds and other innovative financial instruments to channel greater investment towards initiatives that yield real, positive outcomes amid escalating climate challenges. We would like to acknowledge NSE for their partnership in promoting thematic bonds and supplementing our ongoing efforts to advance the sustainable finance sector.”

 

 

Zalina Shamsudin, Head of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building, Climate Bonds Initiative, stated “Amidst the urgent call for sustainable finance, the collaboration between NSE, IFC, and Climate Bonds Initiative signals a pivotal stride towards empowering market stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the realm of Green, Social, and Sustainability bonds. These workshops serve not only as educational platforms but as catalysts for collective action, fostering partnerships essential for steering our financial ecosystem towards a greener and more resilient future.”

Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, stated, “At this pivotal moment, as we stand on the brink of a sustainability-focused financial revolution, our workshop on GSS Bonds marks a critical step towards closing India’s climate financing gap. This initiative, in collaboration with esteemed partners like the IFC, CBI, HSBC, and the Kingdom of Netherlands, is more than a training program—it’s a clarion call to leaders and visionaries to harness the transformative power of GSS bonds. He further mentioned that together, we’re paving the way for a future where sustainability is interwoven with investment, aiming to create a robust ecosystem that aligns financial mechanisms with our shared environmental and social goals, propelling India towards its net-zero ambitions.”

As NSE continues to lead the charge in facilitating sustainable investment and financing solutions, this training program stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering an informed and empowered financial community, ready to tackle the challenges of climate change and drive impactful social and environmental outcomes.

The NSE looks forward to hosting more such initiatives in the future, reinforcing our dedication to integrating sustainability into the fabric of financial markets and contributing to a greener, more resilient economy.

Intent to hire freshers in the Media & Entertainment Industry saw a decrease of 3% in January – June 2024, reveals TeamLease EdTech Career Outlook Report 2024

The recently released ‘Career Outlook Report HY1 (January-June 2024)’ by TeamLease EdTeach points out 3% a decline in its intent to hire freshers in the Media & Entertainment industry, bucking the overall upward trend across many other sectors. While the overall intent to hire freshers rose 6% year-on-year, the report reveals a dip in the hiring outlook for the media sector.

Key insights:

  • Intent to hire freshers in the Media & Entertainment industry stands at 18% for January-June 2024, down from 21% in the previous half-year (July-December 2023).
  • This figure remains unchanged from the January-June 2023 period, indicating a pause in fresher hiring momentum for the sector.
  • Roles like Video Editor, Production Assistant, Unity Developer, SEO Executive, and Graphic Designer are in high demand, requiring skills in video creation, editing, game development, and digital marketing.
  • Delhi (27%) leads the demand for Video Editors, while Mumbai (25%) tops for Unity Developers.

 

Hiring trends in media and entertainment also revealed varying preferences for job roles across cities. For instance, Delhi dominates in video editing with 27%, while Bangalore leads for production assistants with 23%. Mumbai and Delhi are top choices for Unity developers, capturing 25% and 21% respectively. Chennai stands out for SEO executives with 21%, and Mumbai remains a hotspot for graphic designers at 19%.

 

But even smaller cities like Indore at 17% have demand for video editors, Coimbatore at 16%, Kochi at 11% needs Production Assistant. The city of Nagpur with 15% reflected demand for Unity Developers. Pune with 19%, Kochi with 13% needs SEO talent. Lastly, Chennai with 15% and Kolkata at 10% has demand for Graphic Designers.

 

“The Media & Entertainment sector seems to be consolidating its fresher hiring efforts, even as other industries capitalize on the positive economic sentiment,” said Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech. “This could be attributed to factors such as evolving business models, technological disruptions, and changing consumer behaviors. However, it’s important to note the emergence of positive indicators within Indian Global Capability Centers (GCCs), suggesting the beginnings of a recovery phase. While sectors are currently adjusting their workforce dynamics, this phenomenon can be seen as temporary, with the potential for hiring activities to normalize as sectors realign their growth strategies and operational needs.”

 

 

On the hiring dip in Media and Entertainment, Jaideep Kewalramani, Head of Employability Business and COO, TeamLease Edtech shared, “Despite fluctuations in hiring, the media and entertainment industry remains vibrant, brimming with potential. While current trends may paint a temporary picture of restraint, these are the exact moments that breed innovation, creativity, and resilience, shaping the future of storytelling. With the advent of AI automation and the rise of AI-augmented human roles set to transform workflows, freshers need specialized courses that are in sync with these emerging technologies.”

 

The survey covers 526 small, medium, and large companies across 18 industries across India. The coverage is spread across 14 geographical areas [metros, tier-1, & tier-2], reflecting the hiring sentiment.

 

For more insights and the complete report, please visit /www.teamleaseedtech.com/reports/career-outlook-report-jan-jun-2024.html

 

Let’s DUO It – Experience A New Era of Productivity and Style with Zenbook DUO: Pre-Booking Offers Start 9th April

ASUS India, a Taiwanese technology giant, today introduces exciting pre-booking offers for its upcoming laptop – Zenbook DUO OLED (UX8406MA) – starting 9th April till 15th April 2024. The stylish Zenbook DUO OLED stands out as a frontrunner of dual-screen laptops on a global scale, boasting twin 14″ FHD+ 60Hz OLED touchscreens. Customers should pre-book the laptop to avail the exclusive offer worth INR 20,398 at just INR 1 which will include a Warranty Extension of 2 Years, plus 3 Years of Local Accidental Damage Protection, and an ASUS ProArt Mouse (MD300). Prebooking Offer can be availed from ASUS Exclusive Stores, ASUS eSHOP, Flipkart & Amazon.

It is designed to enhance productivity with its cutting-edge dual-screen setup while doubling your visual workspace and enabling seamless reference across screens. But that’s not all; this powerhouse comes with a detachable full-size keyboard and a built-in kickstand, so you can multitask like a pro while on the go. The all-metal design, at just 1.35 kg weight, makes this laptop lightweight as well as a durable companion for your on-the-go lifestyle. With an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, with ample RAM and storage, it offers unmatched performance. The much-awaited Zenbook DUO is set to elevate consumers’ computing experience with its stunning display, powerful performance and sleek design.

Merck India Announces Life Science Managing Director Changes

Merck, a leading science and technology company, recently announced the appointment of Dhananjay Singh as the Managing Director of Merck Life Science in India, in addition to his current position as Head of Science & Lab Solutions Commercial, India. Effective April 1, 2024, Dhananjay Singh has taken over from Sreenath NS, who is retiring after 36 years of illustrious service with Merck in India.

 

“As an expert with 26 years with Merck, Dhananjay has been instrumental in shaping the Science and Lab Solutions Commercial business in India and is exemplary in his commitment to advancing scientific progress in partnership with our customers. Dhananjay’s expertise in market dynamics and multi-stakeholder relationship management will further strengthen Merck Life Science’s position in the Indian market. Together with the India country leadership team, I look forward to his continued leadership to spearhead initiatives aimed at shaping India’s narrative towards people-centric performance and progress.” said Pratima Reddy, Country Speaker, Merck India.

 

In his role as the Managing Director, Dhananjay Singh will be responsible for driving the Life Science strategy in India, ensuring governance and compliance alongside other leaders from Merck’s businesses in India. Dhananjay Singh joined Sigma-Aldrich in 1997. Over the years he took on several leadership roles in Commercial Organisation before his appointment as Head of Science & Lab Solutions Commercial for India, a position he held since 2022.

 

“Merck Life Science is committed to meeting our customers’ demands through our strategic focus on “India for India and India for the Globe”, aligned with our country strategy, our strong partnerships with valued customers and our dedicated team. I am enthusiastic to drive our collective efforts toward achieving unparalleled success. Together, we will be able to navigate the intricate landscape of the life sciences industry in India, steadfastly supporting government initiatives like “Make in India” to foster growth and innovation,” said Dhananjay Singh, Managing Director of Merck Life Science, India.