GLOBAL SURVEY REVEALS THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AMONG TOP 10 MOST POPULAR PLACES TO VISIT IN 2025.

 The Edinburgh head quartered flight and accommodation booking platform has collected the data based on the biggest increase in searches over the past 12 months for the happening hangouts. Thiruvananthapuram showed a 66% increase in flight searches between January1, 2024 and June 30,2024, for travel throughout this year compared to the same period in 2023. The southern Italian sea side city of Reggio Calabria topped the list of the most popular places to travel in 2025,while Tartu in eastern Estonia took second place,Cambodia's second largest city Siem Reap came third.

According to survey, Thiruvanantapuram remains a popular destination for " Reset Jetters" who want to focus on their health and well being in what many believe to be the most beautiful,relaxing & serene part of the country.Tourism Minister of Kerala, Mr.P.A.Mohammed Riyas said," in the modern era,tourists give priority to health & wellness packages apart from leisure activities.Kerala is an apt destination for them as our heritage,culture balmy weather and picturesque landscape provide an unique experience for visitors".

CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES EXPANDS CAPACITY WITH NEW OFFICE IN BENGALURU.

Curriculum Associates,an edtech company head quartered in North Billerica,Massachusetts,(MA) announced the opening of its first Global Capability Center in India,with the new office in Bengaluru.The grand opening & ribbon cutting ceremony was led by Mr.Rob Waldron,CEO, Curriculum Associates along with Mr.Rajeev Kapoor,VP, Curriculum Associates,India.The expansion underscores Curriculum Associates' commitment to building a robust global workforce.The Company to hire talent from India to support multiple functions and drive growth globally.

About Curriculum Associates: Founded in 1969,Curriculum Associates,LLC,designs research based On line instructional materials,screens & assessments and data management tools. The Company's products & outstanding customer service provide teachers & administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students. Curriculum Associates develops both print & digital assessments,diagnostic & Instructional materials that serve more than 13 million students in the United States.Curriculum Associates,have a global presence with five offices across the United States,one in Dublin,Ireland,and now in Bengaluru. The Company has 2500 employees spanning across various cultures & Continents.

"Curriculum Associates,

 has always prioritized hiring the best talent to ensure our ability to serve teachers & students.This expansion is part of our commitment to hire top talent worldwide and help us achieve our mission of making classrooms better places' said,Mr.Rob Waldron, Curriculum Associates.

BONUS,FESTIVAL ALLOWANCE FOR EMPLOYEES OF KERALA TOURISM DECELOPMENT CORPORATION & DISTRICT TOURISM PROMOTION COUNCILS.

 The government has announced bonus and festival allowance for employees of Kerala Tourism Development corporation (KTDC) and District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPC's).The decision was taken on the eve of Onam, & the permanent employees of KTDC within the eligible bracket will get 8.33% of annual wages as bonus.Those who are not eligible for bonus will receive Rs.2750/- as festival allowance. Also,the permanent employees of KTDC will be eligible for a festival advance of Rs.20,000/- and contract employees can avail Rs.5000/- as advance. The DTPC's running on profit can pay its employees upto Rs.3000/- based on the decision of the executive committee concerned.

The Minister also directed the DTPC's to pay Rs.1000/-each as festival allowance for employees attached to the clean destination Campaign undertaken by DTPC's.

KARNATAKA SHOWCASES 27th EDITION OF BTS 2024 TO GLOBAL PARTNERS -FROM BENGALURU TO THE WORLD -A PREVIEW.

 

The Department of E,IT,BT Government of Karnataka,under its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative,hosted the GIA Meet to promote the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2024) to its GIA partner countries & International Trade Mission representatives. The Consul Generals from Austalia,Denmark, Israel,Japan,Switzerland,the USA,the UK confirm their commitment to  participation.Heads of International Trade Missions from Poland,Finland,France,Germany,Netherlands & Italy also participated.

Addressing the gathering,Mr.Priyank Kharge,Minister for IT,Bt,Rural Development & Panchayati Raj,Government of Karnataka,said," Bengaluru is not just tech capital of India but also a globally recognised center for innovation,research,& technology-driven growth. The Bengaluru Tech Summit has been a catalyst in bringing together the brightest minds from around the world to exchange ideas and foster innovation. He further gave a slogan" SKILL LOCALLY & WORK GLOBALLY".

Dr.Ekroop Caur, IAS,Secretary to Government ,Department of Electronics,IT,BT  & Science & Technology,Govt.of Karnataka made a detailed presentation about BTS 2024 & highlighted the salient features of BITS 2024.  She said that the BTS 2024 stands on FIVE Pillars Viz.Trends,Insights, Business,Awards  & Talent & the event Spectrum will be based on Business & Partnerships,Ideas and Exchange,Excellence & Celebration & sharing of experience & to explore new avenues. She said the recent edition in North Rhine Westphalia,Germany announced a welcome Package offering 10,000 euros in financial support to Karnataka based start Ups.

The Theme of the BTS 2024 is  BREAKING BOUNDARIES.

REST ROOM FOR TOURIST TAXI DRIVERS MANDATORY IN HOTELS SAYS KERALA GOVERNMENT.

 In a major labour-friendly initiative by the Tourism sector,Kerala government has made it mandatory for classified hotels & other tourist accommodation units in the state to provide rest rooms & other basic facilities for tourist taxi drivers carrying domestic & foreign tourists in their vehicles.The decision was taken in view of the vital role played by taxi drivers in the tourism industry,ensuring safe & comfortable movement of tourists across state.The difficulties faced by tourist taxi drivers  were taken upon on priority basis by Tourism Minister Shri.P.A. Mohamed Riyas during his interactions with the stakeholders including driver's unions.

"Taxi drivers are an integral part of Kerala Tourism and this decision meets their long standing demand for facilitating the basic amenities for them",the Tourism Minister said. 

KERALA TOURISM PRESENTED THE PATA GOLD AWARD 2024 FOR THE BEST DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN

 Kerala Tourism was presented the globally acclaimed Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2024 for its Online contest "Holiday Heist" in the Digital Marketing Campaign category, at a function held in Bangkok.

      Smt. Sikha Surendran,Tourism Director,receiving the PATA Gold Award 2024. 

KERALA TRAVEL MART -2024 - 26 TO 29 SEPTEMBER 2024.

Kerala Travel Mart 2024-India's largest Tourism Buyer-seller Mart. Kerala has become a prominent Tourist Destination of India.Kerala is one state where you can find beautiful beaches,Hill stations, rivers,Back waters,Culture,& Ayurvedic Tourism and many more for the tourist, may it be domestic Tourists or Foreign tourists.Kerala has got everything what a curious tourist wants as an experience.No wonder,Kerala is called " GOD'S OWN COUNTRY".

                                                                            THEKKADY

                                                                            MUNNAR

                                                                           ALAPUZHA

RAJASTHAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION (RYA),BENGALURU -50th BOOK BANK & SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

 Rajasthan Youth Association (Education & Public Service Trust), a)To build & donate a new college block at SLN College of Arts & Commerce at an outlay of Rs.3.25 crores, b) sets up Computer Tech centres, Installs water filters for government colleges & c) Provides Scholarships & books to thousands of government college students. Rajasthan Youth Association,donated 2500 sets of textbooks & note books as part of their Book Bank initiative yesterday in Bengaluru.

RYA  Bengaluru will be spending around Rs.3.25 crores to build a modern,four storey structure approximately measuring 16,000 Sq.ft at SLN College of Arts & Commerce in Kalasipalyam.This flagship project in RYA's 50th year & will be building 11 class rooms& toilet blocks.The third floor will house facilities for skill development,vocational training & coaching of students,facilities for training towards women empowerment & infrastructure " says Mr.Sanjay Lunkad,President of the Rajasthan Youth Association,Bengaluru.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations of RYA was inaugurated by Dr.C.N.Manjunath,M.P,Lok Sabha and the Guest of Honour was Mr.Padamji Khincha,Eminent Chartered Accountant & Academician.RYA also felicitated Mr.Mohanlalji Ranka,President,Sri Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital & Dr.Narpatji Solanki,Opthalmologist  & Philanthropist for their contribution to Society.

JOYALUKKAS DIAMOND JEWELLERY SHOW - THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR EXQUISITE GEMS.

 Joyalukkas Diamond Jewellery Show starts from 14th August To 1st September,2024 with exquisite designs, & will feature a captivating array of stunning never before seen diamonds,uncut diamonds & precious jewellery pieces, each meticulously crafted to elegance and  innovation. Mr.Joy Alukkas, Chairman and M.D Of Joy Alukkas says,"we are excited to present a collection that is not only unique but represents the highest standards of design & Quality'.

In addition to showcasing unparalled designs & world class craftsmanship,the Diamond Jewellery Show has exceptional offers. Customers get to enjoy FREE 1 Gm Gold Coin with a purchase of Rs.1 lakh & above worth of Diamond jewellery. For those who cherish the allure of fine jewellery and are lovers of diamonds,the Joyalukkas Diamond Jewellery Show is surely not to be missed  says the Company.

GODREJ APPLIANCES UNVEILS WIDE PORTFOLIO WITH AI TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON.

The Appliances business of Godrej & Boyce,part of Godrej Enterprises group,showcased its wide product portfolio with intelligent AI Technology that will be available in stores for consumers in Bangalore.Godrej range of appliances like washing machines,Refrigerators,& Air conditioners come with in- built  intelligence that monitors usage,senses various parameters   like ambient weather,food load,cloth load or cloth balance among others depending on the appliance & accordingly optimises the machine's performance.Given the company's commitment to energy efficiency,Godrej also has an offer INDIA'S MOST EFFICIENT REFRIGERATOR consuming less than 100 units of power per year.High efficiency 5 STAR  AIR CONDITIONERS,FRONT LOADING WASHING MACHINES and DEEP FREEZERS .The Company has also lined up a strong portfolio of  Front Load Washing Machines with a slew of exclusive offers.

Addressing the media,Mr.Kamal Nandi,Business Head & Executive Vice President-Godrej Appliances,said," We expect to maintain the 40% growth we saw in the summer quarter,in festive season as well.We are pleased to offer an extensive product lineup with intelligent,Made in India,AI Technology that optimizes performance & adds convenience".

About Godrej Appliances:Environment protection is a core value at Godrej and their products & processes are based on both human centric design & planet centric design.Both manufacturing units of Godrej Appliances became the first in India to win the Coveted Platinum Plus Green Co.certification for their pioneering eco friendly practices.The Company provides the best-in-class consumer -rated after sales service through more than 680 service centers and 4500+ Smart Buddy service experts pan India.

FICCI'S CASCADE CONFERENCE ON 'COMBATING ILLICIT TRADE: INSIGHTS,CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS.

 Ms.Gunjan Krishna,Commissioner for Industrial Development & Director for Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Karnataka whileaddressing the captioned Conference Said,' Smuggling & counterfeiting not only finance terror groups but also undermine global security,posing severe threats to safety & economic growth.The proliferation of counterfiet products,including pharmaceuticals and consumer goods endangers public health & safety,with the WHO reporting that 1 in 10 medicines in low & middle income countries is substandard.In response,Karnataka is taking decisive action by supporting 43 GI tagged products and working closely with law enforcement to combat illicit trade".

Ms.Prabha Rao,Executive Director,South Asian Institute for strategic Affairs & Scholar ,Institute for Defence Studies & Analysis said," To combat  illicit practices,it is crucial to engage grass roots & communities & local leaders,raising awareness about their severe economic,health and societal impacts".

Mr.P.C.Jha,Advisor,FICCI CASCADE,&  Former Chairman,Central Board of Indirect Taxes &  Customs said," It needs to be highlighted that tackling & mitigating counterfeiting & smuggling is essential to achieving $5 Trillion Indian economy as illicit trade & illicit activities pose significant threats to our economic stability & development". Mr.Kotraswamy,M.Commissioner,Bengaluru North CGST  Commissionerate said that there should be collaboration between central agencies,state enforcement bodies,and civil society to successfully tackle this challenge & to safeguard our economy & society.

According to another FICCI CASCADE report titled "Illicit Markets": A threat to our national interests,which examined the impact of illicit trade in five key industries in India Viz: Mobile Phones,FMCG-Houehold & personal goodsFMCG-Packaged Foods,Tobacco Products and alcoholic beverages,the size of illicit market in the above mentioned industries was Rs.2,60,094 crore for the year 2019-20 with the FMCG industry -household & personal goods & packaged goods -together accounting for 3/4th of the total illicit value of goods in five key industries.

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF PHILLIP PLEIN WATCHES AT " JUST WATCHES" STORE IN PHOENIX MALL OF ASIA.

Just Watches from Timex Group,Head Quartered in  Middlebury,Connecticut with multiple operating units & employing over 3000 employees worldwide. Just Watches,a one stop luxury watch destination and the International brand Phillip Plein was launched by actor Babil Khan. This new store "Just Watches" is in Phoenix Mall Of Asia,Bengaluru.

Spanning over an expansive 569 Sq.ft,the new Just Watches store will be a destination for luxury watch enthusiasts.Along with Phillip Plein, a brand known for its bold & extravagant designs that exude maximum luxury,the store will also feature an impressive portfolio of renowned watch brands such as Versace,Guess,Gc,Plein Sport and Daniel Wellington,catering to a diverse range of tastes &Preferences.

Expressing his enthusiasm,Mr.Deepak Chhabra,MD,Timex Group said,"This launch of Phillip Plein at one of the prime retail destinations of Bangalore  is a great oppurtunity to give consumers an experience of luxury.Just Watches store in Bangalore offers an array of international brands and now houses the range of Phillip Plein watches that boast of intricate details &edgy designs creating a distinctive appeal." Mr.Babil Khan said," I am excited about the Phillip Plein collection which exudes luxury with bold & edgy designs. I am sure the store will be a fantastic destination for all watch lovers".