Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024, a premier aviation event showcasing sustainable and innovative aviation solutions kicked off in Abu Dhabi Dubai (November 19-21). The Middle East and APAC regions stand to benefit significantly from the event, with airlines gaining opportunities to form alliances with foreign carriers to strengthen their aviation ecosystems. Industry leaders shared insights and explored cutting-edge aviation technologies and solutions, emphasizing how strong markets in APAC like India contribute to strengthening the global aviation economy.

(Second from the Right in White Suit) Jaideep Mirchandani Group Chairman Sky One at the Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024

Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One was present at the Expo and discussed how cutting-edge aircraft models, advanced avionics and revolutionary propulsion systems can help reshape the future of air travel. Mr. Mirchandani, a key panellist in the discussion ‘Navigating the Future of Air Cargo: Digitization, E-Commerce and Sustainable Aviation,’ held on the second day of the Expo, also highlighted India’s potential role in critical areas such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

(Second from the Right in White Suit) Jaideep Mirchandani Chairman of Sky One at the Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024

Speaking about tech challenges in the air cargo industry Jaideep said, “Air cargo needs a technology disruption to meet the rising demands of the future, especially the last mile delivery. Blockchain technology in air cargo will be the next wave of tech disruption soon. This will also give an additional edge to air cargo already leading in the logistics industry. India is the powerhouse of technology and air cargo businesses should focus on India and its young minds who are tech savvy and constantly creating technologies that would better the business process. I firmly believe that India is the country where this tech disruption will come from.“

Noting the significant growth of India’s air cargo market, driven by a thriving e-commerce sector, Mr. Mirchandani also pointed out the role of collaborations and mergers. He said “I see e-commerce, courier and cargo as separate entities and will always remain that way in the air logistics business. Buzzwords in air cargo are third party logistics (3PL) and last mile delivery, so collaborations and mergers are needed for air cargo businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Without mergers, last mile deliveries would be the toughest for air cargo.“

Recently, Deloitte Indias Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) report also stated that, with India’s abundant feedstock for SAF and significant exposure to Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) exports, the country is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for SAF.

“The world needs sustainable aviation and Sky One is heavily invested in it. We have planted 150,000 trees in Uganda for our carbon credits. The air cargo industry needs to offset carbon credits that they are committed to. Air cargo businesses have to invest in green firms to secure the future of our planet,” he concludes.

Bollywood actor, fitness and travel enthusiast Sara Ali Khan will for the first time curate and host an exclusive wellness and yoga retreat for a group of up to four guests at a serene Airbnb in Goa, India. Set amidst the lush landscape of the sunshine state, this retreat is set to offer the ultimate escape, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxing and nurturing one’s holistic wellbeing.

Sara Ali Khan hosts an exclusive wellness and yoga retreat on Airbnb

Known for balancing her dedication to fitness with her fast-paced cinematic career, Sara is now bringing her passion for wellness and yoga to Airbnb for this retreat in Goa. Guests will enjoy practising yoga with Sara in a stunning nature-inspired sanctuary, and get the opportunity to gain insights into Sara’s personal wellness rituals and secrets.

“I’m really excited to welcome guests to this special wellness and yoga retreat in Goa, only on Airbnb. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, we’ll focus on nourishing the mind, body and soul while creating meaningful memories together. It’s an opportunity to unwind, reconnect and embrace life’s simple pleasures in an unforgettable setting,” shared Sara.

Airbnb signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Goa Tourism Department in 2022, focussed on promoting Goa’s serene hinterlands and its unique homestay ecosystem. Through this collaboration, Airbnb aims to support the government’s vision to promote ‘Goa beyond beaches‘ for domestic and international travellers seeking tranquillity, culture and connection.

“We are ecstatic to welcome Sara as Airbnb’s latest host. With the rise of Indian travellers seeking unique and immersive experiences when they explore destinations, combined with Bollywood as a cultural zeitgeist, this retreat promises to be unlike any other. It also offers a glimpse into wellness tourism as an exciting emerging travel trend,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“Goas evolution as a wellness destination highlights the states incredible diversity. In partnership with Airbnb, we are committed to promoting Goa as a harbour for high-quality tourism and experiences that travellers can discover, cherish and rejoice in,” said Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa.

Embark on a Wellness Getaway with Sara Ali Khan

About the retreat

Curated and led by Sara, the two-night, three day retreat will see guests experiencing Sara’s all-time favourite wellness activities, including:

• A meet and greet with Sara followed by a bespoke yoga session guided by Sara

• A personalised welcome note sharing Sara’s tips for embracing wellness during a hectic schedule

• Savouring some of Sara’s favourite healthy dishes such as sprouts salad, grilled fish or chicken, hummus with sauteed veggies, palak paneer with roti and tandoori tikkas.

• Basking in the serenity of Goa through a guided nature trail

• Unwind with rejuvenating massages that promote relaxation and well-being

• Taking home a special personalised memorabilia from Sara to cherish this unforgettable experience

About the home

Escape to a lush, jungle-style oasis in Goa for a mindful experience curated by Bollywood star Sara. This tranquil home seamlessly blends the indoors and outdoors, and features a biophilic design surrounded by dense foliage, tall bamboo trees, and fragrant blossoms. Whether one is looking to embrace self-care or simply unwind, the retreat offers a peaceful, minimalist space designed with soothing earthy tones. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, or dinner in the gazebo under the stars. This unparalleled experience will revitalise your mind, body, and soul amidst the serene surroundings of Goa.

How to book:

• Requests to book open at 10 am IST on November 27 at airbnb.com/saraalikhan.

• The two-night, three day retreat will be priced at Rs. 0. The guest will be selected on a first come, first served basis, and can bring up to three companions along.

• Guests will be responsible for their own travel to and from Goa, India.

Disclaimer:

“All information, content, recommendations and services provided in this yoga and wellness retreat are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The host of this retreat is not a registered medical, Ayurveda or aromatherapy practitioner. The yoga and wellness themed experiences have been curated based on personal experience & preferences, and are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, yoga or wellness routine or health practices.”

Beverage Week Delhi 2024 not only dazzled attendees with vibrant beverages but also showcased a strong commitment to sustainability. The standout innovation of the event was the introduction of 100% plastic-free husk glasses by One Bamboo Pvt. Ltd., marking their debut in India. These compostable glasses offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic and paper options, setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices at large-scale events.

Sustainable smiles with 100% plastic free glasses by One Bamboo

Rishabh Singh, co-founder of One Bamboo, shared insights into the early development of the product and the challenges of market adoption. “I was initially worried about how well the product would be received,” he admitted. However, he credited Zomato for boosting his confidence by supporting the use of these sustainable glasses at their events and concerts, significantly reducing plastic waste. Singh also revealed that One Bamboo is developing food delivery containers made from the same compostable material, aligning with Zomato’s vision of achieving carbon- and plastic-neutral deliveries across India.

Singh also expressed gratitude to Team Innovation for demonstrating similar confidence in his product. While many companies overlook environmental concerns, Team Innovation assured him of their commitment to making events more eco-friendly.

With robust industry backing, One Bamboo’s husk glasses are paving the way for a greener future and providing a promising solution to the growing challenge of plastic waste at large-scale events in India.

The 10th edition of the Khajuraho Film Festival will welcome celebrated Turkish filmmaker Mustafa Ozgun, whose works have captivated audiences worldwide with their poignant exploration of humanity and resilience. This year, Ozgun will present two of his most acclaimed films, COVID-19: Ground Zero and The Pink Thief in a rare opportunity for audiences to engage directly with the filmmaker and his work.

Turkish filmmaker Mustafa Ozgun

With a cinematic repertoire that deeply resonates with global audiences, Mustafa Ozgun has emerged as a powerful voice in international cinema. His attendance at the Khajuraho Film Festival further underscores the event’s reputation as a platform for diverse and impactful storytelling. Each of Ozgun’s featured films explores significant contemporary issues, blending personal stories with universal themes:

• COVID-19: Ground Zero – A powerful documentary chronicling the human impact of the pandemic, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of frontline workers and individuals facing unprecedented challenges.

• The Pink Thief – Jia Qing Chun dreams of a Parisian wedding. She now needs to plan it with the man she loves, but several things get in her way.

“I’m honored to attend the 10th Khajuraho Film Festival,” shared Mustafa Ozgun. “These films are deeply personal projects, each one exploring different aspects of human resilience and connection. I am eager to share these stories with the audience here in India and engage in meaningful discussions about our shared experiences.”

The Khajuraho Film Festival’s 10th anniversary will celebrate international cinema with screenings, interactive sessions, and panel discussions. Mustafa Ozgun will participate in panels and Q&A sessions, providing unique insights into his creative process and the inspirations behind his acclaimed works.

The festival continues to foster cultural exchange and cinematic dialogue, with Ozgun’s attendance and films as highlights of this landmark edition.

About Khajuraho International Film Festival
The Khajuraho International Film Festival (KIFF), organized by Prayaas Production in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, is India’s first film festival hosted at a UNESCO World Heritage site. Set in the historic town of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh’s top tourist destination, KIFF has become a landmark cultural event, attracting film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the globe. Since its inception, KIFF has successfully celebrated nine editions, showcasing a rich blend of fan-favorite films, cinematic classics, and innovative new releases that provide audiences with an inspiring cinematic experience. This year’s milestone 10th edition anticipates a daily attendance of 8,000-10,000 people, culminating in an estimated 75,000 festival goers over the seven-day event. Aspiring filmmakers, actors, and enthusiasts will also have the chance to participate in masterclasses and workshops, fostering learning and creativity against the unique backdrop of this historic temple town.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced that it has been awarded the prestigious Editorial Award for Best Airline Cabin Crew at the Business Traveler U.S. Awards 2024, held in Miami, USA. This is the first time this award is being given, making the recognition even more significant. It highlights the exceptional hospitality and service delivered by our dedicated cabin crew, placing Saudia ahead of the industry in terms of cabin service excellence.

Saudia Receives Best Airline Cabin Crew at Business Traveler U.S. Awards 2024

Mr. Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said, “This award is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our cabin crew in delivering world-class service. Saudias cabin crew exemplify the essence of Saudi hospitality and culture, embodying the warmth, generosity, and respect that are ingrained to the Kingdom. And this award does not only highlight our commitment to excellence but also aligns with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, as we continue to bring the world to the Kingdom.”

The Business Traveler U.S. Awards recognize industry excellence, determined by a combination of editorial insights, industry benchmarks, and reader input. It is widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in airlines, hotels, travel destinations, and related innovations.

Saudia is dedicated to continuous innovation and service enhancement, aiming to double its fleet of 144 aircraft to connect the Kingdom with over 100 global destinations. The national flag carrier offers exceptional air services, blending warm Saudi hospitality with diverse, multilingual in-flight entertainment to suit all guest preferences.

About Saudia

Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle Easts largest airlines.

Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet, with 144 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.

A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.

Saudia was recently awarded the “World Class Airline 2025” for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium.

For more information on Saudia, please visit www.saudia.com.

Commemorating its 15th anniversary, The Hans Foundation (THF) has unveiled the Swasthya Cities initiative, a transformative programme aimed at addressing urban challenges in healthcare, education, and livelihoods. This milestone initiative underscores THF’s journey of empowering vulnerable populations, as it strives to improve the lives of over 13 crore urban residents across 20 cities by 2030.

The Hans Foundation Launches Swasthya Cities Initiative

The Swasthya Cities initiative celebrates 15 years of The Hans Foundation’s dedication to reducing inequalities and fostering sustainable development. The programme adopts a multi-dimensional approach, integrating healthcare, education, disability inclusion, and livelihood generation to build inclusive, self-reliant, and sustainable urban ecosystems.

Over the past 15 years, The Hans Foundation has impacted 40 million lives across 20,000 villages and 20 cities, addressing critical challenges in health, education, disability inclusion, and livelihoods. From funding life-saving surgeries for children to empowering individuals with disabilities, THF has been at the forefront of creating equity and opportunity for India’s most vulnerable. The Swasthya Cities initiative is a natural progression of this journey, tackling the unique challenges of urbanization.

Under the initiative, each Swasthya City will house 50 Hans Wellness Centres, seamlessly blending mental and physical health support for underprivileged students. The program will also feature 10 inclusive schools fostering a disability-friendly environment along with multiple child development centres for early disability detection, and about 40 Mobile Therapy Buses delivering doorstep services for persons with disabilities to urban slums.

Moreover, the program also aims two build two schools in each city that will offer non-formal education focusing on mainstreaming of children in formal schools and also strengthen quality of education in formal schools that have resource constraints to hire expert teaches for academic excellence and sports activities. Furthermore, partnering with hospitals, THF’s Paediatric Programs would be offered to children who are born deaf, children with congenital heart diseases, children requiring other paediatric services including bone marrow transplant and epilepsy treatment.

“Swasthya Cities reflects our vision to enhance urban life comprehensively,” said Ms. Shweta Rawat, Chairperson, The Hans Foundation. “We are committed to addressing the multifaceted challenges of urbanisation through innovative, community-driven approaches that promote dignity and opportunity for all. This initiative reaffirms our dedication to improving the quality of life in cities across India by not only expanding access to essential healthcare and education but also fostering resilience and empowerment within communities. Through these targeted efforts, we aim to build sustainable urban ecosystems where every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”

These Swasthya cities will spread across 12 States / UTs, include Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Ghaziabad, Delhi, Faridabad, Greater Noida / Noida, Gurugram, Howrah, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Surat, Puducherry, Pune, Raipur, Mumbai, Thane. These cities have a cumulative population of around 13 Crore of which, the Swasthya City program would impact around 2 Crore population by 2030.

Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen Gurmit Singh PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), also lauded the initiative, adding: “The Hans Foundation has been a beacon of hope for millions over the last 15 years of its operations. I am confident that Swasthya Cities will continue to build on the Foundation’s vision of reducing inequalities and fostering sustainable development. It is an honour to witness this transformational journey.”

This landmark initiative celebrates 15 years of The Hans Foundation’s mission to serve India’s most vulnerable populations. Building on its track record of transformative impact, the Swasthya Cities initiative sets a new benchmark for sustainable, inclusive urban development in India.

Galgotias University hosted an international conference on “Reshaping Teaching and Learning Paradigms,” bringing together thought leaders, educators, and innovators to explore the future of education. The event marked a significant milestone as the university also inaugurated its newly constructed active learning building, designed to foster collaborative and interactive learning experiences.

Mr. Suneel Galgotia Chancellor Galgotias University Felicitates Dr. Ashwin Fernandis Director-QS Asia and Middle East

The chief guest from QS Quacquarelli Symonds Dr. Ashwin Fernandes Director Asia and Middle East- QS praised Galgotias University as one of the leading and youngest institutions focusing on innovation in teaching and learning, aligning its educational practices with the evolving demands of the global educational landscape. The new active learning building is dedicated to enhancing collaborative learning and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to integrate technology and human interaction seamlessly within classroom environments.

The conference featured a keynote address by Mr. Ritin Malhotra of Times Higher Education Rankings, who explored transformative approaches to teaching and learning in the 21st century. He highlighted the significance of active learning ecosystems, interdisciplinary education, and the integration of technology in pedagogy to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.

Distinguished delegates from inspire @ Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, also shared their valuable insights on the global future of education. Prof. Gan Chee Lip, from Nanyang technological university, delivered a keynote on the universitys remarkable transformation, offering a blueprint for others to emulate.

Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor of Galgotias University, emphasized the universitys ongoing efforts to align its educational framework with global standards and best practices. He reiterated the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing world through innovative and forward-thinking approaches to teaching.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, noted that the conference represents a significant step in the university’s mission to redefine the academic experience. “We are bridging the gap between traditional learning models and the demands of the modern world,” he said.

The conference reaffirmed Galgotias University’s position as a hub for global academic dialogue, driving meaningful change in education and setting a new benchmark for institutional excellence.

Octanom Tech Pvt Ltd, in a significant recognition of its innovative technological solutions and market impact, Octanom Tech has been named among Forbes Indias prestigious “Select 200 Companies with large global business potential” at DGEMS 2024. This exclusive list celebrates organizations poised to make substantial global impact through their groundbreaking solutions and scalable business models.

The Founder and CEO of Octanom Tech, Rahul Ghose (Left) and CTO of Octanom Tech, Shiv Kumar Puppala (right)

This prestigious recognition solidifies Octanom Techs position as a key player in the global financial technology sector. The announcement was made on the Forbes India website and across its social media platforms, highlighting Octanom Techs trailblazing efforts in empowering traders and reducing investment losses worldwide.

About Octanom Tech

Founded by visionary financial expert Rahul Ghose, Octanom Tech is on a mission to revolutionize investment risk management. “This recognition from Forbes India validates our vision of building technology solutions that transcend geographical boundaries,” says Rahul Ghose, the Founder & CEO of Octanom Tech. “Our focus has always been on developing scalable, innovative solutions that address global challenges while maintaining the agility of a technology-first company,” said Rahul Ghose.“The company aims to reduce global investment losses by $100 billion, one hedge at a time.”

Octanom Techs flagship platform is Hedged.in, stands as Indias first “Hedged Style” trading and investment solution, focusing uniquely on mitigating losses rather than merely maximizing profits. “Hedged” has been designed to empower both retail traders and HNI’s with innovative structured products to minimize risks through market downturns and market volatility, positioning it as a standout in the crowded financial services market.

The Hedged platform today not only creates low risk structured products, but also marks one of India’s finest order execution engines that the company has proprietarily built from scratch. “We wanted to protect our users in the execution stage as well and not only with our innovative finance products,” said Rahul Ghose of Octanom.

As the only platform that prioritizes loss reduction over profit generation, Octanom Techs pioneering approach marks a 180-degree shift from conventional financial strategies.

Future Outlook

As part of the Select 200 cohort, Octanom Tech joins a distinguished group of companies that represent Indias next wave of global business leaders. The recognition is expected to accelerate the companys international growth plans and foster new partnerships across global markets. The formal announcement was made at the prestigious DGEMS 2024 summit held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in Octanom Techs journey toward global leadership in technology innovation.

Honble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, felicitated Galgotias University at Raj Bhavan, Lucknow, for its exceptional performance in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025. Ranked 187 in Southern Asia and 621-640 across Asia, Galgotias University has once again raised the bar for academic excellence and global recognition in such a short time.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia felicitated by Governor of Uttar Pradesh

The Honble Governor felicitated Galgotias universities from the state of Uttar Pradesh, for its remarkable performance in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025, celebrating Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to higher education on the global stage. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with elite institutions such as IIT Kanpur, IIT Varanasi, MNIT Allahabad, IIIT Allahabad, and Banaras Hindu University, Galgotias University reaffirmed its position as a leader in Placements, innovation-driven and quality-focused education.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, graciously accepted the award on behalf of the institution, attributing this landmark achievement to a steadfast commitment to innovation and quality education. With a visionary outlook that resonates deeply, Dr. Galgotia remarked, “Galgotias university feels truly honoured by this recognition and soon we will be among the top 100 universities of the world” encapsulating the universitys ethos. Under his stewardship, Galgotias University has blossomed into a crucible of innovation, sustainability, and research, equipping its students to outshine the competition and lead with confidence on the world stage. As he aptly noted, “Galgotias University is not just raising the bar for education in India but breaking new ground globally. Through strategic partnerships and a forward-thinking approach, we’re fostering an ecosystem that champions both academic brilliance and cultural refinement.”

Galgotias Universitys Pro-Vice Chancellor, spotlighted the university’s ever-expanding global footprint, emphasized how the university is evolving from a national leader to a prominent name on the international stage. . He acknowledged the unwavering efforts of faculty, students, and stakeholders, whose dedication has been the bedrock of this extraordinary ascent. Their collective belief in the institution’s vision has continually spurred achievements that redefine educational benchmarks and set new precedents.

Not resting on its laurels, Galgotias University has also earned distinction in the THE World University Rankings 2025, clinching the 45th position among Indian universities-both government and private-and marking its global debut in the 1001-1200 band. The institution further solidified its standing with a prestigious QS Rating of 5 stars, excelling across Teaching, Academic Development, Innovation, Employability, and Facilities. Adding another feather to its cap, Galgotias University ranked within the 401-500 band worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025.

The felicitation by Honble Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel serves as testament for the excellence Galgotias university is achieveing in placements,academics and research and now Galgotias has even greater aspirations to be one of the top 100 Universities of the world. Galgotias University, with its eyes set firmly on the horizon, remains committed to rewriting the rules of higher education by bringing Active learning in India through its consultancy support and mentorship by inspire at Nanyang technological university, Singapore.