Bengaluru, 4^th February 2025: Human Mobile Devices, HMD, announces the launch of one-of-a kind service initiatives at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, demonstrating its commitment to enriching the pilgrim experience through innovative technology and support services. The company has established a comprehensive presence in Prayagraj with multiple programs designed to assist visitors during their spiritual journey

Key Highlights of HMD Initiatives at Maha Kumbh:

• Comprehensive Mobile Care: The HMD Care Camp offers diagnosis and repairs for HMD Smartphones, Feature Phones, and Nokia Feature Phones. The brand is also providing a replacement unit to the customers if their feature phones are under the 1-year replacement guarantee. As an additional service, the company is also running a unique loaner phone program providing temporary devices during the repair period
• local travel information feature: In collaboration with Radioline, HMD provides real-time access to essential Maha Kumbh information, including important dates with significance, local travel information feature, and extensive guides for pilgrims
• Tourism Partnership: In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Uttar Pradesh government, HMD advocates the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, promoting domestic tourism through digital engagement and on-ground activities at the premises of the Maha Kumbh Mela
• Regional Integration: Working closely with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, HMD has established branded touchpoints across Prayagraj, creating a network of support centers in retail stores and key locations throughout the procession grounds.

Along with these support initiatives, the company has also planned a 360-degree campaign spread across OOH, social media and digital as an extension of HMD’s Khoob Chalega Campaign of HMD 105 and HMD 110. The campaign resonates with the brand ethos of providing longer battery life, bigger screen and inventive UPI application, enabling secure financial transactions even without a smartphone.

Commenting on the new initiative, Ravi Kunwar, CEO & VP, India & APAC, HMD, said: “The Maha Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey, and at HMD, we take pride in enhancing this profound experience through our strong regional presence and groundbreaking feature phone innovations. By collaborating with the UP Government under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, we’re not only celebrating India’s cultural heritage but also empowering pilgrims with reliable connectivity, disruptive technology like UPI application, and dedicated support services to ensure their journey is as seamless and fulfilling as possible”

The initiatives align with HMD’s mission to provide technology solutions that serve real human needs while supporting cultural and spiritual experiences.

The post Tradition Meets Tech: Human Mobile Devices Enhances Maha Kumbh through Government Collaboration appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

30 January 2025, Bengaluru: In response to the surge in travel demand for the Maha Kumbh, Air India Express is expanding its network to Varanasi with new and enhanced connections. The airline will commence daily direct flights between Delhi and Varanasi from 5th February 2025. Additionally, Bengaluru–Varanasi flights will increase from three to four per day, while Hyderabad–Varanasi, which already operates daily, will see the addition of thirty more flights in February and March, providing more travel options for pilgrims and visitors.

Travellers can now book these flights on the airline’s award-winning website, www.airindiaexpress.com, mobile app, and other booking channels.

Commenting on the launch of Delhi –Varanasi route and enhancement of operations to Varanasi, Dr. Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, said:  “Varanasi, the gateway to the Maha Kumbh and a revered cultural hub, remains a key part of our growing network. With these additions, we now operate 48 weekly flights from Varanasi, offering direct connectivity to Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, along with convenient one-stop access to 19 other destinations, including Chennai, Kochi, Goa, and Srinagar. Internationally, we connect Varanasi to Sharjah with direct flights and offer one-stop connections to Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Jeddah, and Muscat. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing more travel options while ensuring an experience enriched with the warmth of Indian hospitality for those embarking on this significant spiritual journey.”

From Delhi: Air India Express operates about 325 weekly flights from Delhi connecting directly to 18 domestic destinations including Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Surat, and Varanasi and four international destinations: Bahrain, Dammam, Muscat, and Sharjah. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 14 domestic destinations: Agartala, Chennai, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Hyderabad, Imphal, Kannur, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Patna, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and seven international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh.

From Bengaluru: Air India Express operates about 420 weekly flights from Bengaluru connecting directly to 28 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and two international destinations including Abu Dhabi and Dammam. The airline also offers one-stop itineraries connecting Bengaluru to six domestic destinations including Agartala, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Imphal, Jammu, and Srinagar. And 14 international destinations including Al Ain, Bahrain, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Phuket, Ras al Khaimah, Riyadh, Salalah, Sharjah, Singapore .

From Hyderabad: Air India Express operates 208 weekly flights connecting Hyderabad with direct flights to 20 domestic destinations, including Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Pune, Srinagar, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam as well as Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Phuket internationally. Additionally, Air India Express offers convenient one-stop connectivity from Hyderabad to 13 other domestic destinations, including Agartala, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Calicut, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Imphal, Kannur, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Port Blair, Ranchi, and 10 international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Singapore.

The post AIR INDIA EXPRESS STARTS NEW DELHI–VARANASI FLIGHTS AND EXPANDS CONNECTIVITY TO SUPPORT MAHA KUMBH TRAVEL  appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Bengaluru, 23^rd January 2025: Human Mobile Devices, HMD, announces the launch of one-of-a kind service initiatives at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, demonstrating its commitment to enriching the pilgrim experience through innovative technology and support services. The company has established a comprehensive presence in Prayagraj with multiple programs designed to assist visitors during their spiritual journey

Key Highlights of HMD Initiatives at Maha Kumbh:

• Comprehensive Mobile Care: The HMD Care Camp offers diagnosis and repairs for HMD Smartphones, Feature Phones, and Nokia Feature Phones. The brand is also providing a replacement unit to the customers if their feature phones are under the 1-year replacement guarantee. As an additional service, the company is also running a unique loaner phone program providing temporary devices during the repair period
• local travel information feature: In collaboration with Radioline, HMD provides real-time access to essential Maha Kumbh information, including important dates with significance, local travel information feature, and extensive guides for pilgrims
• Tourism Partnership: In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Uttar Pradesh government, HMD advocates the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, promoting domestic tourism through digital engagement and on-ground activities at the premises of the Maha Kumbh Mela
• Regional Integration: Working closely with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, HMD has established branded touchpoints across Prayagraj, creating a network of support centers in retail stores and key locations throughout the procession grounds.

Along with these support initiatives, the company has also planned a 360-degree campaign spread across OOH, social media and digital as an extension of HMD’s Khoob Chalega Campaign of HMD 105 and HMD 110. The campaign resonates with the brand ethos of providing longer battery life, bigger screen and inventive UPI application, enabling secure financial transactions even without a smartphone.

Commenting on the new initiative, Ravi Kunwar, CEO & VP, India & APAC, HMD, said: “The Maha Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey, and at HMD, we take pride in enhancing this profound experience through our strong regional presence and groundbreaking feature phone innovations. By collaborating with the UP Government under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, we’re not only celebrating India’s cultural heritage but also empowering pilgrims with reliable connectivity, disruptive technology like UPI application, and dedicated support services to ensure their journey is as seamless and fulfilling as possible”

The initiatives align with HMD’s mission to provide technology solutions that serve real human needs while supporting cultural and spiritual experiences.

The post Tradition Meets Tech: Human Mobile Devices Enhances Maha Kumbh through Government Collaboration appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Summercool has partnered with Indian Railways for train body branding on local UP trains connecting Uttar Pradesh. The vibrant and engaging branding on these trains reaches thousands of passengers daily, fostering a sense of pride and support for locally manufactured products and manufacturers.

Along with that, the brand has showcased its brand advertisement on approx 500 boats at Kumbh Mela, providing a convenient way for pilgrims to reach Sangam Ghat for the sacred bath. Furthermore, massive advertising hoardings have been placed at all entry and exit locations of Kumbh Mela, as well as across Prayagraj city, to maximize exposure and ensure the brand’s presence during the pilgrimage.

Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CMD, Summercool Home Appliances Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to be a part of this holy Mahakumbh Mela to connect with a diverse and vast audience of India coming from different regions and places. The Mahakumbh, recognized as one of the largest human gatherings globally, offers a unique platform for businesses like us to connect directly with millions of people as their customers. Our marketing initiatives during kumbh align with the government’s vision of promoting and supporting locally manufactured products and contributing to India’s economic growth. By supporting PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives, we are not only enhancing our brand presence but also encouraging consumers to choose homegrown solutions and support them.”

Summercool Appliances has been a trusted name in Uttar Pradesh for years, offering an array of affordable, high-quality, and energy-efficient home appliances designed to cater to the evolving needs of every Indian household. With this campaign, the brand underscores its mission to blend tradition and technology, providing sustainable and innovative solutions.

The post Summercool Group Strengthens Brand Presence During Maha Kumbh with Innovative Marketing  appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Bengaluru, January 21, 2025: In a move to make Maha Kumbh 2025 safer through effective crowd management, the Maha Kumbh police today handed over 5000 Eveready siren torches to on-ground police personnel during a press conference held at the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kumbh Mela Camp Office and Police Lines in the Maha Kumbh Area. The event was attended by senior Uttar Pradesh Police officials that included Shri. Rajesh Dwivedi, SSP Kumbh Mela, Shri Aseem Chaudhary, SP Security and Shri. Dr. K.G. Singh, Staff Officer, SSP Kumbh Mela.

A once in a lifetime occasion, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is expected to draw approximately 40 crore pilgrims during the 44-day spectacle. Given the scale of the grand event, Eveready Industries India Ltd., the country’s leading flashlight and battery manufacturer, extended its support by equipping police personnel deputed for the grand duo-decennial event with its latest innovation, the Eveready Siren Torch.

Speaking at the conference, Shri. Rajesh Dwivedi, SSP Kumbh Mela, Uttar Pradesh Police, said, “The administration is proactively undertaking a host of safety and security measures to ensure that the devotees attending the event have a seamless spiritual experience. In line with this endeavour, the Eveready Siren Torch will help empowering our on-ground officers to effectively manage the crowds, making Maha Kumbh 2025 safer for all.”

The Eveready Siren Torch, while serving as a traditional flashlight, transforms into a powerful safety device with a 100 decibel (dBA) sound alarm that can be activated by simply pulling an attached keychain. As part of this joint initiative, Eveready will also be undertaking a practical demonstration for the Maha Kumbh Police to showcase the dual functionality and utility of the device.

Anirban Banerjee, Sr. Vice President & SBU Head (Batteries & Flashlights) at Eveready Industries India Ltd., said, “Over the years, the police has consistently played an invaluable role in ensuring the safety and security of millions of pilgrims undertaking their spiritual journey. Maha Kumbh 2025, the world’s largest congregation, is witnessing extraordinary participation and, therefore, efficient crowd management will be a key priority. We are delighted to extend our support to the Maha Kumbh Police by providing them with our innovative Siren Torch to aid them in making Maha Kumbh 2025 peaceful and safer.”

While managing vast crowds, the Siren Torch will further help the police enhance surveillance and security measures at the Maha Kumbh 2025. Furthermore, the Maha Kumbh Police and Eveready have also displayed emergency helpline numbers which are prominently visible across all police stations, to help attendees reach out to relevant authorities in case of any crisis.  In addition, safety norms will also be propagated across the 56 police stations within the Mela premise.

“The Maha Kumbh 2025 is the largest congregation in the world. A lot of brands are supporting Maha Kumbh Police to assist devotees in their spiritual journey this year. We welcome Eveready’s initiative of equipping the on-ground personnel with the innovative siren torch for the safety of people attending this grand event.” said Shri Aseem Chaudhary, SP Security, Maha Kumbh Mela.

The revolutionary Siren Torch is a versatile and pocket-friendly flashlight which is more than just a product, it is a symbol of safety, empowerment and the ability to raise one’s voice in critical moments. The indispensable instrument stands as a beacon of confidence, giving individuals, especially women, the assurance to push boundaries and explore horizons without compromising on their safety. This powerful device empowers them to move forward boldly and carefree transforming moments of hesitation into opportunities for fearless advancement.

The post Maha Kumbh Police Empowers On-ground Personnel with Eveready Siren Torches to Ensure Crowd Safety at Maha Kumbh 2025 appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Bengaluru, 15 January 2025 — Uber, India’s leading ride-hailing platform, today announced a strategic partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Prayagraj Airport, Uttar Pradesh. With this collaboration, Uber will deliver seamless and efficient transportation solutions for millions of pilgrims and travellers visiting Prayagraj, particularly for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. As one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, the Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to draw an estimated 40 crore people, making this partnership a vital step in ensuring hassle-free mobility during the event.

In April 2023, Uber signed an MoU with AAI, extending its services to multiple AAI airports across the country. With operations already in place at 20 AAI airports, Uber continues to bolster its presence to meet the growing demands of passengers, especially during major events like the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Director of Prayagraj Airport, Airports Authority of India, commented on the collaboration, “As Prayagraj gears up to welcome millions of pilgrims for the Maha Kumbh Mela, ensuring seamless and reliable transportation is paramount. Our collaboration with Uber is a significant step toward enhancing passenger convenience and supporting the city’s infrastructure during this monumental event. We are confident that Uber’s advanced technology and on-ground support will greatly benefit travellers and contribute to the success of the Maha Kumbh Mela.”

To mark the launch of this partnership, Uber will offer 25% off up to Rs 200 for trips starting from Prayagraj Airport. As part of the collaboration, Uber will establish dedicated pickup zones at Prayagraj Airport, supported by on-ground assistance and clear wayfinding signage to guide travellers from the terminal to the pickup areas. The initiative is designed to streamline the airport experience, ensuring a seamless transition from air travel to ground transportation. Travellers can book their rides with just a few taps on the Uber app, benefiting from reliable and efficient services.

Shiva Shailendran, Director of Supply Operations at Uber India and South Asia, said, “We are excited to join hands with the Airports Authority of India at Prayagraj Airport to streamline the mobility experience for travellers and pilgrims. Our commitment is to ensure smooth, convenient and comfortable movement throughout this significant spiritual event. By combining technology with dedicated on-ground support, we aim to provide an unparalleled mobility experience that meets the unique demands of this significant event.”

The partnership is also expected to benefit Uber drivers in the region by creating additional earning opportunities during the peak travel season. By providing a reliable and streamlined transportation network, Uber continues to innovate and elevate its services to become the preferred choice for airport mobility solutions.

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The customized Akshaya Patra kitchen is equipped with various tools to aid in food preparation, and is expected to serve 20,000 people during the Maha Kumbh Mela on a daily basis. From cooking to delivery, the temporary kitchen is set to operate daily with cleanliness and quality as the top priorities. Akshaya Patra assures that delicious and nutritious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness. The kitchen adheres to top food safety management standards such as OPRP (Operational Preparedness) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). Further, the Foundation ensures strict measures to ensure the high quality of raw materials and maintain hygiene through timely pest control.

FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) methods have been duly implemented for perishable items. The water used for cooking, meets the BIS10500 food safety standards. All cooking and pre-processing equipment feature stainless steel surfaces to enhance cleanliness and ensure compliance with Food Safety and Management Standards (FSMS).

Akshaya Patra’s serving to the devotees include khichdi, pulao, jeera rice, tehari, ghee rice, rajma, vegetables, chole, dal, pickles, and more. Meals will be distributed daily between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM until February 26, 2025.

Maha Kumbh Mela: A Confluence of Faith and Service

The Kumbh Mela- the world’s largest religious gathering, is a grand celebration of faith, devotion, and cultural unity. This ancient festival attracts saints, ascetics, and pilgrims from around the world who bathe in the holy water of the Ganga and pray for spiritual enlightenment. The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at four major religious sites, spanning approximately 48 days. However, once in 144 years, the Maha Kumbh takes place, when Jupiter, Sun and the Moon are in specific positions. This year, Prayagraj is expected to welcome over 40 crore pilgrims from around the world. 

Shri Bharatarshabh Dasa, National President of Akshaya Patra Foundation, expressed, “We are excited to serve meals in the Maha Kumbh, who are coming from various parts of India. We are glad to be part of providing them with wholesome meals. Annadaan is considered the most superior form of charity in all scriptures. We are grateful for the support from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri. Yogi Adityanath and donors who are making this initiative possible.” He further added, “Our goal is to serve 20,000 meals daily. We will provide clean, nutritious, and delicious meals with the support of our well-equipped mobile kitchen.”

Akshaya Patra has long been associated with the Kumbh Mela, during the 2018-19 Mela, the Foundation had served nearly 600,000 meals in over 50 days. 

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Bengaluru, 9 January 2025: Kuku FM, India’s largest platform for audio streaming and shows branches out into the spiritual domain with the “Bhakti App”. The new app will be launched at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 – the largest religious congregation in the world, set to attract over 400 million people worldwide.

Bhakti app aims to elevate the quality of spirituality-themed shows in India by offering an audio OTT platform that has a dedicated team and resources to expand its library of shows over the next 1 year. Bhakti app, houses over 2000 hours of 500+ spirituality-themed shows, audiobooks, bhajans, lessons and more. Listeners can choose from devotional songs, inspiring audio-epics to thematic content around Indian festivals and spiritual chants. The long-form audio shows showcase India’s spiritual heritage and mythology like Bhagwad Gita, Mahabharat, Ram Katha, Vishnu Puran and more. The audio library will cater to devotees across all age groups.

Talking about the launch, Jhoomer Sinha, Vice President – Hindi Business India, Kuku FM said, “India’s rich culture and spiritual diversity will be on full display at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Given the massive attendance and the positive sentiments around it, we feel this is the perfect platform to launch our devotional and spiritual app – Bhakti. There is a dearth of high-quality professionally produced premium shows in this genre and we intend to fill this gap with this app. We have drawn inspiration from our rich heritage and have high quality audio shows spanning content across mythology, spirituality, devotion, rituals as well as chants and bhajans.

At the Kumbh Mela, a 360-degree campaign is being planned leveraging on-ground presence with tent branding, kiosks and more. Across the kiosks, devotees will get a glimpse of our audio shows as well as a chance to participate in several contests. The campaign’s  give-aways include an all-expense sponsored trip across India’s holy Char Dhaams among many other thoughtful prizes. A follow-on Bhakti campaign will also be kickstarted across digital platforms to reach new audiences throughout the country.”

Elaborating further Jhoomer said, “While the Maha Kumbh Mela happens once in 12 years, with Bhakti App, devotees can continue their spiritual journeys from any corner of the world with just a click. In the beta stage, we have received a resounding response from users with 500k downloads and extremely positive feedback.”

Bhakti App features some of the most popular scriptures and audiobooks such as Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana & Mahabharata, Secrets of the Four Yugas, Mystery of Seven Immortals, Samudra Manthan & Kalki Avatar, Tales of Vedas and Upanishads and more. With Bhakti app, Kuku FM also forays into India’s music streaming and astrology market by offering a selected curation of devotional music and astrology-centred original content available on the app.

Plans are underway for the next year to double Bhakti’s library catalogue with an aim to expand across multiple languages beyond Hindi.

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