Latest news with #ManishSharma
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ahmedabad–US airfares nosedive as visa rush slows
Ahmedabad: If you have ever dreamt of flying to the United States but were grounded by sky-high airfare, this summer might just be your moment, provided you have a valid visa to the American land. A sharp dip in travel demand, especially among students, coupled with visa woes for tourists and foreign education aspirants, has led to a dramatic fall in airfare prices from Ahmedabad to the US, offering a golden window for globetrotters, according to industry travel booked on May 8 for a round trip between June 8 and 21, the cost of a one-stop, 19-hour flight between Ahmedabad and the US is now pegged at approximately Rs 85,000. That breaks down to just Rs 42,500 one-way — nearly or less than half of what flyers paid last year. Compare that with the jaw-dropping summer 2024 fares that reached up to Rs 2.2 lakh for a round trip."This is a steep decline as compared to last year. It will benefit tourists who plan to visit the US this year. However, there is a marked 35-40% decline in group tour bookings to the US, thanks to visa issues and unavailability of slots for visitor visas. Moreover, the uncertainty around policies of the new govt, more people are refraining from making travel plans to the US," said Manish Sharma, owner of a travel company from woes have deterred many visitors from going to the US. An overall reduced intake has impacted airfares. Virendra Shah, a travel expert, said, "A combination of factors including changing visa policies amidst geopolitical shifts have caused fewer flyers to visit the US. With the US govt's stricter immigration stance tightening the pipeline for students and tourists, the once-bursting outbound traffic from India has notably thinned. Fewer visa approvals mean fewer fliers, and airlines are responding by slashing prices to fill up seats. Due to stricter policies, people are rethinking their travel plans."According to travel industry players, flights to the US from not just Ahmedabad, but also Mumbai and Delhi, are seeing a similar trend. "Due to visa issues, fewer students are going this time around as compared to last year. Moreover, student visits will begin from July-end onwards for the fall intake and therefore, the current airfares will certainly be less," said Bhavin Thaker, foreign education improved air connectivity between India and the US has played a key role in the reduction of fares. With more one-stop options and streamlined connections through international hubs, flyers now enjoy better schedules and competitive pricing. This fare drop comes as an unexpected relief for leisure travellers, business professionals and even Indian Americans planning to visit family back Quotes:Leisure travel remains strong, with 15-day tourist packages selling well for those with valid visitor visas. Such tourists currently benefit from lower airfares to the Shah, travel expertStudent travel numbers this season are expected to be lower due to visa issues and limited appointment availability. Airfares are likely to increase towards the end of July as the peak season for the fall intake begins Bhavin Thaker, foreign education consultant
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ahmedabad-US airfares drop as visa rush slows
Image used is for representational purposes only AHMEDABAD: If you have ever dreamt of flying to the United States but were grounded by sky-high airfare, this summer might just be your moment, provided you have a valid visa to the American land. A sharp dip in travel demand, especially among students, coupled with visa woes for tourists and foreign education aspirants, has led to a dramatic fall in airfare prices from Ahmedabad to the US, offering a golden window for globetrotters, according to industry players. For travel booked on May 8 for a round trip between June 8 and 21, the cost of a one-stop, 19-hour flight between Ahmedabad and the US is now pegged at approximately Rs 85,000. Operation Sindoor Conflict widens, India targets Lahore, Pindi, Karachi after foiling multiple Pakistani attacks Army foils Pakistan's attempts to send swarm drones across LoC Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list That breaks down to just Rs 42,500 one-way — nearly or less than half of what flyers paid last year. Compare that with the jaw-dropping summer 2024 fares that reached up to Rs 2.2 lakh for a round trip. 'This is a steep decline as compared to last year. It will benefit tourists who plan to visit the US this year. However, there is a marked 35-40% decline in group tour bookings to the US, thanks to visa issues and unavailability of slots for visitor visas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Moreover, the uncertainty around policies of the new govt, more people are refraining from making travel plans to the US,' said Manish Sharma, owner of a travel company from Ahmedabad. Visa woes have deterred many visitors from going to the US. An overall reduced intake has impacted airfares. Virendra Shah, a travel expert, said, 'A combination of factors including changing visa policies amidst geopolitical shifts have caused fewer flyers to visit the US. With the US govt's stricter immigration stance tightening the pipeline for students and tourists, the once-bursting outbound traffic from India has notably thinned. Fewer visa approvals mean fewer fliers, and airlines are responding by slashing prices to fill up seats. Due to stricter policies, people are rethinking their travel plans.' According to travel industry players, flights to the US from not just Ahmedabad, but also Mumbai and Delhi, are seeing a similar trend. 'Due to visa issues, fewer students are going this time around as compared to last year. Moreover, student visits will begin from July-end onwards for the fall intake and therefore, the current airfares will certainly be less,' said Bhavin Thaker, foreign education consultant. Additionally, improved air connectivity between India and the US has played a key role in the reduction of fares. With more one-stop options and streamlined connections through international hubs, flyers now enjoy better schedules and competitive pricing. This fare drop comes as an unexpected relief for leisure travellers, business professionals and even Indian Americans planning to visit family back home.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Time of India
Summer airfares from Ahmedabad skyrocket
1 2 3 Ahmedabad: Planning a last minute escape from the scathing Ahmedabad summer? Brace yourself for sky-high airfares . As schools shut and families prepare for long-overdue holidays, ticket prices from Ahmedabad to vacation hotspots have soared — with some destinations seeing more than a 100% jump when booked two weeks in advance. According to current fare data for travel between May 18 and May 24, bookings made on May 3 reveal staggering spikes up to 134%. For instance, Bagdogra, the gateway to the North-East and hill towns like Darjeeling, tops the list with a 134% hike as fares have rocketed from Rs 14,000 to Rs 32,780. Surprisingly, despite the recent terror attack, round trip to Srinagar costs up to Rs 23,750 per person against the routine fare of Rs 13,000. Industry sources said that Srinagar airfare has corrected from the level of Rs 42,000 per person for a return direct flight. Similarly, a trip to Dehradun, a favourite among those heading to Mussoorie or Rishikesh, now costs Rs 17,415, up 45% from the average non-holiday tarrif of Rs 12,000. Southern sojourns aren't spared either. A ticket to Kochi has risen from Rs 13,000 to Rs 18,299 (40.8% increase), while Bengaluru sees a 41.6% hike. Even the otherwise moderate Chandigarh route now demands Rs 13,190 — up 31.9% from regular fares. "Summer airfares are significantly higher this year, especially to destinations with cooler climates. People who earlier planned trips to Kashmir are now diverting to places like Gangtok, Jim Corbett, or Sikkim. With fewer choosing international travel — thanks to inflation, steep currency exchange rates, and visa hassles — demand for domestic spots like Munnar, Coorg, Mussoorie, and Darjeeling has soared. As a result, not just flight fares but even hotel tariffs have gone up by 25–40% in these regions," said Ankit Bajaj, a travel consultant. "The Srinagar airfare still remaining as high is surprising and we're seeing a wait-and-watch sentiment around Kashmir. But people aren't cancelling holidays — they're choosing alternative destinations. The higher airfares could be due to limited connectivity to the region," Ankit Bajaj, a travel consultant said. The only silver lining? Goa. Despite being a perennial favourite, airfares to the beach paradise have remained relatively stable, inching up a mere 5.7%, from Rs 7,000 to Rs 7,400. However, fewer people have flocked to Goa this year due to the summer heat, according to travel industry estimates, which has cooled off prices. "Those who got refunds from airlines are quickly rebooking for destinations accessible via Bengaluru, Kochi, Chandigarh, Delhi, or Bagdogra. Arunachal Pradesh is also one of the destinations which is very popular among tourists. With international travel out of reach for many due to costs and logistics, domestic tourism is booming, especially to places promising a cooler escape from the heat," said Manish Sharma, an Ahmedabad-based travel expert. Experts advise booking tickets at least a month in advance during peak travel periods to avoid the heat on the wallet. Alternatively, opting for midweek departures or early morning flights can offer minor savings. So, if you're dreaming of snow-capped hills or coastal breezes, make haste — or prepare to spend a small fortune.
Channel Post MEA
06-03-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
MWC 2025: Verizon And Accenture Partner For Offering Cybersecurity Solutions
Combining both companies' strengths in cybersecurity and networking, the partnership will begin by offering new as-a-service capabilities including Identity and Access Management (IAM), Managed Extended Detection and Response (MxDR), as well as cyber risk services. Following this initial phase, the partnership will concentrate on co-innovating new solutions. 'Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses. With our decades of experience in this area, Verizon is committed to offering solutions that protect our customers and keep their data secure,' said Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon Business. 'We are seeing evolving demands from our customers and we are building out new cybersecurity capabilities. Partnering with Accenture will be key to scaling our capabilities and delivering new and innovative products to address our customers' most pressing needs.' 'The security landscape is growing more complex, driven by emerging technologies, geopolitical uncertainty, global data and cyber security regulations, supply chain risks, and a cyber skills gap. Businesses must prioritize resilience to stay ahead of evolving threats,' said Manish Sharma, CEO – Americas, Accenture. 'Our solutions, coupled with Verizon's core network services and deep security expertise will enable businesses to better protect their data and operations against cyber-attacks.' 'Verizon's targeted emphasis on security services offerings, combined with its collaboration with Accenture, enables both companies to effectively address the increasing demand for comprehensive cybersecurity solutions' noted Craig Robinson, IDC Research Vice President, Security & Trust. 'This initiative will improve Verizon Business's competitive edge and align its offerings with current market trends and customer needs'
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Happiest Minds positioned as 'Innovators and Major Players' in NelsonHall's Transforming Core Banking Services NEAT Report
BENGALURU, India and LONDON and SAN JOSE, Calif., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Happiest Minds Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a 'Born Digital. Born Agile', Mindful IT Company, today announced being positioned as 'Innovators and Major Players' in the NelsonHall Vendor Evaluation and Assessment Tool (NEAT) Report in Transforming Core Banking Services. NelsonHall, the leading global analyst firm, helps organizations understand the 'art of the possible' in digital operations transformation. They provide organizations with critical, detailed information on vendors and markets that help them make well-informed decisions. NelsonHall's research offers a comprehensive evaluation of Happiest Minds' Transforming Core Banking Services. According to NelsonHall, Happiest Minds' core banking services revenue is projected to expand by 15% annually over the next three years. Joseph Anantharaju, Executive Vice Chairman, Happiest Minds, said, "Over the past year, Happiest Minds has focused on enhancing the Arttha platform and making it a core offering for our banking and other customers with lending and payment needs. The NEAT recognition motivates us to strengthen our capabilities further and create lasting value for our customers." Manish Sharma, CEO, PureSoftware Business, said, "We continue to use our Arttha platform-led core transformation approach to scale our business. Our core banking services engagements include modernizing legacy platforms to drive digital banking operations, including deposits, payments, and lending for one of Africa's largest banking groups." Udeet Bhagat, Head, Arttha Business, added, "Being recognized as 'Innovators and Major Players' in the NEAT Report in Transforming Core Banking Services underscores our outstanding contribution in this space. Our expertise covers roadmap development, infrastructure design, and implementation of the Arttha platform for savings, open banking, lending, and payments. With Arttha, we enable our enterprise customers to embrace digital open banking, adopt cloud-native architecture, streamline operations on a single platform, drive business growth, and reduce costs across multiple regional banks." Andy Efstathiou, Program Director for Banking, NelsonHall, said, "Happiest Minds was recognized as 'Innovators and Major Players' for transforming core banking services. Arttha, their digital banking platform, focuses on providing hyper-personalized experiences with seamless integration, omnichannel accessibility, cloud-ready architecture, and open API banking. Happiest Minds' services for core banking enable clients to transform and modernize their core banking processes." Happiest Minds partners with financial institutions across key fast-growing markets, including India, Indonesia, and Africa. With Arttha, its core banking platform, Happiest Minds supports its BFS clients with SaaS, cloud, and on-prem services. Over the next several years, the company plans to expand its core banking services business by, Targeting small and mid-sized banks Enhancing functionality for large banks aiming to strengthen their digital banking offerings Supporting specialized lending areas, including Islamic finance and commercial lending Expanding into the US market to help local banks enhance their digital banking capabilities Driven by its mission, 'Happiest People. Happiest Customers', Happiest Minds serves 85 Billion-Dollar corporations as its customers, achieving a 95% repeat business rate. Read the complete NEAT Report. About Happiest Minds Technologies Happiest Minds Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a Mindful IT Company, enables digital transformation for enterprises and technology providers by delivering seamless customer experiences, business efficiency and actionable insights. We do this by leveraging a spectrum of disruptive technologies such as: artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud, digital process automation, internet of things, robotics/drones, security, virtual/ augmented reality, etc. Positioned as 'Born Digital. Born Agile', our capabilities span Product & Digital Engineering Services (PDES), Generative AI Business Services (GBS) and Infrastructure Management & Security Services (IMSS). We deliver these services across industry groups: Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI), EdTech, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Hi-Tech and Media & Entertainment, Industrial, Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities, and Retail, CPG & Logistics. The company has been recognized for its excellence in Corporate Governance practices by Golden Peacock and ICSI. A Great Place to Work Certified™ company, Happiest Minds is headquartered in Bengaluru, India with operations in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. Contact details:Dr. Kiran Veigas, Vice President and Head - Corporate Marketing, Branding & Communications,Media Contact: media@ Logo: View original content: SOURCE Happiest Minds Technologies Limited Sign in to access your portfolio
