5, Sep 2023
Wedding Diaries by Hilton – A show studded with stars & celebrations at DoubleTree by Hilton Agra

Agra, 5th September: DoubleTree by Hilton in Agra recently hosted the inaugural “Wedding Diaries by Hilton show” marking a significant milestone for Hilton India. This star-studded event illuminated the city of Agra with the presence of renowned celebrities such as Shilpa Shetty, Mallika Arora, Sobhita Dhulipala, Diana Penty, and over 30 supermodels who graced the runway for some of India’s top designers.

The show, meticulously curated by the DoubleTree by Hilton Agra team, featured exclusive creations from four esteemed designers.This event is hailed as one of the grandest wedding shows in recent memory, and it was a historic moment for Agra, the city of love and home to the iconic Taj Mahal, to host an event of such magnitude.

In addition to the glamorous celebrity presence, the show received the artistic touch of leading designers like Paulmi& Harsh, Gopi Vaid, Varun Bahl, and Aslam Khan, who also served as the show’s curator alongside DoubleTree by Hilton Agra. The show was curated by One Infinite.

Shyam Kumar, the General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Agra, played a pivotal role in driving and curating the event. His leadership and innovative thinking have not only benefited the hotel but have also had a positive impact on the Agra community. Speaking about the event’s resounding success, Shyam Kumar shared, “DoubleTree by Hilton Agra has consistently hosted engaging events and campaigns. I am proud to say that we have made history with the immense success of Wedding Diaries by Hilton. Agra had the privilege of witnessing luminaries like Shilpa Shetty, Mallika Arora, Sobhita Dhulipala, and many others grace the runway, along with four top fashion designers and 30 supermodels from the industry.”

The evening’s star attractions, Shilpa Shetty and Malaika Arora, showcased their elegance on the runway in comfortable yet stylish footwear by Oroh Shoes and adorned with exquisite jewellery from AP Jewellers. Oroh Shoes, a newly launched elite footwear range, blends style and comfort to create a perfect union, catering to shoe enthusiasts. AP Jewellers, with a rich heritage as one of the oldest and largest jewellery businesses, offers an extraordinary collection, ranging from dazzling diamonds to traditional Polki, captivating Jadau to fusion marvels, all designed to captivate the heart.

The show also hosted a two day wedding exhibition, a dazzling showcase of premier wedding-related brands. It garnered tremendous success, drawing the huge presence of enthusiastic guests.

The event’s second day featured a wedding conclave, organized in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Wedding Association, which welcomed prominent figures from the industry. Distinguished attendees included Mukesh K. Meshram, Principal Secretary & Director General Tourism, Uttar Pradeshalong withmany renowned names from the wedding fraternity of Agra, Jaipur, Kanpur, Mathura etc.

“Wedding Diaries by Hilton” was also supportedby the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, further enriching the experience.These remarkable events, set against the romantic backdrop of Agra, aspire to position the city as an exceptional destination for grand destination weddings. Agra aims to become the preferred choice for large-scale weddings & events alike.

5, Sep 2023
Commonwealth Secretary-General intensifies climate finance campaign at Africa Climate Summit

Commonwealth Secretary-General intensifies climate finance campaign at Africa Climate Summit

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, is seeking to ramp up global support for greater climate finance commitments at the Africa Climate Summit, taking place 4 to 6 September in Nairobi, Kenya.

The summit, held under the theme ‘Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World’, is a critical juncture for the African continent to mobilise action in the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in November.

Vulnerable countries and populations in Africa are particularly exposed to the impacts of climate change, such as unpredictable weather patterns and more extreme weather, which affects millions of lives, livelihoods and homes.

In Nairobi, the Secretary-General is scheduled to meet with various Heads of State from the region as well as world leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, to advocate actions that will unlock billions in climate finance to support vulnerable nations, as well as improve access to those funds.

This includes delivering on the annual commitment of US$100 billion in climate finance promised to developing nations since 2009, and the operationalisation of an inclusive and fit-for-purpose Loss and Damage Fund, which was agreed last year at COP27 to help vulnerable countries cope with the devastating impacts of climate change.

The Secretary-General said: “I urge leaders, the international community, the private sector and civil society – together, we must all step up and drive this transformation. The means and the solutions to realise our ambitions under the Paris Agreement are already available to us – there is no excuse for a delay in action. Ignoring the consequences of inaction will hurt the most vulnerable the hardest, not to mention the generations that follow.”

The Secretary-General is leading a delegation of senior experts from the Commonwealth Secretariat, who will also be sharing key insights and best practices garnered from flagship programmes such as the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), the Commonwealth Blue Charter, the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda and the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter: A Call to Action on Living Lands (CALL), including their enhanced focus in supporting the Africa region.

On Tuesday 5th September, the Secretary-General will take part in a high-level panel alongside the President of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohmaud, the President of Mozambique H.E Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and the Vice President of Colombia H.E Francia Elena Marquez Mina, focusing on unlocking the potential of a “regenerative blue economy” in Africa and globally.

During the mission, the Secretary-General will also hold a dialogue with environment and climate ministers from across the Africa region, to discuss expectations and key concerns ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP28.

Discussions will feed into the first ever Commonwealth Environment and Climate Ministers’ Meeting, to take place in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York on 21 September.

5, Sep 2023
Flipkart to create over 1,00,000 direct and indirect jobs in its supply chain

Flipkart to create over 1,00,000 direct and indirect jobs in its supply chain

Bengaluru – 5th September, 2023: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, is gearing up to mark the 10th edition of its annual flagship event, The Big Billion Days (TBBD). In the run-up to the festive season, Flipkart is looking at hiring and creating lakhs of seasonal jobs across its pan India supply chain to cater to customer demand during the festive season.

The foundation of Flipkart’s supply chain excellence lies in its diverse and extensive workforce. Ahead of the festive season, Flipkart will generate over 1,00,000 new job opportunities across its supply chain, including fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and delivery hubs. These seasonal jobs include local kirana delivery partners, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and others, thus creating avenues for diverse supply chain talent. This year, Flipkart has scaled its supply chain with last-mile distribution hubs and large-scale fulfillment centers, strengthening its reach in tier-III cities and beyond. It has added more than 19 lakh square feet of space across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and many more states.

To provide a delightful end-customer experience, Flipkart undertakes specially curated skilling initiatives through its training programs for the workforce that joins the supply chain, which also helps significantly boost local employment and the economy. All hired personnel undergo training in the supply chain process for their respective function and are trained to handle Hand-Held Devices, PoS Machines, scanners, various mobile applications, and more. As a result, these employees become future-ready to work in tech-driven supply chains, food tech, and other allied industries.

Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience, and ReCommerce, Flipkart Group, said, “TBBD is about scale, innovating for India, and impacting the ecosystem. It allows millions of new customers to experience the goodness of e-commerce, many of them for the first time. The complexity and scale during TBBD require us to scale up for capacity, storage, placement, sorting, packaging, human resources, training, delivery, and the entire supply chain, and this scale is always unprecedented. This year, we are also creating over a lakh new job opportunities in our supply chain while also investing in skilling initiatives to deliver an elevated customer experience as we strengthen our footprint across the country. This year, we plan to deliver more than 40% of shipments through our Kirana delivery program. As we continue to broaden our supply chain capabilities each year, we aim to not only enhance the prosperity of our partners but also to amplify their contributions in expanding our delivery spectrum of diverse products across remote corners of India.”

The festive season and the Big Billion Days serve as key drivers for incremental growth of the entire ecosystem, including kirana delivery partners, sellers, MSMEs, artisans/weavers, warehouse personnel, and more, who stand at the forefront of this momentum. It enables them to capitalize on the increased shipment deliveries nationwide, significantly elevate their income and prosper within the supply chain framework. By leveraging its supply chain prowess, Flipkart is poised to celebrate the 10th edition of its annual flagship event with an impactful presence that resonates across the e-commerce landscape and reverberates through the lives of numerous individuals.

5, Sep 2023
Naiknavare Developers Expands its Portfolio with Avasa Grassland Premium Plotted Development in Chakan, Pune

Naiknavare Developers Expands

5th September 2023 | Pune, India: Naiknavare Developers, a distinguished name renowned for its community-centric residential and commercial projects across Pune, Mumbai, and Goa, is thrilled to announce the launch of “Avasa Grassland,” an exquisite fully serviced premium plotted development located in the Chakan MIDC area. This milestone comes on the heels of the successful sale of our inaugural project in this vertical, “Avasa Meadows,” situated in Vadgaon Maval, Talegaon.

Avasa Grassland constitutes a section of the larger Dwarka Township, which spans over a vast expanse of more than 65 acres. “Avasa Grassland” offers Plot areas starting at 1836 sq ft to 3298 sq ft. respectively. Anchored on the pillars of space, privacy, personalization, gated community living, and core values, this plotted development project is nestled amidst a vibrant community of over 2500 families and 7500+ residents, all enjoying state-of-the-art amenities and an array of social infrastructure, including the Dwarka School, PMPML Bus Stop, Petrol Pump, and Hospitals, etc.

Strategically positioned in close proximity to major industrial zones and business centers, home to global giants such as Mercedes Benz, Mahindra, Bajaj, Hyundai, Bridgestone, Forbes Marshall, and Phillips, “Avasa Grassland” is the ideal choice for both working professionals and businesses alike. As the demand for residential and commercial developments in the area surges, this project locale is set to welcome D-Mart, Retail and Commercial Complex, Ring Road, and Junior College.

In a bid to offer the presence of natural landscapes within the project vicinity, occupants of “Avasa Grassland” will also get to witness a Forest Park within the township, spanning over 4 acres of land, amidst 134 majestic native trees and 800 flowering shrubs. As part of this unique offering, dwellers will get a range of amenities like Gazebo seating, adventure-filled play area, and a multi-purpose court. The Forest Garden will serve as a manmade water body equipped to store up to 41 litres of water.

This exceptional development also grants residents access to a range of world-class amenities, including a Senior Citizen Sitting Area, Vegetable Garden, Outdoor Gymnasium, Car Parking, Kids Play Area, Society Office, Multipurpose Hall, Lawn, and Service Counter. Buyers of these plots have the flexibility to construct independent houses in accordance with approved designs.

Anand Naiknavare, Head of Business Processes at Naiknavare Developers, shared his excitement about the launch, stating, “We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of plotted development projects. ‘Avasa Grassland’ offers the perfect blend of independent living within a gated community. Its strategic location and comprehensive amenities make it a prime choice for large joint families and professionals alike. Building upon the overwhelming success of ‘Avasa Meadows,’ we are confident that ‘Avasa Grassland’ will be well-received by homebuyers and investors.”

In addition to “Avasa Grassland,” Naiknavare Developers is gearing up to introduce a range of residential and commercial projects across the city.

5, Sep 2023
Go Green or Go Home… The Eco-Friendly Home Buying Decision…

akash pharande

by Akash Pharande, Managing Director, Pharande Spaces

In recent years, the concept of ‘green’ homes has gained increasing popularity in India. As people become more environmentally conscious, demand has grown for homes built using eco-friendly design, materials, and features that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.

But is a green home right for you? Here are some key factors to consider when deciding on this:

Cost

Yes, green homes typically cost 10–15% more up front compared to conventional homes. On an average, developers incur this extra cost to incorporate moderate green building features. For more advanced sustainability goals, the premiums can go up to 20-30%. The premium pays for specialized design, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, solar panels, improved insulation, water conservation systems, and other green features. However, homeowners can recover the extra costs through utility bill savings within 5 years in most instances.

Energy Savings

A major benefit of green homes is lower monthly electricity and water bills. Energy-efficient design and fixtures such as LED lights, star-rated ACs, and appliances can reduce electricity consumption by 30–50%. Solar panels can further reduce reliance on grid electricity. Eco-friendly plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and wastewater recycling can cut water usage by 30–40%.

 

green home

Healthier Indoor Air Quality

Green homes emphasize natural ventilation and daylight through thoughtful design. They avoid harmful materials like asbestos, lead, and volatile organic compounds in paints, carpets, and furniture. This results in cleaner indoor air quality and benefits the health of residents.

A Future-Proofed Investment

With climate change and pollution on the rise, green homes are a future-proof investment. As environmental regulations get stricter, conventional homes may need expensive retrofits sooner or later to become eco-friendly. Green homebuyers avoid this major expense. Higher demand from eco-conscious buyers also means stronger resale value.

Hidden Benefits of Green Homes

While the above advantages to certified green homes are well known and much talked about, there are also some less obvious benefits to owners of such homes that are not well known but bear mentioning.

– Enhanced durability: Sustainable construction emphasizes quality materials and weather-resistant building techniques. This enhances the home’s durability and longevity.

– Lower moisture and mold: Careful moisture control and management in green homes prevents mold, which can cause health issues, especially in a tropical country like India, which has an annual rainy season.

– Higher pest resistance: Tight construction and the use of pest-resistant materials reduce pest infestation risks.

– Reduced noise from outside: The construction materials and techniques used in green homes ensure significantly superior insulation and noise-blocking qualities over regular homes. The reduction of outdoor noise has obvious advantages in Indian metropolitan cities.

– Lower maintenance: Durability of materials and efficient systems reduce long-term maintenance costs.

decision

The Green Home Experience

All the technicalities aside, how does living in a green home actually feel in experiential terms?

It feels uplifting, peaceful, healthy, and responsible. Abundant natural light and fresh air from daylighting and ventilation make the indoor environment feel more open, clean, and energizing.

Passive heating, cooling, and humidity control create a uniform blanket of comfort without cold or hot spots in the home. The effective insulation and noise barriers create a peaceful quietness indoors. The presence of greenery around you provides a visual connection with nature.

The cleaner air and absence of toxic materials provide a general sense of health and safety. Quality construction and materials make the home feel sturdy and built to last for generations. And finally, it feels responsible and ethical. Knowing the home you live in is sustainable and that you’re ‘living lightly’ on the earth feels morally fulfilling.

Green certification is not an absolute requirement for a housing project to be sustainable. It can incorporate green design and features without going through a formal certification process. The buyer can judge the project’s overall eco-friendliness by the the availability of project-level features like the use of solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and waste water treatment.

At the individual unit level, look for aspects like smart home features, low-flow flush toilets, and high-efficiency electric appliances. These are reliable indicators that the project has been conceived on sustainable lines.

So, is a green home worth it? Judge for yourself and your family—and also for the planet and its future generations.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.

5, Sep 2023
Valley Insurance Agency Alliance Creates New Development Role

Michael Thornton was appointed as Book Management Coach for growing alliance.

(St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 5, 2023) Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois, recently named Michael Thornton as Book Management Coach. In this newly created role, he will focus on the profitability of personal lines production with both strategic and regional partner carriers. This includes working with member agencies and using data-driven information to assist in their continuous growth.

VIAA's Michael Thornton

This is a new role for Thornton, who has worked at VIAA for six years as a Foundation Specialist. Prior to joining the company, Thornton ran an $11.2 million dollar book of business at three separate offices for more than 15 years. He brings an extensive sales, development, and management background to his new position.

“This brand-new position recognizes the increased need our alliance members have based upon the ever-changing insurance marketplace,” said VIAA’s President JD Powers. “We created this role with Michael in mind. He thoroughly understands how to utilize the proper technology, loss reports, and procedures to guide loss-sensitive members to successful outcomes. He is the perfect advocate for our members and carrier partners, and we look forward to all he will accomplish for our alliance.”

Founded in 2006, Valley Insurance Agency Alliance generates more than $600 million in written premium and is the regional founding member SIAA – The Agent Alliance, a $12.5 billion national insurance network. Founded in 1991, sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management provides personal and business insurance, surety, risk management, and employee benefits. The companies are headquartered at 6825 Clayton Ave. For more information, call (314) 725-1414 or visit www.viaa4u.com.

ravens of vienna release
5, Sep 2023
The Ravens of Vienna by Adrian Grafe, available now from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of the paperback and eBook editions of The Ravens of Vienna by Adrian Grafe. This World War II thriller is published by Addison & Highsmith Publishers, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding original works of fiction. 

Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Historical Novel Society says “This novel is filled with action and intrigue that will keep readers guessing. Who is an ally, and who is a spy or betrayer? In this way, The Ravens of Vienna appeals to fans of World War II-era thrillers. The author includes several women characters who became spies and resistance fighters, acknowledging the key role women played in challenging Nazi rule and protecting those the Nazis targeted.”

Midwest Book Review calls it “All the more impressive when considering that The Ravens of Vienna is author Adrian Grafe’s debut as a novelist, this original and engaging story is a compelling historical drama comprised of memorable characters, eloquent observation, historical infused backgrounds, as well as inherently engaging and complex plot lines. Of special appeal to readers with an interest in World War II Historical Fiction in general, and Jewish Historical Fiction in particular, The Ravens of Vienna is strongly recommended, personal reading lists and community library collections.”

The Ravens of Vienna, 300 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-287-6, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the various imprints of Histria Books are distributed worldwide by the Independent Publishers Group (IPG). For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com

Histria Books

7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA

HistriaBooks.com

(561) 299-0802

4, Sep 2023
Entwined Hearts Press CIC Redefines Publishing with a Community-Focused Approach

Swansea, United Kingdom, September 04, 2023 –Announcing the launch of the new Swansea based publishing & support company dedicated to supporting writers who want to publish, however they want to publish. Amplifying author voice and vision to facilitate diverse voices, creativity and author success in the ever challenging & evolving world of publishing.

Entwined Hearts Press have today announced their launch and opened up their basic membership. The new publishing and support company exists to to support all writers as they embark on the journey to publication, and navigate the complex world of book publishing and provide publishing services to authors to produce the book they envision while increasing their earning potential and success within the industry.

The company provides services via its website and their membership portal with both free and paid options to join. Entwined Heart Press CIC commits to providing benefits to individuals who share a common goal of becoming published authors and making a career out of their writing. Writers driven by a passion for storytelling. Are also willing to put in the time and effort required to improve their craft and get their work noticed by publishers and readers.

As well as supporting the writing community by offering the services needed to bring a project to publication. Ensuring the community is able to maintain control rights and earning potential for their work. As well as receive feedback on their writing and valuable support for marketing, branding and digital asset organisation. Additional are services offered through our membership to the community. These include sharing resources and tips, webinars, and a quarterly writing & publishing magazine and dedicated chat spaces to encourage one another.

“We are honoured to dedicate our first year in business to supporting our community before we open our publishing arm in 2024,” said Belinda Sharland, Entwined Hearts Press CIC’s Founding Director. “We can’t wait to start supporting our writing community and seeing what they create, the publishing industry wouldn’t exist without writers so it’s right to honour that from inside the industry,”

The company and their basic membership launched on 03 September 2023, while the paid membership will launch shortly. An announcement will be made on the company’s social accounts once it is open. The company’s immediate focus is filling the vacant director’s roles and supporting writers worldwide in the short term. Details of director’s roles may be found on the careers page of their website.

When the concept of Entwined Hearts Press CIC was created the goal was to build a company that could dedicate their talents to helping the writer’s community into publishing in a way that fulfilled their visions. We remain committed to that goal.

4, Sep 2023
Sensopart New Authorized Distributor – Stateside Industrial Solutions

Sensopart New Authorized Distributor - Stateside Industrial Solutions

Miramar, FL, September 04, 2023 — Stateside Industrial Solutions (S.I.S.) and Sensopart are both committed to providing exceptional customer service and technical expertise. It is expected that this will enhanced the team of Stateside Industrial Solutions’ branches in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tampa and Miramar, Florida.

Since 2017, Stateside Industrial Solutions has been a manufacturer’s representative and authorized distributor of pneumatics, controls, instrumentation, valves and many other related product and has been providing customers with effective solutions to the most challenging of industrial automation applications.

SensoPart is one of the leading manufacturers of photoelectric sensors and image vision processing for factory automation. Their aim is to remain one step ahead to be able to offer their customers the most innovative products on the market and help them to pave the way to the digital factory. They believe that this new partnership with Stateside Industrial Solutions will help them accomplish these goals.

Stateside Industrial Solutions’ wide range of products and services in the petrochemical, energy, food, beverage, pharmaceutical and packaging industries makes them a natural fit with Sensopart expansive range of related products. Sensopart is pleased to be associated with S.I.S as one of the leading industrial distributor in the territories they cover; Florida, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central America and Caribbean.

4, Sep 2023
Ilkwang Confectionery Launches Mango Jelly (250g) & Red Bean Candy (280g)

Ilkwang Confectionery Launches Mango Jelly (250g) & Red Bean Candy (280g)

Busan, Korea, South, September 04, 2023 –On the 29th, Ilkwang Confectionery announced the launch of its two new products, Mango Jelly and Red Bean Candy.

Since its establishment in 1969, Ilkwang Confectionery has been dedicated to the production, development, and sales of jelly, candy, and caramel, and has been exporting candies and jellies not only in Korea, but also to the United States and many other countries.

The company produces over 20 varieties of jelly products, including Blueberry Jelly, Jeju Mandarin Jelly, Coffee Jelly, Korean Red Ginseng Jelly, Green Tea Jelly, Ginger Jelly, and Strawberry Jelly.

They also produce over 50 different types of snacks, including candies, caramels, chocolates, and more.

Among their new releases, Mango Jelly, is made with mango, a globally beloved fruit, and has been certified by the MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).

Although there are a variety of jelly products available worldwide, Ilkwang Confectionery’s Mango Jelly is made using glutinous rice, providing a unique chewy texture mixed with the refreshing flavor of mango making it different from other jellies.

Another of their new releases, the Red Bean Candy offers a luxurious, sweet flavor. Made using red beans, a healthy ingredient, the product caters to a broad demographic, from those in their 20s and 30s to the older generation.

These products are actively sold on Amazon and other online markets in the United States.

Utilizing its know-how as a specialized manufacturer of jelly and candy, Ilkwang Confectionery aims to expand the distribution pipeline to sell Mango Jelly and Red Bean Candy to various countries.

Young-Sam Koo, the General Manager at Ilkwang Confectionery, said that the company will develop these new products into representative steady sellers along with Blueberry Jelly and Lemon & Ginger Candy.

In 2022, Ilkwang Confectionery was recognized as an exemplary case of an excellent food packaging business. Due to its packaging design development that aligned with buyer needs, it was able to increase exports to the United States.