28, May 2024
Discover India’s Largest ‘Flamingo City’ at Phoenix Mall: A 28-Foot Magical Oasis Installation
Pune, 28th May 2024: India’s largest Flamingo City at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium represents a convergence of artistry, innovation, and environmental consciousness. India’s largest flamingo installation, standing at 28 feet tall, is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a transformative experience that transports visitors into a realm of pink-hued wonder. Inspired by the concept of new beginnings, Flamingo City serves as a vibrant symbol of hope, growth, and the beauty of change.
Designed and conceptualized by Elementa Designs, Flamingo City is a testament to the power of imagination and creativity. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of the summer season’s essence, this exclusive diorama captures the essence of springtime renewal and the vibrancy of urban life. The result is a breathtaking display that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, inviting visitors to explore the depths of their own imagination.
Quote from spokesperson
“We’re thrilled to present this novel flamingo city experience to our patrons, crafted to transport visitors into a realm of beauty and tranquility. Beyond mere aesthetics, this installation symbolizes our deep-rooted commitment to environmental consciousness. Flamingos, with their striking hues and graceful demeanor, serve as more than just ornamental figures. They are ambassadors of our fragile ecosystems, reminding us of the delicate balance that sustains life on our planet. Through this decor, we aim to spark conversations and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these habitats. Let us come together to marvel at nature’s wonders and reaffirm our collective responsibility towards nature.” – Vikram Pai (Centre Director – Phoenix Mall of the Millennium)
Witness a multi-sensory experience in the luxurious experiential mall with beautifully articulated décor as you walk through the interiors. Soaring vaulted ceilings and an artful play of soft lighting coalesce harmoniously establishes a backdrop that exemplifies the essence of luxury.
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- By Rabindra
27, May 2024
Wonder Works to Open Charleston, SC Retail Store Late June 2024
Charleston, SC, May 27, 2024 –Wonder Works, with retail stores in Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston, S.C., announced today that the popular local store is returning to West Ashley with plans to open a third retail location late June 2024 at 1662 Savannah Highway. The new store totals over 2500 sq. ft. and is the former location of Ellifox Children’s Clothing Store.
“We operated in West Ashley for over 25 years, and we are excited to bring the magic back to West Ashley to offer another convenient location for all our customers,” says Elizabeth Royall Darby, owner of Wonder Works. Wonder Works closed its previous West Ashley location in 2020 to consolidate its operation during Covid. “We get calls and have customers asking us all the time if we’re still in West Ashley, and we believe there is a high demand for a specialty store in that part of town. We can’t wait to open our doors there again.”
Darby received a call from the owner of Ellifox in January 2024. Ellifox was in the process of selling the company to operate exclusively online and suggested Wonder Works as a tenant. “I thought it was a great location, particularly because it was previously a children’s store and its close proximity in the shopping center to Chick-fil-A and The Little Gym,” Darby says. “We’re starting with a soft opening in June, followed by an official grand opening in July.”
Wonder Works specializes in active play toys, games, gifts, books, and gadgets. Its popular national brands include Lego, Jellycat, Squishmallows, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Melissa & Doug, Fat Brain Toys, Tonies and more. “We’ve always been an experiential, hands on play toy store,” says Darby. “We specialize in top trending toys, and quite often, we’re asked to test toys for national brands right here in Charleston.”
Wonder Works is renowned for its toy industry expertise and friendly knowledgeable staff. “We are so blessed to have a loyal tenured staff at our stores,” adds Darby. “The West Ashley store presents new opportunities for our valuable team members. Everyone is excited about what’s next.” The store will be open seven days a week, offering complimentary gift wrapping and birthday bins.
27, May 2024
Love to Code Academy Announces Formation of Coding and Robotics Teams for Elementary Students
Liberty, MO, May 27, 2024 –Love to Code Academy, a leading educational institution dedicated to fostering technical skills and character development in young learners, is excited to announce the formation of new Coding and Robotics Teams for elementary-age students. These teams will compete in the renowned VEX GO Competitions, offering students an unparalleled opportunity to develop their coding and robotics skills in a fun and competitive environment.
Empowering Young Innovators
At Love to Code Academy, whose mission is to empower the next generation of technology leaders by providing a comprehensive education that integrates character development with technical skills. Their newly formed Coding and Robotics Teams embody this mission, providing students with the tools and support they need to excel in both technology and teamwork. Guided by the Champion of Character traits—teamwork, passion, harmony, persistence, sportsmanship, integrity, and commitment—students are prepared to take on challenges both in and out of the digital realm.
Exciting Opportunities in VEX GO Competitions
The VEX GO Competitions are a premier platform for young coders and robotic enthusiasts to showcase their talents and ingenuity. Participating in these competitions allows students to:
– Enhance Technical Skills: Learn and apply coding and robotics concepts using VEX GO kits.
– Foster Teamwork: Collaborate with peers to design, build, and program robots.
– Build Character: Develop critical soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
– Experience Thrill of Competition: Engage in a dynamic and supportive environment that encourages innovation and resilience.
Join Love To Code Academy on This Exciting Journey
“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our students,” said Ron Allen, Founder of Love to Code Academy. “Our goal is to create an environment where young learners can explore their passion for technology while developing essential life skills. The VEX GO Competitions provide a perfect platform for our students to challenge themselves, grow, and have fun.”
Sign Up Today
Enrollment for the new Coding and Robotics Teams is now open. Parents and students are invited to join in this exciting journey. To learn more about the program and sign up, please visit their website at https://lovetocodeacademy.com or contact the enrollment advisors at enrollment@lovetocode.academy.
27, May 2024
Building Resilient and Secure Networks for Government Agencies
National Harbor, MD, May 27, 2024 — As Zero Trust Architecture continues to permeate U.S. Federal agencies and the DOD, funding is following suit. The Biden Administration’s proposed federal budget for fiscal 2024 includes a spending increase of $12.7 billion intended for cyber-related activities within federal agencies. For FY25, the Pentagon is seeking $14.5 billion, a $1B increase from 2024, for cyber spending including $977 zero trust.
To this end, DSI’S 2nd Annual Zero Trust Government Symposium will address in depth discussions on insulating battlefield operations, ensuring secure information sharing, transitioning to a hybrid workforce, defining adoption milestones, defeating adversaries, and addressing challenges in Zero Trust strategy. Attendees at the 2024 Symposium will have the unique opportunity to gain insights into accelerating Zero Trust implementation within the DOD and federal agencies, focusing on synchronizing efforts and the latest functional management offices that have been stood up to promote these efforts.
2024 Confirmed Speakers:
· Khoi Nguyen, SES, Director, Cyber Acquisition and Technology J9, CYBERCOM
· Gerald Caron, CIO, International Trade Administration
· Shery Thomas, SES, CTO, MARFORCYBER
· Alvin “Tony” Plater, Acting CISO, U.S. Navy
· Don Yeske, Director, National Security Cyber Division Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
· Cherilyn Pascoe, Director, National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, NIST
Moderator
John Zangardi, Ph.D, CEO, Redhorse, Former Chief Information Officer, DHS, Former Acting Chief Information Officer, DoD
Topics to be Covered at the Symposium:
· – Synchronizing the DOD to Accelerate Zero Trust Implementation
· -Understanding Responsible Use of AI in Protecting Federal Data
· -Insulating Battlefield Command C5ISR Operations with ZT Network Software
· – Confronting How to Better Manage and Secure Data Across the U.S. Treasury
· -Defining Steps and Milestones Guiding Air Force Forward in ZT Adoption
· – CISA’s Zero Trust Initiative Office: Unpacking ZT Strategy Challenges & Solutions
· -Enabling Continuous and Secure Information Sharing Between the U.S. Federal Government and International Partner Networks
27, May 2024
BDA Advises TE Asia on Sale of HKIOC to New Frontier
New York, NY, May 27, 2024 — BDA Partners is pleased to announce that its client, TE Asia Healthcare Partners (“TE Asia”), a portfolio company of TPG Capital, has agreed to sell its stake in Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre Limited (“HKIOC”) to NF Nestor Investment Holding Limited (“New Frontier”).
BDA Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to TE Asia and HKIOC’s other shareholders on the transaction.
HKIOC is the largest pure-play private oncology group in Hong Kong, with more than 80 staff, including 14 oncologists and radiologists, across three clinics.
New Frontier is one of the largest and fastest growing integrated healthcare service providers in China.
Antony Leung, Co-founder and Chairman of New Frontier Group, said, “Given the chronic and growing demand for quality cancer care in China, I’m grateful that we have found a partner who is not only a sector leader but also shares our corporate mission of Doing good and Doing Well, with Love.”
Prof. Ronnie Poon Tung-Ping, Founder of HKIOC, said “I am thrilled that HKIOC has joined New Frontier Group, a moment that fills entire team with tremendous pride. This partnership is a recognition of our accomplishments and growth as a comprehensive oncology diagnostic and medical centre since our establishment in 2015. The integration into New Frontier presents a significant opportunity to contribute to the medical development of the Greater Bay Area, and I hope our centres, along with the entire group, can lay a solid foundation in oncology for decades to come.”
Sophia Wu, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare China, BDA, said “We’re pleased to have found HKIOC a new partner and set the stage for its next phase of growth with New Frontier. This transaction further showcases BDA’s expertise in the Asian healthcare service sector.”
TE Asia and HKIOC’s other shareholders were also advised by Robertsons (legal) and KPMG (financial).
27, May 2024
United Way Bengaluru Launches ‘Mangroves Matter’: A Campaign to Restore Mangrove Ecosystems Started revitalizing mangrove ecosystems at Pulicat near Chennai
Bengaluru, May 27, 2024: Recent reports indicate a staggering loss of about 35% of mangroves between 1996 and 2010 highlighting a concerning trend in environmental degradation. Mangrove ecosystems play a significant role in stabilizing coastlines, making their preservation crucial for the environment and inhabitants. Mangroves are a natural solution to climate change, the paramount global threat. They can sequester carbon at a rate five times greater than tropical forests.
Responding to this urgent need, United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has launched an ambitious and impactful campaign, ‘ Mangroves Matter’, to revitalize mangrove ecosystems. The first foot is at Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu, a coastal town near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Known as the ‘jungle of roots‘ in Tamil, Pulicat encompasses a vast expanse of 720 sq. km, constituting India’s second-largest brackish water body. Rampant destruction of mangrove vegetation by human activities and natural causes has led to a massive reduction in the lake’s depth from 3.8m to 2m. This ecological decline has endangered biodiversity and threatened the livelihoods of local fisherfolk dependent on the mangrove ecosystem.
The ‘Mangroves Matter’ campaign was officially launched on World Wetlands Day, 2024, with a bold vision to rewild approximately 10 lakh mangroves across 100 acres in the Pulicat region alone. In addition to their environmental advantages, the campaign will closely work with the Irula community, opening up livelihood opportunities for them and boosting the local economy by supporting the cultivation of shrimp and fish species. The project also includes removal of acres of Prosopis ( Karuvelam ), an invasive species which has destroyed the local flora and soil ecosystems.
Sriram Ananthanarayanan, Director-Projects, UWBe, said, “I am glad that many of our Corporate CSR partners have come forward to support this campaign with a shared vision towards environmental commitment. Notably, our CSR partner, Mphasis, has pledged their support to this cause, dedicating the rewilding of mangroves on 70 acres in Pulicat. “
Looking ahead, United Way Bengaluru envisions extending the campaign’s reach to other regions, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. Upholding its mission of “mobilizing the caring power of communities,” the organization calls upon organizations from different industries to join hands in supporting this vital mission for the preservation of the planet’s precious ecosystems.
Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, UWBe, said, “COP28 made significant progress towards securing the Mangrove Breakthrough’s goal of 15 million hectares of mangroves underpinned by USD 4 billion new investments by 2030. I am super excited that United Way Bengaluru is among the very few organisations who have taken this initiative. ‘Mangroves Matter’ is aligned with the aspiration of COP28, which calls out the responsibility of the State, corporations, local people, community, NGOs and other stakeholders to deliver the Breakthrough.”
27, May 2024
Inauguration of 10th branch of Sree Charan Cooperative Bank at Kodigehalli
“Banks grow only if there is faith” – Former Chief Justice P. S. Dinesh Kumar
Bengaluru, May 27: Banking is a service that depends much on faith and the banking sector grows if there is absolute faith,” said Justice P. S. Dinesh Kumar, former Chief Justice of Karnataka here on Monday.
Speaking after inaugurating the 10th branch of Sree Charan Cooperative Bank near Sahakaranagar at Kodigehalli, Justice Dinesh Kumar said if the faith in the bank becomes strong and leads to deposits, then the banks are bound to grow and develop.
“We need to do everything that is possible to ensure that the people develop absolute faith in the banking practices,” Justice Dinesh Kumar added.
Stating that the banking services should increase in the present modern times by providing absolute services, Justice Kumar said the banks can offer better services to people if more branches are opened.
He said Dwarakanath and his team are doing immense service to the people through Sree Charan Cooperative Bank.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Editor of Public TV H.R. Ranganath said it is difficult to work with honesty and righteousness in the present day. The biggest inadequacy of the banking sector is the absence of faith. The Cooperative banking sector has witnessed everything which ought not to have happened.
“However, Sree Charan Bank is an exception. By opening its 10th branch, it is growing with a good pace. Cautious approach is the need of the hour. We must keep in mind that those who keep deposit have earned their money in a hard way,” Ranganath added.
B. V. Dwarakanath, Founder-Chairman of Sree Charan Cooperative Bank, Gayathri Dwarakanath, Director M. Gopinath, Vice President Shubhapradha, senior administrator T. N. Geetha, and others were present on the occasion.
27, May 2024
Women Role Models in STEM Shine at myAvtar Career Conference, 2024
Bengaluru, May, 2024: Avtar Group, India’s leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Solutions firm, hosted the myAvtar Career Conference (MACC) at Karnataka Trade Promotion Organization (KTPO), Bengaluru today.
myAvtar Career Conference (MACC), the career extravaganza brought together inclusive companies and a vast pool of women talent from the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) under one roof. Participating Companies included, Aditya Birla Group, Publicis Sapient, Broadridge Financial Solutions India Limited, Moody’s, Renault Nisan Tech, IBM India, Google Cloud, HDFC ERGO, ACT, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Gallagher, Happiest Minds Technologies Limited, Stryker, Verisk, AKJ Somaiya Institute Of Management, among many others.
Tailored for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), MACC offered a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and converse with like-minded professionals, industry-leading companies, and renowned experts in the industry. The conclave was an ecosystem designed to foster learning, sharing, and networking for women in the STEM field; an opportunity to explore new horizons in the STEM field, to grow personally and professionally, and to unlock a world of possibilities. The conference witnessed a large gathering of students, educators, professionals, and industry leaders who shared their knowledge, experiences, and insights.
Avtar Group also announced the winners of their inaugural “Women in STEM” Awards. This Awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women who are making significant strides in the STEM fields. In STEM Icons 15 plus years of work experience category, Vaijayanthi Srinivasa Raghavan Senior Director, UPS India Technology Centre, Priya Kanduri, CTO, SVP – Cyber Security Services, HappiestMinds Technologies Limited, Deepti Singh, Deputy General Manager- Head of Department System Installation, Renault Nissan Tech have received top 3 awards. In STEM Divas 8-15 years of work experience category, Subbulakshmi Ramkumar, Deputy Manager, RNTBCI, Yogita Bhanwaria, Senior Manager, Biocon Biologics Limited, MuthuSusithra Devarajan, Team Manager, Broadridge Financial Solutions have received top 3 awards. In STEM Stars 2-8 years of work experience category, Nishtha Mahendru, Consultant, Applied Innovation Exchange, Capgemini, Nidhi Raut, Sr. Engineer, Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre India (RNTBCI), Indujaa Thangavel, Broadridge Financial Solutions have received top 3 awards.
“One of the key sectors that has the potential to boost women’s workforce participation, is the STEM industry. While 43%of STEM graduates are women, they make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Moreover, women drop out of the workplace due to childbirth, childcare and elder care. Consequently, only 3 percent of women hold CEO posts in the STEM Industry. While research has established that improving women’s workforce participation can boost India’s GDP by 27%, more women in STEM would set the stage for inclusive innovation and solution designs that are equitable for all. Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM, yet they bring invaluable perspectives and ideas to these fields. MACC awards recognizes the exceptional talent, the brilliance, and diverse perspectives of women in STEM,” said Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group announcing the awards at the myAvtar Career Conference today in Bengaluru.
“Through MACC, we are acknowledging the remarkable work being done by women in STEM and also addressing the systemic barriers they face. Our goal is to create an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and drive progress,” added Dr Saundarya.
At the conference, three organizations with the “Best Programs for enabling women in STEM” – Biocon Biologics Pvt Ltd, Kyndryl and Molecular Connections Pvt Ltd were also recognized.
In addition to the awards, the myAvtar Career Conferences hosted a series of panel discussions, skilling tracks conducted by IBM, Google Cloud, Johnson & Johnson and Publicis Sapient exclusively for women. The event also provided a platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, collaboration, further strengthening the presence and influence of women in the STEM field.
The conference hosted in the hybrid mode –saw an attendance of over 3000 women at the on-ground event, while there were over 2000 attendees virtually. Companies opened up jobs from entry-level to senior-level positions across India – Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Pune, Bhubaneshwar, Madurai and Coimbatore.
27, May 2024
The Future of Remote Fitness: Exploring HDOR’s Virtual Training Capabilities
As the landscape of fitness evolves, HDOR (Hundred Days of Running) is at the forefront, offering innovative virtual training solutions that cater to a global audience. Since 2015, HDOR has been pioneering virtual running and cycling challenges, making fitness accessible, engaging, and convenient for everyone.
Revolutionizing Fitness with Virtual Challenges
HDOR has built a robust platform that seamlessly integrates with popular fitness tracking apps like Strava, enabling automatic activity data import. This means participants can focus on their workouts while HDOR takes care of the rest. The platform hosts a variety of events, from single-day challenges to extensive multi-day and annual programs, ensuring there’s something for every fitness enthusiast. Notable events include the renowned “100 Days of Running” and “Tour De 100,” which have seen participation from tens of thousands of athletes worldwide.
User-Friendly Features and Accessibility
One of HDOR’s standout features is its user-friendly mobile app, which provides quick access to fitness data, progress reports, and statistics. This real-time data accessibility helps users track their performance and stay motivated. The platform’s live fitness dashboard allows participants to observe their progress and compare their achievements with others in their group, organization, or geographical area.
Achievements and Rewards
HDOR believes in celebrating every fitness milestone, no matter how small. Participants receive digital finisher certificates, and for those who achieve specific goals, specially designed medals are available, adding a tangible reward to their virtual achievements.
Global Community and Events
HDOR’s virtual events foster a sense of community and global participation. With over 100,000 participants from numerous countries, these events have become a global phenomenon. HDOR continually launches new and exciting events, such as distance challenges and themed runs, to keep participants engaged and motivated throughout the year.
Conclusion
HDOR is redefining the fitness landscape by making exercise more accessible and enjoyable through its innovative virtual training capabilities. Whether you are an avid runner, cyclist, or someone just beginning their fitness journey, HDOR offers a supportive and engaging environment to help you achieve your goals. Join the future of fitness and become part of a global community dedicated to health and wellness.
27, May 2024
Key Insights for Successful Commercial Real Estate Investments
By – Mr. Rohit Maingi, Founder & Partner DnR Realty Consultants,
Venturing into commercial real estate can offer lucrative opportunities; however, it requires careful consideration and informed decision-making. Mr. Rohit Maingi, Founder & Partner at DnR Realty Consultants, shares key insights to guide your investment journey in this sector:
Thorough Market Analysis: Before investing, conduct a detailed market analysis. This includes understanding demand-supply dynamics, prevailing rental rates, vacancy rates, and upcoming developments. Mr. Maingi emphasizes the importance of thorough research to identify promising investment prospects.
Assess Financial Viability: Evaluate the financial viability of the venture by analyzing potential returns, cash flow projections, and associated risks. Consider factors such as maintenance costs, property taxes, and potential fluctuations in rental income.
Evaluate Location: The location of commercial properties is crucial for success. Properties in prime locations with high foot traffic and accessibility tend to yield better returns. Evaluate the surrounding infrastructure, proximity to transportation hubs, and demographic trends.
Tenant Profile Due Diligence: Secure reliable tenants by evaluating their creditworthiness, stability, and reputation. Conduct due diligence on tenant backgrounds and lease agreements to mitigate the risk of default.
Navigate Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Commercial real estate transactions involve navigating the legal and regulatory landscape. Seek professional guidance to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, and leasing laws.
Develop a Comprehensive Exit Strategy: Anticipate the possibility of exiting the investment in the future and develop a robust exit strategy aligned with your long-term objectives. This can include resale, lease renegotiation, or property redevelopment.
Implement Risk Mitigation Strategies: Commercial property investments inherently involve risks. Diversify your portfolio, consider insurance coverage, and implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard your investment.
Leverage Professional Guidance: Engage reputable real estate advisors and consultants, such as DnR Realty Consultants, to leverage their expertise and industry insights. Collaborating with professionals who provide tailored advice and support throughout the investment lifecycle is invaluable.
To succeed in commercial real estate investments, diligently assess market dynamics, conduct thorough due diligence, and collaborate with professionals. By following these key insights, you can unlock the potential for long-term growth and profitability in the commercial real estate sector.
