13, Dec 2023
A “Cool” COP28: Danfoss joins 60+ governments in supporting Global Cooling Pledge
Danfoss, an industry leader in energy efficiency and climate technologies have announced its endorsement and support for the implementation of Global Cooling Pledge. Recognizing the need to act on cooling, Danfoss joined forces with over 60 governments and other leading corporations to endorse a global pledge in support of sustainable cooling, launched at COP28 in Dubai.
Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India Region said, “Energy demand for space cooling is expected to grow threefold by 2050 if no measures are taken. Already space cooling represents 50% of energy consumption in building operations and it is one of the major contributors of emissions. Implementation of Global Cooling Pledge will give a push to the series of commitments by govts. to accelerate emissions reductions from energy use and refrigerants towards near zero emission cooling by 2050.”
Increasing temperatures, population growth, urbanization and rising incomes are driving the increased need for cooling. According to the first ever Global Cooling Watch Report, launched at this year’s COP28, cooling demand could triple by 2050. This would lead to a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which is equivalent to more than the total annual greenhouse gas emissions of the United States of America today[1].
Jürgen Fischer, President, Danfoss Climate Solutions, said, “Cooling is one of the biggest societal opportunities of our time. It’s needed everywhere to cool our food, our buildings, and our vaccines. It brings health, growth, and food security for the world’s population. The commitments made by governments through the Global Cooling Pledge are a brave step, but now we must see them take action, implement the technologies readily available today and spread sustainable, energy efficient and climate friendly cooling technologies around the globe. Action is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.”
District cooling: keeping our cities cool without heating up the planet
District cooling is one of the most promising and efficient ways to cool and decarbonize buildings. It typically saves up to 50% of energy compared to conventional cooling systems1.
Anju Mary Kuruvilla, Director- Industry Affairs, Communication& Sustainability said, “Innovation already exists, in the form of District Cooling solutions to increase energy efficiency and the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants to decarbonize the building sector, for creating comfortable, healthy indoor spaces. This will offset the climate change effects. Global alliance of 60+ govts’ along with Danfoss and other leading corporations will contribute to the efforts for reducing the carbon footprint.”
In most cases, chilled water is supplied from a central, electrically powered chiller and circulated to buildings through pipelines. Thermal storage opportunities in district cooling networks enable shifting cold-water production away from peak hours and adapting to variable renewable energies. Centralized plants help professionalize refrigerant management and support the move towards more climate friendly refrigerants. From an urban planning perspective, heat islands, noise and space requirements can be avoided.
Building a sustainable and safe cold chain for health and a better future
Similar trends are expected for cold chain and refrigeration applications as electricity use is set to grow significantly with the much-needed expansion of the cold chain to provide food, medicine, and vaccines for a growing population.
The good news is that near zero emission cooling is possible. Emissions in 2050 could be cut by 97% with readily available technology[2]: one third could already be achieved by compliance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the most important driver to reduce refrigerant emissions, and state-of-the art energy efficiency. The remainder could be reached by stepping up actions on energy efficiency and refrigerants, reducing the need for cooling and fully decarbonizing the grid.
End users could save $1 trillion per year by 2050 due to reduced electricity use. Reduced peak loads on electricity networks would translate to a reduction in peak electricity demand between 1.5 TW and 2 TW, resulting in $4 trillion to $5 trillion savings by 20501.
“Combining high energy efficiency in cooling with the transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants is a very powerful way to reduce emissions and cost. District cooling and the phase-out of refrigerants with a high impact on global warming are just two examples of many that can make a major difference. Technologies and solutions to reduce cooling-related emissions are already in use around the world, and I urge the leaders behind the Global Cooling Pledge to see them into action. Seeing is believing,” says Fischer.
Andrea Voigt, Head of Global Public Affairs, Danfoss Climate Solutions, concludes: “There’s ample evidence that policies aimed at phasing down high global warming potential refrigerants combined with measures to increase energy efficiency will lead to tangible results. Training is another crucial, yet often neglected success factor. At Danfoss we look forward to collaborating with our customers and governments to create sustainable ecosystems ranging from hardware and software solutions to training and adequate policies that will make the energy and refrigerant transition a success for all.”
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- By Rabindra
13, Dec 2023
Spread Festive Cheer with The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore’s Customizable Christmas Hampers
Bengaluru: Get into the holiday spirit with The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore’s exclusive customizable Christmas hampers and treats which will make the holiday celebrations even more special. The Christmas collection is full of holiday opulence and boasts a wide range of the finest Christmas goodies, including premium wines, and luxurious chocolates, all handpicked to ensure that every item in the hamper is of the highest quality.
Besides the Christmas hampers, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is also providing an exclusive spa collection to its customers. This collection comprises an array of lavish and indulgent products that are designed to offer the ultimate relaxation experience. The spa collection includes an assortment of pampering products such as bath salts, aromatic oils, moisturizing lotions, and more, all of which are carefully curated to soothe and rejuvenate your senses. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore’s spa collection is the perfect way to unwind, de-stress, and pamper yourself during this festive season.
One can also choose to include Marriott Bonvoy e-gift cards. Marriott Bonvoy offers a great gifting option for the festive season. One can create hampers that include Marriott Bonvoy e-gift cards, which you can use to purchase items of your choice from their wide selection of festive treats. These hampers are completely customizable, so you can tailor them to suit your loved one’s taste and preferences. This way, your loved ones can truly enjoy the festive season by indulging in their favorite goodies.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is committed to promoting sustainability in all aspects of their operations, including their holiday offerings. In line with their eco-conscious values, the hotel has put together a range of sustainable products and materials. The team at the hotel has taken great care to ensure that these products are not only luxurious and high-quality but also have a minimal impact on the environment. From eco-friendly packaging to biodegradable materials.
This festive season, surprise your loved ones with a thoughtful gift that spreads the joy of Christmas. Choose each item carefully and give the gift of memories that will be cherished forever. Their Pan-India Delivery service ensures that the hampers reach your loved ones, no matter where they are in the country.
13, Dec 2023
Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal, the newly appointed Brand Ambassador for G-SHOCK India joins forces with G-SHOCK, the iconic watch brand from Casio
National, December 13th 2023: G-SHOCK India, the trailblazer in unbreakable watches, proudly unveils the association with celebrated actor Vicky Kaushal as its brand ambassador. This iconic partnership unites G-SHOCK’s four-decade legacy of crafting robust and trend-setting timepieces with Vicky Kaushal’s charismatic personality and embodiment of toughness, embracing both physical endurance and mental strength.
G-SHOCK’s stands out globally as a lifestyle watch brand developed via Japanese cutting-edge technology whose legacy spans over four decades, during which it has established an unassailable standard for durability, innovation and iconic designs in the watchmaking realm. This remarkable journey was driven by the single-minded pursuit of shock resistance as its core ideology while bringing forth impeccable precision, innovative design, and fashionable appeal for the ever-evolving youth audiences.
With an illustrious career spanning commercial blockbusters and poignant cinema, Vicky Kaushal bridges the hearts of masses and connoisseurs alike. His unique blend of qualities—bold, confident, and fashion-forward, yet deeply empathetic with a high level of emotional intelligence—aligns seamlessly with G-SHOCK’s ethos of “Absolute Toughness”. His go-getter attitude, characterized by an unwavering commitment to high performance and the spirit of never giving up, mirrors the very essence of G-SHOCK, making him the perfect choice for G-SHOCK.
Crafted from high-quality materials such as resin and metal reinforced with advanced technologies, G-SHOCK designs provide superior shock resistance, making them ideal for a diverse set of consumers such as youth subculture-inspired individuals, fashion enthusiasts, athletes, and those with an active lifestyle. The oversized dimensions not only contribute to a bold and striking appearance but also enhance the visibility of the watch face, ensuring easy readability in various conditions.
These models often incorporate multifunctional features, including stopwatches, world-time displays, and specialized sensors, catering to the diverse needs of users. Despite their robust construction, G-SHOCK large cases are ergonomically designed for comfort, ensuring a secure and snug fit on the wrist.
Talking about the association, Mr Hideki Imai, Managing Director, Casio India, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Vicky Kaushal to the G-SHOCK family. His tenacious spirit and bold persona resonate perfectly with G-SHOCK’s core values, making him an ideal match for our brand. G-SHOCK India is embarking on an exciting new chapter, strengthening its connection with these discerning consumers who consistently seek adventure, endurance, rugged style, and unrivalled durability in their day-to-day lives. Vicky Kaushal’s exemplary journey and accomplishment in both commercial and independent cinema synergizes with G-SHOCK’s ethos of toughness, endurance and the spirit of never giving up. Together, we look forward to a successful partnership that inspires the audience to follow their passions with undeterred enthusiasm and renewed spirit.”
G-SHOCK is globally positioned as a lifestyle-centric watch brand deeply connected with youth subcultures, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and resilience. Vicky Kaushal’s radical tough imagery and impactful performances in the Hindi Film Industry throughout his career serve as a testament to his unflinching attitude, drawing a striking parallel to the unbreakable resilience embodied by G-SHOCK.
Sharing his thoughts about the association, Vicky Kaushal said, “I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the G-SHOCK family. G-SHOCK has epitomized toughness and style for over four decades, and I deeply resonate with its core values. The brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and its unyielding spirit align perfectly with my philosophy. As an actor, my journey revolves around pushing boundaries and venturing into uncharted territories. This partnership is a natural fit, and I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with the brand G-SHOCK.”
This partnership between two powerhouses, Vicky Kaushal and G-SHOCK, embodies the true spirit of ‘Absolute Toughness,’ highlighting their collective persona characterized by flamboyance, boldness, and unwavering high performance.
13, Dec 2023
Top 5 Must Visit Cafes When Visiting Kolkata
Somponno Cafe – as the name signifies means ‘Complete’ and is under HIDCO (West Bengal Housing infrastructure Development Corporation Limited). This multi-cuisine food haven is strategically located in posh Alipore near some of the major tourist sites such as the Zoo, National Library, Horticultural Gardens, Dhono Dhanya Auditorium, Uttirno Stadium and the Alipore Museum (at the former Alipore Central Correctional Home) and provides a great place for a much-needed coffee break or meal with your family and friends after a long day of sight-seeing. The café has a modern glassed exterior offering loads of sunlight, and has been styled with scenes from Kolkata including a much-beloved yellow taxi.
Somponno Café offers a variety of dishes that include among others soups such as (Asparagus, Cream of Chicken), salads (Roasted Chicken Hawaiian Salad, Classic Caesar), appetisers (Darjeeling Style Momo, Pan-tossed Fresh Mushrooms, Chicken Aglio Olio Peppercino), main course (Risotto Al-Fungi, Four Cheese Pizza, Grilled Stuffed Chicken with red-wine jus, Russian Chicken Stroganoff, Vegetarian Tetrazini) and desserts (Mango Cheese Cake, Daab Ice Cream, Chocolate Monte Carlo, Walnut Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream).
Its signature dishes include Tex Mex Bowl, Greek styled – Chicken Souvlaki, Kung Pao Bowl, Murg Tikka Makhani, Somponno Special Fried Prawn, Signature Gondharaj Fish Kebab, Cilantro Chili Chicken and the special dessert consisting of Misti Doi Millie Fullie.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet nook for focused work, a cozy corner for a tête-à-tête, or a communal table for a group gathering, this cafe effortlessly caters to diverse preferences. The carefully selected furnishings and attention to detail in every corner makes it more than just a place to grab a coffee or a snack – it’s an immersive experience, inviting you to linger, indulge, and savor the moment.
Address: 34A, Alipore, Kolkata – 700027
Flurys:
Located on Park Street in the heart of Kolkata, Flurys stands as an iconic establishment, epitomizing the city’s colonial charm. Established in 1927, the legendary Tea Room is a must for those hoping to capture the colonial charm of enjoying their eggs on toast with bacon and baked beans, or the iconic Flurys’ English Breakfast comprising of two grilled sausages, two rashes of crispy bacon, one poached egg, two slices of bread, one grilled tomato, mushroom, butter along with tea or coffee. They are also known for the pancakes, patties and grilled sandwiches.
Nevertheless, with an expanded menu you can order from their appetizers, mains, or their pastas and burgers; but what Flurys is renowned for are their multitude of pasties and desserts. From their peach melba to chocolate and almond cubes, from the mousse, velvet cakes to truffles, you cannot go wrong here. However, their signature Rum Ball and Black Forest Cakes are the winners, hands down.
Address: 18A, Park Street, Kolkata – 700016 West Bengal
The Roastery Coffee House:
Located in Hindustan Park has a wonderful black and white tiled outdoor seating area, perfect for the winter months, and an in-door restaurant which is generally full to capacity during the warmer season. The specialty of this place is their 15-page coffee menu. They have built an independent roasting unit with a brand-new roasting machine to meet the growing demand for their coffee in the city. Their signature coffee is the Cascara which is served, both, hot and cold and most ordered coffees are the Cranberry coffee and the Cappuccino. Even the milk coffees such as cappuccino or latte are now available in vegan options; the milk used is plant based and it retains the same taste and frothiness that the milk variety has.
They have included several healthy food options and gourmet Italian hand-made pastas in their menu too. However, their most ordered food choices are the Basque Cheesecake, Zucchini Fries, Sandwiches and Salads and their Breakfast Platters. Some of their more popular food items also include Grilled Chicken Salad, Veg Penne with Mixed Sauce, Farm Fresh Pizza and Twice-Baked Cake.
Address: 70B Hindustan Park, (Inside South India Club), Kolkata – 700029
8th Day Café & Bakery:
The first outlet is tucked away in a Central Kolkata lane, 8th Day Café & Bakery is a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil retreat. Opened in 2015 by Grant Walsh, today it has 3 outlets in the city. The café at Jatin Bagchi Road opposite Vivekananda Park is always buzzing with Gen Z sitting with their open laptops, sipping on their favorite brew and bagel or chewy cookies and fresh salads and catching up on business meetings. Ranked #1 out of 109 places for Coffee & Tea in the city on Trip Advisor, 8th Day lives up to these accolades.
Some of their signature must haves include the Hummus Wrap, the West Range Omelette, their famous Chocolate Chunk cookies, and their Chicken Burgers and Cheesecakes.
Address: Arcadia, 6, West Range, AJC Bose Road, Kolkata -700017
Sienna Store & Café:
Voted the #1 Café in Kolkata and ranked #5 by Conde Nast Traveller’s Top 50 Restaurants in the country, Sienna Café does not disappoint!
You need to walk through the store (which has some lovely pottery, saris, scarves and blouses, all sustainable and funky clothing) to reach the café, which has additional seating on the first floor. A favorite place for those looking to gift something meaningful to their friends and family.
The café is a haven in a quiet lane in South Kolkata and has hosted music performances and sustainable pop-ups. It is always fairly packed with a number of ex-pats and travelers flocking here. From breakfast which includes a variety of eggs on toast to light bites of burgers with wafers and home-made dip, to soups, salads, hearty meals and sweet treats Sienna Café has it all. Their must-have items include avocado tortilla salad, pesto cherry tomato house made mozzarella platter with whole wheat bread (all made in-house), black rice salad with ginger honey vinaigrette, fried chicken with papaya salad, Sienna fries with their super spicy house special chili sauce, and the date and walnut cake as well as the hot chocolate.
Address: 49/1 Hindustan Park, Kolkata – 700029
13, Dec 2023
LIXIL Expands its Presence in Delhi, Unveils The LIXIL Experience Center to Elevate Bathroom Experiences
● The debut of The LIXIL Experience Center in Delhi-NCR marks a landmark addition of an immersive experience of the brand in Northern India
● Situated in the vicinity of Aerocity, Delhi and spanning an area of 7000 sq. ft it brings world class experience to the discerning customers of the region
13th December, 2023: LIXIL, the parent company of leading global brands GROHE and American Standard, has unveiled its state-of-the-art immersive space, ‘The LIXIL Experience Center’, located near Aerocity, Delhi.
The futuristically-created design hub celebrates the artistry of bathroom spaces, seamlessly merging luxury and design to deliver unique experiences to the customers.
The LIXIL Experience Center is conceptualized to elevate the consumer journey, where customers can experiment with different combinations, textures, and styles to craft their personalized narrative in luxury bathroom design. Aligned with LIXIL’s corporate mission of “making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere,” the center is dedicated to enhancing accessibility for the architecture and design (A&D) community, partners, and end consumers.
Bobby Joseph, Leader, LWT India and Subcon, said, “With our headquarters situated in Gurugram, expanding our design and product presence to Delhi-NCR was the next natural progression for LIXIL. The LIXIL Experience Center marks a new dawn in our success story. It serves as a creative hub for our customers, offering them a firsthand experience of what a complete bathroom created in tandem with our brands Grohe and American Standard could look and feel like. The objective behind inaugurating these experience centers is to expand our footprint and establish them as an immersive space, creating a unique, memorable and insightful experience for architects, designers, builders and consumers. With our commitment to design, innovation and technology intact, we are well-positioned to delight our patrons with more such experiential spaces in the country.”
The LIXIL Experience Center is uniquely poised to resonate with the dynamic lifestyle and design preferences of Delhi-NCR. The brand’s strategic entry into the capital underscores its commitment to consolidating its presence across key metropolitan business markets nationwide. Following the success of similar launches in Bangalore and Mumbai, this marks LIXIL’s third such experience center in the past 2 years, underscoring the brand’s commitment to the Indian Market.
The LIXIL Experience Center will remain open six days a week, from 10 am to 7 pm, except on Mondays.
Visit The LIXIL Experience Center: Ground floor, Pullman Hotel, Gate Number 7 Aerocity
13, Dec 2023
HCLTech and UPES Dehradun to collaborate on advanced sustainability solutions for the oil and gas industry
NOIDA, India, Dec 13, 2023—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UPES Dehradun, Uttarakhand to collaborate on developing advanced solutions for the oil and gas industry with a focus on sustainability solutions.
Students and research scholars from UPES Dehradun will have the opportunity to intern with HCLTech and on successful completion, select candidates will be offered employment in the company’s oil and gas consulting team.
The collaboration will add rigor to HCLTech’s expertise in developing digital solutions and leveraging AI in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, offering significant value to oil and gas companies.
“This strategic initiative will introduce solutions that promote sustainability, innovation, value optimization and prioritization of low-carbon solutions in the oil and gas industry. The partnership will focus on the development of advanced solutions for the oil and gas industry using advanced technologies such as AI/ML, GenAI, IoT, Industry 4.0, data engineering and cloud computing,” said Ajay Bahl, Corporate Vice President, HCLTech.
“We are excited to announce our collaboration with HCLTech, creating unique opportunities for students and researchers to work on cutting-edge projects and internships in the energy sector. These projects aim to address critical challenges, reduce carbon footprints, and deliver value to oil and gas organizations. We look forward to hosting webinars and forums to explore new possibilities in Sustainability, Safety in Oil Field Operations, and Operational Excellence. This partnership fosters strong academic-industry ties, offering students practical case studies and connecting sponsors with professors to tackle industry issues, benefiting academia and industry alike,” said Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES.
13, Dec 2023
Futurescape: Predictions Shaping Tomorrow’s Distribution Landscape
The distribution industry has undergone a tectonic transformation driven by automation, analytics, and cutting-edge innovations. In addition, advancements in last-mile delivery, smart warehouses, and a sharpened focus on sustainable practices are further reshaping business operations and customer experiences. Furthermore, technologies like blockchain and augmented reality offer transparency and enhanced product visualization. Therefore, collaboration with these new technologies is crucial for organizations to remain competitive, efficient, and capable of delivering exceptional experiences in the evolving distribution landscape.
- Automation revolutionizes supply chains
The rise of automation, driven by robotics and artificial intelligence, will profoundly revolutionize and reshape supply chains. Smart warehouses with cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous vehicles, state-of-the-art automated picking systems, and advanced predictive analytics, will optimize inventory management, significantly reduce costs, and remarkably enhance operational efficiency. Therefore, deploying a best-in-class warehouse management system (WMS) is of utmost importance as it acts as a crucial link, seamlessly connecting your automation to your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, facilitating smooth and efficient operations. - Advanced analytics and big data drive decision-making
Looking ahead, the future of distribution heavily relies on harnessing the immense power of big data and advanced analytics, which play a pivotal role in shaping strategic decision-making processes. Forward-thinking businesses will utilize sophisticated predictive algorithms and real-time data analytics to make highly informed decisions, optimize inventory levels, accurately predict demand patterns, and deliver personalized customer experiences. To fully leverage these invaluable data tools, distributors should migrate their ERP systems to the cloud, enabling them to effectively deploy and capitalize on the transformative potential of advanced analytics and big data. - Last-mile delivery revolution
Last-mile delivery is on the verge of a transformational shift as pioneering delivery models emerge and gain widespread adoption. Cutting-edge technologies such as drones, autonomous vehicles, and delivery robots are poised to become commonplace, revolutionizing the final leg of the delivery process by offering unprecedented speed, exceptional cost-effectiveness, and unrivaled convenience as products are swiftly transported to consumers’ doorsteps. Additionally, the rise of crowd-sourced and shared delivery networks will further propel the efficiency and effectiveness of last-mile delivery, making it an increasingly prominent force in distribution. - Sustainable and eco-friendly practices
In response to mounting environmental concerns and an ever-increasing demand for ethically conscious products, the importance of incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly practices in distribution cannot be overstated. Forward-thinking businesses are proactively adopting and embracing environmentally friendly initiatives, such as green packaging, integrating electric vehicles into their fleets, and optimizing logistics routes to drastically reduce carbon footprints. By prioritizing sustainability, companies address environmental challenges and cater to a growing market segment that values eco-conscious products and distribution practices. - The rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales are poised to experience continuous and substantial growth, steadily bypassing traditional distribution channels altogether. Fueled by technological advancements, manufacturers actively leverage cutting-edge tools and platforms to establish an unprecedented direct connection with consumers. This direct link fosters personalized experiences, empowers data-driven marketing strategies, and grants manufacturers more control over brand messaging, brand-consumer relationships and customer loyalty. - Blockchain revolutionizes traceability and transparency
Blockchain technology’s revolutionary potential within the supply chain management realm could be genuinely transformative, offering unparalleled traceability and transparency. Distributed ledger systems powered by blockchain enable real-time tracking and monitoring of products throughout the entire distribution network. By effectively combating counterfeiting, substantially reducing instances of fraud, and ensuring the authenticity of goods, blockchain technology significantly enhances trust and accountability within the supply chain. - Hyper-personalization and customer-centric experiences
The future distribution landscape will be characterized by an unwavering dedication to customer-centricity fueled by the immense power of hyper-personalization. Leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, businesses will possess the extraordinary ability to deeply understand individual preferences, enabling them to deliver meticulously tailored products, personalized offers, and unforgettable experiences that foster exceptional customer satisfaction and unparalleled brand loyalty. - Augmented reality (AR) enhances product visualization
Augmented reality (AR) emerges as a groundbreaking technology that plays an instrumental role in elevating the visualization of products and profoundly shaping consumer decision-making processes. As AR-enabled devices become increasingly prevalent, consumers can experience products virtually before purchasing. This transformative capability revolutionizes the online shopping experience, effectively bridging the gap between physical and digital realms and empowering consumers with unprecedented confidence and satisfaction. - 3D printing enables distributed manufacturing
The advent of 3D printing technology disrupts traditional manufacturing and distribution models by offering an array of unprecedented advantages. The remarkable capability to produce goods locally, precisely on demand, and with significantly reduced waste gives rise to the establishment of distributed manufacturing networks. This transformative shift leads to substantially shorter lead times and empowers businesses to deliver highly customized products tailored to individual consumers’ precise needs and preferences, effectively revolutionizing manufacturing and distribution. - Collaboration and ecosystem integration
As the distribution landscape unfolds, a profound transformation characterized by intensified collaboration and seamless ecosystem integration becomes increasingly prominent. Forward-thinking businesses recognize the immense value of forming strategic partnerships, engaging in data-sharing initiatives, and fostering close collaboration in critical areas such as logistics, inventory management, and fulfillment. This concerted effort enables seamless end-to-end operations, propelling businesses toward faster time-to-market, enhanced competitiveness, and unparalleled operational excellence.
The future of distribution promises exciting advancements and transformative changes that will reshape the industry. Ensuring your tech stack is robust enough to handle these new tools is critical. Embracing automation, leveraging big data and analytics, adopting sustainable practices, and harnessing emerging technologies will be crucial for businesses to stay competitive. By embracing these trends, wholesale distributors can unlock new opportunities, enhance efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer experiences in the next decade and beyond.
13, Dec 2023
The 28th Edition Of The European Union Film Festival Culminates In Delhi On A High Note With An Overwhelming Response
New Delhi, December 13, 2023: The 28th edition of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF), organized by the EU Delegation to India in collaboration with EU Member States, concluded in Delhi amidst much excitement and fanfare from film enthusiasts as they experienced the finest in European Cinema. Spanning 10 days, the festival offered a curated selection of 28 movies from 27 EU countries and Ukraine in 25 languages across three venues – India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Cultural Center), and The Goethe-Institut /Max Mueller Bhavan.
The festival concluded with the screening of three films on the last day – Kiddo, directed by Zara Dwinger from The Netherlands; Tori and Lokita, directed by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne from Belgium, and Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin, directed by Martin McDonagh from Ireland. With this, the curtains were drawn on the 28th Edition of the EU Film Festival in Delhi. The screenings throughout the festival witnessed an overwhelming response from the audience, with several full house shows across venues. The festival will next enthral the audience in Chennai from 19th to 28th January 2024.
During the festival, the audience got the opportunity to interact with European filmmakers and artists visiting the festival, including French actress Guslagie Malanda, Finnish director Hanna Marjo Västinsalo, Finnish producer Cyril Jacob Abraham, and Estonian director Anu Aun.
As the festival concluded in Delhi, Ambassador of the European Union to India, H.E. Herve Delphin, said, “End slap of the clapperboard for this year’s European Union Film Festival in Delhi! This 28th edition of the EUFF was a great window to the best European cinema: a glimpse of Europe’s rich culture through captivating stories. It was heartening to see the enthusiasm and interest of the public. This festival is a step towards creating a larger platform for cultural dialogue between the EU and India, celebrating our tradition of storytelling, and providing young people with a platform that helps them experience cultural exchange in a different light.”
Talking about the theme of the festival, he added: “This year, the festival celebrated women in cinema through the work of dynamic and independent women directors. We also had two directors and an actress from Europe visit the festival, stirring conversation about cinema and the role of women. It was in every sense seeing the world through a wider lens”. He called on the audience to stay tuned to the EUFF: “There is good news for Indian cinema lovers: the festival is not over! It now travels to Chennai, where the selection of EUFF will be on display from 19th to 28th January 2024.”
Featuring movies from 18 women directors, the festival celebrated Women in European Cinema and the art of storytelling from the woman’s perspective, observing the increased dominance of women’s participation in cinema. Along with the screening of these award-winning films that have received significant appreciation across some of the most prestigious global film festivals, the festival also hosted a panel discussion on Women in European Cinema featuring prominent panelists, including the curator of EUFF 2023 – Veronica Flora, Estonian Director – Anu Aun and Actress of the French film Saint Omer – Guslagie Malanda. The session was moderated by film scholar and film critic Sukhpreet Kahlon.
The festival also hosted a masterclass on New Frontiers in Filmmaking — a one-day intensive workshop with presentations, activities, and screenings inspired by anthropology, art-making, virtual reality, cultural heritage, scientific research, and more. The masterclass, organized in collaboration with UnBox, saw sessions by European and Indian filmmakers – Hanna Västinsalo (Finland), Savyasachi Anju Prabir (India), and Finnish filmmakers Cyril Abraham (Finland/India). The three filmmakers brought together unique experiences in producing shorts, features, and experimental work in South Asian and European regions.
A special section, BACHPAN, in collaboration with Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (Siffcy) – a Smile Foundation initiative, was curated by renowned film producer, distributor, and curator Jitendra Mishra. The workshop was attended by over 80 children from Delhi schools and the Smile Foundation. The BACHPAN session screened two specially curated films, She – Hero from Slovakia and Icarus and the Minotaur from Luxembourg. The children also had the opportunity to learn from masters in cinema about one of the most important aspects of film-making – storyboarding.
The ‘free for all’ festival was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to India, Embassies of EU Member States, and regional partners for an incredible cinematic experience with 28 films in 25 languages from 28 European countries. This year, the festival witnessed an excellent line-up of films that have won accolades at top film festivals worldwide, including Cannes, the Academy Awards, the Venice Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, and IFFI, among others. Rich in genre, the EUFF brings some of the best stories and creators from Europe to the Indian audience.
The films screened at the on-ground EUFF 2023 were:
Breaking the Ice – Austria; Tori and Lokita – Belgium; Mother- Bulgaria; Murina- Croatia; The Man with the Answers- Cyprus; Ordinary Failures- Czech Republic; The Quiet Migration- Denmark; Walker on Water- Estonia; Palimpsest- Finland; Saint-Omer- France; Talking About the Weather- Germany; Listen- Greece; Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time- Hungary; The Banshees of Inisherin- Ireland; The Eight Mountains- Italy; My Love Affair with Marriage- Latvia; Remember to Blink- Lithuania; Icarus and the Minotaur- Luxembourg; Carmen- Malta; Kiddo- Netherlands; The Perfect Number- Poland; Wolf and Dog- Portugal; Mikado- Romania; She – Hero- Slovakia; Riders- Slovenia; The Beasts- Spain; After Work- Sweden; Luxembourg, Luxembourg- Ukraine
13, Dec 2023
Virtue Worldwide Appoints Ayushi Saria as Associate Creative Director
Mumbai, 13th December 2023: Virtue Worldwide, the agency powered by VICE Media Group, has appointed Ayushi Saria as Associate Creative Director. This strategic move emphasizes Virtue India’s focus on bolstering their creative leadership with future-focused and culture-forward talent.
Ayushi’s professional journey is marked by a diverse background, with contributions ranging from impactful campaigns for COVID vaccinations at Aster Hospitals to the creation of engaging games for the Singapore Tourism Board during her tenure at Wunderman and Hungama. Before joining Virtue, Ayushi dedicated her talents to illustration, where she focused on projects centered around skin and body positivity. Notably, her international experience includes collaborations with esteemed clients such as Vicks, Red Lobster, Metamucil, and Heineken at Publicis New York.
Ayushi’s work has garnered widespread recognition and has been featured on prominent platforms like Design Taxi, Ads of the World, AdAge, and Brand Care. She has received accolades from Young Guns, New York Festivals, Art Directors Club, Applied Arts, and Summit Awards.
Hayden Scott, Creative Head at Virtue India, shared his thoughts on Ayushi’s appointment, stating, “Ayushi is a great example of the kind of exciting hybrid talent we want to grow at Virtue. She is a passionate advocate for design and a strong leader. I am certain her diverse skill-sets will help bring a wonderfully fresh perspective to our work. And did I mention, she’s also a damn nice person? I can’t wait to see how Ayushi helps shape Virtue India’s next growth phase.”
In response to her new role, Ayushi Saria, the newly appointed Associate Creative Director at Virtue India, commented, “I’ve always been fascinated by culture and how brands become a part of this in a progressive and meaningful way. To have the opportunity to work at a place that’s powered by culture – it’s incredibly exciting. To work with some very unique and talented people, even more so.”
13, Dec 2023
University of Sydney fosters bilateral climate solutions in India
13th December 2023 – University of Sydney researchers and the Asia Society India Centre last week convened a roundtable to explore opportunities for climate action in India and Australia.
Discussions were led by distinguished speakers including Nishtha Singh from the Asia Society Policy Institute, Ambika Vishwanath of Kubernein Initiative, and Prof Deanna D’Alessandro, Director of the University of Sydney’s Net Zero Initiative.
A diverse consortium of researchers, industry leaders, academics, and NGOs attended and identified strategic bilateral collaboration opportunities between Australia and India.
India and Australia grapple with similar obstacles related to fossil fuel dependency, escalating energy demands, and emissions from the agricultural sector. The roundtable underscored priority areas for bilateral partnership, highlighting renewable energy technology, critical minerals, hydrogen initiatives, and transitioning from hard-to-abate sectors, marking a united effort to fortify clean energy relations.
Topics discussed included technology, encompassing the exchange of expertise on renewables, baseload technology, the circular economy, and the co-utilisation of land for Agrivoltaics. Incentives and policy insights examined aspects of carbon markets, pricing mechanisms, water management plans, and the streamlining of regulatory processes.
Addressing the concept of a just transition involved tackling diverse impacts across states, integrating indigenous knowledge, and facilitating job transitions to renewable sectors.
“India and Australia are remarkably similar in terms of the structures of our energy systems – perhaps two of the most closely related countries globally,” said Professor Penelope Crossley from the University of Sydney’s Law School. “This means that knowledge sharing is critical. We need to learn from one another, de-risk investment and accelerate progress.”
“We will never have a perfect solution for decarbonization,” said Dr Rashneh Pardiwala, Founder and Director, Centre for Environmental Research and Education, India. “But we cannot wait until we have all the knowledge. We need action to create knowledge and confidence through experience.”
“Adaptation is more costly than prevention – we urgently need to improve our energy efficiency, reduce our demand for unsustainable resources, and mitigate emissions,” said Nadir Godrej, Managing Director, Godrej Industries and Chairman of Godrej Agrovet, who attended the roundtable. “A key driver for change in India is corporate social responsibility.” –
The roundtable concluded by outlining actionable steps, including deeper exploration of priority areas, collaborative mechanisms transcending country-level agreements, and fostering inclusive engagement across sectors to expedite progress. Participants will reconvene in 2024 to advance its work program.
