Archives February 2024

SEPC hails Interim Budget’s Triumph

7th Feb 2024, New Delhi: The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) applauds the visionary Budget 2024, presented by the Honourable mic course for Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, under the esteemed leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. This budget sets a dynaViksit Bharat, focusing on pivotal growth factors—Capability, Empowerment, Infrastructure, Anusandhan, and Social Justice.

karan rathore

SEPC commends the government’s commitment to strengthening service sectors, including tourism, energy, healthcare, logistics, and aviation. This step will help in further strengthening the India services sector. The emphasis on state-centric tourism models and financial support through interest-free loans for state branding initiatives is anticipated to boost domestic and foreign tourist footfall significantly.

In a revolutionary step, the budget uniquely addressed the aspirations of Amrit Peedhi, recognising the pivotal role of the youth in our nation’s prosperity. Initiatives such as Fund of Funds, Startup India, and Start-Up Credit Guarantee Schemes play a crucial role in nurturing India’s thriving Start-Up ecosystem.

“We are in support of the budget and look forward to working with the government to realise these goals. Srimati Nirmala Sitharaman, the Honourable Union Finance Minister, outlined a comprehensive plan for the dynamic future of Viksit Bharat, emphasising capabilities, empowering citizens, and bolstering key service sectors which do the need of the hour. The initiatives supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to grow globally resonate well within the services sector”, shared Karan Rathore, Chairman SEPC.

“In the past few years we have been actively working to globally promote the various services sectors of India. Business meets, exhibitions, FTAs etc, have been instrumental in helping India services get a seat at the global table. We are glad that the budget also outlined measures to enhance FDI inflow, ongoing negotiations of Bilateral Investment Treaties, and streamlined customs procedures for international trade. This reflects positive strides toward India’s development as a global player”, shared Dr Abhay Sinha, Director General, SEPC.

SEPC commends and supports the government’s focus on technology across sectors and increased allocation for infrastructure development with a technological approach are welcomed gestures.

They look forward to the transformative impact of this budget on the services sector, ushering in a new era of growth and opportunities for Viksit Bharat.

Shark Tank featured founders Adil Qadri and Ananya Maloo from Gujarat to meet startup founders

shark tank featured founders

Ahmedabad, 7 February 2024: Popular business reality show Shark Tank featured founders from Gujarat, Adil Qadri, founder of Adil Qadri – House of Premium Fragrances and Ananya Maloo, Co-Founder of Nuutjob will meet dozens of startup founders from the state to share strategies around brand development, scalability, and marketing insights at D2C Unlocked in Ahmedabad, organised by Checkout Network Simpl. Titled ‘Aapnu Amdavad’, the event will witness a panel discussion followed by a networking event where startups can engage with the Shark Tank featured founders and other panelists and gain rich insights about their entrepreneurial journey.

The two founders will also share their experiences from the popular business reality show Shark Tank and how startups can aspire to participate in such events to boost their brand. While Adil Qadri secured a Rs 1 crore investment from Sugar Cosmetics CEO Vineeta Singh, Nuutjob co-founder Ananya Maloo, a male intimate hygiene and grooming brand, raised a total of Rs 25 lakhs from Lenskart founder Piyush Bansal, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Executive Director Namita Thapar and Boat founder Aman Gupta.

Joining them will be Jigar Patel, Co-Founder and CEO of Brillare Science, and Tanisha Lakhani, Founder, and CEO of Protouch. The panel will delve into topics such as innovative marketing strategies, overcoming challenges in product development, and the evolving trends shaping the D2C sector.

Commenting on the development, Nitya Sharma, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Simpl, said, “It is important for startups to network with fellow founders to learn from each other’s experiences and fast track their growth journey. Adil and Ananya have successfully built their brands and taken them to the national stage. Their experiences will be valuable for D2C founders from the state and we are happy to organise our popular D2C Unlocked for the second time in Gujarat. We are seeing immense excitement for the event and are looking to connect with as many founders from the state as possible to widen our community.

Gujarat is one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the country and has assisted more than 12,900 startups and supported more than 180 incubators across the state with financial support of more than Rs 210 core. It has also established more than 100 Patent Information centers in various academic institutions and more than 900 patents have been filed with support from State Government.

ONGC signs Cooperation Agreement with TotalEnergies

 Mumbai | 07 February 2024

 On the occasion of India Energy Week 2024, ONGC signed a Cooperation Agreement with TotalEnergies to carry out methane emissions detection and measurement campaigns using TotalEnergies’ pioneer AUSEA (Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications) technology.

 The Cooperation Agreement was signed by Country Chair of TotalEnergies in India Dr. Sangkaran Ratnam, and ONGC Director (Exploration) Sushma Rawat on 6 February 2024.

ongc

 ONGC has been inviting international technology partners to help reduce its methane emissions in India by 2030, while TotalEnergies has decided to share its AUSEA technology in an effort to pivot the whole industry towards zero methane emissions by 2030. Both companies are party to the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), global industry initiative launched at COP28. ONGC joins a growing list of national companies who have signed cooperation agreements with TotalEnergies for the use of AUSEA including Petrobras in Brazil, SOCAR in Azerbaijan, Sonangol in Angola and NNPCL in Nigeria.

One-of-a-kind technology by TotalEnergies, the AUSEA gas analyzer is mounted on a drone, and was developed by TotalEnergies and its R&D partners. Consisting of a dual sensor capable of detecting methane and carbon dioxide emissions, AUSEA identifies their source at the same time. This technology marks a step change in methane emissions detection and measurement compared to traditional techniques. By allowing access to hard-to-reach emission points, on all types of industrial facilities, both offshore and offshore, AUSEA is reputed as one of the most accurate technologies in the industry.

 “Our industry’s priority in the fight against climate change is to slash methane emissions from operations. Aiming for zero methane emissions by 2030 is our collective ambition as signatories of the OGDC at COP28. We are pleased to collaborate and make our AUSEA technology available to ONGC, in India, to detect, measure and eventually reduce methane emissions on their own assets”, said the Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies Patrick Pouyanné.

 Commenting on the pact, ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh said “In line with our collective ambitions as signatories of the OGDC at COP28, ONGC is scouting for new technologies to reduce its methane emissions by 50 % by 2027 and by 80% in 2030 compared to 2020. The introduction of the AUSEA technology will further strengthen our efforts to achieve zero methane emissions by 2038.”

 TotalEnergies, a pioneer in slashing down methane emissions. After halving its methane emissions from its operated sites between 2010 and 2020, TotalEnergies set ambitious targets to step up its efforts and reduce methane emissions by a further 50% by 2025 – with the ambition to reach this target a year early, in 2024 – and by 80% in 2030, compared to 2020.

 TotalEnergies is also committed to promoting the United Nations Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0) framework with other national and international oil companies. The Company has now held the OGMP Gold standard status for the three years in a row.

PROJECT AMBER marks successful Alumni Connect 2024 with over 350 participants

PROJECT AMBER marks successful Alumni Connect 2024 with over 350 participantsNew Delhi 07th  February, 2024: Project AMBER(Accelerated Mission for Better Employment and Retention), a joint initiative of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Generation India Foundation (GIF) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), proudly organized the Alumni Connect held recently at the Bharatam Auditorium in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Project AMBER is co-funded by MSDE, under the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (“SANKALP”)programme, a programme of MSDE with loan assistance from the World Bank and private philanthropy.

The Alumni Connect highlighted the significant progress and accomplishments of Project AMBER, emphasizing its primary goal of achieving better placement and retention outcomes by enhancing the overall capacity of the system. Over 350+ AMBER Alumni from the state of Rajasthan participated in this event.

The stage saw the presence of numerous learners who secured placements in renowned brands with a presence in Rajasthan, such as Tata Trent – Zudio, Inox India, Just Dial Pvt. Ltd., Cinepolis, among others. They took the stage to share their inspiring success stories, turning the event into a living testament to the impactful outcomes of the Project AMBER. Himanshu Jangdid, a graduate from AMBER Customer Care Executive programme, from a center in Jaipur, mentioned, “Through Project AMBER, I acquired valuable skills. The project not only improved my career prospects; it brought positive changes in my and my family’s life. “Another graduate, Khushi Dhanka from AMBER Retail Sales Associate programme, expressed, “I am delighted with the employment opportunity I gained through Project AMBER, and I take pride in achieving financial independence.”

During the event, a certification ceremony took place, honouring the exceptional achievements of AMBER alumni and training partners. Numerous learners and training collaborators were recognized and presented with certificates, highlighting their crucial contributions to the success of Project AMBER. This gathering not only provided a platform for Project AMBER alumni to come together but also facilitated the exchange of experiences and the exploration of avenues for ongoing personal and professional growth.

Arunesh Singh, CEO of Generation India Foundation, encapsulated the essence of Project AMBER, stating, “Project AMBER isn’t just about training; it’s a powerful force for change. We’re dedicated to creating a positive impact that goes beyond just getting a job. This initiative shows what can happen when different groups come together for a shared goal – a future where young people are skilled, included, and shining bright. Generation’s 7-step methodology results in strong outcomes in placement and retention, which is being exhibited in the AMBER Project.”

Project AMBER’s positive impact on learners goes beyond the acquisition of skills. It creates an environment of shared experiences, empowers individuals, and brings about transformative changes in their lives and the lives of their families. The project’s commitment to holistic development ensures that participants not only find success in their careers but also experience positive changes that resonate throughout their communities.

Schneider Electric appoints Preeti Gupta Mohanty as CFO for Greater India Zone

Schneider Electric appoints Preeti Gupta Mohanty as CFO for Greater India ZoneMumbai, 07th February, 2024: Schneider Electric, the global leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has appointed Ms. Preeti Gupta Mohanty as the new CFO for Greater India Zone.

Preeti brings over 20 years of extensive finance experience across FMCG, consulting, and industrial segments. In her previous role as Region Vice President at Ingersoll Rand, she oversaw the EMEIA region’s finance function with a business size of $1.8 billion and managed 30+ manufacturing sites and a Finance shared service center based in Bengaluru.

Speaking on her new role, Preeti Gupta said, “I am excited to be a part of the company that is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. India is one the four global hubs for Schneider Electric and I am committed to formulating a robust financial strategy that helps our business scale newer heights in the country.”

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Deepak Sharma, Zone President Greater India, MD &CEO, Schneider Electric India said, “As we welcome Preeti as our new Chief Financial Officer at Schneider Electric India, I am confident that her strong leadership and finance domain expertise will be a valuable asset to our organization. Her appointment marks a significant addition to the Greater India Leadership, and I extend my heartfelt wishes for her great success in this new role. We look forward to her unwavering support and collaboration as we embark on this exciting journey together.”

Prior to Ingersoll Rand, Preeti held key positions at Glaxosmithkline Consumer, demonstrating her diverse expertise in finance and strategic leadership. Her previous experience includes, being Internal Audit Head for GSK India Listed entity, leading the integration of Novartis consumer business into GSK, Region Finance Manager Coca-Cola India and Deloitte.

Her key accomplishments include being recognized among the Top 100 CFOs of India in 2023 and receiving the Best Woman CFO award from Dalal Street Journal in 2022, Best CFO 2020 – M&A category, CFO Power List 2020.

Indulge in the Romance of Italian Flavours at Novotel Hyderabad Airport

Indulge in the Romance of Italian Flavours at Novotel Hyderabad AirportHyderabad, 07th February 2024:  Novotel Hyderabad Airport (NHA) located at GMR Aerocity, Hyderabad, in its bid to give its guests and the food connoisseurs of the city a taste of some delectable cuisine from across the globe, has launched a monthly culinary rendezvous ‘Flavours of the World’.

This February Novotel Hyderabad Airport presents Hyderabad food enthusiasts a chance to indulge in the sumptuous and authentic flavours of Italy as Novotel Hyderabad Airport hosts ‘Italian Cuisine’ starting from 3rd February till 24th February 2024 at its renowned Food Exchange.

‘Flavours of the World’ series will take place every Saturday, inviting guests to savour a diverse array of dishes meticulously crafted by the Novotel Hyderabad Airport culinary team. From classic Roasted Pepper Olive Risotto to tantalizing Panzanella with Balsamic and delectable desserts, the Italian Cuisine event promises to transport diners to the heart of Italy with an immersive and delightful dining experience.

Mr. Sukhbir Singh General Manager at Novotel Hyderabad Airport, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “At Novotel Hyderabad Airport, we are committed to providing our guests with a unique and memorable experience. The ‘Flavours of the World’ is a celebration of global culinary diversity, and we are thrilled to kick off the series with the rich and savoury delights of Italian cuisine. Our talented chefs have curated an exquisite menu that captures the essence of Italy, and we invite all food enthusiasts to join us on this culinary journey.”

Get ready to discover the world on a plate with ‘Flavours of the World’ at Novotel Hyderabad Airport, where each month brings a new destination to your dining table.

Birla Corporation December quarter net profit up 87%

Kolkata, 7 Feb.: Birla Corporation Limited reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 109 crore for the December quarterup 87% sequentially, as the Company managed to ramp up sales and scale back operating expenses. The Company’s EBITDA for the December quarter at Rs 395 crore and cash profit at Rs 298 crore represent a year-on-year growth of 160% and 359%, respectively.

 Total cost per ton of cement production for the December quarter at Rs 4,375 represents a decline of 8% year-on-year and 3% sequentially. With several internal cost optimization measures starting to deliver results, Birla Corporation is now among the most efficient cement manufacturers in the country in terms of production cost. The Company’s operating profit margin from cement for the December quarter was 17% and for the nine-month period, 13%.

  In the March quarter of the last fiscal year, Birla Corporation had launched Project Shikhar, a multi-pronged drive to improve operating efficiency and optimize costs. It has led to various nuts-and-bolts tweaking, and so far resulted in savings of at least Rs 55 per ton in cement production cost for the quarter.

 The Company’s consolidated revenue for the quarter at Rs 2,328 crore represents a 15% growth over last year, as cement dispatches from Mukutban were steadily scaled up and sales of premium products expanded in key markets.

 Mukutban continued its scaling-up journey on track and clocked positive EBITDA through each month of the December quarter. This significantly boosted the Company’s profitability. Beating projections, Mukutban crossed the 200,000-ton mark in sales and dispatches in January 2024 (earlier expected to be achieved in March 2024).

 Commenting on the Company’s performance, the Chairman, Mr Harsh V. Lodha, said: “The results are a reflection of our focus on improving operating efficiency in all parameters. We are firmly focused on reducing costs, improving capacity utilization and realization through a balanced brand portfolio, with equal emphasis on premium and value segments, geo-mix and go-to-market supply chain optimization, and accelerated ramp-up of Mukutban. Having established a strong base across North India, the Company is now ready for the next phase of its journey to become a 30- million-ton player by 2030. At the same time, the Company remains committed to Sustainable Development Goals of increasing share of renewable energy. We have one of the highest share of green and blended cement, which accounts for more than 80% of our cement sales.”

 Cement sales by volume at 4.2 million tons were up 13.2% year-on-year. The Company achieved a capacity utilization of 85% for the quarter compared to 74% a year earlier and 83% in the September quarter.

  Q3/FY24 Q3/FY23 Change 9M/FY24 9M/FY23 Change
Revenue Rs 2,328 crore Rs 2,024 crore 15.0% Rs 7,066 crore Rs 6,284 crore 12.4%
EBITDA Rs 395 crore Rs 152 crore 159.9% Rs 1,025 crore Rs 562 crore 82.4%
Cash profit Rs 298 crore Rs 65 crore 358.5% Rs 736 crore Rs 312 crore 135.9%
Net profit Rs 109 crore (Rs 50 crore)   Rs 227 crore (Rs 44 crore)  
Realization per ton* Rs 5,278 Rs 5,155 2.4% Rs 5,214 Rs 5,198 0.3%
EBITDA per ton* Rs 903 Rs 376 140.2% Rs 749 Rs 424 76.7%

*for Cement Division only

 The Company has been following a balanced portfolio strategy with equal thrust on the premium and value segments. The share of premium brands now stands at 52%, with almost equal volume of both value and premium brands, and increased 7% year-on-year. The price positioning of Perfect Plus has been systematically improved, to be at par or above the mother brands of leading players. The Company operates at dual price points in the value segment with its heritage brands, Samrat Advance, Samrat and Chetak. Its super premium offering of waterproofing cement Rakshak is steadily gaining share in the niche super-premium category.

 The cement industry witnessed a turnaround from the beginning of 2023 as fuel prices started to climb down following a sharp spike owing to the Russia-Ukraine war.

 Now, into the fourth straight quarter of recovery, Birla Corporation’s power and fuel cost per ton of cement production fell 25.3% from Rs 1,552 in the same period last year to Rs 1,158 in the quarter ended December. It represents a sequential decline of 8.6% from Rs 1,267 in the September quarter, which was achieved through optimum fuel mix, apart from decline in fuel prices.

 Thanks to falling coal prices, the Company stepped up generation from its captive thermal plants at integrated units. The Company’s own thermal  plants supplied 60% of the power consumed by the integrated units compared to 12% in the same period last year. Power generated from Waste Heat Recovery System was up 1% year-on-year. Renewables accounted for 23% of the power consumed by Birla Corporation in the December quarter—almost the same as last year.

 The Cement Division’s raw materials cost per ton for the December quarter was at Rs 557 against Rs 593 in the same period last year, down 6%. Sequentially, it came down 10% from Rs 620 per ton in the September quarter.

 With the implementation of the Integrated Logistics Management System and geo-mix optimization, freight and forwarding costs per ton for the December quarter could be contained at Rs 1,317—almost the same as last year—but increased marginally from Rs 1,228 in the September quarter despite levying of busy season surcharge during the quarter.

  Q3/FY24 Q3/FY23 9M/FY24 9M/FY23
Sales (by volume) 4.20 mt

(up 13.2%)

3.72 mt 12.79 mt

(up 13.3%)

11.29 mt
Capacity utilization 85% 74% 86% 79%
Blended cement 83% 89% 85% 90%
Trade channel 69% 75% 73% 77%
Premium cement 52% 51% 53% 49%

 Despite strong demand, cement manufacturers struggled to raise prices. Prices raised in September-October had to be partially rolled back later in the quarter. Sales and realization were impacted by unseasonal heavy rainfall in November in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Operations were also disrupted by Assembly elections in November in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

 Outlook:

Demand remained subdued through January and the spurt usually seen in the fourth quarter was largely missing, due to extreme winter and fog across North India. As a result, prices have remained soft and dipped a bit in the last few days.

 Although volumes are expected to pick up in the coming days, the announcement of general elections and the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct may impact demand. Therefore, the Company is taking a cautious view of the fourth quarter.

 Though fuel prices have remained stable, it is feared that the escalating conflict in West Asia and Red Sea could lead to increase in pet coke prices due to higher freight cost.

 Jute Division:

Jute had a difficult quarter due to poor demand for value added goods, both in the domestic and overseas markets. The division reported a cash profit of Rs 1.38 crore in the December quarter against Rs 7.04 crore a year ago. However, the demand and pricing scenario are improving and it is expected that performance in the March quarter is going to be significantly better.

 Birla Corporation Limited is the flagship Company of the MP Birla Group. Incorporated as Birla Jute Manufacturing Company Limited in 1919, it was given shape by Syt MP Birla. The Company has interest in cement and jute goods. Its Birla Jute Mills is the first jute mill started by an Indian entrepreneur. The Company and its subsidiary, RCCPL Pvt Ltd, have 11 cement plants in eight locations across the country, with an annual installed capacity of 20 million tons. The Company produces an array of cement products, under the MP Birla Cement brand, suited to different climatic conditions as well as consumer segments. It also sells construction chemicals and wall putty.

Sahil Shah to kick start his India tour with his solo comedy special ‘Broken’.

India, 7th February 2024: Prepare yourself for a laughter-packed journey as stand-up comedian Sahil Shah brings his brand-new solo comedy special “Broken” to audiences across India, delivering quick-witted wordplay and observational comedy that will leave you in splits.

SAHIL SHAH

Sahil is tired of feeling tired. He doesn’t fit into Gen Z or Gen Y and calls himself ‘Gen Ex-Hausted’ now, and this is what his upcoming standup sets are all about. People who are just done with life. So, join him for an hour of storytelling, unfiltered comedy, silly puns, nonsensical jokes, improvisation, props and the most bizarre thoughts of what exhausted people sound like. Sahil’s multi-city tour kicks off with Pune on February 10th and will make its way to Goa, Chennai, Delhi, Gurugram, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and wrapping up with Hyderabad. Hurry, and grab your tickets at Paytm and Paytm Insider as they will disappear faster than his punchlines!

Pun master Sahil has a knack for finding humour in the ordinary. In “Broken”, catch him celebrating life’s imperfections, turning an exhausted mind’s struggles into relatable and funny one-liners. Through this show, he looks back at all the true yet hilarious incidents that have led him to this place in his life. His comedy rightly hits the sweet spot between silly and relatable, making it hard for you not to roll with laughter at his exceptional comedic timing.

Varun Khare, Business Head, Paytm Insider, said, “We are happy to host Sahil Shah’s ‘Broken’ India Tour- an ultimate laughter riot. Being a comic for all ages, we truly believe he will leave you in splits with a refreshing blend of inane wordplay, observational comedy, and signature witty expressions. We are eager to kick off this laughter-packed journey where Sahil celebrates the quirks of life by making hilarious digs on the amusing imperfections of being ‘gen-exhausted’. “

Sahil is one of India’s most promising young talents on the comedy circuit who has performed over 900 shows spanning the length and breadth of the country and even abroad like New York, London, Singapore and Dubai. He rose to fame as one of the founding members of the prestigious East India Comedy troupe and is a regular at the Comedy Store. With a childishly crazy sense of humour, the Mumbai-based comedian amusingly lets his inner ‘problem child’ out and has that innate ability to spread joy – which is one thing that the world seriously needs the most right now. His YouTube show, which goes by the name ‘The Ad Show’, has more than a million views!

So, book your spots and laugh away with Sahil as he realizes that he’s far from being whole; he’s clearly very “Broken”!

India Tour Schedule

· Hippie @ Heart Balewadi High Street, Pune – February 10

· LVC Comedy & Music Cafe, Goa – February 11

· Medai – The Stage, Chennai – February 18 – Medai

· Laughter Nation – Hauz Khas Village, Delhi – February 24

· Bailey’s Diner, Gurugram – February 25

· Baroda Productivity Council, Vadodara – March 2

· Prayogshala, Ahmedabad – March 3

· Fandom at Gilly’s Redefined, Bengaluru – March 9

· Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Mumbai – March 10

· Mindspace Social, Hyderabad – March 24

Top 5 areas in your home that can be transformed with premium surface solutions

Top 5 areas in your home that can be transformed with premium surface solutionsBy Mr. Ajay Khurana, MD, Formica India 

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of home has evolved beyond mere shelter—it’s now a reflection of personal style and sophistication. With premium surface solutions like laminates, homeowners have the opportunity to elevate their living spaces to new heights of luxury and functionality.  Laminates offer a blend of style, durability, and affordability that can transform any area of your home. From kitchens to bathrooms, and everywhere in between, here are the top five areas in your home that can be transformed with premium surface solutions.

Kitchen: Style Meets Functionality

Laminates are a popular choice for kitchen countertops, offering a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to suit any design aesthetic. Whether you prefer the look of natural stone, wood grain, or high-gloss finishes, laminates can mimic the appearance of premium materials at a fraction of the cost. With their non-porous surface and easy-to-clean properties, laminates are also highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat, making them ideal for busy kitchen environments.

Bathroom: Luxurious Surfaces

In the bathroom, laminates can be used to create luxurious vanity countertops and wall panels that emulate the look of marble or granite. With their moisture-resistant properties, laminates are an excellent choice for humid environments like bathrooms, offering durability and easy maintenance. Additionally, laminates are available in a variety of finishes, from matte to high-gloss, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your bathroom space.

Living Room: Versatile Flooring

Laminates are an excellent choice for living room flooring, providing the look of hardwood, tile, or stone without the high price tag. With their durable, scratch-resistant surface, laminates can withstand heavy foot traffic and daily wear and tear, making them ideal for active family spaces. Additionally, laminates are available in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing you to create a custom look that complements your existing décor.

Dining Area: Elegant Tabletops

Upgrade your dining area with laminates that mimic the look of natural wood or stone for tabletops and serving surfaces. Laminates offer the beauty of premium materials with the added benefit of easy maintenance and durability. Spills and stains wipe away effortlessly, allowing you to enjoy meals with family and friends without worrying about damage to your furniture. Additionally, laminates are available in a variety of edge profiles and thicknesses, giving you the flexibility to customize the look of your dining area to suit your taste.

Home Office: Stylish Workspaces

Create a stylish and functional workspace in your home office with laminates that provide the look of real wood or sleek metal finishes for desks and storage solutions. Laminates offer the perfect balance of style and durability, allowing you to create a professional environment that inspires productivity. With their scratch-resistant surface and easy-to-clean properties, laminates are ideal for busy workspaces where spills and accidents are bound to happen.

In conclusion, laminates are a versatile and cost-effective solution for transforming any area of your home into a stylish and functional living space. From kitchen countertops to home office desks, laminates offer the perfect blend of beauty, durability, and affordability that can elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re renovating your entire home or updating a single room, laminates provide endless possibilities for creating a custom look that reflects your personal style and enhances your everyday living experience.

Hyatt announces the opening of Ronil Goa in Southwest Asia

GOA, February 07th, 2024: Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the opening of Ronil Goa, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, in the holiday state of Goa, India. This marks the entry of the JdV by Hyatt brand in Southwest Asia.

Located on the iconic Calangute Baga Road in north Goa, Ronil Goa has a legacy of more than 35 years. In its new position as a JdV by Hyatt hotel, this boutique resort will be the first five-star hotel on this bustling stretch and is well connected to key tourist attractions as well as upscale shopping and entertainment areas. The hotel is easily accessible from Dabolim International Airport Goa and Manohar International Airport Goa.

True to the JdV by Hyatt brand promise, the resort, with its Indo-Portuguese inspired architecture, will bring to life classic Goan hospitality through immersive experiences. These will include a vibrant entertainment program, opportunities for rejuvenation at the Soul Station and the spa, an onsite DJ Host and distinctive food & beverage offerings, all creating a holistic joyful vibe across the property.

Complementing our current portfolio of Hyatt brands in the country, the introduction of the JdV by Hyatt brand in India signifies a strategic milestone in Hyatt’s thoughtful expansion within the leisure market. We are excited for guests traveling to Goa to embrace this bold experience. Ronil Goa aligns seamlessly with the brand, which encourages living in the moment and celebrating the joy of life, making it a perfect addition to the portfolio. We look forward to further enhancing our distinctive brand footprint throughout the sub-continent,” said Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director, India and Southwest Asia, Hyatt. 

“We are very excited to witness Ronil in this new iteration as the first JdV by Hyatt hotel in India and Southwest Asia. We are looking forward to celebrating many milestones together with Hyatt as we embark on this new journey together.” – Gaurav Khaunte, Managing Director, Ronil Hotels and Resorts and Owner of Ronil Goa. 

The boutique resort will be an ideal destination for the ‘young at heart’ and for those who are open to embracing new and unique experiences.  

The resort offers 135 chic rooms with private balconies, two swimming pools that are the heart of the resort, and a host of memorable experiences. Inspired by the texture of shells, fluted wall panels are consistent across the resort, especially the guest rooms. Spacious open wardrobes, complimentary mini-bar, signature Cedar Sandalwood bath amenities, comfortable beds and locally loved tea and coffee brands, ensure our guests feel at home.

True to the JdV by Hyatt brand promise – “To celebrate the joy of life” – the dining options celebrate international classics as well as spirit-free and spirited beverages, complimented by intuitive service delivered by a welcoming team. Guests will dine amidst a cosmopolitan vibe fueled by energizing neighborhood connections and the spirit of socializing.

Dining offerings include Ronil Bistro, serving a farmhouse breakfast, and classic comfort foods for lunch and dinner; Patrão’s, the living room of the resort with a 24/7 bar serving small plates and Goa-inspired spirits and cocktails; and The Hub, featuring a stunning swim-up pool bar, cabanas, sunken beds, jacuzzi, a wood-fired oven and poolside BBQ – the ideal place to start and end a relaxing day.

For gatherings, the resort’s event spaces are spread across 5,446 square feet (506 square meters) and include Ronil Studio which includes a pre-function space, The Loft and the Garden. The residential-style venues are ideal for DJ events, intimate celebrations, ideation sessions, brand showcases and after-parties.

The onsite experiences are designed to elevate a leisure state of mind and create the environment for guests to live in the now. They’ll find true relaxation at the ‘Energy’ and ‘Tranquil’ pools which offer a vibe that matches the names; an on-site DJ host and upbeat entertainment program, distinctive music offerings, a BBQ and pizzeria, a bonfire, jacuzzi and swim-up bar, as well as poolside dining and picnics. The hotel’s dedicated Experience Team is made up of local insiders with expertise on all things in and around the resort. Guests will also find Soul Station, a comfortable place to immerse themselves in a music zone of their liking with comfortable seating and noise cancelling headphones. The space also houses a Hyatt Loves Local shop retailing resort wear, souvenirs and more – all from locally loved brands. The hotel’s Stay Fit Gym is open 24/7 and an onsite spa experience will be available in upcoming months.