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Noida, 15th February 2024: Voltas Limited, India’s No. 1 AC company, from the house of Tata’s is set to participate in South Asia’s premier HVAC exhibition, ACREX India 2024. Renowned for its excellence in room and commercial air-conditioning solutions, Voltas will showcase its cutting-edge, energy-efficient green products and comprehensive life cycle management services.

 Speaking on this occasion Mr. Pradeep Bakshi, Managing Director & CEO of Voltas Ltd, states, “We are delighted to be a part of ACREX 2024. As pioneers in the air conditioning market, Voltas continually strives to innovate and deliver technologically superior products. Our participation in ACREX signifies our commitment to advancing the HVAC industry. We are excited to unveil our latest offerings and strengthen our partnerships within the sector.”

 Voltas has been at the forefront of innovation and has worked extensively towards the development of intelligent products equipped with integrated monitoring systems for enhanced efficiency across its portfolio. Voltas will showcase its extensive new range of Room ACs, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, Chillers, Light Commercial ACs and equipment lifecycle management services at ACREX India 2024.

 The Company is geared up to launch an exhaustive range of smart and efficient air conditioning and refrigeration solutions in 2024. The new range will be showcased at the Voltas Stall (Stall No. B01, Hall 11) at ACREX’24.

Bengaluru, 15 February 2024: In the run-up to the ongoing Valentine$B!G(Bs Week, emerging metros such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune have become the new Valentine’s capital, piping the original metros Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, by posting over 100% growth in transactions online over last year, according to Simpl Checkout Scan. This comes on the back of similar growth of 100% growth recorded in pan-India transactions via Simpl$B!G(Bs 1-Tap Checkout from February 1-14th noon with categories including food and beverages, quick commerce, travel, beauty, personal care and electronics being the most preferred.

Here, emerging metros such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune witnessed 150%, 136% and 154% growth in transactions respectively while top metros such as Bangalore and New Delhi posted 103% and 54% growth and Mumbai posted a marginal increase in demand of 24%. Among the categories, the services segment, which constitutes merchants such as BookMyShow, DriveU and Park+, posted a growth 154%, followed by food, beverages and quick commerce (Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Dunzo and Zepto) with 36% growth. Merchants in the Travel, Beauty, Personal care and Electronics segment including Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) merchants including MakeMyTrip, Myntra, Meesho, Nykaa, Tata1mg, Boult Audio, ProtouchSkin and Frido too posted high growth. Consumers were also contributing to social causes this Valentine$B!G(Bs Week by planting saplings through initiatives such as Grow Billion Trees.

Interestingly, there was a notable increase in transactions made by consumers in the 41-50 age bracket across metros. While Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune witnessed 192%, 170% and 233% growth in transactions respectively in the 41-50 age bracket, top metros such as New Delhi and Bengaluru posted 75% and 94%, indicating a significant shift in consumer behaviour.

Furthermore, there has been a 15% increase in average order value from Rs 467 to Rs 575 as compared to last year with one consumer spending Rs 30,000 via Simpl$B!G(Bs 1-Tap Checkout on a single day. Interestingly a majority of the orders were placed between 8-9 pm across cities with female customers registering a 31% growth in transactions.

Commenting on this trend, Nitya Sharma, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Simpl said, $B!H(BAs an increasing number of consumers across age brackets are celebrating Valentine’s Week across the country, they are going online to meet their varied needs, conveniently. We have seen millions of consumers from emerging metros such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune spend more during the first two weeks of February than their established metros counterparts in terms of demand, in a significant shift in consumer behaviour. Notably, greater spends by consumers in the higher age bracket also stood out this year across the top metros, reflecting how Valentine$B!G(Bs Week is becoming a festival of all age groups. As merchant$B!G(Bs preferred checkout partner, millions of consumers across the country are adopting Simpl$B!G(Bs 1-Tap Checkout to conveniently place orders for their loved ones$B!I(B.

With over 26,000 merchants across numerous categories and millions of customers across the country choosing Simpl$B!G(Bs Checkout solutions, the company is providing them with a seamless checkout experience with near-zero transaction failures.

Bangalore, India, Feb 15, 2024 – [24]7.ai, a trailblazer in customer service solutions, has recently had the honor of receiving the ‘2023 Future of Work Agent Experience Award’ from TMC, a global integrated media company. This accolade celebrates [24]7.ai’s relentless dedication to creating an exceptional customer experience, and in particular its commitment to enhancing the agent experience through its groundbreaking technology of [24]7 Engagement Cloud.

[24]7 Engagement Cloud, [24]7.ai’s omnichannel CX platform, transforms customer support by accurately understanding customer intent, streamlining interactions, and unifying touchpoints, all through a single, intuitive interface. Agents are empowered to efficiently address a wide range of customer issues, using AI-powered automation solutions, historical data access, a unified workspace, and real-time support – to deliver consistent customer experiences.

TMC is a global organization acknowledging brands that drive today’s most dynamic technologies, including, contact center, contact center technology, information technology, cloud computing, and more.

Rich Tehrani, CEO of TMC, expressed his appreciation for recognizing [24]7.ai. “I am honored to recognize [24]7.ai with the ‘2023 Future of Work Agent Experience Award’ for its commitment to customer service by focusing on the agent experience, in the opinion of our judges and editorial team, [24]7 Engagement Cloud has proven to be among the best solutions across the diverse range of FoW offerings,” concluded Rich Tehrani.

This prestigious award places [24]7.ai in the spotlight alongside other industry leaders, showcasing the company’s elevated position and reinforcing its reputation for innovation and excellence.

Animesh Jain, Chief Operating Officer of [24]7.ai, expressed his excitement about receiving the award, stating, “[24]7.ai is committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our clients, customers, and employees, and for that, our goal has always been to innovate the most tactical and logical solutions for our workforce. [24]7 Engagement Cloud has been truly consequential, empowering our contact center agents and setting new standards in customer service.”

The ‘2023 Future of Work Agent Experience Award’ underscores [24]7.ai’s ongoing commitment to developing cutting-edge products that not only meet but exceed industry standards. The company’s cloud-based solutions continue to redefine the customer service landscape, solidifying [24]7.ai’s position as a leader in the industry.

Hyderabad/New Delhi, February 15, 2024: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, has announced the launch of its official merchandise ‘Honda Collection’.

Honda Collection features a diverse range of merchandise designed to complement the modern lifestyle of Honda enthusiasts. From stylish apparel like T-shirts, Jackets and caps, each item seamlessly combines functionality with aesthetics.

Commenting on the launch of the merchandise, Mr. Yuichi Murata, Director of Marketing and Sales at Honda Cars India Ltd, said, “The Honda Collection embodies our commitment to providing our discerning customers with the ultimate expression of style and sophistication. Each item in this collection reflects the ethos of Honda Brand, allowing enthusiasts to embrace Honda in every aspect of their lives.”

The entire range of Honda Collection will be available at all Honda dealerships across the country.

February 15, 2024: Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is estimated to rise by more than 50% by 2040, as industrial coal-to-gas switching gathers pace in China and South Asian and South-east Asian countries use more LNG to support their economic growth, according to Shell’s LNG Outlook 2024.

Global trade in LNG reached 404 million tonnes in 2023, up from 397 million tonnes in 2022, with tight supplies of LNG constraining growth while maintaining prices and price volatility above historic averages. Demand for natural gas has already peaked in some regions but continues to rise globally, with LNG demand expected to reach around 625-685 million tonnes a year in 2040, according to the latest industry estimates.

“China is likely to dominate LNG demand growth this decade as its industry seeks to cut carbon emissions by switching from coal to gas,” said Steve Hill, Executive Vice President for Shell Energy. “With China’s coal-based steel sector accounting for more emissions than the total emissions of the UK, Germany and Turkey combined, gas has an essential role to play in tackling one of the world’s biggest sources of carbon emissions and local air pollution.”

Over the following decade, declining domestic gas production in parts of South Asia and South-east Asia could drive a surge in demand for LNG as these economies increasingly need fuel for gas-fired power plants or industry. However, countries in South Asia and South-east Asia would need significant investments in gas import infrastructure.

The Shell LNG Outlook 2024 shows that gas complements wind and solar power in countries with high levels of renewables in their power generation mix, providing short-term flexibility and long-term security of supply.

European energy security

LNG continued to play a vital role in European energy security in 2023, following a slump in Russian pipeline exports to Europe in 2022, with new regasification facilities helping to improve security of energy supplies. European LNG imports remained at similar levels to 2022, despite an overall decline in European gas demand in 2023.

Relatively mild winter temperatures in countries that rely on gas for heating, combined with high gas storage levels, stronger nuclear power generation and a modest economic recovery in China, all helped balance the global gas market in 2023.

This helped bring down and stabilise gas prices in the key importing regions of Europe and East Asia compared to the record highs and unprecedented volatility seen from late 2021 through 2022. However, gas prices and volatility remained significantly higher in 2023 than in the 2017-2020 period.

Despite a well-supplied global market in 2023, the lack of Russian pipeline gas supply to Europe and a limited amount of LNG supply growth over the last year mean that the global gas market remains structurally tight.

Chennai, February 15th, 2024: Orchids The International School, one of the leading international K12 chain of schools, well-known for its innovative efforts in progressive teaching, has launched the innovative Imagine Hub in Chennai. The Imagine Hub launched in Perumbakkam Campus features Astronomy, Robotics, MAC Coding, Tinkering, Dance, Theater, Music, Weaving & Printing, Pottery & Painting, and Horticulture. The labs will also be available in Orchids Pallikaranai campus. The Imagine Hub labs have been built by Homelane, an innovative interior design company utilizing technology to offer comprehensive end-to-end interior solutions.

 The state-of-the-art labs were inaugurated by renowned Father-Daughter Choreographers Sridhar Master – Akshadha Sridhar, Indian Cinematographer- Vijay Kartik Kannan, Former Regional Director ICCR Chennai- K.Mohamed Ibrahim Khaleel, Influencer and Blogger- Mohamed Irfan, Film Editor- Shafique Mohammed Ali, Indian Cinematographer-Vidhu Ayyanna, VP Academics, Orchids- Manjula B, Principal of Orchids The International School, Perumbakkam Campus- Lavanya T and Shiv Kumar, Zonal Head-Chennai, Orchids.

 Speaking on the lab launch, Manjula B, VP Academics, Orchids said, “The Imagine Hub labs align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, emphasizing experiential learning and STEM integration. Lab based Education offers hands-on experiences and experimentation, empowering passive learners to become active participants. By actively engaging students in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions, this approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These Hubs are designed to equip students with the tools necessary to use knowledge effectively. It will not only help our students reach their true potential but also help us in contributing to India’s goal of becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.”

  Mr. K.Mohamed Ibrahim Khaleel, applauding the launch said “I believe the Imagine Hub labs will be key in sparking curiosity and creativity in our children. Orchids is really stepping up to offer a well-rounded education, both in STEM and Performing & Visual Arts. With the launch of such innovative labs, it is going to shape the next generation of researchers and problem- solvers, and that’s something worth celebrating.”

 Commenting on the launch Father-Daughter Choreographer Sridhar Master-Akshadha
Sridhar said “We believe strongly that dance not only enables a healthy form of expression through movement but also nurtures the overall well-being by enhancing fine and gross motor skills and mind-body coordination. Through the launch of Imagine Hub by Orchids The International School dedication to artistic nurture mirrors my own passion – to ignite and champion the creative spark in every student.”

 The creation and execution of the Imagine Hub underscore Orchids' dedication to cultivating well-rounded competencies among students. Beyond academic excellence, the objective is to foster a comprehensive preparedness for various domains such as sports, creative expression, future artistic endeavors, and essential life skills like coding and robotics.

14th Feb, 2024 , Haryana: Speculations are rife that Kailash Bhagat, a seasoned political leader and a prominent figure in social and business circles, may contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the prestigious Kurukshetra constituency, if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) projects him as the NDA candidate.

Born into a family deeply rooted in public service, Kailash Bhagat inherits a legacy of dedication and commitment to the welfare of society. His father, Shri Amarnath Bhagat ji, was a stalwart in the political arena, having served as the President of Improvement Trust and contested Legislative Assembly elections, leaving an indelible mark on the political landscape.

With a rich political and social experience spanning decades, Kailash Bhagat has been an active participant in shaping the socio-political fabric of the region. From contesting assembly elections to holding key positions in prominent parties like the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), he has tirelessly worked towards the upliftment of his constituents.

Beyond politics, Kailash Bhagat’s commitment to social causes is exemplary. His passion for cow protection and education, especially for girls, is evident through his initiatives in building cow shelters, schools, and colleges. The establishment of temples and Dharamshalas, such as the Kailash Dham and Jai Ram Adarsh Goshala, stands as a testament to his devotion to religious and spiritual welfare.

In the realm of education, Kailash Bhagat’s contributions are commendable. The establishment of the Jai Ram Amar Nath Bhagat Kanya Mahavidyalaya has empowered hundreds of girls in Serdha village, reflecting his vision for a progressive and inclusive society.

As a businessman, Kailash Bhagat has excelled in the rice export industry, significantly contributing to the economic development of the region. His tenure as the Chairman of Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. (HAFED) witnessed groundbreaking initiatives in rice export, benefiting both farmers and the organization. With his multifaceted experience and unwavering commitment to public service, Kailash Bhagat seeks to represent the aspirations of the people of Kurukshetra in the Lok Sabha.

In the context of the farmer protests, Kailash Bhagat’s candidature will be the right choice for the BJP, bringing credibility to the party amongst farmers. His tenure as HAFED Chairman has earned him significant goodwill amongst farmers, further strengthening his candidacy.

If Kailash Bhagat contests from Kurukshetra and Ashok Tanwar contests from Ambala, BJP will get fresh energy with new faces, resulting in a sweep across Haryana. Kailash Bhagat’s decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections underscores his dedication to serving the nation and his unwavering resolve to bring about positive change. As he embarks on this journey, he solicits the support and blessings of the people of Kurukshetra, promising to be their voice in the highest echelons of governance.

Manipal, February 15, 2024 – The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) recently hosted the Choose France Education Tour 2024, a significant event that took place on February 7th at the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Library Auditorium. This collaborative effort with Campus France brought together 13 leading French universities and institutions, offering Indian students a glimpse into the extensive educational opportunities available in France.

Dr. François-Xavier Mortreuil – Attache for science and higher education at the French embassy in India, remarked on the occasion, “The Choose France Education Tour is a cornerstone in our mission to foster academic exchanges and collaboration between France and India. It opens up a myriad of opportunities for Indian students to immerse themselves in the rich academic landscape of France, further strengthening the educational bond between our two countries.”

Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Anil Rana expressed, “We are proud to host the Choose France Education Tour at MIT. This event not only showcases the diverse higher education options available in France but also serves as a platform for our students to explore global opportunities that align with their academic and career aspirations.”

Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar highlighted the event’s key achievements, “The education tour was a resounding success, featuring engaging presentations by Campus France on higher education in France, including scholarship opportunities. Students had the invaluable opportunity to interact directly with representatives from some of France’s finest universities and business schools. The highlight of the event was the comprehensive overview it provided of the academic programs in Engineering, Management, Hospitality, and Tourism, offering a glimpse into the vibrant student life and the innovative educational environment in France.”

A cohort of 13 top French universities, including ESSEC Business School, EM Lyon, Neoma Business School, EDHEC Business School, Audencia Business School, and Y Schools were present at the education fair. Participants learned more about educational prospects in France for Engineering, Management, Hospitality, and Tourism. Campus France also gave presentations about higher education and scholarship opportunities for Indian students in France.

The Choose France Education Tour 2024 at MAHE has significantly contributed to the ongoing effort to enrich academic and cultural exchanges between India and France. It serves as a gateway for students to global education and intercultural experiences, reinforcing MAHE’s commitment to facilitating international educational opportunities.

For more details on future events and international opportunities, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs and Collaborations, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal. This event is just one of many initiatives that MAHE undertakes to ensure its students have access to a world-class education and the chance to pursue their dreams on a global stage.

Zee24 TAAS, Maharashtra’s premier Marathi news channel, proudly celebrates its 17th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its relentless pursuit of delivering accurate, impactful, and timely news to its viewers. Over the years, Zee24 TAAS has emerged as a trusted source of information, playing a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and keeping citizens informed about the latest developments.

Since its inception, Zee24 TAAS has remained steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the highest journalistic standards, ensuring that Maharashtra receives news that is both reliable and impartial. As the pioneer of 24-hour Marathi news channels, Zee24 TAAS has transformed the landscape of news reporting in the region by offering continuous coverage of local, national, and international events.

From delivering breaking news to conducting in-depth investigative reports, Zee24 TAAS consistently presents stories of significance, keeping citizens well-informed and empowered. These initiatives have not only strengthened the channel’s connection with its viewers but have also fostered a sense of community and belonging among Maharashtrians.

With Zee24 TAAS’ thorough coverage, insightful analysis, and exclusive programming tailored to the interests of Maharashtrians, the news channel has garnered the trust and allegiance of millions of viewers. In addition to its impactful news shows like Black & White, Inside Story, Agro News among other shows. Zee24 TAAS has also engaged and entertained its audience through a variety of innovative initiatives, including events and on-ground activations.

Nilesh Khare, Editor-in-Chief of Zee24 TAAS, reaffirmed the channel’s commitment to its audience, stating, “As a channel deeply rooted in Maharashtra, Zee24 TAAS holds an unshakeable commitment to journalistic integrity, ensuring that our news coverage remains reliable, fact-checked, and comprehensive. Over the years, our relentless dedication to revolutionizing news reporting in the region has enabled us to provide round-the-clock coverage of hyperlocal, national, and international events. With the unwavering trust and loyalty of millions of Maharashtrians, we are honored to serve as their primary source of information. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower our viewers with news that not only informs but also educates and inspires positive change in our society.”

Abhay Ojha, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Limited, further highlighted, “Zee Media Corporation Limited stands as a beacon of truth in the media landscape, guided by a steadfast commitment to journalistic integrity, diversity, and accountability. Our ethos revolves around delivering news that empowers, informs, and unites communities across India. As we navigate the evolving media landscape, our dedication to providing credible, unbiased, and impactful journalism remains unwavering, reflecting our mission to serve as the trusted voice of the nation.”

As Zee24 TAAS embarks on the next chapter of its journey, the channel remains committed to its founding principles of integrity, credibility, and service to the community. With a renewed sense of purpose and dedication, Zee24 TAAS looks forward to continuing its legacy of delivering news that informs, educates, and empowers the people of Maharashtra.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties.

Mumbai, 15th Feb, 24: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the final season of its fan-favorite teen romance series, Crushed. With the commencement of the new academic year, Crushed Season 4 depicts the friendship of Todu Teen- — Aadhya, Jaz, and Zoya, getting dented. This season, Prateek finds himself in a fix with his future at stake, which brings distance between Zoya and him. Created by Dice Media and directed by Mandar Kurundkar, this series is a delightful mix of emotions. It features Aadhya Anand, Arjun Deswal, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Urvi Singh, and Naman Jain in pivotal roles.

Talking about his character, Prateek, from the series, Naman Jain said, “When we embarked on this adventure, I had no idea that this character would have such a long and transformative path. However, as soon as I became acquainted with Prateek, I realized that he was essentially a reflection of myself. There is no significant difference between us.”

He further added, “Prateek has not changed much throughout the series. But there have been some instances or some scenes where he’s acted differently. I also believe that Prateek’s decision-making skills, rapping abilities, and overall growth were greatly influenced by his girlfriend. It was through her introduction to the rap scene in Lucknow that he was able to flourish. This, in my opinion, is what shaped his character.”

Get ready to dive into the lives of the audience’s most loved teens and embark on a journey of nostalgia, love, and friendship with the final season of Crushed. All 4 seasons of Crushed are now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on the Amazon shopping app, FireTV, and Play Store.