Following the recent announcement by Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) of its strong global net rooms growth and record year of organic signings in 2023, the company highlighted the remarkable surge in hotel and residences openings and signings in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region, particularly in key travel markets such as Japan, India, and Vietnam. At the close of 2023, Marriott set a milestone in APEC with over 60 properties added to its portfolio during the year, bringing the company’s presence in the APEC region to more than 560 operating hotels and residences, and exceeding 10 percent net rooms growth compared to 2022. The company also sealed a record of over 80 deals signed across 13 markets, representing approximately 18,000 rooms.

As tourism recovers in APEC and the travel landscape evolves, Marriott has continued to focus on strategically providing the best-in-class offerings to owners, franchisees, and guests. At the end of 2023, Marriott’s APEC development pipeline stood at over 320 hotels with over 69,000 rooms, showcasing the company’s dedication to providing world renowned brands and diverse experiences, aligning with the evolving preferences of travelers across the region.

Luxury continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Marriott, and 25 percent of Marriott’s global luxury rooms pipeline is represented in APEC.  In 2023, 15 percent of the deals signed in APEC were in the luxury segment. A record nine luxury hotels were opened in the region in 2023 — including The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne— Marriott’s 1,000^th hotel in the Asia Pacific region. The JW Marriott Goa debuted the brand in Goa and was the company’s 150^th hotel to open in South Asia, and added The Singapore EDITION, the first EDITION in Southeast Asia.

“With our record year of growth at Marriott International in APEC, we remain committed to meeting the demands of modern travelers underscored by our diverse portfolio of brands and strategic presence in new destinations,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Marriott International, APEC. “2023 has positioned us as a thriving and desirable region in the global landscape.  I am excited about our momentum as we focus on being where our customers want us to be and connecting people through the power of travel.”

Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott’s award-winning travel program— has helped fuel interest in the company’s regional portfolio. In APEC, the Marriott Bonvoy membership base has surged by 50 percent since 2019. This momentum is attributed to the unique and unforgettable experiences the program offers, including exclusive access to prestigious events like the Australian Open and Formula 1. Beyond hotel stays, Marriott Bonvoy continues to re-define the regional travel landscape with strategic partnerships with Singapore Airlines, Rakuten and co-branded credit cards in Japan, Korea, and India. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, coupled with the strength of Marriott Bonvoy, positions Marriott as a leader in shaping the future of travel and hospitality across the APEC region.

For more information on Marriott’s latest developments and brand news, please visit the Marriott News Center at news.marriott.com.

Source: Press Release

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Galaxy S24 series, Samsung’s recently launched flagship, will go on sale in India starting today. The ‘Made in India’ Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 smartphones come with Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, Note Assist and Transcript Assist features. AI built into Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages, including Hindi. In the car, Android Auto will automatically summarize incoming messages and suggest relevant replies and actions.

Galaxy S24 series is being manufactured at Samsung’s Noida factory in India. Samsung has secured record pre-bookings for Galaxy S24 series, making it the most successful S series ever in India. Galaxy S24 series marks a milestone in the history of search as the first phone to debut intuitive, gesture-driven ‘Circle to Search’ with Google. Users can circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap anything on Galaxy S24’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results. For certain searches, generative AI-powered overviews can provide helpful information and context pulled together from across the web.

Galaxy S24 series’ ProVisual Engine is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximize creative freedom. The Quad Tele System on Galaxy S24 Ultra now comes with a new 5x optical zoom lens that works with the 50MP sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x, 3x, 5x to 10x, thanks to Adaptive Pixel Sensor. Images also show crystal clear results at 100x with enhanced digital zoom.

With upgraded Nightography capabilities, photos and videos shot on Galaxy S24 Space Zoom are brilliant in any conditions, even when zoomed in. Galaxy S24 Ultra’s larger pixel size, now 1.4 μm, is 60% bigger, helping capture more light in dim conditions. Wider optical image stabilizer (OIS) angles and enhanced hand-shake compensation help reduce blur. Both front and rear cameras are equipped with Dedicated ISP Block for noise reduction.

Galaxy AI editing tools on Galaxy S24 series enable simple edits like erase, re-compose, and remaster.  Edit Suggestion uses Galaxy AI to suggest perfectly suitable tweaks for each photo, while Generative Edit can fill in parts of an image background with generative AI. Anytime Galaxy S24 deploys generative AI to amplify an image, a watermark will appear on the image and in metadata.

The new Instant Slow-mo can generate additional frames based on movements to smoothly slow down action-packed moments for a more detailed look. Super HDR reveals lifelike previews before the shutter is ever pressed.

Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy that delivers remarkable NPU improvement for incredibly efficient AI processing. In all three Galaxy S24 models, 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh rates improve performance efficiency.

Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 1.9 times larger vapor chamber, improving device surface temperature while also maximizing sustained performance power. Ray tracing enables life-like visuals with superior shadow and reflection effect. Galaxy S24 reaches 2600nit peak brightness, making it the brightest Galaxy smartphone ever. Corning® Gorilla® Armor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is optically enhanced for superior durability.

Galaxy S24+ comes with a 6.7-inch and Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch display. Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch flatter display, optimized not just for viewing but also for productivity. Galaxy S24+ now supports the same level of QHD+ found on Galaxy S24 Ultra. Galaxy S24 Ultra is the first-ever Galaxy phone to feature a titanium frame, enhancing device durability and longevity.

Galaxy S24 series is secured by Samsung Knox for safeguarding critical information and protection against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection. Galaxy S24 users have full controllability over how much they allow their data to enhance AI experiences, through Advanced Intelligence settings, which can disable online processing of data for AI features.

Galaxy S24 series continues Samsung’s commitment to extending the product lifecycle, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates to help users reliably experience the optimized performance of their Galaxy devices for even longer.

Source: Press Release

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Under its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL”/“Bank”) has extended support to Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Karnataka, by providing a fully equipped Cardiac Ambulance for critical healthcare emergencies. The Cardiac Ambulance was inaugurated by Dr. Sharanaparakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development, Karnataka; along with Dr. Umesh S R, Director & Dean, GIMS and R Vardharajan, Business Head – Government Business, Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Through this CSR association with GIMS, Kotak aims to strengthen access to healthcare for local communities. The fully equipped Cardiac Ambulance will provide initial emergency treatments such as cardiac and respiratory ailments. On average, it is anticipated to support close to 500 patients each month, contributing significantly to the healthcare needs of the community in Gulbarga.

R Vardharajan, Business Head – Government Business, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, said,”We are committed to support the healthcare needs of local communities. Through our CSR association with Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences we will provide critical support to patients with cardiac and respiratory ailments and contribute to the need for superior healthcare services in the state.”

Dr. Umesh S R, Director & Dean, GIMS said, “We are delighted to witness yet another feat which resembles the commitment of Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences and is in line with the service-oriented tradition of the hospital. This latest addition of Cardiac Ambulance to serve the underserved will prove to be a blessing for cardiac patients. We thank Kotak Mahindra Bank to have supported us in fulfilling our mission to serve the poor and enhance the quality of treatment.”

Kotak Karma is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) identity of the Kotak Mahindra Group of companies.

Source: Press Release

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Pfizer and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Glenmark) have joined hands to launch abrocitinib, a first of its kind oral advanced systemic treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), in India. Developed by Pfizer, abrocitinib has received marketing authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other regulatory agencies.

When launched in India, it will be co-marketed under the brand names JABRYUS^® and CIBINQO^® by Glenmark and Pfizer respectively. This collaboration combines the expertise of the companies to offer a groundbreaking treatment for moderate-to-severe AD, with improved efficacy and oral convenience to patients. Abrocitinib (CIBINQO) is available in over 35 markets globally, including the U.S., Japan, and China.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation of the skin and skin barrier defects ^1,2. The persistent itching associated with moderate-to-severe AD disrupts daily life, impacting social interactions, work productivity, and overall well-being. Abrocitinib, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, provides rapid itch relief, sustained disease control, and a vastly improved quality of life for patients³.

Meenakshi Nevatia, Country President and Managing Director of Pfizer India stated, “We believe in abrocitinib’s transformative potential. Its approval is a milestone in bringing high-quality treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in India, enabling patients to manage symptoms more effectively. Our collaboration with Glenmark will help leverage the collective strengths and capabilities of our organizations to make this breakthrough therapy available to patients and physicians across our country.”

Alok Malik, President and Business Head ‐ India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said, “We are excited to collaborate with Pfizer India for the launch of abrocitinib in the country. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in India has been reported to be increasing owing to changes in environmental factors with symptoms appearing during the initial years of life in around 80% of patients⁴. Being a leader in the dermatology therapy in India, this partnership will help us ensure availability of this effective treatment for the Indian patients suffering from moderate-to-severe AD; and further strengthen our position in the dermatology therapy space.”

Prevalence of AD in India

The prevalence of AD has been on the rise over the past three decades with an estimated prevalence of AD of about 10-20% in developed countries³. Approximately 5.9%⁵ of adults in India are affected by AD, of which 4.4%⁶ suffer from a severe form of this disease. The symptoms of AD like itching and lack of sleep, lay a significant burden on the patients and their caretakers, affecting multiple aspects including their quality of life and mental health³.

Source: Press Release

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Samsung R&D Institute, Noida (SRI-Noida) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) for a period of five years to focus on key growth areas that will include joint research projects by IIT Kanpur students, faculty and Samsung engineers, helping students become industry-ready. These research projects will span areas such as health, visual, framework and B2B security, and cutting-edge technology areas such as Generative AI and Cloud.

Apart from research projects, the MoU seeks to provide opportunities for upskilling Samsung engineers in key technology areas such as AI, Cloud and other emerging technologies.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, SRI-Noida, Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean, Research and Development, IIT Kanpur and in the presence of Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Sandeep Verma, Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Tushar Sandhan, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur; and other senior delegates from Samsung.

We are excited to begin this collaborative journey with IIT Kanpur. This collaboration reflects our dedication towards merging academic excellence with industrial innovation, thereby making students industry-ready. We look forward to a dynamic exchange of ideas, knowledge and talent, which will certainly play a crucial role in the success of groundbreaking projects and contribute to the growth of both Samsung and IIT Kanpur,” said Mr. Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, SRI-Noida.

“By combining the academic excellence of IIT Kanpur with the industry expertise of Samsung India, we aim to create a dynamic environment for cutting-edge projects and provide invaluable opportunities for our students and researchers. This MoU complements IIT Kanpur’s relentless efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry, while creating a connection between theoretical knowledge and practical industry solutions,” said Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur.

 “The MoU reflects our commitment to providing our students and researchers with opportunities that go beyond academics, contributing significantly to technological advancements and growth of the academic landscape of our institute,” said Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean, Research and Development, IIT Kanpur.  

As part of the joint research projects, students and faculty of IIT Kanpur will work on real-world industry challenges, aligning themselves with actual market needs. They will also work on Digital India related solutions, along with Samsung engineers.

Students and faculty of IIT Kanpur will also be encouraged to publish joint research papers with Samsung engineers.

Under the upskilling opportunities for Samsung engineers, IIT Kanpur will conduct specialized training programs in various domains, providing them with access to the institute’s renowned expertise, culminating in degree programs, certifications and specialized courses tailored to enhance the skill and knowledge of Samsung engineers.

Source: Press Release

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West Bengal Cold Storage Association is the only active Association of Cold Storages in West Bengal. The 59th Annual General Meeting was held today at The Almond (Salt Lake)), Kolkata which was inaugurated by the Chief Guest – Sri. Becharam Manna, Hon’ble MIC Department of Agricultural Marketing Govt of WB; Dr. Pradip Kumar Mazumdar, Hon’ble MIC Department of Panchayat & Rural Development, Govt of WB and was attended by: Sri. Ashok Kumar Das, Special Secretary, Agricultural Marketing Govt. of WB; Sri. Rajesh Kumar Bansal, President of West Bengal Cold Storage Association; Sri. Sunil Kumar Rana, Vice President of West Bengal Cold Storage Association; Sri. Patit Paban De, Past President of WBCSA & many other eminent personalities.

On this occasion, Sri. Rajesh Kumar Bansal, President of West Bengal Cold Storage Association highlighted, “Considerable enthusiasm is observed among potato growers and around 4.6 lakh hectare land has been cultivated in current season. Despite occasional unfavourable weather condition production is expected to be almost the same like previous year. He estimated production of around 110 lakh ton potato in the current season; domestic consumption in West Bengal being 65 lakh ton, the balance stock need to be marketed outside the state. To ensure steady price and regular supply of potato in the market he requested the authorities to frame a system for release of the stored stock at a uniform rate of 12% each month during the unloading period. He recommended collection and analysis of pan India comprehensive data on cultivation, harvesting, storage & marketing for formulation of necessary action plan and monitoring the stock situation on a real time basis.”

Govt. initiative was suggested for farmers to maintain proper grading, curing and assortment; standardization on the above was also suggested. Since extension of storage period beyond November has become common experience for almost every year it was requested by him that the quantum of additional rent for extended storage period need to be included in the notification for periodical rent Revision.

In view of the periodical rise in input cost and cost of capital for cold storages, demand was placed for raising cold storage rent at par with rent in other potato producing states where current rate is Rs.230/- to Rs.270/- per quintal. He mentioned that cold storage rent was not revised by the Govt despite the Expert Committee recommendation for revision of cold storage rent to Rs 190 & Rs 194 for South & North Bengal respectively. He apprehended that operation of cold storages in the ensuing season may be hampered as store owners are unwilling to operate their units with the present rent structure.  Further, it was suggested that cold storage rent calculation should be based on 85% storage capacity instead of 100% storage capacity as utilization of 100% capacity is rarely experienced.

It was suggested that discussions on review of Cold Storage Act 1966 should include:

1. Duties of hirers in respect of quality of storable potato.
2. Simplification of process to be observed for disposal of potato stock left in store units after the end of storage season.
3. Extension of validity of cold storage license to five years.
4. Minimum volume of stock required in cold storage chamber for running the plant.

He laid special emphasis on industry-friendly business environment in the state and practice of simplified Rules & Regulations, Time-bound actions, Fair & logical dealing of issues concerning conduct of business.

Source: Press Release

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Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) announced that Acelen Renewables has selected its Ecofining™ technology to help support the efficient production of a targeted 20,000 barrels per day of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel. The fuels will be processed at Acelen’s facility in Bahia, Brazil, from a blend of inedible seed and waste oils. With this agreement, Acelen Renewables becomes the 50th site to license Honeywell’s renewable fuels technology.

Honeywell’s Ecofining process, which was developed in collaboration with Eni SpA, offers a capital- and cost-effective solution for processing waste fats, oils and greases into renewable diesel and SAF. Blended with conventional jet fuel, the use of SAF can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil fuels. Ecofining has been in use since 2013 for renewable diesel and 2016 for SAF production, making it a proven tool for helping to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, particularly in air travel.

Over the past two years, Honeywell has seen rapidly increasing demand for renewable fuels technologies, including Ecofining. This growth tracks with international decarbonization efforts—especially in air travel. Initiatives like the SAF Grand Challenge and SAF tax credit in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act as well as the European Council’s ‘Fit for 55’ package have set in motion key drivers to expand SAF production, accelerating the energy transition and aviation’s journey to net-zero emissions.

“The dramatic growth in demand for renewable fuels technology illustrates that fuel producers are accelerating adoption of solutions to help meet ambitious decarbonization goals,” said Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions. “Our 50^th license is testament to Honeywell’s leadership in renewable fuels. The milestone follows back-to-back years of solution launches that harness ethanol and e-methanol—to round out one of the largest ranges of feedstock processing technologies on the market.”

Acelen Renewables joins a roster of companies around the world currently licensing Honeywell’s renewable fuels technology, including BP, CVR Energy, Diamond Green Diesel, Eni, Repsol, Total Energies, and World Energy. Of the 50 licenses, eight facilities are already in operation and more than 40 licensed plants are slated to be operational by 2030. The combined renewable fuels capacity of these plants when functioning to peak efficiency will exceed 500,000 barrels per day.

“The addition of Honeywell’s Ecofining process is essential for us to meet our goal of producing one billion liters of Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAF) per year from 2026 onwards, which will make our company one of the largest biofuel producers in the world. Through our “fully sustainable” project: economically, socially and environmentally responsible, we will show the world Brazil’s full capacity to produce the fuel of the future,” said Marcelo Cordaro, COO of Acelen Renewables.

GHG reductions are based on LCA analyses conducted at Michigan Technological University under the direction of Dr. David Shonnard.

Source: Press Release

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Ashwin Sheth Group, a leading real estate developer, known for crafting luxury residential developments in Mumbai, launches “FERN”, the last and the ninth tower of the Sheth Vasant Lawns project in Thane. Sheth Vasant Lawns is sprawled across 7 acres of landscape with eight aesthetically designed towers, the property is already home to over 550+ happy families.

FERN at Sheth Vasant Lawns offers an exquisite selection of 2, 3 and 4BHK residences, as well as Jodi apartments with a 32-floor storey building. ‘FERN’ epitomises luxury, privacy and convenience within the secure confines of a gated community starting from 840 sq. ft at 1.57 cr onwards. FERN is Vastu Compliant and the project has maximum privacy with only four apartments per floor. The buyers will enjoy the views of Yeoor Hills and the city view.

As per recent surveys and reports, in the years 2022 and 2023, Thane is the most searched location for buyers to buy their dream homes. Thane, once considered a distant suburb of Mumbai, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. It is now a thriving city with its own distinct identity. Located in the north-eastern part of the MMR, Thane boasts excellent connectivity to Mumbai via the Eastern Express Highway and the Central Railway line. This connectivity has played a pivotal role in Thane’s real estate growth, making it an attractive destination for both residential and commercial developments.  A recent report by Savills India also pointed out that Thane witnessed a significant increase of three to eight per cent Year on Year (YoY) on account of consistent demand for completed as well as under-construction properties.

Commenting on the award-winning project, Mr Ashwin Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director of Ashwin Sheth Group, said “Building Thane-Platinum Belt was my dream and a vision to give the best to our home buyers with the ease of connectivity and nearby good infrastructure. Thane Platinum Belt has the best residential, retail, hospital and commercial development. Sheth Vasant Lawns was one of our first developments in Thane and we have successfully delivered eight towers. ‘FERN’, the newest and best addition to Sheth Vasant Lawns, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to redefining luxury real estate and delivering an exceptional standard of living for the discerning homebuyer. Through our projects in the Thane Platinum Belt, including Vasant Lawns, we endeavour to provide world-class services and bespoke amenities to address every need and fulfil every aspiration. We constantly seek to unlock that potential and usher in a bold new era of elevated urban living in the Thane”.

Commenting on the Launch FERN, Mr. Bhavik Bhandari, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Ashwin Sheth Group, said “With Vasant Lawns, we’ve successfully curated a blend of comfort and luxury for over 550+ happy families through strategic location and unparalleled amenities. The introduction of ‘FERN’ extends this legacy, offering an unmatched living experience. FERN isn’t just a new tower; it’s a symbol of modern living and a lucrative investment opportunity for NRI customers. We believe it will be a sought-after choice for homebuyers, renters, and those seeking a promising real estate investment in Thane.”

An impressive 40% of the Sheth Vasant Lawns property is dedicated to open green spaces. Incorporating 25+ best-in-class amenities, it provides boundless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, catering comprehensively to the diverse preferences of homebuyers. Nestled within Thane’s Platinum Belt, the city’s most coveted location, Vasant Lawns enjoys proximity to the vibrant Viviana Mall, offering a plethora of premium entertainment and retail options. Furthermore, its strategic location, just a few kilometres away from the esteemed Singhania School and the upcoming metro station, ensures unparalleled connectivity and convenience. The proximity to Jupiter Hospital offers residents expedient access to world-class healthcare facilities.

The Design Architect for FERN is P &T Consultants PTE LTD, Singapore and ACIPL. The Landscape Architect is Site Concepts International Pvt Ltd, Singapore and the RCC Consultant is J W Consultants LLP. ‘FERN’ embraces Biophilic design and spacious balconies, offering a peerless living experience and an exclusive urban retreat within the bustling cityscape. The expansive floor layouts, filled with natural light, optimise functionality while creating a sanctuary of comfort. With its contemporary design ethos, superior construction quality, and meticulously planned landscapes, ‘FERN’ by Ashwin Sheth Group sets a new benchmark in luxurious living.

Source: Press Release

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SECTOR GIN Unveils its Hibiscus & Peach Infused Gin