All posts by Biswaranjan Jena

Flavours That Unite, Dishes That Delight: Chef’s Theory

Mumbai, 18th December 2024: Ramee Group of Hotels proudly announces the launch of Chef’s Theory, a multi-cuisine dining restaurant at Ramee Techome, Khar. Chef’s Theory is here to enchant taste buds and honour the rich heritage of multi-cuisine dining. As an all-day restaurant, it blends the essence of Indian flavours with global influences, reimagining traditional recipes to craft dishes that are both comforting and innovative.

ramee group

Chef’s Theory at Ramee Techome, Khar, Mumbai

At Chef’s Theory, every ingredient tells a story and serves a purpose. When the science of spice and the precision of culinary artistry blend together, it creates a dish that takes you on a journey through the lens of a chef’s imagination and expertise. Ramee Group of Hotels welcome you to indulge in flavours from all across the world where tradition meets creativity on every plate.

The restaurant warmly welcomes both residents and visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant culinary adventure. Whether gathering for a cozy family meal or stopping by for a quick chai break, guests can look forward to a menu that caters to diverse palates. Each dish is designed to unite people through food, blending heritage recipes with contemporary flair.

With its warm ambience and meticulous attention to detail, Chef’s Theory provides the perfect setting for any occasion. From seasoned connoisseurs to curious newcomers, every guest is treated to a memorable dining experience that celebrates flavour, tradition, and innovation.

Rajit V Shetty, Managing Director at Ramee Group of Hotels stated, “With the launch of Chef’s Theory, we are proud to bring an authentic and immersive culinary experience to our guests. This venture reflects our commitment to celebrating India’s rich heritage and flavours with global influences while upholding the exceptional service standards that Ramee Group of Hotels is known for. We look forward to welcoming you to a journey of taste and tradition.”

“It is with great pleasure that we introduce our newest addition at Ramee Techome, Khar, Chef’s Theory. This restaurant is a tribute to the vibrant flavours, traditions, and culinary artistry of India. Our goal is to offer guests an unforgettable dining experience that blends timeless recipes with modern finesse. We warmly invite you to join us on this flavourful gastronomic journey and create cherished memories,” expressed Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President, India, Ramee Group of Hotels

Discover chef’s theory, where every bite tells a story, creating an unforgettable culinary journey. Chef’s Theory is now open at Khar, Mumbai.

Bottles Ordered, Bottles Celebrated—Recykal Ensures They’re Recycled

Year 2024—a year where collaborations surprise and conversations spark. Blinkit and Coca-Cola took centre stage with their buzzworthy billboards, creating a dialogue around India’s love for Coca-Cola. Blinkit showcased how much India ordered Coca-Cola bottles in 2024, while Coca-Cola amplified the excitement with a celebratory nudge: “Toh isi baat par ek ek aur ho jaaye?”

 But wait—what happens after all that celebration? After the orders, the deliveries, and the sips? Where do those bottles go? Are they destined to end up in the landfill?

 Enter Recykal. Positioned thoughtfully alongside the billboards, Recykal completes the narrative. You can order as much as you want and celebrate however you like because there’s always someone ensuring those bottles are channelled responsibly. Recykal ensures each bottle has an appropriate end-of-life journey, turning waste into opportunity.

 It’s a subtle nod to Blinkit’s famous billboard that once said: “Doodh Mangoge, Doodh Denge.” Recykal joins the conversation with its own witty promise:

 “Bottles Doge, Recykal karenge.”
The collaboration may celebrate ordering, but Recykal celebrates circularity. Because sustainability doesn’t end with consumption—it begins with responsibility.
So next time you pop open a can, know this: Recykal has got your back.

Strengthening Market Trust: Vida Realty Secures Occupation Certificates for its Key Mumbai Projects

Mumbai, [18 December 2024] – Vida Realty, a prominent name in Mumbai’s real estate sector, has successfully secured Occupation Certificates (OC) for three of its premium residential developments: Upper East 97 in Malad (East), Roha Vatika in BKC Annexe, and East Eden in Vile Parle (East). This milestone reaffirms Vida Realty’s commitment to timely delivery, regulatory compliance, and quality-driven construction.

Spanning approximately 2.5 acres, these developments collectively offer 680+ residential units in some of Mumbai’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

vida

Timely Delivery in a Buyer-Centric Market

The issuance of Occupation Certificates for all three projects comes at a critical time when homebuyers in Mumbai are placing increasing value on projects that meet legal and regulatory milestones.

Speaking on the achievement, Harshvardhan Tibrewala, Managing Director of Vida Realty, said, “Securing the OC for these three projects reflects our focus on delivering homes that are not just thoughtfully designed but also legally compliant and ready for possession. Timely delivery, trust, and quality remain at the core of our approach as we continue to build spaces that enhance lives and communities.”

US Federal Reserve Set to Cut Rates by 25 Basis Points, Focus Shifts to Future Economic Outlook

By-Yashovardhan Khemka – Senior Manager — Research at Abans Holdings views on USD Fed Interest Rate

In the upcoming US Federal Reserve announcement on December 18th, we anticipate a 25 basis point rate reduction, in line with market expectations. However, the focus will be on the future economic trajectory, which will shape the outlook for interest rate policy. The Federal Reserve meeting is also expected to outline a trajectory for rate cuts through 2025 and potentially into 2026.

We believe the economic forecasts will indicate better growth, accompanied by firmer inflation in the upcoming year. This scenario may limit the Federal Reserve’s ability to reduce interest rates further, given persistent inflationary pressures and signs of a weak labor market. Recent inflation readings and the past two labor market surveys suggest sticky inflation and labor market challenges. Consequently, we expect the “dot plot” projections to be revised, likely reflecting three rate cuts next year instead of the previously anticipated four. The longer-run median interest rate target is expected to remain around 3%–3.25%.

Meanwhile, China’s economic support measures are anticipated to boost investment demand. Additionally, potential policy changes under the upcoming Trump administration are viewed as more balanced rather than being highly inflationary, as often assumed. Although sticky inflation and labor market weaknesses remain concerns, we believe their impact on the markets may be overstated.

Overall, we expect the upcoming FOMC meeting to relieve some of the hawkish pressure built into the market. Investors may see positive movement in risk assets, coupled with a relatively less hawkish tone than widely anticipated. However, the Federal Reserve’s inflation expectations will remain a key monitorable, as they will significantly influence the future rate trajectory.

The Most Nutrient-Dense of All Fruits: Discover the Power of Avocados

Often hailed as the “superfruit,” avocados are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, making them one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, avocados are a nutritional treasure that can significantly enhance your overall health and wellbeing. According to the World Avocado Organisation, just half an avocado offers a nutrient profile that rivals several servings of other fruits and vegetables, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their diet.

Unlike many fruits, avocados are uniquely low in sugar and rich in healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and promote satiety. This combination makes avocados a perfect option for those looking to boost their energy while keeping their blood sugar stable. In fact, the nutritional density of an avocado is so high that it provides more energy per kilogram than many other fruits and vegetables.

avocoda

The World Avocado Organisation also states that a 100g serving of avocado delivers nearly double the energy of a 100g serving of banana and eight times more energy than 100g of tomatoes. The versatile fruit is perfect for various diets, from heart-healthy eating to weight management and beyond.

The Nutritional Powerhouse of Avocados:

What makes avocados truly exceptional is their unique mix of essential nutrients, which is difficult to find in any other fruit or vegetable. Here’s why avocados stand out:

40% more potassium than a banana: Potassium is key for maintaining healthy nerve functions, controlling blood pressure, and supporting muscle function. Avocados provide an abundant source of this essential mineral.

Six times more vitamin B12 than Brazil nuts: Vitamin B12 is crucial for the production of red blood cells and supporting overall energy levels. Unlike most plant-based foods, avocados provide a plant-based source of B12 that can help support your body’s needs.

36 times more biotin than spinach: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is essential for converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. This makes avocados a great fuel source for your body, particularly for those looking to support metabolism and healthy hair, skin, and nails.

40% less saturated fat than Greek yogurt: Avocados offer a healthy alternative to foods high in saturated fat. The healthy fats in avocados are monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
High in fiber: Avocados are rich in dietary fiber, which helps support digestive health, control blood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy weight.

In addition to these impressive nutrients, avocados are also a great source of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which play a key role in maintaining eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration.

Avocados are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of meals. Whether added to salads, blended into smoothies, used as a topping for toast, or enjoyed in guacamole, the options are endless. Not only do they taste great, but their creamy texture also makes them a perfect base for dairy-free and vegan recipes. Moreover, the benefits of avocados extend beyond just individual health. Regular avocado consumption can contribute to long-term wellness, from reducing the risk of heart disease to supporting weight management goals. The nutrient profile of avocados also supports skin hydration and collagen production, helping you maintain a youthful glow.

When it comes to nutrient density, no other fruit or vegetable quite compares to the mighty avocado. Its ability to pack so much nutrition into such a small serving makes it a standout in a balanced diet. Whether you are looking to increase your intake of essential vitamins and minerals, improve energy levels, or simply add variety to your meals, avocados are the perfect addition to any diet.

Helly Shah was phenomenal and brought an unmatched dedication to her role, Rohan Mehra on working with his Pyramid co-star

One of the leading digital entertainment platforms, Hungama, is all set to unveil its gripping new original series, Pyramid, a crime-thriller brimming with intrigue, murder, and suspense. The show, streaming exclusively on the Hungama OTT app, marks Rohan Mehra’s first venture into the crime-thriller genre, where he portrays Mohit, a brilliant hacker ensnared in the high-stakes world of a complex investigation. Rohan, reflecting on the experience, highlighted the joy of working with Helly Shah, who, alongside Harshad Arora, delivered a stellar performance that added richness and depth to the narrative. Pyramid is set to stream exclusively on the Hungama OTT app starting 19th December 2024.

rohan

Speaking about his experience, Rohan shared, “Portraying Mohit in Pyramid has been an incredibly rewarding journey. It was my first time working in the crime-thriller genre, and the role challenged me to bring out Mohit’s depth and complexity. He’s not just a hacker but a key player in unravelling the mystery, and every twist in the story kept us, as actors, on our toes throughout the shoot.”

Reflecting on the experience of filming and working with his co-stars, he added, “The picturesque yet isolating backdrop of Manali amplified the narrative’s thrill, immersing every scene in its allure. Helly Shah and Harshad Arora were phenomenal co-stars, bringing unmatched dedication to their roles, which added profound depth and richness to the story, making the entire process truly memorable.”

India Ordered 18.5 Million Coca-Cola Cans in 2024, Hyderabad Startup ‘Recykal’ Recycled Them All

Hyderabad, 18th December 2024: India’s growing consumption demands responsibility, and Hyderabad-based cleantech startup Recykal is leading the way by ensuring sustainability keeps pace. In 2024, while India ordered 1,85,17,980 Coca-Cola cans, Recykal successfully collected and recycled an equivalent number of bottles, bridging the gap between consumption and waste recovery.

Blinkit showcased how much India ordered Coca-Cola bottles in 2024, while Coca-Cola amplified the excitement with a celebratory nudge: “Toh isi baat par ek ek aur ho jaaye?” But wait—what happens after all that celebration? After the orders, the deliveries, and the sips? Where do those bottles go? Are they destined to end up in the landfill?

Recykal completes the narrative. You can order as much as you want and celebrate however you like because there’s always someone ensuring those bottles are channelled responsibly. Recykal ensures each bottle has an appropriate end-of-life journey, turning waste into opportunity.

Coca Cola x Recykal

Abhishek Deshpande, Co-founder, Recykal, commented on the milestone: “This achievement is not just about numbers – it represents impact at scale. Every bottle collected and recycled through our platform is a step closer to a cleaner planet. At Recykal, we’re committed to turning India’s consumption challenges into sustainability success stories through technology and collaboration.”

Recykal’s solutions enable traceable, high-quality recovery of PET bottles and other materials, helping brands achieve their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance and sustainability goals. This initiative prevents millions of bottles from reaching landfills, oceans or polluting the environment, while contributing to a cleaner India.

Commenting on the achievement, Chetan Baregar, Director of Marketing, Recykal said “Every bottle collected is a step towards cleaner cities and a greener planet. As consumption scales, our technology ensures waste recovery and recycling also scale, creating measurable impact. Hyderabad’s role as a hub for cleantech innovation strengthens our resolve to drive India’s circular economy forward.”

As a global innovator recognised by the World Economic Forum for its tech-driven impact, Recykal continues to push boundaries to accelerate the adoption of circular economy principles across industries.

Databricks is Raising Dollar10B Series J Investment at Dollar62B Valuation

India — December 18, 2024 — Databricks, the Data and AI company, today announced its Series J funding. The company is raising $10 billion of expected non-dilutive financing and has completed $8.6 billion to date. This funding values Databricks at $62 billion and is led by Thrive Capital. Along with Thrive, the round is co-led by Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, GIC, Insight Partners and WCM Investment Management. Other significant participants include existing investor Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and new investors ICONIQ Growth, MGX, Sands Capital and Wellington Management.

The company has seen increased momentum and accelerated growth (over 60% year-over-year) in recent quarters largely due to the unprecedented interest in artificial intelligence. To satisfy customer demand, Databricks intends to invest this capital towards new AI products, acquisitions, and significant expansion of its international go-to-market operations. In addition to fueling its growth, this capital is expected to be used towards providing liquidity for current and former employees, as well as pay related taxes. Finally, this quarter marks the first time the company is expected to achieve positive free cash flow.

“We were substantially oversubscribed with this round and are super excited to bring on some of the world’s most well-known investors who have a deep conviction in our vision. These are still the early days of AI. We are positioning the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to deliver long-term value for our customers and our team is committed to helping companies across every industry build data intelligence,” said Ali Ghodsi, Co-Founder and CEO of Databricks. “We’re building transformative data and AI infrastructure and excited to move aggressively in service of our customers and their success.”

The Databricks Data Intelligence Platform democratizes access to data and AI, making it easier for organizations to harness the power of their data for analytics, machine learning, and AI applications. Built on an open source foundation, the platform enables organizations to drive innovation to increase revenue, lower costs, and reduce risk. Customers use the Data Intelligence Platform to find and treat diseases and cancer earlier, identify new ways to combat climate change, detect financial fraud, develop pharmaceuticals faster, reduce time to mental health intervention, decrease local financial inequality and much more.

“Databricks, driven by its mission to democratize data and AI, has emerged as the platform of choice,” said Joshua Kushner, CEO of Thrive Capital. “We have witnessed the team’s unrelenting execution, and consider it an honor to be partners with the company for the long term.”

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Databricks’ recent momentum which includes:

  • Growing over 60% year-over-year in the third quarter ended October 31, 2024
  • Expecting to cross $3 billion revenue run-rate and be free cash flow positive in the fourth quarter ending January 31, 2025
  • Continuing to achieve non-GAAP subscription gross margins above 80%
  • Having 500+ customers consuming at over $1 million annual revenue run-rate
  • Achieving $600 million revenue run rate for Databricks SQL, the company’s intelligent data warehousing product, up more than 150% year-over-year