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Southern Railway Shines: 9 Heroes Earn Top Awards, Station Efficiency Soars (2024)

0 Nine Southern Railway personnel, comprising two officers and seven staff members, have been selected for the esteemed Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar for the year 2023. This award represents the most distinguished accolade for individuals working in the railway sector. The recipients of the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar are set to receive their honours in a ceremony presided over by the Railway Minister on December 15, 2023, in New Delhi. The event coincides with the celebration of the 68th Railway Week Central Function. Additionally, Southern Railway has been recognized for exceptional Commercial efficiency, earning the overall Commercial efficiency shield. It has also achieved distinction in Safety, sharing the overall Safety shield with East Coast Railway and North East Frontier Railway. The esteemed Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, serving as the Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology, is scheduled to confer the awards upon the recipients. This prestigious ceremony will also witness the presence of Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve and Smt Darshana Jardosh, the Honourable Ministers of State for Railways, who will be joining in to present the awards. The list of Southern Railway officials selected for 68th Railway Week Ati vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2023 are: Sr. No Name Designation 1. Shri. K. Veera Perumal Track Maintainer GR II 2. Shri. M.K. Sudheesh Kumar  Loco Pilot 3. Shri. T. Selva Kumar Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector 4. Shri. Deshidi Madhusudhan Reddy RPF Inspector 5. Shri. A Selvaraja Sr. Section Engineer 6. Smt. Durgadevi Vijayakumar Chief Nursing Superintendent 7. Shri. E. Hari Krishnan Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager 8. Shri. S. Mayileri  Sr. Divisional Engineer 9. Shri. S. Mariappan Asst. Signal & Telecommunication Engineer KNOW THE TEAM ACHIEVING THIS REMARKABLE FEAT:  COMETH THE HOUR, COMETH THE MAN: Shri. E. Hari Krishnan: Mr. E. Hari Krishnan was instrumental in the inception of the first Bharat Gaurav Train, launched on June 14, 2022. He proactively interacted with key participants and conducted effective promotional activities. As a result of these actions, the Salem Division and the Southern Railway emerged as frontrunners in the Railway Board’s campaign to integrate private sector investment into the rail industry. The initial Bharat Gaurav Train culminated in a revenue of INR 4.30 crore from six journeys over a period from June to December 2023. Due to Mr. Krishnan’s dedicated efforts, three additional firms have enrolled in the Bharat Gaurav Train scheme via the Southern Railway’s designated portal.  The awards and accolades of course would not be possible without the vital contribution of the following employees: Shri. K. Veera Perumal, Track Maintainer GR II, Manamadurai: While conducting his patrol duties in Manamadurai, he identified a track weld defect and promptly took action to halt the incoming Train No. 16851, known as the Boat Mail Express, by signaling the locomotive engineers with a red hand sign. His commitment to his responsibilities, awareness of safety measures, and quick thinking were crucial in protecting the lives of numerous passengers and preventing a potentially significant accident. Shri. M.K. Sudheesh Kumar, Loco Pilot, Erode: On October 26, 2022, during the operation of Train No.22837, Hatia – Ernakulam Jn AC Express, an incident occurred wherein an elephant was detected stationary on the railway tracks within the Walayar-Kanjikode sector. The train operator executed an immediate application of the emergency braking system. This timely intervention not only conserved the life of the endangered elephant but also prevented a potential derailment situation. Shri. T. Selva Kumar, Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector, Southern Railway: His diligent and outstanding efforts have successfully uncovered instances of counterfeit Aadhar card usage to facilitate ‘Ticket Transfers’ and exploit the Senior Citizen quota for securing lower berth allocations on trains. In the fiscal year 2022-23, he imposed penalties on 13,281 cases, resulting in the accumulation of fines totalling INR 91.92 lakh from those who violated the regulations. Shri. Deshidi Madhusudhan Reddy, Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector, SRHQ: He demonstrated his capability by solving significant offences stipulated under the Railways Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). His accomplishments include the resolution of 57 cases related to the Railways Act and the apprehension of 117 individuals. Additionally, he succeeded in reclaiming Railway assets valued at INR 8.7 lakhs, which encompassed 162 metres of copper wire estimated at INR 2.08 crores. Moreover, he intercepted 10.7 kilograms of illicitly trafficked gold, valued at INR 5.02 crores, leading to the arrest of 7 suspects. He also confiscated 46,390 packets of foreign cigarettes, worth INR 92.78 lakhs, and 189 kilograms of cannabis, valued at INR 38.74 lakhs, culminating in the detention of 15 individuals. Beyond these, he seized unreported cash amounting to INR 1.10 crores and detained 6 persons, in addition to impounding 112 kilograms of tobacco products. Shri. A. Selvaraja, Sr. Section Engineer, Avadi EMU Car Shed: He provided an exemplary service by proficiently finalising the transformation of the Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) 3-phase motor coaches, numbered 188438 and 188439, into steam heritage locomotives, while incorporating modern, advanced features. Smt. Durgadevi Vijayakumar, Chief Nursing Superintendent, Perambur Railway Hospital: For over two decades, specifically 26 years, she has rendered unwavering service in the Intensive Care Unit, providing substantial aid to both Cardiac Surgeons and Cardiologists. Additionally, her readiness to offer support during emergencies around the clock is noteworthy. Her dedication to treating heart patients has enabled countless individuals to return home in good spirits. Her performance during the COVID-19 pandemic was notably commendable. Shri S. Mayileri, Sr. Divisional Engineer: He played a significant role in overseeing the timely execution of the Through Turnout renewal, which facilitated the enhancement of the Arakkonam-Renigunta Section’s sectional speed from 110 km/h to 130 km/h. Numerous track upgrades have been implemented in the Arakkonam-Jolarpettai Section to raise the sectional speed from 110 km/h to 130 km/h. Under his guidance, urgent repair operations on Bridge No. 299, an arch bridge, were expedited. Shri. S. Mariappan, Asst. Signal & Telecommunication Engineer: His contributions were outstanding in ensuring the work was completed on schedule, with an emphasis on enhancing reliability and operational efficiency. Notable accomplishments include the installation,

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Conquer Your Home Office: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for Peak Productivity

0 As more people embrace the concept of remote work and create their own home offices, it becomes essential to design a productive and inspiring workspace. However, designing a home office requires careful planning to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder productivity and comfort. In this guide, Ar. Suren D’souza shares valuable insights and tips on mistakes to avoid when designing your home office space. Designing a home office that promotes productivity, comfort, and well-being requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By avoiding common mistakes such as neglecting ergonomics, inadequate lighting, and insufficient storage, you can create a functional and inspiring workspace. Remember to personalise your home office, prioritise connectivity and technology, and ensure proper ventilation for an optimal work environment. By implementing these tips suggested by Suren Dsouza, you can design a home office that enhances your productivity and enhances your remote work experience.

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Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express: Bridging South & North India, Culture & Pilgrimage (2024 Travel Guide)

0 The honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, ceremonially initiated the Kanyakumari – Banaras ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express’ service on the 17th of December, 2023. The commencement of the inaugural journey, denoted by Train No. 06367 from Kanyakumari, was conducted virtually by the Prime Minister from Varanasi. In Varanasi, the honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the commencement of the second phase of the ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ event, which took place from the 17th of December to the 31st of December, 2023. Subsequently, the Prime Minister officially commenced the first journey of the Kanyakumari – Banaras ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express,’ a new weekly train service established to celebrate the illustrious cultural gathering in Varanasi. Dignitaries present at the function included the respected Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, the Honourable Union Minister for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and Dr L. Murugan, the Honourable Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying & Information Technology. An elaborate ceremony took place in Kanyakumari, which included provisions for live broadcasting of the esteemed Prime Minister’s event occurring in Varanasi. The dignified Member of the Legislative Assembly, Shri N. Thalavai Sundaram, was present to honour the occasion. Ceremonies to commemorate the inaugural journey of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express are taking place at each of the 17 intermediate stops within Tamil Nadu. These welcoming festivities are seeing active involvement from various groups including politicians, government officials, rail commuters, students, and local residents. The stations in Tamil Nadu where these events are being held are as follows: Nagercoil, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruchchirappalli, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Sirkazhi, Chidambaram, Cuddalore Port, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Arakkonam, and Perambur. The inaugural special Train No.06367, Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express, recorded bookings for 1094 passengers. Benefits of Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express service:  Historic Connection: The Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express inaugurates a significant railway connection as it initiates the inaugural dedicated passenger train service from Kanyakumari, situated at the extreme south of the Indian subcontinent, to the holy city of Kashi. This rail service marks an important link between two regions that are steeped in cultural heritage. Pilgrim Convenience: The recently introduced train service aims to facilitate improved travel and accessibility for the considerable contingent of devotees from Tamil Nadu making their pilgrimage to Kashi. Cultural Bonding: The objective of the service is to enhance the collective cultural legacy and intensify the interpersonal connections linking the southern and northern regions of India through the establishment of connections between these far-flung areas. Holistic Pilgrimage Route: The railway service facilitates the travel of devotees to key urban centres and sacred locations, including Varanasi, Allahabad (also known as Prayagraj), Banaras (another name for Varanasi), Madurai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Chidambaram, and Kanchipuram, thereby establishing an extensive network for religious journeys. Regular services of Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express: Commencement of No. 16367/16368 Kanyakumari – Banaras – Kanyakumari Kashi Weekly Express will be as follows: from Kanyakumari starting December 28, 2023, on Thursday, and from Banaras starting December 24, 2023, on Sunday.

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Cradle of Subterranean Splendor – Revealing the Royalty of ‘Rani Ki Vav’

0 The ancient Indian buildings are so magnificent. Have you ever stopped to admire them? Countless locations in India captivate visitors with their breathtaking architecture. ‘Rani Ki Vav’, a.k.a. the ‘Queen’s Step Well’, is such a fantastic treat for everyone’s eyes. It is located in the Patan district of Gujarat. Imagine that you are descending deeper and deeper into history, where each step reveals a different tale carved in stone. Stunning sculptures and elaborate carvings surround Rani Ki Vav, transforming it from a mere stepwell into an underground masterpiece. The Splendid Architecture Queen Udayamati constructed this stepwell on the banks of the River Saraswati as a memorial to her beloved husband, Bhima I. He was a  king of the Chalukya dynasty in the 11th century. Those who got an opportunity to witness this unique architecture might be astounded by the peculiar upside-down structure, which serves as a temple that highlights the holiness of water. The well is designed into seven separate layers of stairs with carved panels containing almost 1500 sculptures representing religious, social, and spiritual imagery.                                                          Image Source:Wikipedia The walls are adorned with many female deities and sculptures. Mythical figures such as nagakanyakas, yoginis, celestial women, and others are displayed in the form of sculptures. The stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata are depicted on the walls.  In Admiration Of The Realm Of Nature This architectural masterpiece is the best example of the storage-well system followed in the Indian subcontinent. This stepwell offers substantial evidence of the ancients’ veneration and preservation of natural materials since groundwater was the primary source during that period.  Unique Style And Structure Rani Ki Vav stands tall and proud among the perfect and most immaculate stepwells in the world. This stepwell is built in Mar Gulijara architectural style, which beautifully exemplifies the most intricate and detailed way of sculpting. The seven levels of the stairs in this structure lead to a deep, circular well.  Designations Rani Ki Vav is designated as a national monument, and the Archeological Survey of India has protected it. Rani ki Vav was honoured as the “Most Cleanest and Iconic Place” at the 2016 Indian Hygiene Conference following its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List on June 22, 2014. The pillared pavilions and the ornate panels of these majestic steps evoke admiration for the sculptures and visionaries who toiled tirelessly to finish this work of art. As we return from the site, each visitor becomes part of our country’s spiritual voyage and cultural legacy. 

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What is ‘One Pot, One Shot’ Cooking Method? – Yummy & Healthy Magic Revealed

0 The ‘One Pot, One Shot’ (OPOS) cooking method was created by B. Ramakrishnan, a culinary enthusiast from Chennai.  This cooking style helps you save a lot of time without compromising the dish’s flavour and quality.  According to Ramki (that is what everyone calls him fondly), “Learning to make tasty food with quick recipes and minimum effort is an essential skill.” However, he promises to teach everyone the magic of simple cooking methods through his OPOS cookbook.  Working moms and youngsters who are interested in trying new dishes but not yet feeling comfortable with the intricacies of traditional cooking procedures will find this method incredibly useful. Ramki started to experiment with different recipes when he was working in Bahrain.  He was missing his favourite Indian food items and wanted to try them without any hassle. After much trial and error, the ‘OPOS’ method was born; needless to say, it was a big success.  In Ramki’s view, if you prepare a dish using OPOS techniques, you are not compromising its nutritional levels. In addition to this, all the cooked vegetables preserve their colour and crunchiness. That is why OPOS cuisine can entice even the most picky eater.  Using the OPOS cooking method, you can cook butter chicken in 6 minutes ‘aviyal’ (a south Indian vegetarian dish) in just 5 minutes, including the chopping time of the ingredients. Amazing, isn’t it?  To start, you need a 2L pressure cooker, measuring spoon, cups, weighing scale, timer and a stove.  In the pressure cooker, the ingredients are diced and layered one by one with a minimum quantity of water.  And, you need to cook on high heat for very little time.  For every recipe, there are particular procedures to adhere to.  Cookbooks with a wide variety of delicious OPOS recipes are available on top-rated online shopping sites, and many of them boast the ‘best seller’ status. Let us try one of the recipes.  OPOS No Water Mushroom Biriyani Ingredients needed 1. 400 grams of mushrooms chopped into 4 cups 2. 1 cup Basmati rice 3. 2 tablespoons of ghee 4. 1 cup of chopped tomatoes. Method of preparation Mix the chopped mushroom with the ingredients below and keep it aside. 5. ½ cup of caramelised onion 6. ¼ cup yogurt 7. 2 green chillies slitted 8. 1 tablespoon mint leaves 9. 1 tablespoon of garam masala 10.  Salt Soak the rice for 30 minutes and drain it.  Now layer the ingredients in a 2L pressure cooker as below. Layer 1: 2 tbsp ghee Layer 2: 1 cup of chopped tomatoes Layer 3: 2 cups of mushroom Layer 4: soaked rice Layer 5: 2 cups of mushroom Fix the weight and cook on high for four whistles or 10 minutes.  Switch off and keep it aside to settle the pressure.  After some time, open the lid and mix well.  The hot and spicy OPOS mushroom biriyani is ready to serve. Reference for the article: OPOS Cookbook – 5 min Magic by Ramakrishnan and UBF, OPOS school students.

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4 Self-Help Books that You should not Miss! (to make your way to success)

0 The ability to read is a blessing since it allows one to learn something new every day. Beyond mere letters printed on sheets, each word imprinted on your mind shapes your thoughts and perspectives, illuminates the path of new experiences, and elevates your consciousness. Through the marvellous realm of words, we soar and kindle our imagination.   It would be wonderful to kickstart our year with some fantastic books. Let us make reading a priority this new year. Let us choose some books that help you succeed in your life and enhance your efficiency and effectiveness at work. We suggest a few good books from the list that you should not miss reading this year.  Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways To Stop Procrastinating And Get More Done In Less Time By Brian Tracy Brian Tracy’s ‘Eat That Frog’ provides 21 easy and practical ideas for everyone to be more productive and stress-free. Here, the term ‘frog’ refers to an important task that is likely to procrastinate. The author adds, ‘If you have to eat two frogs, first eat the ugliest one!’.  Yes, the most significant rule for improving your performance level is to tackle the most challenging and crucial task first thing every day. Like this, 21 life-changing rules are explained in this book. This book is an ideal addition to your 2024 reading list.  Grit: The Power Of Passion And Perseverance, By Prof. Angela Duckworth It is easy to be inspired, but the tricky part is consistency in our actions. If you want to be successful, you need to be consistent. However, there are a lot of reasons why many people find it hard to be consistent with their jobs and routines. As a professor of psychology, Mrs. Angela analyses many real-life examples in this book. She provides us with some valuable life lessons in her book, ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’.   Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear James Clear’s Atomic Habits garnered the greatest attention and praise after its’ release. An atom is a very tiny unit of mass. This book mainly focuses on creating little routines to enhance our lives. In this book, Clear gives you the easiest techniques to distill complex things into the simplest habits, and he guides us on applying these habits in our daily lives. The book redefines your thoughts about success and leads you to apply more efficient techniques.  Anatomy Of A Breakthrough, By Adam Alter Have you ever found yourself stuck between tasks? Many reasons, including your thoughts, emotional barriers, stress, and overloaded work will contribute to this. Due to these reasons, improving our efficiency and reaching our maximum potential will be challenging.  Adam Alter has spent over twenty years researching this topic with many people. He studied how they all became stuck at some point in their lives and how they emerged from such a situation. ‘Anatomy of a Breakthrough’ is a detailed exploration guide to overcome our inertia and find success in our challenges.  

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Celebrating 30 Years of Mercedes-Benz in India: A Journey of Luxury and Innovation

0 Mercedes-Benz, the epitome of luxury in the automotive world, proudly marks its 30th anniversary of operations in India. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the iconic three-pointed star logo lies a rich history intertwined with India’s economic transformation. The story begins with the winds of change blowing in 1991 when Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh spearheaded the Economic Liberalisation, a landmark reform that dismantled the restrictive License Raj in India. This pivotal moment opened the doors for foreign companies to enter the Indian market, and brands like Suzuki, Hyundai, and Honda seized the opportunity, eager to establish themselves in the land of opportunities which is India. Mercedes-Benz had already left its mark on Indian soil since 1957, albeit in the realm of trucks and buses through a joint venture with Tata known as Tata-Benz. However, it wasn’t until the sweeping economic reforms that the luxury automaker turned its gaze towards the passenger vehicle segment. In 1994, just a couple of years after the reforms, Mercedes-Benz made a grand entrance into the luxury passenger vehicle market with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz E220 (W-124 E-Class) in 1995. Priced at Rs 19 lakh and assembled at the Telco plant near Pune as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit, this marked the inception of the brand’s journey towards becoming the preeminent luxury automobile manufacturer in India. A significant turning point came in 2000 when Mercedes-Benz repurchased its shares from Tata, paving the way for the establishment of its fully-owned subsidiary, Mercedes-Benz India. The creation of a manufacturing plant in Chakan underscored the brand’s commitment to localized production and to reduce import duties. Fast forward to the present – after three decades of operations, Mercedes-Benz India contributes approximately 17 thousand units annually, further solidifying its position as a prominent player in the luxury automobile sector. This milestone not only reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence but also its ability to adapt and thrive in the dynamic Indian market. 

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Iconic Cars We Will Miss In 2024!

0 2023 saw the most drastic change in climatic conditions across the globe. One of the main reasons behind this global catastrophe is the tailpipe emissions. To reduce carbon emissions, automobile companies have now started to end the production of their fuel guzzlers and replace them with low-emission vehicles like hybrids and EVs. In contrast, some cars stop their production because of being a limited production vehicle. Here are some of the which we would miss in 2024 due to emission norms or limited production run.    1. Lamborghini Aventador Every 90’s kid’s dream was to own a Lamborghini Aventador. When launched in 2013, it was a replacement for Murcielago. With its 6.5-litre V12 engine, it can only be described as a beast. Be it Asphalt 8 mobile game or Punjabi rap songs, Aventador was a cultural icon for the youth. Sadly because of the emission norms, thanks to its V12 engine the sales of the Aventador ended in 2022 and the last produced car was on sale in early 2023. 2. Audi R8 Remember when Tony Stark drove the Audi R8 in Iron Man? Well, 2023 saw the last of them on sale. The R8 had a 4.2-litre V8 and a 5.2-litre V10 engine and was available in RWD, Quattro and GT variants. Audi confirmed to stop the production of the Audi R8 in 2022 with 2023 being the last model year for R8 supercars. 3. Honda Acura NSX In November 2022, Honda declared to stop production of its premium supercar Acura NSX. The Acura team gathered to bid farewell to its famous supercar, with NSX Type S being the last produced car. A car which even Ayrton Senna loved to drive. The twin-turbo V6 engine in tandem with three electric motors delivered more than 600 PS power. But this mill was a fuel guzzler and NSX was a limited production vehicle. Honda decided to end its production by late 2022. The last Acura NSX was on sale in early 2023.  4. Ford GT Yes! This is the same Ford GT which had a lineage of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. Sadly we bid adieu to the Ford GT in 2023 after a stint of 60-plus years. The last produced vehicle, the Ford GT Mk IV was a track-specific car and was not legal to drive on roads. The car was discontinued due to the limited production run of just 67 cars. This makes this supercar a rare collectable estimated to cost millions of dollars. 

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Fabulous Five Winter Fashion Ideas for Plus-size Queens

0 In the winter gloom, picture a woman transforming the dull vibe with a chic monochromatic dress—a fusion of style and unwavering confidence. Amidst dark overcoats and somber necklines, plus-size winter outfits emerge as a game changer, infusing bold style and spirit into the season’s fashion landscape. This time, elevate your winter wardrobe with more than just style – embrace the empowering allure of plus-size winter fashion. Come along as we’ve compiled five fantastic winter fashion ideas to prepare you to look fabulous and strut your stuff this season. Cotton Blazer Chronicles!  Plus-size winter wardrobe vibes are falling head over heels for the formal spectrum. The Blazers are the ultimate power move in fashion! These dapper pieces scream confidence and are now at the top of the leaderboard of semi-business wear. Stay on-trend and own that bossy demeanor! Winter Elegance Redefined: The Essential Coat!  No wonder plus-size winter fashion is going out of this world, and it’s the perfect moment for it. Nailing a chic plus-size must-have coat with some heavy boots and a chill sling bag gives you that whole vibe everyone’s into. Sleek Winter Must-have: Longline Stretch Jacket! This plus-size gem has taken the fashion world by storm, and let us tell you, no other jacket has stolen the spotlight quite like this one. It can inject life, even to the most tedious look, in no time. A big game-changer for your closet! Flex in Style: Introducing the Stretch Overcoat! With a cozy yet polished vibe, this winter essential is stealing the spotlight. If you seek that perfect blend of comfort and fashion in one wardrobe staple, go for this stretchy wonder! Feather-Light Elegance: Single Button Stretch Blazer! With the innovations of modern fashion creators, fall is no longer about those heavy, embroidered blazers, even for the curvy queens. The feather-light blazer is the ultimate savior of your comfort and style preferences. It is timeless, perfect for throwing on at the end of a memorable night. Another must-have for your winter wardrobe!  So, it was our lineup of five fabulous plus-size winter outfits for the ladies, filled with astonishing patterns, variety, and textures. It’s all about feeling cozy and comfy, even in the freezing season! The best part? These winter collections give your style a significant upgrade. So, whether you’re in the mood to flaunt it or keep it low-key, these outfits are your go-to for embracing fashion freedom forever. 

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