From Kimchi to Kaftans: A Shopper’s Journey Through Asia’s Diverse Delights

Bargain Hunting in Asia, Shop Till You Drop at These Hotspots Attention, shopaholics! Asia is a shopper’s paradise. Whether you love bargaining at bustling markets or scouting mega malls for deals, this region will tempt you to max out your credit card. Here are a few top-notch Asian hotspots for serious retail therapy. Tokyo, a shopper’s dream come true This vibrant city blends historical markets like the 400-year-old Ameyoko with ultramodern malls. Skip massive complexes and visit quirky districts like Harajuku for youthful street fashion and Shibuya for its famed 5-way crossing. Daiso’s 100-Yen shops are heaven for finding useful gadgets and knick-knacks on the cheap. Don’t forget to try delicious local snacks as you explore. Hit the markets in Bangkok The Chatuchak Market houses over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to crafts. Don’t miss the food section. For souvenirs, check out the retro Maeklong Railway Market near the train tracks. And you can’t leave without visiting a floating market like Damnoen Saduak – bargaining for fruits and gifts from boats is a one-of-a-kind experience. Tips to master the Asian markets First, never accept the initial quoted price; the banter is part of the fun. Start lower but don’t lowball. Pay in local currency and buy in bulk for better deals. Keep small changes handy for transactions. Lastly, put those bargaining skills to the test but stay friendly and polite. You’ll walk away with amazing deals and an experience to remember! The more contemporary shopping scene Kuala Lumpur and Singapore fit the bill. Kaula Lumpur has ultra-luxe havens like Suria KLCC Mall at the Petronas Twin Towers. But you’ll also find local designer boutiques in Chinatown. Meanwhile, Singapore dazzles with massive complexes like ION Orchard Mall and clusters of themed malls. Have fun exploring both traditional and modern shopping landscapes! I’ll wrap up this Asian shopping spree with a quick hit list: Asia’s diverse shopping scene offers something for everyone’s interests, tastes, and budgets. You can immerse yourself in local culture by haggling at markets or admiring luxury brands in modern malls. Whichever you pick, get ready to shop till you drop.

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Destination Travel

Traveling with Pets – Vacations for the Whole Family

For pet parents, the idea of leaving their furry friends behind during vacations can be a real bummer. But guess what? The vacation scene is changing, and pets are now allowed to travel with their acquaintances. So, let’s dive into the world of pet-friendly travel and how you can make it a tail wagging experience for your entire family. Pet-Approved Stays Pet-friendly accommodations are stealing the spotlight; from fancy hotels to cozy rental homes, more places are saying, “Yes, bring your pets along.” Keep an eye out for any fees or size rules, but options are expanding. Whether it’s a lavish pet suite in Vegas or a campground where dogs can run free, there’s something for every pet. Pet-Friendly Travel Made Easy Getting around with pets is a trend nowadays. Uber, taxis, ferries, and even some tours are opening their doors for pets. While flying can be tricky, walking in the park is one of the easiest options for spending more time with the pets. Invest in a good carrier, sort out the necessary documents, and plan pit stops for your pet’s comfort. Apps like BringFido can help you find pet-friendly spots on your route. Pack the Essentials Don’t forget the gear. A sturdy carrier, poop bags, food bowls, medications, and favorite toys are your pet’s travel essentials. Check with your vet for tips on easing anxiety or car sickness. Once you reach your destination, set up a cozy spot with familiar beds and toys to make them feel at home. Vacation Activities for the Whole Family The fun begins at your destination. Dog-friendly hiking gear, like Ruffwear, ensures your pup explores comfortably. Many beaches also roll out the sandy carpet for pets, usually during off-peak hours. Water sports enthusiasts can get their pets doggie life jackets for some sailing or surfing fun. Urban Adventures In cities, pets can join walking tours, hang out on restaurant patios, or stroll through malls. Some stores, like Home Goods and Lowe’s, are pet-friendly. Cafes and breweries often host ‘yappy hours,’ creating the perfect setting for pets to socialize. Ready, Set, Wag With planning, pets can now join in on vacation fun. A little research beforehand ensures a smooth, stress-free trip for the whole family. Watching their tails wag at every new sight and experience will make it completely worth it. Bringing Your Furry Friends Along! Pet-friendly vacations are on the rise.

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Destination Travel

The Surge of Environment-Friendly Business Retreats

In the world of business tourism nowadays, a new trend is reshaping the way companies plan their corporate escapes. This trend goes beyond the usual and welcomes a more thoughtful approach. Businesses are increasingly opting for eco-conscious business retreats, not just to reward their employees but also to make a strong statement about their dedication to sustainability. Companies are coming forward with eco-friendly proposals and approaches, and eventually more after the pandemic. Understanding Eco-Friendly Business Retreats Traditionally, business retreats meant fancy resorts, extravagant dinners, and team-building games. But things are changing. Companies are realizing the importance of aligning their values with the places they choose for their retreats. Choosing Green: A Sustainable Approach Let’s imagine a corporate retreat in a beautiful eco-resort, surrounded by greenery and powered by renewable energy. It’s not just a pretty picture; it’s a deliberate choice by businesses to lessen their impact on the environment. These retreats focus on using sustainable materials for accommodations and providing locally sourced organic meals, aiming to leave a minimal footprint. Team Building with a Purpose Eco-conscious business retreats take team-building to another level. Imagine your team planting trees, cleaning up beaches, or working on environmental projects with local communities. These activities not only strengthen teamwork but also give employees a sense of purpose, reinforcing the company’s commitment to social responsibility. It also benefits the rapid growth of businesses. Inspiring Employee Engagement These retreats are more than just a break from the office; they transform employees. Engaging in meaningful activities helps them bond with colleagues and develop a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation. This, in turn, boosts employee satisfaction and pride in being part of a socially responsible organization. The Ripple Effect: Impact Beyond the Office The positive impact of eco-conscious business retreats reaches beyond the immediate team. Companies engaging in such initiatives are often viewed favorably by clients, investors, and the public. This not only enhances the company’s brand but also contributes to a broader movement toward adopting sustainable business practices. Community Collaboration at Sasan In the stunning Sasan Gir forest of Gujarat, Woods at Sasan is a unique example of a luxury retreat. Set in 16 acres of forests, it embraces the ideas of biophilia and sustainability. Perfect for those desiring a slow, eco-friendly lifestyle, the retreat follows conscious practices, providing a serene nature getaway. In the ever-changing world of business tourism, eco-conscious retreats are becoming a popular and impactful choice. These retreats go beyond the usual corporate getaways, blending team-building, sustainability, and a touch of adventure. As companies embrace the idea that business and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, the journey toward a greener corporate world becomes both enlightening and rewarding.

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Education

One Nation, One Student ID: A Digital Archive of Academic Records

APAAR, the Acronym for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is a lifelong digital ID for students to track all educational achievements from pre-primary to higher education like Ph.D. APAAR is implemented as a part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ program under National Education Policy 2020. One Student, One Nation ID is a revolutionary step towards digitally unifying and simplifying India’s educational ecosystem. As a part of this, admission to government and government-aided schools will be switched to online, simplifying the administrative process while reducing the hindrances. This program has proposed a deadline of 2026-27. What is the Purpose of APAAR ID? One of the main purposes of APAAR ID is to weed out fraudulent educational certificates. APAAR ID ensures authenticity and makes it easy for those who are seeking admissions in institutions to jobs in companies to track and access their academic journey and achievements. It aims to modernise and also to promote digital literacy. How Does APAAR Work? APAAR ID is a 12-digit alphanumeric code to access Digilocker that records all their educational achievements including certificates of co-curricular achievements, degrees, and diplomas obtained from both formal and informal learning. APAAR ID is linked to the ABC Account of students. ABC Bank, the Acronym for Academic Bank of Credits, is launched as a part of this program for the issuing of APAAR cards. The enrollment of APAAR is to be done by schools with the consent of parents. What are the Benefits of APAAR ID? APAAR, which acts as an all-in-one digital archive of academic records of the students, simplifies the access to scholarships and other services. It opens a room for effortless transitions between institutions for students who transfer from one city to another as there’ll be no such requirements of long documents. How to Register for an APAAR ID? Step 1 – Open the ABC Website Step 2 – Go to My Account and click the Student option Step 3 – Sign in and enter details from address to Aadhaar to create a Digilocker account Step 4 – Grant permission to share your Aadhaar details for KYC verification Step 5 – Enter all your academic details Step 6 – Submit the form to get the APAAR ID generated Step 7 – Go to the dashboard in the ABC Website, click the option APAAR Card Download Step 8 – Click the download option when APAAR appears on the screen

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Trends

From Smart Rings to Smart Glasses: Coolest Wearables Coming in 2024

In 2024, wearable gadgets can take an intriguing step in tracking and enhancing our daily life. From smart rings to fitness earbuds, from monitoring heart rate to detecting sleep apnea, AI has revolutionarily set to be an inevitable part of advancement. Here are a few wearable gadgets expected to be treasured by this year. Helio Smart Ring Amazfit has set to come with Helio Smart Ring, an advanced smart ring to track heart rate, blood oxygen level and even emotional health with the help of Electrodermal Activity Sensor. Helio Smart Ring mostly targets sports and fitness enthusiasts to help them with their recovery. It is expected to be available for purchase in the coming March. Movano Evie Ring Movano Evie Ring is a smart ring designed specifically for women to track heart rate, blood oxygen level and with an enhanced insight into menstrual health by tracking mood changes to sleep patterns. The smart ring is currently available for pre-order in the US and is only compatible with Apple’s IOS as of now. Invoxia Minitailz This year Invoxia has upgraded Smart Dog Collar into Invoxia Minitailz, for both canine and feline pets. It helps to track your furry friend’s location, change in behaviour, activity and even alert you if atrial fibrillation is detected. Compared to the predecessor Smart Dog Collar, this one is a lot lighter with just 36 grams. Invoxia’s Minitailz is expected to be out in the market by March 2024. Momentum Sport Sennheiser has revealed Momentum Sport in CES 2024, with quick and enhanced battery life. This wirefree earbud is designed in a way to track heart rate and body temperature with the help of Photoplethysmography and temperature sensor. It also has the Active Noise Cancellation to help users enjoy the music without external noise disturbance. Other launches by Sennheiser are Accentum plus and Momentum True Wireless 4. Smart Glasses AR smart glasses act way more wondrously by letting you see the world and simultaneously projecting the live information. They are said to have taken users to another immersive dimension of experience. This year CES has unveiled a few AR smart glasses like XReal Air 2 Ultra, RayNeo X2 Lite, MindLink Air , EverySight Maverick and Spacetop.

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Fashion Technology

Pinterest and Gen Z: The Rise Of Pinterest into a Go-to Fashion Destination

Pinterest has incredibly emerged into a go-to fashion destination for Gen-Zers, and the keystone of success for retailers and luxury brands. Though initially the application was popularised by millennials, Gen-Zers are reported to be enormously gearing Pinterest to success. Gen-Z is now Pinterest’s fastest growing cohort with more than 40% of them actively using and surpassing the millennial phase of Pinterest. Unlike other social media, Pinterest comforts users with mere aesthetics and inspirations rather than competing with likes and recognition. Gen-Zers are reported to be substituting Google by searching on Pinterest for inspo. According to reports, 84% of Gen-Zers rely on Pinterest to decide what to buy. Paving the way for Pinterest to predict what will be tomorrow’s trend than today’s. With the introduction of shoppable content, Pinterest has garnered a new level of success with advertisers and retailers. Brief History of Pinterest The rise of Pinterest from being a visual content sharing media to a fashion forecasting giant is quite impressive. The idea of Pinterest stems from an app called Tote in 2009. Though Tote had a clothing retail outlet, the app failed to do on-the-go transactions as the payment technology was not as sophisticated as it is today. Pinterest began its development in 2009. In 2011, Pinterest attracted more people with the launching of its application in iPhone and iPad, and gradually coming up with “Pinterest mobile” for non-iPhone users. In 2013, Pinterest introduced Rich Pins. In 2015, Pinterest unboxed Buyable Pins that let users buy directly from Pinterest. In 2019, Pinterest came up with personalised shopping recommendations. Gen Z and Pinterest As A Fashion Forecaster Pinterest used to be a place of millennials discovering home decors to food recipes, but now Gen-Zers are the propellers. According to Vogue Business, Jaded London had garnered success worth £8.5 million in sales with “parachute pants’ ‘, designed after keenly observing Gen-Zers pinning David and Victoria Bechkam’s baggy trousers. The surge in Gen Z has attracted the attention of many luxury brands to take inspiration and to decide what to design and how to conquer the hearts of Gen Z. Based on the billions of searches made on Pinterest, Pinterest predicts the trends and 80% of the predictions have incredibly come true. Let’s Look forward to seeing Grandpa style and Bow stacking blowing up in 2024.

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Trends

Anti-snoring Pillow to Mood Boosting Mirror: Weirdest AI Gadgets Uncovered in CES 2024

This year’s CES was exceptionally captivating with ridiculously quirky and weird gadgets. A toothbrush that talks to you? A mirror that boosts your mood? A pillow to stop snoring? Yes, the Generative AI has turned CES 2024 into an awe-striking dreamland of tech. Here are a few weirdest and wackiest gadgets that will make your jaw drop. BMind AI Smart Mirror Baracoda’s BMind AI Smart Mirror is a magical mirror powered by Generative AI to analyse the mood and expression of the person looking at the mirror. The mirror will ask questions like “how’s your day” and help you with self affirmations and guided meditations. It comes with an omnidirectional microphone to detect voice, a 4K ultra-HD camera and face id locker. PureWash E930 Bidet Seat It sounds ridiculously weird to have a toilet that listens to you, right? Kohler’s PureWash E930 bidet toilet seat powered by Alexa and Google assistant let you boss your toilet by commanding. From sensing your presence to automatically opening the seat for you to providing front and rear wash modes, it makes everything hilariously easy. Motion Pillow Motion Pillow by 10minds sets a significant step in improving sleep quality. It detects snoring and inflates air in the pillow inorder to slightly lift the head of the snorer, in an attempt to curb the snoring. Apart from alleviating snoring, it aims to reduce the risk of sleep apnea. Urtopia Fusion You won’t be alone on a lonely trail as long as you’ve Urtopia Fusion. This AI integrated ebike is designed to take you on an entertaining ride full of conversations, with route tracking to getting real time information. It integrates WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. Oclean X Ultra S Smart Toothbrush Unlike other smart toothbrushes, Oclean X Ultra S smart toothbrush gives you a brushing score to even instant feedback on your brushing. The toothbrush will not only let you know if you’re putting pressure while brushing, but also provide you tips to improve your dental health. Smart String i4 ANSSil’s Smart String i4 shines in the category of digital healthcare by winning the Innovation Award at CES 2024. This special smart mattress is designed of strings rather than springs. It analyses sleep patterns and even ensures a better sleeping environment with a unique feature to change the texture of this smart mattress.

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Entertainment

Excited For Squid Game Season 2? 5 Kdramas Expected to Storm in 2024

The world continues to be chilling and living in K-Phase. The Hallyu or K-wave propelled by intriguing Kdramas and Kpops may take another groundbreaking leap with what it has in store for us in this year. Here are a few upcoming Kdramas to add to your watch list. All of Us Are Dead Season 2 All of Us Are Dead, the most thrilling zombie apocalyptic series that premiered on Netflix is expected to storm with season 2 this year. The director, Lee Jae-Kyoo has already confirmed in one of the interviews that he “intentionally” made a space for season 2 in season 1, and that the upcoming season will feature, “powerful and evolved zombies”. Squid Game Season 2 Squid Game has garnered gigantic success, and is set to come with another most anticipated season by the end of this year. The K-drama portrays a deadly game involving 456 financially troubled players risking their life to win around 35 million US dollars, interpreted as highlighting the theme of capitalism has become the most applauded series ever. Sweet Home Season 3 Sweet Home, the monster hit Korean drama that first premiered in 2020, is expected to come with the third and final season in 2024. The drama is based on a webtoon with the same name, “Sweet Home” by Yongchan Hwang. In season three, Eun hyeok is expected to return as the most powerful monster. Hellbound season 2 Hellbound is a dark fantasy featuring the appearance of haunting apparitions before the ones who feel guilty and issuing decrees of when they would be damned to hell. This series is inspired by the director Yeon Sang-ho’s own webtoon with the same name. Back in 2022, Netflix confirmed about the upcoming season of Hellbound. It is expected to be released this year. Weak Class Hero 2 Weak Class Hero is a terrifyingly beautiful Kdrama that depicts the theme of high school bullying. This Kdrama, just like most super hits, is said to have been inspired by a webtoon series with the same name. But most parts including the names of the characters have been changed. Weak Class Hero season 2 is expected to premiere this year on Netflix, but the exact date has not yet been officially announced.

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Health and Wellness

Path To Harmony – 7 Yoga Postures to Lower Hypertension!

Yoga is the ancient science of living mindfully and healthily.Yoga has a lot of health benefits. Today, people are more aware of the significance of yogic practices. Studies about yoga and breathing exercises prove that such practices are good for managing various lifestyle diseases,like hypertension. Yoga For Blood Pressure Even though you are under medication for high BP, practical tips can also reduce hypertension to some extent. Lifestyle changes can help you with this. Here, we explain some yogasanas that have been proven to be good for reducing blood pressure. Balasana (Child’s Pose) The benefits of balasana include complete body relaxation and muscle – spine stretching. It helps relieve pelvic tension and thus aids in hip health. This is an excellent pose that helps increase the blood flow to the brain and neck. Practising child pose is proven to be helpful for good digestion. This asana improves blood circulation inside the body and helps reduce high blood pressure. Sethubandhasana ( Bridge Pose) Sethuvandhanasana is the best posture for stretching your back and thus releasing any muscle tension. This yoga posture stimulates internal organs and thus increases blood circulation in your body. Therefore, this yogasana helps in the proper functioning of body organs like thyroid gland. Practicing sethubandhasana regularly will lower blood pressure. Pashchimottasana ( Seated Forward Bend) This posture has a lot of benefits, as it helps stretch the body and abdominal muscles, thus increasing digestion. It calms the nervous system and improves blood flow to the brain. Pashchimottasana helps enhance the health of the digestive system and lower blood pressure. Baddhakonasana ( Butterfly Pose) In a variety of yoga postures, baddhakonasana acts as a hip opener. This posture improves digestion and relieves stress. This is the best posture to improve the health of the lower body parts. Furthermore, it reduces fluctuations in blood pressure. Janu Shirshasana (Head To Knee Bending) Janu shirshasana is also beneficial in reducing high blood pressure. This helps calm the body’s muscles by stretching and relieving stress. Ardha Matsyendrasana ( The Spinal Twist) This posture cultivates flexibility of the spine. It relieves stress on the neck and upper back. It helps proper blood circulation in body parts and reduces high blood pressure. Shavasana ( Corpse Pose) Shavasana is a relaxing posture that gives instant stress relief. Usually, after intense yoga practices, one has to do Shavasana to relax the body and mind. This posture is a meditative stage where the body absorbs all the nutrients released during the practice. The internal organs and cells relax in this posture, providing proper blood flow and calmness. High blood pressure is the most common health condition among youngsters and older people today. Many people don’t even understand that they have issues with hypertension. Several factors cause high BP, including genetic conditions, stress, and lifestyle. But this health condition should not be neglected because if you ignore it, it can cause severe health hazards. Following proper eating habits and practicing yoga will help you lead a healthy life.

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Education

Planning To Study Abroad? These 8 Countries Offer Free Courses To International Students!

The global educational realm is preparing to encompass an increasingly diverse student population from different parts of the world. It is evident from the number of opportunities offered to international students by many foreign universities. The Indian education system also has gone through changes, and the results are well identified in the selection of courses and study centres. A large number of Indian students opt for foreign universities for their higher education. Our article explores some countries that provide free or affordable education, making them attractive destinations for Indian students seeking to expand their educational horizons. Looking for a way to get a college degree abroad without breaking your budget? Then you should read this article. Here is a list of a few countries that offer accessible or affordable education for international students. Though the rates are reasonable, there is no compromise on the quality of the education they offer. Germany Germany is an important European country that provides affordable education for international students. Most of their universities are on the top-rated list. They also offer courses in the English language, and that too without any tuition fee. German universities are worth considering if you are a student aspiring for an international degree. Austria Austria is a country where the quality of life is at its highest. Free and high-quality education is also available to overseas students there. Both degree courses and postgraduate courses are available without a tuition fee. The students may have to pay semester fees and other associated expenses. Spain When compared to other European countries, Spain has relatively modest living expenses. International students can opt for undergraduate courses at several Spanish universities for a reasonable fee. Iceland When we choose an option to study abroad, Iceland is a good choice because many universities there welcome international students, and there is no tuition fee applied for all courses. France France has become the most popular destination for those seeking high-quality education and career opportunities. Many universities in France offer free courses for students around the globe, while a few of them charge a minimum fee. Italy Italy is another European destination which has a diverse and outstanding course curriculum. For a reasonable price, students from all around the globe can have access to the most significant research possibilities at Italian universities. Greece Undergraduate and graduate students from all over the globe have access to a wide variety of high-quality courses offered by Greek universities. This location is perfect for learning and exploring because of its rich history and ancient culture. Here, you can live comfortably on an affordable budget. Czech Republic All international undergraduates in the Czech Republic are eligible for free tuition at public universities. Living costs are much more affordable here than in other Western European countries.

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