Latest news with #Bala
Emirates Woman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
June's - The Self-Care Issue with Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic
Life by Sarah Joseph 19 mins ago Welcome to The Self-Care Issue. For our cover we have Zieda Sharipova, Founder of Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic on the business of beauty and delivering best-in-class skin innovation as a form of self-care in Beyond Skin Deep. This month focuses on self-care, and this is something that will look different for everyone. For some, self-care is working overtime to ensure you build your dreams, for others it's dialing things down a notch and reassessing what it means to have peace in your life. We speak to CEO of Aman Essentials, Kristina Romanova, on creating a line of wellness essentials that instills stillness and the inspiration behind Aman Tennis Club in Pause and Play; Natalie Holloway, founder of Bala, discusses changing the game in the fitness industry in The Game Changer; and we discover the latest spaces in the region that cultivate self-care in Power Up, Power Down. If taking time to read is a form of self-care for you, both Annalie Howling and Mimi Bouchard speak on their latest book launches in Unapologetically Yourself on and Your Future Self. Which ever end of the spectrum you're sitting at in terms of what self-care means for you, we invite you to listen to your intuition and do more of what serves you. Shop from this month's hero buys – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
SHEIN's expansion in Iraq challenges secondhand sector
Shafaq News/ The emergence of SHEIN, a global fast-fashion retailer based in China, is significantly altering Iraq's consumer behavior and retail landscape. In Baghdad's bustling street markets—particularly in areas like Bab al-Muazzam and al-Bayaa—SHEIN's low-cost, ready-to-wear clothing is quickly becoming a preferred alternative to traditional retail and secondhand goods. New Goods, Competitive Prices SHEIN products are entering the Iraqi market through bulk shipments locally referred to as 'al-shalif'—large bags containing hundreds of assorted items, from clothing and bags to small household goods. SHEIN's offerings also include non-apparel items such as bags, home accessories, and low-cost electronics, broadening its appeal to a wider consumer base. Hassan Imad, a 35-year-old vendor in the Bayaa market, explained to Shafaq News how this trade model works: 'Each bag costs between 100,000 and 200,000 Iraqi dinars ($75-150) and usually contains around 500 pieces. We sell individual items for about 3,000 dinars ($2.5) or three for 5,000 ($4), and profits can reach up to 1.5 million dinars.' However, the business carries certain risks. Imad noted that the contents of each shipment can vary considerably in quality and seasonality, describing it as 'a game of chance.' While 'Bala'—used clothing imported from Europe—has long dominated Iraq's informal apparel markets, vendors are increasingly favoring SHEIN products due to their new condition, trend-focused designs, and high turnover rate. Redha Abdul-Hassan al-Kaabi, another vendor, emphasized the advantages of the new merchandise: 'Chinese clothes are more profitable and sell faster than Bala. The designs are modern, and all the items are brand new and reasonably priced.' Vendors have adjusted their operations to match demand patterns, often relocating their stalls based on peak activity areas. On weekdays, many set up near university campuses to target students; on weekends, they move to high-traffic areas like al-Wathba and Bab al-Sharqi. Bassim Jalal, a 20-year-old seller in Bab al-Muazzam, told Shafaq News,'I purchase a box for 250,000 dinars. Each item comes labeled with its original retail price. We convert it to dinars with a modest profit margin.' Students, in particular, are seen as a core demographic for SHEIN's products due to their budget-conscious buying habits and need for regularly updated wardrobes. The Iraqi shoppers say that one of the factors contributing to SHEIN's growing popularity is the perception that its new clothing is more hygienic than secondhand alternatives. 'These clothes are new and safe. They're not like secondhand items, which could pose skin health risks. Also, the prices of Bala have increased recently because of misleading marketing by influencers claiming the items are designer brands,' Marwa Fadel, a 35-year-old shopper, expressed to Shafaq News. While consumers increasingly benefit from affordable, ready-made imports, the growing dominance of foreign goods—particularly in unregulated informal markets—raises critical concerns about the future of Made in Iraq products in a country where the industrial sector remains mired in long-termstagnation.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HAV Group ASA (STU:6HH) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Order Backlog and Sustainable ...
Release Date: May 28, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. HAV Group ASA (STU:6HH) reported a solid order intake, resulting in an order backlog close to 1.3 billion NOK, up 25% from the same quarter in 2024. The company launched the Allen Game Changer project, focusing on LNG-operated fuel cells with almost zero carbon emissions, indicating a strong commitment to sustainable innovation. The energy design and smart control systems segment showed significant financial improvement, with a turnover of 103 million NOK and a positive EBITA of 15.3 million NOK. HAV Group ASA (STU:6HH) has a positive financial trend in the energy and design, and smart control system segments, with a very positive pipeline for future growth. The company has implemented strategic adjustments in the hydrogen initiative to align with market conditions, preserving core expertise for future opportunities. The ship design segment is experiencing low capacity utilization and has not secured new orders in the quarter, resulting in a negative EBITA of 4.3 million NOK. The water treatment systems segment reported low turnover and capacity utilization, with a negative EBITA of 4.3 million NOK. The hydrogen-based energy systems segment has seen slow market development, leading to a decision to reduce activity and costs temporarily. HAV Group ASA (STU:6HH) reported a net profit of minus 2.5 million NOK for the quarter, indicating financial challenges. The company faces challenges in the ship design segment due to a lack of recent contracts, necessitating cost reduction measures. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Signs with STU:6HH. Q: Is the ammonia project with no salmon services still active? A: Yes, the ammonia project was a pre-project to explore building a live fish carrier using ammonia as fuel. Although it hasn't resulted in an order, it has strengthened relationships with the customer and segment, potentially leading to future orders. (Unidentified_2) Q: Is HAV Group's integrated carbon capture system outcompeted by Bala system? A: No, the Allen Game Changer project, led by HAV Group, uses a different technology focusing on fuel cells, which allows for higher CO2 concentration and more efficient carbon capture compared to Bala's combustion engine approach. We remain optimistic about its competitive potential. (Unidentified_2) Q: Is the prototype of the Sea pod fully developed and tested? A: The Sea pod prototype is ready for building, but due to market evaluations, we have paused the project to reduce costs. We are prepared to resume when market conditions improve. (Unidentified_2) Q: What is the plan to make ship design and water treatment system segments profitable? A: We are implementing best practices from the energy design and smart control systems segment, focusing on market approach and sales strategies. Water treatment systems are positioned to benefit from longer lead times in aquaculture orders, while ship design is refining its sales strategy to improve order intake. (Unidentified_2) Q: Are there plans to reduce capacity due to low utilization affecting margins? A: We are monitoring costs and have implemented temporary measures in ship design and hydrogen segments. We expect to fill capacity as orders increase, particularly in aquaculture, and remain optimistic about future utilization. (Unidentified_2) Q: How does the market in Europe look for HAV Group? A: Our main market is Europe, particularly Norway, with shipbuilding activities also in China and the USA. The prospects in Europe are positive, aligning with our strategic focus. (Unidentified_2) Q: When will HAV Group start paying dividends? A: We aim to offer attractive dividends when financially feasible. The decision will balance between enhancing shareholder value through business development and paying dividends. (Unidentified_2) For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
India.com
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Agastya Nanda Sets Stage For Big-Screen Debut In ‘Ikkis' — Release Date Announced, Teaser Out Now
Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda is set to make his big screen debut with the upcoming war-drama film Ikkis. The film also stars Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat in the lead roles. The makers announced the film's release date and shared its teaser on Saturday. Maddock Films, a production studio known for producing superhits like Stree, Stree 2, Bala, and others, has shared the first look of Agastya's big-screen debut movie, 'Ikkis'. As per the makers, the film is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously and lived an exemplary life. The one-minute teaser showcased a Telegram shared during the time of the India-Pakistan war: Battle of Basantar in 1971. The letter reported the unfortunate demise of Arun Khetrapal during the Indo-Pak war in 1971, as per the teaser. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maddock Films (@maddockfilms) While sharing the teaser, the makers also announced the film's release date. The movie is slated to hit theatres on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, October 2. Maddock Films shared the teaser on their Instagram handle. They wrote, "Dinesh Vijan & Maddock Films Present #Ikkis- A True Story of a Brave Soldier and Son, Arun Khetarpal, India's Youngest Param Vir Chakra Hero. Releasing in cinemas worldwide on 2nd Oct 2025." The movie is directed by Sriram Raghavan. Agastya Nanda originally made his movie debut with Zoya Akhtar's 'The Archies' in 2023. It was released directly on Netflix. He played the lead role in the film. The movie follows the lives of Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie, Ethel, and Dilton and takes audiences to the fictional hilly town of Riverdale. The film explores friendship, freedom, love, heartbreak, and rebellion. Suhana, Khushi Kapoor, Dot, Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina, and Yuvraj Menda are also part of 'The Archies'.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao repeats himself in the same-old small-town comedy
The film takes time to set the ball rolling. About forty minutes in, we were still sitting through Ranjan trying to arrange money to buy a government job. Often, I felt like Bhool Chuk Maaf was two loose narratives pulled to their limits and tied together: a toothless commentary on the country's unemployment problem and a lagging loop-comedy. The time-loop theatrics felt like a garnish, done only to spice up an otherwise routine tale. There is no inventiveness or ingenuity. To get out of his predicament, Ranjan does everything that every other protagonist of a small-town comedy has done, what Bala from Bala did to grow his hair, or what any other Ayushmann Khurrana character did to solve his bodily incapabilities: pray at a temple, feed gau mata, and see a tantrik. Even in a montage, these images feel dated, a drag. Ah, here we go again. The Banaras setting also adds to the exasperation. The protagonist's father will get drunk with his friends by the ghats, which is Bollywood's version of showing a progressive parent. The hero and heroine will romance in a flower market to a song which you will forget the next minute. Bhool Chuk Maaf often spreads in multiple directions, trying to find something to latch on to in order to reach its climax. The only amusing bit is when Rajkummar goes saccharine, being nice to everyone he sees, apologising for the minutest of mistakes, and being an embodiment of the adarsh balak (ideal boy) meme. With the rest, Bhool Chuk Maaf felt like a déjà vu, it has all happened before: these ghats of Banaras, these accented wisecracks, these actors who act like they were born to be sidekicks. It's a rerun.
