Latest news with #Emporium
Times of Oman
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
US Vice President JD Vance arrives at Jaipur's Amber Fort with family
Jaipur: United States Vice President JD Vance, who is on a four-day visit to India, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their children, embarked on a cultural visit to Jaipur on Tuesday. The Vance family this morning reached the Amber Fort from the Rambagh Palace, where they are staying. The Vance family received a warm and vibrant welcome at Jaipur's Amber Fort. They were greeted with a traditional Rajasthani dance performance and elegantly decorated elephants. A day earlier, JD Vance visited the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in New Delhi along with his family. While at the Emporium, Showroom GM Meera Somani told ANI that the family "Really enjoyed and they appreciated our showroom. They purchased pottery and papier-mache items, and teas..." The US Vicce President and his family also visited the Akshardham Temple in the national capital on Monday morning, shortly after their arrival. Their sons wore kurta-pyjamas, while their daughter was dressed in an Anarkali-style outfit paired with an embroidered jacket. The temple's spokesperson, Radhika Shukla, said that the US Vice President spent around 55 minutes exploring the temple, admiring its architecture, and offering prayers for world peace. Vance and his family landed at Palam Airport, where they were welcomed by Union Minister for Railways and Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vance was also given a ceremonial Guard of Honour, marking the start of his first official visit to India. The US Vice President on Monday said it was an "honour" to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called the PM a "great leader" on the first day of his India visit. Vance also expressed gratitude for hosting his family at the PM's residence in New Delhi and said that PM Modi was "incredibly kind to my family." Responding to PM Modi's post on X, the US Vice President wrote, "It was an honor to see Prime Minister Modi this evening. He's a great leader, and he was incredibly kind to my family." Vance further expressed willingness to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries."I look forward to working under President Trump's leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India!" Vance said. PM Modi, after meeting Vance, said that both nations are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors. "Pleased to welcome US Vice President JD Vance and his family to New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress following my visit to the US and meeting with President Trump. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges," PM Modi wrote on X. On Wednesday, Vance will visit Agra along with his family. The India visit of the US Vice President concludes with their departure from India on April 24 at 6:40 am.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
In day-long Delhi trip, Vances visit Akshardham, emporium
A box of Darjeeling tea, a tie, a kurta, a papier-mâché Ashokan pillar artefact, and honey from Jammu and Kashmir were among the things that US vice-president JD Vance and his family bought from the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Delhi on Monday, officials at the Emporium said. In all, the second family of the US bought items worth ₹50,000 from the premier outlet, theofficials added. Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and their three children Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel landed at Palam airport at 9.30am. Then, the family made their way to the Akshardham temple in Delhi where they posed for photos. At the Akshardham temple – which is closed to the public every Monday but was open for the visit – the Vance family spent about 55 minutes, HT has learnt. The temple management wrote on Instagram that the Swaminarayan Akshardham was the first stop of Vance's maiden official visit to India. 'The Vance family explored the mandir's majestic art and architecture, experiencing India's heritage and cultural depth. They appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom embodied in the Akshardham campus. The visit symbolises the shared values of faith, peace, and unity that continue to strengthen ties between India and the United States,' the temple management said. The temple authorities also shared Vance's comments in the guest book. 'Thank you all so much for your hospitality and kindness in welcoming me and my family to this beautiful place. It is a great credit to India that you built a beautiful temple with precision and care. Our kids, in particular, loved it. God bless,' he wrote, according to the X account of the temple administration. The next stop for the family was the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, where they entered at 11.50 am with their security detail. When HT visited the emporium after the visit ended, about 10-12 labourers had begun to pull down the white coloured tent installed for their welcome. An official from the showroom, who asked not to be named, said that the Vance family stayed and explored the showroom for about 40-45 minutes, and bought around 10 items. The items included Darjeeling tea, a tie, a kurta, a papier-mâché Ashokan pillar artefact, a dancing pillar artefact, honey from Jammu and Kashmir, a hand painted wooden box, a 12-inch marble plate, a gold-work flower vase and a coffee mug. The official said that at the time of visit, only about four or five senior officials from the emporium were allowed inside along with security guards, a cashier, and a staffer at the delivery counter. Assistant general manager Anil Rajak, who was present at the time, said that Vance and his family were very appreciative of the emporium and what it offered. 'There are six levels on four floors of the emporium and they explored three levels. They were warm and humble. They spoke highly of how the emporium offered a pan-India handloom and handicraft items for craft lovers,' he said, adding that several dignitaries have visited the emporium and shopped from there. India is the second leg of a week-long two-nation tour by Vance that began on April 18 and has already taken him to Italy. Vance was the last foreign dignitary to meet Pope Francis, who died on Monday, at the Vatican. Vance's visit follows a trip to India by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who was the first member of Trump's cabinet to travel to New Delhi in March for a security conclave and the Raisina Dialogue. This is Vance's third foreign trip since taking office. Vance visited Paris and Munich in February, when his remarks at public events criticising European allies for censorship of free speech and defence spending ruffled many feathers as they seen as supportive of right-wing forces. Vance visited Greenland in March with his wife and Waltz but received a frosty reception because of the Trump administration's interest in taking control of the self-governing territory of Denmark. With inputs from Rezaul H Laskar
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
High street shop closures 'a big worry' for town
Residents and business owners in a Wiltshire town have expressed their concerns over the future of the high street after a series of shop closures. Several businesses have recently shut in Devizes, including the gift shops Emporium and Expressions, and the charity shop Scope. People in Devizes say the situation has not been helped by the continued closure of Northgate Street, one of the key routes into town, which has been partially shut since November due to a fire at a kebab shop. Sam Holliday from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: "I'm afraid it isn't just Devizes, it's across the country. Our high streets are really struggling." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Concerns include a lack of variety on the high street and shops closing early due to lack of footfall. Ian Williams from fabric shop, Shamrock Linens, described the situation as "very sad for the town", adding that he felt car parking charges in the town centre had pushed shoppers to out-of-town shopping centres. "I think when shops go it takes a bit of the heart of the town out," he added. The relocation of the bus stop away from Northgate Street due to the road closure was also highlighted as an issue, as it makes it more difficult for residents with mobility issues to get into the town centre. It had been planned for the road to reopen fully in March, but it has been delayed. Richard Staker, from gaming shop Level Up said: "The road was closed fully for six weeks (after the fire) so that had a massive impact. "Now it is starting to pick up but it's still having a big impact with one-way traffic. There is a big worry for the future that it could be one of the next towns that becomes deserted." Mr Holliday, FSB development manager for Gloucestershire and the West of England, said: "They (businesses) had to get through COVID and since then, there's been one issue after another." He added that it was "vital" that customers continue supporting small businesses. "I still belong to a generation that believes the high street is the heart of the community. So we've really got to do everything we can to be part of that," said Mr Holliday. Wiltshire Council said it was working with the owners of the properties damaged by the fire so that the road could open fully but there is currently no confirmed date. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Road closed as firefighters tackle kebab shop fire More than £7k raised after fire destroys kebab shop
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Bangkok's Songkran: The Ultimate Global Festival Experience
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2025 - Bangkok, the vibrant heart of Thailand, continues to captivate travelers as one of the world's most visited cities. With its rich cultural heritage, world-class hospitality, and thrilling entertainment. This year, as the country gears up for Songkran, Thai new year celebration, run under campaign 'Maha Songkarn World Water Festival 2025" the grand celebration that endorsed by Thai government. Visitors will experience unique tradition, water splashing events all over Thailand, and modern attractions. Bangkok has been recognized as the 'Best City' in the 2025 DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards, reinforcing its reputation as a premier travel destination. Adding to its prestige, Songkran has been officially designated as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. From April 12 to 16, the city transforms into a vibrant playground of water fights, cultural performances, and joyful celebrations, making it one of the most exhilarating times to visit. During Songkran, Bangkok enjoys lighter traffic, making it an ideal time for tourists to explore the city. At the heart of the celebrations is EM DISTRICT, comprising Emporium, EmQuartier, and EmSphere, turning Sukhumvit into the ultimate entertainment hub with events and activities that showcase Thailand's best offerings. A major highlight is 'Thai Hussa Maha Songkarn' which is a grand celebration of Songkarn festival from April 12-14, a big water splash and street food will be live up at EmSphere while traditional performances, Thai classical game booths, concert will be held at Benchasiri Park next to EmSphere. Meanwhile, the 'Thaitainment Market' hosted at EmSphere from April 3 to 20, featuring Bangkok's most famous street food vendors, a vibrant Thai-style bar, and an impressive water tunnel entrance. This Instagram-worthy installation will be a major highlight. To enhance the experience, the 'Kud Thai' event which is mean the best Thai selection will highlight Thailand's craftsmanship and Thai gourmet by selecting the best-in-class of each category and gathering in the event from March 27 to April 20. Emporium's 'Thai Pop Market', features a curated selection of Thai souvenirs, local fashion, and premium Thai fruits. Visitors can also participate in traditional craft workshops and enjoy live Thai music performances. In addition, EmQuartier's Thai Culinary Festival, held from April 3 to 16, presenting the country's finest fruits and street food. G-Circuit's Songkran Gala 2.0 from April 11 to 14, one of Asia's largest LGBTQ+ festivals. Hosted at UOB Live and Tribes Sky Beach Club, EmSphere. this spectacular event will welcome over 30,000 attendees for world-class DJ performances, dazzling entertainment, and an electrifying party experience. With a perfect blend of tradition, modern festivities, and cultural immersion, Songkran at EM DISTRICT promises an unforgettable experience. Whether exploring Thai heritage, indulging in local delicacies, or joining celebrations, Bangkok remains the ultimate destination for Songkran in 2025.
Axios
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
5 last-minute Valentine's Day ideas that skip the fancy restaurants
Valentine's Day is approaching fast and if you haven't made plans yet, we've got you covered. Zoom in: Since the holiday falls on a Friday this year, romantic restaurant reservations can be expensive or hard to come by, but you can still treat your loved one to something special. Here's a roundup of some last minute ideas that won't break the bank. 🚣♂️ Take a boat ride in Stow Lake: Pedal or row across this charming little lake in Golden Gate Park and catch sight of its small waterfall and Chinese pavilion. Rentals are first-come, first-served and start at $26. For a small additional fee, you can also bring your pup. Open from 10am- 4:30pm Friday and Saturday. Located at 50 Blue Heron Lake Dr. 🌅 Head to a view spot San Francisco is spoiled by picturesque vantage points to take in the sights while maybe doing a little canoodling. Corona Heights Park has stunning views of the city skyline. Crissy Field near the Marina is the perfect place for a picnic with scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge along the shore. Bernal Heights Park in the city's southeastern side has panoramic views of downtown and the hills of the East Bay. Sutro Heights, located at the westernmost point of Lands End on the former site of Sutro Baths, is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset with views of Ocean Beach. 🎵 Bathe yourself in sound: Forge an auditory connection with your partner with an evening sound bath at Haum in the Mission, complete with a restorative yoga session. From 6:15 - 7:30pm. Tickets start at $40. Located on the fifth floor at 2973 16th St. 👾 Play games at an arcade bar Whether you prefer video games or table games, the city's many arcade bars are a great option for couples looking to have an evening packed with booze and some playful competition. Our favorites include Emporium on Divisadero and The Detour in the Castro. 🎭 See a sultry cabaret show AfterDark by the pole athlete Pink Puma combines acrobatics, cabaret, burlesque, and aerial art for a unique and steamy circus-like show certain to captivate you. Showtimes vary by day. Tickets start at $44. Located at the Great Star Theater at 636 Jackson St.
