Category Archives: News

“North-East youth are ready to lead India’s skilled workforce” Jayant Chaudhary

Mumbai, Jan 19:  Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, inaugurated the IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 for the North-East today at Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, where youth from eight states of Northeast will be competing with each other across 26 skills.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), along with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) as its implementation partner, is bringing India’s premier skilling championship to the North-Eastern region for the first time, providing young talent from the region a valuable opportunity to participate in a national-level skills competition closer to home.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, Shri Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Border Protection and Development Dept., Implementation of Assam Accord Dept ,Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department and Labour Welfare Department and Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India; along with senior officials and key stakeholders from the skilling ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted that the Prime Minister’s sustained focus on the North-East—evident through frequent visits and policy prioritisation—has created renewed confidence and opportunity for the region’s youth. He noted that initiatives such as IndiaSkills complement this vision by taking national platforms directly to young talent in the region.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary said, 

“IndiaSkills is not merely a competition; it is a celebration of excellence, discipline, and the dignity of work. The North-East has immense talent and aspiration, and this platform reflects our confidence that youth from this region are ready to lead India’s skilled workforce and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth.”

The  Minister also emphasised the growing importance of integrating skilling with formal education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, noting that closer alignment between education and skill development expands pathways for employability, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning, while making young people future-ready for a rapidly evolving economy.

Beyond the competition itself, this regional event reflects the steady strengthening of the skilling ecosystem in the North-Eastern Region under the Skill India Mission. Students from Directorate General of Training (DGT) institutions, including Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), are participating across several skill categories, demonstrating the growing alignment between long-term vocational education and national-level competitive platforms.

The North East Regional Competition has drawn 162 competitors from all eight North-Eastern states, reflecting strong regional participation and diversity of talent. The competition spans a diverse range of contemporary and traditional skill areas including Automobile Technology, Cloud Computing, Mobile Applications Development, Software and Web Technologies, Digital Interactive Media, Electronics, CNC Milling and Turning, Welding, Electrical Installations, Fashion Technology, Bakery and Patisserie, Hotel Reception, Restaurant Service, Health and Social Care, Retail Sales, and Visual Merchandising.

The skill mix at the competition highlights the increasing participation of women in core technical and traditionally male-dominated trades such as Automobile Technology, Electronics, CNC, Electrical Installations, and Welding. It also reflects a strong convergence of digital skills with manufacturing and services, preparing youth for Industry 4.0-linked roles. At the same time, the presence of hospitality, health, and retail skills underscores the alignment of skilling efforts with the North-East’s key growth sectors, particularly tourism and services. Platforms such as IndiaSkills play a critical role in aligning regional talent with industry demand and national development priorities.

The IndiaSkills competition follows a structured, multi-tier evaluation process designed to identify and nurture the best talent across the country. Candidates are first assessed at the district level, followed by state-level competitions, after which short listed participants advance to regional competitions. Top performers from the regional stage qualify for the IndiaSkills National Competition, where they are evaluated against national benchmarks, with select winners earning the opportunity to represent India at WorldSkills Competition to be held in Shanghai between September 22-27, 2026.

ABB Accelerates Renewables Focus with First Locally Manufactured Wind Power Converter Dispatch in India

Bengaluru, India, Jan 19: ABB today announced the successful dispatch of its first locally manufactured wind power converter in India, marking a major milestone following the acquisition of Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business in December 2025. The converter was manufactured and shipped from ABB’s state-of-the-art Nelamangala facility in Bengaluru and delivered to a leading wind turbine OEM.

This milestone reinforces ABB’s expanded commitment to the renewable energy and wind power sectors in India and globally, while strengthening the company’s contribution to the energy transition through advanced wind, solar, and energy storage technologies.

Strengthening India’s Renewable Manufacturing Ecosystem

The dispatch represents a significant step in integrating Gamesa Electric’s proven wind energy conversion technologies into ABB’s renewable portfolio. Aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, ABB is deepening its local manufacturing footprint and supporting India’s growing role as a global hub for renewable energy manufacturing.

ABB’s enhanced renewable portfolio now spans wind power converters, utility-scale solar inverters, and power conversion systems for battery energy storage systems (BESS)—all manufactured locally to support India’s integrated renewable energy vision.

Leadership Perspective

Commenting on the development, Anoop Anand, President – Motion High Power Division, ABB India Ltd., said:

“Wind energy plays a critical role in the global energy transition. By delivering advanced power conversion technologies that are locally manufactured in India and engineered for effective grid integration, we are strengthening the integration of wind power into the grid and supporting the scale-up of renewable energy worldwide. This milestone also reinforces India’s position as a global hub for renewable energy manufacturing and deployment.”

India’s Growing Role in Global Wind Energy

India is rapidly consolidating its position as one of the world’s leading renewable energy markets, with wind power at the center of this transformation. As the world’s third-largest wind manufacturing base, India is expected to meet nearly 10% of global wind demand and scale its installed wind capacity to 107 GW by 2030, highlighting its strategic importance in the global renewable energy ecosystem.

Building on a Strong Global Legacy

ABB has played a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy for over 15 years, delivering more than 60,000 wind converters and generators globally. The acquisition of Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business significantly strengthens ABB’s power conversion capabilities, enabling the company to offer end-to-end, utility-scale solutions across wind, solar, and battery energy storage.

The integration also expands ABB’s serviceable installed base of wind converters by approximately 46 gigawatts globally, equivalent to nearly one-fifth of India’s current installed renewable energy capacity.

Powering India’s Clean Energy Future

With deep expertise in power electronics and grid integration, ABB is well positioned to support India’s next phase of renewable energy growth, where grid reliability, regulatory compliance, and local manufacturing are increasingly critical. ABB India’s renewable energy solutions are aligned with the country’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Tranzit, Khan Market Unveils Mizu Drunch to Ember Noon 

In the heart of Khan Market, where Delhi’s days blend effortlessly into its nights, Tranzit introduces Mizu Drunch to Ember Noon, a high-impact weekend IP designed for the city’s most social hours. Channelled by Mizu Drunch, an Asian-forward drunch that takes over Saturday night, and Ember Noon, a European-inspired Sunday brunch, the experience presents the charm of Delhi weekends – bold, indulgent, and always in motion.

This is the kind of plan that feels right at home in Khan Market. A Saturday night that commences amid the buzz of after-hours conversations, clinking glasses, and packed tables, before evolving into a Sunday afternoon defined by long lunches, easy pours, and unhurried indulgence. At Tranzit, the end of the week doesn’t pause; it carries forward.

Saturday nights at Khan Market belong to Mizu Drunch. Running from 9 PM to 12 AM, Mizu Drunch brings an Asian drunch experience to life through punchy flavours, shared plates, and a charged atmosphere that complements the energy of the neighbourhood after dark. Layered spices, wok-led techniques, and bold mains are paired with high-energy music, bottomless sparkling, and a curated bundle of signature cocktails, designed for groups that settle in and stay late.

As daylight returns to the market streets, the mood shifts as Sunday afternoons unfold as Ember Noon. From 1 PM to 4 PM, Ember Noon channels the easy sophistication of a European brunch, perfectly suited to Khan Market’s daytime rhythm. Burrata-led salads, handmade sourdough pizzas, pastas, and composed mains set the mood for relaxed afternoons, where conversations stretch, glasses stay filled, and the pace slows without losing its sense of occasion.

The culinary journey embodies this movement across time and place. Mizu Drunch draws from Asia’s bold passion, while Ember Noon leans into Europe’s understated comfort. Standout dishes across the weekend include the Spicy Tamarind Duck Salad, Curious Burrata, Coconut Chilli Lime Noodles, and Tranzit’s in-house sourdough pizzas.

A dedicated drinks programme maneuvers through both experiences. Mizu Drunch is led by cocktails crafted for the night, while Ember Noon features bottomless sparkling designed for long, sunlit brunches. The experience is visually backed through two-sided tent cards, with Mizu Drunch on one side and Ember Noon on the other, mapping the journey of guests from the moment they’re seated.

The experience is available through a curated set menu priced at INR 1900 per person for food, with Mizu Drunch served on Saturdays from 9 PM to 12 AM and Ember Noon on Sundays from 1 PM to 4 PM. Reservations are mandatory. The experience operates from January 17 to February 28, 2026.

With Mizu Drunch and Ember Noon, Tranzit delights Khan Market’s evolving dining landscape, offering a weekend ritual that feels unmistakably Delhi. From late-night plans to slow Sunday afternoons, this is where the city gathers, lingers, and comes back for more.

PHA and KPMA Sign MoU at Housekeeping Synergy 3.0

Professional Housekeepers Association and Karnataka Pest Management Association Sign MoU at  ‘Housekeeping Synergy 3.0’

Bengaluru,  Jan  19: In a significant step towards strengthening industry collaboration and enhancing hygiene standards, the Professional Housekeepers Association (PHA) and the Karnataka Pest Management Association (KPMA) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a special knowledge-sharing program titled ‘Housekeeping Synergy 3.0’, held at Hotel Ramanashree, Bengaluru, on 17th January 2026.

The MoU marks a strategic partnership between the two associations aimed at fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, training initiatives, and the promotion of best practices to create cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environments across hospitality, healthcare, commercial, and institutional spaces.

The program was graced by Mr. PK Mohankumar, Founder & CEO – Turnstone Hospitality LLP who attended as the Chief Guest and lauded the initiative as timely and impactful. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohankumar said,

“Cleanliness and safety are no longer isolated functions; they are interdependent responsibilities. This MoU between the Professional Housekeepers Association and the Karnataka Pest Management Association reflects a progressive mindset and sets a benchmark for collaborative efforts that will benefit the industry and society at large.”

A key highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion titled ‘Power of Collaboration: Redefining Clean and Safe Environments through Housekeeping and Pest Management Synergy’, moderated by Mr. Virender Razdan. Founder & CEO Incode Hotels & Hospitality. The discussion brought together industry experts who deliberated on integrated approaches, compliance, innovation, and the critical role of coordination between housekeeping and pest management professionals.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Ravichandra V, President – Karnataka Pest Management Association, stated,

“This MoU is a milestone for our association. By aligning closely with housekeeping professionals, we can jointly develop holistic solutions that address hygiene, safety, and preventive care more effectively. Collaboration is the future, and this partnership is a step in that direction.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Mrs. Jayashree Nagaraj, Founder President and Chairperson – Professional Housekeepers Association, said,

“Housekeeping today goes beyond aesthetics—it is about health, safety, and sustainability. Partnering with KPMA allows us to create stronger frameworks, shared learning platforms, and unified standards that will elevate the profession and deliver greater value to stakeholders. We should start with renaming the concept of ‘vendors’ into the realm of partnerships and equal stakeholders!’

‘Housekeeping Synergy 3.0’ witnessed participation from senior housekeeping professionals, pest management experts, solution providers, and industry stakeholders, reinforcing the shared commitment of both associations to drive excellence through collaboration. The MoU is expected to pave the way for joint training programs, workshops, awareness campaigns, and industry advocacy, further strengthening the ecosystem of facility hygiene and safety management.

Celebrate Republic Day with a Desi Brunch at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre

Honour the spirit of India’s Republic Day with a vibrant and indulgent Republic Day Brunch at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre. Thoughtfully curated to celebrate the country’s rich culinary diversity, the brunch brings together flavours from across India, complemented by a selection of global favourites, creating a festive and inclusive dining experience for families and guests.

The elaborate brunch spread showcases a wide array of regional Indian specialities alongside international classics, reflecting the unity and diversity that define the nation. Set against thematic decor inspired by national pride and enhanced with festive ambience and coordinated team attire, the celebration promises a lively and memorable afternoon filled with flavour and togetherness.

Perfect for a leisurely family gathering or a celebratory outing, the Republic Day Brunch offers a tasteful way to mark this special national occasion.

Event Details:
Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre
Date: 26th January 2026
Timing: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Sachin Leads JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar into Next Phase of Luxury Hospitality

A seasoned hotelier with over two decades of global experience, Sachin has been associated with Marriott International for more than 16 years. He has successfully led brand repositioning initiatives, large-scale hotel openings, and driven operational excellence across India, the USA, and Europe. Most recently, as Senior Director of Operations, South Asia, he played a pivotal role in strengthening and scaling Marriott’s regional portfolio.

Now at the helm of JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Sachin is leading the hotel into its next phase of growth, further solidifying its position as the Gateway to Mumbai and a preferred luxury destination for both business and leisure travellers.

Sachin is available to share insights on topics such as:

• The evolution of luxury hospitality and experiential travel in India and global markets

• Leadership, agility, and organisational transformation in a post-pandemic world

• Driving guest-centric innovation and operational excellence at scale

• Mumbai’s role as a strategic hub for global business, travel, and events

We welcome opportunities for interviews, panel discussions, keynote sessions, or curated industry conversations tailored to your editorial focus or platform.

Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav 2026 to Celebrate Global Indian Classical Arts in Kolkata

Kolkata, February 19, 2026:
Swaranjali Delhi, in association with Sarbabharatiya Sangeet-O-Sanskriti Parishad, is set to present the Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav 2026, an evening dedicated to Indian classical music and dance, bringing together eminent artistes from India and abroad.

The cultural programme will be held on February 19, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM, at the historic Rathindra Mancha, located within the iconic Jorasanko Thakurbari complex in north Kolkata.

The Mahotsav will commence with a Vandana presented by the students’ group of Sarbabharatiya Sangeet-O-Sanskriti Parishad, Kolkata, setting a devotional and classical tone for the evening. This will be followed by a Tabla Solo performance by internationally acclaimed percussionist Florian Schiertz, showcasing the global reach of Indian rhythmic traditions.

A soulful Sarod Recital by Monit Paul will highlight the depth of Indian string instruments, while the vocal segment will feature Mitali Bhawmik, representing the Indian diaspora from the United States. The dance segment will be presented by Nritya Malancha, adding a vibrant visual dimension through classical and choreographic expressions.

The performances will be supported by distinguished accompanying artistes Amit Chatterjee, Tapas Guha Thakurata, and Kamalaksha Mukherjee. The evening will be gracefully anchored by Sonali Chattopadhyay.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav 2026 aims to strengthen cultural bonds between India and the global Indian community, celebrating the timeless appeal of Indian classical music and dance through cross-border artistic collaboration.

Carlsberg India Inaugurates New Can Line at Mysuru Brewery, Reinforcing Commitment to Karnataka

Karnataka, Jan 16: Carlsberg India, a subsidiary of the globally renowned Danish brewer with a 178-year legacy, announced the inauguration of a new can line at its Mysuru brewery. This milestone reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Karnataka, following its ₹350 crore expansion pledge made at Invest Karnataka 2025 to further expand the Mysuru facility.

The new can line has been established with an investment of ₹100 crore and offers a production capacity of 22,000 cans per hour (CPH). The addition significantly enhances the brewery’s ability to meet growing consumer demand and forms an integral part of Carlsberg India’s broader expansion strategy across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Government of Karnataka, said,

“We appreciate Carlsberg India’s continued investments of INR 350 crore in Karnataka, particularly in Mysuru, and their impactful work that contributes positively to society. These efforts reflect the company’s strong confidence in the state’s industrial ecosystem. We encourage more companies to step forward with increased local investments and job creation, especially in Mysuru, to support inclusive and sustainable regional development.”

Commenting on the development, Mr. Nilesh Patel, Managing Director, Carlsberg India, said,

“Our continued investment in Karnataka underscores our long-term commitment to the state. Through this expansion, we aim to sustainably produce international-quality beers for consumers, contribute to state excise revenues, and generate additional direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local community.”

Located in Nanjangud taluk, the Mysuru brewery is spread across 28 acres and manufactures Carlsberg and Tuborg brands. The facility reflects Carlsberg India’s strong focus on responsible and sustainable brewing practices. It operates biomass boilers using husk and biogas as fuel. Additionally, 85% of the brewery’s power requirements are met through solar energy.

Carlsberg India is also actively engaged in water sustainability initiatives in Karnataka, working in partnership with WaterAid and local communities to promote responsible water stewardship.

Leeford Ortho Promotes Ortho Care as an Active Lifestyle Choice with Tiger Shroff

Leeford Ortho Repositions Orthopedic Support as a Lifestyle Choice with ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’ Campaign Featuring Tiger Shroff

Leeford Ortho has launched its high-energy ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’ campaign, transforming orthopedic support from a medical necessity into an aspirational lifestyle enabler. The initiative features action superstar Tiger Shroff and actor Varun Sharma across three hero films that celebrate continuous momentum for ambitious, fitness-driven consumers.

The campaign signals a fundamental shift in the way orthopedic care is perceived. Instead of focusing solely on treatment and recovery, Leeford Ortho positions fitness as a way of life, appealing to consumers who view staying active, ambitious, and ahead as an integral part of their daily routine. This strategic repositioning moves the category away from its conventional, medicalized perception, making daily health and pain management seamlessly integrated into everyday living.

Schbang led Leeford’s complete communication journey, defining brand positioning, creative expression, and the memorable tagline “Fit Raho, Hit Raho”, capturing the spirit of continuous activity. The three films, produced by Hogarth, leverage situations authentic to both Tiger Shroff and Varun Sharma, ensuring strong product recall while maintaining high relatability with mass audiences.

What sets this strategy apart is its focus on lifestyle over ailment. The campaign speaks to consumers who treat fitness as an identity rather than an occasional activity, while Leeford Ortho’s fast-acting relief supports their active routines. By making orthopedic support easy to use and integrate into daily life, the brand positions itself as a catalyst for sustained movement rather than a temporary solution.

The campaign also balances Leeford’s strong healthcare legacy with a youth-relevant, energetic voice, connecting with modern, fitness-conscious audiences. It demonstrates that effective brand repositioning happens when product benefits align with how consumers actually want to live.

Sidhant Gupta, Director, Leeford Healthcare Ltd., said:

“With ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’, we target people who see fitness as a way of life, not just a solution. Schbang helped us translate that vision into a campaign that feels energetic, relatable, and true to who our consumers are today.”

Hariharan Subramanian, Creative Director, Schbang, added:

“Leeford gave us a unique opportunity—not just to shape the brand’s voice in advertising, but to break the category out of its clinical mould. Instead of sounding medicinal, we chose to speak to people before they became patients, connecting with them in their everyday lives.”

Through ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’, Leeford Ortho establishes itself as a brand that understands modern fitness culture, proving that orthopedic care can be both effective and aspirational, enabling consumers to maintain momentum, confidence, and an active lifestyle.

Habuild Achieves 8th World Record for Global Yoga Viewership, Announces Construction of A School Initiative

 Mumbai, Jan 15: Habuild, India’s first habit building platform, has officially made a world record for the Most Yoga Viewership in a Day, as validated by the World Records Union. The record was achieved through six live online yoga sessions conducted throughout the day, with participation counted cumulatively across all sessions. The initiative witnessed global participation, with 9.3Lakh people joining in. Marking the milestone, the platform also announced the construction of a school, with every new participant’s presence contributing a brick towards the building of the school.

The record was created as a part of Habuild’s Har Ghar Yoga initiative. The theme for this year is designed around promises for new beginnings.  Every New Year begins with promises like better health, more movement, calmer minds. Yet by mid-January, most resolutions fade away. In fact, the second Friday of January is often referred to as Quitter’s Day, when motivation dips and people are most likely to give up. This World Record is Habuild’s response to this moment.

Instead of pushing people to do more, the initiative invited them to start softer. Instead of chasing perfection, it celebrated showing up. And instead of framing quitting as failure, it reminded people that beginning again is always allowed. The day symbolised renewal, self-belief, and conscious action  making it a meaningful day to collectively begin, or begin again.

Women aged 45 and above formed a significant part of the participation, reflecting the community that continues to shape Habuild’s daily practice. The scale of engagement highlighted how shared routines and gentle accountability help habits take root.

Commenting on the milestone, Saurabh Bothra, Co founder & Yoga Teacher, Habuild, said,

“This day felt less about a record and more about people finding their way back. When participation feels welcoming, consistency follows. Har Ghar Yoga was created to hold that space and the response showed how powerful that can be. Our community has always believed in servitude. Hence we have also announced construction of a school in my ancestral village. For every person who joins us through our community, we are donating a brick towards the construction of this school. ”

For Habuild, the day marks a continuation of its focus on everyday practice and larger good towards the society. The work ahead remains centred on supporting people as they carry this rhythm into daily life, one session at a time.