Category Archives: News

Tata AIA Life Makes Long-Term Savings Easier with Premium Offset and Guaranteed Income Options

Bangalore, Jan 20: Saving for the future is something most people want to do—but sticking to a long-term savings plan can often feel difficult. Rising household expenses, changing priorities, and the pressure of paying premiums year after year can make long-term commitments hard to sustain. To make saving simpler and more affordable, Tata AIA Life Insurance has enhanced its long-term savings plan, Fortune Guarantee Supreme*, with features that ease the financial burden while offering guaranteed returns.

Sharing the Responsibility of Saving with the ‘Premium Offset’ feature

At the heart of this enhancement is Tata AIA’s unique ‘Premium Offset’ proposition. Under this feature, customers pay premiums only for the first six years of a 12-year premium-paying term, and can choose to offset the remaining six premiums with the income benefit offered by Tata AIA. This offset structure allows customers to stay invested for the long term without the pressure of paying premiums throughout the entire term. By reducing the out-of-pocket commitment, the plan lowers the barrier to disciplined saving—especially in an environment where costs and taxes often make long-term financial commitments feel overwhelming.

Commenting on the enhancement, Sujeet Kothare, Chief of Products, Marketing, Corporate Communications & Business Mid Office, Tata AIA Life Insurance, said:

“Many consumers want to save for the long term but hesitate because the commitment often feels heavy and difficult to sustain—especially with rising costs and taxes. With the strengthened Fortune Guarantee Supreme, we are changing this experience by sharing the responsibility of saving with our customers. The premium offset proposition, combined with guaranteed income options, is designed to make disciplined saving simpler, more predictable, and easier to sustain over time.”

Clarity, Certainty, and Confidence with the ‘Power of 6’

Fortune Guarantee Supreme also offers customers the option to receive a guaranteed income and other guaranteed benefits with an attractive Internal Rate of Return (IRR) upwards of 6%, subject to policy terms and conditions. This feature, known as the ‘Power of 6’, is designed for individuals seeking certainty and regular income in the future—whether to support post-retirement needs, long-term family goals, or financial stability during later life stages.

The “Power of 6” variant strengthens the company’s focus on dependable long-term solutions by offering customers an attractive guaranteed of 6% IRR. Built for individuals planning for life goals such as children’s education, retirement, and income security, the variant combines assured returns with life insurance protection to deliver greater confidence in financial planning.

Designed for Long-Term Security

As an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan, Fortune Guarantee Supreme provides guaranteed benefits along with life cover throughout the policy term—ensuring continuity and financial protection even in unforeseen circumstances. Eligible premiums continue to qualify for tax benefits under Section 80C, while maturity and death benefits are exempt under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, subject to prevailing tax laws.

With these enhancements, Tata AIA Life Insurance aims to help consumers move beyond hesitation and cost-related concerns—empowering them to commit to long-term savings with greater ease, confidence, and clarity.

Niyo’s Vinay Bagri Calls for Budget 2026 Focus on Efficient, Transparent Global Spending

By:-  Vinay Bagri, CEO & Co-Founder, Niyo

“As Indians spend more money beyond borders for travel, education and work, we believe the focus in Budget 2026 should shift from just transaction limits to spending efficiency. While LRS limits often dominate the conversation, the bigger issue for consumers is the silent cost of foreign exchange markups that inflate overseas expenses. Simplifying international payment processes, reducing TCS on legitimate foreign transactions, and continuing to encourage digital banking innovation will go a long way in making global spending more transparent and accessible. A stable policy environment and close collaboration between regulators and fintechs can help empower Indian travellers and support responsible growth across the cross-border fintech ecosystem.”

Mumbai Climate Week Flags off  Community-Led, Gender-Responsive Climate Planning as the Future of Local Climate Action

Mumbai, Jan 20: Mumbai Climate Week (MCW) today underscored the critical importance of community-led and gender-responsive climate action with the launch of a pioneering district-level climate planning initiative in Raigad, Maharashtra. The three-year pilot project aims to embed gender justice, indigenous knowledge, and grassroots leadership into climate governance, setting a replicable model for districts across the state and beyond.

The initiative was formally launched during the two-day national seminar, “Pathways to Gender-Responsive Local Climate Action and Justice: Localizing SDGs, Decolonizing Governance, Indigenizing Knowledge,” held as part of the 90th-year Navati celebrations of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The seminar also served as a curtain-raiser to Mumbai Climate Week 2026, scheduled from February 17–19, 2026.

The project is being led by TISS in partnership with the Maharashtra State Climate Action Cell (SCAC), Asar Social Impact Advisors, Waatavaran Foundation, and the Policy & Development Advisory Group, with support from the University of Toronto India Foundation. Together, the partners highlighted the urgent need to localise climate action by centring communities most affected by climate change.

The Raigad Climate Action Planning initiative was inaugurated by Shri Abhijit Ghorpade, Director, State Climate Action Cell, and aims to strengthen district-, village-, and Panchayat-level climate planning processes in alignment with Maharashtra’s SAPCC 2.0.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Shishir Joshi, Founder, Mumbai Climate Week, said:

“Climate action in India cannot succeed if it remains confined to policy rooms and global summits. Real solutions will emerge from districts, villages, and communities—especially from women and indigenous groups who experience climate impacts first-hand. The Raigad initiative reflects the spirit of Mumbai Climate Week: localising climate action, democratising decision-making, and building models that are just, inclusive, and scalable.”

Echoing this emphasis on inclusion, Prof. M. Mariappan, Officiating Vice Chancellor, TISS, said:

“Women play a critical role in building resilience and shaping adaptation efforts, often drawing on deep community knowledge and care practices. Climate action planning must therefore centre community voices while also addressing structural inequalities. TISS remains deeply committed to just and inclusive approaches to such planning.”

Mumbai Climate Week 2026 will continue to amplify such locally rooted climate solutions, creating a platform where policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and communities can collectively shape the next phase of India’s climate journey.

Climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also a social and economic one, disproportionately affecting women, tribal populations, and marginalised communities. By prioritising participatory planning, this initiative moves beyond top-down climate frameworks and reimagines governance through lived experiences and indigenous knowledge systems.

The seminar highlighted the need to integrate climate justice into development planning, ensuring that climate action plans are not only technically sound but also socially equitable.

Key Highlights of the Seminar:

• Launch of the Raigad Climate Action Planning Project: Training Village Development Committees and integrating SDGs into Panchayat Development Plans.
• Conference of Panchayats – COP of the Global South: A counter-narrative to global COPs, featuring Gram Sevaks and local leaders discussing decentralised climate governance.
• Documentary Screening: “Climate Resilience: Life as Told by Women” (58 mins), showcasing women-led climate adaptation practices in Kerala’s coastal regions.

“Young chefs are torchbearers of India’s culinary heritage,” says Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts and Nutritional Sciences, Pune emerged as the Winner of the maiden PHDCCI National Young Chef Competition (NYCC) 2025-26, while teams from Maharashtra State IHMCT and IHM Pusa, New Delhi were declared the 1^st Runner-Up and 2^nd Runner-Up respectively, at the Grand Finale held on 19 January 2026 at the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, New Delhi. The award for the Best Bhaja Dish was conferred upon the team from Chef’s Kitchen Institute of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, Kolhapur.

The Grand Finale witnessed participation from 10 leading hospitality institutions representing all four zones of the country, including Asian Christian Culinary & Agricultural Science Institute, Hosur; Chef’s Kitchen Institute of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, Kolhapur; Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad; IHM Bhubaneswar; IHM Kolkata; IHM Kufri; IHM Pusa, New Delhi; IHM Hyderabad; Maharashtra State IHMCT, Pune; and Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts and Nutritional Sciences, Pune, underscoring the pan-India character of the competition.

The finalists were evaluated by an eminent jury comprising Chef Nand Lal Sharma, Deputy General Manager, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation; Chef Debjeet Majumdar, Consultant Chef & Co-Founder, Passion 4 Hospitality; Chef Nitin Shende, Professor – Food Production, GIHMCT Nagpur; Chef Srinivas V, Executive Chef, Travel Food Services; and Chef M. Prabu, Joint Registrar, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, under the chairmanship of Chef Anil Grover, Certified WorldChefs Judge.

Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, said,

“Indian cuisine is among our most powerful cultural assets and a vital pillar of tourism-led growth. Our food traditions reflect the diversity, wisdom and lived heritage of our regions and our young chefs are the torchbearers of this legacy. He noted that rapid urbanisation and changing consumption patterns present Indian chefs with a unique opportunity to lead innovation in value-added, nutritionally balanced, and ready-to-eat food solutions rooted in India’s traditional knowledge systems. Platforms like NYCC are essential in nurturing chefs who are deeply rooted in tradition, yet globally confident and capable of representing India’s culinary excellence on the world stage.”

Organised by PHDCCI in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA); and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), the National Young Chef Competition marked the culmination of a six-month nationwide culinary journey celebrating India’s rich gastronomic heritage while creating a focused national platform for Indian cuisine.

Welcoming the delegates, Mr. Anil Parashar, Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said,

“NYCC was envisioned not merely as a competition, but as a national movement to restore pride in Indian cuisine among young professionals. By providing a credible, national platform, we are encouraging students to rediscover their regional food traditions and reinterpret them with contemporary relevance. The overwhelming response from institutions across India validates the relevance and timing of this initiative.”

The Steering Committee of NYCC comprised Chef Manjit Gill, President, IFCA; Chef Anil Grover, Certified WorldChefs Judge; Chef Sudhir Sibal, Founder Member, IFCA; Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council; Prof. Kamal Kant Pant, Principal, IHM Pusa; and Mr. Amarjit Singh Ahuja, Director – Procurement, Le Meridien New Delhi.

Delivering the theme address, Chef Manjit Gill, President, IFCA and Chair of the NYCC Steering Committee, said,

“Indian cuisine is not merely a collection of recipes; it is a philosophy shaped by history, science and cultural memory. Before innovation comes understanding. NYCC encourages young chefs to respect the roots of Indian cooking and then reinterpret them with honesty, skill and responsibility. This is how we safeguard our culinary identity while preparing chefs for global kitchens.”

Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, stated,

“NYCC is a strong example of what collaboration between industry, academia and government can achieve. When young talent is supported through mentorship, national exposure and fair evaluation, it results in confident, employable and future-ready professionals.”

The Grand Finale followed an intense live cook-off format, challenging participants to prepare a traditional Bhojan comprising a bhaja preparation, main dish, vegetable preparation, pulses preparation, curd preparation, rice or bread preparation and a sweet dish within two and a half hours, with evaluation based on technique, authenticity, innovation, sustainability and presentation. 

Presenting a brief on the NYCC journey and outlining the vision ahead, Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, said,

“From the curtain raiser to four zonal rounds across North, East, West and South India, NYCC has engaged over 100 hospitality institutions nationwide. Our vision is to scale NYCC into a sustained national platform that identifies talent, provides structured mentorship, industry integration and positions young Indian chefs confidently on global culinary platforms.

Proposing the formal vote of thanks, Ms. Meena Bhatia, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said,

“The successful culmination of the first edition of NYCC reflects the collective commitment of government, industry, academia and our young chefs. PHDCCI remains firmly committed to institutionalizing NYCC as a flagship national initiative and expanding its impact in the years ahead.” 

NYCC was supported by leading industry partners including TATA Consumer Products, Lee Kum Kee, Nestle Professional, Cremica Food Industries, Venus Industries, Hospitality & Kitchen Solutions (HAKS),Hilton, Roseate hotels and resorts, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, Welbilt India, McCain Foods, Chefs Unlimited, Le-meridian, New Delhi and Purchasing Professional Forum India (PPFI), whose continued engagement underscores strong industry confidence in the initiative.

Covestro recognized as a Leading Employer in China for eight straight years

Covestro is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as a Top Employer in China for 2026 by the Top Employers Institute, marking the eighth consecutive year the company has received this honor. This recognition underscores Covestro’s continued commitment to world-class human resources practices that foster a high-performing workplace and strengthen employee engagement.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to our people at a time of change and transformation,” said Holly Lei, President of Covestro China. “We continue to invest in creating an environment where our employees can thrive, innovate, and contribute to making the world a brighter place.”

The Top Employers Institute, a global authority in HR certification, benchmarking and advisory services, certifies organizations based on the results of its comprehensive HR Best Practices Survey. In the latest assessment, Covestro excelled in areas including work environment, wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as digital HR. The following examples highlight selected key HR practices that contributed to this recognition:

• Employee reward and recognition initiative: Launched in 2020, Covestro China’s Five-Star Employee and Team Awards recognize individuals and teams who exemplify the company’s core cultural behaviors. By 2025, more than 40 employees and about 80 teams had been honored, with their stories shared across internal channels to reinforce values-driven behaviors and boost morale.
• Personalized learning and development: Introduced in 2025, the C-Pro program connects employees with internal experts through informal one-on-one exchanges to support employees’ personal growth and strengthen the self-driven learning culture. Supported by an AI-powered matching assistant, the pilot engaged over 300 employees within six months and achieved an exceptional net promoter score of 98.
• AI-powered HR support: Covestro’s intelligent HR assistant, built on the company’s Covestro Virtual Assistant platform, provides employees with instant 24/7 access to HR solutions, process guidance and personalized career coaching—all through natural language conversations. For example, by simulating realistic workplace scenarios, this AI assistant enables employees to practice and prepare for challenging discussions with managers or colleagues. Such comprehensive support empowers employees to efficiently manage their HR needs and advance their careers, setting a new standard for workplace support.

Beyond China, Covestro was also recognized as a Top Employer for 2026 in Germany and the U.S., demonstrating the company’s global commitment to HR excellence.

“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