Giri Trading Agency Boosts Hyderabad Footprint with New Showroom in Padmarao Nagar

Hyderabad, 17th February 2025: Giri, India’s leading provider of spiritual and cultural products, proudly inaugurated its newest showroom in Padmarao Nagar, Secunderabad. This marks the third showroom in Hyderabad, further strengthening Giri’s presence in the region and reaffirming its commitment to serving the spiritual and cultural needs of devotees.

The grand inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Swami Pujanananda Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad, as the Chief Guest. His presence added a spiritual significance to the occasion, highlighting Giri’s mission to provide authentic Vedic and traditional products to customers seeking divine and cultural enrichment.

Giri has long been a trusted name, offering an extensive range of products including divine idols, puja essentials, spiritual books, Carnatic music, traditional textiles, and much more. With the opening of this new showroom in Padmarao Nagar, Giri aims to make its vast collection of high-quality, authentic products more accessible to devotees and culture enthusiasts in the region.

“We are thrilled to open our third showroom in Hyderabad, reinforcing our commitment to uplifting and promoting India’s rich heritage. The Padmarao Nagar showroom will serve as a hub for spiritual seekers, providing an extensive range of products that cater to their devotional and cultural needs,” said Mr. Amar Girish, Sales Head, Giri Trading Agency Private Limited.

The inauguration event featured special pujas, spiritual discourses, and exclusive launch offers. Devotees and patrons are encouraged to visit the new showroom to explore the divine offerings of the Giri.

Indian Standards should be accorded top priority: Centre

India, 17th February 2025:- Implementation of Indian Standards should be accorded top priority, said Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India while chairing an inter-ministerial meeting on Implementation of Standards – Bringing more products under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in New Delhi.

The Secretary emphasized on the role of QCOs in achieving the aim of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat” considering its twin objectives of uplifting quality ecosystem in domestic market and curbing sub-standard imports. Referring to the speech by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 78th Independence Day, wherein a thrust on Indian Standards has been envisioned to make Indian products stand out in the global market, she appealed to all the Ministries to prioritise Indian Standards.

The discussions during the meeting focused on the importance of Standards and its benefits through QCOs, which enforce mandatory compliance to standards for various products and play a vital role in protecting public health & safety and enhancing the competitiveness of industry, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The implementation of QCOs provides these businesses with a level playing field by ensuring that all market players meet the same quality standards. This initiative not only boosts the competitiveness of MSMEs in the domestic market, but also facilitates access to global markets, opening up new avenues for growth and exports.

The meeting witnessed participation from representatives of nearly 17 Union Ministries and Departments, including Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), and Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), among others.

The Department of Consumer Affairs briefed on the positive impact of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on the toys industry. The introduction and implementation of the QCO for Toys has led to remarkable improvements in both safety and quality standards for toys manufactured and sold in India.

The status of 628 products which are under consideration at the Ministries/Departments for bringing them under QCOs was also reviewed during the meeting. The discussions concluded with consensus for expediting the timelines for implementing QCOs for these products, which will further strengthen India’s commitment to improving product quality and impetus on Atma Nirbhar Bharat across different sectors.

Compliance with standards is voluntary unless made mandatory under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. All ministries and departments of the Government are empowered in this regard. A detailed stakeholder consultation is carried out with industry before notifying and implementing QCOs.

A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors at Sunset Story, Westin Gurgaon

February 2025, Gurgaon – Westin Gurgaon presents A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors, an exclusive three-day pop-up at Sunset Story, running from 21st to 23rd February 2025. Curated by the acclaimed Chef Ankit Malhotra, this immersive dining experience redefines Indian cuisine by blending traditional flavors with modern techniques, offering an innovative and artfully crafted culinary journey. Drawing inspiration from India’s rich gastronomic heritage, Chef Malhotra has meticulously designed a multi-course menu that seamlessly weaves together flavors, textures, and aromas from different regions of the country.

The adventure begins in the vivid gullies of Banaras, where chaat reigns supreme. Diners will begin their experience with an Amuse Bouche, where the sweet and tangy Melon Terrine Chaat meets the creamy richness of Mascarpone Yogurt, elevated with Chutney Caviar and Smoked Chaas, setting the stage for a journey of bold flavors.

As the journey ascends into the snow-laden valleys of Kashmir, warmth embraces diners with a selection of soulful Shorbas. The First Course brings a warming selection of soups, balancing earthy and nutty notes—guests can choose between the velvety Broccoli Almond Shorba, paired with a crisp and tangy Blue Cheese Kulcha, or the Kashmiri classic Yakhni Shorba, slow-cooked to perfection and served with the same delightful bread.

From the heartland of India’s most indulgent flavors, Punjab comes an unexpected fusion of Italian craftsmanship and North Indian soul. The Tandoori Paneer Tortellini, nestled in a silky Makhani Sauce and topped with a delicate Parmesan Cracker, offers a bold yet familiar taste. Alternatively, the Charcoal Chicken Ravioli, infused with smoky flavors and bathed in the same rich sauce, reimagines comfort food with finesse.

From the spice-laden kitchens of Maharashtra, the Bridging the Feast course brings together Puneri Potato Wada, topped with a crunchy Bakarwadi Crumble, and the unexpected yet comforting pairing of Tapioca Khichdi. For those craving a meatier option, the fiery Kolhapuri Chicken Drumstick makes a striking impression, complemented by the same textural contrast of the Bakarwadi crumble.

The journey reaches a crescendo in the coastal paradise of Kerala, where the fragrance of coconut and curry leaves lingers in the air. Chef Malhotra draws inspiration from the Malabar Coast, offering a fragrant Malabar Paneer Curry, paired with crispy Urlai Roast, or a beautifully Grilled Sea Bass, immersed in the same aromatic curry and plated with vibrant Green Asparagus. These mains are accompanied by comforting South Indian staples—Tomato Dal, flaky Malabar Paratha, Kerala Red Rice, and crispy Appalam—adding layers of flavor and authenticity to the meal.

The journey ends on a sweet note with The Finale, where tradition meets elegance. A decadent Milk Almond Tart, adorned with Gold Leaf and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, creates a luxurious conclusion, while handcrafted Aniseed 72% Dark Chocolate Bark and Sweet Boondi Macarons provide a final flourish of indulgence.

Chef Amit Dash, Multi-Property Executive Chef, Westin Gurgaon & Sohna Resort & Spa said, “At Westin Gurgaon, we are not just redefining dining; we are pioneering a culinary revolution in the heart of the city. Our philosophy is rooted in innovation, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to crafting experiences that celebrate India’s rich gastronomic heritage while embracing contemporary techniques. ‘A Tale of Modern Indian Flavors’ is a testament to this vision—a journey through India’s diverse culinary landscapes, thoughtfully curated to surprise and delight our guests. Through such unique dining experiences, we continue to push boundaries, making Westin Gurgaon a destination for food connoisseurs who seek both tradition and innovation on their plate.”

Luke Coutinho and Narendra Firodia Strengthen You Care Lifestyle with dollar1 Million Funding

India, February 17, 2025: Serial entrepreneur, Luke Coutinho and eminent promoter, Narendra Firodia invest $1 million in You Care Lifestyle (YCL), an independent verification platform that conducts third-party lab tests on food, skincare and other health & wellness products to verify ingredients and quality.

A portion of the funding will be allocated to strengthen the processes for verification and authentication of products to ensure a high standard of reliability. Additionally, part of the funding will be used to support and invest in emerging clean brands, helping them scale and gain consumer trust. YCL also aims to expand the company’s offerings and plans to onboard brands and will look to test and verify approx 90-100 brands across food and cosmetic sectors by the end of 2025.

You Care Lifestyle has been co-founded by Luke Coutinho and Narendra Firodia. Luke Coutinho is a serial entrepreneur and is the founder of Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems and Lifeness Science Institute and has also co-founded GoQii. Narendra Firodia is a well-known investor and social entrepreneur. He has invested in diverse industries like Telecom, Healthcare, Hospitality, Infotainment, Real Estate, Web Platforms and Mobile Applications, Sports and many more. He has successfully funded and steered multiple startups in tier 2 and 3 cities.

Speaking about the venture, Luke Coutinho, Founder, You Care Lifestyle, said, ”India’s consumer landscape is evolving, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure that people have access to genuinely clean and high-quality products. With YCL, our goal is to bridge the gap between authenticity and consumer trust by creating a rigorous and reliable third-party verification system. We are not just investing in a business; we are investing in a movement that champions ethical brands and empowers consumers to make informed choices. This is the future of clean commerce, and we are excited to build it.”

Narendra Firodia, Co-founder, You Care Lifestyle, added, ”Building an honest food chain is not just about setting high standards, it’s about supporting the brands that uphold them. At YCL, we are committed to identifying and investing in businesses that share our vision of transparency, integrity, and consumer well-being. By backing businesses that prioritize honesty and quality, we are shaping the future of the wellness industry in India and beyond.”

The launch of this new venture ‘You Care Lifestyle’ comes with the vision of creating a trustworthy third-party verification platform, that not only addresses critical issues like mislabelling and misinformation but also drives a behaviour shift towards informed consumer choice. YCL aims to empower brands to prioritise health-conscious products and to uphold the highest quality standards and consumers to prioritise health-conscious decisions and inspire them to make choices of authentic products.

Koteshwaram Opens Doors to Exquisite Pure Vegetarian Dining Experience

Bengaluru – 17th February 2025 – Koteshwaram, a new haven for vegetarian cuisine, is thrilled to announce its grand opening. Located at Devanahalli – right on the Highway from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Koteshwaram offers a diverse menu of delectable pure vegetarian dishes, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and culinary expertise.

Koteshwaram aims to redefine the vegetarian dining experience, offering an artistic ambiance and pure Vegetarian dishes that cater to all palates. From traditional Indian delicacies to global vegetarian favorites, the menu features an array of flavorful options, including pizzas, pasta, and Chaats.

“We are passionate about creating a culinary experience that celebrates the richness and diversity of vegetarian cuisine,” says Udaya Mogaveera – Founder – Koteshwaram “Our menu is designed to showcase the versatility of Pure vegetarian food, offering dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying.”

The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect pitstop for anyone who likes to go on a long drive to Nandi Hills, or travel to Hyderabad and back with friends and family. Koteshwaram has ample parking space, (up to 200 cars can be parked easily) Play area for the kids, Lots of open space, and is surrounded by greenery.

Koteshwaram is committed to providing exceptional service and creating a memorable dining experience for every guest.

SPJIMR & Emeritus Launch ‘AI for Business’ to Bridge Skills Gap

Mumbai, February 17, 2025: The world of business is rapidly transforming under the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Organisations are seeking leaders who can utilise AI to drive innovation, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge. In response to this need, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), ranked India’s #1 Business School (FT ‘Masters in Management’ Rankings 2024), in collaboration with Emeritus, has announced the launch of its ‘Executive Certificate Programme in AI for Business’.

Designed to address the growing demand for AI expertise in India, this programme empowers professionals with the skills to implement AI-driven strategies, aligning them with organisational goals to promote innovation and efficiency. According to PwC’s 2024 Global AI Jobs Barometer, the demand for AI-related roles is surging, with job postings in this field increasing 3.5 times faster than the average across sectors. A study by BCG and NASSCOM indicates that India’s AI market, growing at an estimated CAGR of 25–35%, is expected to reach $17 billion by 2027, highlighting the urgent need for strategic AI leadership.

Prof. Ashish Desai, Associate Professor and Programme Director for the Executive Certificate Programme in AI for Business at SPJIMR, while commenting on the programme launch, said, “This seven-month online programme is designed to help mid-to-senior-level professionals and business leaders unlock AI’s transformative potential to drive innovation, optimise operations, and achieve sustainable growth. With live online sessions from our faculty and an advanced curriculum, participants will gain practical and strategic insights to leverage AI for business advantage.”

The Executive Certificate Programme in AI for Business offers live online sessions delivered by SPJIMR’s esteemed faculty. Its curriculum includes hands-on projects, case studies, and a focus on practical applications. Participants will also benefit from a cohort-based learning approach, promoting collaboration and networking opportunities.

Through this programme, participants will be able to:

•  Utilise AI-powered solutions to drive business innovation and competitive advantage.
•  Align AI-driven strategies with organisational objectives to gain a competitive edge
•  Improve decision-making through data-driven insights and predictive analytics.
•  Solve complex business challenges using supervised and unsupervised learning techniques.
•  Master advanced AI applications, such as Generative AI, recommender systems, and natural language processing.
•  Build and manage AI teams and projects to promote innovation and streamline operations.
•  Implement AI strategies effectively while addressing scalability and resource allocation challenges.
•  Gain hands-on experience with real-world case studies and applied AI projects.
•  Optimise business processes through digitisation and automation for sustainable growth.

The programme provides optional on-campus immersion at SPJIMR, Mumbai, enabling participants to engage with faculty and peers in person. Key modules include AI Ecosystem, AI and Deep Learning, Generative AI, AI Strategy and Deployment, and AI Applications in Business.

Programme Details:

•  Start Date: March 30, 2025
•  Duration: 7 months
•  Eligibility: Graduate/diploma holder (10+2+3) in any discipline with at least 2 years of work experience as of March 30, 2025.
•  Programme Fee: INR 1,25,000 + GST
•  Learning Mode: Live online sessions by SPJIMR faculty – 3 hours per week, Sundays.
•  Certification: Upon successful completion of the programme, with a minimum attendance of 70 percent and satisfactory academic performance, participants will receive a certificate of completion from SPJIMR. Graduates also gain SPJIMR Executive Alumni status.

SpectrumaMetro Presents Daawat-e-Ishq: A Magical Celebration of Love Through Food

Noida, February 17, 2025: Spectrum@Metro, located in Sector 75, Noida, turned Valentine’s Day into an unforgettable celebration with Daawat-e-Ishq, a vibrant fusion of love, music, and exquisite flavors. The live music and food festival brought together couples and food enthusiasts for a magical evening, blending India’s rich culinary heritage with soulful melodies. Renowned singer Danny’s captivating performance added to the romantic ambiance, making the night even more special.

The festival, themed “Daawat-e-Ishq,” took visitors on a delightful gastronomic journey, where they savored authentic regional specialties, each dish representing warmth and passion. From decadent desserts to aphrodisiac-inspired delicacies, the event showcased an array of flavors crafted to celebrate love. The festival also featured interactive sessions with renowned chefs, who shared insights into preparing the perfect romantic meal.

As a vibrant live music and food fest, Daawat-e-Ishq provided an unparalleled experience where melodies and flavors intertwined seamlessly. Guests enjoyed soulful performances, engaging culinary experiences, and an atmosphere filled with love and joy, making it a must-visit Valentine’s Day celebration.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Spectrum@Metro, said, “Daawat-e-Ishq was not just a food festival; it was a tribute to love and togetherness. We are delighted by the overwhelming response and the beautiful memories created. Whether it was a romantic dinner, a fun-filled evening, or an exploration of delicious cuisines, this event truly had something special for everyone.”

Spectrum@Metro, a premier retail and entertainment destination in Sector 75, Noida, continues to host unique and engaging events that bring people together. Daawat-e-Ishq was a celebration of love, flavors, and the joy of togetherness, leaving guests with cherished memories of a truly special Valentine’s Day.

STAAH awarded Expedia Group 2025 Elite partner status

17th February 2025; Mumbai: Today we are excited to announce that STAAH has earned the status as Expedia Group’s Elite Connectivity Partner for 2025. This recognition underscores our focus on building and maintaining a high-quality software connection that empowers you to serve guests better and grow your business on Expedia Group’s travel Platform.

There are two status tiers: Elite is the top tier status, followed by Preferred. Only the top 2% of connectivity software companies are qualified for Expedia Group’s Elite status this year, and over 400 global companies are eligible.

Expedia Group offers high visibility across 200 websites and native apps, plus expanded distribution through 90,000 travel agencies and business partners around the world. Leverage your connection with STAAH to distribute rates and availability to Expedia Group, reducing complexity in your daily business operations and attracting new loyal travelers.