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Chennai hosts final zonal round as PHDCCI concludes nationwide National Young Chef Competition journey

CHENNAI, Dec 24: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organized the South Zone round of National Young Chef Competition (NYCC) at the Faculty of Hotel Management & Culinary Arts, Dr. M.G.R. Educational & Research Institute, Chennai, bringing together high-potential culinary students from leading hotel management institutes across Southern India.

Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA); and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), the South Zone round continued NYCC’s national mission of ‘Celebrating Indian Culinary Heritage: Blending Tradition with Innovation’ by encouraging young chefs to reinterpret classical Indian flavours using contemporary techniques, while remaining rooted in regional traditions.

Spread over six months, NYCC has travelled across the country through four zonal rounds before culminating in a Grand Finale in New Delhi. Following the successful North, East and West Zone rounds held in Chandigarh, Kolkata and Mumbai respectively, the final zonal spotlight shifted to Chennai, where seven institutes competed in an intense live cook-off, showcasing creativity, innovation and strong technical skill.

Following a closely contested competition, three teams from Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad; Asian Christian Culinary & Agricultural Science Institute, Hosur and IHM, Hyderabad emerged as winners and will represent the South Zone at the Grand Finale. Team from IHM Shri Shakti, Hyderabad was declared the runner-up.

In its maiden edition, NYCC is open exclusively to final-year hospitality students across government, private, stand-alone institutions and university departments specializing in hospitality and hotel management. The initiative aims to create a focused national platform for Indian cuisine, highlighting its depth, diversity and regional techniques, while connecting aspiring chefs with the industry for internships, mentorship and long-term career opportunities. 

The participating institutes in the South Zone round included Asian Christian Culinary & Agricultural Science Institute, Hosur; Chennais Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management; Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad; Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore; IHM Shri Shakti, Hyderabad; Indian Culinary Institute, Tirupati; and Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad. Each participating team prepared a three-course Indian meal comprising starter, main course and dessert within two and a half hours.

The jury for the South Zone round was chaired by Chef Anil Grover, Certified WorldChefs Judge and included Chef Ajeeth Janardhanan, Culinary Director, The Residency Towers; Chef Prem Kumar Mahendran, Executive Chef, Welcomhotel Chennai; Chef Natesan Kannan, Chief Coordinator, SICA Junior Forum; and Chef Nageshwaran K, Executive Sous Chef, GRT Hotels & Resorts.

Renowned Indian Celebrity Chef, K. Damodharan (Chef Damu), while interacting with the participants, remarked,

“Indian cuisine is deeply rooted in culture, memory and emotion and it is essential for young chefs to first understand its soul before reinterpreting it. What impressed me today was the sincerity with which students approached traditional flavours while presenting them with confidence and creativity. Initiatives like NYCC play a crucial role in nurturing chefs who respect tradition, yet have the courage to innovate and take Indian cuisine to global platforms.”

Commenting on the competition, Chef Grover, said, “The South Zone round stood out for its strong technical fundamentals and confident expression of Indian flavours. Platforms like NYCC are critical in shaping chefs who understand not just how to cook, but why we cook the way we do.”

Ms. Sulagna Ghosh, Secretary, PHDCCI, added, “The South Zone round of NYCC reflects the immense talent and discipline that hospitality education in Southern India offers. NYCC is steadily evolving into a national movement that connects education, industry and youth, while reinforcing pride in India’s culinary heritage.”

The Grand Finale of NYCC will be held on 19 January 2026 at the Institute of Hotel Management Pusa, New Delhi and will be graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.

NYCC continues to be supported by a strong consortium of industry partners including TATA Consumer Products, Lee Kum Kee, Nestle Professional, Cremica Food Industries, Venus Industries, Hospitality & Kitchen Solutions (HAKS), Wagh Bakri Tea Group, Welbilt India (Merrychef & Convotherm), McCain Foods, Chefs Unlimited, Dr. M.G.R. Educational & Research Institute, South India Chef’s Association (SICA) and Purchasing Professional Forum India (PPFI).

Vijayawada, Dec 23: The Government of Andhra Pradesh has announced Avakai: Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature, a distinctive public cultural initiative that marks a new chapter for cinema and literary festivals in India. Moving beyond conventional indoor formats, Avakai unfolds across the Krishna riverfront at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island, transforming public spaces into sites of cultural exchange and creative dialogue. With a strong focus on Telugu cinema and literature, the festival responds to the growing national interest in regional storytelling while addressing the absence of a dedicated platform of this scale and ambition. Anchored in the cultural landscape of Amaravati–Vijayawada, Avakai positions the region as a contemporary cultural capital while linking heritage, tourism and public participation. Envisioned under the vision of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, and produced by Teamwork Arts, the Festival introduces a format new to the state, combining cinema, literature and the performing arts through performances, conversations, workshops and immersive experiences, making Avakai a nationally significant cultural development.

Over three days, Avakai will present a multidisciplinary programme spanning cinema, literature, poetry, music, dance, theatre and cultural conversations. A strong focus on Telugu cinema will explore its literary roots, narrative traditions and contemporary evolution through curated discussions and screenings. The programme includes panel discussions, poetry readings and mushaira sessions in Telugu and Urdu, workshops on theatre, dance, puppetry and music, along with evening performances across classical, folk, contemporary and cinematic forms. Visitors will also experience heritage trails, scenic ghat ferry rides, interactive installations and curated culinary experiences.

The festival opens with Prarambhotsavam, the ceremonial inauguration graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Kandula Durgesh, Ambassador of the European Union to India, H. E. Herve Delphin, and Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, Sanjoy K. Roy, underscoring Avakai’s ambition to position Andhra Pradesh as a global cultural destination. Opening performances include Her Frames, Her Fire by Omaggio Performing Company, rooted in Andhra’s Kuchipudi legacy, followed by The Music, Masti and the Magic, a musical created exclusively for Avakai, directed by Sanjoy K. Roy and choreographed by Gilles Chuyen, blending cinematic storytelling with iconic Telugu compositions.

The programme further features Katha Kalakshepam by StoryHour UK, rooted in Telugu folklore, Rasa United by Vanashree Rao presenting Kuchipudi dance theatre, Mehfil e Sukhan, a classical Urdu mushaira curated by Rakhshanda Jalil featuring leading contemporary poets including Azhar Iqbal, Iqbal Ashhar, Khushbir Singh Shaad, Dr Nusrat Mehdi, Dr Mrunalini, Popular Meruthi, Saif Nizami and Sardar Saleem, and Aaj Rang Hai, a special collaboration featuring the legendary Nizami Bandhu with the Anirudh Varma Collective. Hands-on workshops with master practitioners, including Tuhon Aditya Roy, Nathoo Lal Solanki, Shameem and Gilles Chuyen, encourage learning and cultural exchange, while live performances by Javed Ali, Chowraasta, and Jammers add a major musical highlight.

The festival will also host a series of thought-provoking conversations and sessions with leading voices from cinema, literature and journalism. Pure Evil: Anti Heroes of Cinema features bestselling crime writer S. Hussain Zaidi, acclaimed filmmaker Sudhir Mishra and Yandamuri Veerendranath, moderated by senior journalist Balaji Vittal, exploring the psychology and cultural relevance of anti heroes in Indian cinema. The programme also includes Abhilasha- From Novel to Screen, featuring filmmaker A. K. Reddy and Yandamuri Veerendranath, examining storytelling, creativity and purpose across cinema and literature, alongside other discussions on mythology, music, poetry and contemporary narratives.

Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu,  CM of Andhra Pradesh, said,

“Andhra Pradesh is proud to present Avakai, a festival that celebrates our rich cultural heritage through literature, cinema and the performing arts, bringing artists and audiences together on the banks of the river Krishna, creating a vibrant space for creativity and learning. Avakai strengthens Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh’s position as a primary destination for the arts and reflects the state’s commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity and public engagement across all forms of cultural expression.”

Shri Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Andhra Pradesh, said,

“Avakai reflects our vision to position culture as a strong pillar of tourism and public engagement in Andhra Pradesh. By bringing together cinema, literature, music and performance on a single platform, the festival celebrates the depth of our artistic traditions while embracing contemporary creative expression. It strengthens Vijayawada’s emergence as a cultural destination and reinforces our commitment to promoting cultural tourism and expanding public access to arts and culture across the state.”

Shri Ajay Jain, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture, said,

“Avakai has been structured as a comprehensive cultural initiative that integrates multiple art forms with public spaces and community participation. Spread across prominent riverfront locations, the programme brings together dialogue, performance and learning in an inclusive format. Such initiatives are vital for preserving cultural heritage while enabling contemporary creativity and building a sustainable cultural ecosystem aligned with long-term tourism and creative economy goals.”

Smt. Amrapali Kata, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, said,

“Avakai has been designed to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s cultural and creative strengths through a multidisciplinary programme spanning cinema, literature and the performing arts. The Festival presents the state’s cultural narrative within a distinctive riverfront setting while encouraging engagement from diverse audiences. It supports tourism development by offering cultural experiences rooted in local traditions and relevant to present-day audiences.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts,

,“Avakai is envisioned as a public cultural platform that brings together ideas, stories and performances rooted in the region while remaining open to diverse creative voices. The festival creates a space for meaningful exchange between artists and audiences, celebrating cinema, literature and the performing arts within a setting that reflects the cultural vitality of Andhra Pradesh.”

Syed Shams Jawaid, Vice President, Teamwork Arts and Festival Producer, said,

“We are grateful for the vision and support extended by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in bringing Avakai to life. Working closely with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority and various government departments has enabled the creation of a thoughtfully curated cultural platform. The Festival brings together cinema, literature and the performing arts while celebrating storytelling traditions and contemporary creative practices.”

Bengaluru, Dec 23: V-Guard Industries Limited, India’s leading consumer electrical and electronics brand, has won three prestigious recognitions at the CII Design Excellence Awards 2025, an event endorsed by the World Design Organization (WDO). The awards were presented at the 25th CII Global Design Summit & Exposition 2025, held on 26–27 November at The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, celebrating India’s most impactful design and innovation stories.

V-Guard secured wins across both communication and product design categories, underscoring its belief that meaningful design blends functionality, emotion, and everyday relevance. Its 2025 summer campaign, Hum, Tum Aur V-Guard, earned the Communication Design Award for its storytelling finesse and its ability to build a warm, relatable connection with today’s modern Indian homeowners.

In Product Design, two of V-Guard’s flagship innovations stood out for their thoughtful engineering and people-first design approach. The Luxecube Water Heater was recognized for elevating a daily-use category through a premium design language and purposeful features tailored for modern homes. The AirWiz BLDC Fan series was awarded for its energy-efficient performance and consumer-centric usability, reflecting V-Guard’s continuous push toward smart, sustainable home comfort solutions.

The award-winning products reflect V-Guard’s focus on solving real consumer problems through design and innovation. The Luxecube Water Heater combines luxury, performance, and smart engineering with features like Advanced Thermocline Technology for consistent hot water, a titanium-infused enamel-coated tank for durability, and an Incoloy 800 heating element to handle high pressure and hard water. It comes in 10L, 15L, and 25L capacities, is BEE 5-star rated, and offers an extensive warranty package, making it a long-lasting, premium solution for every home.

Meanwhile, the AirWiz BLDC Fan series, designed for the modern connoisseur with a refined mix of matte and glossy finishes, crafted to elevate contemporary interiors with style and sophistication. The flagship AirWiz Light features an integrated under-light that brings together illumination and air comfort to transform living spaces. AirWiz Prime follows closely, boasting a distinctive UI LED indicator that subtly displays the fan’s speed level. Available in 19 vibrant colours including an appealing wood finish, which compliments the interior décor as per the discerning taste of the ever-evolving consumer.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director of V-Guard Industries Ltd, said,

“These recognitions reaffirm our view that design is not merely visual appeal, but the ability to create experiences that connect with people. Our summer campaign, Hum, Tum Aur V-Guard, exemplifies this through its authentic narrative and emotional resonance. At the same time, products like Luxecube and AirWiz showcase how we translate this philosophy into tangible, user-focused innovation for the home.”

The wins at the CII Design Excellence Awards 2025 further strengthen V-Guard’s position as a brand shaping the future of India’s home solutions landscape through innovation-led design, cultural insight, and a deep understanding of evolving consumer aspirations.

With a legacy spanning over four decades, V-Guard continues to push the boundaries of design and technology, creating products and campaigns that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging, enriching the lives of millions of households across India.

Mumbai, Dec 22: API Holdings, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, has appointed Shashi Tiwari as its Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), further strengthening its leadership team as the group continues to scale its healthcare businesses.

In his new role, Shashi will lead the people strategy for API Holdings, with a focus on strengthening organisational capability, elevating people practices, and building a future-ready organization.

With two decades of cross-industry HR leadership experience across global organisations like Infosys Ltd and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Shashi brings deep expertise in talent strategy, HR transformation, and fostering inclusive culture that drive business success. Over the course of his career, Shashi has led large-scale transformation initiatives and supported business expansion across multiple geographies.

An alumnus of SCMHRD (Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development), Shashi holds a postgraduate diploma in management and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mumbai.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Shashi Tiwari, Chief Human Resource Officer of API Holdings, stated:

“API Holdings is at a very exciting phase of its growth journey and its mission of simplifying healthcare deeply resonates with me. I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to build a strong, people-first organisation where talent can grow, teams can do their best work and business continues to create meaningful impact in healthcare.”

Rahul Guha, Managing Director and CEO of API Holdings, said:

“As we continue to build and scale our healthcare ecosystem, having strong people leadership is critical. Shashi brings a thoughtful and experienced approach to building high-performing organisations. His understanding of talent, culture, and transformation will be an important enabler as we strengthen our teams across API Holdings’ portfolio of businesses.”

API Holdings’ portfolio includes PharmEasy, Thyrocare, Ascent, and Aknamed. With his appointment, the company reinforces its focus on building robust people capabilities to support its long-term growth and continue delivering exceptional value to customers, partners, and stakeholders alike.

Mumbai, Dec 22:  Mswipe Technologies, a leading Indian digital payments solutions provider, today announced that it has received the final Payment Aggregator (PA) licence from the RBI covering both online and physical payment acceptance modes. This regulatory milestone enables Mswipe to operate as a fully regulated payment aggregator, further expanding its omni-channel payments ecosystem for merchants of all sizes across India. 

The RBI’s PA licence authorises Mswipe to onboard merchants and aggregate customer payment instruments across digital and in-person channels – bringing its extensive suite of digital acceptance capabilities under a unified regulatory framework. Mswipe joins a select group of fintech innovators that have secured full PA authorisation, reflecting the company’s deep commitment to compliance, security, and innovation in the digital payments landscape. 

Speaking on the development, Ketan Patel, Co-founder & CEO, Mswipe Technologies, said:

“Securing the Payment Aggregator licence is a landmark inflection point in Mswipe’s journey. This authorisation reinforces our vision to build a trusted, secure, and inclusive digital payments ecosystem that seamlessly serves merchants across India – whether they operate online, at physical storefronts, or in hybrid models. The licence empowers us to accelerate innovation, deepen our service portfolio, and deliver value-driven solutions that address the evolving needs of India’s MSMEs and enterprise partners alike. We remain committed to driving financial inclusion and enabling next-generation commerce with cutting-edge technology and strong regulatory alignment.”

This licence marks a pivotal step in Mswipe’s evolution from a predominant point-of-sale device provider to a full-stack payments infrastructure and technology company. Mswipe’s platform already serves hundreds of thousands of merchants across India with MPOS and Smart PoS terminals, QR soundboxes, payment gateways, and embedded digital payment services that simplify transaction flows in both offline and online environments.

In the recent financial year, Mswipe’s payments business turned adjusted profitable, recording over Rs 275 crore in revenue in FY24, with Total Payment Volume (TPV) more than doubling year-on-year, underscoring strong adoption of its omni-channel offerings. 

Mumbai, Dec 20:  A Prayer Meeting was organised in Mumbai to honour the memory of Gopichand P Hinduja, late Chairman of the Hinduja Group, who recently passed away. The Prayer Meeting was attended by Captains of the India Inc, friends from the Political world cutting across party lines, members of the diplomatic corps, and several leading film personalities. Glowing tributes were paid to Shri GP Hinduja about his multi-faceted personality by Spiritual Leaders like Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan, close associates, etc. Notable singers like Anuradha Paudwal, Nitin Mukesh, and Mohit Lalwani sang GP Hinduja’s favourite bhajans and songs picturised on his dear friend, the late Raj Kapoor.

Hyatt Place Butwal to Welcome 2026 With the Spectacular Open Sky Poolside Celebration With Unlimited Beverages

Rupandehi, Butwal, Dec 20: Hyatt Place Butwal is all set to welcome 2026 with an unforgettable open-air poolside celebration at its signature New Year’s Eve event, “New Year’s Eve Under the Stars.” Set against the night sky, the celebration promises high-energy entertainment, unlimited beverages, and a spectacular midnight countdown by the pool.

The evening will feature performances by celebrity DJ Subuhii Joshii, live local bands, high-energy DJ sets, captivating belly and item dance acts, and a live barbeque experience (Badel), creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere from start to finish.

Guests can choose from exclusive party packages, including options for couples and stay-and-party experiences, ensuring a complete and memorable New Year celebration.

Tushar Nagar, General Manager of Hyatt Place Butwal, shared his vision for the event:

“Our aim this New Year is to create an experience that feels open, energetic, and unforgettable. The Open Sky Poolside Celebration—celebrated under the stars with the beautiful view of the hills and the energy of live music—brings a sense of freedom and joy. It captures perfectly how we want our guests to step into 2026—with vibrancy and style.”

With limited tables available, this glamorous poolside celebration promises an extraordinary way for guests to welcome the New Year in style and high spirits.

Infused with the romance of Paris and the precision of Sheaffer, the Emily in Paris Collection invites you to live—and write—with a touch more beauty, whimsy, and delight. Every element in this collection captures the essence of the City of Love: its artistic soul, its vibrant energy, and its effortless flair for style.

Each writing instrument is crafted to reflect a sense of wonder and charm, harmoniously balanced with the timeless elegance that defines Sheaffer. The pens glide with a softness that feels like poetry in motion, transforming every word into an experience. Complementing them are the stylish leather accessories and thoughtfully curated gift sets—each adorned with accents inspired by Parisian charm.

Whether you’re penning a love letter, documenting your day, signing something meaningful, or simply catching a fleeting moment of inspiration, this collection is designed for the modern muse—someone who seeks beauty in the everyday and expression in every detail.

So, pour yourself a café au lait, lay out your favourite stationery, and open your notebook to a fresh page. With Sheaffer x Emily in Paris in hand, let the charm of Paris, the magic of storytelling, and your own joie de vivre guide the next chapter you write.

Bengaluru, Dec 20: Celebrating the spirit, rhythm, and evolving identity of the city, artist Barnali presents her latest art series titled “Namma Bengaluru: Colours of the City” as part of “Soulful Strokes,” the 6th Annual Art Exhibition organised by the Kalashrishti Group of Artists at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Gallery 2 and 3, Kumara Krupa Road, Bengaluru.

The exhibition will be held from December 17 to December 21, 2025, and will be open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entry is free.

Through “Namma Bengaluru: Colours of the City,” Barnali offers a heartfelt visual tribute to the city she calls home, moving beyond its image as a technology-driven metropolis to reveal its deeper character shaped by heritage, greenery, memories, and lived experiences. Her artworks depict iconic Bengaluru landmarks such as Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, Lalbagh, KR Market, and Church Street, not as postcard images, but as vibrant spaces filled with emotion and everyday life.

“Bengaluru is not just a city I live in. It is a feeling I paint,” says Barnali. Her works reflect the calm, chaos, nostalgia, and rhythm of the city, inviting viewers to pause and observe moments often overlooked in the rush of urban life. “In every Bengaluru street, there is a story waiting to be remembered. From Cubbon Park to KR Market, my art captures the rhythm of everyday Bengaluru,” she adds.

Curated by Bernari Ray, Soulful Strokes features works by eminent artists Vikram, Archana Shailesh, Haribabu, Chaitanya, Latha, Sanjay Kumar, Manoj Ajay Gurunatha, and Suparna Rajan, along with promising student artists Adrija Chatterjee and Samita Ghosh. The exhibition brings together diverse artistic styles and contemporary themes, highlighting evolving narratives in Indian art while encouraging emerging talent.

Soulful Strokes promises to be a vibrant cultural experience for artists, collectors, critics, and art enthusiasts alike.