16th Edition Of HGH India – Inaugurated In Bengaluru From Dec 03-06

* With this, the bi-Annual trade show expands to South India for the first time

HGH India, the leading trade show for home textiles, home décor, home furniture, houseware, and gifts, unveiled several innovations from 225 manufacturers and brands from across India and other countries at its 16th edition.  With several first-time exhibitors, HGH India is taking place in Bengaluru at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).  Scheduled from December 03-06, 2024, the show is showcasing a diverse range of home textiles, furnishings, home décor, home furniture, houseware and gifts from leading brands, manufacturers and importers. The trade show was inaugurated today by well-known industry leaders as Guests of Honour.  They   included Mr. T. Sudhakar Pai, Chairman, Manipal Group, Mr. G. Kannapan, Chairman, Shardha Terry Product Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Umesh Gupta, Director, Bergner Impex (India) Pvt. Ltd., Mr. K.N Srikanth, Director, Home, Kitchen and Outdoors, Amazon India Home, Kitchen and Outdoor, Amazon India.

Spanning over 40,000 square meters across BIEC, the trade show has a clear focus on strengthening the domestic Indian market. Managing Director, Mr. Arun Roongta said, "At HGH India, it has been our constant endeavour to bring the focus back on the domestic market, fostering growth and collaboration. By creating synergies among all stakeholders, we aim to unlock full potential of the Indian market for home textiles, home décor, home furniture, houseware & gifts.

There are approximately 500 new companies entering the business of Home products in India every year, in manufacturing, marketing and imports.  In addition, every year about 3,000 to 4,000 new retailers are entering this segment, both, online and offline. This re-iterates the fast growing home products industry in India.

HGH India is also committed to a sustainable growth and innovations in home products. HGH India aims to open up new business opportunities for retailers, OEM suppliers, brands and manufacturers, particularly in the rapidly growing home products market in the five states of South India. Consumption in these states is increasing by over 20% year on year.  Most market players are feeling the need to further expand their distribution and retail network in the Southern region. Many Indian companies are increasing their production, marketing, and distribution efforts to cater to local demand, while foreign companies are making a concerted effort to tap into this high-growth region.”

At the inaugural, Mr. T. Sudhakar Pai, Chairman, Manipal Group, said, “Bengaluru is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, running on innovation. It is our privilege to have the 16th edition of HGH India in Bengaluru. I have been part of the very first edition of HGH India in Mumbai. The World is big canvas of opportunities and is ever so dynamic. India must shine brighter on that canvas and catch up with the pace. With industry platforms like HGH India, we are hopeful of great synergy and business exchange.”

Mr. K.N Srikanth, Director, Home, Kitchen and Outdoors, Amazon India Home, Kitchen and Outdoor, Amazon India, “Home category is one of the largest and fastest growing business on amazon. One in every two customers shop in this category and four in every five Prime customers shop in this category. Home segment is a huge market for us and a great opportunity for all of us to grow. We go where the customers are going, if they are going online, we will shift focus to online. Sometimes customers show us the way sometimes we pave it for them. It’s commendable how HGH India brings all the industry stakeholder under one roof and I am so happy to be part of this edition. I really love the vibe here and I would like to see at-least 100 more editions of HGH India. I can assure you our continuous participation here, edition after edition.”

Mr. Umesh Gupta, Director, Bergner Impex (India) Pvt. Ltd, “As I always say – An Indian kitchen never closes! A South Indian meal is a very happy meal topped with an amazing filter coffee. South Indian kitchens are like a peaceful zone. We, here at HGH India, are bringing South to India. So, we hope that our specialized cookware range for South Indian food can reach every home.”

Empower Your Future With Skill-Based Hospitality Courses At WGSHA

Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) is pleased to announce the launch of THSC/NSDC-certified skill development courses, designed to financially empower local youth and prepare them for successful careers in the hospitality industry. Starting in January 2025, these skill-based programs offer practical training and industry-recognized certifications, ensuring that participants are equipped to meet the demands of the ever-growing hospitality sector.

The courses available include Commis Chef (?45,000), Pastry & Bakery Commis (?45,000), Food & Beverage Service Associate (?20,000), Guest Service Associate - Front Office (?20,000), and Guest Service Associate - Housekeeping (?20,000). Applicants must have a minimum qualification of 12th Pass to be eligible for enrollment. With a focus on hands-on expertise and real-world application, these courses are designed to enhance employability and open up rewarding career opportunities.

Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged. This initiative by WGSHA reflects its commitment to fostering skill development and supporting youth empowerment in the region. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable expertise and begin your journey in the dynamic hospitality industry. For more details or to register, contact Chef Prasenjit Sarkar, Assistant Professor (Selection Grade) in F&B Management, at Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka - 576104.

EaseMyTrip And Yas Island Abu Dhabi Partner To Offer Unbeatable Travel Experiences

* The "Greatest Of All Trips", a unique, out of the box IP that was brought to life with two of the most renowned brands!

EaseMyTrip.com and Yas Island, Abu Dhabi - the leading leisure and entertainment destination in the Middle East region are teaming up to deliver an unparalleled travel experience. This innovative campaign features 30 of India's top content creators engaging in thrilling challenges across Yas Island's award-winning theme parks. These creators explore the destination's exceptional attractions, while creating compelling content and facing challenges to inspire Indian travelers to explore the destination as a memorable experience. By combining EaseMyTrip's expertise in travel with Yas Island's premier offerings, this partnership presents exclusive packages designed to elevate the Yas Island adventure.  Designed to offer an unforgettable journey blending excitement with adventure, the campaign is set to redefine destination marketing!

The challenges undertaken by the creators will be presented in an engaging episodic series on the YouTube page of Yas Island, which will inherently build audience interest, excitement and engagement over time. Each episode will showcase the participants' originality, skills, and experiences as they navigate through Yas Island's thrilling attractions, one activity at a time. The series will end with crowning one ultimate winner who would showcase exceptional content creation abilities, creativity, talent, problem solving skills and would best capture the essence of Yas Island's world-class offerings. 

Adding star power to the campaign is celebrity host Sonu Sood, an acclaimed actor known for his significant contributions to Indian cinema and charitable efforts. Truly matching the superhero identity, his participation adds considerable prestige and appeal, enhancing the campaign's reach and impact among Indian audiences. 

The series invites viewers on an exhilarating adventure through Yas Island's four world-class theme parks: Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld® Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi. Each episode features creators tackling thrilling challenges, offering an insider’s perspective on the parks' most exciting rides. This immersive content provides potential visitors with a captivating preview of Yas Island’s diverse offerings, from adrenaline-pumping rides to luxurious experiences and nostalgic, family-friendly fun. The campaign also highlights Miral Destinations as a leading hub for IP-themed attractions, uniquely bringing together three iconic brands in one destination.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, said, “We are thrilled to join hands with Yas Island,. This partnership brings together EaseMyTrip’s expertise in travel bookings along with Yas Island’s entertaining attractions to deliver exceptional vacation opportunities for Indian travellers including families, couples, and adventure seekers. This campaign is designed to ignite imaginations, inspire wanderlust, and redefine travel, blending thrill with luxury in a way that’s truly extraordinary.’’

Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, commented, "Our partnership with EaseMyTrip marks a significant step in our mission to welcome more Indian visitors to Yas Island. We are confident that this collaboration will inspire and encourage families and adventure seekers to visit and create unforgettable memories and experiences that Yas Island is known for.

For more information and deals to book your Yas Island package, visit easemytrip.com for a fun filled vacation. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov9T-X8Hit4

Abbott Launches 14 Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-14) That Offers Broadest Protection For Children

* With PneumoShield 14, Abbott is launching a Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-14), covering the highest number of strains for children from 6 weeks of age

Pneumococcal vaccines help address pneumococcal bacterial infections, including pneumonia and meningitis, for which children under two years of age are most at risk

* The 14 strains in PneumoShield 14, offer broader protection than current pneumococcal vaccines in India

Abbott, the global healthcare leader, announced today the launch of its Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, PneumoShield 14, for children over 6 weeks of age. Abbott’s PCV-14 valent (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine), offers broad protection, covering the highest number of serotypes, or strains, as compared to existing PCV-10 and PCV-13 vaccines.

A strain refers to a genetic or structural variant or subtype of a microorganism. The PCV-14 terminology in Abbott’s PneumoShield 14 vaccine refers to the fact that this vaccine offers protection against 14 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria. A conjugate vaccine is a distinct type of vaccine that combines a part of the bacteria with a protein to make it work better. This helps the immune system recognize and fight off the bacteria more effectively, making it stronger against certain infections, which can result in severe diseases, especially among children.

Children under five years of age, especially those aged two years or under, face a high risk of pneumococcal disease, which is caused by a bacterial infection.[i] Pneumococcal infections can result in a range of conditions, including pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord), or blood infections, collectively known as Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). Vaccination can protect against some of these infections and can prevent complications in children.

IPD is associated with high mortality in children under five years of age, resulting in 14% of deaths in India.ii

The PCV-14 vaccine protects against five more strains than the PCV 10, and two more strains than the PCV 13 vaccines that are currently used in India, in private clinics and hospitals. The recommended immunization schedule for PneumoShield 14, which is administered via intramuscular injections, is at 6, 10, and  14 weeks.

Swati Dalal, Managing Director, Abbott India Ltd., commented, “Children, especially those under two years old, are at a higher risk of having pneumococcal disease. This can hinder their healthy growth and development and increase the risk of complications. This innovation offers broader protection potential against 14 pneumococcal strains in circulation, which cause the majority of pneumococcal-related diseases in India. Introducing this vaccine is another step in our commitment to further strengthen our pediatric portfolio, to help children stay healthy.”

Dr. Srinivas G Kasi, Pediatrician, Kasi Clinic, Bangalore added, “Immunization offers an important protective solution for parents to fight off pneumococcal-related diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis, especially among children. Considering the challenges in diagnosing and treating such diseases, there is a clear need for advanced vaccines with a wider representation of relevant pneumococcal bacteria strains. This in turn, helps provide broader protection against pneumococcal disease amongst children.”

Pneumococcal vaccines are part of the government’s national immunization program to reduce childhood mortality in the country. It is important to contact a doctor to ensure that vaccinations are administered at the correct time.

About Abbott:

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. In India, Abbott was established in 1910, and is one of the country's oldest and most admired healthcare companies. With more than 12,000 employees in the country, Abbott is helping to meet the healthcare needs of consumers, patients, and doctors throughout urban and rural India.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and www.abbott.in, and on Facebook and India Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Inauguration Of Central Analytical Instrumentation Facility (CAIF) At Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE

The Central Analytical Instrumentation Facility (CAIF) was officially inaugurated today at the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India, who led the inauguration.

CAIF is designed to be a cutting-edge research center, fully funded by MAHE, equipped to support a wide range of analytical research needs in both basic and applied sciences.

The facility hosts an impressive collection of advanced instruments, covering areas such as spectroscopy, thermal analysis, chromatography, mechanical testing, and imaging. The state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive resources at CAIF are available to researchers from both academic and industrial backgrounds, ensuring MAHE’s continued commitment to scientific advancement and innovation.

Dr. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the importance of such facilities in fostering research excellence and enhancing collaboration between academia and industry. "Facilities like CAIF are vital to the research ecosystem, allowing students and researchers to develop their skills and contribute to impactful scientific breakthroughs,” he said.

CAIF also aims to promote skill development by offering certificate courses and specialized training programs in advanced analytical instrumentation. These programs are intended to build expertise among students, researchers, and industry professionals, preparing them to meet the dynamic demands of today’s scientific and technological landscape.

The inauguration of CAIF marks a significant step for MAHE in its mission to be a leader in research and innovation. The facility will be instrumental in advancing research capabilities, providing opportunities for hands-on learning, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the sciences. 

Honda Cars India Registers Total Sales Of 10,726 Units In Nov 2024

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, registered total sales of 10,726 units in November 2024. Domestic sales of the company stood at 5,005 units and exports at 5,721 units in the month of Nov’24.

Sharing thoughts on sales performance, Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “Our sales performance in November was in line with our plan. As we approach the launch of All New 3rd Generation Amaze in a few days from now, the production of the new model will ramp up from December. There is lot of excitement among customers for the new Amaze highlighting a strong market connection for the brand. On the other hand, our exports have been growing backed by strong demand for Elevate in export markets.”

The company had registered 8,730 units in domestic sales and exported 3,161 units in November’23.

About Honda Cars India Ltd.

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, was established in December 1995 with a commitment to provide Honda’s passenger car models and technologies, to the Indian customers. HCIL’s corporate office is based in Greater Noida, UP and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located at Tapukara, District. Alwar, Rajasthan. 

Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from their established qualities of durability, reliability, safety, and fuel-efficiency. The company has a strong sales and distribution network spread across the country. 

Besides the new car business, Honda offers one stop solution for buying and selling pre-owned cars through its business function Honda Auto Terrace. The Honda Certified Pre-owned cars come with an assurance of quality and peace of mind that caters to the diverse and burgeoning needs of pre-owned car buyers across the country.

Pizza With A Side Of Hip-Hop – Olio Pizza Launches 'Olio X MTV Hustle Box’ In Partnership With MTV Hustle 4 Hip Hop Don’t Stop

Olio Pizza, from the house of Curefoods, has launched a limited edition ‘Olio x Hustle Box’ in partnership with MTV Hustle 4 Hip Hop Don’t Stop to match the dynamic energy of MTV Hustle, India's first hip-hop reality program. Combined with the robust flavors of Olio Pizza, the ‘Olio x Hustle Box’ will provide fans with a distinctive, culturally influenced experience.

The ‘Olio x Hustle Box’ offers unique pizzas made with high-quality ingredients and has been carefully chosen to embody hip-hop culture. Launched at the beginning of the month, this limited special edition offering aims to satisfy a variety of palates while upholding Olio's dedication to quality and freshness. The Box perfectly embodies the dynamic essence of MTV Hustle 4 this season, fusing entertainment, and cuisine in every bite.

Ankit Nagori, Founder, Curefoods, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to collaborate with MTV Hustle to provide our customers with something very special. Every slice of the Olio x Hustle Box is a celebration of creativity and culture, making it more than just pizza. We are excited to see fans enjoying the exclusive experience this month.”

Anshul Ailawadi, Head – Youth, Music, and English Entertainment, adding to the excitement, said, “Food has always been an important part of Indian youth culture. Across the country, food trends are exploding, and our partnership with Olio Pizza perfectly blends food and lifestyle to bring the MTV Hustle 4: Hip-Hop Don’t Stop experience to life. The limited-edition Olio x Hustle Box delivers gourmet creations with a dash of hip-hop, letting fans dig into delicious pizzas while savoring the show on JioCinema and MTV – making for a delicious meal combo!”

Curefoods' dedication to providing exceptional food experiences is apparent by this launch. By incorporating this cultural spirit into a unique pizza experience, the ‘Olio x Hustle Box’ is making it a celebration of taste and creativity in every slice. Fans can grab the ‘Olio x Hustle Box’ at their nearest Olio Pizza outlet or order them on Zomato or Swiggy.

About Curefoods:

Olio Pizza believes in redefining the art of pizza-making, intertwining tradition with innovation, and savouring every moment shared around our delectable creations. Curefoods is a leading house of F&B brands in India. It was founded by Ankit Nagori in 2020. It houses brands like EatFit, Cakezone, Nomad Pizza, Sharief Bhai Biryani and Frozen Bottle, among others. It has over 450 cloud kitchens and offline stores that cater to over 10 cuisines, across 40 cities in India. Additional information on Curefoods is available at https://curefoods.in 

About MTV:

MTV, the world’s premier youth brand, is a dynamic and vibrant blend of music and pop culture. With a global reach of more than half-billion households, MTV is a cultural home to the Gen-Z, music fans and artists. MTV engages over 50 MN+ young audiences across various social media platforms, making it one of the most influential youth brands in India. As a creative powerhouse, MTV’s repertoire of flagship properties includes Roadies, Splitsvilla, Hustle, Unplugged and Supermodel of the Year, & couple of new-age show formats like Anything for Love, Ex or Next, while showcasing innovative formats along with some of the most engaging cause-led initiatives like MTV Memory Karaoke, MTV Cancel Covid, MTV Trash Talk, MTV Baar Bra Dekho etc., that drive the youth towards positive change. As the universe of the young, MTV Insights Studio also brings out the most extensive biennial study into the mindset and behaviour of India’s youth through the MTV Youth Study. MTV has also forayed into digital-first initiatives like Fully Faltoo - a platform for all-around entertainment that showcases short and long-format content across myriad genres, and KaanPhod Music - the ultimate music content destination across all digital and audio streaming platforms. The brand has been at the forefront of tech-first creative innovations like India’s first virtual AI rapper BotHard for its tentpole property MTV Hustle 2.0. MTV also has its own branded content arm, called the MTV Brand Studio, for advertisers exploring edgy and quirky branded content, which, in the past has collaborated with brands like Hyundai, HP, Airbnb, Nescafe, LinkedIn and many more. The Consumer Products of MTV are available to its fans through unique and strategic brand licensing tie-ups. The latest addition to the ecosystem is the licensing of the Roadies franchise into Café Roadies in Noida, Club Roadies in Jaipur, along with Roadies Koffeehouz and Club Roadies in Chandigarh. For information about MTV in India, visit https://www.mtvindia.com/