Dr Suborno Bose, Founder IIHM Launches Pioneering Book On AI In Hospitality In Bengaluru

Dr. Suborno Bose, a renowned expert in hospitality education and the Founder of International Institute of Hotel Management ( IIHM) launched a groundbreaking book titled "Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality" in Bengaluru 

This pioneering book explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the hospitality industry, showcasing real-world examples of how AI enhances guest satisfaction, sustainability, and operational excellence.

"This book serves as a vital resource for students, educators, and industry professionals, demonstrating how AI can complement, rather than replace, the human essence of hospitality," said Dr. Bose addressing media persons during the launch.

The book launch was followed by a global roundtable discussion on AI in hospitality, featuring leading experts from 50 countries. The panel included Professor David Foskett, Chairman, International Hospitality Council; Chef Neil Rippington, Global Director, IIHM; and Chef Sarah Hartnett, UK-based Pastry Chef & Chocolate Consultant.

"I wish the 50-plus generation was born 30 years earlier because today’s young professionals are already AI ambassadors," said Chef Rippington.

Industry leaders praised IIHM's AI-driven approach, with Chef Ranveer Brar noting, "AI at IIHM addresses a much larger workforce challenge. The industry once feared AI would replace jobs, but we now understand that if used wisely, it enhances skills and transforms professions."

Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor added, "Technology is a tool—it doesn’t have a soul. Hospitality professionals must bring the soul while using technology as a support system."

Professor David Foskett emphasized, "AI doesn’t eliminate jobs; it enables professionals to deliver better, more personalized guest experiences. IIHM is setting an example by balancing technology and the human touch."

"AI is not just about technology—it's about humanity," said Dr. Bose. "This book underscores the importance of balancing technology with the human touch in hospitality."

By exploring the intersection of AI and hospitality, this groundbreaking book provides a comprehensive understanding of how technology can enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainability.

The book is structured in bite-sized sections, making it an engaging and practical resource for students, educators, and professionals in the hospitality industry.

*NamAiste IIHM HospitalityGPT*

Dr Bose also made a potentially game changing announcement that will be one of the biggest positive disruptors of the industry - the decision to launch  ‘NamAIste, IIHM HospitalityGPT’- the world’s first Generative AIpowered knowledge engine for the hospitality industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bose said “IIHM has always been at the forefront of innovation in hospitality education. This is not just an innovation - it’s the future of hospitality intelligence, and IIHM is leading the way. we take a historic step forward with the launch of NamAIste, IIHM HospitalityGPT”

"The IIHM HospitalityGPT is designed to provide students, faculty, hospitality professionals, and industry stakeholders with real-time access to insights, trends, and best practices. The main objective is to Provide real-time AI-powered insights to enhance learning and operational excellence in hospitality and Equip students, faculty, and industry professionals with a next-generation AI," he added.

Promotional Golf Championship 2025 With Or Without Club Membership

V Group is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Championship Tournament PGC 2025. This prestigious event will bring together golf enthusiasts from across the region to compete for the coveted championship title on our premier course.Bengaluru will play host to PGC Championship 2025 in the month of April 2025, preliminary rounds will be in the first week & weekend will see the Championship rounds. The venue will be Bangalore Golf Club opposite Kumara Krupa Guest house Kumara Krupa Road Bengaluru.

V Group is organising PGC in association with RBITC ( Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor ) and extending financial support to their EPIC program( Epilepsy Prevention & Integrated Care).

At PGC, we recognize that not every golfer may have an official club membership, but we believe that shouldn't hinder anyone from enjoying the sport. Golfers of all skill levels are invited to participate in this exciting tournament. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on our meticulously maintained course, designed to provide both a challenging and enjoyable experience.Our aim is to create an inclusive environment where golf enthusiasts can have an enjoyable days on the greens. We provide assistance in establishing a fair and comfortable handicap, ensuring that the love for the game and the spirit of the players take precedence. The PGC championship, offers a unique golfing experience with lush fairways and challenging holes to test your skills, whether you're a solo golfer or part of a group.

Network is Net Worth

Join us at PGC and elevate your networking game on and off the green while perfecting your swing. Where deals are made, and connections flourish. Tee up for success with strategic networking at its finest.

Win Big

Besides the glory and the unforgettable memories, the winners of PGC championship take home a substantial prize that will make your golfing journey even more rewarding.

Unlock Your Golfing Dreams with PGC: Where Every Golfer Finds Their Fairway

Are you passionate about golf but haven't had the opportunity to join a club or participate in tournaments? Have you never played in a competition or don’t have an official handicap? No worries, because PGC is here to make your golfing dreams come true!

PGC is truly the Passionate Golfers' Club where every member is a Winner

“We are excited to host this year’s championship and welcome players to compete in a thrilling and competitive environment,” said Venkatesh K R, Director VGROUP (V G Mice management Pvt Ltd.) “This tournament not only highlights the talent of our local and visiting golfers but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship within our golfing community says Venkatesh.”

Registration for the tournament will open, Interested participants can sign up by visiting www.thepgc.in or contacting +91 6360700180

About V Group

V Group is a Bangalore based event management company specializing in MICE activities –Meetings, Incentive Tours, Conference Exhibitions, Sports and Destination Wedding. V Group bring to the domain more than two decade of experience and expertise in organising and managing events. Apart from organizing and handling corporate events in India, V Group’s forte has been handling various event activities in Sri Lanka for Indian corporate and industry associations. www.vgroup.biz

About RBITC Bangalore

Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC) was formed in June 2006 with a mission to make a transformational and sustainable change in the quality of life in Whitefield & its neighbouring areas.

Rotary clubs are open to people of all cultures and ethnicities and are not affiliated with any political or religious organizations.

Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe.

www.thepgc.in www.vgroup.biz www.rbitc.org

Photo Caption: Mr. Venkatesh and Ashwini singh from V Group and Ms. Kaveri a golf referee are present at  The Curtain Raiser Promotional of Golf Tournament Championship of its First Edition in Bengaluru.

HDFC Life Launches Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage To Enable Dreams And Goals For Everyone

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has launched its latest product HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage. This participating product has been designed keeping in mind milestones associated with the different life stages of an individual. As one continues to save for their growing aspirations/goals, it is observed that there is a preference for early liquidity (for short term needs), flexibility and financial security for the future.

HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage comes with following key features:

Policy Continuance Benefit (PCB) – Through this option, future premiums are waived in case of death of the Life Assured. The Death Benefit is paid out as a lump sum immediately and also the future benefits under the plan continue for the nominee or survivor.  

Choice of Death Benefit Multiple – This option enables one to choose a customised Death Benefit Multiple – 5x, 7x or 11x – as per their need.

Paid Up Addition – Through this option, one can convert partial or the entire cash bonus payable into Paid-Up Additions which can be encashed anytime during the term of the policy.         

Customers can choose any combination from the above options as per their future needs.

Along with life insurance cover for financial security of the family, the plan also offers:

Additional Life Coverage – One can choose to cover one’s spouse 

Tax benefits – As applicable for an individual, based on prevailing tax laws

Life insurance is a necessity for every working individual with financial responsibilities. HDFC Life has been an innovator in the life insurance space offering customisable products that meet the ever-evolving needs of Indian consumers. The Company offers a robust digital platform that provides multiple servicing options to customers as per their convenience. HDFC Life’s commitment to customers is reflected in its consistently high claim settlement ratio, which was 99.50% for FY24. 

Speaking on the product launch, Aneesh Khanna – Head Products & Segments, HDFC Life, commented, “We, at HDFC Life, believe that life insurance products need to be designed to fit the specific needs of every individual, depending on their age, life stage, current income and future plans. Every individual dreams of a financially secure future for their loved ones and also of achieving goals such as buying a home, sending their children for higher education to a prestigious institute, etc. These dreams need long-term planning with an instrument that offers flexibility, liquidity and financial security. HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage has been designed to offer a solution to individuals who endeavour to create a better future and protect their dreams against uncertainties with a financial safety net.”

About HDFC Life

Founded in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (‘HDFC Life’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading provider of long-term life insurance solutions in India. It offers a broad range of individual and group plans across the Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health categories, with a portfolio of products and optional riders designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

HDFC Life is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private banks. The Company has a nationwide presence, operating through its own branches and a network of over 300 distribution partners, including banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and emerging ecosystem partners. HDFC Life also maintains a strong base of financial consultants.

Recognised as a great place to work, HDFC Life is deeply committed to governance and sustainability, ensuring responsible business practices that align with its long-term objectives.

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

CII Unveils Strategy To Position India As A Global Logistics Hub

·         This expanding sector is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1.5 to 1.7 crore jobs within India by 2030.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has outlined an ambitious strategic vision to establish India as a "Global Logistics Hub," leveraging the nation’s rapidly expanding logistics sector and economic potential. As India strengthens its position as a key player in the global logistics landscape, this initiative aims to harness its unique strengths to create employment opportunities, attract investments, and drive economic growth.

The logistics sector in India is fueled by the growth of e-commerce, manufacturing, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). India has already emerged as a preferred GCC hub for global enterprises seeking efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovation. This expanding sector is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1.5 to 1.7 crore jobs within India by 2030.

India has all the essential elements to emerge as a global leader in logistics. The country boasts a rapidly developing logistics infrastructure, which lays a strong foundation for seamless connectivity and efficient supply chain management. Complementing this growth is a diverse and skilled workforce that spans all levels of management, ensuring expertise and adaptability across the sector.

Additionally, India has a strong talent pool of business and technology leaders who drive innovation and strategic growth within the industry. The expanding presence of Global Capability Centres further strengthens India's position as a hub for international business operations.

The nation's thriving startup ecosystem fosters creativity and technological advancement, fueling disruptive innovations in logistics solutions. This progress is supported by a robust education system that encourages early industry engagement, preparing the next generation of professionals to meet future challenges. Moreover, government policies have been increasingly supportive, creating an environment conducive to growth and international collaboration in the logistics sector.

‘Logistics for All’ – A Transformative CII Initiative

To achieve this vision, CII has launched the "Logistics for All" initiative, a collaborative effort to engage all stakeholders in the logistics ecosystem. This initiative will create a multitude of opportunities across industries and geographies, offering aspirational career paths, professional growth, and leadership opportunities.

“The ‘Logistics for All’, a CII initiative, engaging all stakeholders, is critical to realize the vision of positioning India as a global logistics hub. This initiative will create numerous opportunities, offering aspirational careers that span industries and geographies. This initiative will offer career growth, job satisfaction, and leadership opportunities in the increasingly important human-machine collaboration,” said Mr. R Dinesh, Chairman, CII-Institute of Logistics Advisory Council.

The CII Institute of Logistics serves as a collaborative platform that brings together policymakers, industry stakeholders (both logistics service providers and user sectors), academia, training centers, and aspirants to collectively work towards India's emergence as a global logistics powerhouse.

Strategic Workforce Development for Logistics Excellence

A key pillar of CII’s strategy is the comprehensive development of the logistics workforce. This approach emphasizes industry-aligned training programs designed to deliver strong placement outcomes, ensuring that trainees are well-prepared for real-world demands. It also focuses on providing early exposure to logistics careers for senior and senior secondary school students, fostering interest in the field from a young age. To meet regional demands, localized training centers are being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, expanding access to skill development across the country. Additionally, the strategy aims to promote logistics as an aspirational career path to attract skilled talent. Strategic collaborations are being pursued to develop internationally recognized training programs, ensuring global relevance. CII also engages with international industries to standardize knowledge and facilitate global placements for trainees, aligning India’s logistics workforce with global benchmarks.

CII’s six-pronged workforce development strategy is designed to bridge the rural-urban divide, address the unique needs of both SMEs and large enterprises, and enhance gender diversity in the logistics workforce. These integrated strategies will help shape aspirations for careers in global logistics and supply chain management, further solidifying India’s position as a dominant force in the global logistics industry.

MAHE, Manipal Introduces Integrated B.Sc. To M.Sc. Program In Clinical And Computational Neurosciences

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a premier Institute of Eminence and Deemed-to-be University, is excited to announce a pioneering new academic program. Starting from the academic year 2025, the Department of Basic Medical Sciences (DBMS) at MAHE, Manipal, will offer an integrated pathway from B.Sc. Medical Sciences to M.Sc. Clinical and Computational Neurosciences, making it the first of its kind in the academic field.

This innovative program is designed to meet the growing demand for advanced education in medical sciences while providing students with diverse career opportunities. MAHE’s commitment to excellence and cutting-edge teaching methods, including problem-based learning, self-directed learning, and small group discussions, ensures that students gain practical knowledge applicable to real-world scenarios.

The program offers multiple pathways, allowing students to customize their academic journey based on their performance and interests. Students begin their educational journey with a B.Sc. in Medical Sciences and have the flexibility to either complete their B.Sc. Basic Medical Sciences degree or continue into postgraduate studies. Those achieving a CGPA of 7.5 or above and ranking in the top 25% of their class can opt for a fourth-year research project, earning a B.Sc. Honors in Basic Medical Sciences with a minor in Clinical Neurosciences, which will be noted on their transcript. Graduates from this track will be eligible for direct Ph.D. admission without requiring a master’s degree, in alignment with NEP 2020.

Students with a CGPA of 6.5 or above but not selected for the research track can still progress to the fourth year and choose a specialization in Clinical Neuroscience or Computational Neuroscience. Upon completing the fifth year, they will be awarded an M.Sc. in Clinical Neurosciences or M.Sc. in Computational Neurosciences in addition to their B.Sc. degree.

Graduates of this program will have a wide range of career options across academia, healthcare, and industry. Opportunities in academia include teaching and research roles in Neuroscience departments. In medical research, graduates can work as research associates in neurology, neurosurgery, and oncology. The industry also offers career prospects in pharmaceutical companies, medical devices, artificial intelligence, and cognitive computing.

Interested candidates can now apply for the B.Sc. Basic Medical Sciences (UG) program through apply.manipal.edu under the Health Science stream.

For more details, contact 0820-2922520 or 0820-2922519. Alternatively, visit the DBMS Office, MMMC Building, 2nd Floor, MAHE Manipal.

This first-of-its-kind program at MAHE will create future medical sciences and neuroscience research leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking educational journey!

Samsung Transforms Smartphone Service Centres With Premium Design And Exceptional Customer Service

·       Redesigned service centres will feature comfortable lounge-style seating, built-in wireless charging, and dedicated kiosks for product support, showcasing new innovations and exclusive offers

·       Now, customers can pre-book their visiting slots from the comfort of their home and check-in schedule time to avoid queues

·       With over 3,000 service touchpoints, the new service centre features will be implemented in phases across major cities, ensuring improved after-sales support for all customers

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is set to elevate its smartphone customer service experience with a comprehensive redesign of its service centres. This initiative aims to establish a seamless service-to-sales journey, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to superior after-sales support with a strong focus on premium customer care.

Designed to deliver an integrated omni-channel experience, the remodelled service centres incorporate advanced digitalised processes to cater to evolving expectations of Samsung’s young and dynamic customer base. They not only boast a diverse product portfolio but also lead the way in technological innovation with advanced diagnostic tools that detect issues with pin-point accuracy.

The upgraded centres break away from traditional layouts, introducing plush, sofa-style seating equipped with inbuilt wireless charging stations to create a lounge-like ambience. Reimagined accessory walls showcase Samsung’s extensive range of wearables, while ultra-large digital screens feature the latest product innovations, offering visitors an immersive experience.

“Over the decades, we have expanded a robust network of service centres to support our existing customer base which is concurrent to the needs of our sales partners. As consumer expectations evolve every day, we wanted to transform these spaces by infusing youthful and efficient design elements to make them more appealing, while keeping traditional customer needs in mind. At the heart of this is Samsung’s commitment to providing a premium experience to its customers,” said Sunil Cutinha, VP, Customer Satisfaction, Samsung India.

To enhance customer interactions, dedicated kiosks will enable visitors to connect with product support specialists, explore new product launches, and stay updated on exclusive offers and discounts. An online appointment booking system will allow customers to schedule their visits in advance, ensuring a hassle-free experience with minimal wait times.

Samsung currently operates more than 3,000 service touch points across India including physical service centres, resident engineers and collection points. The roll-out of the service centre redesign will be implemented in phases across key cities, ensuring an elevated customer experience nationwide.

SNI Link Samsung Transforms Smartphone Service Centres with Premium Design and Exceptional Customer Service – Samsung Newsroom India

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For latest news on Samsung India, visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

Renault Kwid, Kiger And Triber Now Available With CNG Kit Option

Eco-Friendly & Affordable: Enhances fuel efficiency while ensuring sustainability

Warranty & Safety: Comes with a three-year warranty and standardized fitment

Phased Rollout: Launching in key states, with nationwide expansion planned.

Competitive Pricing: Rs 79,500 for Triber & Kiger, Rs 75,000 for Kwid

Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, announces availability of government approved CNG retrofitment kits across all its models “Kiger, Triber, and Kwid”. This initiative does not only expand Renault’s reach to new set of customers but also underscores Renault's commitment to providing eco-friendly and efficient mobility solutions.

Strengthening commitment to customer centricity and peace of mind for the customers all CNG retrofitment cars will come with three-year warranty.

Mr. Venkatram M., Managing Director and Country CEO, Renault India, said, "Our commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us to continuously improve our offerings. The introduction of the Govt. approved CNG retrofitment kit across all models are a testament to our dedication to providing eco-friendly and smart solutions for our customers. We believe this initiative will make Renault cars even more accessible and practical, solidifying our position in India."

The CNG retrofitment kit is available for all variants and models except automatic and Turbo variants. The CNG kit is a retrofit carried out through a preferred vendor, using a homologated kit that meets all safety and performance standards.

The development and customisation of the fitment is detailed to the smallest hardware packaged as a kit to have uniformity and standardised fitments across the network.

Renault cars with the CNG kits have been duly validated to ensure there is no impact on driving performance ensuring that our customers enjoy the best driving experience.

The CNG retrofitment kit will be made available in a phased manner. Sales will start in five key states of Haryana, UP, Delhi, Gujarat & Maharashtra, contributing 65% of the market and subsequently cover 100% in the coming months.

Renault continues to focus on making its cars feature rich and smart, reinforcing its position as one of the most practical choices for SUVs and MPVs in the market. With the introduction of the CNG retrofitment kit, Renault is taking a step towards sustainable and efficient driving solutions.

*Price of the CNG fitment inclusive of all costs

Triber & Kiger        : INR 79,500

Kwid            : INR 75,000