Vestige Launches Veg-Glucosamine And KidoShake To Strengthen Focus On Joint Health And Child Nutrition

* New plant-based joint supplement and children’s nutrition shake expand company’s wellness portfolio

Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., only Indian multinational direct‑selling company, has launched two new products — Vestige Veg-Glucosamine, a plant‑based joint health supplement, and Vestige KidoShake, a chocolate‑flavoured proprietary food for children. The products are now part of the company’s wellness portfolio.

With these launches, Vestige is addressing two growing health priorities in India: support for adult joint health and balanced nutrition for children.

In addition to the already existing Vestige Glucosamine, this newly introduced Vestige Veg-Glucosamine is positioned as a vegetarian and vegan‑friendly alternative to conventional glucosamine supplements. The product uses glucosamine sulphate produced through advanced corn fermentation technology and plant‑based chondroitin sulphate derived from algae. According to the company, the formulation is designed to support joint mobility and flexibility, reduce stiffness, and help maintain muscle health.

The introduction of a plant‑based glucosamine option comes at a time when joint health concerns are becoming more prominent, particularly with age‑related decline in natural glucosamine levels after 40 and increasing awareness around preventive health. The product is aimed at consumers seeking cruelty‑free, plant‑based wellness solutions, including those avoiding animal‑derived ingredients for dietary or personal reasons.

Vestige KidoShake is a 200 g chocolate‑flavoured proprietary food aimed at supporting children’s nutritional intake. Each serving provides 6 g of protein along with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. The product combines a blend of whey, casein, and soy proteins with probiotics and micronutrients to support healthy growth, digestion, and immunity.

The company said KidoShake is positioned as a convenient nutrition supplement for children aged 2 years and above who may have selective eating habits or inadequate dietary intake, and is aligned with the broader need to improve child nutrition outcomes in India.

Commenting on the launches, Mr. Gautam Bali, Founder and Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., said, “With Vestige Veg-Glucosamine and Vestige KidoShake, we are strengthening our portfolio with focused solutions for adult joint health and child nutrition. Our goal is to offer science‑backed, inclusive products that fit modern lifestyles and help more people take charge of their well‑being.”

Beyond Service: IIHM Introduces EmpaTech, A New Philosophy For Hospitality In The Age Of AI Strap

* As Artificial Intelligence reshapes guest experiences, IIHM places empathy alongside technology at the heart of hospitality education, preparing a new generation of professionals for a future where human connection remains the ultimate differentiator.

For decades, hospitality was described as a service industry. Today, that definition is being rewritten.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how guests discover hotels, make reservations, personalise their stays, communicate with brands and share their experiences. Technology is making hospitality faster, smarter and more intuitive than ever before. Yet, as automation becomes commonplace, one truth is becoming increasingly evident: what guests remember most is not the technology they encountered, but how people made them feel.

Recognising this fundamental shift, the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), one of the world's leading hospitality education institutions, has embraced EmpaTech as its guiding educational philosophy—a belief that the future of hospitality belongs to professionals who combine Empathy with Technology.

More than a new concept, EmpaTech represents a new direction in hospitality education. It reflects IIHM's conviction that tomorrow's hospitality leaders must be as emotionally intelligent as they are technologically proficient, capable of using Artificial Intelligence not to replace human interaction but to make it more meaningful.

Hospitality today extends far beyond traditional guest service. Every customer journey is made up of numerous Moments of Truth—the countless interactions between a guest and a hospitality brand. These begin long before a guest walks through a hotel's doors, from browsing online listings and reading reviews to making reservations, checking in, dining, requesting assistance, checking out, and continuing through post-stay feedback and loyalty communication.

Technology has the power to make each of these moments seamless, personalised and efficient. Empathy gives them meaning.

It is this balance that lies at the heart of EmpaTech.

Speaking about IIHM's evolving educational philosophy, Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder, Chairman and Chief Mentor of IIHM, said:

"Hospitality has always been about people. That truth will never change. Artificial Intelligence will continue to transform the way our industry operates, but it cannot replace kindness, compassion or genuine human understanding. At IIHM, we are not preparing students to compete with AI. We are preparing them to work intelligently alongside it, using technology to create even deeper human connections. That is the philosophy of EmpaTech. The future belongs to professionals who combine empathy with technology."

Dr. Bose believes that the role of hospitality professionals is evolving from delivering efficient service to creating memorable experiences. While AI can anticipate guest preferences, analyse behaviour and automate routine tasks, it is empathy that enables professionals to understand emotions, respond with sensitivity and build lasting relationships—qualities that continue to define exceptional hospitality.

Explaining how this philosophy shapes the student experience, Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bengaluru and Head – South Operations, IIHM, said:

"Hospitality education can no longer focus only on operational excellence. Students must learn to understand people as deeply as they understand technology. EmpaTech encourages them to embrace innovation while strengthening the human qualities that guests value most—care, empathy, communication and emotional intelligence. Our responsibility is to prepare graduates who are confident using advanced technologies without ever losing sight of the people they serve."

The philosophy builds upon IIHM's long-standing vision of 'High Tech, Higher Touch,' reaffirming that technology and humanity are not competing forces but complementary ones. As Artificial Intelligence continues to redefine the hospitality landscape, IIHM believes that institutions must prepare students not merely to adapt to change, but to lead it responsibly.

For students and parents navigating an increasingly technology-driven world, EmpaTech offers a reassuring perspective. Rather than diminishing career opportunities, Artificial Intelligence is redefining the skills that matter most. As routine tasks become automated, the ability to think critically, communicate with empathy, solve problems creatively and build meaningful relationships will become even more valuable.

Hospitality, therefore, is no longer simply about serving guests. It is about understanding them.

And in that future, empathy will remain the quality that no machine can replicate.

Through EmpaTech, IIHM is preparing a generation of hospitality professionals who will harness the power of technology while preserving the human essence that has always defined the profession.

Because the future of hospitality will not be shaped by empathy or technology.

It will belong to those who master both.

Myths Vs Facts: What Every Consumer Should Know Before Buying Mosquito Agarbattis

* By Jayant Deshpande, Secretary and Director, Home Insect Control Association (HICA)

Recent enforcement drives across several states have brought the issue of illegal mosquito agarbattis into sharp focus. Authorities have conducted raids, seized unregistered products and acted against manufacturers and distributors found violating regulatory requirements. These developments highlight an important reality: not every mosquito agarbatti available in the market is legally registered or compliant with our legal framework.

With mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya on the rise during the monsoon, mosquito agarbattis remain a popular choice because they are affordable, easily available and familiar to consumers. However, consumers also need to know how to identify a legally registered mosquito agarbatti and avoid illegal products before making a purchase. Here are some of the most common myths that can lead to uninformed buying decisions.

Myth 1: Every mosquito agarbatti available in the market has undergone the same regulatory scrutiny.

Fact: Not every mosquito agarbatti sold openly in the market is legally manufactured as per established legal framework in the Country. Always check for a valid CIR (Central Insecticides Registration) number issued by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC). It is typically printed on the back or bottom of the pack in the format CIR-XXXXX/XXXX (e.g., CIR-67468/2025) and indicates that the product has undergone the prescribed regulatory evaluation. If the pack does not carry a valid CIR number, avoid purchasing it as same is not made with approved chemicals or ingredient.

Myth 2: Green packaging and claims such as "Herbal," "Natural," or "Eco-friendly" mean assurance on mosquito agarbatti is safe and compliant.

Fact: Green packaging and herbal claims are not proof of regulatory approval. Consumers should look beyond the front of the pack and verify that the product carries a valid CIR/CIBRC Registration Number, along with mandatory information such as the active ingredient, manufacturer details, expiry date and usage instructions before making a purchase.

Myth 3: If a mosquito agarbatti is sold at my neighbourhood grocery or medical store, it must be legal and safe.

Fact: Not necessarily. Products marketed under brands such as Comfort, Sleep Well, 10 Ka Dum, Dengue Killer, Relax, Dinosaur, Happy Nights, Sweet Nights and Freedom have faced regulatory action in different states for not using the proper ingredient or approved chemicals. Some of these products may still be quietly sold in the market through older inventory or unauthorised distribution channels.

Myth 4: It's just a mosquito agarbatti. It can't pose any serious health risk.

Fact: Illegal mosquito agarbattis may pose serious health risks. According to the recent HICA survey, 70% of doctors consider illegal mosquito agarbattis a major respiratory risk, while 90% reported seeing recurring breathing-related problems among children linked to exposure to such products.

Consumer safety begins with informed choices. Just as people routinely check expiry dates on food and medicines, they should also verify the CIR number and mandatory label information before purchasing a mosquito agarbatti. As Indian consumers continue its fight against mosquito-borne diseases, choosing the right mosquito control product is just as important as using it consistently.  

Fenesta Strengthens Karnataka Presence With 11th Showroom In Bengaluru, 23rd In The State

Fenesta, India’s No. 1 windows & doors brand, has further strengthened its presence in South India with the launch of a new showroom in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Operated by Bespoke Interior Solutions, the showroom is located at No. 73/2A, 2nd Floor, Hulimavu Gate, Bannerghatta Road, next to Chaitanya School, Bengaluru, enhancing Fenesta’s accessibility to customers in the region and reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class fenestration solutions across growing residential and commercial markets.

The newly launched showroom offers customers an immersive experience of Fenesta’s extensive product portfolio, including uPVC and Aluminium Windows and Doors, Solid Panel Doors, and Facades. Designed to cater to evolving architectural preferences and modern lifestyle requirements, the showroom serves as a one-stop destination for homeowners, architects, interior designers, builders, and contractors seeking high-performance, durable, and aesthetically refined fenestration solutions.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta, said: "Bengaluru continues to be one of India's most dynamic real estate and infrastructure markets, with growing demand for premium, design-led building solutions. The launch of our new showroom in partnership with Bespoke Interior Solutions reflects our commitment to expanding our footprint in key growth markets and bringing innovative fenestration solutions closer to customers. This showroom will enable customers to experience our diverse product range firsthand and make informed choices for their homes and projects."

With this launch, Fenesta continues to strengthen its footprint in Karnataka and South India, bringing its promise of innovation, superior quality, and customer-centric service closer to customers. The Bengaluru showroom reflects Fenesta's focus on design excellence, advanced engineering, and long-term product performance.

Fenesta today has a strong network of over 400 dealers across India and an expanding international presence in Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Ghana, and Kenya. With a continued focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, Fenesta remains committed to redefining the fenestration experience across markets. The launch of the new Bengaluru showroom marks another milestone in Fenesta's journey to transform how India experiences windows and doors.

About Fenesta:

Fenesta is India’s largest windows and doors brand and a part of the Rs. 14,264 Crores conglomerate DCM Shriram Ltd. Its installations across more than 5,00,000 homes have already crossed the magical 5 million mark. Empowered with the knowledge of India's extreme conditions, Fenesta has designed uPVC windows and doors that are able to withstand India's extreme climate also. Fenesta took another technological leap when it introduced its ultra-luxury Aluminium windows and doors, solid panel doors, and Facades. Headquartered in Gurgaon, Fenesta has a network of more than 400 dealers and nine signature studios enabling it to service 900 cities. With a dynamic direct sales force, Fenesta has successfully expanded its reach internationally, penetrating markets in the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Ghana and now Kenya. Fenesta offers a complete customized end-to-end solution: survey, design, manufacture, delivery, installation and service to all its customers. The entire process is synchronized with the pace of each project. As a leader in the category, Fenesta takes pride in its ability to serve individual homes and large developers with equal ease.  

Onam Utsavam At Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru: A Weekend Of Kerala’s Culture, Traditions & Celebrations

This Onam, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru will bring the vibrant traditions and festive spirit of Kerala to the city with the third edition of Onam Utsavam, a two-day celebration on 22nd and 23rd August. The festivities will bring together traditional art forms, music, dance, immersive experiences and community-led activities for visitors of all ages.

The celebrations on 22 August will feature an exciting line-up of Kerala’s traditional performances, including Chendamelam, Mega Thiruvathira, Theyyam and Pulikali. Visitors can also experience VR Vallamkali, a contemporary take on Kerala’s iconic snake boat races, offering an immersive glimpse into one of the state’s most celebrated traditions. A Community Pookkalam will invite visitors to come together and create one of the most recognisable symbols of Onam.

On 23 August, the festivities will shift into a day of contests and family-friendly activities, including a Payasam Making Competition, Pookkalam Challenge, Vadamvali Challenge and Sack Race, alongside several other activities designed to encourage participation and bring families and communities together.

With its blend of Kerala’s cultural heritage and contemporary experiences, Onam Utsavam at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru promises a vibrant weekend celebration that brings the colours, flavours and traditions of Kerala to Bengaluru.

Event Details

What: Onam Utsavam

Where: The Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

Time: 1PM

Date: 22nd & 23rd August 2026

Registration: https://in.bookmyshow.com/activities/onam-utsavam-pookalam-competition/ET00510961

Sindhi Culture Foundation Launches Come Home to Sindh, Marks the Occasion with a Talk by Amardeep Singh in Bengaluru

Sindhi Culture Foundation (SCF) launched Come Home to Sindh, a coffee table book celebrating the history, memory and cultural legacy of the Sindhi community, in Bengaluru. The launch was marked by “From Indus to Exile: An Exploration of Sindhi Nanak Panthis”, a talk by researcher, author and documentary filmmaker Amardeep Singh, held in association with the Bangalore International Centre.

Inspired by The Lost Homeland of Sindh, SCF’s permanent gallery at the Partition Museum in Delhi, the book brings together photographs and essays that evoke the spirit of displaced yet deeply rooted people.

The book was unveiled by Mr.Jitu Virwani, Chairman, Embassy Group. The Embassy Group has supported the creation of The Lost Homeland of Sindh, SCF's permanent gallery at the Partition Museum, Delhi.

Founded to research, preserve and share Sindhi culture, SCF has driven a range of cultural, educational and archival initiatives to keep the heritage of Sindh alive. Aruna Madnani, Founder and Managing Trustee, has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s vision and bringing its projects to fruition.

At the heart of SCF’s work is The Lost Homeland of Sindh, a permanent gallery within the Partition Museum at the Dara Shukoh Library in New Delhi. The gallery traces the displacement of Sindhis from their homeland through fragments of havelis, historical artefacts and oral histories — the story of people who rebuilt their lives while carrying forward their ancestral legacy.

SCF’s outreach extends further through Doorway to Sindh, an online lecture and video series exploring Sindhi history, art, language and culture; and Sindh Partition Stories, an oral history archive of recorded Sindhi voices. The Foundation has also presented art and cultural programmes across India , Sindhi folk and Sufi music, handicrafts, embroidery and conversations with authors and scholars encouraging wider use of the Sindhi language among younger generations.

Commenting on the launch, Aruna Madnani said:, “Sindh is more than a place on a map, it is a living memory carried in our stories, songs, crafts and the warmth of our homes. With this book, we invite readers to walk through the streets of a homeland many have never seen, yet deeply feel. Come Home to Sindh is our way of saying, your roots are here, your history matters and your culture continues to thrive.” With Come Home to Sindh, Sindhi Culture Foundation extends its mission beyond the museum space, offering readers an intimate and enduring window into the soul of Sindh and the journeys of its people.

The Launch Talk: From Indus to Exile

As part of the launch programme, Amardeep Singh explored the distinctive spiritual and cultural traditions of Sindhi Nanak Panthis, whose reverence for Guru Nanak developed within the pluralistic landscape of the Indus region. Drawing on field research and visual documentation, he traced how this fluid, inclusive tradition evolved through religious reform movements, colonial classifications, Partition and displacement — and what its continued evolution reveals about belonging, memory and cultural continuity.

Amardeep Singh is a Singapore-based researcher, writer, photographer and documentary filmmaker who documents endangered cultural histories. He is the author of the two-volume Lost Heritage: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan and creator of the docuseries ALLEGORY: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels. He currently leads Oneness in Diversity, a multilingual audio-visual archive exploring the musicology and philosophy of Guru Nanak and fifteen Indic saints.

The programme was attended by members of the community, cultural enthusiasts and audiences interested in the history and heritage of Sindh. The session included the talk, a discussion and audience Q&A, following an informal “Taste of Sindh” gathering.

About Sindhi Culture Foundation

Sindhi Culture Foundation is dedicated to researching, preserving and sharing Sindhi culture. Through museum collaborations, educational content, oral history archives and cultural programming, the Foundation works to keep the heritage, memory and identity of Sindh alive for future generations.

Olive Hospitality Launches A New Hotel In JP Nagar, Bengaluru

* The all-new hotel strengthens Olive's footprint across South Bengaluru's growing business corridor

Olive Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Embassy Group, today announced the opening of Olive Hotel JP Nagar, a 33-key hotel strategically located in one of South Bengaluru's fastest-growing commercial and residential hubs. The hotel is now fully operational and welcoming guests.

Located opposite the JP Nagar Metro Station and near the Bannerghatta Road business corridor, the hotel underscores Olive's continued focus on expanding its presence across high-demand micro-markets while addressing the city's growing need for professionally managed business and long-stay accommodation options.

Positioned near key commercial hubs, leading healthcare and educational institutions, and major business districts, Olive Hotel JP Nagar is already catering to corporate travellers, consultants, project teams, young professionals, and extended-stay guests seeking convenient, high-quality accommodation.

With seamless access to the Namma Metro network, the hotel embodies Olive's core brand philosophy of strategic locations, workplace proximity, thoughtfully designed spaces, and guest-centric amenities. Now operational, Olive Hotel JP Nagar offers guests a convenient, comfortable, and technology-enabled stay experience in one of Bengaluru's most well-connected neighbourhoods.

Speaking on the announcement, Kahraman Yigit, Co-founder and CEO, Olive Hospitality, said, "Bengaluru has been home to Olive Hospitality since our inception, and it continues to play a pivotal role in our growth journey. As the city evolves, business activity is expanding well beyond traditional commercial districts, creating demand for high-quality accommodation across emerging corridors. The opening of Olive Hotel JP Nagar allows us to serve corporate travellers with the convenience, connectivity, and consistency that define the Olive experience."

The opening follows Olive Hospitaltity’s recent launch of four new hotels across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam and Gurugram, taking the company’s operational portfolio to 67 hotels. Today, Olive Hospitality has 142 signed properties comprising 5,516 keys across 24 cities, including 67 operational properties with 2,599 operational keys, resonating its continued execution of its multi brand asset light growth strategy.