India has sent its fifth relief shipment to flood-hit Nepal as rescue and relief operations continue following the catastrophic Himalayan glacial floods. The latest aid flight carried an 11-member rescue team, specialised equipment and 5.5 tonnes of medical supplies.

The disaster, which began on August 26, followed a series of events in the high Himalayas. A glacial collapse sent large amounts of rock, ice and meltwater into the valleys below, triggering powerful floods downstream.

Scientists studying satellite imagery said the collapse appears to have involved the failure of bedrock beneath a glacier in the Himalayan region. The rockfall was powerful enough to register as a magnitude 5.2 seismic event.

The resulting surge of water and debris entered rivers flowing through valleys in Tibet and Nepal, causing water levels to rise rapidly. Floodwaters then swept through communities, damaging or destroying homes, buildings, roads and bridges while carrying mud and rocks downstream.

The death count from the disaster has crossed 1,000, while nearly 4,500 people remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue operations across Nepal.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Nepal has also urged international travellers not to abandon the Himalayas. The country has declared itself open for tourism while assessing the human and economic impact of the floods.

"Our mountain trails and trekking routes are still waiting for you," Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel said in a video message on Facebook, using the hashtag #NepalCalling. "Your coming to Nepal this time does not mean only a holiday. It's a big support to the country fighting this catastrophic tragedy of flash floods."

The appeal comes as images of destroyed villages, roads and bridges, along with reports of deaths following the floods, raise concerns about the impact on Nepal's tourism sector. While several parts of the country have been affected, other tourist destinations remain largely untouched by the disaster.

Nepal's tourism authorities are therefore seeking continued international support and visitor confidence as rescue operations remain underway and the country works to assess the wider impact of the floods.

Shao, the Pan-Asian restaurant at Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, has unveiled a new à la carte menu by Chef Sitam Lama, marking the first full expression of the chef's culinary vision at the restaurant.

The new menu brings together flavours and culinary traditions from regional Chinese, Southeast Asian and Balinese cuisines, offering guests an expansive Pan-Asian dining experience within a single menu.

The selection begins with a range of vegetarian creations, including Crispy Spicy Tofu, tossed with chestnut, peanut and dried chilli, and Crunchy Assorted Mushroom, wok-tossed with five-spice, chilli, garlic and spring onion. The sushi selection also features vegetarian options such as Avocado Nigiri and Sweet Shiitake Nigiri.

The menu extends into comforting and aromatic preparations, including Chongqing Chicken Soup, a slow-cooked broth featuring Sichuan peppercorns, dried chillies and goji berries. The Balinese Chicken Satay combines hand-minced chicken with chargrilling and a lemongrass dip.

For diners seeking bolder flavours, the Sizzling Cumin Lamb combines toasted cumin with the heat of Sichuan peppercorns, while the Smoked Spicy Pork Belly with Bamboo Shoots is wok-tossed with the kitchen's own fermented chillies and garlic.

The Shanghai Chicken Dumpling, finished with truffle oil, provides a lighter option, while the Hunan Steamed Seabass, topped with pickled mustard and chilli, brings the savoury selection to a bold and tangy finish.

Across the menu, Chef Sitam Lama's approach focuses on premium ingredients, refined techniques and authentic regional flavours, while presenting familiar Asian culinary traditions through a contemporary restaurant setting.

The new menu debuted on 25 August 2026, giving guests an opportunity to experience Chef Lama's signature creations as Shao continues its culinary evolution.

Restaurant Details:

• Venue: Shao, Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road
• Menu: New À La Carte Menu
• Reservations: +91 97314 77816

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West has announced the appointment of Chef Sohail Karimi as Executive Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership with a hospitality professional who brings more than 21 years of experience across leading hotel groups.

Chef Sohail's career spans renowned hospitality organisations including IHCL, Marriott International, IHG, and Radisson, where he has developed extensive expertise across culinary operations and guest-focused dining. His experience includes fine dining, banquet operations, menu development, and culinary concept creation, with a focus on combining consistency, creativity and quality.

In his new role, Chef Sohail will oversee the culinary operations at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, including menu development, kitchen operations and culinary innovation. He will also work closely with the hotel's culinary team to introduce new concepts and create engaging dining experiences for guests.

Speaking about his appointment, Chef Sohail Karimi, Executive Chef, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, said, "Food has always been a powerful way to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am excited to be part of Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West and look forward to creating distinctive culinary experiences that celebrate great flavours, creativity, and quality. I am also eager to work closely with the team to introduce new ideas and experiences that delight our guests."

Chef Sohail's appointment comes as Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West continues to focus on strengthening its culinary offering and creating contemporary dining experiences for both leisure and business travellers.

With his extensive industry experience and focus on culinary creativity, Chef Sohail is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the property's food and beverage operations while supporting the hotel's commitment to warm and consistent hospitality