Albania Crowned World Champion at IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad 2026

Albania Crowned World Champion at IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 9, 2026

The global headquarters of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) stood at the centre of the global culinary world as the 12th IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026 reached its grand and emotional conclusion in Kolkata. Recognised as the biggest stage in the world for student chefs, the Olympiad once again brought together young culinary talent from across continents in a celebration of skill, culture, and collaboration.

In a historic moment, Albania was crowned the new World Champion of YCO 2026. Enri Cuedari, the young chef from Instituti Kulinari Neranxi, lifted the golden trophy and was awarded the golden toque, marking a proud milestone for the country of origin of one of Kolkata’s most loved and adored people, Mother Teresa. His win came in a competition that witnessed the largest congregation of young chefs in the world.

England, the winner of YCO 2025, secured the second position, with Dominic Thomas Grundy of Westminister Capital City Collage receiving the silver trophy. Sri Lanka emerged as the second runner-up, lifting the bronze trophy, proudly represented by Vidanagamage Rumira Reshan Piyasiri of the Colombo Academy of Hospitalityx Management. The podium reflected the high standards and global diversity that defined the competition.

France, one of the world’s finest culinary nations, won the Plate trophy, represented by Maelyss Helene Parrot. The Dr Suborno Bose Challenge Trophy, a special and heartwarming competition where two countries are paired to cook a dish together, was won by Ozodbek Odilov of Uzbekistan and Melquirudi Leki- Bere da Cunha of Timor Leste. This challenge embodied the belief that food has its own language of unity.

All of them rose to glory under the clear night sky of Kolkata, standing not just as winners, but as representatives of a new generation of global culinary leadership. Each participant proved worthy in what is now recognised as the world’s most collaborative and culturally rich culinary competition.

The final competitive rounds were held at IIHM’s Global Campus in the city, followed by a grand celebration and awards night at Wet-O-Wild, Nicco Park complex, which was announced as the venue for the Grand Finale celebrations. Music, dancing, and joy marked the culmination of the world’s largest competition for student chefs.

The Top 10 finalists represented an exceptional mix of global culinary talent. Jomar T. Bernardo (Philippines), Vioanagamage Rumira Reshan Piyasiri (Sri Lanka), Aavie Ng Shi Chuan (Malaysia), Kotamsetti Satya Teja (India), Rohan Chettri (Nepal), Dominic Thomas Grunoy (England), Georgios Aionnis (Sweden), Emma Gisele Biro (Canada), Enri Cuedari (Albania), and Ananya Madaan (Switzerland) earned their places through skill, integrity, and deep respect for tradition and innovation. Their presence reaffirmed the truly global soul of the Olympiad, with India proudly placing among the top ten.

As the curtains came down on YCO 2026, the Olympiad stood out as far more than a competition. It emerged as a global knowledge and learning ecosystem where technology, ethics, sustainability, and human creativity came together with purpose. The theme, “Preserving the World’s Global Culinary Heritage through AI”, came alive across kitchens, conversations, and cultures, highlighting the importance of protecting traditional cuisines while embracing innovation.

Reflecting on the spirit of the Olympiad, Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder-Chairman of IIHM and Chief Mentor of YCO, said, “You have travelled from across continents, cultures, climates, and cuisines, but you stand together on one stage, united by a single language: food.”

Describing YCO as culinary diplomacy in action, he added, “At its heart, the Young Chef Olympiad is a place where borders dissolve, politics disappear, and food builds bridges.”

Speaking on the deeper intent of YCO 2026, Dr. Bose further stated, “For the first time, we consciously positioned participating countries as a living laboratory of global culinary heritage, not something you watch or download, but something alive, experienced through people, kitchens, mistakes, learning, and friendships.”

Professor David Foskett, MBE, Chairman of the Grand Jury, observed that the Olympiad reaffirmed the belief that hospitality education must go beyond textbooks and trophies. He highlighted initiatives such as the United World of Young Chefs, the Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration, and the exchange of Culinary Heritage Dossiers, noting that YCO 2026 transformed competition into collaboration, enriching every participant through shared learning and global friendships.

Throughout its journey and its concluding days in Kolkata, YCO 2026 clearly demonstrated that AI was not positioned as a replacement for craft, but as a guardian of memory, helping document and preserve culinary traditions for future generations.

As the Grand Finale concluded, Kolkata once again lived up to its legacy as a city of culture, intellect, and hospitality. The medals were awarded and champions crowned, but what endured was far greater: friendships across borders, heritage honoured through knowledge, and a shared belief that the future of food lies in high skill, strong values, and human connection guided by technology.

The Olympiad ended. The journey, unmistakably, had only just begun.


The Sleep Company Opens New Experience Store at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

The Sleep Company Opens New Experience Store at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

The Sleep Company has announced the opening of its new experience store at Vihang Ventura in Mira Road, further expanding its retail footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Located within the upcoming premium commercial development by Vihang Ahead, the new outlet adds to the growing presence of national brands at the project.

The comfort-tech brand, known for its patented SmartGRID® technology, has grown rapidly across India with more than 200 stores in less than four years. Its latest store at Vihang Ventura is part of the company's strategy to expand into fast-growing suburban markets where demand for premium lifestyle and comfort products continues to rise.

Situated opposite Kashigaon Metro Station, Vihang Ventura is being developed as an integrated commercial destination featuring premium retail outlets, flagship showrooms, office spaces, and lifestyle brands. The project is attracting leading national retailers looking to tap into the growing consumer base of the Mira Bhayandar region.

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The new experience store offers customers an opportunity to explore and try The Sleep Company's complete range of SmartGRID mattresses, ergonomic chairs, recliners, sofas, and sleep accessories before making their purchase decisions.

Commenting on the development, Purvesh Sarnaik, Director, Vihang Ahead, said:

"The Sleep Company's decision to establish its presence at Vihang Ventura is another strong endorsement of Mira Bhayandar's emergence as a premium retail destination. As consumer aspirations evolve and the region continues to attract high-quality residential and commercial developments, national brands are increasingly recognising the market's long-term potential. Our vision for Vihang Ventura is to create a vibrant commercial ecosystem that brings together leading retail, lifestyle and business brands in one landmark destination."

Speaking about the expansion, Sharad Shukla, Senior Director-Retail Expansion, The Sleep Company, said:

"Our retail expansion strategy is centred around markets that are witnessing strong residential growth, improving infrastructure and a rising base of aspirational consumers. Mira Bhayandar has evolved into one of the fastest-growing suburban markets within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making it an ideal destination for our next experience store. Vihang Ventura offers the right ecosystem for us to engage with customers seeking innovative comfort solutions and a premium in-store shopping experience."

The launch comes at a time when India's organised retail sector continues to see steady growth, supported by strong retail leasing activity and increasing expansion into emerging suburban markets. Improved infrastructure, Metro connectivity, and sustained residential development have also made Mira Bhayandar an attractive destination for organised retail and lifestyle brands.

With The Sleep Company joining its retail mix, Vihang Ventura continues to strengthen its positioning as a modern commercial and lifestyle destination, bringing together brands across lifestyle, wellness, food & beverage, and retail while offering consumers premium shopping experiences closer to home.


17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Air India Flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, leaving 17 people injured, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where medical teams were immediately deployed to assist those onboard.

The flight, operated by an Airbus A320 (VT-EXO), was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

According to Air India, the aircraft experienced a momentary change in altitude during the cruise phase before stabilising and continuing its journey safely to Delhi. Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft descended by approximately 300 feet around 2.5 hours into the flight, while flying over Odisha.

Following the landing, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew as a precaution. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. Air India stated that all those admitted are stable and are receiving appropriate medical care, while the remaining passengers were provided with the necessary assistance and support.

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The Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, personally visited the injured passengers at Fortis and Medanta Hospitals to enquire about their condition and assure them of the government's full support. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation also visited the hospitals and are coordinating closely with the airline and hospital authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.

The aircraft has since been moved to the hangar, where the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been secured for detailed examination.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA said they are closely monitoring the situation, reiterating that passenger safety remains the highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken.


Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

SPS Realty has announced that Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised food and sweets brands, will open a new outlet at its flagship commercial development, Helios, located on VIP Road in Zirakpur. The addition is set to strengthen the project's retail and food & beverage ecosystem while enhancing its appeal as a lifestyle destination.

The upcoming outlet will offer Bikanervala's wide range of traditional Indian sweets, snacks, and dining options, catering to residents, businesses, and visitors from Zirakpur and nearby areas. The brand's presence is expected to serve as a key food and beverage anchor within the commercial development.

Commenting on the association, Rohit Singla, Director, SPS Realty, said, "The addition of Bikanervala at Helios reflects our vision of creating a well-rounded commercial destination that brings together premium retail, food, and lifestyle experiences. We aim to curate a diverse ecosystem where businesses can thrive while offering visitors a complete experience under one roof."

Helios has been designed as SPS Realty's flagship commercial project, featuring contemporary architecture, premium commercial spaces, and a strategic location on VIP Road. The development comprises 177 premium retail and showroom spaces, offering high-visibility opportunities for established brands, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

The arrival of Bikanervala is expected to further strengthen Helios' growing tenant mix while enhancing customer engagement by adding a well-established food and beverage destination. With increasing urbanisation and rising demand for organised retail spaces in the region, the project is positioned to emerge as a preferred commercial hub in Zirakpur.

Through this partnership, SPS Realty continues its focus on developing commercial destinations that combine retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

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