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By Hariharan U
Published on January 1, 2026
The India Bartender Guild (IBG), India’s leading professional body for bartenders and beverage professionals, concluded 2025 on a high note with two significant achievements - the successful execution of the IBG Zero Proof Competition 2025 and a Bronze Medal win at the 24th Golden Cup Cocktail Competition in Taiwan. Together, these milestones reflect India’s growing stature and credibility on the global bartending stage.
Zero Proof Competition 2025: Championing Responsible Creativity
As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible bartending and inclusive beverage culture, IBG organised the Zero Proof Competition 2025, a premium national championship focused entirely on non-alcoholic mixology and flair bartending. The competition celebrated creativity, technique, presentation and international-standard bartending skills, all without the use of alcohol.
The championship was hosted across two major hospitality hubs:
New Delhi – 4th August 2025
Goa – 11th August 2025
Both editions saw strong participation from skilled bartenders across the country, along with enthusiastic engagement from hospitality professionals and industry leaders, making it one of the most impactful bartender competitions of the year.
Winners of IBG Zero Proof Competition 2025
After a rigorous judging process, the following national winners emerged:
Mixology Category
Deepika Shukla – Winner
Chetan Choramule – Winner
Flair Bartending Category
Ravi Varma – Winner
The winners stood out for their innovation, technical excellence and stage presence, showcasing the evolving talent and professionalism within India’s bartending community.
Bronze Medal at the Golden Cup Cocktail Competition, Taiwan
Building on their national success, the IBG champions went on to represent India at the 24th Golden Cup Cocktail Competition, held in Taiwan from 16th to 20th December 2025, one of the most respected bartending competitions globally.
India’s Representation
Deepika Shukla – Mixology Category
Chetan Choramule – Flair Category
Ravi Varma – Flair Category
Competing against top bartenders from across the world, the Indian team delivered a strong performance, securing a Bronze Medal for India, a proud moment that highlights the country’s rising standards, technical skill and international competitiveness in bartending.
Global Recognition for IBG Leadership
Adding further distinction, Mr. Archit Singhal, President of the India Bartender Guild, served as an official Judge at the Golden Cup Cocktail Competition. His presence on the international judging panel reinforced IBG’s credibility and India’s growing influence within the global bartending fraternity.
Historic Step: IBG Joins the International Bartenders Association
In another landmark development, the India Bartender Guild officially became a member of the International Bartenders Association (IBA). This historic affiliation strengthens India’s position within the global bartending ecosystem and opens new opportunities for international exposure, professional development and participation in global competitions.
The Road Ahead
Through initiatives such as the Zero Proof Competition, global competition participation and international affiliations, IBG continues to build a stronger, more professional and globally respected bartending community in India. The Guild remains committed to empowering bartenders, encouraging innovation and firmly placing India on the world bartending map.
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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.
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.
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.
McDonald's India – North and East has announced the expansion of its McCafé network to 200 outlets across North and East India, marking a significant milestone in the brand's coffee business. The expansion reflects the company's continued investment in making premium-quality coffee more accessible as India's café culture continues to evolve.
To commemorate the milestone, McDonald's India – North and East has partnered with Tara Sutaria as the face of McCafé, bringing its "Good Vibes Start with McCafe" platform to life through a new brand campaign celebrating everyday coffee moments and connections.
As part of the celebration, McCafé has also introduced a new Summer Range featuring Strawberry Matcha, Affogato, Salted Caramel Latte, Chai Latte, and Passion Fruit Cooler, expanding its beverage portfolio with refreshing and indulgent options designed for evolving consumer preferences.
Commenting on the milestone, Anant Agarwal, Vice-Chairperson, CPRL (McDonald's India – North and East), said, "At McCafé, our ambition is to build one of India's most loved and trusted coffee brands by making great coffee accessible to more consumers without compromising on quality or value. The milestone of 200 McCafé outlets reflects our continued investment in expanding our footprint and strengthening our beverage portfolio. As coffee culture continues to evolve in India, our refreshed 'Good Vibes Start with McCafe' platform, along with our collaboration with Tara Sutaria as the face of McCafé, reinforces our commitment to connecting with young consumers and making McCafé their preferred choice for everyday coffee occasions."
Sharing her thoughts on the association, Tara Sutaria said, "Coffee has always been an important part of my everyday routine, whether it's the first cup that starts my day, a mid-day pick-me-up or a quiet moment to unwind. Over the years, McCafé has become one of my go-to choices, whether I'm in India or travelling abroad, because I know I can always count on a great cup of coffee. McCafé's Cappuccino is one of my personal favourites whenever I'm looking for something indulgent. I'm delighted to be associated with a brand that shares my love for great coffee and celebrates the everyday rituals that make each cup special."
The new summer beverage range is now available across McCafé outlets in North and East India. Customers can also order through dine-in, Self-Ordering Kiosks (SOK), takeaway, drive-thru, delivery platforms, and the McDonald's App.
The campaign has been conceptualised by BBDO India, part of Omnicom Advertising India.
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