Sika Design, the renowned Danish brand celebrated for its soulful craftsmanship and timeless rattan furniture, has launched its newest collection at World Bazaar, located on MG Road, New Delhi. Known as India’s most trusted name in luxury outdoor living, World Bazaar offers a curated space where some of the finest global outdoor brands come together to meet the aspirations of Indian homes, resorts, and retreats.

For over two decades, World Bazaar has been a pioneer in introducing international outdoor furniture to India. As the largest importer of luxury outdoor brands in the country, it has played a key role in shaping beautiful outdoor spaces across premium residences, iconic hotels, and destination resorts, from stylish homes in Lutyens’ Delhi to serene beachside and hillside retreats.

With the launch of the new Sika Design collection, World Bazaar continues its tradition of bringing soulful design to India. Speaking about the launch, Randip Dhingra, CEO of World Bazaar, said, "Sika Design is not about trends. It's about stories and slowness and the kind of craftsmanship that holds memory. Bringing their new collection to our showroom felt natural—it aligns perfectly with how we see design evolving in India: softer, more mindful, more real.”

Founded in Denmark in 1942, Sika Design has earned a reputation for creating refined furniture using natural rattan, one of the most sustainable materials available. The new collection features signature pieces such as the iconic Egg Chair, breezy dining setups, cozy daybeds, and sculptural accent furniture. Each piece is designed to blend effortlessly into a variety of spaces, from urban balconies to serene villas, offering comfort, warmth, and lightness.

The charm of the collection lies in its subtlety. These pieces don't compete for attention—they breathe and belong, making them ideal for Indian homes that are embracing a shift from excess to essence.

At World Bazaar, every piece is carefully selected not just for its aesthetic value but for the emotions it evokes. The MG Road showroom offers more than just furniture—it provides a sensory experience where clients, architects, and design lovers can explore textures, materials, and honest craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

The new Sika Design collection is now available in-store. Visitors are invited to experience the collection firsthand at:

World Bazaar

843/1, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road,

Ghitorni, New Delhi-110030

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier, has celebrated 20 years of connecting India and Kazakhstan with the launch of a new service from Almaty to Mumbai, which began operations on 20th April 2025. The airline will now operate three weekly flights between the two commercial hubs, adding to its existing service to Delhi.

At a special reception in Mumbai to mark the occasion, Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, expressed his optimism about the new route and India’s growing market. “With the Indian economy growing strongly, Air Astana is delighted to launch services to Mumbai, a vibrant and flourishing metropolis driven by trade, finance and enterprise,” he said. “Business and leisure travellers will now be able to experience the excellence of Air Astana's in-services when flying between Kazakhstan's and India's most commercial cities.”

Air Astana first entered the Indian market in 2004 and has since steadily expanded its operations. The airline currently operates nine weekly flights to Delhi, with additional frequencies during the peak summer season.

With the new Mumbai route, Air Astana further strengthens its presence in India and opens new avenues for travel, trade, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has made a significant impact on the Indian wine industry, bringing global standards and recognition to the country’s growing community of sommeliers. As the only official ASI-affiliated body in India, SAI has been dedicated to elevating the profession, promoting excellence in wine and spirits education, and fostering international collaboration.

Recently, SAI hosted its first-ever 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, held on January 23 at The LaLiT Mumbai. This landmark event saw Jai Singh emerge as the winner, with Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh taking second and third place, respectively. The competition not only highlighted India’s top sommeliers but also attracted professionals and experts from across the world, further establishing the nation as a key player in the global wine and hospitality scene.

Strengthening the Industry with Global Partnerships

One of the key drivers behind SAI’s success is its strong partnerships with influential global organizations, which offer exclusive benefits to its members. Notable collaborations include:

• Jancis Robinson MW OBE: Insights from a leading wine critic and advocate of sustainable winemaking.
  

• Jane Anson: Bordeaux expert providing educational guidance.
  

• Sommelier India Wine Magazine: India’s first and leading wine magazine, delivering industry insights.
  

• GuildSomm: A premier international platform for wine education.
  

• RIEDEL: A renowned glassware company enhancing the wine-tasting experience.
  

These partnerships not only provide educational opportunities but also open doors for career development and networking within the global wine community.

Bridging Global Standards and Indian Talent

SAI has played a pivotal role in making prestigious international certifications accessible to Indian sommeliers. For the first time, Indian professionals were able to sit for the ASI Certification 1 Exam and the ASI Diploma Exam—opportunities previously unavailable in the country. This has empowered Indian sommeliers, such as Abhishek Batabyal, Yash Karnwal, and Jai Singh, to achieve recognition at the global level. In particular, Pankaj Singh made history by passing the ASI Diploma Exam, a monumental achievement for the Indian sommelier community.

Transforming the Future of Indian Sommeliers

SAI’s efforts are reshaping the landscape of wine education in India, positioning the country’s sommeliers to thrive on the global stage. “We are not only nurturing homegrown talent but giving it a truly international platform,” says Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder & Vice-President of SAI.

With the support of its global partners and the enthusiasm of its members, SAI is set to pave the way for a new generation of wine professionals who will represent India with pride on the world stage.

As the Indian wine industry continues to evolve, SAI is committed to further advancing the country’s reputation as a hub for wine education, appreciation, and hospitality. Through its ongoing initiatives, the association is not only fostering a community of skilled sommeliers but also nurturing a culture that celebrates the rich diversity of wines and beverages.

"SAI was born out of a vision to create access, opportunity, and recognition for Indian sommeliers on a global stage," says Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President of SAI. "This recognition is just the beginning of a transformative journey for the Indian hospitality and wine & beverage community."

About Sommeliers Association of India (SAI)

Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the sommelier profession. As a member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), SAI offers world-class education, certifications, and networking opportunities for wine professionals across India. Its initiatives, including the SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, provide a platform for Indian sommeliers to showcase their talent and advance to international competitions such as the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World.

SAI is committed to making India a leading hub for wine culture, promoting responsible consumption, and supporting the growth of the country’s rich wine tradition.