The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA) recently hosted a Kids Gourmet Dessert Masterclass at the Shoppers Stop outlet in Sector 66, Gurugram. The session was designed as an interactive, hands-on experience, introducing young participants to the basics of gourmet dessert-making while encouraging creativity and confidence in the kitchen. Over 65 young learners took part in the workshop, making it a lively and engaging session. This also marked the third workshop conducted by IICA at Shoppers Stop.

The masterclass was led by Chef Dharmendra Kumar, Sous Chef, Bakery & Pastry, IICA, along with Chef Prashant Kumar, Jr. Sous Chef, IICA. During the session, they demonstrated two recipes, Foxnut and Chocolate Rocks, and Fruit Trifle with Eggless Sponge. The chefs focused on simplifying techniques, making gourmet concepts easy for children to understand and enjoy.

The workshop was attended by Gandharv, Customer Care Associate & Marketing Manager at Shoppers Stop. Supporting the chefs were IICA students Gyan Vrat Arya (Bakery Student) and Aryan Jha (Culinary Student), who gained hands-on experience through the session. Such workshops at IICA are aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry exposure, giving students a chance to understand real-world environments.

Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder, International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), said, "Workshops like these play an important role in introducing young audiences to culinary creativity in an engaging and interactive manner. Such initiatives not only encourage early interest in the culinary arts but also help create memorable experiences for participants, while enabling brands like Shoppers Stop to meaningfully engage with their customers through unique, hands-on activities."

Arjun S. Datta, Managing Director & COO, International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), added, "Collaborations like these provide an effective platform for organisations such as Shoppers Stop to enhance customer engagement by offering interactive culinary and pastry workshops. These experiences help create stronger connections with their audience while bringing a unique experiential dimension to retail environments."

For those interested in building a career in culinary or bakery arts, registrations are currently open for the July '26 batch at IICA’s Hauz Khas campus. The programmes offer structured training under experienced chefs, with a strong focus on practical learning and industry exposure, along with pathways to global work opportunities.

Founded in 2005 by Chef Virender S. Datta, IICA is among the early institutions in India to introduce internationally benchmarked culinary education. The institute combines structured kitchen training with globally recognised qualifications from City & Guilds (UK) and BSI Learning (Australia), offered exclusively at IICA. It has also expanded its global presence through collaborations, including a Memorandum of Understanding with Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College in Japan, enabling student exchange, joint curriculum development, and cross-cultural learning opportunities.

India’s adventure tourism landscape is taking a sharper, more ambitious turn as Jumpin Heights introduces what it calls the country’s only Valley Rope Jump. Launched in the scenic expanse of Rishikesh’s Mohanchatti valley, the experience signals a new phase in high-adrenaline, globally benchmarked activities within India.

Set against the Himalayan backdrop, the Valley Rope Jump is designed to push the limits of conventional adventure formats. Participants experience an intense freefall, nearly double that of a traditional bungy jump—before transitioning into a high-velocity swing across the valley. The combination of vertical drop and sweeping motion creates a layered thrill, enhanced by expansive panoramic views.

Safety and engineering remain central to the experience. Participants are secured with international-standard seat and chest harness systems, connected to specially designed wire ropes, before stepping off a cliff-edge platform. The setup is supported by multiple fail-safe mechanisms and is operated by certified experts, aligning with global safety benchmarks.

The offering introduces flexible formats to broaden its appeal. A tandem “Fearless Duo” option allows two participants to jump together, while solo jumpers can earn the “Valley Victor” recognition, adding a gamified dimension to the experience. This layered approach reflects a shift in adventure tourism, from single-activity thrills to more immersive and personalised formats.

The launch builds on Jumpin Heights’ legacy of innovation, including its widely discussed Cut Cord Bungy, which helped generate strong consumer interest and digital traction. With the Valley Rope Jump, the brand continues to position itself at the forefront of India’s extreme adventure ecosystem, bringing formats typically seen in international markets closer to home.

Commenting on the development, Managing Director Niharika Nigam said, “We have been extremely selective about introducing new experiences. It took us over a decade to conceptualise something that could truly raise the bar. The Valley Rope Jump is not just another activity—it is designed to be one of the most extreme and technically advanced adventure experiences in India, aligning with global standards while showcasing the natural beauty of Rishikesh.”

Located approximately 45 minutes from Lakshman Jhula, the Mohanchatti site combines accessibility with a dramatic natural setting. The valley’s terrain and acoustics further amplify the sensory experience, making it a compelling draw for both domestic and international thrill-seekers.

As experiential travel continues to gain momentum, offerings like the Valley Rope Jump highlight a clear shift, towards curated, high-impact experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing. For Jumpin Heights, the focus remains on pushing boundaries while ensuring that safety, precision, and innovation stay at the core of every jump.

Connplex Cinemas has launched its premium Luxuriance format at CINEBAR, Level 1, Tribeca Highstreet, NIBM, Pune, bringing a new cinema experience to the city. The move reflects the brand’s focus on offering high-end, comfort-led movie viewing for today’s urban audience.

Located in one of Pune’s fast-growing lifestyle hubs, the new multiplex is designed to cater to audiences looking for a more refined entertainment experience. Connplex Cinemas currently operates over 300 screens across 35+ locations, with formats like Express, Signature, and Luxuriance tailored for different audience preferences.

The Pune property features four premium screens with a total seating capacity of 225 seats, spread across 7,778 sq. ft. The design focuses on creating a more intimate and comfortable setting, combining modern aesthetics with a boutique-style experience.

Each screen is equipped with plush recliner seating, offering added comfort and privacy. Advanced projection systems ensure clear and vibrant visuals, while high-quality audio technology creates an immersive sound experience. The offering is further enhanced with a curated food and beverage menu and personalised service, turning a regular movie outing into a more premium experience.

The location also adds to the overall appeal. Tribeca Highstreet hosts a mix of dining and social spaces, including The Murphies, The Urban Foundry, and Hippie@Heart, allowing visitors to combine movies with food and leisure activities.

Kalpesh Mehta, Founder, Tribeca Developers, said, “As high-street developments evolve into lifestyle-driven ecosystems, experiences like Connplex Luxuriance play a pivotal role in shaping how people engage with retail and entertainment. At Tribeca Highstreet, our vision has always been to curate destinations that blend design, community, and premium experiences, and this launch is a strong step in that direction.”

Speaking on the launch, Anish Patel & Rahul Dhyani, Founders & Directors, Connplex Cinemas, said, “Pune, the future of cinema arrives with us. Connplex Cinemas is here to set a bold new benchmark in experience, innovation, and design because this city deserves nothing less than extraordinary.”

With this launch, Connplex Luxuriance aims to position itself as one of Pune’s premium cinema destinations, while also strengthening Tribeca Highstreet’s identity as a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Spread across 3.66 lakh sq. ft. with over 90+ brands, Tribeca Highstreet continues to attract a steady footfall, making it one of the city’s key lifestyle destinations. The addition of Connplex Luxuriance further enhances its appeal, offering visitors a complete mix of retail, food, and entertainment in one place.