Skål International India Installs Its 20th Club in Kashmir

Skål International India Installs Its 20th Club in Kashmir

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 2, 2025

Skål International India has installed its 20th club, Skål International Kashmir, with a grand ceremony held at Taj Dal View in Srinagar. This historic event marks the first time an Indian Chief Minister has inaugurated a Skål Club of India. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, presided as the chief guest, bringing together Skålleagues, tourism leaders, hospitality stakeholders and dignitaries. The inauguration highlighted the growing importance of tourism in the Kashmir Valley, widely known as the paradise on earth.

The ceremony followed official Skål protocols with the oath-taking, pinning of office-bearers and founder members, certificate presentations, and recognition of contributors to tourism in the region. This new club further strengthens Skål International India’s expanding presence, following the installation of Skål International Jammu & Kashmir earlier this year as the organisation’s 19th club.

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Speaking about the moment, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, expressed confidence in the valley’s tourism strength, saying: “Kashmir welcomes Skål International with open arms, together, we will invite the world to rediscover our peace, beauty, and hospitality. Any B2B networking is good for the Kashmir economy. Tourism is our key business and Skål International India is doing excellent work, we are happy to see Kashmir in the spotlight for Skål International India.”

Mohan NSN, Vice President, Skål International 2026 & President-Elect 2027, highlighted the global appeal of the valley and added: “Kashmir is a destination that touches hearts, Skål International stands committed to empowering its tourism community with global opportunities. India is now one of the most dynamic forces in the Skål World community, our progress is truly outstanding.”

Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, reflected on the organisation’s growth and said: “Our 20th club in India reflects our belief in Kashmir’s power to inspire global travel and drive sustainable tourism growth. Our goal is to establish at least one club in every State and Union Territory and even multiple clubs where the industry size demands it.”

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Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon, Vice President 1, Skål International Kashmir, shared the club’s mission: “Our mission is to unite every tourism professional here to showcase Kashmir’s timeless heritage and unmatched experiences to the world.”

  • Office Bearers — Skål International Kashmir

  • President — Sk Zahoor Ahmad Qari

  • Vice President 1 — Sk Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon

  • Vice President 2 — Sk Shamim A Shah

  • Secretary — Sk Ather Yameen Narwari

  • Treasurer — Sk Mir Anwar

  • Membership Development Officer — Sk Tanveer Ahmad Khan

  • Director — PR, Communications & CSR — Sk Irshad Hazari

  • Auditor — Sk Rahil Patloo

Skål International India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable and responsible tourism, strengthening alliances with valley-wide stakeholders, enhancing global visibility and exchange, and contributing to socio-economic progress through tourism excellence.

The installation evening celebrated Kashmiri culture with musical performances, felicitations and warm camaraderie, reflecting unity, pride and a shared vision for the future of tourism in the valley. With this landmark inauguration, Skål India continues to embrace its philosophy of “Doing Business Among Friends” while strengthening tourism leadership across the country.


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.


McDonald's India – North and East Crosses 200 McCafé Outlets, Partners with Tara Sutaria

McDonald's India – North and East Crosses 200 McCafé Outlets, Partners with Tara Sutaria

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2026

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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