India’s coffee culture is about to get a serious shot of espresso, straight from Italy. Through an exclusive collaboration with the Espresso Academy and Italian Coffee Academy in Florence, globally respected institutions that have shaped the art of coffee for decades, aspiring baristas in India can now access authentic Italian coffee expertise, heritage, and training without crossing borders

The academy offers programs for every skill level. Beginners can start with foundational barista skills, while experienced coffee enthusiasts can advance to Latte Art and Specialty Coffee Masterclasses. Those seeking a full professional pathway can enrol in internationally recognised Diploma Programs designed to meet the highest global standards.

Hands-on learning is the cornerstone of the training. Students work alongside experienced coffee professionals in real café settings, using advanced espresso machines and brewing tools. The curriculum blends practical techniques with international best practices, ensuring graduates are ready to work from day one.

With India’s coffee culture expanding rapidly, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities, demand for skilled baristas is on the rise. Graduates of the academy are prepared for careers in specialty cafés, luxury hotels, cruise lines, or their own entrepreneurial ventures. Every course comes with a globally recognised certification, boosting employability and opening international opportunities.

Since its launch in March 2025, the academy has grown quickly, building a strong alumni network. Many graduates have secured jobs abroad, while others are successfully running cafés in India. Dedicated placement support connects students with leading coffee businesses both locally and overseas.

This Italian-Indian partnership is more than just a training initiative, it’s a movement to raise coffee-making standards in India and give homegrown baristas a competitive edge globally.

About Italian Coffee Academy India:

The academy is led by Mr. Arjun Sethi, whose vision is to connect Italy’s rich coffee tradition with India’s growing café culture. With years of hospitality experience and a passion for coffee education, he ensures students not only learn the craft but excel at it.

 Based in Delhi, Italian Coffee Academy India is affiliated with Espresso Academy in Florence, offering premium coffee education through the Italian Barista Certificate (IBC) program. Students gain expertise in coffee origins, espresso extraction, milk frothing, and latte art, learning on state-of-the-art equipment under expert trainers. Graduates who pass the final exam receive the internationally recognised IBC, opening doors to global opportunities.

Thailand’s low-cost airline Nok Air will resume direct flights from Mumbai and Hyderabad to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) starting October 26, 2025, coinciding with the beginning of the winter travel season.

The carrier will operate daily flights from Mumbai and four weekly services from Hyderabad, reinstating routes that had been paused during the summer months. The move highlights Nok Air’s renewed focus on the Indian market, offering travellers easier access to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, wellness retreats, and beach destinations.

From Bangkok, passengers will have convenient connections to popular Thai holiday spots such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Chiang Rai, along with niche travel segments including golf tours, destination weddings, and spa getaways.

Nok Air will offer two fare categories on these routes:

• Nok Air X-tra: 20 kg checked baggage, 7 kg cabin baggage, premium seat selection, in-flight entertainment, and a complimentary snack box with water.
  

• Nok Max: 30 kg checked baggage, 7 kg cabin baggage, premium seat selection, and a complimentary snack box with water.
  

Flight Schedule:

• Mumbai – Bangkok
  

• DD939: Departs 02:10, arrives 08:05 (daily)
  

• DD938: Departs 22:10, arrives 01:10 (daily)
  

• Hyderabad – Bangkok
  

• DD959: Departs 00:45, arrives 06:05 (Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat)
  

• DD958: Departs 21:30, arrives 23:45 (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun)
  

Ramesh Marwah, Director at DEX Group (Nok Air’s GSA in India), said the timing is ideal for peak travel demand. “There is strong demand for leisure travel, MICE, weddings, and golf tourism from India to Thailand. We will work closely with trade partners, online travel agencies, and industry federations to support and grow these segments,” he noted.

Nok Air, operated by Nok Airlines Public Company Limited, has a fleet of 14 Boeing 737-800 aircraft and operates an extensive domestic network in Thailand alongside select international services to India and China. Positioned as a premium budget carrier, the airline combines competitive fares with added comfort, including spacious seating and in-flight entertainment.

In a move that brings India’s island charm to global attention, the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has opened two new resorts under its SeleQtions brand in Lakshadweep. Nestled within the untouched beauty of the archipelago, the 60-room Bangaram Island Resort and the glamping-style Coral Pearl are designed to offer a unique and sustainable retreat for travellers.

The Coral Pearl resort features 50 luxury tents set against the serene backdrop of Lakshadweep’s white sandy beaches. Meanwhile, Bangaram Island Resort focuses on eco-conscious hospitality, inviting guests to connect with nature while enjoying comfort and luxury.

Visitors to the islands can dive into adventure with activities like scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, and guided nature trails, each curated to explore the region’s rich marine biodiversity.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, shared his thoughts on the launch:

“In keeping with IHCL’s legacy of pioneering destinations in India, the two resorts on Bangaram island put Lakshadweep on the global tourism map. Reflective of our ethos of responsible tourism, the eco-resorts set in the pristine white beaches offer distinctive experiences rooted in the local essence.”

With this launch, IHCL continues its journey of opening up new travel experiences rooted in India’s diverse landscapes. The addition of these Lakshadweep resorts extends their island offering and adds a fresh option for travellers seeking exclusivity and tranquillity.

IHCL currently operates a portfolio of 400 hotels globally, including 151 in the pipeline, spread across four continents, 14 countries, and over 150 destinations.

In recent developments, the group also announced a Taj-branded hotel in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh, with 120 rooms and stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Additionally, it has signed a new Gateway hotel in Pune, Maharashtra, further strengthening its footprint in India.