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Karan Dhanelia, Representing Indore, is Crowned Champion at the World Class 2026 (India, Nepal & Sri Lanka) Finals

The winner emerged from over 800 entries, as India, Nepal and Sri Lanka came together for the first time on a single platform representing the subcontinentIn only his second year competing at World Class, Karan of Atelier V was named Bartender of the Year 2026, and also won the Speed Round and The Singleton 12 Sensory Sessions ChallengesThis year’s Top 8 represented eight cities, dominated by mixologists from Tier 2 cities such as Indore and Jaipur, alongside Gurgaon, Goa, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Kolkata and MumbaiThe finals also saw the highest-ever representation of women in the Top 8 with three finalistsThe finale culminated with a cocktail festival featuring performances by Nucleya and takeovers by The Bar in Front of The Bar from Athens, GreeceNEW DELHI, March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Karan Dhanelia, representing Indore, has been named Bartender of the Year 2026 at the 12th edition of Diageo India’s World Class finals (India, Nepal & Sri Lanka). The most coveted bartending competition in India reached an electrifying conclusion after the two-day final held at Le Meridien, Gurgaon, on March 27th and 28th.

This year’s finals were truly special, with the highest-ever female representation in the Top 8, a wider spread of tier 2 and metro cities across India, and a champion from a city in the heart of the country, well known for its food, now stepping up with its cocktail culture.Over the course of the finals, Karan from Atelier V in Indore stood out for his charisma, composure and creativity with flavours. A standout drink he made included onion soda and spirulina syrup, which stood out for its originality and left a strong impression on the jury. In the speed round, his understanding of the classics ultimately gave him the edge and secured the win.For him, this win acts as a catalyst, placing them on a global stage, where they will represent the Indian subcontinent at the World Class Global Finals later this year, a global platform that has shaped the careers of some of the most recognised names in bartending.Karan Dhanelia, Head Mixologist at Atelier V, Indore, commented, “Winning World Class is a huge moment for me. It’s something I have worked very hard for, and to be able to represent India on a global stage is incredibly special. I’m also glad that I can put Indore on the cocktail map of India. More than anything, the journey has pushed me to think differently about my craft, from the way I approach flavours to how I tell a story through a drink. The mentorship through the platform has been invaluable, and I’m excited for what comes next.” An Evening of Competition and EnergyThe final brought together the region’s top 21 bartenders for a series of concept-led challenges designed to test technique, interpretation, hospitality and adaptability. From translating music into flavour with The Singleton 12 to creating art-inspired serves with Don Julio 1942, each round pushed bartenders to think beyond the expected. The final round then stripped everything back to a Speed Challenge, a test of precision, creativity and composure under pressure. The competition was judged by an international panel of renowned bartenders and World Class alumni, including David Rios, Tim Philips, Konstantinos Theodorakopoulos and Jenna Ba, alongside restaurateur-bartender duo Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh.The experience extended well beyond the competition stage. This year, the World Class Cocktail Festival unfolded on a much larger scale, opening up the platform to consumers and enthusiasts with more immersive experiences. Built around the philosophy of ‘Sip, Savour and Celebrate’, the format came alive through three distinct zones, bringing together brand-led storytelling, guided tastings and a high-energy, music-led atmosphere, which is now set to make its way to Mumbai on April 4th, 2026 at the SVP DOME. Across the festival, brands like Don Julio, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray and The Singleton came to life through fun & innovative serves. The Prive Reserve Bar also made its debut at the World Class Cocktail Festival in Delhi, featuring super-premium expressions including Lagavulin and Oban, and will also be present at the Mumbai edition. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label experience was also showcased at the festival. Personalised elements such as charm stations and customisable T-shirt booths added interactive activities for all.Following the winner announcement, performances by Sage, Novna x Avisha and Reyhaa led into a headline set by Nucleya.Shaping How India DrinksThis year also saw a stronger focus on experimentation with whisky as a base for creative cocktails, encouraging bartenders to move beyond familiar formats and work with greater depth and complexity in flavour.Anchal Kaushal, Vice President, Customer Marketing, Diageo India, said, “To see this year’s winner emerge from a city like Indore is so incredibly exciting and just goes to show the depth that World Class as a platform has reached. The composure that Karan displayed throughout the competition was commendable, and I’m sure he will represent our country very well at the World Class Global Finals.”What This Win RepresentsWinning World Class is often a turning point. It brings visibility, access and a global network, but more importantly, it changes how bartenders approach their craft. For many past winners, like Hemant Pathak and Jeet Rana, that journey continues well beyond the competition, into building their own bars and careers globally.Results of the FinalsThe Top 3 (Ranked)Karan Dhanelia, Atelier V, IndoreSiddhesh Palande The Bombay Canteen, MumbaiGracy Chourey, SOKA, BangaloreChallenge WinnersThe Quiz RoundRajneesh Barthwal, No Vacancy, New DelhiMukul Pandey, Miso Sexy, ChandigarhThe Sensory Sessions with Singleton 12Karan Dhanelia, Atelier V, IndoreDigital Galeria Don Julio 1942Rajneesh Barthwal, No Vacancy, New DelhiDheeraj Bhatt, Quinta Cantina, GoaThe Speed RoundKaran Dhanelia, Atelier V, IndoreThe Top 8 (Alphabetical)Chitra M, NOVY, GurgaonDheeraj Bhatt, Quinta Cantina, GoaDishant Kanojia, 1932 Trevi, JaipurGracy Chourey, Soka Cocktail Bar, BengaluruKaran Dhanelia, Atelier V, IndoreRajneesh Barthwal, No Vacancy, New DelhiSarbani Mukherjee, Conversation Room, KolkataSiddhesh Palande, The Bombay Canteen, MumbaiAbout Diageo IndiaDiageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) under the name United Spirits Limited (USL).Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest alcohol manufacturing footprints in India, with 35 facilities across the country. It manufactures, sells and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, champion Grain-to-Glass sustainability, responsible consumption, and nurture the alcobev ecosystem to contribute to India’s growth agenda. For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2945277/Diageo_India_World_Class_2026.jpg 

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KITABOO Unveils Global Advisory Board Bringing Together Leaders from International Publishing, Education, and Technology

Senior figures behind some of the world’s most influential publishing, digital learning, and technology organizations join KITABOO to help shape the future of learning.MUMBAI, India, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KITABOO and KITABOO One today announced the formation of its Global Advisory Board, assembling an extraordinary group of internationally respected leaders whose collective influence spans global publishing, digital transformation, education technology, content innovation, and enterprise growth.

The newly formed board brings together pioneers who have helped shape modern publishing and digital learning across multiple continents — from leading some of the world’s most influential publishing institutions to scaling transformative technology and education businesses globally.The founding members of the KITABOO Global Advisory Board include:Richard CharkinOne of the most influential figures in global publishing, Richard Charkin has held senior leadership positions at publishing giants including Bloomsbury, Macmillan, Oxford University Press, Reed Elsevier, and Current Science Group. A former President of both the International Publishers Association and the U.K. Publishers Association, Charkin currently serves as Chair of Thames & Hudson and advises multiple next-generation AI and publishing ventures. In 2024, he was awarded an OBE for services to publishing and literature.David TaylorA globally respected publishing and distribution strategist, David Taylor spent over four decades shaping the evolution of the international book trade. As Senior Vice President at Ingram Content Group, he led the global expansion strategy for Lightning Source, one of the world’s pioneering print-on-demand platforms, helping establish transformative publishing infrastructure across Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia, including a major footprint in India.Emma HouseEmma House is internationally recognized for driving innovation across publishing and creative industries. Known for helping publishers navigate digital disruption, emerging technologies, and audience transformation, she has been at the forefront of industry modernization initiatives and future-focused publishing strategy across global markets.Vikrant MathurVikrant Mathur brings extensive leadership experience in enterprise technology, strategic transformation, and scaling global businesses. His expertise spans technology-driven growth, operational excellence, and innovation-led organizational transformation across international markets.Sesh SeshadriSesh Seshadri is a seasoned technology and business leader with deep expertise in enterprise systems, digital learning ecosystems, and large-scale transformation initiatives. Over the course of his career, he has advised and led organizations through critical technology modernization and innovation journeys.Pranav GuptaPranav Gupta is a globally recognised publishing and education industry leader known for advancing innovation across learning ecosystems, digital publishing, copyright, and workforce transformation. As a prominent voice in the international publishing community, he has worked that spans policy advocacy, knowledge accessibility, future skills, and the modernisation of education and content ecosystems, influencing institutions, industry bodies, and learning organisations across global markets.The formation of the Global Advisory Board marks a major strategic milestone for KITABOO as the company accelerates its mission to help publishers, educators, and enterprises navigate the rapidly evolving future of learning.At a time when artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, accessibility, and personalized learning are fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is created and consumed, KITABOO is bringing together some of the most experienced minds in the industry to help define what comes next.”The future of learning will belong to organizations that can successfully combine technology, pedagogy, accessibility, and scalable content innovation,” said the leadership team at KITABOO. “This board represents decades of global experience across exactly those domains. Their insights and strategic guidance will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of KITABOO’s growth and impact.”The advisory board will help guide KITABOO’s strategic direction across:AI-powered learning experiencesDigital publishing transformationGlobal content accessibilityInteractive and immersive learningEnterprise learning ecosystemsK12 and higher education innovationScalable content distribution infrastructureOver the years, KITABOO has emerged as a trusted digital publishing and learning platform serving publishers, educational institutions, and enterprises worldwide. The company’s solutions power interactive content experiences across K12, higher education, professional publishing, and corporate learning ecosystems.With the launch of this Global Advisory Board, KITABOO is reinforcing its long-term vision to become one of the defining global platforms powering the future of digital learning and knowledge delivery.About KITABOOKITABOO is a leading cloud-based digital publishing and learning platform that enables publishers, educational institutions, and enterprises to create, distribute, secure, and analyze interactive digital content experiences at scale. Through AI-driven capabilities, accessibility-first design, analytics, and immersive learning technologies, KITABOO powers next-generation learning experiences for organizations across the globe.About KITABOO ONEKITABOO ONE is a digital content distribution and access platform developed by BookIT Digital Technologies Pvt. Ltd., designed to help publishers distribute, license, and monetize eBooks and digital learning content across retail, institutional, and global partner ecosystems. Built on the KITABOO digital reading infrastructure, the platform supports secure content delivery, multi-device access, flexible licensing models, branded publisher storefronts, and institutional digital library solutions for universities, libraries, corporations, and government organizations.Media Contactcontact@kitaboo.com www.kitaboo.com 

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PR Newswire Signs Affiliate Membership with PRCAI to Strengthen India’s Communications Ecosystem

– Partnership underscores commitment to ethical standards, AI-era visibility, and collaborative industry growthMUMBAI, India, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global press release distribution platform PR Newswire today announced its Affiliate Membership with Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI), India’s premium communications body.
Through this partnership, PR Newswire will participate in PRCAI’s industry forums, thought leadership platforms, and Industry discussions, while contributing to initiatives that strengthen professional standards and elevate best practices across the sector.”India’s communications industry is at a pivotal moment, shaped by digital transformation with AI-driven visibility, and evolving stakeholder expectations. Our partnership with PRCAI is a step towards achieving this and strengthening the network for faster and better results,” noted Winston D’Souza, Business Head, PR Newswire India.This collaboration was lauded by Amit Yadav, Business Head, PR Newswire India, too. “Our affiliate membership with PRCAI reflects our commitment to supporting industry dialogue, enabling knowledge exchange, and contributing to the professionalization of PR and corporate communications in India,” he said.This partnership will allow PR Newswire to: Become a practicing member of the Client–Consultancy Partnership Charter;Publish and showcase thought leadership content via PRCAI channels;Create speaker and engagement opportunities at PRCAI flagship initiatives and in industry reports;Allow exclusive/subsidized access to trainings and learning programs, masterclasses, and HR forums;Have a key presence on the PRCAI website, and connect to 180+ member network.Winston D’Souza & Amit Yadav jointly head PR Newswire India and have been instrumental in the market expansion and financial performance. Both have spent over 15 years with PR Newswire, playing a key role in strengthening and growing the brand’s presence in India.By decentralizing executive decisions and doubling leadership oversight, the co-leaders have successfully scaled core operations, unlocked innovative revenue streams, and fostered a high-performance culture. Their unified direction has not only accelerated compound annual growth but also solidified the company’s position as a resilient industry leader in the press release distribution space.About PR NewswirePR Newswire is the industry’s leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 500,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists, and influencers, and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our innovative AI-powered PR Newswire Amplify ™ platform, award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive Multichannel Amplification™ catalogue of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For more than 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination worldwide for brands to share their most important news stories.For more information, please visit www.prnewswire.comAbout CisionCision is the global leader in consumer and media intelligence, engagement, and communication solutions. We equip PR and corporate communications, marketing, and social media professionals with the tools they need to excel in today’s data driven world. Our deep expertise, exclusive data partnerships, and award-winning products, including CisionOne , Brandwatch , Trajaan , and PR Newswire , enable over 75,000 companies and organizations, including 84% of the Fortune 500, to see and be seen, understand and be understood by the audiences that matter most to them.About PRCAIFounded in 2001, the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) is the nation’s most credible and influential communications body. For over two and a half decades, PRCAI has worked alongside its members to advance best practices, strengthen the profession, and nurture a world-class PR and communications ecosystem in India and beyond. With 180 member firms and thousands of practitioners, PRCAI champions ethical standards, talent development, innovation, and industry collaboration to build a globally competitive and future-ready communications ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to India’s business, cultural, and nation-building agenda. For more information about PRCAI, visit www.prcai.org.For questions, contact the team at CisionPR@cision.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2244701/PR_Newswire_Logo.jpg 

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Puri, Wayanad and Goa Emerge as Trending Summer Choices for Indian Families, Agoda Reports

SINGAPORE, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has recorded a rise in family accommodation searches for domestic summer travel compared to last year, with destinations such as Puri, Wayanad and Goa emerging as trending locations for the upcoming school holiday period. Based on accommodation search data for check-ins between May and June 2026, the findings point to growing travel interest in coastal, nature and outdoor-focused getaways compared to last year.

The trend aligns closely with the school holiday window where most schools in Indian states closing through May and June, and is one of the few periods in the year when families can travel together for an extended stretch. This is also reflected in travel planning, with families gravitating toward destinations that offer outdoor activities, relaxation and time together.Coastal and nature destinations see rising interest Odisha’s iconic coastal town, Puri, is drawing interest with a 68% rise in accommodation searches. Home to the Jagannath Temple and the broad sweep of the Bay of Bengal shoreline, Puri offers families a mix of spiritual heritage and beachside leisure that is clearly resonating with summer holiday planners.Kerala’s Wayanad has seen a 40% rise in family accommodation searches compared to last year. A world away from the summer heat of the plains, its wildlife sanctuaries, plantation retreats and cool, mist-wrapped forests offer a distinctive kind of family holiday, one built around nature rather than novelty.Goa, perennially one of India’s most sought-after destinations, has registered a 29% increase in searches. With its wide array of beaches, water parks and broad range of resort stays suited to children of all ages, it continues to draw consistent interest from families planning their summer break.Hill stations and adventure destinations trends as wellRishikesh in Uttarakhand recorded a 22% rise in accommodation searches, with families increasingly drawn to its mix of spiritual significance, riverside camps, yoga retreats and outdoor activities such as rafting along the Ganga.The hill stations of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu continue to draw interest as well. Mahabaleshwar recorded a 15% increase in family accommodation searches compared to last year, while Ooty saw a 13% rise. Both these destinations offer cool temperatures, scenic viewpoints and well-established hospitality infrastructure that have made them summer staples for generations of Indian travelers.Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda said, “Summer holidays continue to be an important travel period for Indian families, and in 2026 the planning behind these trips has grown increasingly intentional. Families are exploring a broader mix of destinations, from coastal getaways and nature-focused escapes to perennial favorites. This reflects a growing desire among travelers to consider a wider range of options for their vacations. At Agoda, our focus is on enabling exactly that kind of considered planning, bringing together the right combination of stays, flights and activities to make any vacation plan seamless.”Agoda provides access to over 6 million holiday properties across price points and property types, alongside more than 130,000 flight routes and over 300,000 activities that can be booked together in one place. Discover the latest deals on the Agoda mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more information.

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