13, Oct 2025
India to Host 8th Session of Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs in Guwahati
Guwahati, Assam| 13th Oct, 2025: India, the “Spice Bowl of the World,” is set to host the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8) from 13 to 17 October 2025 at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati. Organized by the Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, this global meeting reaffirms India’s leadership in setting international standards for spices and culinary herbs.
Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Assam will inaugurate the CCSCH 8 on 13th October 2025. The session will bring together international delegates, policymakers, scientists, and trade experts from Codex member countries to deliberate on global standards that ensure the safety, quality, and fair trade of spices and herbs. Around 140 delegates from 38 countries are expected to attend the session.
Hosting CCSCH8 in Guwahati highlights India’s commitment to strengthening Codex initiatives and promoting spice diversity from the North-eastern region—home to unique indigenous varieties. Assam, known for its breathtaking landscapes, world-renowned tea gardens, and rich cultural heritage, provides a fitting backdrop for this global gathering.
As the host, India continues to play a pivotal role in developing Codex standards for spices and culinary herbs, ensuring consumer protection and facilitating fair international trade.
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- By Neel Achary
11, Oct 2025
World Architecture Day: Merino’s Grande Vision for Seamless Design
India, 11th october 2025:Architecture is often described as the meeting point of imagination and material. On World Architecture Day, it feels important to recognise the vision of architects & also the role of materials in helping those visions come alive. At Merino, this belief has always been at the core of innovation i.e., creating solutions that do both: support design alongside upscaling it.
From pioneering engineered surfaces to setting new benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing, Merino has consistently worked with one guiding idea: design should inspire, perform, and last. This approach has allowed the company to become one of India’s most respected names in surface solutions, trusted by architects, designers, and homeowners alike. The journey has been about listening to the evolving needs of the design community and responding with products that redefine what’s possible. The Grande Collection is a perfect example of that philosophy.
Rethinking Scale in Interiors
Modern interiors are no longer confined to small dimensions. In the 21st century – homes, offices, and hospitality spaces aspire for openness and fluidity. Architects want to work with planes that feel seamless, uninterrupted, and expansive. Traditional laminates, while versatile, often posed one limitation: size. Multiple sheets meant visible joints, breaking the flow of design.
The Grande Collection was created to change this equation. At 10 feet in height and 4 feet in width, with a thickness of 1.25 mm, these laminates deliver uninterrupted elegance. With no cuts & no breaks, homeowners & architects get free-flowing, uninterrupted beauty. For floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, tall shutters, expansive wall panels, long doors, or long tables, Grande makes seamless scale a reality.
Inspired by Nature, Crafted for Luxury
Grande is a lot more than size. Its strength lies equally in the finishes it offers. With 59 exclusive designs spread across 9 unique finishes, the collection provides architects with a broad yet carefully curated palette. Finishes include Feather Touch, High Gloss, Linea Wood, Luxe, Timber, Veneer, Woven, and more: each bringing its own texture and depth.
From 23 sophisticated solid tones to nature-inspired woods, stones, veneers, and patterns, the collection speaks the language of versatility. Every sheet embodies rich, unique textures that reflect modern global design sensibilities while staying rooted in elegance. Irrespective of what you want: understated woodgrains, bold metallics, or intricate patterns, the range has been designed to transform everyday interiors into grand, unified expressions of luxury.
Exclusivity by Design
Grande is a collection positioned with intentional exclusivity. It is meant for premium residential architects and interior designers (AIDs), especially those already working with veneers and luxury surfaces. On the retail side, it is selectively available only through big showroom-type dealer outlets, limited to a handful of partners in each key market. This ensures Grande retains its distinctiveness while giving professionals something truly special to work with.
Built for Architects, Backed by Merino
Merino’s legacy of manufacturing excellence is one of Grande Collection’s greatest USPs. Precision calibration ensures dimensional stability, while the larger size reduces installation time and eliminates disruptive joints. For architects, it means fewer limitations; for installers, smoother execution. Grande also carries forward Merino’s ethos of innovation with responsibility. The brand’s focus on sustainable practices from renewable energy adoption to agroforestry-based raw material sourcing ensures that every sheet is as responsible as it is refined.
11, Oct 2025
Fertility Expert Sayali Vaidya Hosts India’s Biggest Natural Conception Event in Pune
Mrs Sayali Vaidya, India’s Leading Voice In Fertility Yoga, Brings Conceive Naturally Conference,India’s Biggest Natural Conception Event In Pune
Pune, 11th october 2025: One of India’s leading voices in fertility yoga, Mrs Sayali Kalpesh Vaidya, in association with Sundar Wellness Center, is organising the Conceive Naturally Conference (CNC). Its purpose is to empower couples in the planning stage for natural conception through yoga, Ayurveda, manifestation, and emotional healing. Touted as India’s largest one-day fertility and wellness conference, it will take place on October 5th, 2025, starting from 10:00 A.M at Buntara Bhavan Auditorium in Baner, Pune.
The theme of the conference is Breathe. Believe. Conceive. CNC will be a confluence of science and spirituality, where couples and individuals will find hope, healing, and community. The conference is not just limited to couples in the planning stage. It is open for everyone, including women facing fertility challenges and health-conscious individuals.
Throughout the conference, there will be sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. The first session, A Journey from Fear to Faith, will be organised by Mrs Sayali Kalpesh Vaidya. Following this, there will be sessions like Healing through Mantra and Breathwork by Mr Kalpesh Vaidya, and Dr Neha Phulpagare will host a session on Vocal Resonance For Inner Balance. Mrs. Vaidya will also launch her most awaited book, before she takes the stage for a panel discussion on Conceive Naturally With A Holistic Approach.
Talking about the Conceive Naturally Conference, Mrs Sayali Kalpesh Vaidya said, “This conference is the biggest natural conception event carried out across the country. Over 1,200 attendees, along with wellness coaches, and Ayurvedic and homoeopathic MDs, will participate. My mission is to guide people, and their bodies for a safer conception through this conference. We are planning to organise yogic healing sessions, emotional release practices that open your heart and mind. With this, there will be scientific insights to support your journey with real-life success stories that will establish trust and faith in the process. We are very thrilled and excited to become a part of your journey to conceive.”
Mrs Sayali Kalpesh Vaidya, the founder of Sundar Wellness Center and a fertility yoga expert, has supported over 5,000+ students in their journey. She is blending the science of yoga, Ayurveda, and soulful practices for couples to conceive naturally. She also founded Yoga With Sayali, where she helps her 148K+ Instagram followers as well as 23K YouTube subscribers with yoga tutorials, fertility guidance, tips, and live sessions.
As a leading figure in fertility yoga, she has helped many couples who were dejected after several attempts to conceive. With the Conceive Naturally Conference, Sayali is igniting hope amongst couples through holistic tools and practices to conceive naturally. Sayali has formed a community through her platform, and during the conference, the couples who were previously a part of the programme, will share their testimonials. This will create a sense of community for new joinees and inculcate a feeling of safety and hope for parenthood.
Her 90-Day Mindful Fertility Programme has helped many couples during their conception phase. The diplomas and certificates in Yogic Science, Naturopathy, Pre-Natal and Post Natal Yoga, along with Master’s in Yogashastra has legitimised her practice. It has helped people discover the power of holistic practices that go beyond conventional methods.
This conference also underscores the importance of mind and body wellness, as well as a balanced lifestyle for a safer conception. CNC will serve as living proof that parenthood can begin naturally with the right mindset, yoga, and maintaining a holistic lifestyle.
11, Oct 2025
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass Marks World Mental Health Day Highlighting Elderly Care
Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, commemorates World Mental Health Day with a focus on elderly emotional care and connection
Mumbai / Kolkata, 11th October 2025: On World Mental Health Day, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, conducted a thought-provoking panel discussion on emotional well-being, inner peace, and meaningful connection for the elderly community. The interactive session was moderated by Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Director – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur Cluster and Ms. Sohini Saha, Consultant- Psychologist, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, in the presence of other eminent doctors like Dr. Abir Mukherjee, Consultant Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur; Dr. Arijit Dutta Chowdhury, Consultant Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass and Dr. Anuttama Banerjee, Consultant- Psychologist, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass. The session was designed to highlight the emotional and psychological struggles of elderly citizens in the contemporary, fast-paced world and to foster dialogue around developing empathy, mindfulness, and social connection in later life.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abir Mukherjee shared, “With improved healthcare and a longer life expectancy, India is witnessing a growing elderly population, a positive sign of progress, yet one that brings with it newer challenges. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, dementia are highly prevalent among the elderly, often intensified by social isolation, stigma, nuclear family structures and economic dependence. Lack of awareness and timely intervention further worsens the situation. Additionally, there is a dearth of professional support, failure to adequately address care giver’s burden. It is essential that we, as a society, work collectively to create an environment of empathy, early recognition, and support so that our elderly can age with emotional well-being, dignity, and purpose.”
While talking about mental health awareness, Dr. Arijit Dutta Chowdhury stated, “With the advancement of medical science, human life expectancy has increased significantly, leading to a growing number of people in the geriatric age group. However, this also brings with it a rise in age-related mental health challenges such as dementia, depression, and anxiety. Early diagnosis and timely intervention through appropriate medication and psychotherapy, wherever necessary, play a crucial role in improving the quality of life and emotional well-being of elderly individuals.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anuttama Banerjee opined, “Old age is not an illness but an inevitable phase of life, unique to everyone. As caregivers, our role is to create a supportive environment that helps older people embrace this transition with confidence and dignity. Health challenges should be addressed with sensitivity, without over pathologizing or infantilizing them.”
Moderator for the interactive session, Ms. Sohini Saha, stated, “Mental health is a universal right, and we must ensure that our elderly not only receive care and support but also the dignity and emotional well-being they truly deserve. Conversations around mental health should move beyond stigma and silence to empathy and understanding. It is important that families, caregivers, and communities work together to create a safe space where emotional struggles are acknowledged and addressed. True wellness comes not only from physical health but from a balanced state of mind, where one feels valued, heard, and connected.”
11, Oct 2025
Celebrate the Festival of Light at Kaleidoscope This Diwali
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 11th october 2025: From Saturday, 18th to Monday, 20th October 2025, Atlantis, The Palm’s all-day dining restaurant, Kaleidoscope, will transform in celebration of Diwali. Each evening from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, guests can enjoy a feast of Indian favourites alongside a variety of entertainment, including live music, dance performances, and dhol.
For just AED 280 per adult and AED 140 for children including soft beverages, guests can indulge in a wide variety of Indian sweet treats and classic home-style dishes prepared by Atlantis, The Palm’sleading Indian chefs. The buffet will feature traditional biryani with freshly made rotis, as well as an extensive live chaat counter offering sev puri with signature sweet and spicy chutneys and pani puri topped with tangy tamarind sauce and mint chutney. Additional signature stations will include an Indian bread counter
featuring freshly made parathas, naans, and chutneys, alongside tandoor and handi dishes, kuzhi paniyaram, and more.
Those with a sweet tooth can also treat themselves to a dedicated Indian dessert stall and jalebi station, offering delicacies such as fresh gulab jamun, rasgulla, and Mysore pak, with chai and ice gola also available.
Diwali celebrations would not be complete without vibrant entertainment to mark India’s most important festival. Henna artists will be on hand to adorn guests’ hands with intricate patterns, while live Rangoli art and a photo booth will welcome guests as they enter the celebrations. The soundtrack to the festivities will be provided by a live band performing Bollywood-inspired fusion sets, accompanied by energetic dance performances.
Diwali at Kaleidoscope will take place from Saturday, 18th to Monday, 20th October 2025, from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. Prices are AED 280 per adult and AED 140 per child, inclusive of unlimited food and soft beverages.
11, Oct 2025
JMR Infotech Brings AI Driven Solutions for BFS at Oracle AI World 2025
Dubai, 11 October 2025 – JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions and an Oracle Platinum Partner, will participate in Oracle AI World 2025, taking place October 13–16 in Las Vegas. The company will demonstrate how AI, combined with Oracle technologies, can help organizations make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and accelerate growth.
Building on nearly two decades of experience delivering banking technology solutions globally, JMR Infotech combines deep domain expertise with AI-driven innovation to help organizations transform how they operate and make decisions. At Oracle AI World 2025, the company will showcase solutions that leverage intelligent applications, agentic AI for rapid implementations, and AI-powered accelerators — designed to help enterprises turn data into actionable insights, accelerate digital initiatives, and achieve measurable
business impact.
Jayafar Moidu, Founder & CEO of JMR Infotech, will represent the company at Oracle AI World and will be available to meet with attendees to discuss practical ways and tailored strategies to leverage AI for business impact.
“Oracle AI World is an ideal platform to explore the possibilities of AI in enterprise transformation,” said Jayafar Moidu. “We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, sharing insights from our global experience, and helping organizations make AI work for their business.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how JMR Infotech can partner with them to unlock AI’s potential and drive meaningful transformation across their organizations.
10, Oct 2025
V-Guard Launches ‘Edam’ Counselling Hub in Kochi for Women’s Mental Health
Kochi, October 10, 2025: As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, V-Guard Industries Ltd. has launched Edam, a free counselling centre for women in Kochi, in collaboration with Welfare Services Ernakulam (Sahrudaya). The centre was inaugurated on World Mental Health Day, underscoring the need for accessible mental health care tailored for women. The inaugural ceremony was held in Kochi, with Hibi Eden, MP, formally inaugurating the initiative, and Dr. Reenaa Mithun Chittilappilly presiding over the event.
National and international health studies have consistently shown that women are disproportionately affected by stress, depression, and anxiety. Recognising this urgent need, Edam aims to provide a safe and supportive space where women can seek professional counselling, emotional support, and guidance — completely free of charge.
“Along with development in society, the mental health of its people is equally important. However, many are still unwilling to open up about the mental difficulties they experience. Even today, there remains a stigma around us. In this context, the initiative ‘Edam’ launched by V-Guard Industries Limited in collaboration with Sahrudaya is indeed a significant step forward,” said Hibi Eden, MP, while speaking at the inauguration.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Reenaa Mithun Chittilappilly said, “Through Edam, we want to break the silence around mental health and ensure that women have access to the care and support they deserve. This initiative is an extension of V-Guard’s commitment to fostering healthier and more resilient communities. Women often carry invisible burdens while balancing roles at home, at work, and in society. With Edam, we want to give them a safe space to pause, reflect, and heal. This centre is not just about counselling — it’s about empowering women with resilience and hope.”
The initiative ‘Edam’ will operate from the Ponnurunni Welfare Services (Sahrudaya) campus.
For free counselling services, you may contact 9847610707. Services are available Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At the heart of Edam is its free, confidential one-on-one counselling service, designed especially for women in need. Highly trained counsellors will provide personalised mental health support in a private and empathetic environment.
Other planned activities during its first phase include:
- Awareness Sessions & Community Outreach: Regular workshops in schools, colleges, and community centres to improve mental health literacy and encourage open conversations around women’s mental well-being.
- Mental Health Screenings & Camps: Community-level assessments to identify early signs of distress and connect women with timely professional support.
By March 2026, Edam aims to directly reach 750+ women in Kochi through awareness and counselling services, with over 350 women expected to benefit from individual counselling sessions.
With this initiative, V-Guard Industries Ltd. reiterates its dedication to building mentally healthy communities and breaking barriers to care ensuring that every woman, regardless of background, has access to confidential, compassionate, and professional mental health support.
Sreekumar A., Vice President, V-Guard Industries Ltd; Saneesh K., Chief Officer – CSR, V-Guard Industries Ltd.; Fr. Joseph Koluthuvallil, Executive Director, Sahrudaya; Fr. Sibin Thomas, Assistant Executive Director; John Joshy K. J., District Social Justice Officer, Ernakulam and Drusya A., Assistant Professor, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakkara were also present at the inaugural event.
10, Oct 2025
Parisian Fashion Expands in Delhi NCR ELLE Opens 3rd Exclusive Store at Pacific Mall
New Delhi, September 2025: ELLE, the globally celebrated fashion and lifestyle brand, has brought another slice of Paris to Delhi with the launch of its newest store at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden. This opening marks ELLE’s 3rd Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) in Delhi NCR, underscoring its growing presence in one of India’s most fashion-forward regions.
The new store is designed to reflect ELLE’s signature aesthetic—chic, timeless, and effortlessly Parisian. Shoppers can expect a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and seasonal collections that bring together modern silhouettes, elegant detailing, and versatile pieces crafted for today’s lifestyle.
Speaking on the launch, Apoorv, COO of Iconic Fashion, said:“We are delighted to open our latest ELLE store at Pacific Mall, a destination that reflects Delhi’s dynamic fashion culture. This store is not only about shopping—it’s about experiencing ELLE’s Parisian elegance up close. We invite our customers to explore the collection and make it their own.”
With this launch, ELLE continues to strengthen its commitment to offering trend-forward, globally inspired fashion in style-conscious destinations.
10, Oct 2025
24th LalitArpan Festival Showcases Stories of Strength, Spirit & Survival in Delhi
The Annual “LalitArpan Festival” (24th edition) Showcased Stories of Strength, Spirit, and Survival in Delhi
India, 10th october 2025: The Annual LalitArpan Festival (24th edition), held on October 8 and 9, 2025, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, left audiences deeply moved and inspired by its powerful theme “Antah-Shakti: Courage and Hope.” This year, it presented a fascinating fusion of solo and group dance dramas that illuminated real-life stories of strength and inner transformation through the language of Kathak.
The opening evening, October 8, featured “Agnipankh” by Shovana Narayan and Shruti Gupta Chandra, portraying the inspiring lives of real-life stories of three brave, young, and courageous persons- an autistic pianist, a transgender and an acid victim survivor – all of whom are working in the hospitality industry. The performance was followed by “Kathak” by Nrityashree Alaknanda, a cancer survivor whose expressive movements graced the stage in a solo performance, reflecting the power of the human spirit.
On October 9, “Parkaya” by Akshobhya Bhardwaj from Mumbai presented a deeply personal and artistic Kathak journey that transcends physical limitations and embraces inner transformation through Kathak, while “Rashmirathi” presented by Asavari, Ensemble and choreographed by Guru Shovana Narayan, brought to life the story of Karna, the bold young warrior of the Mahabharata who, despite being abandoned at birth and raised by a charioteer which made him an outcast, became a powerful warrior and remained steadfastly committed to his perceived duty, even in the face of moral dilemma.
The eminent guests who graced the event included Lt. Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena & Smt. Sangita Saxena, Dr KG Suresh, Ms Preeti Aggarwal, Gayatri Prakash,Jyotsna Suri, Odissi Dancer Sharon Lowen, Sunit Tandon, Artist Naresh Kapuria, Ranjana Narayan, Actress Joyoshree Arora, Bharata Natyam Dancer Prathibha Prahlad, and K. Shiva Prasad.
The LalitArpan Festival, the brainchild of Kathak maestro Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, and the late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, one of the most eminent tabla players, was envisaged in 2002. It sowed the seeds to provide a platform to young artists as well as to foster confidence and make room in the realm of performing arts by making them participate along with reputed senior artists, which we have strived to do to the best of their ability. Alongside, we envisioned presenting the rasikas, various dimensions of the rich tapestry of classical performing arts through solo and group presentations, dance dramas and ensembles, and so on, to the aficionados. Organized by the dance institution Asavari and its volunteers, this festival has, till date, presented over 100 torchbearers of Indian classical performing arts.
10, Oct 2025
Paras Health Ranks 4th Nationwide at Times Network India Health Summit 2025
Gurugram, October 10, 2025: At the Times Network India Health Summit 2025, Paras Health has been ranked 4th nationwide in the Multi-Speciality Group of Hospitals category; a prestigious recognition that celebrates the group’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class medical care and putting patients first across all its hospitals in India. This milestone underscores Paras Health’s rapid and strategic growth, solidifying its standing as one of the most trusted healthcare providers in the country.
Recognized for its strategic expansion, patient-first approach, and focus on clinical excellence, Paras Health sets a benchmark in delivering world-class healthcare across North India. Established in 2006, the group has grown strategically, building a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem based on three core pillars—advanced medical technology, highly skilled clinical talent, and compassionate patient care. Its network spans Gurugram, Panchkula, Patna, Ranchi, Udaipur, Darbhanga, Kanpur, and Srinagar, bridging the urban–rural healthcare divide and bringing tertiary care to underserved regions.
Dr. Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director of Paras Health, commented on the achievement, “This recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all. It is an honour that belongs to every doctor, nurse, and staff member whose dedication drives our mission. At Paras Health, excellence is not just about infrastructure; it is about clinical expertise, compassionate care, and the trust of our patients. Being ranked among the top four hospital groups motivates us to further strengthen our vision of bridging healthcare gaps across India.”
Smt. Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Her presence underscored the importance of advancing healthcare initiatives nationwide and highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing healthcare delivery across the country.
Mr. Vineet Aggarwal, Group COO, Paras Health, emphasized the operational rigor behind the group’s success and said, “Achieving this milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of our entire organization. Our strategy prioritizes clinical governance, operational efficiency, and continuous enhancement of the patient experience. This ranking reinforces our belief that a patient-first approach, combined with operational excellence, is the foundation for sustainable growth and trust.”
Paras Health views this recognition as a milestone, not a destination. The group remains committed to expanding its footprint, strengthening super-specialty departments, and investing in cutting-edge technologies and research, with a clear focus on delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare to all regions of India.
