15, Sep 2026
AI to Transform Highway Emergency Support, Making 1033 Helpline Faster and Smarter
Representational Image
New Delhi, Sep 15: A roadside breakdown, accident or medical emergency can quickly become frightening when a traveller is far from a familiar location. Finding help can be even more difficult when the person is unable to clearly describe where they are. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is now looking to make emergency assistance faster and more efficient by upgrading its 1033 National Highway helpline with artificial intelligence and real-time location technology.
The proposed upgrade is aimed at making it easier for travellers to get the right assistance without spending too much time explaining their location or the nature of the emergency. AI-enabled systems could help operators process calls faster, understand requests in different Indian languages and coordinate assistance more efficiently.
The 1033 helpline has been serving highway users since 2018 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It provides support during medical emergencies, accidents and vehicle breakdowns, including access to ambulances, cranes and highway patrol services.
One of the most important improvements will be more accurate location identification. On long highways, travellers may not know the nearest town, kilometre marker or exit. In an emergency, this can delay assistance. Real-time location technology could allow the system to identify where the caller is and help response teams reach the right spot more quickly.
The technology could be particularly valuable during road accidents. When people are injured or under stress, communicating detailed information may be difficult. AI can assist in capturing essential information from a call, while trained operators can assess the situation and coordinate the appropriate emergency response.
Language support is another area where AI could make a difference. With travellers from different parts of India using the National Highway network, the ability to understand calls in multiple Indian languages could make the service more accessible. Better communication can help operators understand the problem and provide appropriate instructions while assistance is being arranged.
The upgraded system could also improve coordination between the helpline and field teams. Once a request is received, relevant information can be quickly shared with ambulances, patrol vehicles or recovery teams, helping reduce delays in dispatching assistance.
However, the introduction of AI does not mean that human support will disappear. Human operators will continue to play an important role, particularly when an emergency requires judgement, reassurance or detailed communication. The most effective system is likely to be one where AI handles routine information and location-related tasks while trained personnel take decisions in complex situations.
The scale of the 1033 service makes the planned modernisation significant. The helpline currently supports more than 1.46 lakh kilometres of National Highways and receives around 15,000 calls every day. Even a small improvement in response time could make a meaningful difference for a large number of motorists.
For ordinary travellers, the biggest advantage could be faster access to help when it matters most. A person whose vehicle breaks down at night on an isolated highway, for instance, may not know exactly where they are. If the system can identify their location and quickly direct the appropriate support vehicle, the situation can be handled more safely.
The upgrade also reflects the growing use of AI in public infrastructure. Technology is increasingly being used not only for convenience but also to improve essential services, emergency response and public safety.
For the system to deliver its full potential, AI will need to work alongside reliable communication networks, accurate digital mapping, trained operators and well-coordinated emergency teams. Technology can speed up the process, but effective response ultimately depends on people and services working together.
If successfully implemented, the upgraded 1033 helpline could turn highway emergency assistance into a more connected and responsive service, giving travellers greater confidence that help can be located and dispatched quickly when they need it most.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Sep 2026
Novotel Kolkata Appoints Neerajita Kundu as People & Culture Manager
Kolkata, Sep 15: Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences has announced the appointment of Neerajita Kundu as People & Culture Manager. Bringing over 11 years of experience in human resources within the hospitality sector, Neerajita has built a diverse career spanning people operations, talent acquisition, employee engagement, learning and development, employee relations and organisational culture. Her extensive industry experience across some of Kolkata’s leading hospitality institutions positions her well to further strengthen the hotel’s people-centric approach and talent ecosystem.
Neerajita’s professional journey encompasses associations with The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, Neotia Hospitality, Hyatt Regency Kolkata and Fortune Park Hotels by ITC. Most recently, she served as Human Resource Manager at Fortune Park Hotels by ITC, where she was associated with the property during its pre-opening phase. Prior to this, she spent three years with Hyatt Regency Kolkata as Assistant Manager – Human Resources, further building her expertise across core HR functions and employee engagement initiatives.
In her new role at Novotel Kolkata, Neerajita will spearhead the hotel’s People & Culture function, with a mandate centred on fostering an engaged, empowered and high-performing workforce. Her responsibilities will encompass strengthening employee engagement, nurturing talent, advancing learning and development initiatives, and creating meaningful pathways for professional growth. She will also focus on cultivating an environment built on trust, open communication, recognition and a strong sense of belonging among the hotel’s Heartists.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rajneesh Kumar, General Manager, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, said,
“We are pleased to welcome Neerajita Kundu to Novotel Kolkata. Her strong understanding of the hospitality landscape, coupled with her extensive experience across human resources and people management, will add significant depth to our leadership team. People are at the heart of hospitality, and Neerajita’s vision closely aligns with our commitment to building a workplace that encourages growth, celebrates individual contributions and fosters a strong sense of belonging. We look forward to her leadership in further nurturing our Heartists and strengthening a culture that enables our people to thrive while delivering memorable experiences to our guests.”
Neerajita aims to foster a workplace where every Heartist feels valued, connected and empowered to grow, while strengthening a culture of learning, recognition and engagement that translates into exceptional guest experiences.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Neerajita has a creative inclination towards writing poetry and listening to music, interests that offer a glimpse into her artistic and reflective personality.
15, Sep 2026
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem meets Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to discuss shared motor sport priorities
Rallying legend honoured by two Lebanese Presidents says Rally of Lebanon has key role in plans to ensure long-term future of
FIA Middle East Rally Championship
Dubai, UAE, Sept 15: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, met with Lebanese President His Excellency Joseph Aoun after attending the Rally of Lebanon, an event he won four times in a distinguished rally driving career which established him as a sporting ambassador for the Arab world.
The meeting at Baabda Palace provided an opportunity to reflect on the continued success of the event, and Lebanon’s position as a rallying stronghold in the Middle East.
Ben Sulayem accepted an official invitation from the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon and President Nabil ‘Billy’ Karam to attend the 48th Rally of Lebanon. The fourth round of this year’s FIA Middle East Rally Championship reached its finish at the ATCL in Kaslik, Jounieh last night (Sunday) with victory going to Lebanon’s Roger Feghali and co-driver Joseph Matar.
“I was pleased to meet with President Aoun and discuss our shared priorities for the future of motor sport,” said FIA President Ben Sulayem. “The Rally of Lebanon provided me with many great memories during my rally driving career, and I’m thrilled to once again experience the excitement this event creates for competitors and the country’s passionate motor sport fans.”
“The event has a rich history embedded in the origins of Middle East motor sport. It is firmly established as the home for asphalt rallying in the region, and plays a key role in our plans to ensure the long-term future of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
“Lebanon has always felt like a special place for me, and I want to thank the ATCL and its President, Nabil Karam, for their warm welcome and hospitality. I’m delighted to have met up again with some of the friends I have made at the club, and across the country over the years.”
Ben Sulayem’s legendary rally-driving achievements brought him widespread recognition, and he was awarded the President’s Cup by Lebanese President Amine Gemayel in 1987, and the Medal of Honour from Lebanese President Emile Lahoud in 1999.
Each of his four victories in the Rally of Lebanon, in 1987, 1991, 1998 and 1999, helped him secure the FIA Middle East Rally Championship title, which he won 14 times overall. He achieved the last three of those victories alongside his long-time co-driver Ronan Morgan.
Beyond his success in Middle East rallying, Ben Sulayem recorded his first overseas win in Turkey in 1991, and secured World Rally Championship Group N victories in Spain and Argentina over the following two years. He retired from competitive rallying in 2002.
In July, the FIA announced a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA WRC and FIA European Rally Championship, following the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.
Designed to bring significant new investment into the sport, the biggest deal in the history of these championships supported the FIA’s vision under President Ben Sulayem, who said at the time: “Rallying is a huge part of my personal story. It has shaped who I am and how I work, and I am deeply committed to its future.”
15, Sep 2026
Executive Palace’s Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations Showcase ‘Parivartan – Towards a Developed Bengal’
Kolkata, 15 September, 2026: The Executive Palace Apartment Owners’ Association on VIP Road, Baguiati, VIP Road, Baguiati, is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 with a distinctive artistic and socially relevant theme, “Parivartan – Towards a Developed Bengal with a Double Engine Government.”
The inauguration was done by Sri. Dilip Ghosh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agricultural Marketing Department, Govt of WB; Sri. Tarunjyoti Tewari, MLA; Mr. Jitendra Kumar Tewari, MLA; Mr. Amit Agarwal, Producer & many other eminent personalities.
The six-day celebration brings together devotion, art, community participation and a visual message centred on transformation, progress and the aspiration for a developed Bengal.
The major attraction of this year’s celebration is an elaborate artistic installation conceptualised by renowned artist Shri Mintu Pal, featuring an imposing 11-foot-tall Lord Ganesha in a royal setting. Dressed in a white kurta and orange pagdi, Lord Ganesha symbolises wisdom, responsibility, visionary leadership and good governance.
10 ft × 10 ft 3D Wall Showcases the ‘Parivartan’ Journey
The installation contrasts selected issues and developments under “Before 4th May” and “After 4th May”, reflecting the Association’s perspective on Bengal’s development journey.
The “Before 4th May” section highlights:
• Messi’s Kolkata visit chaos
• Justice for Abhaya movement at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital
• Bangladesh border fencing
• Cow trafficking
The “After 4th May” section showcases:
• New Delhi–New Jalpaiguri Bullet Train
• Chingrighata Metro stalled viaduct gap successfully completed
• Industrial Revolution and the opening of new industries
• Demolition of illegal constructions through bulldozer action
Through the 3D presentation, the Association seeks to create a visually engaging representation of its vision of a Bengal that is more progressive, connected, industrially developed and equipped with greater opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ankit Agarwal, Secretary, Executive Palace Apartment Owners’ Association, said: “The essence of our theme ‘Parivartan – Towards a Developed Bengal with a Double Engine Government’ is to showcase the journey from challenges to possibilities and to express our aspiration for a Bengal that is progressive, confident, secure and full of opportunities. Through our artistic presentation, we have tried to portray how development can transform the everyday lives of people – from better connectivity and modern infrastructure to industrial growth, employment opportunities, planned urban development and stronger governance. Our 10×10-foot 3D wall takes this message further by presenting a visual contrast between the Bengal we have experienced and the Bengal we aspire to see. Parivartan, for us, is not merely a change in circumstances; it represents a change in direction, mindset and possibilities. Through this celebration, we wanted to combine faith and art with a larger message of hope – that Bengal can move forward with greater confidence, development and opportunity.”
The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will continue with various religious and community activities, culminating in a Hawan involving residents, followed by Ganesh Visarjan on September 18.
Through its Parivartan theme, the Executive Palace Apartment Owners Association aims to make this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi not only a celebration of faith and togetherness, but also a visual expression of the community’s aspiration for a stronger, developed and prosperous Bengal.
15, Sep 2026
ZAKH launches solar panel and BIPV manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah
ZAKH’s new facility in Al Ghail, RAKEZ, is expected to have an annual production capacity of 600 MW of solar panels.
Ras Al Khaimah, Sept 15: ZAKH Renewable Energy and Engineering Manufacturing has launched its solar panel and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) to serve markets across the UAE, the wider region and beyond.
Set on a 30,000 m² plot in Al Ghail Industrial Zone, the facility manufactures solar panels and customised BIPV façade solutions, with a current annual production capacity of 600 MW of solar panels, alongside up to 500,000 m² of BIPV façade solutions.
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “ZAKH’s facility brings specialised renewable energy manufacturing capabilities to Ras Al Khaimah’s growing industrial ecosystem. As demand for clean energy solutions continues to evolve across the region, building local production capacity creates opportunities to strengthen supply chains, advance industrial capabilities and serve growing regional and international markets. We are pleased to support ZAKH as it establishes its manufacturing base in Ras Al Khaimah and moves forward with its expansion plans.”
ZAKH Chief Operating Officer Marina Strateva said, “Establishing our manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah represents an important milestone in ZAKH’s growth journey. From this strategic base, we aim to deliver high-quality solar panels and customised BIPV façade solutions that meet the evolving requirements of customers across the UAE, GCC and international markets. RAKEZ has provided the infrastructure and business environment needed to support our manufacturing ambitions, and we look forward to expanding our capabilities and contributing to the region’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.”
Looking ahead, ZAKH has plans for future expansion to increase its solar module production capacity to more than 1.8 GW in the coming years. Its products will primarily serve the UAE and wider GCC and MENA region, with additional reach into Africa, Europe and the United States.
ZAKH’s flagship solar technology brand, FAERS, began as an R&D initiative in Azerbaijan in 2017 and has since evolved into industrial-scale photovoltaic technology manufacturing, with solutions designed to perform in high-temperature and desert environments.
RAKEZ continues to strengthen its ecosystem for manufacturers operating in renewable energy and sustainability-focused industries, providing the infrastructure, facilities and business support needed to develop local production capabilities and scale their operations. By enabling companies in these emerging sectors to manufacture from Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ is supporting the growth of sustainable industries and more resilient local and regional supply chains.
14, Sep 2026
New Book Captures India’s Transformation in the Modi Era
Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad | 14 September 2026
The book “The Modi Era: India’s Journey of Transformation”, authored by Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, Author and Founder, Akhila Sevak Samaj Council (ASSC), was launched in Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad, on Monday as part of the Birthday Week Celebrations of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.
The event was held at Adithara Auditorium, Sulthan Bathery, in the presence of spiritual leaders, public representatives, social leaders, academics, workers’ representatives and members of the media.
The book seeks to document a period of change in India and encourage discussion on where the country has come from, where it stands today and where it can go in the years ahead. Dr. Mallappa said the book was developed through months of reading, observation and reflection, and that its launch marked the beginning of a wider conversation.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. S. Selvaganesh, National Chairman, Bharathiya Hindu Parivar and Member, Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
The book was launched in the presence of Madurai Aadheenam Srimath Vishwalinga Thambiran, Thiru Rajasekar Swamigal, Thavathiru Palani Adigalar, Mahaa Shri Shri Yukteshwara Paramacharya Swamigal, Shri Karan Bhushan Singh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri T. S. Srivatsa, Hon’ble MLA, Krishnaraja Constituency, Mysuru, Shri Satyendra Kumar Bari, Member, State Commission for Backward Classes, Uttar Pradesh, Prasanth Malavayal, BJP District President, Wayanad, Dr. Subbha Somu, Shri Chandan Kumar, Dr. Mahalakshmi, and Kaleem Bharathi, among other dignitaries.
Dr. Mallappa said he hoped readers would engage with the ideas in the book, agree with some, question others and develop their own understanding of India’s transformation. He also expressed the hope that the book would become part of conversations among young people, communities, institutions and readers across the country.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Shri Manoj Sharma.
The event was organised by the Akhila Sevak Samaj Council (ASSC) as part of the Birthday Week Celebrations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
14, Sep 2026
JD Institutes Dalal Family Launches “House of JD” to Take Emerging Design Talent from Portfolio to Marketplace
New e-commerce marketplace will connect students, alumni and emerging designers with consumers, creating a pathway from design creation to products, sales and brand building
Mumbai, Sept 14: A design project can take months to conceptualise and create, but for many young designers, its journey often ends with a portfolio or an exhibition. JD Institute, led by Yogesh Dalal, Payal Dalal and Rinesh Dalal, is seeking to bridge that gap with the launch of House of JD, an e-commerce marketplace designed to take design talent from portfolio to marketplace.
Launching on September 14, House of JD will bring together fashion, interiors, textiles, art, objects and lifestyle, giving students, alumni, aspiring and emerging designers as well as established creative talent an opportunity to showcase and sell their work to consumers.
The platform is an extension of JD Institute of Fashion Technology’s long-standing engagement with the design industry. Established in 1988, JD Institute of Fashion Technology has spent over three decades building a design education ecosystem, with 38+ learning centres and more than 45,000 design graduates. Its alumni have gone on to build labels, work across fashion, interiors, jewellery, styling and other creative fields, and collaborate with brands, design studios and industry professionals in India and internationally.
House of JD takes that ecosystem a step further, from education and industry exposure to consumer access and commerce. For emerging designers, the platform creates an opportunity to take a completed design project beyond the portfolio, turn it into a product and understand what it means to present creative work to a customer.
For many emerging designers, the challenge is not creating the work, but finding the opportunity to take it to market. House of JD aims to create that bridge by providing a dedicated space where designers can showcase and sell their creations.
The platform will allow designers to build experience around presenting, positioning and commercialising their work, while giving consumers access to design-led products and the stories behind the people who created them.
House of JD will also bring together student and emerging work alongside established labels, premium brands and limited-edition collaborations, creating a destination where different stages of the design ecosystem can come together.
Unlike an open marketplace, House of JD will follow a considered curation process, with designers, collections and products reviewed before being featured. An advisory board will review collections as part of this process, to keep the platform “curated, not crowded” and focused on discovering relevant design talent.
The offering will be organised across five categories: hoJD Student, hoJD Next, hoJD Signature, hoJD Collective and hoJD Legendary, connecting students, alumni, faculty, industry and consumers within the larger JD ecosystem.
Commenting on the launch, Mr Rinesh Dalal, Director, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, said, “India has no shortage of design talent. What is needed are more places for designers to start and take their work forward. House of JD creates that opportunity by giving designers a space to bring their work to a wider audience and develop it further. We aim to discover, curate and commercialise the work of the next generation of creative entrepreneurs, while creating a space where consumers can discover the people and ideas behind the work. We want designers to use this space to be original, be themselves and enjoy the process of learning and creating as they take their work forward.”
For consumers, House of JD will focus on discovery and originality, offering fashion and home pieces, art, objects and lifestyle products from new and established creative talent. For designers, it creates another route to reach consumers and begin building a commercial journey around their work.
With House of JD, JD Education Trust is expanding its role from nurturing design talent to creating a pathway for that talent to reach the market, bringing together education, creativity, industry and commerce on one platform.
14, Sep 2026
Indian Railways Boosts Passenger Connectivity and Freight Capacity in August 2026
New Delhi, September 14, 2026: Indian Railways recorded broad-based growth in passenger services and freight operations during August 2026, with freight loading rising 5.4% year-on-year and the network expanding its passenger connectivity through regularisation of Amrit Bharat services and additional festival-season trains.
During the month, 14 Amrit Bharat services were converted from special to regular services, taking the total number of Amrit Bharat services to 86. At the same time, five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) were commissioned, strengthening rail-based freight connectivity for industries and commercial centres.
Freight Loading Rises 5.4%
Indian Railways loaded 137.9 million tonnes of freight in August 2026, compared with 130.9 million tonnes during the corresponding month last year. The increase represents a 5.4% year-on-year growth.
Freight revenue also increased, rising 6.27% compared with August 2025, signalling continued momentum in the railway’s freight business.
The growth was supported by higher movement across several major commodity categories, including coal, iron ore, steel, fertilisers and other goods. Increased rail freight movement provides industries with a large-scale transportation network for moving raw materials, intermediate goods and finished products across the country.
Iron Ore, Coal and Container Traffic Lead Growth
Several key freight segments registered notable increases during August.
Iron ore loading grew 12.1%, while clinker increased 10.4%. Domestic container loading rose 9.2%, and coal loading grew 6%. Finished steel recorded 4.9% growth, mineral oil increased 3.1% and fertiliser loading rose 1.6%.
The Balance Other Goods category also registered 8.2% growth.
The increase in container traffic is particularly significant as it supports the movement of a wider range of commodities through rail-based logistics. Higher loading across industrial commodities also strengthens the role of railways in supporting manufacturing, construction, energy and other economic activities.
Five New Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Commissioned
Indian Railways commissioned five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals in August, taking the cumulative number of commissioned GCTs to 149 as of August 31, 2026.
The new terminals are located at:
- Shivlakha, Gujarat
- Nalli, Tamil Nadu
- Shaktinagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Deoragram, Madhya Pradesh
- Brajrajnagar, Odisha
The expansion of the GCT network is aimed at bringing modern freight-handling infrastructure closer to production and consumption centres.
Greater access to such terminals can help streamline cargo handling, improve first- and last-mile connectivity and reduce avoidable logistics movement. The network also supports closer integration between Indian Railways and the country’s broader multimodal logistics infrastructure.
14 Amrit Bharat Services Made Regular
Passenger connectivity received a further boost during August, with 14 Amrit Bharat services regularised from special to regular operations. The move takes the total number of Amrit Bharat services to 86.
Among the routes covered are:
- Subedarganj–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
- Gorakhpur–Bandra Terminus
- Gorakhpur–Delhi Junction
- Ahmedabad–Bhagalpur
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Prayagraj Junction
- Prayagraj Junction–Udhna Junction
- Dhanbad–Coimbatore
The additional regular services are expected to expand affordable long-distance travel options between major metropolitan centres and regional destinations.
The Gorakhpur–Bandra Terminus and Gorakhpur–Delhi Junction services, for instance, strengthen connections between eastern Uttar Pradesh and two major metropolitan regions. The routes can provide additional travel options for people travelling for employment, education, business and family-related purposes.
Similarly, the Ahmedabad–Bhagalpur service creates a direct rail connection between Gujarat and Bihar, while the Dhanbad–Coimbatore route strengthens connectivity between eastern and southern India.
Services linking Prayagraj with Udhna and Mumbai further expand travel options for passengers travelling from Uttar Pradesh towards western India.
Passenger Traffic Continues to Rise
Indian Railways carried 67.27 crore passengers in August 2026, compared with 64.43 crore in August 2025.
Suburban traffic recorded particularly strong growth, increasing 9.02% year-on-year. Suburban rail services carried 38.01 crore passengers during August 2026, compared with 34.89 crore during the same month last year.
The figures underline the continued importance of the railway network as an affordable and high-volume mode of daily transportation, particularly across India’s densely populated metropolitan and suburban areas.
More Special Trains for Festival Travel
Indian Railways also increased the number of special train services to manage the seasonal surge in passenger demand.
During the Rakshabandhan period from August 25 to 31, 2026, the railways operated 144 trips of special trains, compared with 48 trips operated between August 8 and 14, 2025.
The substantially higher number of special train trips provided additional capacity during the festival rush, particularly for passengers travelling to their hometowns and families.
Additional services during peak periods can help distribute passenger demand, ease pressure on regular trains and provide greater flexibility for travellers during major festivals.
Railways Strengthens Passenger and Freight Network
The performance during August reflects Indian Railways’ simultaneous focus on expanding passenger services and strengthening freight infrastructure.
The regularisation of Amrit Bharat services is widening affordable long-distance connectivity, while additional festival trains are helping accommodate seasonal passenger demand. On the freight side, higher commodity loading and the expansion of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are strengthening the railway’s role in India’s logistics ecosystem.
With continued investment in capacity, connectivity and operational infrastructure, Indian Railways is positioning its passenger and freight networks to handle growing demand while supporting everyday mobility, industrial supply chains and broader economic activity across the country.
14, Sep 2026
Dryland Congress 2026 Ends with Delhi Declaration, Sets Agenda for South-South Cooperation
New Delhi, September 14, 2026: The three-day Dryland Congress 2026 concluded in New Delhi with participating governments, institutions, researchers and development partners endorsing the Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D) and calling for stronger South-South and triangular cooperation to accelerate innovation and action in dryland agriculture.
Held under the theme “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South-South Cooperation,” the Congress brought together stakeholders from across the Global South to explore solutions for improving agricultural resilience, food security, climate adaptation and rural livelihoods in dryland regions.
The closing day coincided with the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, reinforcing the Congress’s emphasis on partnerships, knowledge exchange and the scaling of agricultural innovations across developing countries.
The Delhi Declaration outlines a common agenda for transforming dryland agriculture through collaboration, scientific knowledge, innovation and collective action. It was endorsed during the closing plenary by participating governments, institutions, partners and delegates.
ICAR Calls for Greater Foresight and Data
Addressing the concluding session, Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, stressed the importance of incorporating foresight into strategies for dryland agriculture.
Jat called for the creation of a strong institutional mechanism for agricultural foresight and proposed that the ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NIAP) be given a mandate to lead foresight activities related to dryland agriculture.
He also highlighted the need for robust data and information systems capable of supporting decision-making across dryland agri-food systems. According to him, common innovation platforms and living laboratories could help connect research institutions with farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders.
ICRISAT Stresses Need to Move from Ideas to Action
Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, underlined the critical role of drylands in global food security and called for the outcomes of the Congress to be converted into measurable action.
He urged participants to prioritise the recommendations emerging from the three-day discussions into short- and long-term programmes. The focus, he said, should be on moving from ideas to concepts and ultimately to implementation by combining expertise, knowledge and partnerships.
The valedictory session also highlighted several new collaborations emerging from the Congress, including agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with the Global Crop Diversity Trust.
ICRISAT also entered into MoUs with Avior Life Sciences, NIFTEM, Wipro Limited, and the Angul and Rayagada district administrations of Odisha, strengthening partnerships aimed at promoting innovation and practical interventions in dryland agriculture.
The Congress Co-Chairs, Dr D.K. Yadava, DDG (Crop Science), ICAR, and Dr Stanford Blade, DDG (Research & Innovation), ICRISAT, presented a summary of the deliberations and outlined key recommendations and outcomes.
Strengthening South-South Agricultural Partnerships
The final day began with a commemoration of the UN Day for South-South Cooperation, featuring messages from the UN Secretary-General, FAO Director-General and UNOSSC Director Dima Al-Khatib.
Pathak presented the vision of the International Solidarity for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) and highlighted the need for stronger partnerships among countries of the Global South.
Representatives from ICRISAT, ICAR, CGIAR, RIS, NABARD and the CGIAR Capacity Sharing Accelerator reaffirmed their commitment to advancing South-South cooperation and increasing its impact on agricultural development.
A subsequent session, “Knowledge Without Borders: Advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation,” was convened in collaboration with CGIAR. Discussions examined how successful cooperation models could be strengthened, replicated and taken to scale.
Experts and representatives from national agricultural research systems in Ethiopia, Senegal, Brazil, China and India, alongside delegates from CGIAR, FARA and APAARI, shared experiences on building effective South-South and triangular partnerships.
ISSCA Global Awards Recognise Agricultural Innovations
The Congress also hosted the ISSCA Global Awards 2026, which recognise proven agricultural innovations from institutions across the Global South that demonstrate potential for large-scale adoption and adaptation across countries.
The inaugural awards attracted 170 nominations from 34 countries spanning Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The ISSCA Global Award for Transformative Excellence (Mega Award) was presented to:
- ICARDA, Lebanon, for TAAT Wheat Compact Technologies: Heat-Tolerant Wheat Varieties;
- CIMMYT, Mexico, for e-Agrology 360; and
- Odisha Livelihoods Mission, Government of Odisha, India, for Women-Led Sustainable Farming for Nutrition and Rural Resilience.
Awards Span Crop, Climate and Digital Agriculture
The Crop Improvement & Production Technologies category recognised the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute for BARI Chinabadam-9, the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, for GPBD 4, and Myanmar’s Department of Agricultural Research for climate-smart, early-maturing chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut varieties.
In Natural Resource Management & Climate Resilience, awards went to the Karnataka State Department of Agriculture for Krishi Bhagya; NECTAR, India, for integrated banana pseudo-stem processing; the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, for rejuvenating Aahar–Pyne landscapes; and Sustainable Farming Solutions, Malawi, for digital land-restoration stewardship.
The Agribusiness & Market Systems awards recognised BIID Foundation, Bangladesh, for e-Krishok; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for the TNAU-FPO Linkage Programme; and the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute for its Parabolic-Shaped Solar Dryer.
In Digital Agriculture, the awards went to the Department of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, for the APMIP Digital Ecosystem, and the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat, for Krushi Pragati.
The Livestock Improvement & Production Technologies category recognised WorldFish, Bangladesh, for its improved carp seed system and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya, for the Participatory Indigenous Chicken Breed Improvement Program (PIC-BIP).
The Congress also presented 16 Best Poster Awards to students and research scholars, recognising emerging research and scientific talent in dryland agriculture.
Delhi Declaration Sets a Collaborative Roadmap
The conclusion of Dryland Congress 2026 marks a renewed push to make South-South cooperation a practical mechanism for addressing the challenges facing dryland agriculture.
The Delhi Declaration on Drylands places collaboration, evidence-based research, innovation, knowledge sharing and institutional partnerships at the centre of this agenda.
With climate variability, resource constraints and food-security pressures continuing to affect dryland regions, the Congress highlighted the importance of scaling technologies and practices that have already demonstrated results.
The event ultimately sought to move beyond the exchange of ideas towards implementation—connecting scientific institutions, governments, development organisations and farming communities to build more resilient, productive and sustainable dryland agri-food systems across the Global South.
14, Sep 2026
BRICS Pushes for Stronger Global Cooperation on Traditional Medicine
The 18th BRICS Summit has placed traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) higher on the international health agenda, with the New Delhi Declaration calling for stronger cooperation, scientific research and evidence-based approaches to traditional healthcare systems.
A major outcome of the declaration is its support for the proposed creation of a BRICS Expert Working Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine under the BRICS Health Track. The proposed mechanism is expected to provide BRICS member countries with a structured platform to exchange knowledge, collaborate on research and develop common approaches to traditional medicine.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, said the recognition of TCIM in the declaration represents an important step towards expanding international cooperation in traditional medicine.
He said the proposed expert group could enable member countries to share knowledge, strengthen research and promote evidence-based approaches. India, he added, would continue to advance Ayurveda and other traditional systems through scientific research, quality assurance and international partnerships.
Focus on Research and Medicinal Plants
The New Delhi Declaration places particular emphasis on collaborative research into medicinal plants and herbal preparations used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes.
It notes that the traditional pharmacopoeias of BRICS countries could provide a valuable foundation for developing safe, effective and affordable therapeutic products. Greater collaboration in this area could help countries improve documentation, generate scientific evidence and deepen understanding of medicinal resources.
Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, said the declaration provides an opportunity to build more structured cooperation among BRICS nations on TCIM.
According to Kotecha, the proposed Expert Working Group could facilitate collaboration on research, evidence generation, quality standards and regulatory approaches. He said India’s Ayush ecosystem would contribute to the process by promoting rigorous research and evidence-informed practices.
Emphasis on Safety, Quality and Efficacy
The declaration also stresses that TCIM practices and products should meet appropriate standards of quality, safety and efficacy. It encourages evidence-informed approaches and regulatory frameworks that take into account the national circumstances of individual BRICS members.
The emphasis could pave the way for greater exchange of expertise in areas including research methodologies, pharmacopoeial standards, quality control, regulatory systems and scientific validation of traditional medicine.
For traditional medicine systems that have developed over generations, such cooperation could help bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation while ensuring that new products and practices meet appropriate safety and quality benchmarks.
India’s BRICS Chairship Provides Momentum
The latest development follows the BRICS Meeting on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine held in Chandigarh on July 21, 2026, during India’s BRICS Chairship.
The meeting brought together government officials, technical specialists and representatives from BRICS member countries to discuss cooperation in areas including research, education, knowledge sharing and regulatory frameworks.
The participating countries also reached consensus on the Terms of Reference for the proposed BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM, laying the groundwork for more institutionalised cooperation.
The proposed group could subsequently provide a platform connecting policymakers, researchers, academic institutions and technical experts across BRICS countries, potentially allowing cooperation to continue beyond individual meetings and initiatives.
Opportunity for Ayurveda and the Ayush Sector
For India, the declaration is particularly significant because it strengthens the international platform for Ayurveda and other Ayush systems.
India has increasingly focused on scientific research, evidence generation, standardisation, quality assurance and international collaboration as part of its efforts to promote traditional medicine globally. The BRICS framework provides another avenue for India to share its experience while learning from the traditional healthcare systems and research capabilities of other member countries.
The focus on medicinal plants and herbal preparations could also create opportunities for joint research, improved documentation and the development of scientifically validated and quality-assured therapeutic products.
Growing Global Attention to Traditional Medicine
The BRICS initiative comes at a time when traditional medicine is receiving greater attention internationally, particularly in discussions around accessible healthcare, prevention and the strengthening of health systems.
The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 places emphasis on strengthening the evidence base for traditional medicine, improving safety and quality, and supporting its appropriate integration into health systems.
Against this backdrop, the BRICS focus on TCIM represents more than a formal recognition of traditional healthcare practices. It points towards a model of international cooperation centred on research, scientific evidence, quality, safety and responsible integration.
A More Structured BRICS Health Cooperation Framework
The proposed Expert Working Group could bring together the diverse traditional medicine experience of BRICS countries and encourage collaboration across research, capacity building, knowledge exchange and regulatory practices.
The New Delhi Declaration therefore provides a framework for moving traditional medicine cooperation from dialogue towards more sustained institutional engagement.
For India, it also strengthens the international space for Ayurveda and the broader Ayush ecosystem to participate in global discussions on evidence-based traditional medicine, preventive healthcare and resilient health systems.
By placing TCIM within the BRICS Health Track and connecting it with objectives such as Universal Health Coverage, scientific research, evidence generation, quality, safety and efficacy, the declaration establishes a foundation for deeper cooperation among member countries in developing safe, effective and affordable healthcare solutions.
