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World Food Day 2025 unites experts to tackle food myths and promote food literacy

New Delhi, October 17, 2025: In a powerful demonstration of cross-sector collaboration, the Ind Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) marked World Food Day 2025 with a high-impact event focused on promoting food literacy and combating misinformation. Hosted in partnership with the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-Kundli) and the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition (IHM-Delhi), the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, food scientists, and academia to address the urgent need for science-backed food education in an era dominated by conflicting narratives and digital misinformation.

Sh. Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said, “In today’s fast-paced world, processed foods offer unmatched convenience be it ready-to-eat meals, frozen snacks, or canned foods, helping individuals manage their time and nutritional needs effectively. However, despite the sector’s vital contribution to food safety and accessibility, public perception is often influenced by misinformation and media-driven myths”. Keeping in view of this, the Ministry has recently come out with a publication of FAQs on Processed Foods with special focus on Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs)/ High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) Foods to help disseminate scientific based knowledge and evidence on the subject.

A central highlight was the announcement of an upcoming IFBA report aimed at debunking persistent myths surrounding palm oil, one of the most misunderstood ingredients in the global food supply chain. The report will present evidence-based insights into palm oil’s role in nutrition, sustainability, and food manufacturing, with the goal of supporting more informed consumer choices and policy decisions.

Commenting on the occasion, Sh. Satyen Kumar Panda, ED (Regulatory Compliance) and Advisor (Quality Assurance), FSSAI, said, “Food safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond regulatory frameworks to public awareness. We welcome initiatives that use scientific discourse to clear misconceptions and promote responsible food choices. Collaboration among academia, industry, and government is key to sustaining a culture of food safety and nutritional integrity.

The program included panel discussions aimed at correcting misconceptions around palm oil, A1/A2 ghee, protein supplements, and processed foods, all of which are frequently misunderstood by the public.

• India’s food processing market is projected to more than double from ₹2,641,121 crore (US$ 307 billion) in 2023 to ₹6,022,100 crore (US$ 700 billion) by 2030. To sustain this growth, addressing myths around processed and packaged foods is crucial. Panelists emphasised that processed foods, when chosen wisely and consumed responsibly, can be powerful tools for nutrition rather than threats. Health outcomes depend on balance, ingredient quality, variety, and safe food practices, not simply the degree of processing. Many fortified and processed products play a key role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among women and children.
• India currently imports about 9 million tonnes (MT) of palm oil annually, worth nearly Rs. 40,000 crore, accounting for around 56 per cent of total edible oil imports. However, palm oilhas often been misunderstood as unhealthy. Meta-analyses and clinical studies (Harvard, WHO, AJCN, 2021) show no consistent evidence linking moderate palm oil consumption to heart disease. In fact, replacing trans fats with palm oil has contributed to a reduction in cardiovascular risk globally. Dr Varun Bansal, Senior Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals during the panel emphasized that it offers a balanced profile of saturated and unsaturated fats, along with tocotrienols that support cholesterol health. What truly matters is dietary balance, not the exclusion of any single oil. Instead of demonising palm oil, we should focus on diverse, mindful eating patterns and active living for better heart health
• India’s protein supplement market is also on the rise, projected to grow at a 6.6% CAGR.Sh. Sumit Mathur, Country Head – Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN) clarified that protein powders are typically derived from natural sources such as milk (whey, casein) and plants (soy, pea, rice), not synthetic chemicals. Adequate protein intake supports muscle maintenance, metabolic health, immunity, and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, making it an essential nutrient, not just for athletes but for the general population as well.
• On the topic of ghee, panelist Mr. Shashank Joshi, GM – R&D Innovation and Food Regulatory, Parag Milk Foods, explained that ghee is a natural superfood, and its nutritional value depends on purity, freshness, and quality, not on the A1 or A2 classification. The A1 vs A2 debate is largely a myth, as there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting any nutritional difference. What truly matters is how the ghee is made, handled, and preserved. When produced with care and hygiene, cow ghee offers all the essential fatty acids, vitamins, and health benefits it is celebrated for.

Talking about this initiative, Dr. H.S. Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, Mr. Deepak Jolly, Chairperson at IFBA, Mr. Kamal Kant Pant, Principal, IHM Delhi, in a joint statement said, “Today’s food challenges cannot be solved in isolation. As misinformation spreads faster than ever, partnerships between industry, academia, and regulatory bodies are essential to restoring public trust. This is a step towards enabling informed food choices through science-based, inclusive communication, especially for India’s youth and future food leaders.”

IHM-Delhi and NIFTEM-K participated in a ‘Healthy Snacking’ contest, showcasing inventive recipes that delivered sensory appeal and nutritional excellence. Judged by culinary luminaries Mr. Sudhir Sibal, (Ambassador to World Chefs Without Borders) and Mr. Madhusudan Gupta, (Treasurer of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations) along with Dr. Manjari Chandra, (Functional Nutritionist), Ms. Vaishalee Jolly (Food Blogger, Home Chef and Youtuber) and Ms. Shilpa Agrawal (Food Technologist and VP, IFBA) three winners out of 15 teams were chosen. The contest spotlighted emerging culinary leaders poised to influence the future of safe and nutritious food consumption in India.

Hidden Threats: How Climate Change is Impacting Groundwater Quality and Purification Needs

India, 17th october 2025: Groundwater has long been India’s silent lifeline, supplying majority of our drinking water and irrigation needs. Yet today, this hidden resource faces invisible challenges, many of them accelerated by climate change. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are quietly altering the quality of water we rely on, making it less safe and more vulnerable to contamination.

The shifts are subtle but significant. Heavy downpours, though dramatic, often fail to replenish groundwater effectively, leaving reserves stressed and depleted. In coastal areas, rising seas are pushing saltwater into freshwater sources, turning once-safe supplies brackish. Warmer conditions further encourage the growth of microorganisms, increasing the risk of microbial contamination. At the same time, alternating cycles of drought and sudden rain lead to the leaching of chemicals and pesticides into water reserves, creating a cocktail of impurities that cannot be seen but certainly impact health.

For generations, households assumed that water drawn from wells or borewells was naturally safe. But in the current climate, that assumption no longer holds true. Hidden pollutants are on the rise, making purification not just a choice but a necessity. Advanced purification technologies such as RO, UV, and carbon filtration now play a critical role in protecting families from contaminants ranging from heavy metals to pathogens.

As Dr. Anil Kumar, Water Scientist at Eureka Forbes, said: “Climate change is reshaping the very foundation of our water security. What looks clean to the eye may still carry invisible contaminants. This is why investing in advanced purification solutions is no longer optional it is essential for safeguarding the health of our families.”

Meeting this challenge also calls for collective awareness. Families can safeguard their health by staying vigilant, choosing purification systems designed for today’s evolving water threats, and practicing responsible water use. At a broader level, communities too must work together to protect and recharge aquifers for future generations.

Climate change may be reshaping our environment in many visible ways, but its impact on groundwater remains one of the least noticed and most consequential. By acting today-through awareness, technology, and conservation- we can protect this hidden lifeline. At Eureka Forbes, we remain committed to ensuring that, no matter how the climate changes, safe and pure water continues to flow into every home.

Gulf Oil Kicks Off Chai-Pakoda Ride 2025 in Bangalore Celebrating India’s Biking Culture

Gulf Oil Flags off Chai  Pakoda Ride 2025 in Bangalore, Celebrating Three Years of India’s Biking Culture through Association with India Bike Week

Bangalore, October 17, 2025 : Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited, one of India’s leading lubricant brands, kicked off the Bangalore edition of the much-loved Chai-Pakoda Ride 2025, marking the third consecutive year of its association as the main sponsor of India Bike Week (IBW), Asia’s biggest motorcycling festival. This year’s rides once again set the stage for a thrilling celebration of camaraderie, adventure, and community spirit through motorcycling. Over the past two years, this collaboration has drawn 12000+ riders and motorcycle enthusiasts across 20 cities, turning the rides into one of the most anticipated community-driven biking experiences in the country.

This year’s Bangalore ride saw 170+ bikers come together at Peepai Brewery & Kitchen, Bangalore, before embarking on a 42 km route to Hills Drive Cafe, Kanivepura, that blended the thrill of open roads with the spirit of togetherness. True to its focus on safety, Gulf organized a pre-ride briefing and safety drill, with experienced IBW Marshals leading the ride in groups to ensure smooth coordination. Every participant was also equipped with safety riding gear, underscoring the brand’s commitment to safe and responsible riding. The event wrapped up with interactive challenges and fun activities at the destination, and shared moments that celebrated the unifying culture of motorcycling.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Chawla, Managing Director & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd., said, “The Chai-Pakoda Rides have become a cherished ritual for biking enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to bring Bangalore another unforgettable experience this year. Our continued partnership with India Bike Week reflects Gulf’s commitment to not just powering mobility but of creating experiences that celebrate passion, freedom, and the brotherhood of riders. As a customer-first company, these experiences also give us the pulse of the ground while enabling riders to truly feel the performance and reliability that Gulf stands for. For us, it’s about creating moments that riders will remember, while reinforcing the trust they place in us.”

Now in its 12th year, India Bike Week has firmly established itself as the country’s premier celebration of motorcycling culture, a space where riders come together to bond, share stories, and fuel their passion for the open road. Among its signature traditions, the Chai-Pakoda Rides continue to expand their footprint, offering bikers a chance to explore scenic trails, bond over chai and conversations, and immerse themselves in a shared love for motorcycles.

As a cornerstone of India Bike Week’s build-up activities, the Chai-Pakoda Rides continue to grow in scale and popularity, spanning multiple cities and creating touchpoints for Gulf to engage directly with the biking fraternity. With Gulf’s continued support, these rides have evolved into immersive journeys that blend road safety, adventure, and community engagement. By spanning multiple cities and growing in scale every year, they provide Gulf with a powerful platform to connect directly with India’s biking fraternity.

Indians Celebrate Diwali with Family Travel, Spiritual Trips, and Festive Getaways

Indians Embrace Diwali Celebrations Family Travel, Spiritual Journeys and Festive Getaways Take Centre Stage

Mumbai, 17 October 2025: Diwali 2025 marks a vibrant shift in the way Indians celebrate moving beyond traditional home gatherings to immersive travel experiences that reflect celebration, discovery, and togetherness. Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have witnessed a growing trend  in consumer preferences, with families including multigenerational groups, group of friends, couples  increasingly choosing to make travel an integral part of their Diwali celebrations.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa  Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “There is a growing trend where families, including multi-generations, are choosing to celebrate special occasions and festivals like Diwali – for bonding time and celebrations, while exploring favourite/new destinations. What’s particularly interesting is the increase in average spends, with travellers opting for longer stays—moving from traditional 3-day breaks to 6–12 day holidays. Multigenerational families are maximising school vacations for Diwali, while millennials and working professionals are combining weekends with festive holidays for extended getaways.  Top international favorites include Europe’s Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, Spain and Portugal. Australia and New Zealand remain popular for their outdoor experiences and wildlife encounters, while Japan and South Korea appeal to younger travellers with their blend of tradition and pop culture. Short-haul favourites include Vietnam, Oman, Maldives, Bali and Cambodia emerging strongly. Visa-free and easy visa destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Indonesia and the Philippines continue to drive demand. 

On the domestic front, travellers are choosing destinations like Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Andamans as well as spiritual circuits like Char Dham, Kailash Mansarovar, Ayodhya-Prayagraj and Varanasi. Based on the growing appetite from young India’s millennials for outdoor adventure, we have created unique ‘Pilgrimage Plus’ portfolio that blends darshans with adventure— river rafting in Rishikesh, trekking in Uttarakhand, paragliding in Bir and ziplining over the Ganges. 

Given the rising popularity of festival travel, there’s understandably an expected increase in rates. As a result, we have observed a trend where travellers are securing airfares by booking well in advance. At Thomas Cook, we’ve curated festive portfolios that blend tradition with exploration including our regional group tours with on-tour pujas and curated vegetarian meals. With travellers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences, our focus remains on crafting journeys that celebrate the spirit of the season.”

S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, shared, “Traditionally, Indian festivals have been centred around home rituals and family gatherings. However, we are witnessing a strong shift—families are increasingly celebrating by travelling, blending tradition with exploration, relaxation and quality time. We have designed our Diwali festive packages curated specially for families and multi-generational groups. We are seeing interest not only from India’s metros but also from regional India’s tier 2 and 3 markets, reflecting a strong, nationwide aspiration to travel. 

A growing trend among young migrant professionals is extending their weekend, travelling back home to spend quality time with family and celebrate the festive season together for a 5–6 day break. Cruises are also gaining popularity and to elevate this experience, we’ve partnered with Disney Cruise Line for exclusive sailings from Australia–New Zealand, bringing the magic of Disney closer to home; also domestic sailings like Cordelia’s festive sailings are seeing strong interest from Young India’s millennials and Gen Z, couples and working professionals looking for a quick break. 

Spiritual Tourism is a strong trend this festive season and we are witnessing interest in spiritual circuits like Char Dham, Kashi, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Tirupati, Amritsar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka and Sri Lanka, with special themed tours such as ‘Ramayan Anant Yatra’ and ‘Ramayan Trails’—offering a deeper connection with faith and culture during the festive season. 

What is noteworthy is that Indians being value-seekers are smart planners — most having booked their holidays well in advance, recognising surge festive fares and the risk of last-minute disappointment; also coupled with BOGO offers and discounts, travellers are now maximizing their holidays.”

With travellers seeking to rediscover togetherness in new destinations, festive travel in 2025 is redefining the meaning of home and celebration. Whether through moments of devotion, adventure, or discovery, Indians are embracing travel as a heartfelt expression of festive spirit and family bonding.