Category Archives: News

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.

International Day of Rural Women: Stories of Empowerment Through Skill-Building

India, 16th october 2025: The vision of a future-forward, inclusive, and economically vibrant India is incomplete without the participation of women in the workforce. With equal access to education, economic opportunities, and safety, women can drive social change, overcome socio-cultural barriers, and confidently run businesses. Initiatives like Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India have contributed to an increase in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate, from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 41.7% in 2023–24. However, the Economic Survey 2024–25 highlights that women still own only 22% of India’s MSMEs, most of which are micro-enterprises.

To empower aspiring women entrepreneurs, Transform Rural India (TRI), a development design organisation, is working to transform India’s bottom 100,000 villages into thriving localities. Through scalable and grounded solutions, TRI is creating entrepreneurial ecosystems that provide counselling, skill development, financial literacy workshops, and peer group meetings to foster collaboration and resource sharing within communities. Many rural women have emerged as inspiring examples of resilience and enterprise.

1. Padma Patel

Padma (35) from Kari village, Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, is now the proud owner of Muskan Saree Shop & Silai Centre. Born into a family engaged in agricultural labour and goat herding, she initially ran a small bangle shop to support her family. Her journey took a transformative turn when she joined TRI’s Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) through the Enterprise Facilitation Hub.

With guidance from TRI’s Nari Adhikar Kendra, she strengthened her financial literacy and business skills. Padma expanded her shop to include sarees and a sewing counter. Today, she enjoys a thriving business during festive and wedding seasons and plans to establish a dedicated sewing centre on newly acquired land. She actively inspires other women to acquire skills and leverage resources to realise their dreams.

2. Anita Wagh

Anita (32), from Kansul village, Pansemal, Barwani district, could not complete education beyond Class 10. Yet, she turned her tailoring skills into a profession after marriage, starting the Jai Dasha Mata Silai Center. With support from a self-help group and guidance from TRI’s Pansemal Enterprise Facilitation Hub and Nari Adhikar Kendra, she trained under TRI’s Accelerated Entrepreneurship Development Program (AEDP) to gain marketing and strategic skills.

Relocating her centre to Pansemal, Anita serves women from nearby villages, focusing on quality, versatility, and timely delivery. Today, she runs a successful enterprise and plans to expand into a cloth shop, gaining financial independence and respect within her family and community.

3. Rukhsana Bi

Rukhsana (33) from Julwaniya, Barwani, has established her own Ayesha Collection Cloth Shop. Limited education and social constraints initially restricted her to household duties. With the support of her husband and in-laws and guidance from TRI’s Enterprise Facilitation Hub, Rukhsana developed a business plan, identified a market gap, and secured support through a self-help group.

Her shop now serves families in Julwaniya and surrounding villages, providing her with financial independence and social recognition. Rukhsana contributes to family decisions, educates her children, and plans to expand into a full-fledged shop in the near future.

PerformAce partners with mFilterIt to Redefine Ad Performance in India

New Delhi, India, 15 October 2025: PerformAce Media, India’s leading precision MarTech specialist, has entered a strategic collaboration with mFilterIt, a global frontrunner in digital ad-trust solutions. This partnership empowers brands and agencies with advanced, performance-driven advertising—layered with robust fraud protection and sophisticated Attention Metrics to reveal true audience engagement.

Addressing the New Age of Digital Advertising

Today’s digital world demands more than outdated metrics like CTR. The surge in AI-driven bots and invalid traffic means advertisers face greater risks of digital fraud, while the challenge of ensuring brand safety is greater than ever. Moreover, viewability rates, while important, are simply not enoughbrands need assurance that their messages are truly absorbed by a real, engaged audience.

Through this partnership, PerformAce and mFilterIt will equip advertisers to move beyond conventional measures, integrating:

• Invalid traffic and brand safety protection
• Attention-based measurement models
• Transparent, actionable campaign insights that maximize ROI

What’s New: Key Innovations

• Ad Fraud Prevention & Brand Safety: Every rupee spent is safeguarded by eliminating invalid traffic and avoiding unsafe placements.
• Performance Optimization: Data-driven insights allow brands to fine-tune creative, targeting, and placements on the fly.
• ROI Maximization: Identifies top-performing platforms and formats for high-impact conversions and scalable growth.
• Next-Gen Attention Metrics: Tracks advanced engagement signals—time spent, ad positioning, active interactions (clicks, sound, screen orientation) and video quartile progression.
• Custom Audiences & Retargeting: Enhanced targeting powered by real user-intent scores enriches campaign precision and effectiveness.

Real-World Outcomes

In a recent OTT campaign analyzed by mFilterIt, optimizing for invalid traffic and unsafe environments, coupled with attention-based creative adjustments, resulted in tangible ROI gains, actionable audience insights, and improved content strategies. By bringing this intelligence into PerformAce’s proprietary stack—VisionTV, AudienceX, NativeHub, InsightX, and ConnectX—advertisers gain unparalleled campaign clarity and transparency.

Leadership Perspectives

Saurabh Gaur, Co-Founder & CEO, PerformAce Media, said:

“At PerformAce, we’re committed to not just delivering reach at scale, but also to ensuring genuine accountability, brand safety, and attention-led performance. With mFilterIt, we’re empowering advertisers to demand more: real ROI, real trust, and real results.”

Amit Relan, Co-Founder & CEO, mFilterIt, added:

“Attention is fast becoming the new currency for advertisers. Together with PerformAce, we ensure every impression is verified and every campaign is optimized for meaningful engagement.”

TEAS Winner Meenakshi Debuts Solo Exhibition at Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art

Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art’s TEAS award recipient Meenakshi has launched her first solo exhibition 

Mumbai: October 15, 2025 : To celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary, the Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art (AMCA) gallery is showcasing the debut project of its award-winning artist Meenakshi Nihalani till October 25. The art project titled ‘Seven Yards of Blue’ which is inspired by Gandhi’s letters around the Champaran Satyagraha and chronicles its impact on the farmers of India, is scheduled till October 13 at the art gallery. 

Artist Meenakshi Nihalani was the recipient of AMCA’s first ever ‘The Emerging Artist Solo’ (TEAS) award that recognises emerging artists whose work focuses on subjects of socio-political and economic relevance. The exhibition is curated by Anupa Mehta and supported by Hampi Art Labs, where Meenakshi recently completed her residency.

The Champaran movement, led by Gandhi in 1917, was India’s first significant civil disobedience campaign focused on ending forced indigo cultivation. Meenakshi’s immersive installation works, combining textiles and sculpture, explore the plight of indigo farmers, chronicling their resilience amid colonial oppression and creating a nuanced dialogue between the past and present. 

“We are very excited to display Meenakshi’s impactful work at AMCA as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi during this very special month that celebrates his birth anniversary. This exhibition allows us to reflect on the enduring relevance of resistance, justice, and self-reliance. We look forward to having many more meaningful conversations in the years to come with the TEAS award and we hope to keep inspiring fresh new talent to express their views on relevant socio-political and economic events through contemporary art,” said Anupa Mehta, gallerist and curator. 

As an annual event, the TEAS award and exhibition program aims to launch and nurture emerging talent, fostering vital cultural dialogues both within India and internationally. The highly anticipated opening is expected to attract artists, collectors, critics, and audiences eager to experience a powerful confluence of art, history, and activism.

Roots at Mahindra University reveals stellar line-up bridging tradition and youth

Hyderabad, 15th October 2025: Mahindra Group’s newest cultural initiative, Roots at Mahindra  University – a one day festival bridging ancient traditions with today’s youth – has finally unveiled its  line-up of diversely talented artists. With this new IP, Mahindra is breaking ground by empowering  students to create a living, breathing ecosystem where heritage becomes an active, two-way dialogue.  The festival will place the next generation at the very heart of cultural sustainability.  

India’s cultural heritage is diverse, and shifting every few hundred kilometres. But what happens  when this thriving culture faces the danger of becoming a niche? For a generation of digital natives,  these traditions are not just about history but a piece of identity shedding away. So, they want to  extend their efforts towards sustaining these traditions and confluence it into the mainstream. And  from this desire, Roots at Mahindra University was born. The students’ mission is simple but  profound: to give unique legacy art forms a stage in the here and now. 

And the line-up of the festival reflects this very philosophy with: The Raghu Dixit Project, pioneers  of India’s folk-rock movement who have redefined Kannada folk poetry for global audiences.  Swarathma, who turns music into environmental, social and cultural activism with electrifying  performances. Bringing a northern flavour is Alif, aka, Mohammed Muneem Nazir, a poet, singer 

songwriter from Kashmir. His work on Coke Studio Bharat and Made In Heaven is steeped in ideas of  identity, longing, and resilience. Not to forget Hamza Rahimtula + Rajasthan Folkstars’ rare  dialogue between DJing and Manganiyar traditions led by Khartal virtuoso Jaisa Khan and Firoz Khan  on the Bhapang and Morchang. It started as a spontaneous collaboration that has pushed Rajasthani  folk into global dance circuits.  

Meanwhile, there’s Gotte Kanakavva, the 65-year-old daily-wage worker and farmer who is now a  folk icon, awarded and celebrated for keeping Bathukamma songs alive. Lastly, Arko and Friends ft.  Gaboo’s fresh collaboration will bring together Bollywood with indie experimentation, bridging  popular and alt music.  

“Young people often express the need to reconnect to India’s artistic traditions, and believe they must  shoulder the responsibility to both preserve and reinvent them. Roots is a manifestation of this belief.  This is not nostalgia but a generational mandate. It is their way of saying that culture is not a museum  exhibit but alive, and belongs in the present to the young. By bringing forgotten art forms through  authentic acts in contemporary spaces, Roots is not just preserving traditions but evolving them,” said  Jay Shah, Vice President, Head – Cultural Outreach, Mahindra & Mahindra

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, added, “Roots is not a festival planned  from the top down for the attendees. The very generation it endeavours to inspire is the one building it  piece by piece from the ground up – not just as volunteers but as cultural entrepreneurs. And the line-up  of the festival embodies this ethos of not just preserving the past but making it relevant for the future.” 

Roots at Mahindra University promises not just performances but a cultural movement  demonstrating how the youth has the power and the responsibility to keep the chain of memory alive,  and become guardians of India’s cultural future.

Record-Low Inflation Opens Window for Growth Acceleration: PHDCCI

India, 14th oct 2025: CPI has seen a sharp decline in India’s headline inflation to 1.54% in September 2025, the lowest in over eight years according to the date released by Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation today.

“The record-low inflation offers a strong foundation for India’s next phase of growth. It is a moment of opportunity to revitalize private investment, stimulate consumption, and accelerate job creation,” said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI in a press statement issued here today.

Food inflation (Provisional) registered a –2.28 % year-on-year decline, extending its downward trend for the fourth consecutive month. Among categories, the sharpest declines were driven by lower inflation in vegetables, oil & fats, fruits, pulses, cereals, eggs, as well as moderated increases in energy and fuel prices. Better arrivals of vegetables, cereals, and pulses at mandis led to a correction in retail prices, he said.

He added, “The moderation in food and fuel prices has provided much-needed relief to households and improved purchasing power. Going forward, we urge the government to leverage this price stability to enhance credit availability, ease of doing business, and export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs and labour-intensive sectors.”

This phase of low inflation should be complemented by accelerated implementation of infrastructure and logistics projects to lower input costs, further support for agriculture supply chains to prevent food price spikes, and continued focus on technology-driven productivity gains in manufacturing and services, he added.

We anticipate that India’s inflation will remain within a comfortable range over the next two quarters, supported by adequate food supplies, moderate energy costs, and prudent monetary management by the Reserve Bank of India said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI.

Ex-BEL CMD V. Gowtama Mannava Joins Olee.Space as Strategic Production Advisor

Former Bharat Electronics CMD V. Gowtama Mannava joins Olee.Space as Strategic Production Advisor

India, October 13, 2025: Olee.Space, a leading photonics and defense technology innovator, today announced the appointment of Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava, former Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), as its Strategic Production Advisor. With a career spanning more than 4 decades in India’s defense electronics and technology sector, Mr. Gowtama brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, growth through innovation, and large-scale defense production to enhance Olee.Space’s purpose of developing indigenous capabilities in defense aerospace, and communications systems. 

In his advisory role, Mr. Gowtama will lead Olee.Space through developing cutting-edge defence electronic systems encompassing various technologies including LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and Secure Communication Networks as per India’s vision for long-term technological self-reliance and Atmanirbhar Bharat. His technical expertise will play a crucial role in speeding up the Olee.Space’s timeline towards deploying high-performing systems and growing international defense partnerships. 

Commenting on the appointment, James Solomon, Founder & CEO, Olee.Space, said, “Mr. Gowtama’s appointment represents a turning point for Olee.Space as we move forward to align our innovations with India’s strategic vision for defense and civilian use cases. His unmatched deep experience in heading indigenous defense programmes will lead us to speed up technology development and drive operational excellence across our programs.” 

An experienced technocrat, Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava was the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited. During his tenure, BEL solidified its position as India’s premier defense electronics company, breaking new ground in radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems. He promoted R&D partnerships, defense electronics innovation, and convergence of emerging technologies across spheres. 

Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava, former Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), added, “Passion and commitment are driving the Olee.Space team to new frontiers. I am excited to join a team that is transforming how India develops and deploys cutting-edge defense technologies, and I look forward to supporting their mission of technological superiority and self-reliance.”

This appointment reaffirms Olee.Space’s ongoing commitment to harnessing profound operational expertise with technological innovation to enhance its leadership in India’s strategic technology ecosystem. 

Earlier this year, Olee.Space raised $3 million in seed funding from leading global and domestic investors, including BIG Global, IIM A Ventures, Rockstud Capital, and SIDBI, enabling it to accelerate innovation in strategic photonics and defense communications. The appointment of Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava, as Strategic Production Advisor reinforces the company’s commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with operational expertise.