20, Oct 2025
Samsung Expands Care to Cover Home Appliances in India
Samsung Expands Samsung Care+ Service to Include Warranty Plans for Home Appliances in India
Kochi, 20th October 2025: Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics brand, today announced the expansion of its Samsung Care+ service to include Extended Warranty plans for home appliances including Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Microwave ovens, and Smart TVs. As celebrations fill homes across the country, Samsung aims to make this festive period even more rewarding by offering consumers greater peace of mind through enhanced protection and convenience. Customers can now choose from plans that range from 1-4 years, offering comprehensive protection and convenience, with prices starting as low as INR 2 per day.
The upgraded Samsung Care+ service also introduce industry-first coverage for software updates and screen malfunctions (with no physical damage). This ensures that customers have complete peace of mind, not only for hardware issues but also for software performance and display concerns, making Samsung Care+ the most comprehensive appliance protection programme in the industry.
“We are committed to enhancing the customer experience, elevating home appliances ownership with unique benefits such as software updates and screen malfunction coverage, while expanding availability of Samsung Care+ Extended Warranty plans across all channels,” said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances, Samsung India.
Built on the pillars of Expertise, Reach, Reliability, Speed, Smart Service, Protection, and Sustainability, Samsung Care+ provides consumers access to over 13,000 Samsung-certified engineers, 2,500+ service centres, and 100% genuine Samsung parts, guaranteeing timely, high-quality service. Customers will get multi-lingual support in nine languages, while the Samsung app allows customers to track services and receive timely reminders for scheduled maintenance.
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- By Neel Achary
20, Oct 2025
Five Emerging Artists Shine at 34th Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation Awards
Dhoomimal Gallery concludes its two-week exhibition celebrating India’s next generation of contemporary artists
New Delhi, October 20, 2025: Dhoomimal Gallery, India’s oldest modern art gallery, successfully concluded the 34th Annual Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation (RJMF) Exhibition with an inspiring Awards Ceremony that marked the grand culmination of the two-week-long showcase. From 60 participants selected out of over 500 nationwide entries, five exceptional emerging artists, Santanu Dey, Shuvam Sen, Naina Somani, Soumitra Das, and Ayesha Sultana Pramanik; were honoured as winners.
This year, in recognition of the extraordinary quality and diversity of submissions, the jury decided to extend the awards to five winners instead of the usual four—a reflection of the remarkable creative talent on display. Each awardee received ₹1,00,000 along with continued mentorship and opportunities to advance their artistic journey.
Speaking about the awards, Uday Jain, Director of Dhoomimal Gallery, said, “This year’s edition truly stood out for the calibre and originality of the participating artists. The jury’s decision to honour five awardees is a testament to the depth of emerging talent in India today. The Foundation remains deeply committed to nurturing these voices and continuing my father’s vision of supporting the future of Indian art.”
The winners were selected by a distinguished jury panel comprising Vibha Galhotra, Rekha Rodwittiya, Anish Gawande, Arunkumar H.G., and Ina Puri—renowned figures representing diverse perspectives across art, curation, literature, and cultural discourse.
The 34th RJMF Exhibition, held from September 29 to October 15, 2025, presented over 120 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, and digital art. The showcase drew strong participation from collectors, curators, artists, and art enthusiasts, reaffirming Dhoomimal Gallery’s role as a leading platform for emerging Indian talent.
Instituted in 1991 by Smt. Uma Jain in memory of Ravi Jain (1936–2000)—the visionary gallerist who transformed Dhoomimal into a cornerstone of Indian modern art—the Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation continues to carry forward his belief that “for the art movement to perpetuate and grow, we must constantly nurture new talent.”
Over the past three decades, the RJMF Exhibition and Awards have evolved into one of India’s most respected platforms for emerging contemporary artists, offering visibility and recognition at formative stages of their careers.
Today, under the leadership of Uday and Sunaina Jain, the Foundation and Dhoomimal Gallery together remain dedicated to promoting contemporary voices, mentoring young artists, and shaping a vibrant ecosystem for Indian art.
19, Oct 2025
S.L. Raheja Hospital Mumbai Launches ‘Humraahi’ – A First-of-Its-Kind Neuro Support Group for Patients & Caregivers
~ Inaugurated by actor Arbaaz Khan, the Neuro Support Group ‘Humraahi’ combines compassionate care, expert guidance, and community support for patients & caregivers navigating neurological challenges ~
Mumbai, 19th October 2025: S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai proudly launched ‘Humraahi’ – a pioneering Neuro Support Group aimed at providing holistic care and support for individuals living with neurological disorders and their caregivers. The initiative addresses the critical gap in neurological and psychiatric care while helping break the stigma around conditions like Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and Stroke.
The event hosted at S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai, brought together patients, caregivers, medical experts, and the community for an interactive session, offering therapeutic activities such as art and music therapy, expert guidance, and peer support. Bollywood actor and producer Arbaaz Khan inaugurated the event, lending visibility to the cause.
Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Director – Neurology, S.L. Raheja Hospital Mahim – a Fortis Associate Mumbai, said, “Neurological disorders often co-exist with psychiatric conditions, which can make the journey extremely challenging for patients and families. Humraahi is not just a support group—it is a companion for patients and caregivers alike, providing guidance, community, and access to comprehensive care in a safe, empathetic environment.”
Arbaaz Khan, Bollywood Actor & Producer, commented, “This initiative is deeply personal for me. Being part of Humraahi today was truly inspiring. Meeting the patients and their caregivers, seeing their courage and resilience, and understanding the importance of such holistic support reinforced how critical awareness & community initiatives are. It made me realise the importance of early support, awareness, and holistic care. S.L. Raheja Hospital is not just providing medical care, it’s creating a community of hope. I am proud to be associated with the medical team here in this journey.”
Dr Kunal Punamiya, CEO – S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – a Fortis Associate, added, “At S.L. Raheja Hospital, we understand that healing isn’t just about treating the illness—it’s also about caring for the mind, body, and heart. ‘Humraahi’, an initiative deeply personal for us, brings together neurology and mental health, and aims to break the stigma and build a community that walks this journey together.”
To ensure accessibility, patients and caregivers from other hospitals and care homes across Mumbai can join the Humraahi Neuro Support Group for free by scanning this QR code. This allows participants to register easily, participate in sessions, and access resources and expert guidance without barriers. Members of the Humrahi group, including patients from SL Raheja Hospital and other hospitals, will be provided with Raheja Home Care services.
With one neurologist per million people in India, the launch of ‘Humraahi’ is a step towards bridging the neurorehabilitation gap, offering emotional, social, and clinical support to a community that has historically lacked structured guidance. Caregivers, who are often the primary decision-makers, also gain access to resources, peer networks, and expert insights to better support their loved ones.
18, Oct 2025
Celebrating India’s Entrepreneurial Spirit The 10th Edition of the ASCENT Conclave 2025
Mumbai, 18th October 2025: ASCENT Foundation, the peer-to-peer entrepreneurial learning platform founded and managed by Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited, proudly hosted the 10th Edition of its flagship event, the ASCENT Conclave, on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
Since its inception in 2012, ASCENT Foundation has grown into one of India’s most trusted and vibrant platforms for entrepreneurial learning and collaboration. Today, it brings together over 1,000 entrepreneurs from more than 40 cities across India. These leaders who collectively represent a turnover exceeding INR 1,28,000 crore and employ more than 1,00,000 people, building a powerful ecosystem of shared growth and collective impact.
The ASCENT Conclave, over the past decade, has evolved into a celebration of India’s entrepreneurial energy, serving as a space where founders exchange ideas, share experiences and inspire one another to scale higher. The 10th edition was the largest yet, uniting more than 700 entrepreneurs for thought-provoking sessions, authentic storytelling and real-world insights on navigating the rapidly evolving business landscape.
Fostering Growth Through Shared Learning
At the heart of ASCENT lies a simple yet powerful belief entrepreneurs grow stronger when they learn from one another. Through its peer group format, ASCENT has created a safe, non-competitive environment where business leaders openly share challenges and successes without fear or judgment. Beyond professional growth, ASCENT has also helped its members evolve personally building self-awareness, resilience, and empathy, helping them become not just better entrepreneurs but better individuals.
“ASCENT was born out of the understanding that entrepreneurship can often be a lonely journey,” said Harsh Mariwala, Chairman, Marico Limited and Founder, ASCENT Foundation. “Through a robust network of trust and mutual learning, ASCENT has become a platform where entrepreneurs can share freely, collaborate meaningfully, and grow collectively. The 10th Edition of the Conclave is not just a milestone, but a reflection of how far Indian entrepreneurs have come and how much further we can go together in building a Viksit Bharat.”
Adding to this, Priyanjali Mariwala, Lead Director, ASCENT Foundation, said, “Over the years, ASCENT has nurtured a community that thrives on authenticity and collaboration. It is a space where diverse entrepreneurs spanning across sectors and scales come together to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and co-create solutions. The Conclave represents that spirit of collective learning and transformation.”
A Decade of Impact and Vision for 2047
The ASCENT community’s success stories reflect the multiplier effect of its model where one entrepreneur’s growth fuels opportunities for many others. By empowering 10 entrepreneurs who can in turn empower 10 more, ASCENT aims to build a cascading network of impact that strengthens India’s entrepreneurial backbone and contributes meaningfully to the nation’s $5 trillion economic aspiration.
As India proudly marches towards Viksit Bharat 2047, ASCENT continues to play a pivotal role in enabling entrepreneurs to capitalise on the “Indian opportunity” fostering innovation, creating jobs, and driving sustainable growth.
A Platform for Ideas and Collaboration
The ASCENT Conclave 2025, in collaboration with Ideabaaz, a TV show that will serve as a national stage for Indian startups looking for support beyond fundraise, will amplify this spirit by providing a forum for founders to pitch, collaborate, and co-create innovative solutions. This unique partnership will encourage entrepreneurs to exchange ideas that could potentially reshape industries and contribute to India’s growth story.
Inspiring Voices, Transformative Conversations
This year’s Conclave featured inspiring voices such as Naseeruddin Shah, Veteran Actor and Theatre Artist; Pratik Gandhi, Actor and Host of Ideabaaz; Kapil Chopra, Founder of The Postcard Hotel and EazyDiner; Mithun Sacheti, Founder of CaratLane; and Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, among others. They shared their experiences on discipline, innovation, and resilience, key ethos that mirror the entrepreneurial journey. Their stories reinforced the idea that whether in business, art, or sports, success stems from passion, perseverance and a constant pursuit of excellence.
As ASCENT marks a decade of fostering entrepreneurial learning, collaboration, and impact, the 10th ASCENT Conclave 2025 stands as a testament to India’s collective spirit of enterprise a movement of founders helping founders, and a community that continues to power India’s growth story toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
18, Oct 2025
Central bank of India Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30th, 2025.
India, 18th october 2025: The Bank has reported robust performance for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, reflecting strong growth across business, deposits, advances, and asset quality.
Business and Deposits
The Bank’s total business witnessed significant growth, driven by both retail and institutional segments. Total deposits showed steady expansion, with CASA deposits contributing a substantial portion, reflecting a strong and stable deposit base.
Advances and Asset Quality
Gross advances increased, supported by growth across Retail, Agriculture, and MSME sectors. Asset quality improved, with both gross and net NPAs declining, supported by a strong provision coverage ratio.
Profitability
Net profit for the quarter recorded a marked improvement. Operating profit reflected some moderation due to changes in net interest income and non-interest income, while net interest income remained healthy. Return on assets and return on equity showed positive trends, highlighting efficient capital utilization.
Capital Adequacy and Network
The Bank’s capital adequacy remained strong, with Tier I capital improving over the previous period. The Bank continues to maintain a pan-India presence, with a wide network of branches, ATMs, and business correspondent points, serving customers across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
Outlook
The Bank remains focused on sustaining growth across deposits, advances, and profitability while maintaining strong asset quality and capital adequacy. Strategic initiatives in retail, agriculture, and MSME sectors, along with enhanced customer touchpoints, are expected to drive continued momentum in the coming quarters.
18, Oct 2025
Thomas Cook India Expands Senior Travel Segment with New Products and Partnerships
Thomas Cook India strengthens its position on high potential Senior’s Travel Segment through Product Innovation and Strategic Tie-ups
Mumbai, October 18th, 2025: While a lot has been said about India’s young demographic, the country’s senior population is also witnessing unprecedented growth, with those aged 60 and above projected to reach 347 million by 2050, accounting for 21% of the total population (PwC-ASLI Senior Care Report 2024 and UNFPA 2023). Recognizing this significant demographic shift and the rising aspirations of the 55+ community, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, is strengthening its focus on this high-potential segment.
India’s senior travellers today have the time and financial resources to travel. The overall growth in the economy has driven increased spending power, and the rise in nuclear families has resulted in seniors having more free time and accumulated income. This has led to a surge in demand for travel among the 55+ segment, which is now increasingly aspirational, adventurous, and experience-seeking.
In line with this growing demand, Thomas Cook India has partnered with Gen S Life, a leading lifestyle and community platform for the 55+ demographic. As part of this collaboration, the two brands will host an educational webinar, “Making Pilgrimage Travel Easy & Enjoyable for 55+” on Zoom on Wednesday, 29th October at 11 am. The free webinar is aimed at empowering senior travellers by addressing their unique travel needs through expert guidance. The session will feature renowned choreographer and traveller Sandip Soparrkar, along with Thomas Cook’s expert tour managers, offering practical travel tips, destination insights, and health advice tailored for senior travellers.
Drawing from Thomas Cook’s extensive spiritual circuits across India and its subcontinent, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Bodh Gaya, Pokhara in Nepal and South India’s Madurai, Tirupati, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari — the experts will highlight how convenience and premium comfort are built into every journey: from guided tours and VIP darshans to AC vehicle transfers; aerial Char Dham helicopter journeys that allow seniors to complete the pilgrimage in just 4 days, significantly reducing travel fatigue compared to the traditional 10-day road trip. The company’s Pilgrimage Plus portfolio transforms spiritual travel into a holistic holiday experience, blending darshans with immersive local exploration such as sunset views from the ghats, boating on the Ganges, visits to weavers’ villages in Varanasi, and curated cuisine and cultural trails led by local experts.
Attendees will also receive exclusive access to customized pilgrimage packages and special senior group offers.
To cater to the Seniors segment, Thomas Cook India will also be launching specialized Group Tours with itineraries which offer support for special dietary needs, handpicked elder friendly hotels with porterage, experienced tour managers accompaniment, entertainment evenings and high quality easy access vehicles to popular international destinations across Europe.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “In India, the silver economy is expanding rapidly in response to rising longevity, digital inclusion, and higher discretionary income. Seniors are no longer passive travellers; they are curious, confident, eager to explore and have both the means and the time to travel without compromise.
Our holidays are designed to meet their evolving needs, offering comfort, safety, and enriching experiences. Whether it’s a spiritual journey or a leisure escape, our aim is to make travel seamless and enjoyable for the 55+ community. Our partnership with Gen S Life is a natural extension of this vision, combining our travel expertise with their deep understanding of senior lifestyles to create truly inclusive and empowering travel experiences.”
Ms. Meenakshi Menon, Founder of Gen S Life, said, “For many seniors, a pilgrimage is a deeply personal and significant journey, but the logistics can often be a deterrent. Our partnership with Thomas Cook brings together safety, convenience, and community, allowing seniors to travel without hesitation. This initiative embodies our commitment to helping our community embrace new experiences with enthusiasm and ease. Through this webinar, we aim to spark the confidence in seniors to continue exploring the world, one spiritual destination at a time”.
Gen S Life is an app that offers a comprehensive ecosystem of curated services for the 55+ across health, wellness, finance, travel, safety, support, events, community and more. With over 40K downloads and 15000+ registered users, the platform is committed to empower seniors to lead healthier, safer, more connected, and fulfilling lives. An early believer in the Gen S Life vision, Thomas Cook continues to bring our members exceptional travel experiences at exclusive rates.
18, Oct 2025
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Boosts Breast Cancer Awareness
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Strengthens Breast Cancer Awareness with Focus on Screening and Preventive Care
Bhubaneswar, 18th October 2025: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar joined the global movement in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by launching a special initiative aimed at encouraging early detection, preventive screenings, and post-surgery wellness care. In line with this year’s theme “Every Story Unique. Every Victory Different.”, the hospital unveiled its PinkPledge Selfie Zone, inviting patients, visitors, and staff to stand in solidarity with breast cancer survivors and spread the message of hope and awareness.
As part of the campaign, participants received a detailed care booklet a practical guide covering breast self-examination, post-surgical care, drain management, and recovery exercises. The effort reflects the hospital’s holistic approach to wellness, focusing not only on treatment but also on awareness, empowerment, and long-term support. Breast cancer awareness is crucial as the disease often develops silently, with early signs like lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes easily overlooked. Regular screening and self-examination help detect such symptoms early, improving recovery chances and reducing the need for aggressive treatments.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya, Consultant Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, said, “Surgical outcomes in breast cancer improve dramatically when the disease is detected early. Awareness is the bridge that connects women to life-saving interventions. Through initiatives like these, we aim to create a community where stigma is replaced by support, and fear is replaced by informed action.”
Dr. Sachin Sekhar Biswal, Consultant Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, added, “Breast cancer awareness begins with informed choices and timely action. As a medical oncologist, I have seen firsthand how early detection can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. Our goal is to ensure that every woman feels empowered to prioritize her health through regular screenings and open conversations about breast health.”
The initiative highlights Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar’s focus on promoting regular breast health screenings and raising awareness about early detection. Through ongoing health programs and awareness activities, the hospital encourages women to prioritize check-ups for timely diagnosis and better overall breast health.
18, Oct 2025
Uttarakhand Hosts Pre-Summit to India–AI Impact Summit 2026, focusing on Responsible and Inclusive AI Growth
Dehradun, October 18, 2025: The Department of IT, Government of Uttarakhand, in collaboration with the India AI Mission, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India organised the Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit 2025 on October 17, 2025, at Hotel Ramada, Dehradun. This is an official pre-summit event of the India – AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to take place on February 19 – 20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Jointly hosted by the Department of IT, Government of Uttarakhand, the IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, the summit was inaugurated by Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State (MoS), MeitY, and was held in presence of Shri Nitesh Kumar Jha, Secretary, Information Technology, Government of Uttarakhand; Shri Mohammed Y. Safirulla, Director, IndiaAI Mission, MeitY; Dr. Durgesh Pant, Director General, UCOST; Prof. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES, Dehradun; Shri Sanjay Gupta, SIO, NIC; and Smt. Sharmishta Das, DDG & HOG, AI Division, NIC HQ.
Speaking at the event, Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble MoS, MeitY & Commerce and Industry, said, “What nuclear technology once was to the last century, AI is to this one but this time, India is ensuring the opportunity belongs to everyone. We are making world-class computing power accessible at less than a dollar an hour, enabling research, innovation, and disruption for good. From managing the Kumbh with AI to transforming governance and education, Bharat is showing what was once unimaginable is now possible. This is the New Bharat – confident, capable, and leading the world in using technology for impact.”
Adding to this, Shri Nitesh Kumar Jha, Secretary, IT, Government of Uttarakhand, said, “ We are using AI regularly but the larger objective of the Government of India and our state is not just to use AI, but to create AI. Let us become creators of AI. We have established a Centre of Excellence and also set up the first Drone Applications Centre, where we are integrating AI into drone technology. For this, we have already received a national award this year from the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”
The pre-summit event brought together premier institutions, including IIT Roorkee, IIM Kashipur, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, UPES, and STPI Dehradun. It featured presentations by AI-led startups supported by IIM Kashipur and STPI Dehradun, highlighting practical applications of AI in governance, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
A panel discussion moderated by Mr. Vivek Agrawal, Country Director, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, featured Smt. Sharmishta Das, DDG & HOG, AI Division, NIC HQ; Dr. Safal Batra, CEO, FIED, IIM Kashipur; Dr. Durgesh Pant, Director General, UCOST, GoUK, Prof. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES, Dehradun and Dr. Azam Ali, CEO, TIDES, IIT Roorkee. The session explored the evolving landscape of AI, emphasizing the need to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving among youth. It highlighted the importance of encouraging students to go on the ground, understand root causes, and design ideas that create real social impact. The discussion also called for deeper collaboration between academia, startups, and policymakers to strengthen responsible and efficient AI adoption for public good in Uttarakhand.`
The Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit 2025 set the stage for the India – AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI forum to be hosted in the Global South. Reflecting on India’s growing leadership in shaping the global AI agenda, the summit is anchored in the nation’s vision of “AI for All.” It seeks to harness the power of AI to drive social inclusion, innovation, and improved public service delivery, reinforcing India’s position as a global advocate for equitable, sustainable, and people-centric AI development.
About India – AI Impact Summit 2026
Hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the India – AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held on February 19-20, 2026, in New Delhi. The global platform is set to showcase the transformative role of AI in enabling inclusive development, sustainability, and fostering equitable progress. The Summit charts a path where AI serves humanity, advances inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes innovations that protect the planet.
The Three Sutras
The Summit will be anchored on three guiding principles or Sutras:
● People: AI must serve humanity in all its diversity, respecting cultural identities, preserving dignity, and ensuring no one is left behind. Focus areas include human development in an AI-enabled world, multilingual and accessible systems, and safe and trusted deployment.
● Planet: AI development and deployment must be resource-efficient while also accelerating climate resilience, environmental protection, and scientific discoveries. AI must align with planetary stewardship and global sustainability goals.
● Progress: Ensure equitable distribution of AI’s benefits, democratize access to datasets, compute, and models, and apply AI to healthcare, education, governance, and agriculture.
The Seven Chakras
The Sutras are translated into action through seven Chakras, areas of multilateral cooperation designed to deliver tangible outcomes:
1. Human Capital—Address employment, skilling, and workforce transformation. Develop global frameworks for literacy, reskilling, and equitable access to future skills.
2. Inclusion for Social Empowerment—Foster AI that reflects languages, cultures, and identities; ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities; prevent gender and data biases.
3. Safe and Trusted AI – Provide democratized access to safety testing, transparency, and auditing tools; build interoperable governance and assurance mechanisms.
4. Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency—Promote resource-efficient AI, lightweight and adaptable to local realities, reducing disparities and environmental costs.
5. Science—Expand responsible use of AI to accelerate research and discovery; strengthen ecosystems and partnerships in the Global South; promote open, interdisciplinary research.
6. Democratizing AI Resources—Forge pathways for equitable access to data, compute, models, and critical infrastructure, enabling diverse AI solutions that reflect global realities.
7. AI for Economic Development & Social Good—Identify and scale AI applications in public interest sectors; create platforms for knowledge and resource sharing; enable cross-border collaboration.
As AI adoption increases around the world, the AI Impact Summit charts a discourse around the measurable impact of AI, highlighting India’s role as a global convener for the Global South and beyond. Bringing together world leaders, innovators, policymakers, and industry pioneers, the Summit will shape a shared vision for AI that truly serves the many, not just the few.
17, Oct 2025
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.
17, Oct 2025
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.
