All posts by Neel Achary

MS Dhoni changed the atmosphere of Mission Possible from the moment he arrived on the campus of Vadodara-based Parul University creating a sense of excitement and optimism within the student body. By speaking about his perspectives on how success is achieved by making mundane day to day choices that eventually lead to larger achievements, he provided the students with extremely helpful and clear explanations. Finally, Dhoni described the importance of keeping your thoughts steady by focusing on maintaining consistency towards an ultimate goal through the changes that continue to take place in our environments.

In discussing the subject of motivation, MS Dhoni described,

 “How many people are now motivated by the attention and recognition that they receive and therefore, how important it is to identify the areas that you want to give your time and energy to, since this will allow you to remain focused on your goals.” His thoughts on ambition stayed clear: purpose matters just as much as effort and clarity often creates its own sense of direction.

MS Dhoni elaborated,

“When it comes to motivation, everyone has a different source for it and his motivation has been representing the country. Habits, preparation, relaxation and discipline give me confidence and having a routine is usually the most supportive aspect of your life in those difficult moments of life.”

A thoughtful moment came when MS Dhoni appreciated Parul University students who secured placements in respected organizations across various fields. He highlighted, 

“The persistent labor that goes into achieving results, including projects, interviews, internships and the gradual development of professional preparation.” He also highlighted, “The type of preparation culture in which many students at PU actively participate throughout the year.”

MS Dhoni also spoke about responsibility in a straightforward manner. He pointed out, “How personal awareness and discipline influence results, whether in academics, professional situations or everyday decisions.”

Toward the conclusion, MS Dhoni shared a thought that shaped the tone of the session:

“Life moves through the choices a person makes. He said, “The growth can be seen in small improvements that gradually become noticeable, especially when someone stays committed to steady progress.”

Mission Possible at Parul University carried a sense of clarity and direction. The comments made by MS Dhoni were all simple, practical, and relatable. Because of this, the learning environment that PU is creating fits in with Dhoni’s words and approach to life. The conversations also provided a steady hand of support at a significant moment. The learning environment also created a strong atmosphere for reflection, laser-focused learning and renewed purpose.

2026 will be all about Intelligent, Data-Powered Growth for Indian Enterprises Cloudera predicts a re-assessment of data-driven AI adoption methods in these key areas: AI silos, AI agents, Private AI, AI talent, and AI investment strategies

 Bengaluru, Dec 11: Cloudera, the only company bringing AI to data anywhere, announced its 2026 predictions, highlighting the need for organizations to reevaluate and strengthen their data foundations in the year ahead.

“2026 will be a defining year for Indian enterprises as AI moves from pilots to full scale production. Organizations of all sizes are realising that the success of AI depends on having a strong data foundation. The rise of AI silos is already demonstrating that isolated experimentations cannot deliver consistency, governance, or control required to scale. Real progress will come from unifying data environments and enabling AI agents to operate in real-time, governed information, making automation context-aware, explainable, and secure. As regulations evolve and cyber threats intensify, Private AI will become indispensable, especially for sectors where trust and compliance are paramount. But technology alone is not enough. Building AI-literate, ethically grounded teams will be critical to sustaining trust and reducing risk. With economic pressures sharpening the focus on ROI, enterprises must invest where AI meaningfully advances outcomes. Organizations that embed AI deeply into their data fabric with strong governance will lead India’s digital future.” said Mayank Baid, Regional Vice President, India and South Asia.

Here are five predictions that will shape how companies approach AI strategies in the year ahead:

1.     AI silos will emerge as the latest enterprise challenge

When a new technology trend emerges, organizations often rush to adopt it. When GenAI was introduced, everyone wanted to experiment with it, and now that Agentic AI is gaining traction, the same pattern is repeating.

The challenge is that many organizations are doing this in isolation. Different departments choose their own tools, run their own POCs, and deploy solutions independently. Much like the early days of Business Intelligence (BI), we’re beginning to see AI silos forming within enterprises.

This fragmentation makes it difficult to maintain consistency, governance, and control across the organization. Forward-looking enterprises, such as OCBC, have standardized on unified data and AI platforms, ensuring that innovation happens securely and collaboratively, and not in disconnected pockets. Axis Bank, for instance, has built a centralized data foundation that supports personalization across channels, improves operational efficiency, and ensures compliance while enabling innovation to scale securely and collaboratively rather than in disconnected pockets.

2.    More real-world use cases for AI agents are on the horizon

After a year of pilots and prototypes, 2026 will mark the tipping point where AI agents start driving tangible business outcomes. Enterprises are moving beyond experimentation to full-scale adoption, especially in the financial services sector where use cases span everything from Source-of-Weath assistants to intelligent fraud prevention systems.

According to a recent report from Finextra Research, 97% of financial services firms now have at least one AI/ML use case in production, signaling that AI has moved from emerging trend to business essential. Yet, nearly half remain stuck in the “middle stage” of maturity, where scaling, governance, and cost control become key barriers.

The next frontier lies in operationalizing AI agents at scale. This means connecting them to real-time, governed data, and integrating them across business workflows. Enterprises that get this right will unlock automation that is not just intelligent, but context-aware, traceable, and secure.

3.   Private AI will be the next big enterprise priority

As India’s regulations evolve and data sovereignty concerns grow, Private AI will rise as the next major enterprise priority. Highly regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, and the public sector will accelerate the adoption of Private AI architectures to harness the power of generative and agentic AI without risking sensitive data.

This shift is critical as cybersecurity continues to be a top enterprise priority. Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2025 revealed a 32% surge in identity-based attacks in the first half of the year, underscoring how AI is being weaponized for more sophisticated cyber threats.  Private AI frameworks will play a pivotal role here, enabling organizations to deploy models in controlled environments, detect anomalies faster, and minimize exposure to public cloud vulnerabilities. The enterprises that invest in secure, compliant AI now will be the ones to innovate with confidence later.

4. 4.       Companies need to close the AI talent and responsibility gap

As AI becomes mainstream, a new divide is emerging: not between those who use AI and those who don’t, but between those who use it responsibly and effectively, and those who struggle to scale it sustainably.

In 2026, talent development will be a key differentiator . Enterprises that overlook  AI literacy, technical upskilling, and ethical awareness risk operational inefficiencies, inconsistent outputs, and compliance lapses. Employees must not only understand how AI works, but when and how to trust its output.

Organizations that embed responsible AI principles into training, governance, and workflow design will build a more confident and capable workforce. This combination of human skill and structured guardrails can innovate faster, reduce risk, and ensure every AI decision aligns with enterprise ethics and data governance standards.

5.  Companies will need to scrutinize their AI investment strategies

In 2026, economic headwinds will push organizations to shift from “AI for innovation” to “AI for impact.” The next phase of enterprise AI will be defined by a sharper focus on return on investment, efficiency, and purpose-built deployment.

CIOs and CTOs will need to build a strong business case for every AI initiative and recognize not every workload needs high-end GPUs or complex models.Just as only a high-stakes race demands a high-performance machine, only select use cases require advanced AI. Organizations should invest according to their objectives, not the trend. This value-driven mindset is already taking shape. The Future of Enterprise AI Agents report states that 84% of Indian organizations have implemented AI agents within the past two years, with 36% having started in just the last year.

In 2026, AI will separate the builders from the believers. Ultimately, the winners will be those that integrate AI seamlessly into their data fabric, supported by strong data foundations, standardized metrics, and sustainable governance.

New Delhi, Dec 11: The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) today formalised its partnership with Western Sydney University (WSU) to establish Uttar Pradesh’s first foreign university campus in Noida. The agreement marks a significant step in GNIDA’s efforts to position the region as a global education and innovation hub, aligning with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to advance Uttar Pradesh as a leading destination for international institutions. The signing materialized at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, in the august presence of senior leaders from the Government of Australia, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and India’s higher-education community.

Prominent attendees included Shri Awanish Awasthi, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Alok Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Infrastructure and Industrial Development, Shri MP Agarwal, Principal Secretary Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Professor George Williams, Vice Chancellor and Vice President, Western Sydney University, Professor Deborah Sweeney, Provost, Western Sydney University, Arvind Gupta, Director, Deloitte, and Saumya Srivastav, ACEO, Greater Noida Authority. They were joined by The Honourable Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, Government of Australia, Dr Vineet Joshi, Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC), and academic leaders from VNMKV, IIT Ropar, and Haryana Agricultural University.

The partnership supports the establishment of WSU’s new campus within the Greater Noida Authority complex and will strengthen access to global teaching, research, and industry-linked learning in fields such as sustainability, water management, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and business innovation. As part of its phased launch, the university plans to offer programs in Business Analytics, Marketing, Data Science, Sustainable Water Future, and Agriculture in the first year, followed by MBA programs in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Supply Chain Management in the second year.

Speaking at the event, Shri Awanish Awasthi, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, said,

“Uttar Pradesh is growing rapidly in both education and infrastructure, and partnerships like this reflect the confidence that the world now places in our state’s development agenda. The arrival of a leading Australian university is not just symbolic; it opens a new horizon of opportunities for our young people, particularly girls, who are achieving extraordinary milestones. This campus will help them pursue ambitions once difficult to access within the state. As Uttar Pradesh moves steadily toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy, such collaborations will assay a crucial role in creating skilled, future-ready talent that contributes meaningfully to India’s growth story.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Shri Alok Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Infrastructure and Industrial Development, said,

“This collaboration represents a significant step toward narrowing the gap between the aspirations of our youth and the opportunities available to them within the state. Uttar Pradesh houses one of the youngest populations in the country, and Greater Noida has already established itself as a thriving hub for technology, manufacturing, and innovation. I am confident that Western Sydney University’s presence will further strengthen this ecosystem by bringing global expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data sciences, and emerging fields. We are pleased that GNIDA has leased approximately forty thousand square feet for the new campus, reaffirming Greater Noida’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for global institutions and forward-looking educational initiatives. With the region evolving as a centre for technology, manufacturing, and innovation, the presence of a leading international university will enrich our academic landscape and create opportunities for deeper collaboration in research, skill development, and industry integration. This strategic partnership reinforces our commitment to creating high-quality academic pathways and industry-aligned skills that prepare students for addressing the demands of tomorrow’s economy.”

Representing Australia, Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, Government of Australia, said,

“This partnership gloriously demonstrates the shared commitment between Australia and India to support young people in gaining the skills they need for a sustainable and globally competitive future. Western Sydney University is one of Australia’s leading institutions, and its presence in India marks an important milestone in our educational cooperation. I am proud to see this next chapter unfold, because it represents more than an academic partnership, it reflects trust, respect, and a collective vision for empowering the next generation.”

Sharing WSU’s vision for the new campus, Professor George Williams, Vice Chancellor and Vice President, Western Sydney University, said, “Greater Noida emerged as the natural choice for our first campus in India because it aligns perfectly with Western Sydney University’s mission and growth ambitions. From its planned infrastructure to its strong connectivity and expanding innovation ecosystem, the region provides the ideal foundation for high-quality global education. Our goal is to bring deep expertise in sustainability, water management, agriculture, technology, and industry-integrated learning to support India’s priorities in these domains. We are committed to building a campus that delivers world-class academic experiences, robust industry partnerships, and transformative opportunities for students across India and beyond.”

Professor Deborah Sweeney, Provost, Western Sydney University, closed the ceremony by acknowledging the commitment of all partners and highlighting the potential of the new campus to empower India’s next generation of learners and innovators.

The event concluded with a formal document exchange between Western Sydney University and GNIDA, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration shaped around education, research, and future-ready skills.

“Most people understand constipation as a condition when one isn’t passing stools as often as usual. However, parents must remember that constipation isn’t just about the frequency of stools, but also how easy or difficult it is for your child to pass them,”

explains Dr Parijat Ram Tripathi, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children. He further says that in the present day, with a changing diet and lifestyle, roughly 30% Indian kids suffer from constipation. 

Bowel habits vary widely between children; thus, parents may sometimes not realize when their child’s constipation is worsening and when they need a specialist. Dr. Parijat discusses with us five red flags of constipation that should alert any parent. Identifying early signs can help a parent take timely steps for constipation in their child, saving them from discomfort, complications, and prolonged suffering.

• Standing and passing stools: “Many younger children, especially those who aren’t fully toilet trained, may pass stools in a standing position. In most cases, parents assume this is just another habit,” Dr. Parijat explains. He reinforces that if a child repeatedly passes stool in a standing position, it should alert parents to possible underlying constipation, and they must consult an expert.

• Child avoids stools altogether: In some cases, a child may avoid passing stools altogether because of painful motions. Subtle signs can include an older child running away when taken to the potty, or a visible display of discomfort when trying to pass stools.

• Leakage of stools: Dr. Parijat urges parents to carefully check their child’s diaper or underpants for leakage of stools. Small amounts of stool leaked in the diaper or underpants are indicative of accumulated stool that the child isn’t able to pass.

• Hard stools: The child passing stool doesn’t rule out constipation completely. If the stools are hard or passed in small quantities multiple times, the child may still be constipated. Parents often mistake the passage of any stool as a sign that there is no constipation, which shouldn’t be the case.

• Blood in stools: “Prolonged hard stools may result in anal fissures which may cause blood in the stools, a red flag that parents should never ignore,” Dr Parijat warns. 

Apart from the above signs, a bloated or firm tummy in smaller babies, loss of appetite, pellet-like stools, or the baby crying while passing stools are some other signs that are suggestive of constipation.

Diet and Constipation

Diet plays a crucial role in causing constipation. After six months of age, complementary feeding starts for babies. However, if the baby continues to be more dependent on milk and less on solids, then constipation can result. 

“Higher intake of carbohydrates and fats in the form of junk food, combined with low fibre in the diet, is a major reason why constipation has increased in the past few years,” Dr. Parijat says. He advises that fruits, vegetables, millets, and other fibre-rich foods should be a regular part of a child’s diet for a healthy gut, and parents should introduce them in an age-appropriate manner from the start. Hydration, he says, is equally important and children should be encouraged to drink plenty of water. Apart from diet, he encourages parents to start toilet training on time for developing regular bowel habits. 

He further adds that in some cases, the cause for constipation may be an underlying medical issue, which is why a thorough and timely checkup by a pediatric gastroenterologist is advised. 

“Constipation is common, yet challenging for the child. If left unaddressed, it can linger for months or years and cause significant discomfort. With early attention, simple dietary changes, and timely expert care, parents can help their child overcome it with ease,” Dr Parijat concludes.

Essensai067 Welcomes the Festive Season with Christmas and New Year Celebrations in Bengaluru  

Bengaluru, Dec 11: Essensai067, Bengaluru’s cultural and lifestyle destination, has kicked off the festive season with a month-long celebration that began on November 30. Rooted in community, connection, and conscious celebration, the line-up features Essensai Lights Up, the Essensai Christmas Fest on December 20–21, and a soulful New Year’s Eve experience on December 31.

 

The campus has been transformed for the season with a 30-foot Christmas tree, Christmas Miracle installations, hot chocolate booths, and interactive activities that create simple, joyful moments for visitors throughout December.

 

The two-day Essensai Christmas Fest brings a neighbourhood-carnival charm with artisanal pop-ups, kids’ activity zones, Santa walkthroughs, street performances, outdoor movie screenings, and curated festive corners offering a full-day experience for families and friends.

 

Essensai067’s New Year’s Eve celebration introduces a mindful alternative to the city’s loud, high-energy gatherings. This year’s theme, Grace In Motion, pays tribute to women’s achievements in 2025, including India’s historic Women’s Cricket World Cup win. Guests can expect a soothing welcome with herbal drinks, an ambience set by soft jazz and indie instrumentals, and a headline performance by The Womaniaz, the renowned all-women band. Candle-lit seating, mindful dining options across Essensai’s restaurants, and a serene, noise-free countdown shape an intimate and meaningful transition into 2026.

 

With its thoughtfully curated festive experiences, Essensai067 reinforces its commitment to mindful celebration   offering Bengaluru a soulful, community-driven, and emotionally grounding way to mark the season.

Dec 11: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi celebrated Gita Jayanti with great enthusiasm through ‘Gitanushilanam 2025’, organised by the IKSMHA Centre (Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications) in collaboration with Learn Gita Live Gita, an online platform dedicated to the scientific study of the Bhagavad Gita.  At IIT Mandi, the IKSMHA Centre strives to make use of ancient wisdom of Bhagavad Gita in addressing issues such as mental well-being, science of consciousness, and sustainability.

This year, more than 5,000 students from over 25 schools and colleges across Mandi and neighbouring regions participated in a month-long series of Bhagavad Gita based competitions. Under the mentorship of IIT Mandi faculty and students, the participants were introduced to the science and philosophy of the Gita. Students enthusiastically engaged in shloka recitation, essay writing, artmaking, and quiz competitions, culminating in the grand prize distribution ceremony during the Gitanushilanam celebrations.

A central highlight of the event was the chorus recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, paying homage to the sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The collective chanting created an atmosphere of devotion and introspection, leaving a profound impact on the audience.

Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the teachers of all participating schools, the students, performers, and the dedicated volunteers whose collective efforts made the event meaningful. He described the Bhagavad Gita as “the soul of India  the very essence that makes India what it is.” Emphasising its transformative power, he noted that pressing societal challenges in Himachal Pradeshsuch as drug abuse, rising suicide cases, and mental health distress can be effectively addressed when the wisdom of the Gita reaches every hand and every household. He thanked the young children for embracing this guiding light so sincerely and highlighted that the third consecutive celebration of Gitanushilanam at IIT Mandi has been a grand success, reflecting the institute’s commitment to nurturing values-based education alongside academic excellence.

Ms. Soumya Sambasivan, DIG (Deputy Inspector General of Police), Dharamshala Range, highlighted the Gita’s role in emotional development and moral leadership among today’s youth. She shared,

“It was an honour to experience the same spirit of contemplation that Swami Vivekananda embraced. Returning to the IIT Mandi campus feels truly special. I encourage students to walk the path of devotion and respect for their teachers, as these values strengthen character and help overcome life’s challenges.”

Mr. Lalit Kumar Awasthi, Vice-Chancellor, Sardar Patel University, Mandi, appreciated IIT Mandi’s efforts in introducing spiritual learning to young students. He remarked,

“It is heartening to see IIT Mandi offering children the opportunity to learn the Bhagavad Gita from an early age. Having recited the Gita twice myself, I firmly believe that embracing its teachings can bring meaningful transformation in one’s life.”

The event featured a vibrant array of cultural performances, including Natti Folk Dance, Mandav Nagri Nrutya, Yoga Dance, and a captivating Shadow Drama based on Gita teachings. The celebrations concluded with an engaging Mega Quiz conducted by the Honourable Director, encouraging active participation and joyful learning. Winners received copies of the Bhagavad Gita along with prizes, inspiring them to apply its teachings in their daily lives.

Event organisers expressed that the purpose of Gitanushilanam is to help young minds experience the Gita not merely as a scripture, but as a living science (way of life) one that nurtures clarity of thought, emotional resilience, righteous action, and ethical leadership.

Winners of Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 Grand Finale held at Vardhaman College of Engineering showcase Breakthrough Digital Innovations

Hyderabad, Dec 10: The 36-hour-long, Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 – Software Edition, one of the world’s largest innovation hackathons, concluded at Vardhaman College of Engineering (VCE), Hyderabad, where 24 of India’s top student teams showcased impactful digital innovations aimed at solving national challenges.

VCE was selected among 60 nodal centres nationwide—and five in Telangana—for India’s largest innovation drive

Organised by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) and AICTE, the 36-hour hackathon brought together some of the brightest young minds from premier institutions across 12 states, as stated in a press note issued in the city today.

Finalist teams developed solutions for problem statements focusing on AI-driven timetable generation aligned to NEP 2020, digital mental health ecosystems, centralised student activity record management, personalised career advisory systems, and a next-generation academia–industry interface titled ‘Prashikshan.’ These problem statements were given by Jammu and Kashmir State Government.

After multiple rounds of evaluation, five outstanding teams were declared winners, each awarded ₹1,50,000 by the Ministry of Education. The include Eklavya – MIT Academy of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra; Gap Bridgers – Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Nagpur, Maharashtra; Hack Hounds – Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu; Team Pioneers – Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Tamil Nadu and Teen Titans – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Dr. Nikhil Kant, Deputy Director, AICTE gave away the cash prizes and praised the ingenuity demonstrated by the participants, stating, “The quality of work produced here reflects the future of India’s tech talent. These students are not just solving problems; they are building the foundations of India’s digital decade.”

Dr. Sachin Agarwal, Director – GenAI, PepsiCo, who served as an evaluator, added, “The solutions presented at VCE demonstrate remarkable potential for real-world deployment. It is inspiring to see young innovators approach national challenges with such clarity, rigor, and technical strength.”

Principal Prof. JVR Ravindra highlighted the significance of hosting the event, saying, “SIH 2025 has showcased what young engineers can achieve when provided the right platform and mentorship. VCE is proud to contribute to India’s innovation ecosystem.”

One of the winning team members shared, “This platform pushed us to refine our idea, respond to real-time feedback, and validate the impact of our solution.”

Evaluators from TCS, Wipro, Verizon, Arena Business Solutions, Teckybot, and Vidyardhi Pvt. Ltd. commended the participants for their technical maturity and problem-centric approach.

Mumbai, December 12, 2025: Winter travel is witnessing growing interest from Indian travellers showcasing a mix of winter adventures, cultural/festive celebrations and exceptional experiences. Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company, SOTC Travel, announced their Winter travel trends 2025, unveiling evolving traveller preferences for the winter/end-of-year season.

A notable highlight this year is the extension of winter holiday travel timelines – till March—providing travellers with an expanded window to explore winter destinations and experiences. Alongside Europe’s alpine routes, Northern Lights and iconic Christmas markets, Indians are showing strong interest in global cultural calendars including the Rio Carnival in February and snow festivals across Japan, South Korea and China in January–February. This evolution reflects how diverse traveller segments—from families and couples to millennials, Gen Z and professionals—are making travel a year-round pursuit, with winter 2025 offering a rich blend of adventure, culture, wellness and luxury. We are also witnessing a growing interest towards closer-to-home destinations with easy visa/visa-free processes and improved connectivity.

Key Winter travel trends

· Soft adventure & Outdoor winter activities: Skiing, snowshoeing, Tobogganing/sledding, snowmobiling, husky/reindeer safaris across Europe’s Alpine regions of Switzerland, France, Austria and Germany, witnessing Northern Lights in Scandinavia and Russia’s Murmansk

· Direct connectivity, no-visa or easy visas and attractive pricing inspiring travel to short haul destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Morocco and long haul favourites like Australia, New Zealand

· India and Indian subcontinent’s Andamans, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, North East and Sri Lanka

· Winter wellness experiences like thermotherapy and cold plunges, ice bathing in Sweden’s Uppsala and Fjällnora; Norway’s Tjuvholmen and Svalbard, renowned Swiss spa town of Bad Zurzach, Japanese onsen, Korean jjimjilbang, mineral mud baths in New Zealand & Vietnam, wellness retreats in Bali & Thailand; Himalayan spa retreats and Ayurvedic centers in Kerala

· Distinctive stays: eco-friendly glamping in geodesic domes amidst the Swiss Alps; stargazing through glass igloos in Lapland; châteaux/palaces in France, Italy and Austria; traditional mountain lodges in Scandinavia/Georgia; wooden cabins in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, havelis and luxury tents in Rajasthan

· Event/Cultural calendars: Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in China, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in South Korea, Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík, Amsterdam Light Festival, New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations in Sydney Australia, USA’s Las Vegas, San Francisco and California; Christmas markets/ winter wonderland in Europe’s Switzerland, France, Austria, UK and Scandinavia; Rann Utsav in Gujarat, Hornbill festival in Nagaland, Bikaner Camel Festival in Rajasthan

· Wildlife safaris are gaining interest: reverse migration season in Kenya and South Africa; wildlife spotting and trekking in Australia and New Zealand; India’s national parks and sanctuaries like Ranthambore National Park, Periyar National Park and Kaziranga National Park opening up for the winter season

· Cruises continue to be the flavor of the season: domestic and international sailings – Resort World Cruise sailings in Singapore, Disney Cruise Line in Australia & New Zealand, MSC sailings in Dubai-Abu Dhabi; river cruising in Egypt

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Winter travel is shaping up as a season of discovery for Indian travellers. With the introduction of new air routes, improved direct connectivity and attractive early-booker pricing, we are seeing strong demand across diverse segments—from multigenerational families and couples to millennials and working professionals. While Europe’s alpine adventures and Scandinavia’s Northern Lights remain timeless favourites, there is rising interest in closer-to-home destinations across South East Asia, Central Asia and India, driven by easy visa access and direct/improved connectivity. From a domestic front, Andamans, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa and North East continue to be the top destinations. What excites us most is the appetite for unique experiences—whether it’s winter wellness in Japan and Scandinavia, distinctive stays from igloos to palaces, vibrant cultural festivals, or wildlife safaris and luxury cruises in Antarctica.”

Mr. S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel, said, “Travel is increasingly becoming a year-round pursuit, and Winter 2025 reflects this evolution with a rich blend of adventure, culture and wellness. Europe’s winter wonderland and iconic Christmas markets continue to inspire festive travel, while unique experiences like witnessing the Aurora Borealis across Scandinavia and Russia are gaining traction. Cruising too has emerged as a strong favourite—whether international sailings across Singapore, Australia and Abu Dhabi, or river cruises in Egypt. This growing appetite underscores how Indian travellers are seeking distinctive experiences across destinations and formats, making winter travel more diverse and dynamic than ever. What’s especially encouraging is the rising interest from India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, along with strong growth in the MICE segment, signaling a broader shift in travel aspirations across the country.”

Hyderabad, Dec 10: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with the Indian Dairy Association – Telangana Local Chapter, will be organising a full-day seminar titled “Innovations and Opportunities in Dairy Entrepreneurship: From Farm to Market” on 12th December 2025 at the KLN Prasad Auditorium, Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad.

The event is being organised as part of National Milk Day 2025 celebrations commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, widely regarded as the Father of India’s White Revolution.

The National Milk Day seminar will be graced by distinguished dignitaries including Chief Guest Sri Vakiti Srihari, Honourable Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries, Government of Telangana; Guest of Honour Sri Ilamparithi K., IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development, Government of Telangana; Special Guest Sri Gutha Amith Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Dairy Development Co-operative Federation Ltd.; and Keynote Speaker Sri Ch. Rajeshwara Rao, Chairman, Indian Dairy Association – Telangana Local Center. Senior FTCCI leadership comprising President Sri R. Ravi Kumar, Senior Vice President Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Vice President Sri Srinivas Garimella and Sri S. Chandra Mohan, Chairman of FTCCI’s Agro & Food Processing Committee, will preside over the programme.

The one-day seminar features four comprehensive technical sessions with participation from experts representing academia, industry, dairy cooperatives and financial institutions. The sessions will focus on Dairy Farming and Production, Processing and Value Addition, Dairy Technology and Digital Transformation, and Financial Support. The objective is to create a knowledge-sharing platform that supports dairy startups, FPOs, cooperatives and entrepreneurs in expanding their enterprises and exploring new business opportunities.

The seminar is especially relevant for dairy entrepreneurs and startups, farmers and FPOs, cooperatives and processors, food technologists and researchers, financial institutions and investors, policy-makers, government officials, students and aspiring dairy entrepreneurs.

The World’s #1 Hard Techno DJ, Sara Landry isn’t just arriving at Sunburn Festival 2025, she’s arriving at a moment when India’s electronic music landscape is hungry for evolution. Globally hailed as the Queen of Hard Techno, Landry has redefined the genre with her explosive sets, occult-inspired aesthetic and fiercely independent artistic identity. Her headlining debut at Sunburn Festival marks the first time a pioneering hard-techno artist of her scale takes centre stage at the festival, signalling a bold expansion of what India’s largest dance music gathering represents.

Landry’s inclusion isn’t simply about sound; it’s about the cultural recalibration happening within India’s nightlife and festival circuit. Hard techno, once niche and underground, has been steadily rising with Gen Z audiences who gravitate toward high-BPM, high-intensity sonic experiences. Sara, with her unapologetic style, community-driven ethos and massive global following, embodies the current shift in dance culture, one that celebrates individuality, darkness, energy and freedom. Her Sunburn Festival 2025 set is poised to introduce a new wave of electronic music exploration, bridging the gap between India’s commercial EDM history and the global techno future.

For the Sunburn Festival, this isn’t just a headliner, it’s a statement. By placing Sara Landry alongside global heavyweights David Guetta, Axwell and Above & Beyond, the festival signals its intent to expand its sonic universe and embrace both the mainstream and the cutting edge. With its high-octane lineup, blockbuster production and a city ready to celebrate at full volume, Sunburn Festival 2025 is set to be India’s most definitive electronic music event of the year, one that audiences will talk about long after the final beat drops.

Sunburn Festival 2025 hits Mumbai from December 19th to 21st at Infinity Bay, Sewri,  bringing together the biggest names, the wildest crowds and the most unforgettable vibes. Book your tickets now on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination and be part of India’s biggest music festival.