Category news

“Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, presents the Kaveri Grills experience at WelcomCafe Jacaranda”

Bengaluru, 11th November, 2025: Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, invites guests to embark on a delectable culinary journey inspired by the life-giving waters of the Kaveri River with its exclusive “Kaveri Grills” promotion, available from 14th to 23rd November 2025 at WelcomCafe Jacaranda.

Drawing inspiration from the river that sustains southern India, the Kaveri Grills experience celebrates the region’s rich freshwater heritage through a specially curated selection of river-fresh seafood, grilled to perfection at a live counter. Each dish captures the authentic essence of local flavours and ingredients, delivering a dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and elevated in presentation.

Enhancing the experience, guests can also indulge in the revamped dinner buffet, featuring a sumptuous array of Indian and international favourites each prepared with the signature craftsmanship and quality synonymous with ITC Hotels.

From the aroma of freshly grilled delicacies to the vibrant, flavourful spread that awaits, every evening at WelcomCafe Jacaranda promises to be a feast that flows with the timeless spirit of the Kaveri.

Venue: WelcomCafe Jacaranda, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru
Dates: 14th – 23rd November 2025
Dinner Buffet Timings: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Bengaluru, November 11, 2025: “India is entering a decisive phase in its science and technology journey. Our goal is not just to expand research output, but to build an innovation ecosystem that is globally competitive, economically impactful, and aligned to national priorities. The new initiatives from the National Research Foundation to the Quantum and Cyber-Physical Systems Missions and now the INR 1 trillion R&D and Innovation Fund are designed to deepen capabilities, accelerate commercialization and ensure that India leads in shaping the technologies of the future. We are building a science and innovation ecosystem that is future-ready, self-reliant and globally influential as we move towards the vision of a developed India by 2047.”

Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), GoI said this at the inaugural session of the 3-day IEEE Future Networks World Forum 2025, today.

New Delhi, 08th November 2025: Mr Haoliang Xu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will visit India from 10 to 12 November.

The visit will focus on strengthening UNDP’s long-standing partnership with India and identifying new areas of cooperation that support sustainable development and South-South collaboration. Mr Xu will meet senior government officials and partners from the private sector, philanthropy, and civil society to discuss efforts to advance inclusive growth, digital transformation, and climate action.

During the mission, Mr. Xu will also take part in a Reception, hosted by UNDP India, commemorating six decades of India-UNDP collaboration. He will also join high-level dialogues on digital health innovation and South-South cooperation, which will highlight India’s leadership in creating scalable digital solutions like eVIN, CoWIN, and U-WIN, and in sharing knowledge and technologies across the Global South.

The visit reaffirms UNDP’s commitment to supporting India’s development priorities and contributing to national and global goals through innovation, partnership, and shared learning.

Abbott’s ‘Project Ksheersagar:’ Empowering Indian Dairy Farmers and Supporting the Local Milk Supply

Kochi, 8th November, 2025:  Good nutrition starts with quality ingredients. To help meet the demand for nutritional products in India, healthcare company, Abbott, recognized the need for a dependable supply of high-quality milk. In 2022, Abbott partnered with TechnoServe, an international non-profit, to launch ”Project Ksheersagar” a shared-value initiative in India committed to helping dairy farmers. The initiative aims to transform farmers’ lives and empower them to create a sustainable raw milk supply chain in the country. Today, Abbott shares how the initiative has positively impacted Indian farmers and families who depend on Abbott’s nutritional products.

Launched in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Project Ksheersagar invests in farmers by helping them open bank accounts, pursue employment opportunities, and receive training in financial literacy and dairy farm management best practices to grow their business. This work builds on earlier projects implemented over the past decade to support dairy farmers in India.

Abbott and TechnoServe work closely with farmers to improve milk production and guide them to provide nutritious cattle feed and improve animal husbandry practices. The program has set up 130 village-based milk collection centers for reliable cold storage, making it easier for farmers to deliver quality milk and increase their income. 

”This initiative benefits the local farming community as well as families who depend on Abbott’s nutritional products,’‘ said Joydeep Dutta, Country Director, TechnoServe India. ‘‘By adopting standardized dairy practices, Indian farmers have improved milk quality and productivity while increasing their incomes and gaining valuable knowledge.”

So far, Abbott has engaged over 12,000 dairy farmers, creating a more sustainable supply chain. The project aims to benefit around 51,000 dairy animals by implementing best practices, reducing antibiotic use, and improving animal care standards across more than,1000 farms. This initiative has reduced veterinary costs by 60% and increasing milk production by 55% over the course of the project.

“Project Ksheersagar is part of Abbott’s efforts to create a sustainable and resilient raw milk supply chain,” said Shibasish Pramanik, Supply Chain Director for Abbott’s nutrition business in India. ”This initiative helps family businesses succeed and creates opportunities for future generations. It also allows Abbott to locally source high-quality milk for our nutrition products. We expect to source 60% of our milk powder needs from farmers in the program, adding real value to our nutrition business and the families who rely on our products.”

This initiative is a key step in creating a sustainable and resilient dairy supply chain in India. Through strategic collaboration, education, and targeted investment, Abbott is enhancing livelihoods and fostering an agricultural ecosystem in India that benefits farmers, animals, and consumers alike.

Digitally Inspired Media Wins Integrated Mandate for OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus Cameras) After Multi-Agency Pitch

India Champions a Borderless Digital Trade Future at 2nd Asia-Pacific E-commerce Policy Summit

New Delhi, 07th November, 2025: The 2nd Asia-Pacific E-commerce Policy Summit concluded in New Delhi yesterday, focusing on shaping the region’s digital trade and e-commerce agenda. Organised by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), with support from the Startup India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, the two-day summit brought together policymakers, business leaders, and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen collaboration for inclusive, paperless, and sustainable cross-border commerce. MSL, Amazon and the Express Industry Council of India joined as Knowledge Partners.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, the Summit has emerged as a premier platform for advancing policy dialogue on digital trade, paperless commerce, and MSME integration into global value chains, reinforcing India’s role in fostering inclusive and technology-driven growth across the region.

Dr. Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, in his keynote address, said, “E-commerce must become a two-way street, connecting India’s villages to global markets. Its true power lies in enabling livelihoods, empowering women, and ensuring inclusion through interoperability and innovation. Democratizing FinTech and data governance will be key to building an equitable digital trade ecosystem.”

He also highlighted that policy should make it easier for MSMEs to start exporting through innovative models such as allowing intermediaries to hold inventories on behalf of MSMEs for exports

Ms. Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, Additional Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in her special address, stated, “E-commerce platforms have become vital gateways to sustainable livelihoods. By removing layers of intermediaries and geographical barriers, digital marketplaces empower sellers to reach customers directly, set competitive prices, and retain a greater share of income.”

Dr. Shekhar Aiyar, Director & CE, ICRIER, in his welcome address, stated, “The Asia-Pacific E-Commerce Policy Summit is a timely opportunity to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to shape the future of digital trade in our region. As the APAC economy continues to drive global growth, our focus must be on making this progress inclusive, empowering women, MSMEs, and marginalised communities to participate fully in digital and cross-border trade. I look forward to two days of meaningful dialogue that will help build a more resilient and digitally empowered trade ecosystem.”

Mr. Pramod Bhasin, Chairman, ICRIER, during his address said, “As India advances toward its vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, trade, technology, and skills will shape the next phase of our growth story. The Asia-Pacific region must work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 17, which calls for stronger partnerships across nations. The Second Asia-Pacific E-Commerce Policy Summit is an opportunity to build these partnerships, foster trust in digital trade, and create pathways for inclusive growth. With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets, collaboration across governments and businesses will be key to driving innovation, enabling MSMEs, and empowering women to participate fully in global trade.”

The Summit included participation from senior policymakers and representatives from the region like H.E. Mrs. Chea Ratha (Secretary, Royal Government of Cambodia) and H.E. Mr. Nicholas McCaffrey (Charge De Affairs, Australian High Commission, India) and Dr. Yann Duval (Chief, Trade Policy and Facilitation Section, UNESCAP) and thought leaders across the region who discussed strategies to boost cross-border e-commerce, enhance digital inclusion, and strengthen resilient trade networks. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation between public and private sectors to drive MSME participation and align the region’s digital economy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MSME representatives also shared how platforms like Amazon through Global Selling program are enabling Indian entrepreneurs and small business to cater to international customers through the use of technology.

Two landmark publications were launched during the summit:

• ICRIER–RIS Joint Study Report, ‘India and the Framework Agreement on Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA): State of Play and Way Forward’, authored by Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), Dr. Prabir De is Professor, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), Mr Tahseen Ahmad Khan, Member, Advisory Committee, UNNExT and
• Preview of Amazon Global Selling’s Exports Digest 2025, spotlighting the rapidly growing contribution of Indian MSMEs to global e-commerce exports.

Mr. Srinidhi Kalvapudi, Head of India Global Selling, Amazon India, said: “India’s export strengths and manufacturing hubs—from established clusters in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to emerging centers in smaller towns—are helping Indian brands and MSMEs reach customers worldwide. Between 2015 and 2025, Amazon has enabled over $20 billion in cumulative e-commerce exports from India, and we’re now aiming for $80 billion by 2030. Global demand for ‘Made in India’ products is growing fast across categories like health and personal care, home décor, apparel, and toys. At the Asia-Pacific E-commerce Policy Summit, we’re collaborating with policymakers and industry leaders to strengthen India’s export ecosystem by simplifying global selling and expanding reach beyond metros.” 

Over two days, the Summit featured seven thematic sessions and high-level policy dialogues, addressing the most critical dimensions of the region’s digital trade transformation:

• High-Level Policy Dialogue on “Digital Empowerment of Women: Connecting Them to Regional and Global Value Chains” hosted by UNESCAP, featuring ministers and senior officials from Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Panel on Enabling Seller Growth in APAC’s E-commerce Ecosystem, exploring logistics innovation, digital literacy, and MSME access to cross-border markets, with participation from Amazon, the Australian High Commission, Cambodia and India’s Ministry of Textiles.
• Panel on Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Technology and Trade, focusing on AI, blockchain, and digital infrastructure financing, with experts from the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India and the Korea Trade Network (KTNET).
• Panel on Cross-Border Paperless Trade featuring the release of the ICRIER–RIS CPTA Report, outlining frameworks for seamless regional trade integration.
• Plenary on Collaborating for Growth: Enabling Women Empowerment, highlighting inclusive frameworks for women entrepreneurs across APAC.
• Panel on Building Consumer Trust Through Secure Cross-Border Payments led by experts from India, South Korea and Thailand and UN.
• Panel on AI Regulation and Its Impact on Digital Trade featuring voices from Amazon, the World Bank, and Northeastern University, USA.

Dignitaries from more than 12 countries, including Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, participated in the Summit alongside senior Indian government representatives from the Ministry of Textiles, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and NITI Aayog.

The Summit was designed to promote actionable cooperation between governments, international organisations, and industry stakeholders to accelerate digital trade integration in Asia-Pacific. It also sought to create frameworks that make trade more efficient, transparent, and inclusive positioning India as a key bridge for digital connectivity across the region.

Singer Songwriter, Aditya Rikhari’s ‘Sahiba’ Becomes Longest-Running Non-Film Trending on Spotify Charts 2025

Mumbai, 07th November, 2025: Independent singer-songwriter Aditya Rikhari’s soulful track ‘Sahiba’ has made history by becoming the longest-running non-film song trending on Spotify India charts. Released in 2023, the song’s rise to the top has been steady and organic, fueled entirely by listeners’ love and word-of-mouth, staying unbeaten for over 11 weeks in 2025 alone.

In an environment where attention spans are short and trends often move fast, Sahiba stands out for its staying power. Listeners continue to return to the track for its understated production, intimate lyricism, and the emotional clarity that has become synonymous with Aditya’s songwriting. The song’s rise reflects a broader shift in audience preference toward independent voices crafting unfiltered, relatable narratives.

Aditya, who began sharing his music from his home studio, has now emerged as one of the most streamed independent artists in the Indian pop landscape. His evolution has been further recognized with his recent role as the youngest mentor on Amazon MX Player’s IPOPSTAR, where he is guiding emerging talent navigating a rapidly evolving music ecosystem. His presence on the show signals a generational transition, artists shaping culture not only through their music, but also through mentorship and community-building.

The sustained success of Sahiba underscores a significant moment for India’s independent music movement, demonstrating how digital platforms continue to redefine discovery and reshape the trajectory of non-film artists. For many listeners, the track is not simply a song, but a shared emotional experience, one that has grown organically, without high-budget campaigns or film tie-ins.

As independent music continues to influence mainstream listening habits, Sahiba serves as a case study in how authenticity and emotional resonance can transcend conventional release cycles, and how audiences today are willing to champion work that feels personal and thoughtfully crafted.

Bangalore, 06th November, 2025: The Young Leaders For Social Change Program saw its Bangalore launch at Conrad. The program was launched by Democratic Sangha Founder and Co Founder social activist Chatanya MRSK and actress Regena Cassandra; social entrepreneur – Deepa Rao Acharya; Swiss Consul General to South India and CEO, Swissnex for India Dr Angela Honegger; and former Member of Parliament – Prof. Rajeev Gowda.

A thought provoking and inspiring panel discussion between the key people followed, moderated by the event curator and host Deepa Rao Acharya on the theme of purpose, passion and the power of the youth to transform the world.

A flagship initiative by Hyderabad based Democratic Sangha, a non-profit social reform organization, the Young Leaders for Social Change is a leadership program designed for high school students with the goal of inspiring and empowering them to become change makers and leaders who accelerate social change in their communities and beyond.

The program provides a comprehensive curriculum in leadership development, training, networking, and support to acquire real-world skills and knowledge to make a global impact. The core of the program consists of four lectures delivered by eminent speakers, and global thought leaders. Topics covered include democracy, human rights, environment and climate change, leadership, social entrepreneurship and global economics and development.

Chatanya MRSK, Founder, Democratic Sangha: “The Young Leaders for Social Change program is our effort to nurture socially conscious young minds who believe that change begins with them. We want to equip students not just with leadership skills, but with the empathy, awareness, and courage needed to shape a more equitable and sustainable future

Deepa Rao Acharya, social entrepreneur and mentor for the Bangalore batch of YLSC students who also curated and hosted the meaningful launch event said – “I’m honoured to be partnering with Democratic Sangha on this powerful initiative that harnesses the power and potential of our students. India has the largest youth population in the world and they are poised to usher in transformative societal changes. This Program provides a foundation and platform, empowering them to translate their ideas into meaningful action.”

Dr. Angela Honegger, Swiss Consul General to South India and CEO, Swissnex for India: “Empowering young people to take ownership of social change is key to building resilient and inclusive societies. Initiatives like this help students connect their passion with purpose.”

Attended by Namma Oorus literati, glitterati, thought leaders, doyens of education, changemakers and policy makers – the venue lit up with the power and energy of prominent Bangaloreans.

Bangalore, 6th November 2025: The Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025, hosted by RV University’s School of Film, Media & Creative Arts in Bengaluru, is set to become an even more powerful stage for young filmmakers and content creators aged 13 to 25. Building on its recent growth, TIFA has quickly established itself as the city’s third-largest film festival after BIFFES and BISFF.

At its core, TIFA is not just a festival, but a launchpad where budding filmmakers meet industry. At the curtain raiser of TIFA 2025, H. N. Narahari Rao, President of Suchitra Film Society, unveiled the festival catalogue and teaser. The event also featured the screening of select films representing four continents and spanning four genres, offering a glimpse into the diversity and creative spirit of this year’s festival.

This year, the five-day festival is thoughtfully structured around key thematic zones, moving beyond a standard film celebration: Media Day (focused on journalism and media), AVGC Day (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), Regional Cinema Day (Karnataka as state in focus) and the Awards Night.

The esteemed jury panel features prominent names, including Television and Film Actor Amit Behl; Editor – International at TV9, R Sridharan; Assamese filmmaker and critic Utpal Datta; CEO and Founder of The Bridge, Amanda Groom; and Founder of Custard Apple Pictures, M.N. Gujari, Author, Ed Vollans, among others.

TIFA 2025 is deepening its focus on industry connections through partnerships with leading media houses and film production companies. Major players in the realm of Film and Media, such as Frameboxx, Hombale Films, TV9, among others will host dedicated sessions and masterclasses throughout the festival.

The festival will host a series of high-stake competitions designed to discover emerging voices in Film, Media & Creative Arts, including the AVGC Hackathon, RJ Hunt, and The Talent Hunt for Emerging Filmmakers of Tomorrow (THEFT), a thrilling 48-hour filmmaking challenge where winners stand a chance to be launched by Hombale Films.

“At 300+ submissions from 40 countries and six continents, TIFA, in its fourth edition, has truly emerged as India’s largest student-led global film festival dedicated to teenage and young adult filmmakers” said Prof. Piyush Roy, Founding Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at RV University. “With TIFA, we are creating a clear pathway from campus to screen, from idea to audience, and from young talent straight into professional careers.”

“With finalists having been selected across several genres – fiction, documentary, experimental and animation – and from different regions of Karnataka, India and the world, the festival is also emphasising its regional, national, and global breadth. TIFA will feature an opening film from North East India and has a clear roadmap for a future roadshow in Guwahati to further extend the platform’s national reach will seek to underline themes of childhood and diversity in the youth experience from across the world,” said Vedant Panamgipalli, 3rd Year BSc. Filmmaking Student at the School of Film, Media and Creative Arts and Festival Director of TIFA 2025.

Those interested in attending the festival must register ahead to join this unparalleled celebration of youth creativity.

Bangalore, 05th November, 2025: The Ministry of Media, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, launched the second edition of the ‘Global Harmony’ initiative on November 2, with ‘India Week’ as the inaugural celebration under the Riyadh Season.

Part of the Quality-of-Life Program supporting Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative celebrates the diversity of residents in the Kingdom, highlighting their contributions, cultural heritage, and successful integration into Saudi society.

The Global Harmony initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to inclusivity, coexistence, and cross-cultural understanding, showcasing the professional, social, and recreational lives of residents while honoring their role in enriching the nation’s cultural and economic landscape.

As part of this year’s edition, the Ministry of Media, in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), will host a series of cultural and entertainment events during the Riyadh Season. The festivities commence with ‘India Week’, celebrating the Indian community’s longstanding contributions to the Kingdom and highlighting India’s vibrant cultural identity through music, dance, cuisine, art, and traditional crafts. Prominent Indian media representatives, artists, and cultural personalities will participate, strengthening the cultural bridge between the two nations.

Appreciating the efforts of the Ministry of Media and GEA, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, stated:

“Building on the success of last year’s edition, this year’s celebrations promise to be even grander, with Indian music, dance, cuisine, and handicrafts showcased by renowned artists and performers. We applaud the Ministry of Media and GEA for their efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding under the Global Harmony Initiative. It is a remarkable endeavor to strengthen cultural ties and reaffirm the historical bonds between India and Saudi Arabia.”

The wider Global Harmony Initiative will celebrate 14 diverse cultures represented in the Kingdom, including India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Uganda, and Ethiopia, among others. The events will feature concerts, traveling performances, family-friendly activities, traditional foods, and handicraft exhibitions, welcoming citizens and residents of all nationalities.