Category: News

  • Spiritual Serenity and Ancient Rituals Mark Mahashivratri 2026 at Anand Dham Ashram

    New Delhi, Feb 16: Vedic mantras and spiritual enthusiasm filled the atmosphere at Anand Dham Ashram during the Mahashivratri celebrations held on February 14th and 15th, 2026. The two-day event brought devotees together for spiritual activities in the presence of Param Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj and Dr. Archika Didi. The event honored Lord Shiva through traditional rituals, soulful Shiv Katha, and prayers at the twelve Jyotirlingas. These activities, combined with profound spiritual teachings, filled the atmosphere with a sense of peace and grace.

    Reflecting on the significance of the day, Param Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj said, 

    “Mahashivratri is not merely a ritual; it is a sacred bridge that connects the human soul with the cosmic energy of Lord Shiva. When we pray with a pure heart and steady mind, we experience the stillness and divine strength that resides within all of us.”

    The celebrations began with a unique and massive spiritual undertaking: the preparation of one lakh and twenty-five thousand Parthiv Shivlingas. These sacred forms were hand-crafted by devotees and young Rishis using holy soil brought from the banks of the River Narmada. The atmosphere at the Ashram was filled with quiet dedication as participants prepared these Shivlingas, which were later placed near the Pashupatinath Temple and the ancient Banyan tree within the premises.

    On the main day of Mahashivratri, the air resonated with the sound of continuous Vedic chants during a grand Rudrabhishek ceremony. All 1.25 lakh Shivlingas were ritualistically bathed with sacred offerings such as milk, honey, and water. This ceremony was followed by the “Four Prahar Puja,” a rare overnight worship schedule that began at 6:00 PM and continued until the early hours of the next morning. Many devotees stayed throughout the night, participating in the vigil to experience the mental peace and purification associated with these traditional prayers.

    Speaking on the meditative aspect of the festival, Dr. Archika Didi remarked,

     “The night of Shiva is a journey from the outer world to the inner self. Through meditation and devotion, we invite divine grace into our lives, allowing us to find true bliss and a sense of transformation.”

    The spiritual experience was further enriched by “Shiv Dhyan,” a special midnight meditation session that focused on inner stillness and the yogic traditions of Lord Shiva. Complementing the silence of meditation was “Shiv Tarang,” a cultural evening featuring soulful devotional music and spiritually inspired dance.

    The venue, Anand Dham Ashram, served as a beautiful backdrop for the celebrations. Devotees took the opportunity to visit the 12 Jyotirlinga installations and the 800 kg Shri Yantra at the “Shiv Varadan Tirtha.” The event concluded with a sense of profound peace, leaving participants with memories of a beautifully conducted journey of faith.

  • Himalaya BabyCare Revamps Packaging, Aims to Cut 500 Tons of Plastic by 2031

    Hyderabad, Feb 16: Himalaya BabyCare, one of India’s most trusted baby care brands loved by babies and trusted by parents, has introduced a refreshed packaging design across its entire Gentle Baby Care Range, marking an important step in its ongoing sustainability journey. The new packaging combines improved usability, thoughtful design, and a strong environmental focus, reflecting Himalaya BabyCare’s continued efforts to reduce plastic waste and create meaningful impact.

    In line with its sustainability roadmap, the brand’s redesigned packaging is projected to eliminate the use of 500 tons of plastic over the next five years, cutting consumption by approximately 100 tons annually. The initiative also reflects a growing shift among parents who are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of everyday choices and are seeking products that align with a more responsible future for their children.

    The new packaging launch is supported by a powerful digital film that taps into a shared parental concern the future our children will inherit. Set at a parents’ meet, the film opens with a though-provoking conversation around the growing burden of plastic waste and its long-term impact. What follows is an honest, relatable exchange that reflects a belief many parents hold today, that protecting children goes beyond daily care routines and extends to the choices we make for the world around them.

    Through this narrative, Himalaya BabyCare reinforces how mindful actions like reducing plastic through thoughtful packaging can collectively help build a cleaner, kinder, and sustainable future for the next generation.

    Commenting on the thought behind the change, Mr. N. V. Chakravarthi, Director – BabyCare, Himalaya Wellness Company, said,

    “At Himalaya BabyCare, our responsibility goes beyond creating gentle and safe products for babies today.Every decision we make is guided by our belief that while babies deserve the best of Nature’s nourishment, caring for Nature is essential to ensure a healthier world for our children tomorrow. BabyCare’s packaging transformation reflects our commitment to supporting the future of children by reducing plastic waste and staying true to our promise of gentle care that is good for our babies and good for our planet.”

    The refreshed packs feature a cleaner, modern visual language with enhanced labelling for easy readability. Thoughtfully designed with parents in mind, the new packaging offers better ergonomics, grip, and stability—making everyday use hassle-free without compromising quality or safety.

    To ensure the message reaches parents across India, the digital film has been developed in Hindi, with adaptations across ten additional regional languages, namely Punjabi, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Gujarati, and Marathi, enabling deeper resonance across diverse communities.

    With this initiative, Himalaya BabyCare reiterates its belief that baby care goes beyond skincare. It is about shaping the world our children will inherit – sustainably and in harmony with Nature.

  • Ramadan Mubarak: How Egyptians Welcome the Holy Month?

    At the center of the Arab world, Egypt stands out with a heritage shaped by thousands of years of culture, faith, and tradition. It is a place where history lives through everyday rituals and where the national spirit is renewed with each festive season.

    As Ramadan approaches, cities and towns across the country transform with a blend of spirituality and celebration. From Cairo’s bustling avenues to the small villages lining the Nile, lanterns, lights, and vibrant decorations illuminate streets, shops, and homes. The scents of traditional dishes and beloved Ramadan sweets drift through the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

    At W7Worldwide Strategic Communications Agency, the annual “Ramadan Around the World” series continues, exploring how different countries celebrate the holy month. After featuring Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia, this year’s focus turns to Egypt, home to Al-Azhar, historic Islamic architecture, and a vibrant popular culture that brings Ramadan to life. The series aims to capture Egypt’s distinctive Ramadan spirit, where faith, tradition, and art come together in an atmosphere of joy, serenity, and community.

    A Season of Faith and Festivity

    Ramadan in Egypt carries a unique charm that attracts visitors from across the region and beyond. As the month nears, markets and neighborhoods come alive with preparation. Seasonal fairs display Ramadan essentials, dried fruits, nuts, and spices, while traditional lanterns cast colorful reflections across alleyways, creating a festive and welcoming mood.

    When the crescent moon is sighted, celebrations begin across the country. Classic folk songs such as “Wahawi Ya Wahawi” echo through the streets, children walk with glowing lanterns, and warm greetings like “Ramadan Kareem” (Have a blessed Ramadan) and “Kul ‘Aam Wa Antum Bikhair” (Wishing you well throughout the year) fill homes, television broadcasts, and social platforms.

    One of the most iconic Ramadan moments in Egypt comes at sunset. As the adhan for Maghrib approaches, families wait for the sound of the historic iftar cannon, fired today from Mokattam Hill near the Salah El-Din Citadel. Similar cannons across the governorates mark the same moment, signaling households to gather for iftar.

    Historic Mosques at the Heart of the Month

    Egypt’s historic mosques form the spiritual center of Ramadan nights. Landmark sites such as Al-Azhar, Al-Hussein, and Amr Ibn Al-As welcome thousands of worshippers for Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers. Quran recitations, spiritual lessons, and community gatherings fill these sacred spaces, where courtyards remain lively well into the night.

    Cultural performances, heritage events, and Ramadan tents offering traditional dishes bring families and friends together throughout the evenings. As suhur approaches, the mesaharati, known as the dawn caller, walks through neighborhoods tapping his drum and calling residents to wake. The tradition remains one of the most beloved and enduring features of Egyptian Ramadan nights.

    A Culinary Tradition Passed Through Generations

    Ramadan in Egypt is inseparable from its rich culinary heritage. Iftar typically begins with dates and traditional drinks such as Qamar al-Din (dried apricot paste), along with khoshaf, tamarind, hibiscus, and sobya. Households then serve classic dishes including mahshi, molokhia, roasted chicken, hearty tagines (clay-pot stews), and a variety of comforting soups.

    Desserts play a central role in the month’s celebrations. Kunafa, qatayef, and a variety of oriental sweets fill bakeries and dessert shops each evening. These dishes reflect the generosity of Egyptian households and capture the joy that defines gathering around the iftar table.

    Traditions of Community and Compassion

    Egypt’s Ramadan customs carry deep social significance. Families make it a priority to gather for iftar, and mawa’id al-rahman, the public charity tables set up across the country, provide meals to anyone fasting, embodying the nation’s deep-rooted culture of generosity.

    Spiritual practices reinforce this sense of togetherness. Taraweeh prayers bring communities closer, and during the last ten days of the month, many worshippers observe i’tikaf in mosques, dedicating time to reflection and prayer. Charitable activities flourish during this period, from food donations to financial support and other acts of giving.

    Ramadan Nights in Cairo

    Ramadan nights in Egypt are lively and filled with cultural richness. Cairo’s historic streets resonate with spiritual chants and heritage performances. Al-Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili transform into open-air cultural hubs where visitors enjoy music, crafts, and traditional cafés. The aroma of coffee blends with the sounds of religious hymns, creating an atmosphere that reflects Cairo’s timeless Ramadan character.

    In cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, night markets, cultural shows, and Ramadan tents continue until suhur, offering a festive experience that brings together families, friends, and travelers.

    Ramadan in Egypt is a harmony of spirituality and celebration, tradition and renewal. It is a month that Egyptians eagerly anticipate each year, embracing the values of generosity, compassion, and unity that define the holy month.

    A Journey Through Egypt’s Ramadan Stories

    Our “Ramadan in Egypt” series invites readers to explore traditional dishes, cultural customs across cities and villages, and the most enchanting Ramadan nights in Cairo and Alexandria, concluding with the joy of Eid al-Fitr.

    Join us as we explore the stories of Ramadan in Egypt, from illuminated streets to spiritual nights and centuries-old traditions. It is a journey that reflects the country’s unique blend of culture and faith and celebrates the warmth and joy that Egyptians are known for.

    Ramadan Mubarak, may Allah accept your fasting and prayers.

  • [x]cubeLABS Launches ‘Ello’ Multilingual Voice AI Platform for Indian Enterprises

    Mumbai, Feb 16. Hyderabad-based digital transformation leader [x]cubeLABS today announced the launch of Ello, its proprietary multilingual Voice AI platform for Indian enterprises. The platform with voice AI agents adapts across 12 Indian and 100+ global languages and dialects worldwide. This launch positions the company at the forefront of transformative voice-driven digital engagement and strengthens its AI-led growth trajectory.

    With enterprise customers across the US, Ello introduces a new category of self-evolving conversational voice agents that continuously learn from every interaction, refining their understanding of intent, context, and resolution pathways in real time. Ello’s agents adapt autonomously, compounding in value.

    Founded in 2008 by Sridhar Muppidi, Bharat Lingam, and four other co-founders, [x]cubeLABS has spent over 18 years delivering enterprise solutions powered by emerging technologies such as Generative AI, IoT, Blockchain, and AR/VR, establishing itself as a leader in digital transformation. Ello represents the latest milestone in the company’s broader product and AI innovation strategy, focused on solving high-impact enterprise challenges around customer resolution, retention, and operational efficiency.

    Ello is indigenously built and engineered in India, forming a sovereign Voice AI infrastructure layer designed for enterprise-grade deployment across regulated industries. Purpose-built for regulated and high-scale environments, the platform goes beyond scripted automation and static bots by delivering measurable improvements in resolution accuracy, contextual continuity, and operational efficiency. The platform uniquely covers the entire Voice AI lifecycle end-to-end, from rapid onboarding of enterprise knowledge systems and rigorous evaluation to production deployment with ready-made integrations. Ello enables natural, human-like voice engagement across Banking and Financial Services, Telecom, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Healthcare, and large contact centre ecosystems.

     Given the growth in AI and voice-led multilingual applications for India, Sridhar Muppidi, Co-Founder of [x]cubeLABS & Ello, says,

    Enterprise AI in regulated industries isn’t just about automation, it’s about reliability, contextual continuity, and measurable outcomes. We have solved some of the hardest problems around long-term memory, context persistence, and production-grade deployment at scale. Many AI systems are built to reduce human call volume. We build systems that actually resolve customer issues end-to-end

    Headquartered in the IT and tech city of Hyderabad, Ello (www.getello.ai) is building a strong global client base through its enterprise deployments. Having achieved 50% month-on-month growth in bookings over the last 2 quarters, it is now formally launching in India with capabilities built for local realities. The Indian conversational and voice AI market is witnessing increased enterprise demand with a market potential of approximately USD 2 billion over the next 5 years.

  • Elite Fields Primed for 19th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

    Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (February 13): The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return for its 19th edition tomorrow (February 14), with four races held exclusively on Al Marjan Island and an exciting elite field brimming with international experience and promising potential.

    Hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has been a firm favourite since its launch in 2007, bringing together community runners and world-class elites alike.

    Featuring the classic titular 21.1km half marathon race, the event will also offer races at 10km, 5km and 2km for athletes of all ages and abilities.

    While three-time Half Marathon World Champion Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya leads the male elite field with a personal best of 58:01, many of his elite rivals are well capable of edging out the 2013 RAK Half Marathon winner. Fellow Kenyan Isaia Lasoi – third in RAK in both 2024 and 2025 – has stated he wants to break the world record ‘soon’ and he returns with a personal best of 58:10.

    The Kenyan duo will be joined on the start line by 2024 Seoul Marathon winner Jemal Yimer Mekonen (58:32) – who in seven years has only once finished outside the top three in a major race – former New Delhi Half Marathon winner Amedework Walelegn (58:40), and potential superstar 20 year-old Yismaw Dillu, winner of the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon in Wales (59:23).

    I won here 13 years ago so I have great memories of this fast course and I’d love to win again this weekend,” said Kamworor.

    Leading the women’s field is Ethiopian Wede Kafale, whose appearance at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will be only her second competition at the distance.

    The 25 year-old produced a fine debut performance when she was third in Copenhagen last September with 65:21, although it was not a surprise since she has a good cross country background and achieved some fine results over 10k and 10,000m on the track.

    Also in the field is Kenyan Gladys Chepkurui (65:46) who has focused on the half marathon over the past three years competing 18 times over the distance consistently producing strong results and winning in Italy, Thailand, Japan and Kenya. Her compatriot Jesca Chelangat (66:13) is another consistent top three finisher at 10km and was third in Ras Al Khaimah twelve months ago.

    Should the race produce a surprise contender, it could well come in the shape of 19 year-old Melal Siyoum. The Ethiopian teenager has competed in just one race outside her home country, finishing runner-up in a highly-competitive at the New Delhi Half Marathon last October in 67:21. Since then, she has focused on training in Addis Ababa for her next outing and she could be ready to make an impact on one of the world’s fastest half marathon courses.

    The elites get the event underway at 6.15am before the masses take on the half marathon challenge at 7.00am. The 10km Road Race will get begin at 8.30am before the 5km and 2km participants start at 10.00am.

    The 2026 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is also sponsored by ASICS, Channel 4 Radio Network. ITP Media Group, Bisleri and Vitamin Well.

  • Kennedy unveils a soul-stirring track sung by Vishal Dadlani that echoes its dark emotional core called ‘The Night Anthem’

    Feb 13: Adding to the haunting and atmospheric world of Kennedy is a powerful Night Anthem track that captures the film’s raw emotional intensity. Sung by the dynamic Vishal Dadlani, the song blends evocative vocals with a moody sonic landscape, perfectly mirroring the fractured psyche of the film’s protagonist. Composed and written by the talented duo Boyblanck and Shashwat Dwivedi, the track serves as an emotional extension of the film’s narrative, exploring themes of isolation, redemption, and the blurred lines between morality and survival.

    Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s dark and restless nights, the song seamlessly complements the journey of Kennedy Uday Shetty, played by Rahul Bhat, a former cop turned contract killer navigating a dangerous double life. Marking Anurag Kashyap’s return to his signature Mumbai noir storytelling, the film stands as his third major Mumbai-set crime narrative after Black Friday and Raman Raghav 2.0. Much like the film itself, the composition balances intensity with vulnerability, offering audiences a deeper insight into Kennedy’s internal conflict and emotional scars.

    Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film also features a compelling performance by Sunny Leone alongside a strong ensemble cast. Produced by Zee Studios and Good Bad Films, the film’s immersive musical landscape is further enriched by its haunting background score recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Choir, elevating the film’s brooding and atmospheric storytelling.

    Together, the song and score become integral storytelling devices, amplifying the film’s noir tonality while drawing audiences deeper into Kennedy’s dark, relentless world.

    Experience the haunting track from Kennedy and dive into its gritty world from 20th February, 2026, on Hindi ZEE5.

  • Embassy Services Highlights Commitment to Renewable Energy and Decarbonization on Sustainable Energy Day

    By:- Abhishek Mazumdar, AGM – Energy Advisory & Strategy, Embassy Services Private Limited

    “On Sustainable Energy Day, we celebrate the tremendous strides being made in the global energy transition. Renewable energy is no longer a future ideal, it is the backbone of new capacity additions, job creation, and resilient energy systems worldwide. Today’s record growth in solar, wind, and storage underscores that clean power is affordable, scalable, and essential for energy security and climate action. At Embassy Services, we are deeply committed to this journey. We’ve expanded our renewable portfolio across campuses through open-access provisions, integrating rooftop solar, energy-efficient systems, and reducing energy & carbon intensity in our processes towards decarbonization. This reduces carbon footprints while enhancing operational performance. We are also enabling our customers with clean energy procurement options and investing in community programmes that foster sustainability at the grassroots. Looking ahead, we must broaden beyond electricity to include sustainable solutions in transport, heating, and other industries. By collaborating with partners, policymakers, and communities, we can accelerate the shift towards a cleaner and more equitable energy future, powering prosperity for generations to come.”

  • Wordly Launches Workspaces, Taking Multilingual Communication Beyond Keynotes into Everyday Business Operations

    Los Altos, CA – Feb 13 – Wordly, the pioneer in live AI translation and captioning, today launched Workspaces, a major expansion of its platform that enables event organizers to deliver real-time AI translation and captions consistently across conferences, keynotes, workshops, and everyday business operations. One account brings Wordly to every department, providing secure, scalable language access and expanding inclusion company-wide. The launch is backed by ISO 27001 certification and a refreshed brand identity, centered on the tagline: “Never miss a word.”

    “Inclusion and accessibility shouldn’t end when the last session wraps,” said Lakshman Rathnam, Founder & CEO of Wordly. “Workspaces gives event organizers the control to extend language access beyond the conference, ensuring the same experience continues across planning meetings, trainings, and everyday operations.”

    Never Miss a Word: Scaling AI Across Conferences and Daily Operations

    Workspaces allows organizations to move beyond one-off events and implement Wordly across every department, everywhere. It provides centralized control and ensures organizations never miss a word by moving seamlessly from conference keynote session to daily meetings and training without adding new tools, licenses, or large expenses. The platform makes it easy for organizations to deploy AI translation and captions across:

    • Internal Operations: Town halls, sales kickoffs (SKOs), employee onboarding, and HR training.
    • External Engagement: Industry conferences, customer webinars, board meetings, and investor communications.
    • Daily Workflows: Facility tours, project standups, cross functional collaboration, and employee interviews.

    “Together, these milestones reflect Wordly evolving from a specialized event tool into an essential enterprise solution,” Rathnam added. “Workspaces supports global, multilingual organizations across large-scale conferences and daily business operations, meeting the growing expectation for live translation and captions from employees, customers, and attendees alike.”

    Built for Security, Trust, and Scale

    As Wordly expands across large-scale conferences and enterprise events, security remains a top priority for event organizers and their teams. Wordly has achieved ISO 27001 certification, in addition to SOC 2 Type II compliance, the global standards for information security, giving organizers confidence that attendee data, session content, and event communications are protected to the highest international standards.

    A Brand Refresh for a Global Image

    To reflect its expanded vision, Wordly has unveiled a refreshed visual identity and streamlined website, making it easier for organizations to select the right solutions.

    “Our new brand reflects the Wordly mission to bridge language barriers and accessibility hurdles,” said Dave Deasy, CMO at Wordly. “As we expand from supporting large events to also powering daily operations, our platform remains powerful, secure, and easy to use for organizations of any size.”

    Wordly Workspaces is available now for all clients.

  • DDA Green Expo 2026 Set to Outline Climate-First Vision for Urban India

    New Delhi, Feb 13 : The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is set to host the first-ever DDA Green Expo 2026 on 14–15 February 2026 at Baansera, New Delhi, bringing together senior government leaders, urban planners, climate experts and industry stakeholders to shape the next phase of sustainable urban development in India.

    Inspired by the vision of Lt Governor Delhi Shri V K Saxena for Green Delhi, the expo is anchored around the theme ‘Beyond Growth: Reimagining Urban Futures.’ The Expo will focus on how Indian cities can transition from expansion-led development models toward climate resilience, ecological restoration and people-centric planning.

    The two-day summit will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Lt Governor, who will also deliver the key-note address. The welcome address to be given by Shri N. Saravana Kumar, Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority.

    Designed as a strategic solution -driven national platform, the Expo will feature high-impact panel discussions and expert sessions addressing some of the most pressing urban challenges, including extreme heat, flood resilience, nature-based infrastructure, circular food systems and innovative financing for green cities.

    Some of the eminent speakers include Mr. Anand Kumar, Chairman, RERA; Smt. Inoshi Sharma, Additional Director General, NADT RC; Shri P. Karthikeyan, Joint Director of FSSAI; Professor Sony Pellissery, Director of the Institute of Public Policy as well as Ms. Sarika Chakravarty, Director of Implementation (South and West Asia), C40 Cities.

    A special fireside conversation featuring renowned environmental leaders Swami Prem Parivartan (Peepal Baba) and Ramveer Tanwar, the ‘Pond Man of India,’ will explore how community action and behavioural change can play a critical role in restoring urban ecosystems.

    DDA is formalising strategic partnerships with leading national institutions to deepen Delhi’s green and cultural ecosystem. Collaborations with the National Medicinal Plants Board will support herbal gardens, medicinal nurseries, and biodiversity conservation across DDA parks.

    With the National School of Drama, DDA will launch RangBaag, a community theatre initiative for children in park spaces. A comprehensive partnership with the University of Delhi will advance urban ecological research and youth engagement, while work with WWF will establish Citizens’ Nature Hubs promoting environmental learning and action.

    Similarly, the collaboration with Delhi Technological University will strengthen DDA’s commitment towards research and development in the field of ecology, sustainability, technology driven solutions while incorporating young professionals in planning and execution.

    There is also collaboration with Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA). The proposed collaboration seeks DDA’s guidance, knowledge sharing, and technical insight across a broad spectrum of areas in Mathura-Vrindavan, including but not limited to:

    Urban built environment improvements, public realm enhancement, and sustainable materials.

    Among the flagship discussions isBuilding Climate-Ready Cities Through Nature-Based Infrastructure,” which will examine how urban forests, restored floodplains and biodiversity corridors can function as essential climate infrastructure.

    Another key session,Responding to Urban Heat: Policy, Planning and Public Health,” will bring together climate resilience and health experts to explore integrated approaches linking urban design, Heat Action Plans and healthcare preparedness.

    Senior policymakers and development leaders will also participate in the panelDesigning for Climate-Responsive Cities,” focusing on energy-efficient urban design, climate-adaptive public spaces and resilient infrastructure.

    The Expo will also spotlight emerging sustainability priorities such as urban food circularity, balancing development with ecological conservation, and scalable financing models for green infrastructure, including CSR and public-private partnerships. The Expo will showcase innovations in urban greening, water management, waste solutions and climate-resilient design.

    With participation from senior government officials, global institutions, academia, industry and civil society, the DDA Green Expo 2026 is expected to emerge as a landmark national forum

    for advancing climate-responsive urban development in India.

  • NDDB, IDF Ink Pact to Host World Dairy Summit 2027 in India

    New Delhi, Feb 13: Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); Board Member, International Dairy Federation (IDF) & Member Secretary, Indian National Committee of IDF and Ms. Laurence Rycken, Director General, IDF, exchanged an agreement on 12 February 2026 in New Delhi to host the IDF World Dairy Summit 2027 in India. 

    The agreement exchange took place in the gracious presence of Shri Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, and Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, at the Indian Dairy Association’s 52nd Dairy Industry Conference.

    The Summit will be organised by the INC-IDF at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Mumbai, from 16 to 19 November 2027.

    The agenda will include meetings of the IDF Board, the General Assembly, and various technical committees. The event is expected to attract over 1,500 delegates from across the globe, representing a majority of the international dairy market. Attendees will include policymakers, dairy farmers, cooperatives, processors, researchers, financial institutions, start-ups, and technology providers.

    At the 118th General Assembly held on 14 October 2024 in Paris, members voted in favour of India hosting the World Dairy Summit 2027. India previously hosted the IDF WDS in 2022 in Delhi-NCR, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

    The IDF World Dairy Summit (WDS) is the flagship annual event of the IDF. It serves as a global platform for stakeholders to review the world dairy situation, discuss technical and policy issues, and align on strategic directions for the sector. The IDF is an International Non-Governmental Organisation that has been uniting the global dairy community since its inception in 1903, with about 40 member nations.