In a significant boost to India’s “Viksit Bharat“, “Skill India” and “Make in India” missions, Phillips Education has officially partnered with Hindalco Industries Limited (an Aditya Birla Group company) to launch a state-of-the-art Advanced Technical Training Centre of Excellence (CoE), in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s manufacturing and technical skilling ecosystem.

Mr. Rahul Maheshwari (AVP-Partnerships, Phillips Education), Mr. Sukhendu Ghosh, CHR VP-Head Skills Development, Hindalco Industries & Mr. N Chandrababu Naidu (CM, Andhra Pradesh)

“Aditya Birla Skills Centre” was inaugurated on January 30, 2026, by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, in the presence of Shri. Samik Basu, CHRO-Hindalco Industries Ltd. and Smt. Kopal Agrawal, CEO-Downstream Business and Mr. Sukhendu Ghosh, CHR VP & Head Skills Development at Hindalco Industries Ltd. The event marked a milestone highlighting Hindalco’s strong commitment with their CSR/ESG initiatives that supports in the state’s journey toward becoming a global hub for high-tech manufacturing, local youth skilling & employability.

During the inauguration, the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the leadership team from Hindalco Industries appreciated the role played by Phillips Education in designing and delivering industry-aligned curriculum, industry-ready training frameworks. Mr. Sukhendu Ghosh, CHR VP & Head Skills Development at Hindalco Industries highlighted “Phillips Education has been really helpful and imparting the relevant and practical knowledge necessary for building manufacturing workforce.”

Mr. Rakshit Kejriwal, Global President at Phillips Education emphasized, “We are grateful to have received such high praise from Hindalco leadership. The CoE infrastructure reflects a shared commitment between industry, government, and skilling partners to build a sustainable and globally competitive workforce. With this initiative, Phillips Education reiterates its role as a strong force in shaping a future-ready practical ecosystem with academic expertise for training and skilling —one that not only supports industry growth but also empowers communities and takes India forward on its journey toward global manufacturing excellence. And as India positions itself as a global manufacturing hub, CSR-led skilling must be demand-driven, outcome-based, and employer-owned.”

The Advanced Technical Training CoE is designed to serve as a hub for high-end technical skilling, focusing on preparing local youth for advanced manufacturing 4.0 industry and technology-driven roles.

About Phillips Education

Phillips Education is a global leader in Industry 4.0 technical training, dedicated to building a future-ready academic and industrial ecosystem. As a key partner in India’s #MakeInIndia and #SkillIndia missions, Phillips Education specializes in establishing Advanced Manufacturing Centres of Excellence (CoE) that bridge the gap between traditional vocational education and modern industrial demand. We are partnered with multiple State governments to deploy CoE infrastructure which deploy impactful trainings that helps local youth employment and generates industry-ready workforce.

In addition to, multiple impactful industrial partnerships such as with JSW Energy, Tata Technologies, and more, Phillips Education had also partnered with IIT Bombay, NIT Delhi to establish the machine laboratories, unleash R&D potential in metal working for the Aerospace and Defence industries. We collaborate with organisations for Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, that are aimed at skilling the youth and generate employment.

Through its comprehensive curriculum—which integrates CNC machining, robotics, additive manufacturing (3D printing), precision manufacturing and AI enabled learning, that leads to fulfil the skilled workforce requirements of Industrial machinists, fabrication & Mechanical Assembly, CNC Turning & Milling operators, semiconductor technicians, windmill Technicians, EV service technicians, solar power installers, Industrial robotics, Drone technicians.

For more information, visit phillipscorp.com/india/phillipseducation.

JK Cement Ltd., one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, today marked an important milestone in its growth journey with the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of its upcoming grinding unit in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The Bikaner facility will be JK Cement’s 20th manufacturing plant across its grey and white cement businesses and will have an initial production capacity of 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Bhoomi Poojan of JK Cement’s Upcoming Bikaner Grinding Unit

The Bhoomi Poojan was led by Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, along with senior members of the company’s leadership team. Over 200 strategic channel partners also participated in the ceremony, reflecting the strong partnerships that underpin JK Cement’s expansion in the region.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “The Bhoomi Poojan of our Bikaner grinding unit marks a significant step in JK Cement’s long-term growth strategy. Rajasthan continues to be an important market for us, and this project reinforces our commitment to expanding manufacturing capabilities closer to demand centres. Beyond strengthening our operational footprint, the Bikaner plant will contribute meaningfully to regional development, employment generation, and the overall industrial ecosystem.”

Spread across 100 acres and strategically located on the Jaipur–Bikaner highway, the upcoming grinding unit will play a critical role in strengthening JK Cement’s presence in Rajasthan. Its location will enable efficient and seamless distribution across the state, allowing the company to service customer demand with significantly reduced lead times, with deliveries possible within 24 hours to most locations.

Sharing his views on the expansion, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, added, “The Bikaner grinding unit is a strategic investment aimed at deepening our reach in Rajasthan, a market witnessing strong growth driven by housing and infrastructure development. With this facility, we will be better positioned to serve our customers faster, more efficiently, and at scale. The project aligns closely with our vision of becoming the most preferred cement brand for home builders by delivering consistent quality, superior service, and long-term value.”

Construction of the Bikaner grinding unit is scheduled to commence in February 2026, with commercial production expected to begin by March 2027. JK Cement has invested approximately ₹500 crore in the project. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and encourage the development of ancillary industries in the surrounding region, thereby boosting the local economy. The Bikaner unit underscores JK Cement’s continued focus on capacity expansion in high-growth markets while supporting sustainable infrastructure development and long-term economic progress.

About JK Cement Ltd.
JK Cement Ltd. is among India’s top manufacturers of Grey and White Cement, and home-building solutions globally. For over five decades, JKCement has contributed to India’s infrastructure through product quality, customer focus, and technology leadership, beginning with its flagship grey cement unit in Nimbahera, Rajasthan, in May 1975.

The Company’s Grey Cement capacity is 31.26 MTPA, making it a leading manufacturer with a strong presence across 15 states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. With a total White Cement and Wall Putty Capacity of 3.05 MTPA, JK White Cement is sold in 36 countries around the globe.

The Company has a strong international presence with two subsidiaries, JK Cement Works Fujairah FZC and JK White Cement (Africa) Ltd. In 2023, JKCement launched JKMaxx Paints, offering wall, wood, and metal finishes. In the same year, JKCement expanded into construction chemicals with JK Profix, a waterproofing line, and also entered the Ready-Mix Concrete segment with JK Super Concrete, serving Delhi NCR and set for nationwide growth.

For more information, please visit JK Cement: www.jkcement.com.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), one of India’s leading NAAC A+ accredited institutions, successfully conducted the 5th Convocation for its online learners on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The ceremony, held at the MUJ campus in Jaipur, marked a significant milestone in the university’s mission to expand access to quality higher education through its robust and learner-centric online degree programs.

‘MUJ Online’s 5th Convocation: Celebrating Excellence in Digital Learning”  for dissemination

Recognizing the achievements of 9,043 graduates from across 28 states and 6 Union Territories in India, spanning 27 countries globally, MUJ Online reaffirmed its commitment to empowering learners beyond geographical and professional boundaries. Of these, 1531 graduates attended the ceremony in person, while the remaining learners were awarded their degrees in absentia. 

Graduates from various disciplines, including bachelor’s programs like BCom, BBA, BCA, and master’s programs like MCom, MBA, MCA, and MAJMC, successfully completed their degrees through MUJ’s comprehensive online learning platform. This year’s graduates ranged from first-generation learners to business leaders and IT professionals, showcasing how MUJ Online has supported learners in aligning academic excellence with career growth and lifelong learning.

Visionary Leadership Inspiring Future Success
The convocation was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Haribhau Bagde, Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan, who served as the Chief Guest. The ceremony commenced with Dr. N N Sharma, President, MUJ, declaring the convocation open, followed by a warm welcome address by Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro President, MUJ. 

Dr. N N Sharma, President, MUJ, presented a comprehensive overview of the university and its expanding digital education ecosystem, highlighting MUJ’s commitment to delivering world-class education through the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE). He said, “MUJ Online offers research guidance to its online learners and encourages them to publish in Scopus-indexed journals through dedicated incentives. We also provide one-week campus immersion program via Bloomberg Market Concepts and Computer-Integrated Tech, which makes us stand out from other universities providing campus experience for online learners.”

In his convocation address, Shri Haribhau Bagde, Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan, underscored the need to integrate India’s traditional education system with contemporary educational practices. He noted that the National Education Policy places special focus on preserving and promoting Indian languages and heritage, as well as encouraging education in the mother tongue. He further emphasized the role of education in eradicating poverty and highlighted the responsibility of youth in nation-building to make India a developed nation by 2047.

The governor said, “Online education is the need of the hour and essential for lifelong learning, as it enables learners to access education anytime, anywhere, while also making it more affordable and accessible.”

Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO, UNext Learning, also graced the occasion as a Guest of Honour.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost, Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadapa, Director, CDOE, Dr. Dasari Nagaraju, CoE, and other senior leadership.

About MUJ Online
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), established in 2011, is a NAAC A+ accredited, multidisciplinary university that aims at providing quality education in the online landscape. The online degrees offered by MUJ are UGC-entitled and recognized at par with on-campus degrees. The university offers live classes conducted by expert faculty members at convenient times, to suit the schedules of diverse learners. 

MUJ’s online learners are also offered placement assistance in the form of skill assessments & enhancement, industry-readiness sessions, resume building, and virtual placement drives.  

MUJ currently offers 9 degree programs in an online mode and caters to 1,50,000+ online learners from 60+ nationalities and from 1500+ towns & cities across India.  

About Online Manipal
Online Manipal is the digital home of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), and Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). These three Manipal universities, accredited with NAAC A++ and NAAC A+, offer UGC-entitled online degrees equivalent to on-campus programs. 

Since its inception in 2021, Online Manipal has empowered over 1,60,000 learners to realize their potential by providing them with accessible, affordable & industry-relevant degrees and new-age certifications in a 100% online mode. 

Online Manipal’s integrated learning platform gives access to extensive e-learning material, recorded sessions, webinars, doubt clearing sessions, quizzes, assignments, and more. 

To know more, visit www.onlinemanipal.com

Greaves Electric Mobility has been recognized by the prestigious Asia Book of Records to become the first electric two-wheeler brand which successfully ascended Kolli Hills, in Tamil Nadu. Considered one of South India’s most demanding routes, Kolli Hills features 70 hairpin bends while ascending, making any drive a test of endurance.

Ampere Enters Asia Book of Records – Navigates 70-hairpin bends of Kolli Hills, TN

The record attempt was conducted on January 7^th, 2026, with the ride commencing at 7:00 am and successfully completed in 22 minutes 10 seconds. The ascent was undertaken using GEML’s Ampere Nexus, from Belukurichi to the summit of Kolli Hills. Officials from the Asia Book of Records officially validated and confirmed the success on the same day.

With its 70 hairpin bends, this challenging route showcased and proved Greaves Electric Mobility’s “Built for Bharat” engineering prowess, where vehicles are designed, developed, and validated for India’s diverse and often challenging riding conditions. From steep gradients and broken hill roads to sharp turns and sustained load cycles, GEML’s electric two-wheelers are engineered to handle the toughest terrains the country has to offer.

Taking cognizance of the latest achievement, Mr Vikas Singh, Managing Director, Greaves Electric Mobility said, “India’s riding conditions are among the most demanding in the world, and our approach has always been to engineer electric vehicles that are built for Bharat, not just for ideal test environments. The Kolli Hills ascent is a real-world validation of that philosophy. The Ampere Nexus combines safe and durable LFP battery technology with a robust dual-frame chassis that is designed to handle steep gradients, repeated cornering, and sustained load conditions. Achievements like this reaffirm our focus on building electric mobility solutions that can perform reliably across tough terrains.”

The Ampere Nexus achieved this success due to its LFP battery and high tensile steel chassis which provides durability for every condition, work together on demanding terrain. The battery is built to stay stable in a wide range of conditions, operating from –40°C to 60°C, and continues to deliver usable power during long uphill stretches, repeated braking, and changes in load. The warranty offered on the battery reflects the confidence in how it performs over extended everyday use rather than short tests. Ampere Nexus’s advanced motor and software deliver instant torque for climbs, regenerative braking for descents, and traction control for slippery slopes – ensuring smooth, efficient performance across every terrain.

The high strength steel chassis adds to this by keeping the vehicle balanced and predictable, especially while negotiating continuous hairpin bends. With a motor tuned for sustained output and braking that responds consistently, the Nexus remains manageable even on steep climbs. These aspects have been observed over multiple endurance runs and record attempts, and the Kolli Hills ascent serves as another real-world example of how the scooter holds up under demanding conditions.

The recognition by the Asia Book of Records is a first for Greaves Electric Mobility, reinforcing its commitment for India-built products which can cater to the world. With a market presence in Nepal and developing presence in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Africa, this recognition validates the brand’s endurance, capability and durability.

Furthermore, it reinforces the company’s belief that adoption is driven by real-world experience. As electric two-wheelers move beyond city limits, this milestone demonstrates that vehicles engineered for Indian roads are capable of performing consistently even in demanding and rugged terrain. Built to outlast, outperform and outshine, Greaves Electric Mobility’s products continue to prove their capability across conditions that reflect how India truly rides.

More information: Link

About Greaves Cotton Limited

Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), also known as Greaves, is a diversified, multi-product, multi-fuel, and multi-location engineering company with a legacy of 165 years and strong brand trust. Originally renowned for its single-cylinder diesel engines, Greaves has transformed into a fuel-agnostic, end-to-end mobility solutions provider, driven by the purpose of “Empowering Lives”. The Company is enabling a sustainable transition to green mobility and aims to touch a billion lives by 2030. Greaves is building a digitally integrated ecosystem that connects consumers, business partners, and service providers across the entire mobility value chain.

Through its five independent business units—Greaves Engineering, Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd., Greaves Retail, Greaves Finance Ltd., and Greaves Technologies Ltd.—Greaves combines agility with strategic focus, delivering innovation and enhancing accessibility for consumers. With significant investments in technology and human capital, the Company is positioned to lead in India’s EV and sustainable mobility markets. The Company remains committed to sustainable growth and economic progress, making it a trusted partner in shaping the future of mobility in India.

For more information, visit– www.greavescotton.com

About Greaves Electric Mobility Limited

Greaves Electric Mobility Limited (GEML), the electric mobility business of Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), is one of the first companies in India to focus on the evolving market of electric vehicles (“EV”) and has been among the frontrunners at driving EV adoption in the country*. With over 17 years of experience designing and manufacturing electric vehicles*, GEML serves both the electric 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments. GEML along with its subsidiaries, operates three manufacturing plants located in Hyderabad, Noida, and Ranipet. The company supports its network through 400 dealer touchpoints across India, thereby aiming minimal downtime and enhanced customer experience. GEML holds 8 India Book of Records** titles, reflecting its focus on technology and design led innovative & durable mobility solutions. Subsidiaries MLR Auto Limited and Bestway Agencies Private Limited help extend GEML’s market presence. Committed to affordability and sustainability, GEML provides clean mobility solutions contributing to India’s shift toward electric transportation.

Philips, one of India’s most trusted home appliance brands, has announced a new consumer engagement partnership with Wheel of Fortune India, bringing an exciting opportunity for consumers to step into the spotlight and experience the thrill of playing on national television.
 

Philips X Wheel of Fortune
 

Through this unique association, Philips is giving its consumers a chance to be part of Wheel of Fortune India and play the iconic game alongside Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar. As part of the campaign, 15 lucky Philips consumers will be selected to appear on the show, turning everyday purchases into extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
 

The contest is open to consumers who purchase any Philips product worth Rs. 1,500 or more. Post purchase, consumers can participate by scanning a QR code available at retail outlets, completing a simple registration process, and entering the ‘Spin the Wheel’ contest.
 

“Wheel of Fortune is a format that naturally brings families together, and that is a space where Philips has always belonged. This partnership allows us to create a meaningful moment for our consumers by combining the trust they place in our products with the joy of shared entertainment. As a brand present in millions of Indian homes, we are excited to offer consumers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step onto national television and be part of a show that is rooted in fun, familiarity and everyday viewing moments.” said Pooja Baid, Chief Marketing Officer, Versuni India.
 

Recognised by Guinness World Records as the World’s Most Popular TV Game Show and honored with the Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Game Show, Wheel of Fortune has enjoyed unparalleled global success. The campaign is live across 18000+ retail outlets, inviting consumers across the country to take their shot at playing Wheel of Fortune India on national television. In addition to the opportunity to be on the show, consumers also stand a chance to win assured rewards through the Spin the Wheel challenge.
 

About Versuni
Versuni’s purpose is turning houses into homes. As a house of home appliances brands, Versuni markets: Philips, Philips Baristina, Philips Walita, Preethi, Senseo, L’OR Barista, Saeco, and Gaggia. With more than 900 patents to its name, Versuni’s portfolio spans coffee and kitchen appliances, garment care, climate care, and floor care. Philips, Saeco and Gaggia products are sold under trademark license from Koninklijke Philips N.V. Products under the Philips brand include the Airfryer, Espresso Machine with LatteGo, Handheld Steamer, Air Purifier and AquaTrio Cordless Vacuum. Versuni is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with innovation, manufacturing, and commercial centers across the globe and a footprint in over 100 countries.

On the occasion of National Cleft Day, Smile Train India, the country’s largest cleft focused NGO, partnered with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to raise awareness and advocate for cleft lip and palate issues. They implemented a comprehensive school-based engagement programme across NDMC schools in the national capital.

NDMC Students Bring Book Series “Smiles That Shine” to Life Through Theatre for National Cleft Day

As part of this initiative, Smile Train India rolled out “The ABCs of Change” (Awareness, Behaviour, and Confidence) across 10 NDMC schools, using storytelling, interactive learning, and creative engagement to build early awareness, empathy, and inclusion among primary school children. The programme integrates cleft awareness into classrooms, positioning children as active participants and ambassadors of change within their schools, families, and communities.

Central to the initiative is Smile Train India’s picture book series, “Smiles that Shine,” the first-of-its-kind children’s series designed to promote empathy, kindness, and understanding around facial differences, including cleft lip and palate. Through imaginative storytelling and relatable characters, the books normalise differences, encourage conversations around self-confidence and identity, and help reduce stigma from an early age.

The school programme concluded with a three-day creative theatre workshop led by Rahul Khanna, a renowned theatre practitioner and storytelling facilitator. Primary school students from NDMC schools developed and performed short plays inspired by the “Smiles that Shine” stories, bringing the narratives to life through expressive enactment and reinforcing messages of empathy, inclusion, and acceptance.

Cleft lip and palate is a treatable birth difference, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 children. However, lack of awareness, social stigma, and misinformation often delay treatment, impacting a child’s health, speech development, confidence, and social integration. By embedding awareness within schools, Smile Train India and NDMC aim to encourage a more inclusive environment for children with facial differences.

Speaking on the initiative, Kritika Choudhary, Director, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said, “Schools are not only places of learning but also where empathy and inclusion are shaped. This partnership with Smile Train India brings together health awareness and creative learning. By engaging children through stories and theatre, we hope these values extend beyond classrooms into homes and communities.“

Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia Smile Train India, added, “Cleft care goes beyond medical treatment; it is about building confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Through initiatives like Smiles that Shine, The ABCs of Change, and the culminating theatre workshops, we are using storytelling to help children understand and embrace differences, and to grow up with empathy, kindness, and inclusion at their core.”

By anchoring cleft awareness within classrooms and creative expression, Smile Train India and NDMC reaffirm their shared commitment to early intervention, inclusive education, and community-led advocacy, ensuring every child born with a cleft has the opportunity to grow up healthy, confident, and included.

Over 35,000 babies with cleft conditions are born in India each year, and many of them go untreated because of social stigma, misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about the treatment that is available, by improving community level awareness. Smile Train’s school outreach program aims to spread awareness amongst the young minds.

For cleft treatment related query or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301.

In a time marked by stress, emotional fatigue and uncertainty, a growing number of people are turning toward Metta, or loving-kindness meditation, as a path of healing, balance, and insight. Building on a tradition that has touched thousands of practitioners worldwide, Metta Vipassana Meditation retreats are now being offered in India and online under the guidance of teachers trained in the Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center lineage.

A Metta Vipassana Meditation retreat in India, guided in the Dhamma sukha Tradition

Rooted in the early Buddhist discourses (the suttas), these retreats are inspired by the teaching approach developed by the late Bhante Vimalaramsi, founder, together with Ven. Khanti Khema, co-founder of the Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center in the United States. Their method, known as Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation, integrates insight (vipassanā), with the deliberate cultivation of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.

Unlike more effort-heavy techniques, these Metta Vipassana retreats emphasize relaxation, softening, and an embodied sense of kindness toward oneself and others. Practitioners are gently guided to recognize how craving and resistance arise in daily life – and how releasing them through kindness can lead to clarity, emotional resilience, and deep inner calm.

A distinctive feature of this approach is the practical application of the 6Rs – Recognize, Release, Relax, Re-smile, Return, and Repeat. Rather than suppressing distraction or striving to control the mind, practitioners are encouraged to meet every experience with gentle awareness. When attention wanders, one simply recognizes the movement of mind, releases it without judgment, relaxes any tension, re-smiles, and returns to the meditation object. This cycle is repeated patiently, offering a clear and workable expression of Right Effort in daily practice.

Smiling throughout is also encouraged. A soft smile, felt at the lips, the eyes, the mind and the heart, supports ease, reduces inner friction, and encourages a relaxed attentiveness. Over time, practitioners often notice that with smiling effort softens, emotional reactivity diminishes, and awareness becomes clearer without strain. 

Sharmila Rao, BE, MBA, PGDPA, who has over 30 years of corporate leadership experience in prominent IT organizations says, “The Metta Vipassana meditation retreat was a deeply transformative experience for me. Unlike traditional Vipassana, this practice is rooted in metta, loving-kindness, and that made the progress feel natural and surprisingly fast. The daily one-on-one interactions with the teacher provided profound insights and gentle course correction, helping me deepen my practice with clarity. The emphasis on smiling, love, and compassion made the inner awakening feel alive and joyful. What stood out was that progress wasn’t just meditative depth, but an inner joy that naturally wanted to be shared, even with ‘enemies.’ The daily discourses were beautifully aligned, answering doubts before they arose and preparing me for the next day. This heightened mindfulness helped me clearly see my habitual thought patterns and gently rewire them toward more constructive, joyful ways of living. I am sure that even first-time meditators can experience remarkable inner shifts through this practice.”

In select retreats this inner cultivation is also developed through Sukhita Yoga. Sukhita brings to life the essence of Dhamma teaching through embodiment, offering a practice designed to foster ease and balance rather than physical achievement. The relationship you have with your body gives a tangible, undeniable experience of living your life in loving awareness with yourself, others and the planet. In every moment you learn the structures of support and steadiness that reveal inner space and how to look after yourself with love and compassion when this wholesome way of being gets distorted by stress, tension and other patterns of imbalance.

These retreats integrate gentle movement, walking and sitting meditation and individual interviews, allowing participants to experientially sense how physical tension and mental habits influence one another. This holistic model reflects a core insight of the Dhamma Sukha tradition: that embodied awareness supports sustainable clarity and insight.

The India-based retreats offer residential, silent retreat environments suited to both beginners and experienced meditators, while online retreats make the same structured guidance available globally. Participants learn a sustainable practice that can be carried into work, family life, and relationships, not confined to the cushion alone.

These offerings reflect a growing international interest in softer and gentler meditation as a complement to insight practice – one that aligns ancient wisdom with modern psychological well-being. This emphasis is reflected in the name Metta Vipassana Way in India.

For more information, please visit: mettavipassana.org

• Two-day Congress TREESCAPES 2026 Reimagined Agroforestry in South Asia

• Deliberations by Foreign Agri Ministers, experts on agroforestry’s contribution to climate resiliency, farmers’ livelihood, tree-based entrepreneurship and economic growth

The Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), successfully concluded TREESCAPES 2026, the 1st South Asian Agroforestry & Trees Outside Forests (AF-TOF) Congress, held from 5th to 7th February 2026 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), Pusa Campus, New Delhi. The three-day regional congress aims to emerge as a landmark platform for collective deliberation on strengthening tree-based agriculture and trees outside forest systems to enhance climate resilience, restore landscapes, and improve agricultural livelihoods across South Asia and was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Dr Madan Prasad Pariyar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal; and Mr Ahmed Hassan Didi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Republic of Maldives; along with senior officials from India and other South Asian countries.
 

Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR and Mr. Manoj Dabas, India Country Director, CIFOR-ICRAF, during TREESCAPES 2026
 

Speaking on the occasion Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR), stated, “Asia is home to some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable agricultural systems, yet it also holds immense potential to lead in nature-based economic transformation. Recent regional studies show that agroforestry has helped reduce deforestation and avoid tens of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually while supporting rural livelihoods. TREESCAPES demonstrates that scaling success will depend on unlocking green finance, empowering local institutions, and integrating youth and women into extension and entrepreneurship models. For South Asia, tree-based agriculture is not just about restoring landscapes – it is about future-proofing rural economies.”
 

Mr. Manoj Dabas, India Country Director, CIFOR-ICRAF further stated, “India’s tree-based systems already account for nearly 20 percent of national carbon stocks, yet the country continues to import over USD 7 billion worth of wood and wood-based products annually, growing at double-digit rates. This contradiction highlights a massive missed opportunity. TREESCAPES has brought together evidence showing that tree-based agriculture can reduce import dependence, strengthen rural incomes for India’s 86 percent marginal farmers, and deliver measurable climate outcomes. The next phase of growth will depend on aligning carbon markets, digital traceability, and private-sector procurement with farmer realities. Agroforestry must be positioned not as an environmental add-on, but as core rural infrastructure.”
 

The two-day Congress brought together policymakers, senior government officials, researchers, industry leaders, financial institutions, civil society organizations, farmers, and youth from across South Asia, with discussions focussing on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, expanding forest certification with greater smallholder integration, and leveraging agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) for climate resilience and ecosystem services among others. In addition to featuring high-level thematic sessions focused on digital and geospatial innovations for agroforestry, water-secure and multifunctional landscapes, capacity building and extension systems, and enhancing trees in urban landscapes, the Congress also included four plenaries and a dedicated ministerial hour, underscoring strong political commitment to mainstreaming agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests across South Asia.
 

With India’s push towards a green economy in sync with its 2070 net-zero goals, TREESCAPES 2026 highlighted the need for stronger institutional collaboration and PPP partnerships to address implementation opportunities and scale agroforestry sustainably in India by positioning itself as a pivotal platform in encouraging further effective implementation of agroforestry as a means of increasing tree cover and improving farmers’ incomes and livelihoods as we move towards a more climate-resilient future.
 

About Treescapes
TREESCAPES 2026 is being organised jointly by CIFOR-ICRAF and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), with the ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, as Organising Partners.
 

The Thematic Partners for TREESCAPES 2026 include GIZ, Haryana Forest Development Corporation, ITC Limited, The Nature Conservancy, Intellecap, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Indian Society of Agroforestry, and IORA Ecological Solutions. The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) are the Knowledge Partners in the Congress.
 

With India’s push towards a green economy in sync with its 2070 net-zero goals buoyed by the country’s reforestation drive (recently driven by Gujarat), TREESCAPES 2026 positions itself as a pivotal platform in encouraging further effective implementation of agroforestry as a means of increasing tree cover and improving farmers’ incomes and livelihoods as we move towards a more climate-resilient future

About CIFOR-ICRAF
CIFOR-ICRAF The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (www.cifor-icraf.org), harnesses the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to address the most pressing global challenges of our time – biodiversity loss, climate change, food security, livelihoods and inequality. CIFOR and ICRAF are CGIAR Research Centers. CIFOR-ICRAF delivers demand-driven evidence of the ways trees can revitalize both landscapes and livelihoods. Born of the merger of the most trusted research organizations on forests, trees and agroforestry – the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) – CIFOR-ICRAF harnesses a combined 70 years of expertise and extensive partnership networks across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

For more information, please visit www.cifor-icraf.org/event/treescapes-2026.

Niche Tech strategic advisory firm Tech Setting India Private Ltd brings on board Santosh Tiwari, a highly regarded strategic advisor with three decades of experience in wide-ranging policy formulation and advisory domain as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Santosh Tiwari

Welcoming Santosh, Co-founder & MD TSI, Puneet Kumar said, “TSI aims to unlock India Advantage of Talent & Technology for the global enterprise and leverage its momentum in becoming top three economies in the world. With Santosh joining, we strengthen our capability in delivering our clients in such domain as AI, Quantum, Space, Biotech, Skilling and other emerging tech areas.”

Tech Setting India is powered by a leadership team that has witnessed and driven exponential growth — 10x increase in revenue, a 300x expansion in workforce, and multi-city scale across India. The leadership team have been instrumental in shaping policies and frameworks across domains including SEZ, defence offsets, renewable energy, India’s AI roadmap, agri-tech, labour reforms, economic affairs & taxation reforms and foreign investment.

Santosh has been in the senior leadership position as a Director, in APCO — a Washington DC headquartered global strategic advisory and advocacy firm. He will take over his new role as TSI CEO from March onwards.

Expressing the need for an enabling platform, Co-founder TSI, Sandeep Bhatnagar said, “TSI wants to leverage India’s efforts of tech-powered growth for clients in treading the complex dynamics of an accelerated economy.”

“Taking up mantle of TSI CEO is a huge responsible to deliver clients results based on trust, quality and partnership. I thank TSI Co-founders for this opportunity,” said Santosh Tiwari.

About Tech Setting India (TSI) Pvt. Ltd.

Website: techsettingindia.com.