Siddhi pursued bachelor’s degree in music from Vishwakarma Institute and completed postgraduate studies at Westminster University in London.

 In a remarkable musical feat, 22-year-old Siddhi Kapshikar has set a world record in harmonium playing, performing continuously for an astounding 10 hours, 23 minutes, and 22 seconds. The achievement was recognized by the Genius World Records, and she accomplished this milestone on Vasant Panchami (February 2, 2025).

She pursued a bachelor’s degree in music from Vishwakarma Institute and later completed her postgraduate studies at Westminster University in London. Currently, she is working as an Audio-Video Engineer at HSBC (Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) in London.

A Record Honoring India’s Musical Legacy

Siddhi’s record attempt was dedicated to India’s 75th Republic Year (Amrit Mahotsav), where she performed over 75 classical ragas under music therapy.

Her repertoire included:

• Geet Ramayan
• Bhajans and abhangs
• Bollywood songs
• 25 different musical forms

Siddhi Kapshikar said: “As an Indian and a Maharashtrian, I feel immense pride in setting this world record. This achievement is a tribute to my country, my musical journey, and my passion for harmonium playing. Music has been a part of my life since I was in the 5th grade.”

Her parents, Sheetal and Vivek Kapshikar, expressed their happiness and pride, stating: “Siddhi has not only honored our family but also paid tribute to Indian classical music and her beloved instrument—the harmonium. She has proved her dedication through this achievement. While she learned singing from Madhuri Kolpe, she mastered the harmonium on her own.”

source/content: thebridgechronicle.com (headline edited)

Each recipient receives a citation, a trophy featuring a statue of Lord Dhanwantari, and a cash prize of ₹5 lakh.

he Ministry of Ayush conferred the prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards for the current year on three distinguished practitioners for their exceptional contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine.

This year’s recipients of the coveted award are Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, renowned Nadi Vaidya and author; Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal, a distinguished scholar of Dravyaguna Vigyana with six decades of service; and Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, founder of the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference.

Union Government to include AYUSH in Ayushman Bharat scheme

Each recipient receives a citation, a trophy featuring a statue of Lord Dhanwantari, and a cash prize of ₹5 lakh.

“The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards represent India’s commitment to advancing holistic healthcare while preserving traditional medical knowledge,” an Ayush Ministry statement said.

Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush (IC), conferred the awards upon the three distinguished Vaidyas during an event held in Mumbai on February 20.

“The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards showcase India’s immense contribution to global health care. These visionaries have demonstrated exceptional dedication in promoting Ayurveda worldwide, perfectly aligning with our mission to integrate traditional wisdom with modern healthcare systems,” Mr. Jadhav said.

Adding his perspective, Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha remarked, “Through decades of research and innovation, these practitioners have modernised Ayurveda practices while maintaining their authentic essence. Their work exemplifies how traditional knowledge can be adapted to address contemporary health challenges.”

“Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, renowned for his mastery as a Nadi Vaidya, has also distinguished himself as an insightful author. His thought-provoking publications have opened new doors for explorative Ayurveda learning, encouraging a new generation to dive deep into the science of life,” the statement said. “His career, adorned with numerous accolades, is a testament to his impact on the ever-evolving landscape of Ayurveda,” it stated.

“Equally inspiring is the journey of Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal from Uttar Pradesh, a visionary in Dravyaguna Vigyana. With more than six decades of unwavering dedication, his prolific writings and stellar administration have inspired many,” the statement added.

“His recognition with the Vanoushadi Vanaspati and Lifetime Achievement Awards further cements his legacy in raising Ayurveda’s stature worldwide. His work exemplifies how tradition, when blended with modern insight, can become a global force for wellness,” the statement said.

“Adding to this is Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, whose contributions span more than four decades,” the statement said. The founder of the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference and Vishwa Ayurveda Prabodhini, he has built platforms that have transformed Ayurveda education.

“His initiatives have not only advanced innovative practices but have also sparked global dialogues that continue to enrich Ayurveda’s relevance in contemporary healthcare,” the statement said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The inclusion of traditional medicine in WHO’s internationally recognised health framework ensures that Indian health systems are officially documented and categorised.

The story so far:

To try and put Indian systems of medicine on the world map and provide them with a uniform, standardised language, the Union government, in October 2023, had asked for Ayurveda and related systems of traditional medicine to be included in the 11th revision of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD), as the second module of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions.

As per the WHO, the ICD serves to record and report health and health-related conditions globally. It ensures interoperability of digital health data, and their comparability. It contains diseases, disorders, health conditions and much more.

After a year’s work on this front by the Indian government, the WHO has now introduced a new module dedicated to traditional medicine conditions in its 2025 update to the International Classification of Diseases, according to the Union Health Ministry.

This step will aid in the systematic tracking and global integration of traditional systems of healthcare practices related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.

How did this come about?

“This update follows the successful year-long testing [process] and deliberations after the launch of ICD-11 TM-2 (on January 10, 2024, in Delhi) for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine for country implementation testing. It culminated in the deliberations held at the WHO meeting at the National Institute of Health in Malaysia in November 2024. The ICD-11 TM 2 module is now officially released on the ICD-11 Blue Browser of WHO,’’ said the Health Ministry.

The inclusion of traditional medicine in WHO’s internationally recognised health framework ensures that Indian health systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are now officially documented and categorised in ICD-11, alongside conventional medical conditions.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated, “The release of the ICD-11 update 2025 represents a significant step towards global integration of traditional medicine, specifically Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. By allowing dual coding and improving data collection, this update fosters evidence-based policymaking, enhances patient care, and supports the inclusion of traditional medicine in national healthcare strategies, promoting holistic and inclusive healthcare worldwide. This update also marks a pivotal moment for traditional medicine, paving the way for its global integration and empowering evidence-based integrative healthcare policies that embrace holistic well-being.”

According to the WHO , while traditional medicine (TM) is an area of healthcare in many countries, its diagnosis is currently not, or poorly document and reported. Aggregated and international comparable data on TM encounters in terms of form, frequency, effectiveness, safety, quality, outcome and cost therefore, is not available.

The TM Chapter will help to respond to growing demands for more and better regulation and integration of TM in mainstream health care and Health Information Systems. Efforts to effectively regulate Traditional Medicine as an integral part of the health system requires standardised and evidence-based information, the WHO’s website states.

“With the new updates, the ICD-11 offers more ease of use, improved interoperability and accuracy, which will benefit national health systems and the people they serve,” said Robert Jakob, Team Leader, Classifications and Terminologies Unit, WHO.

Does traditional medicine get a fillip with this move?

The Health Ministry said that traditional medicine has long been an essential component of healthcare, particularly in Asia, Africa, and other regions where indigenous practices complement modern medical approaches.

The introduction of the ‘Traditional Medicine Conditions’ module in ICD-11 is a major step toward acknowledging the vital role of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani in the modern healthcare landscape. This move aligns with WHO’s mission to promote universal health coverage and sustainable development goals, recognizing the therapeutic potential of these systems alongside contemporary medical treatments, the Ministry said.

By formally categorising these systems, WHO is facilitating a structured way for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to systematically track and assess the impact of traditional medicine in health systems worldwide.

In India Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are centuries-old systems of healthcare that have been accessed and used by millions of people.

“The traditional medicine module in ICD-11 is designed to capture morbidity data, rather than mortality and will help governments and healthcare institutions assess the frequency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of traditional medicine interventions. This evidence-based approach will allow policymakers to make informed decisions about the integration of traditional medicine services into national health frameworks,’’ said the Ministry.

The WHO however, makes it clear that the Traditional Medicine Chapter is “neither judging nor endorsing the scientific validity of any Traditional Medicine practice or the efficacy of any Traditional Medicine intervention”.

As a tool for counting and comparing Traditional Medicine conditions the Traditional Medicine Chapter of ICD-11 “can provide the means for doing research and evaluation to establish efficacy of Traditional Medicine,” it states.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix will visit New Delhi this week to attend the conference ‘Enhancing the Role of Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Experience’ being organised by India on February 24-25.

India remains a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping and its women peacekeepers have demonstrated that missions with greater female representation improve operational outcomes and contribute to lasting peace, the United Nations peacekeeping chief has said.

“India remains a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping” and “Indian women peacekeepers are redefining peacekeeping itself,” Lacroix told PTI.

Noting that it’s a “privilege” to attend the conference in India, Lacroix said the gathering would bring together women officials from about 50 countries in the Global South to discuss the evolving challenges in peacekeeping and the critical role women play in advancing peace and security. 

More women in peacekeeping

“More women in peacekeeping means a more effective peacekeeping. India has long been a leader in advancing women, peace and security in peacekeeping missions —not only as a top troop and police contributor but also as a pioneer in advancing gender parity, its leadership in training and capacity building and its commitment to increasing women’s participation in missions,” he said in the written interview ahead of the conference.

He said the presence of Indian women peacekeepers “proves that missions with greater women representation build stronger relationships with communities, improve operational outcomes, and contribute to lasting peace.

“Moving forward, creating enabling environments, addressing gender barriers, ensuring the mental well-being of peacekeepers, strengthening strategic communication, and countering misinformation must remain priorities. Women in peacekeeping is not just about fairness—it is a strategic necessity for mission success,” he said.

India’s women peacekeepers

Lacroix said “India’s women peacekeepers have proven to be indispensable in UN peacekeeping, forging trust between our uniformed personnel and local communities in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones. “Their presence contributes to the success of peacekeeping efforts. Through community engagement, they build crucial connections with local women, build trust, contribute to early warning and protection efforts, improve humanitarian outreach and act as role models for women and girls in the communities they serve,” he said.

In Abyei, Indian women peacekeepers have adapted patrol routes and provided targeted support to marginalised groups, ensuring safer environments for women and children.

Their ability to navigate cultural sensitivities and build genuine relationships enhances both mission success and community healing, he said.

Beyond their on-the-ground contributions, Indian women peacekeepers are “pioneers” in gender-inclusive peacekeeping.

“Their deployment across various missions highlights how diverse teams lead to stronger, more effective operations. Their courage and commitment inspire not only their fellow peacekeepers but also the local populations they serve,” the UN peacekeeping chief said.

India in UN peacekeeping missions

Lacroix noted that India ranks among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping missions with 5,384 personnel, including 153 women, across 10 missions as of September 2024.

India deployed the first all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia in 2007. Today, 20.45% of its deployed military observers and staff officers are women. Additionally, India’s Engagement Platoons in the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) “exemplify” the impact of women in peacekeeping.  He noted that Deputy Commander of the Female Engagement Team at UNISFA Captain Seema Gowdar’s team in Abyei has strengthened civilian protection and community trust.

Another “prime example” of women leadership in peacekeeping is Major Radhika Sen, whose “outstanding work” in MONUSCO earned her the 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

“Her dedication exemplifies how gender-inclusive leadership strengthens peacekeeping and sets the stage for future generations of women in uniform,” he said.

Beyond its deployments, India leads in training through the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in Delhi, which sets “global standards” for pre-deployment and specialized courses. India actively supports efforts to counter misinformation and hate speech, collaborating with the UN to refine policies, command structures, and training. “India’s impact goes beyond personnel—it is shaping training, leadership, inclusion, accountability, and strategic communications. As peacekeeping evolves, India’s contributions remain essential to mission success, civilian protection, and lasting peace,” he said.

Lacroix said that in 2007, when India deployed the first all-female FPU to Liberia, it set a “global precedent” and today the country continues this legacy.

He said that the conference, which is being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and CUNPK, serves as a platform to reinforce that commitment while fostering collaboration, peer support, and professional development among women peacekeepers.

Challenges peacekeeping faces

It also has a special resonance for UN Peacekeeping as it will be an opportunity to reflect on the challenges peacekeeping faces and how best to address them at the peacekeeping Ministerial level meeting in Berlin in May.

Against the backdrop of increased attacks on UN peacekeepers who are working in increasingly hostile environments, Lacroix underscored that peacekeeper safety is a shared responsibility.

“Troop- and police-contributing countries must hold attackers accountable and strengthen multilateral efforts to protect personnel.” “As conflicts grow more complex, attacks on peacekeepers have increased, making decisive action essential to protect those who serve global peace and security,” he said.  Furthermore, he said that investing in advanced technology and training is key to adapting to modern threats.

“AI-driven systems, data analytics, and cyber tools can enhance intelligence gathering, improve mission performance, and strengthen protection in hostile environments.” He however stressed that safety is not just about equipment but relies on coordination and trust. “Stronger intelligence-sharing and deeper engagement with local communities can provide early warnings and reduce risks,” he said.

He added that women peacekeepers play a vital role in this, fostering trust and gathering critical insights that enhance mission security. “Increasing their leadership and operational roles will further strengthen peacekeeping. By breaking barriers, building partnerships, and equipping peacekeepers with the right tools and support, we can create forces that not only protect but lead the way to a safer, more just world. Their safety is not just about preserving lives—it upholds the very principles of peace and security,” he said.

The UN peacekeeping chief called on UN Member States to increase efforts to nominate women candidates for senior uniformed leadership positions, especially in the military.

Currently, of the 11 peacekeeping operations, only one is led by a uniformed woman: Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana recently deployed as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

“We need more trailblazing uniformed women like her and we need women nominated at all roles, including in operations and leadership, where they are currently underrepresented.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Biopolymer, specifically Polylactic Acid (PLA), will be created using raw materials such as sugar, corn, and tapioca. It will be used to manufacture biodegradable daily-use items.

 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has inaugurated the country’s first biopolymer manufacturing unit in Kumbhi, Lakhimpur district. This unit will produce an alternative to single-use plastics.

Inaugurating the event, Yogi Adityanath said that the integrated polymer plant, owned by BalrampurChini Mills Ltd (BCML), the state’s largest sugar industry, will contribute to achieving the national goal of net zero emissions.

“Biopolymer, a biodegradable and sustainable polymer represents a significant step toward eco-friendly alternatives in packaging, biomedical applications, food service ware, textiles, and various industrial uses, playing a crucial role in the fight against global warming,” he added.

Biopolymer, specifically Polylactic Acid (PLA), will be created using raw materials such as sugar, corn, and tapioca. It will be used to manufacture biodegradable daily-use items like cups, plates, cutlery, and straws, addressing the environmental concerns caused by plastic waste.

Manoj Kumar Singh, the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, mentioned that there are currently 21 lakh tonnes of PLA being manufactured globally. “There is an opportunity for the state and India to capture the market share and become leaders in PLA production by reducing plastic usage,” Singh said.

However, experts believe that India’s ability to lead in this sector largely depends on government policies and the enforcement of existing orders to ban plastic.

Stefan Barot, president of the Chemical Division of BCML, pointed out that until the ban on single-use plastics is reinforced, PLA products will struggle to maintain economic viability.

“To build a circular economy for the PLA industry, the government must strictly enforce the already banned 19 categories of single-use plastics, which are still prevalent,” Barot said.

Barot shared alarming statistics on plastic consumption, revealing that over 3.5 lakh tonnes of plastic cutlery and 1 lakh tonnes of plastic straws are used annually in India. He emphasised the need for stronger enforcement to promote PLA-based products.

The project, with an investment of Rs 2,880 crore, will be the first integrated plant to operate on renewable energy and is expected to begin operations by December 2026. Advancements in technology for converting sugar into PLA will be crucial in making the process more affordable.

Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director of BCML, said that producing one kilogram of PLA currently requires up to 1.6 kilograms of sugar, but improvements in technology could reduce this to 1.2 kilograms in the future.

BCML has partnered with two European companies, Alpine from Austria and Sulzer from Switzerland, for technology transfer. Production is set to commence by December 2026, with an initial capacity of 80,000 tonnes. Saraogi added that once production scales up, the company will expand its capacity further.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)