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)

New York-born Patel (44), who belongs to the Patidar community, has become the first Indian-American to lead the premier law enforcement agency of the United States.

Indian-American Kash Patel, confirmed by the US Senate to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), traces his roots to Bhadran village in Gujarat’s Anand district, from where his family migrated to Uganda 70 to 80 years ago, his community members said on Friday.

New York-born Patel (44), who belongs to the Patidar community, has become the first Indian-American to lead the premier law enforcement agency of the United States.

Indian-American Kash Patel, confirmed by the US Senate to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), traces his roots to Bhadran village in Gujarat’s Anand district, from where his family migrated to Uganda 70 to 80 years ago, his community members said on Friday.

New York-born Patel (44), who belongs to the Patidar community, has become the first Indian-American to lead the premier law enforcement agency of the United States.

“In the ‘vanshavali’ we have names of Kash Patel’s father Pramod Patel and also his brothers and grandfather,” said secretary of the organisation and Anand district BJP present Rajesh Patel.

Rajesh Patel told PTI that though Kash Patel’s name was yet to be added to the family tree, entry of 18 generations of his family is there in the ‘vanshavali’ and it is stored in their office along with all members of their community.

“As per our records the family used to live in Moti Khadki area of Bhadran village and they migrated to Uganda some 70 to 80 years ago,” he informed.

“The family sold their ancestral house and land and all of his relatives are settled in foreign countries, especially in the USA. Now, when a family member of Kash comes back to India we will seek their permission to record their next generation’s names, including his own name, in vanshavali,” Rajesh Patel informed.

“We have not met Kash Patel as the family has not visited Anand in recent years. But many in our community know them as Patidar is a close-knit community,” he said.

Rajesh Patel said as far as he knows, the family had returned for a brief time to India after their expulsion from the African country in the 1970.

“Those Indians who were expelled from Uganda had come to India for a brief stay as they had applied for asylum in the UK, US or Canada. Kash Patel’s family had also come here for a brief stopover and then moved to Canada once their applications were accepted,” he said.

From Canada, they shifted to the US, where Kash Patel was born in 1980, Rajesh Patel maintained.

Indians who migrated to Uganda were expelled from the African country by dictator Idi Amin who seized power in a military coup in 1971. In 1972, he ordered the Indian community to leave his country in 90 days.

Chh Gam Patidar Mandal is an organization of the Patidar community from six villages/towns of Anand district — Dharmaj, Nadiad, Sojitra, Bhadran, Vaso and Karamsad. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of the country, hailed from Karamsad.

The new FBI chief served as the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller. He was responsible for leading the Secretary’s mission at the Department, including his executive staff and providing counsel to him on all matters concerning its operations, the US Department of Defence’s short biography on Kash Patel said.

A native of New York, Kash Patel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond before returning to New York to earn his law degree, along with a Certificate in International Law from University College London Faculty of Laws in the United Kingdom, it said.

Kash Patel, a trained lawyer, is an ice-hockey fan and has been playing the sport since he was six, it said.

“We are Gujarati,” he had told PTI in an earlier interview in the United States.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Rolls Royce offers unique co-development opportunities for fighter jet engines in India, focusing on IP ownership and local manufacturing.

Engine maker Rolls Royce, which is in talks with India for co-development of a fighter jet engine, says what they are offering is quite “unlike” others, and are “offering to co-develop and co-design, allowing India to own the Intellectual Property (IP) in India, for India for use in current as well as future programmes,” according to a senior company official.

“Another focus is building a deeper and broader aerospace ecosystem. You will have seen that we’re talking here about at least doubling our procurement and supply from India—not just for domestic needs but for global markets as well. And finally, we’re working on powering India’s growth with both stationary and mobile power solutions,” Alex Zino, Executive Vice President for Business Development and Future Programmes for Rolls-Royce (Defence) said speaking at Aero India. “We see India emerging as a key sourcing hub for us, supporting all our divisions—across gas turbines, reciprocating engines from our MTU product line, and our defence aerospace segment.”

Rolls-Royce recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited to collaborate on programmes for 4MW marine gas turbine generators (GTG) for customers in India, including design, development and manufacturing of the marine GTGs. This is in addition to a new partnership with GRSE for the production and localisation of its Series 4000 governmental marine engines in India, the company said.

We already have a very broad footprint, and we’re looking to expand that significantly, Mr. Zino said noting that they already manufacture a lot of parts here through a range of suppliers, as well as our own joint ventures. Today, we produce very complex parts – take the partnership with International Aerospace Manufacturing Private Limited (IAMPL), or the partnership with Force Motors, he said elaborating. If you look at IAMPL, we now have a new plant in Tamil Nadu that has grown significantly, he said adding, “We manufacture over 160 complex aerospace components there, and that facility now serves – not just Rolls-Royce and our fleet around the world – but the entire aerospace ecosystem on a global scale.”

While India is in advanced stage of talks with France for co-design and co-development of a 110 KN aero engine to power India’s fifth generation fighter, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), that is under development, it has also been holding talks with Rolls Royce for sometime. On the ongoing effort between Rolls Royce and Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), U.K. Minister of State for Defence Vernon Coaker told The Hindu at Aero India that there was a successful phase 1, and discussions are on ongoing on what’s happened and how to take that forward.

On this Mr. Zino said they still believe they have a “very compelling” proposal for co-developing and co-creating IP here in India—IP that will be owned by India. “This ensures freedom of modification and action, which is crucial for moving at pace in an operational environment and maintaining control within India’s own ecosystem.”

In addition, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and General Electric are in contract negotiations for the license manufacture of the F414 jet engines to power the Light Combat Aircraft-Mk2. The same engine will also power the AMCA through the development phase. 

India and UK signed a Statement of Intent at the end of last year for developing electric propulsion for Indian Navy’s Land Platform Docks. “We’re very clear on our commitment—you might have seen that just last week, we signed an agreement through our US side on the AG 9160s, a four-megawatt generator set, with Triveni. We’re bringing that forward, and then there’s the statement of intent on the MT30 through the UK,” Mr. Zino said. We’re ready to power the first all-electric ship for the Navy using our product portfolio, he asserted.

Further, he stated that they are in conversations with the Navy about their timelines, ensuring that they ready to respond to proposals, especially in terms of which procurement category they are placed in and what the specific requirements will be. “That’s all part of the ongoing discussion. There’s no specific timeline yet,” he added.

We are very bullish about India in terms of the demand, as well as the capability that exists here in terms of engineering, supply chain, ecosystem, and manufacturing—and that is already in motion, stated Abhishek Singh, Senior VP of Business Development and Future Programmes for India and Southeast Asia, Rolls-Royce. 

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited announced contract for supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable air defence missiles and launchers to Indian Army with initial lot to be delivered this year.

The agreement between Thales U.K and Bharat Dynamics Limited the supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence (LBRM) Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missiles and launchers to the Indian Army will be executed under the emergency procurement route and a limited volumes of launchers and missiles will be supplied this year, according to Pascale Sourisse, president and chief executive officer, Thales International. Ms. Sourisse further said that in the future, the numbers could potentially run into thousands of missiles.

The French electronics major, which plays a major role in the Rafale jet and the Scorpene-class conventional submarines, is also looking to significantly increase sourcing from India for its global supply chains and also double the headcount of engineers, currently at 1,600.

“We work in partnership and BDL will manufacture a number of elements reaching the 60% indigenous content. The contract that has been signed, actually, is the first step in the broader cooperation. We plan to continue to develop this cooperation with BDL in the field of VSHORAD. For the future, the scale that can be considered is thousands of missiles,” Ms. Sourisse said speaking to The Hindu at Aero India. This relationship with BDL, in future, would not be limited to serving the Indian needs, but also be used to serve the export markets from India,” she stated.

At the Aero India last week, Thales and defence public sector undertaking BDL announced the contract for VSHORAD systems for the Army. “Initial supply” of Starstreak high-velocity missiles and launchers will begin this year. The procurement will be made under the fourth tranche of emergency procurements, officials confirmed. Deliveries under the emergency procurement route should begin six months from signing of the contract and completed in a year.

Doubling headcount

The top executive also said Thales had used Aero India to enhance contact with potential new employees. “We have significant hiring needs.. This question of skills is extremely important.” She further said they have around 1,600 engineers in their engineering competence centres and plan on doubling the number in the coming years, which means hiring highly skilled people in India. “This corresponds to the trust we have in India to contribute to our activities globally,” she said.

Focus on localisation

Localisation was one of the focus areas during the air show, Ms. Sourisse stressed, adding that more recently, they had “accelerated approach to localising activities”. “This localisation effort that we have in India is really targeting both Indian needs and also export opportunities. It is Make in India, for India and the world,” Ms. Sourisse stated.

Elaborating, she said this would be done through three approaches. The first approach centres on their own resources, as Thales currently employs 2,200 people in India, with 70% of them being highly skilled engineers who work at its engineering competence centres in Noida and Bengaluru. The second comprises the various partnerships that Thales has with big Indian companies, including the Bharat Electronics Limited, BDL and those from the private sector. “The third element we have been very successful is the relationship with MSMEs [Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises] that are part of our supply chain. We have more than 75 companies that are part of the supply chain which supply not only for Indian customers but also for the global supply chain of Thales,” she said.

The company is also expanding footprint in civil aviation, and has decided to localise maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities in Gurugram to serve customers in civil aviation, particularly Air India. Thales has been selected by Air India for in-flight solutions for 51 aircraft.

Early this month, Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales and Leonardo of Italy, signed a contract with private sector player NIBE Space for the supply of a high-resolution optical satellite, for NIBE’s earth observation constellation project.

At the air show, the company announced that BEL had manufactured and delivered the 7,000th T/R (transmit/receive) module for the RBE2 AESA (active electronic scanning array) radar on board Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets. This transfer was initiated in 2017 and in November 2020, the first RBE2 radar with a front end manufactured by BEL in India was delivered by Thales to Dassault Aviation, a joint release said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The Kolkata Centre for Creativity hosted ‘Neel Darpan’, a workshop on the history of indigo cultivation in Bengal.

On February 14, while many celebrated love, the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) explored a different kind of passion — the love for textiles, history and the legacy of rebellion. In collaboration with Weavers Studio Resource Centre and The Teacher’s Centre, KCC hosted a unique academic workshop, ‘Neel Darpan’, which shed light on the history of indigo cultivation in Bengal and the Indigo Rebellion of 1859. The event highlighted how indigo, once a symbol of colonial exploitation, became a rallying point for resistance — deeply influencing literature, theatre and the social consciousness of Bengal.

Moderated by history enthusiasts and educators Amita Prasad (director, Manovikas Kendra) and Priyadarshinee Guha (associate VP, KCC), the session brought to life the stories of the indigo cultivators, their struggles and the historic revolt that changed the course of Bengal’s agrarian history. The discussion centered around Neel Darpan, Dinabandhu Mitra’s 1860 play, which exposed the brutal realities of British indigo planters and their exploitation of farmers.

“The exploitation kept happening, but what brought this into the limelight, that everyone got to know about it?” Prasad asked the audience. “Neel Darpan.” She explained that Mitra’s play was revolutionary for its time, as it was the first Indian play to be commercially staged, making the plight of farmers widely accessible. It was translated into English by Michael Madhusudan Dutt and published by Reverend James Long — an act that led to Long’s arrest, though Kaliprasanna Singha later paid a fine of Rs 1,000 to release him. The play struck such a chord with the public that audiences would throw stones at actors playing the exploitative British indigo merchants.

‘The farmers’ confidence was shattered by violent British suppression’

Prasad further elaborated on the economic and social oppression faced by the indigo cultivators, explaining how British landlords and zamindars forced them to grow indigo in exchange for a mere 2.5 per cent of its market value. Caught in a cycle of debt, many farmers became bonded laborers, unable to repay loans imposed upon them by the colonial system. “The Indigo Rebellion began in Nadia in 1859,” Prasad recounted. “Farmers simply refused to cultivate indigo anymore. But their confidence was shattered by violent British suppression.” The British feared another mass uprising, especially in the wake of the Revolt of 1857, and responded by introducing the Dramatic Performances Act in 1876 to curb the growing revolutionary sentiments sparked by Neel Darpan.

To make the historical discussion engaging, the workshop incorporated an interactive quiz, documentary screenings on the indigo-making process, and even a dramatic reading from the original Bengali text of Neel Darpan by Guha and Barsha Choudhury, a freelance theatre practitioner. “Did you know that Tollygunge Club used to be an indigo plantation site under the Johnson family?” Guha asked, surprising the audience with a lesser-known remnant of indigo’s history in Kolkata.

Benjamin Constanty, a research scholar from The University of Manchester, provided further historical insights by presenting vintage newspaper clippings from The Hindoo Patriot and The Friends of India, publications that documented the Indigo Revolt. He emphasised the growing role of the educated Indian middle class in spreading awareness, stating, “A growing trend was the middle class getting educated and then wanting to educate all of India, as they started working as lawyers, playwrights, writers, and so on.” He also drew connections between the Indigo Rebellion and the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, highlighting how the principles of peasant resistance laid the groundwork for Gandhi’s movement.

‘Indigo has become very popular again as people are preferring natural dyes’

The discussion eventually shifted from history to indigo’s present-day significance. Textile artist and social entrepreneur Bappaditya Biswas, who has been working to revive indigo cultivation in Bengal, shared his experience of planting indigo seeds in a small plot of land in Nadia — more than 165 years after the rebellion. “The colour was just so dark! The Gangetic soil and humidity are just perfect. Now I understand why Bengal indigo was so highly prized,” he shared.

Weavers Studio Research Centre also curated an art installation of designer garments in indigo, featuring pieces from prominent designers, including Rohit Bal. Indigo’s resurgence in contemporary fashion, driven by a global shift toward sustainable and natural dyes, underscores its lasting relevance. “Indigo has become very popular again in the past few years as people from all over the world are preferring natural dyes more,” Guha noted. “India has been very sensible about it, as Bappa also mentioned. We at KCC are looking forward to more workshops. There’s so much more to explore.”

Reflecting on the success of the workshop, Prasad added, “I am a history lover and I put together the presentation for today, but it is actually the concept of Weavers Studio that made this possible. We wanted to connect textile and history, and I am glad that people loved it here today. Some even asked me to make this into a six-month course.”

The ‘Neel Darpan’ workshop was more than an academic exercise — it was a reminder of how history, literature and art can intertwine to keep alive the memory of resistance and resilience. Indigo’s past is filled with hardship, but its future shines bright, not just as a textile dye but as a symbol of India’s enduring cultural and historical legacy.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that the temple economy “valued at Rs 6 lakh crore” is the largest economic activity in the country.

Addressing the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX), Naidu said that the temple economy is an area where activities take place throughout the year.

“With India’s temple economy valued around Rs 6 lakh crore, I can say that compared to any other economic activity, this is the biggest. It happens 365 days a year—temple darshan (visits) or temple town activities. That is the biggest activity. We are all involved in it,” said Naidu.

Noting that devotees are donating money for a particular cause, Naidu said that the money must be spent by their aspirations.

“There is no doubt about it; any government has to abide by and do justice to this,” he said, adding that fulfilling the aspirations of devotees is a must.

Appreciating ITCX, the TDP supremo said the platform emphasises Artificial Intelligence integration, fintech solutions, ethical donations, sustainability, security, crowd control, and financial transparency.

Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat–2047 vision, Naidu said ITCX promotes temple governance and economic development while fostering global temple collaboration.

However, Naidu stated that while technology plays an important role, it can never replace God.

“But at the same time, technology is one thing, and God is another. There is no replacement for God. God is God. Any scientist, technology expert, or anyone else has to follow the destiny decided by God. So, we are all instrumental and ultimately, we have to depend on God. At the same time, we must do our duty,” he said.

Lauding Modi as “the right leader for India at the right time”, Naidu highlighted that the country will emerge as the third-largest economy in the world by 2029.

By 2047, he said, India will become either the first or second-largest economy globally and expressed confidence that Indians will become the most influential community.

Further, the CM expressed a desire to build a Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in every state headquarters and every country with a Hindu population.

According to Naidu, the state manages 27,000 temples and sees an annual footfall of 21 crore pilgrims, the highest in the country.

The CM reiterated his concept of Public-Private-People Partnership (PPPP or P4) to eradicate poverty, with the top 10 per cent of society adopting the bottom 20 per cent.

He strongly urged that everyone in society should have a good standard of living.

Moreover, Naidu said he is working toward making the greenfield capital city of Amaravati the “best capital city” among other initiatives.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also attended the ITCX. PTI STH SSK ROH

This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

source/content: theprint.in / PTI (headline edited)

Known for its many medicinal properties.

Scientists from the University of Kerala have decoded the genetic make-up of Arogyapacha ( Trichopus zeylanicus ), a highly potent medicinal plant endemic to the Agasthya hills.

This ‘miracle plant’ is known for its traditional use by the Kani tribal community to combat fatigue. Studies have also proved its varied spectrum of pharmacological properties such as anti-oxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic.

The project was undertaken in the State Inter University Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics at the Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala.

Lack of reference

The lack of a reference genome that hindered extensive research on Arogyapacha prompted the researchers to sequence the whole genome.

“The project is bound to open up a new window to the plant’s molecular secrets,” says Achuthsankar S. Nair, head of the department.

Led by post-doctoral fellow Biju V.C., the team included Anu Sasi, Veena S. Rajan, Sheethal Vijayan, and Shidhi in the analysis and annotation of the genome. Another researcher from the department, Anoop P.K., a member of the Kani tribe, was also associated with it.

According to Dr. Biju, the genome and annotation data will be a valuable resource to expedite research on Arogyapacha, particularly its secondary metabolism, genetic breeding, and comparative studies.

While this is the first report of draft genome sequencing of a plant species to be brought out by the University of Kerala, two more species are currently being sequenced.

The manuscript has been accepted for publication in G3: Genes, Genomes and Genetics , published by the Genetics Society of America.

Datasets in portal

Besides, the raw sequence data and genome assembly have been deposited in the US-based public database maintained by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The functional annotation datasets can be downloaded from keralauniversity.ac.in/trichopus-zeylanicus.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

“An even stronger embrace of the global clean energy boom will supercharge India’s economic rise,” he said.

U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell has called India a “solar superpower” and urged it to develop an ambitious climate plan covering its entire economy, saying that an even stronger embrace of the global clean energy boom will supercharge its economic rise.

Mr. Stiell, who is in India to attend the ET Global Business Summit, lauded India’s efforts to mitigate climate change, saying that while some governments only talk, “India delivers”.

“India is already a solar superpower, one of only four countries to have installed more than 100 gigawatts of solar… Energy access is on the rise with villages across the country electrified by 2018, well ahead of schedule,” he said.

“Now there is a real opportunity to take the next step and unleash even bigger benefits for India’s 1.4 billion people and economy. India is already headed firmly in this direction, but an even stronger embrace of the global clean energy boom will supercharge India’s economic rise,” he said.

Mr. Stiell said India has an opportunity that only a few countries have: “To realise ambitious plans to deploy hundreds more gigawatts of renewable energy capacity. To lead a new wave of green industrialization, developing, scaling, and exporting vital technologies.”

He said the world’s fifth-largest economy is well-positioned to reap the benefits of ambitious, economy-wide climate plans.

The U.N. climate chief added that India’s leaders have a rare opportunity to deepen whole-of-economy industrial strategies that would make the fast-developing South Asian nation a dominant force in clean energy and industry.

Countries are required to submit their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), or climate plans, for the 2031-2035 period this year.

With many countries, including India, missing the February 10 deadline, Stiell earlier this month urged them to submit their plans by September at the latest.

An official source in the Union Environment Ministry told PTI that India has not yet finalised its new NDCs.

“India’s new NDCs will have targets achievable with the means available. Mitigating climate change requires financial and technological support, along with other enablers. Developed countries are unwilling to provide this support. Why should countries that did not cause climate change continue to suffer?” the source said.

The collective aim of these climate plans is to limit global temperature rise since the start of the industrial revolution to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the key goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Developed countries, historically responsible for most of the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, were required to deliver a new and ambitious financial package to support climate action in the developing world at the UN climate conference in Azerbaijan last year.

However, they offered a paltry $300 billion by 2035, a mere fraction of at least $1.3 trillion needed annually from 2025.

India had called the sum “too little, too distant”, “paltry” and “an optical illusion”.

The government’s Economic Survey 2024-25 tabled in Parliament in January said the lack of funding from developed countries to mitigate climate change in the Global South may prompt developing countries to “rework” their climate targets.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)