Traditional medicine is practiced in 88% of WHO member states, serving as a primary healthcare source for billions. India's AYUSH sector has seen remarkable growth, with manufacturing revenue reaching ₹1.37 lakh crore. The establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India marks a significant milestone. Modern technologies like AI and big data are now being integrated into Ayurveda to enhance predictive care. As the world faces lifestyle diseases and climate change, traditional medicine offers sustainable, preventive health solutions. The theme for Ayurveda Day 2025 is 'Ayurveda for People & Planet.'
- Traditional medicine contributes to biodiversity conservation, nutrition security, and sustainable livelihoods.
- The AYUSH industry in India comprises over 92,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises.
- India has signed 25 bilateral agreements to promote traditional medicine globally.
This article discusses the barriers created by academic publishers who gatekeep scientific knowledge through high subscription fees and paywalls. This system disproportionately affects researchers in the Global South, who often lack the resources to access critical papers. Despite India having the fourth-highest number of PhD graduates globally, many students struggle to afford access to research. The authors argue that science is a collective exercise and should be treated as a common good. They call for international cooperation and government pressure to dismantle paywalls and ensure transparent, accessible scientific information for all.
- India accounts for 8.7% of total global download requests on Sci-Hub, reflecting high demand for accessible research.
- Academic publishing is a multi-billion dollar industry that benefits from the free labor of the research community.
- In 2021, 193 UNESCO member countries adopted the first international framework on open science.
Kerala is witnessing a significant rise in Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (AME) cases, with 71 cases reported so far in 2024. While media attention often focuses on Naegleria fowleri (the 'brain-eating' amoeba), health officials clarify that nearly 99% of recent cases are caused by Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba widely found in water bodies and soil. Acanthamoeba primarily affects immunocompromised individuals but can also enter through skin wounds. Kerala's aggressive testing strategy, implemented after the 2023 Nipah outbreak, has led to earlier diagnosis and a reduction in mortality rates despite the surge in detected cases.
- AME is a rare but often fatal central nervous system infection caused by free-living amoebae (FLA).
- Acanthamoeba is ubiquitous in the environment, found in swimming pools, tap water, and even dust samples.
- Early diagnosis and intensive management have helped Kerala clinicians bring down the mortality rate of this high-fatality disease.
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is investigating the potential of blending isobutanol with diesel after previous attempts to blend ethanol with diesel proved unsuccessful. Isobutanol, an alcoholic compound with better properties than ethanol for diesel blending, can be produced from biomass such as sugarcane syrup and molasses using specially designed microbes. This initiative aligns with India's objective of reaching net zero emissions by 2070. While isobutanol offers advantages like higher flash points, challenges remain regarding its lower cetane number and potential impact on engine performance and 'diesel knock'.
- Isobutanol is considered a superior alternative to ethanol for diesel blending due to its chemical compatibility.
- It can be produced from existing feedstock used for ethanol, such as sugarcane and grains, using engineered microbes.
- The pilot project for isobutanol blending is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) has successfully completed the excavation of a 4.8 km undersea tunnel beneath the Mumbai-Thane creek. This is a critical milestone for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, marking India's first undersea tunnel. Additionally, Japan has agreed to provide the latest E10 Shinkansen trains for the project. The tunnel was constructed using simultaneous excavation from both sides through challenging underwater terrain. The first section of the bullet train project is expected to be operational by 2027, with the full stretch to Mumbai slated for 2029.
- The 21 km long tunnel between Mumbai and Thane includes a 4.8 km undersea section, a first for Indian infrastructure.
- Japan will supply E10 Shinkansen trains, which are advanced high-speed rail models designed for this corridor.
- The project is being executed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) with Japanese technical collaboration.
The European Commission has proposed its 19th sanctions package against Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions aim to restrict Russia's access to advanced technologies, including AI and geospatial data, and critical resources for weapons production. Significantly, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas suggested that Indian entities might be impacted by these measures. The package also targets Russia's "shadow fleet" of vessels used to bypass existing sanctions and proposes a total ban on Russian LNG imports by January 2027. This move occurs shortly after the EU announced plans to upgrade its strategic relationship with India.
- The new EU sanctions focus on squeezing Russia's access to AI, geospatial data, and critical industrial resources.
- The proposal includes a ban on transactions with certain banks in Russia and third parties, as well as sanctions on crypto platforms.
- The EU aims to sanction 118 additional vessels part of Russia's "shadow fleet" used for illicit trade.
A new study conducted in Nepal suggests that waning immunity against the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) can predispose individuals to more severe dengue fever. Both viruses belong to the genus Orthoflavivirus, and cross-reactivity between their antibodies can lead to antibody-dependent enhancement. This phenomenon occurs when low levels of JEV antibodies facilitate the entry of the dengue virus into cells, worsening the disease. The findings highlight the importance of timely JEV vaccine boosters, especially in regions like India where both diseases are prevalent, to protect against severe outcomes and manage the changing epidemiology of dengue.
- JEV and Dengue are both mosquito-borne diseases belonging to the same viral genus, Orthoflavivirus.
- Chymase, an enzyme released by mast cells, has been identified as a biomarker for severe dengue.
- Waning JEV immunity can lead to a 3x higher risk of developing severe dengue with warning signs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) to include the GLP-1 class of drugs, such as semaglutide, for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. This move is expected to lower costs and increase global access to these high-priced medications. The WHO Expert Committee reviewed evidence showing these drugs' effectiveness in glucose lowering and weight reduction. While currently expensive and largely unavailable in low- and middle-income countries, their inclusion in the EML encourages governments to prioritize their procurement and improve affordability for patients.
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are now recognized as essential for managing type 2 diabetes and associated obesity.
- Inclusion in the WHO EML is a critical step toward making expensive, patented drugs more affordable through global procurement strategies.
- The move addresses the rising global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for a large share of out-of-pocket health spending.
India's General Financial Rules (GFR) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, while designed for transparency, often hinder R&D due to rigid procurement processes. Recent reforms in June 2025 aim to address this by allowing institutions to bypass GeM for specialized equipment and raising direct purchase limits. The article suggests further reforms, such as outcome-weighted tenders, 'sandbox' exemptions for premier institutes like TIFR or IITs, and AI-augmented sourcing. Emulating international models like the US SBIR or South Korea's 'pre-commercial procurement' could transform procurement from a cost-control mechanism into a catalyst for innovation.
- Rigid procurement rules often prioritize cost-efficiency over the specific needs of high-tech research and development.
- Recent reforms allow institutions to bypass GeM for specialized equipment and increase direct purchase limits from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
- The article advocates for 'mission-oriented procurement' where the state deliberately shapes technological markets.
Australian regulators have approved the world's first vaccine to protect koalas from chlamydia, a disease that causes infertility, blindness, and death. Developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast, the single-dose vaccine has shown to reduce mortality in wild populations by at least 65%. Koalas are currently listed as endangered in several Australian states due to habitat loss from wildfires and urban expansion. While the vaccine is a major breakthrough for wildlife health, conservationists argue that protecting and restoring natural habitats remains the most critical factor for the species' long-term survival.
- Chlamydia is a primary cause of death and population decline in wild Australian koalas.
- The vaccine provides a safer alternative to antibiotics, which can disrupt a koala's specialized digestive system.
- Koalas are listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory.
In the case of Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court of India issued mandatory guidelines to ensure the integrity of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. The court observed frequent lapses in the chain of custody and unexplained delays in forensic testing. The new guidelines require the creation of a 'Chain of Custody Register,' swift transportation of samples to laboratories within 48 hours, and strict documentation by investigating officers. The court clarified that DNA evidence is 'opinion evidence' under the law and must be scientifically and legally proven to be substantive in a trial.
- Investigating officers are now strictly responsible for the secure and timely transport of DNA samples to FSL.
- A mandatory 'Chain of Custody Register' must be maintained and appended to the trial court record.
- DNA samples must reach the laboratory within 48 hours of collection to prevent contamination or degradation.
A study published in the Journal of Virology by researchers at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) has found that Indian strains of HIV-1 show varying resistance to broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs). While these strains were effectively neutralized by bNAbs targeting the V3 glycan on the viral spike protein, they resisted antibodies aimed at the V1/V2 apex. This research highlights the challenge posed by the high genetic diversity of HIV in India and suggests that region-specific antibody cocktails may be necessary for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Indian HIV-1 strains are sensitive to bNAbs targeting the V3 glycan but resist V1/V2 apex-targeting antibodies.
- The genetic diversity of HIV makes it difficult for a single bNAb to neutralize all variants.
- Researchers propose using a three-antibody cocktail (BG18, N6, PGDM1400) to overcome resistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Gyan Bharatam' portal, a dedicated digital repository aimed at digitising and preserving India's vast collection of ancient manuscripts. Speaking at an international conference, the PM highlighted that digitisation would curb 'intellectual piracy' and facilitate the sharing of traditional knowledge. India possesses the world's largest collection of manuscripts (approximately one crore), with only 10 lakh digitised so far. The initiative is part of the Gyan Bharatam Mission and aligns with the concepts of 'swadeshi' and 'atmanirbhar Bharat'. The project also involves international collaboration with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Mongolia to preserve shared cultural heritage.
- The Gyan Bharatam portal is a digital repository for ancient Indian manuscripts.
- Digitisation aims to protect traditional knowledge from being copied and patented by others.
- India has roughly 10 million (one crore) manuscripts, representing a significant portion of human heritage.
Recent cases, including a scam involving a deepfake of the Union Finance Minister, highlight the growing threat of digital fraud on social media. Scammers exploit limited technical literacy and regulatory gaps in cryptocurrency to defraud users. While platforms like Instagram provide reporting mechanisms, they often respond passively, allowing scams to circulate until reported. The article calls for three measures: government standards for cross-border cooperation, enhanced technical literacy through education, and a legal requirement for platforms to proactively remove fraudulent content rather than relying on user reports. Without these, deepfake scams will continue to cause significant human and material costs.
- Deepfake technology is being used to create fraudulent investment schemes featuring public figures like Nirmala Sitharaman.
- Current platform policies focus on user self-protection rather than proactive detection of AI-generated scams.
- Most countries, including India, lack clear classification of these digital assets as conventional securities.
Traditional methods like outdoor fumigation are proving ineffective against Aedes mosquitoes, which adapt well to human settings and feed indoors during the day. Experts call for a shift toward personal protection and community-led source reduction. While innovative methods like Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes show promise, they are currently expensive. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends DEET as the gold standard for insect repellents. Effective control requires 'bottom-up' approaches, such as the '10 minutes at 10 AM every Sunday' campaign to eliminate stagnant water in households, which is the most sustainable way to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Aedes mosquitoes transmit diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, impacting national productivity.
- Outdoor fogging is largely ineffective as these mosquitoes primarily live and bite indoors.
- Community action to remove larval breeding sites (stagnant water) is the most effective strategy.
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is exploring the possibility of blending 10% isobutanol with diesel. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that while ethanol blending with petrol has been highly successful (reaching 20%), trials for blending ethanol with diesel were not successful. Isobutanol, an alcoholic compound with flammable properties, is being considered as a viable alternative for diesel blending or standalone use. This move aims to reduce India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and support the biofuel industry, particularly benefiting corn and sugarcane farmers by creating new demand for their produce.
- ARAI is testing a 10% blend of isobutanol with diesel to promote cleaner fuel alternatives.
- Ethanol blending has been successful in petrol but faced technical challenges when applied to diesel.
- Isobutanol is a versatile compound used in paints and coatings, now being repurposed for energy.
Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI) in Kerala have developed a multifunctional wound-healing pad using the red ivy plant (Strobilanthes alternata). Locally known as 'murikooti pacha', the plant has long been used in traditional medicine for treating cuts. Researchers isolated the acteoside molecule from the plant, which exhibits high efficacy in healing even at low concentrations. The pad utilizes electro-spun nanofibers, making it biodegradable, non-toxic, and breathable, while incorporating the antibiotic neomycin sulfate to prevent infection. This innovation successfully bridges traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with modern nanotechnology.
- The red ivy plant (Strobilanthes alternata) is traditionally used in Kerala for its medicinal properties.
- Researchers isolated the acteoside molecule, which is the key active ingredient for wound healing.
- The technology uses electro-spun nanofibers to create a thin, breathable, and biodegradable medical pad.
Kerala has reported its sixth death in a month due to amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but fatal brain infection. The disease is caused by free-living amoebae found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes and rivers. The infection typically occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, often during swimming. While the source of the recent infection in Malappuram remains unclear, health authorities are monitoring several other patients. The high fatality rate of this condition has made it a significant public health concern in the state, necessitating increased awareness regarding water safety.
- Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare, often fatal infection of the central nervous system.
- The pathogen is a free-living amoeba found in freshwater environments like lakes and rivers.
- Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the human body through the nasal cavity.
The Indian government is leaning against creating a full legislative framework to regulate cryptocurrencies, fearing they could pose systemic risks to the financial sector. A government document highlights the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) view that containing risks through regulation is difficult in practice. While countries like the U.S. have passed legislation for stablecoins, India maintains a cautious stance, preferring partial oversight. The government worries that formal regulation might grant 'legitimacy' to speculative assets, potentially leading to financial instability. Instead, the focus remains on monitoring peer-to-peer transfers and decentralized exchanges without actively promoting the sector.
- The RBI maintains that regulating cryptocurrencies is practically difficult and poses systemic risks to the mainstream financial system.
- India prefers partial oversight over a full regulatory framework to avoid legitimizing highly speculative digital assets.
- The U.S. has recently passed legislation permitting wider use of fiat-backed stablecoins to reduce volatility.
In a major step toward privatizing the Indian space sector, ISRO has signed a formal agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for the transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology. Facilitated by IN-SPACe, this marks the 100th such technology transfer. HAL outbid a consortium led by Alpha Design Technologies for the rights. The agreement aims to complete the technology transfer within 24 months, enabling HAL to independently build SSLVs for domestic and international markets. This move is expected to provide cost-competitive launch services for the growing global small satellite market and increase industry participation.
- HAL secured the SSLV technology transfer after outbidding an Adani-backed consortium in a competitive process.
- The transfer is facilitated by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) to promote private industry.
- The goal is to enable the private sector to build and launch SSLVs independently for global customers.
The Indian government has granted manufacturing licences to five firms for AdFalciVax, the country's first indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine. Developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Immunology (NII), the vaccine targets the Plasmodium falciparum parasite before it enters the bloodstream. This recombinant chimeric vaccine is designed to be affordable, stable at room temperature for nine months, and effective in preventing both infection and community transmission. This development is a significant milestone for India, which accounts for 66% of malaria cases in the South-East Asia region.
- AdFalciVax is India's first indigenous multi-stage vaccine targeting the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
- The vaccine was developed through a collaboration between ICMR and the National Institute of Immunology (NII).
- Licences were granted to five firms, including Zydus Lifesciences, Biological E, and Panacea Biotec.
China continues to dominate the global rare earth market, producing over 60% of the world's supply and controlling 92% of global refining capacity. Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metals essential for high-tech applications, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense systems. Recently, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology introduced stricter controls to centralize oversight of extraction and refining. This move, along with export restrictions on key elements like neodymium and dysprosium, poses significant challenges for countries like India and the U.S., which are heavily dependent on Chinese imports for their green energy and technology sectors.
- China produces over 60% of global rare earths and holds nearly half of the world's reserves.
- Rare earth elements are categorized into Light Rare Earths (LREEs) and Heavy Rare Earths (HREEs).
- India is highly dependent on China, with over 75% of its rare earth imports coming from there since 2021.
Kerala is witnessing a rise in cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but highly fatal brain infection. A 32-year-old man in Kasaragod and a 45-year-old in Wayanad are among the recent victims. The infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba commonly found in warm, stagnant freshwater bodies like ponds and rivers. The amoeba enters the human body through the nose and travels to the brain, causing severe inflammation. Symptoms include headache, fever, and vomiting, progressing rapidly to seizures and memory loss. Health departments are currently monitoring several others under treatment.
- Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, often found in stagnant water.
- The pathogen typically enters the body through the nasal passage during activities like swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
- Initial symptoms include neck stiffness, fever, and vomiting, but the disease progresses rapidly with a very high mortality rate.
Indian Railways has announced the development of a hydrogen-powered train at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. This initiative aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets the production of five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The train will operate on an 89-km route between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, powered by a 1-MW polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources like solar or wind to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, offering a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels and supporting India's 2070 net-zero goal.
- The hydrogen-powered train is a significant step toward India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Green hydrogen production involves electrolysis of water using renewable energy, resulting in no carbon footprint.
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for 5 million metric tonnes of annual production by 2030.