Is footwear becoming tool for self-care in urban India?
However, awareness is beginning to grow. A 2023 study in the Indian Journal of Science and Technology highlighted the effectiveness of cushioned insoles in reducing chronic heel pain, especially in working professionals. Another study using ultrasound diagnostics linked heel and fascia thickness with higher plantar fasciitis risk especially in overweight and sedentary Indian adults (PMC10072183).Fewer than 5% of shoes sold in India are engineered to actively improve long-term mobility or reduce physical strain. Global silhouettes often dominate design, with limited adjustments for Indian walking patterns, climate, or terrain. A few brands have begun bridging this gap by developing products specifically with Indian biomechanics and day-to-day usage in mind—a direction more of the industry must now follow.The good news: the shift is underway. Comfort and support are gaining ground over pure aesthetics. For an increasingly wellness-conscious generation, self-care now includes what you wear on your feet.Footwear is stepping into the wellness conversation and it's here to stay. The opportunity ahead lies in building more India-relevant performance solutions that support how this country moves, lives, and works.- Ends
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Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Gujarat to create genome database of tribal communities: what's the project, why
In a first in the country, the Gujarat government has announced a genome sequencing project to create a database from 29 tribal groups across 17 districts of the state. The exercise, a local extension of the recently completed Genome India Project (GIP), will be carried out over the next five years. The entire eastern belt of Gujarat, which shares borders with Rajasthan in the north, Madhya Pradesh in the east and Maharashtra in the south, has districts with a predominantly tribal population. The Genome India Project — its report was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January — saw 10,000 genomes from 83 diverse groups processed and stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre. It had around 1,800 samples from Gujarat, which included around 100 samples from tribal communities, not enough to represent them. Thus, the Gujarat Tribal Genome Sequencing Project aims to gain critical insight into the genetic makeup of these tribal groups, which, at 15% of the state's population, consist of approximately 1 crore people. This initiative is also expected to enrich the Central Genome India dataset. The project, approved in the Gujarat budget of 2025-26, will be helmed by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC). Implications of the project Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said the understanding of genome characteristics will help the government in making more focused programmes. Subject enrollment will take place after a formal launch of the project by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, so that awareness begins before field researchers go to the villages. 'Our field teams will seek help from the local administration, communities, as well as the political leadership. This is why it was important to explain the project to MPs and MLAs. We are also taking help from researchers at Birsa Munda Bhavan and the Tribal Development Department,' said a scientist involved in the project. The project's six-point agenda includes capturing the unique diversity of India's population, improving diagnosis of rare diseases, supporting development of novel drugs, developing precision medical treatments tailored to genetic profiles, building a genomic reference panel for the tribal population, and boosting public health research infrastructure. Many among the tribal communities from Gujarat have excelled in sports. Director of GBRC Prof Chaitanya Joshi said, 'These tribes can be very good in, say, archery, or skills other communities may not have. So what are the genes associated with that? With this project, skill sets associated with genes can be identified.' Health aspect Health problems like malnutrition, anaemia, low BMI, prevalence of genetic diseases like sickle cell anaemia, G6PD deficiency are common in the tribal communities in Gujarat. Scientist and Joint Director at the GBRC Amrutlal K Patel said, 'So far, the medicines developed have been studied on the western population and we haven't explored the Indian genome. Diseases are more prevalent in specific communities and ethnicity also due to the Indian tradition of endogamy, as a result of which genome variations are conserved within castes.' Patel gave an example of how deaths due to organ failure were reported in certain tribes when they crossed 30 years of age. Two years ago, the GBRC researched some patients and their first degree family members, and found this was due to the mutation of the transthyretin (TTR) gene, resulting in the aggregation of protein that reached the organs, causing failure. Some mutations increase the chances of a disease, for instance BRCA1 and 2 genes in breast cancer. These are generally detected after 50 years of age and after tests. 'We can identify these in advance and design a policy that can prevent the prevalence of breast cancer. All these measures decline the disease burden on the community and thus the state government,' a scientist said. The process As part of this project, scientists will collect samples from 4,158 individuals from various tribal communities, including data on their physical measurements and blood biochemistry, and create a 2,000-strong diverse database of tribal genomes. 'We will genotype the samples and remove those that are genetically close to each other. Out of 4,158, we will do SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) type genotyping and take those with the most diverse genetics. The precaution is also because there might be bias during sample collection, which can then be eliminated at the analysis stage,' an official said. Of these, 378 will be trio samples. This means that samples will be taken of three members of the same family, including an individual as well as his/her biological parents. The other 3,780 will be individual samples. Apart from blood samples, stool samples will also be collected for microbial information. The role of the tribal department, according to Shahmeena Husain, principal secretary, will be to facilitate the technical team. 'We will facilitate the technical team as it will be a task to convince people to give samples.' Apart from name, education, medical history, information collected would include genealogical tree and addictions, physical characteristics like height, weight, BP, blood sugar, and waist measurement. The analysis After the samples have been collected, they will be stored at GBRC, where haematological and biochemical analysis of blood samples will take place. 'First, when the samples come from the field to the lab in Gandhinagar, they will be given Unique IDs. So those who receive the samples will neither know the gender nor the tribe of the person whose sample they are running through the process. This first round of encryption will be stored in our servers. Then, when it goes into the final process of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the data will be encrypted for the second time,' said a researcher close to the project. Joshi said Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, which have 22% and 21% tribal population respectively, have shown interest in the project. 'Modalities on whether they want to be a part of it or contribute to it will be decided by the state, but if they approach us, we are ready.'
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ADIA to Invest USD 200 Million in Meril
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NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Millets Get a Global Nod - Is Your Diet on Board Yet
India just scored a big win on the global food stage. At the 88th session of the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC88) held at FAO headquarters in Rome from July 14 to 18, the country's proposal to set global standards for whole millet grains got a resounding thumbs-up. According to a PTI report, the project-led by India with Mali, Nigeria and Senegal as co-chairs-was reviewed for progress after being cleared last year. The groundwork for this initiative was laid back in April, during a cereals committee meet, where each country's role was officially defined. Now, as millet gains momentum worldwide, it is also making its way into everyday diets across Indian households. Why Millets Deserve A Place In Your Daily Diet? Whether it's ragi for breakfast or bajra in your winter meals, millets have been part of India's culinary landscape for centuries. But today, they're more than just heritage grains-they're nutritional powerhouses suited to modern lifestyles. Here's what makes millets an everyday hero: 1. Easy on the tummy: Packed with natural fibre, millets aid digestion without causing bloating or heaviness. They're gentle, gut-friendly and a great way to keep things moving without processed interventions. 2. Keeps hunger in check: Millets are slow-digesting carbs, which means they keep you full for hours. No more rummaging for snacks between meals-these grains curb cravings and offer steady energy throughout the day. 3. Blood sugar friendly: With a low glycemic index, millets won't spike or crash your sugar levels. Ideal for those managing diabetes-or anyone wanting to avoid a sluggish post-lunch slump. 4. Tiny grains, big nutrients: Millets are rich in iron, magnesium, phosphorus and B vitamins. They pack the benefits of a multivitamin in every bite, no effort required. 5. Heart-smart choice: These grains help lower bad cholesterol, improve circulation and support balanced blood pressure. Adding them to your meals is an easy way to boost heart health without overhauling your diet. Millet Recipes You Will Want On Repeat: Feeling inspired to bring millets into your kitchen? Try these creative, flavour-packed dishes that highlight how versatile (and tasty) they can be: 1. Kodo Millet Burger: This is your classic burger's healthier version. This one is packed with a crispy millet patty that still delivers on taste. It is filling, satisfying and way easier on your tummy than the greasy stuff. Click here for the recipe. 2. Mixed Millet Bhel Puri: All the chatpata flavours you love, but made with a crunchy mix of millets instead of just puffed rice. It is light, tasty and perfect when you want a healthy snack. Here is the recipe. 3. Ragi Wheat Dosa: A solid South Indian staple, but with a twist – this dosa blends earthy ragi with wheat for a rich flavour. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect with some chutney on the side. Want the recipe? Click here. 4. Foxtail Millet Porridge: This warm bowl feels like a hug in food form. It is creamy, lightly sweet (or savoury, if that is your thing) and a great way to sneak some goodness into your morning routine. Full recipe here. 5. Baked Ragi Chakli: Same crunch, same spice, just baked instead of fried – so you can keep munching without the guilt. It is that classic Diwali snack, but make it everyday-friendly. Click here for the detailed recipe.
