Latest news with #AtharvaVeda
India Today
29-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Indigenously built 5th fast patrol vessel Atal launched for Coast Guard
Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), launched Atal, the fifth of eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) being built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on was launched in the presence of Rozy Agarwal, IDAS, PIFA, Coast Guard Headquarters, who graced the occasion as the chief ceremony, held amid traditional chants from the Atharva Veda, was also attended by Inspector General Sudhir Sahni, TM, DDG (M&M), and other senior officials from the Coast Guard and In his address, Rozy Agarwal highlighted that the vessel is a product of indigenous design and construction by GSL, tailored to meet the operational needs of the Coast 52-metre-long vessel, with a beam of 8 metres and a displacement of 320 tonnes, is equipped to perform coastal patrol, surveillance, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations. It will play a crucial role in safeguarding fishermen, island territories, and India's Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).The project significantly contributes to the national goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It has generated employment and business opportunities for local industries, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs, with much of the production involving local Chief Guest lauded the Indian Coast Guard and GSL for their dedication to fulfilling indigenous shipbuilding requirements and achieving a key milestone in India's maritime security and defence launch of ATAL stands as a testament to India's growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding and GSL's continued commitment to delivering advanced, homegrown vessels for national security.- EndsMust Watch
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
NCERT book features carpentry, animal care
From learning basic carpentry skills, building hydroponics, designing home automation circuits to caring for animals and creating ethical advertisements for local businesses, the new National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) Class 8 vocational education activity book introduces students to six hands-on projects aimed at blending practical skills with cultural and environmental awareness among them. NCERT book features carpentry, animal care The book roots vocational education in India's traditional knowledge – from Atharva Veda's ecological ethics in woodworking to indigenous veterinary remedies and historical floating farms of Dal Lake and Loktak Lake. Developed in alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 provisions, the 202-page book titled 'Kaushal Bodh,' asks schools to organise 'Kaushal Mela,' an end-of-year exhibition where students would display self-made products and services, share their learning experiences, and engage with peers, teachers, and community members to celebrate skills and creativity. In National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, work has been categorised under three broad forms: work with life forms (plants, animals, farming); work with machines and materials (carpentry, electronics, automation); and work in human services (advertising, entrepreneurship, community engagement). Under NCF-SE, students are expected to take up nine projects across Class 6 to 8 with three projects in each Class and one from each form of work. '...The projects will help students to develop knowledge, skills, attitude and values alongside ecological sensitivity, gender sensitivity, digital skills, and life skills.' reads the foreword of the book. Project 1 on hydroponics teaches students about soil-less farming and introduces them to compost tea made with jaggery and compost, and India's age-old water-based farming techniques in floating farms like those on Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir and Loktak Lake in Manipur. Project 2 on animal care blends science and indigenous wisdom, covering fodder preparation, natural remedies, and livestock weight estimation using Schaeffle's formula, preparing silage, and creating a first-aid kit for livestock. The project also highlights India's history as a milk-producing nation and custodian of 43 indigenous cattle breeds. Project 3 on wood and bamboo work builds basic carpentry skills using eco-friendly materials, inspired by traditional structures like the Padmanabhapuram Palace in Thuckalay, Tamil Nadu. Under the project, the book quotes a verse from the Atharva Veda: 'Whatever we dig… may it have quick regeneration' linking woodworking to ecological ethics. Project 4 on home automation introduces beginner electronics and Internet of Things (IoT) encouraging students to design sensor-based lights and motion detectors. Project 5 on water audit focuses on water conservation, where students measure household usage, analyse data, and propose community solutions. Project 6 on creating advertisements develops creativity and media literacy among students by encouraging them to design posters, jingles, and reels for local businesses. 'The choice of projects is left entirely to schools. One project may be taken up by students or preferably, the school can design other projects based on local considerations,' reads the about the book section of the book. Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu Public School in Rohini, northwest Delhi, said that the vocational education books provide hands-on learning experiences to students. 'These books provide guidance on how to conduct different activities to impart skills among students which is more important than gaining knowledge of ideas. Vocational education books raise awareness among students about the environment at a young age which is important for sustainable development. We refer to these books to conduct activities for students in our schools,' she said. NCERT had released the vocational education books for class 6 in July 2024 and for class 7 in March 2025.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
From Tradition to Trend: The Rise of the Modern Eco-Conscious Movement
Be it the posh and quiet lanes of South Delhi or the buzzing roads of Dwarka, a simple shift is underway. What? You might ask.. Well, families are replacing plastic with clay, synthetic cleansers with herbal ones, and adding Tulsi plants to their balconies not just for aesthetics, but for energy and air. Homes in India, and abroad too, are no longer chasing just 'vibes' or Pinterest trends, they are actively trying to reduce the waste they generate and walk towards eco-conscious living, a practice that has been a part of India's heritage for centuries. Across the globe, eco-conscious practices are experiencing a remarkable surge, driven not just by policy or technology, but by ordinary people reviving ancient traditions. Recent data shows that 75% of millennials and 66% of all consumers now consider sustainability when making purchases, and 89% of global consumers have altered their shopping habits to be more eco-friendly. This shift is not just about buying green products; it's about a return to time-tested, sustainable ways of living. Ancient traditions—such as using reusable cloths instead of disposable products, growing home gardens, and practicing water conservation—are being embraced anew. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo In India, for example, traditional architectural principles like Vastu Shastra promote harmony with nature through the use of natural materials and energy-efficient designs. Practices like crop rotation, natural fertilizers, and sacred groves for forest conservation, rooted in Indian culture, are being revived to maintain soil fertility and biodiversity. Globally, the demand for plant-based foods, recycled fashion, and local goods is accelerating, with the plant-based food market expected to reach $113.1 billion by 2031. These grassroots efforts are creating a quiet revolution. By integrating ancient wisdom—such as treating the Earth as a living entity, a concept found in the Atharva Veda—into daily life, people are reducing waste, conserving resources, and inspiring communities to adopt more sustainable habits. This blend of modern awareness and ancestral knowledge is proving essential in the global movement toward ecological balance. According to popular belief, our environment impacts our inner balance. So, the spaces we live in must support clarity, calmness, and well-being. And this holistic living and well-being starts with the materials we use. And thus you will see in certain viral reels that even in Delhi, people are opting to make their homes more natural by using products like mitti, lime, stone, and even cow dung. Up until a few years ago 'Mitti lepna' or spreading earthen mud over the walls and floors was just a practice in the villages. But after realising the benefits of this practice, and how it keeps the home cool, people are opting to do it in cities too. Cleaning agents The ingredients you clean the home with also make a part of eco-conscious living. And if the West instructed you that only 'bleach' can make the home squeaky clean, they might be mistakes. India has a wealth of products, all naturally occurring, that help clean the homes, keep animals and pests away, and so much more. For instance, Patanjali Ayurveda, a brand deeply rooted in swadeshi and eco-conscious values, has pioneered the introduction of herbal and environmentally friendly household products. Their 'Gonyle' floor cleaner exemplifies this approach by combining traditional herbal ingredients such as lemongrass oil, eucalyptus oil, pine oil, and distilled cow urine—an ancient Ayurvedic component—with modern eco-friendly formulations to maintain cleanliness without harming the environment. This product reflects Patanjali's broader commitment to sustainability, as seen in their use of natural extracts and eco-friendly packaging, aligning ancient wisdom with contemporary green practices embraced by ordinary consumers seeking healthier, earth-friendly alternatives. Conscious Kitchens and Clean Storage Kitchens are becoming Ayurvedic too—families are ditching plastic for steel and glass, storing grains in cloth bags, and using clay pots for water. Many urban kitchens are now stocked with turmeric, ashwagandha, giloy, and jeera not just for cooking, but for health. Brands like Patanjali have made these herbs accessible as part of everyday products—from amla juice and cold-pressed oils to desi ghee and herbal teas. Even the way homes are cleaned is changing. Instead of chemical bleaches, people are turning to vinegar, lemon mixtures, or plant-based cleaners. The natural fragrance Ayurvedic and eco-conscious homes are also scented with natural elements, instead of chemically infused oils. Many people are now making incense sticks with guggul, camphor, dried rose petals, and even Tulsi leaves, and these prove to be good for the home and gentle on the lungs. Aadya Jha, 24, lives in Delhi with her flatmate, but has decided to keep the tradition of making her own Dhoop sticks alive. She says 'This is how my mother does it even today, and taught me when I was little. All I do is mix in some ghee with dried and crushed old rose and marigold petals, and add some coconut oil for extra binding. You shape them, keep them on the terrace for 2-3 days during full sun, and voila, I am done.' Household practices, traditions, and natural products like these are at the heart of the eco-conscious wave. It is helping people return to swadeshi living, and helping them choose products that are Indian-made, sourced from nature, and not harmful to the environment.
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Inconvenient truths to impactful policies
The impacts of anthropogenic climate change are being felt all over the globe. The sixth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has categorically stated that the earth's temperature in the decade 2011-20 has risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial (1850-1900) levels. At the same time, developed countries continue to occupy a disproportionate share of the global carbon budget and remain unwilling to provide the means of implementation to spur climate action. PREMIUM India's international climate initiatives embody the principle of vasudhaiva kutumbakam. (Getty Images) The ancient Vedic principle of sarve bhavantu sukhinah (may all beings be happy) has guided human civilisation for millennia. As the world grapples with the climate crisis, this timeless wisdom has found resonance in India's approach to climate stewardship. On the one hand, the global community often focuses on the inconvenient truths of the climate crisis — rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and increasing disasters. India, on the other hand, has championed a philosophy of convenient action. This approach, rooted in our civilisational ethos, has transformed India into a conscientious global climate citizen over the past 11 years. A verse from the Atharva Veda — 'What of Earth we dig out, let that quickly grow over, let us not hit thy vitals or pierce thy heart' — reflects principles of regenerative natural resource management predating modern climate science by thousands of years. Our approach to climate action has woven this ancient understanding into contemporary policy frameworks, forging a unique synthesis of traditional wisdom and modern action. In keeping with this approach, within weeks of assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi demonstrated his climate commitment and far-sightedness by adding 'climate change' to the ministry of environment and forests. The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change provided states with dedicated resources for climate resilience. Multiple state governments responded by establishing their own climate change departments, creating a federal cascade of climate action. In 2015, India took a leading role in global climate negotiations. PM Modi played a pivotal role in forging the Paris Agreement. Unlike nations that viewed climate commitments as burdens, India preferred to demonstrate concrete action by framing its first Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) at COP21 in Paris in the same year as an expression of our responsibility to the global community. The 2015 International Solar Alliance (ISA), with over 120 members, has created a platform for solar-rich countries to collaborate on clean energy. The installed capacity in renewable energy (RE) has risen from 76 GW in 2014 to 220 GW in March 2025 and is likely to reach 500 GW by 2030. In terms of installed capacity, India is fourth in the world in RE, fourth in wind energy and third in solar energy. Many of India's flagship schemes underline commitment to transformative climate action. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (2016) brought clean cooking fuel to millions of women. The PM-KUSUM scheme (2019) empowered farmers with solar energy solutions, while the rooftop solar programme accelerated renewable energy adoption across the country. In 2019, PM Modi announced the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York City, creating a global partnership to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure development. LeadIT (Leadership Group for Industry Transition) was created in partnership with Sweden. The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for solar manufacturing (2020) strengthened domestic solar manufacturing capabilities, reducing import dependence and creating a robust indigenous solar ecosystem. At COP26 in Glasgow (2021), India made historic announcements further consolidating its climate trajectory. While delivering the national statement, PM Modi announced India's ambitious panchamrit — five nectar elements comprising enhanced climate commitment and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. During the same address, he introduced Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), thereby involving citizens globally in the collective fight against the climate crisis. This historic commitment positioned India as a climate leader among developing nations. On November 2, 2021, at Glasgow during COP26, the PM launched IRIS (Infrastructure for Resilient Island States), joined by the PMs of Australia, Fiji, Jamaica, Mauritius, and the UK. Viksit Bharat 2047, announced in 2023, outlined the vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047 by maintaining a delicate balance between ecology and economy and prakriti (nature) and pragati (progress). Two transformative citizen-focused initiatives were launched in 2024. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana democratised solar energy access, while the launch of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One tree in mother's name) created a mass movement for afforestation. Recognising nuclear power as a critical component for achieving energy security, the National Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat and the National Manufacturing Mission were launched in 2025. The Nuclear Energy Mission, with an allocation of ₹ 20,000 crore, focuses on research and development of small modular reactors. India's international climate initiatives embody the principle of vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family). During India's G20 presidency, climate considerations were mainstreamed across several working groups beyond the environment and climate working group. India also launched the Global Biofuel Alliance, creating a platform for cooperation on sustainable biofuels. In transforming inconvenient truths into convenient action, the PM has shown that climate leadership requires not just scientific understanding, but the wisdom to align human action with natural harmony. Bhupender Yadav is Union minister for environment, forest and climate change. The views expressed are personal.
India Gazette
05-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indian Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates World Environment Day by planting saplings
Kathmandu [Nepal], June 5 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Thursday celebrated World Environment Day by planting saplings in its premises. In series of tweets, the Embassy of India said, 'The Embassy of India, Kathmandu @IndiaInNepal celebrated #WorldEnvironmentDay 2025 with the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. Hon'ble Minister of Forest & Environment of , Mr. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Ambassador @IndiaInNepal, and students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Kathmandu planted saplings at the Embassy premises. Officials @IndiaInNepal and members of the Indian diaspora also took part.' India has always had a deep respect for nature. An official release, quoting the Atharva Veda, said, 'The Earth is our mother and we are her children.' 'Over the last 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ancient wisdom has been turned into strong and practical action. India has moved from being a follower in global climate efforts to becoming a leader. Through clear policies, public participation, and a strong push for clean energy and sustainability, the government is working to build a greener, healthier and more secure future for everyone.' At COP21 (Conference of Parties 21) in Paris, India pledged to achieve 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030; a goal met ahead of time in November 2021. At COP26 in Glasgow, PM Modi launched LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), encouraging sustainable habits and promoting mindful consumption over wasteful use. India also introduced the Panchamrit, five key targets for climate action. At COP29 in Baku (Nov 2024), India showcased its progress in climate adaptation and clean energy through global partnerships. Sessions focused on disaster-resilient infrastructure, industrial decarbonization, solar energy, and women-led climate action, in collaboration with Sweden, CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), ISA (International Solar Alliance) and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). (ANI)
