Boost to Global Reporting of Clinical Data and Evidence-Based Research in Ayush with WHO 2025 Update to ICD-11

• February 21, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

In a significant milestone for the global recognition of traditional medicine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the 2025 update to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The update introduces a pioneering new module dedicated to traditional medicine conditions, marking a monumental step in the systematic tracking and global integration of traditional systems of healthcare practices related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.

This update follows the successful year-long testing and deliberations after the launch of ICD-11 TM-2 (on January 10, 2024, in New Delhi) for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine for country implementation testing. It culminates 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.

This groundbreaking inclusion of traditional medicine in WHO’s internationally recognised health framework ensures that the traditional health systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are officially documented and categorized in ICD-11, alongside conventional medical conditions. This elevates their status in global health reporting, research, and policymaking.

TRIFED signs MoUs with Meesho, IFCA & Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialisation

• February 19, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

In a significant move to transcend from B2C to B2B approach for tribal communities, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) has entered into a strategic partnership with Meesho, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) to facilitate tribal businesses. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 18th February during the ongoing flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the National Capital being from 16 to 24 February 2025, marking a pivotal step in ensuring the implementation of the B2B approach and augmentation of the tribal product market.

The principal objective of the MoU with Meesho is to facilitate the onboarding of tribal products onto their social commerce platform, accompanied by training and capacity-building initiatives for tribal suppliers. Whereas the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) will assist in establishing long-term collaborations with culinary professionals and hotel chains through their technology platform. Furthermore, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) has partnered with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) as the knowledge partner to conduct training and capacity building for artisans.

Hon’ble Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh Inaugurates Indie Haat- A celebration of India’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage

• February 14, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, inaugurated Indie Haat at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, New Delhi. Speaking at the event, Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, remarked that Indie Haat is not just an exhibition, but a celebration of India’s rich textile and handicraft heritage. Through this platform, we are not only preserving traditional crafts but also providing artisans and weavers with direct access to global markets, HMoT added.

The Indie Haat event, which runs from February 12 to 18, 2025, is designed to showcase India’s traditional artistry to an international audience. The participating handicraft artisans at Indie Haat represent a diverse range of craft traditions from various regions of India. Indie Haat features a vibrant display of 80 different types of handcrafted and handwoven products, crafted by 85 artisans and weavers from across the country.Their crafts include Gulabi Minakari, Tarkasi craft, Mithila painting, black pottery, Chamba Rumal, Punjabi Jutti, Kalamkari painting, Bidri craft, Bastar Dhokra, Gujarat Suf embroidery, Kutch Ajrakh hand block printing, Aranmula metal mirror, and many more.The textiles they showcase include Paithani sarees, Tussar silk sarees, Jamdani sarees, Pashmina shawls, Muga silk sarees, Uppada Jamdani, Maheshwari sarees, and handloom yoga mats, highlighting the rich weaving heritage of India.

Taking the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement forward, 24th Divya Kala Mela to be organized from 14th – 24th February 2025, at Gulshan Ground, Jammu

• February 14, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

The Divya Kala Mela is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering Divyang artisans by providing them with marketing opportunities and a chance to display their exceptional talent. It is part of a nationwide movement, with previous editions successfully held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Patna, Nagpur, Pune, and many other cities across the country. The Jammu edition will witness participation from around 100 Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs representing approximately 20 states and Union Territories. The categories of products on display include:

Home Décor & Lifestyle
Clothing and Textiles
Stationery and Eco-friendly Products
Packaged and Organic Food
Toys and Gifts
Personal Accessories, Jewellery, and Clutch Bags
Cultural Extravaganza & Special Attractions

The 11-day fair will not only be a shopping destination but also a cultural hub, featuring captivating performances by Divyang artists and renowned professionals. Additionally, visitors can enjoy regional delicacies from across India at the event. A highlight of the event will be a special cultural programme, ‘Divya Kala Shakti’, presented by Divyang artists on 24th February, 2025.

National Mission on Cultural Mapping

• February 03, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

To preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage, the Ministry of Culture has established the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM).  Implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the mission aims to document India’s cultural heritage and its potential to revitalize rural economics.

As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, NMCM launched Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) portal in June 2023 (https://mgmd.gov.in/).  This initiative aims to document the cultural heritage of 6.5 lakh villages of India. Currently, 4.5 lakh villages are live on the portal with their respective cultural portfolios.

The MGMD portal captures a wide range of cultural elements, including oral traditions, beliefs, customs, historical significance, art forms, traditional food, prominent artists, fairs and festivals, traditional dress, ornaments and local landmarks.

Benefits accorded to Classical Language

• February 03, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

The support available to the languages notified as classical languages include awards in Classical Languages, centers of excellence for studies in classical languages, and creation of professional chairs in central universities.

The Government of India had earlier notified the following languages as Classical Languages:

Tamil, 2004

Sanskrit, 2005

Telugu, 2008

Kannada, 2008

Malayalam, 2013

Odia, 2014

The Ministry of Education, through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, works towards the promotion and development of all Indian languages, including Classical Languages. Various institutions and Centres of Excellence have been established to support research, documentation, and scholarly activities related to these languages.

Empowering tribes towards Viksit Bharat: a historic boost for Tribal Welfare in Union Budget 2025

• February 02, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

India, home to over 10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals comprising 8.6% of the total population boasts a rich and diverse tribal heritage. Spread across remote and often inaccessible regions, these communities have long been a focal point of the government’s development agenda. Under leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Budget 2025-26 reaffirms this commitment with a substantial increase in budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, ensuring holistic and sustainable development for tribal communities across the country.

Unprecedented Budgetary Support for Tribal Welfare:

The overall budget allocation for the development of Scheduled Tribes has risen from Rs 10,237.33 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 14,925.81 crore in 2025-26, marking an impressive 45.79% increase.
The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) has been expanded and subsumed under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) with an outlay of Rs 80,000 crore over five years.
The budget outlay for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has seen consistent growth, rising from Rs 7,511.64 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 10,237.33 crore in 2024-25, and now reaching Rs 14,925.81 crore in 2025-26.
A long-term perspective reveals significant progress: from Rs 4,497.96 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 7,411 crore in 2021-22, and now a 231.83% increase since 2014-15, demonstrating the government's sustained focus on tribal welfare.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs Wins Best Tableau Award in Republic Day Parade 2025: Honouring Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the Spirit of ‘Janjatiya’

• January 29, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs received the Best Tableau award from Central Ministries/Departments at the 76th Republic Day Parade 2025 for their culturally rich tableau themed "Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh," honoring the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The tableau elegantly illustrated the tribal culture through a grand Sal tree, representing power, sustainability, and the profound bond between tribal societies and nature. The core theme, “Jal, Jungle, Jameen,” highlighted the enduring wisdom of India’s tribal history and their significant contributions to the liberation movement and nation-building.

The dynamic Paika dance from Jharkhand and the rhythmic Nagada beats from Chhattisgarh captivated the audience, representing the cry for Atmanirbhar Bharat and the essence of Shreshtha Bharat. In light of this significant accomplishment, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, conveyed his appreciation, remarking: "This honor pays homage to the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the profound cultural heritage of India’s tribal communities." The Ministry is dedicated to empowering tribal communities through projects like as PM-JANMAN, Dharti Aaba Abhiyan, and Eklavya Schools, guaranteeing their comprehensive development. This acknowledgment reinforces our vision of a developed India where every indigenous voice is acknowledged and honored.

Empowering Tribal Entrepreneurs: Symposium on Building a Startup Ecosystem for Scheduled Tribes

• January 28, 2025

Source: Press Information Bureau

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, convened a significant Symposium on the Advancement of the Startup Ecosystem for Scheduled Tribes, uniting prominent Venture Capitalists and Impact Investors to deliberate on strategies for empowering tribal entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive growth. The Government of India is resolute in its dedication to empowering tribal populations. The establishment of a resilient startup ecosystem among Scheduled Tribes is a primary project within the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' 100-day plan.

To initiate this transformative project, MoTA has conducted comprehensive brainstorming meetings with leading institutions such as IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, and industry groups to guarantee a grassroots-level impact. The establishment of a Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes, with an initial corpus of ₹50 crore, is a crucial advancement in supporting entrepreneurship and nurturing innovation within these communities.

Projects under Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE)

• December 11, 2024

Source: Press Information Bureau

Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) was announced as a new Central Sector scheme, with 100% Central funding in the Union Budget 2022-23 with initial outlay of Rs.1500 crore. The Union Cabinet on 12 October 2022 approved the Scheme with a total outlay of Rs. 6600 crore for the period from FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-2026. 35 projects worth Rs. 4857.11 crore have been sanctioned under the Scheme up to 30.11.2024.