A collaborative research team led by Dr. Urmimala Maitra from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) and Dr. Pradip Pachfule from the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) has developed a new covalent organic framework (COF) material that could help make future rechargeable batteries charge much faster while remaining durable and reliable.
C-phycocyanin is the blue-coloured pigment-protein that gives Spirulina much of its distinctive blue-green appearance. Once extracted and purified, it can be converted into a stable, water-soluble blue powder suitable for several commercial applications. The food and beverage industry can use it as a natural colouring ingredient in confectionery, beverages, dairy preparations, desserts and nutritional formulations. Its biological origin makes it particularly relevant to the expanding clean-label market, where manufacturers and consumers increasingly prefer naturally derived ingredients.
The exhibition was inaugurated by India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar, along with Anna Soave, Head of Country Programme at UN-Habitat Azerbaijan. The event was attended by diplomats, members of Azerbaijan’s Parliament, business representatives, travel industry stakeholders, media professionals, social media influencers and members of the Indian diaspora.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the proposed interoperability between UPI and Bizum is expected to simplify cross-border digital transactions for businesses, tourists and consumers, while strengthening financial connectivity between the two countries.
The visit focused on strengthening India’s economic engagement with Europe by expanding trade, investment, technology cooperation and business partnerships, while building on the momentum of the recently concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
The IAF contingent includes experienced pilots, engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers and other specialists. India will deploy its Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft, which will play key combat support roles throughout the exercise.
There were four Jury Members from India: Prof. Subhajit Bandyopadhyay as Head Mentor, Dr. Indrani Sen (HBCSE, Mumbai) as Mentor, Dr. Anubendu Adhikary (IIT Kharagpur) and Dr. Jayasree Gopalakrishnan (NES Ratnam College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai) as Scientific Observers.
The team was accompanied by two leaders: Prof. Rekha Vartak (Retd. HBCSE-TIFR, Mumbai) and Dr. Anupama Ronad (HBCSE-TIFR), and two Scientific Observers: Dr. Ranjithsinh Devkar (M. S. University, Baroda) and Dr. Siddhesh Ghag (UM-DAE Centre of Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumabi).
Developed jointly by the Department of Consumer Affairs, the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory and the Indian Space Research Organisation, the network is designed to distribute Indian Standard Time securely and with extremely high precision. Institutions including the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the National Stock Exchange and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited are also participating in the wider project.
The breed emerged within the historic Punjab region and takes its name from Sahiwal, formerly known as Montgomery, in present-day Pakistan. Following Partition, important Sahiwal populations continued to be maintained in India, particularly in Punjab and Rajasthan, along with organised herds at research institutions and government farms.
