May 11, 2026

Kautilya

Defense

Israeli AI Drone Firm XTEND Signs $11 Million India Manufacturing Deal with Rayonix Tech

Under the agreement, Rayonix Tech will act as XTEND’s exclusive manufacturing and distribution partner in India for selected platforms. The collaboration is built around XTEND’s autonomy software stack, known as XOS, which powers AI-enabled robotic and drone systems. Reports indicate that the partnership will not be limited to simple assembly work; it is also expected to involve local manufacturing capability, testing infrastructure, distribution support and a technology-transfer component aimed at strengthening operational know-how in India.

By Kautilya / March 21, 2026
Governance Intervention

New National Expert Committee to Shape India’s Response to Invasive Alien Species

The move comes after the National Green Tribunal, in a suo motu matter numbered O.A. No. 162/2023, flagged invasive alien species as a serious threat to India’s native biodiversity, agriculture, food security, public health, and wildlife health. Acting on that concern, and backed by advisory input from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the NBA has now brought together a multi-disciplinary body to create a more coordinated national response.

By Kautilya / March 21, 2026
Ayurveda Health

Manithakkali: The Quiet Healer in the Backyard

Solanum nigrum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same large plant family that includes tomato, brinjal, chilli, and potato. It is generally a small herbaceous plant with soft stems, green leaves, tiny white star-like flowers, and clusters of berries that turn dark purple to black when ripe. Reviews note that both the leaves and berries are edible, though the leaves need proper cooking and the plant as a whole must be handled knowledgeably because of its alkaloid content.

By Kautilya / March 20, 2026