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Background: In the intricate tapestry of food security, wild food species stand as pillars, nourishing millions in low-income communities, and reflecting the resilience and adaptability of human societies. Their significance extends beyond mere sustenance, intertwining with cultural traditions and local knowledge systems, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and traditional practices for sustainable livelihoods. Methods: The present study, conducted between February 2022 and August 2023 along the Line of Control in India's Kashmir Valley, employed a rigorous data collection encompassing semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and specific field observations facilitated through a snowball sampling technique. Results and discussion: The comprehensive inventory includes 108 edible plant and fungal species from 48 taxonomic families, with Rosaceae (N = 11) standing out. Young and soft leaves (N = 60) are an important component of various culinary preparations, with vegetables (N = 65) being the main use, followed by fruits (N = 19). This use is seasonal, with collection peaks in March–April and June–August (N = 12). The study also highlights the importance of use value (UV), with Portulaca oleracea standing out as the plant taxon (UV = 0.61), while Asyneuma thomsoni has the lowest use value (UV = 0.15). Many species such as Senecio chrysanthemoides, Asperugo procumbens, Asyneuma thomsoni, and Potentilla nepalensis were classified as new for gastronomic use. Furthermore, the study underlines the great cultural importance of mushrooms such as Morchella esculenta and Geopora arenicola in influencing social hierarchies within the community. However, the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations is declining in the region. At the same time, the conservation of endangered plant species on the IUCN Red List, such as Trillium govanianum, Taxus wallichiana, Saussurea costus, and Podophyllum hexandrum, requires immediate attention. Conclusion: Conservation measures should be prioritized, and proactive remedial action is needed. Further research into the nutritional value of these edible species could pave the way for their commercial cultivation, which would mean potential economic growth for local communities, make an important contribution to food security in the area under study, and contribute to scientific progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of Guru Nanak is intertwined with the political tensions and violence that have defined the complex relationship between India and Pakistan. We argue that that Nanak is the only thinker/spiritual leader who is equally respected both in India and Pakistan. This strong and rare commonality between India and Pakistan could be the agreed basis, despite all other differences, for conversation and dialogue between the two countries. We suggest that such dialogue can remove mistrust and foster peaceful and mutually beneficial relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Local ethnic communities have accumulated good traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge on the utilization of plant resources through many generations. In order to preserve and utilize traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge sustainably in the future, ethnobiologists have recently focused on cross-cultural research to record and evaluate the processes driving this system of knowledge evolution within a particular group. The current study records the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of plant resources from four ethnic groups in the northern districts of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 109 plants from 35 families were recorded as being used for the treatment of various disorders by these communities. Asteraceae was found to be the dominant family, with herbs contributing the highest percentage of 86%. The Bakerwal, Gujjar, and Pahadi ethnic groups showed a higher similarity (14% species) in the use of plants, whereas the Bakerwal and Kashmiri ethnic groups used plants with the least similarity (1%). In order to better understand the various traditional plant-use systems, the current study is a collaborative effort that includes not only the documentation but also cross-cultural comparisons of the reported species. This will not only broaden the understanding of cross-cultural ethnobotany in the area but will also create possibilities for locals to benefit from rewards for showcasing their knowledge and taking part in future development projects. Medicinal plants are utilized around the globe for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. This study is an attempt to document the utilization of medicinal plants across the four different cultural groups residing in the rural and remote villages of the northern districts of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. To gather information related to medicinal plants and health care practices among the local folk, field surveys were conducted from February 2018 to May 2021. The ethnomedicinal information was gathered through semi-structured interviews and group discussions. During the study, a total of 109 plant species belonging to 35 families were recorded as commonly utilized by the local population, with Asteraceae reported as the dominant family. The most common growth form was herbs, with a percentage contribution of 86%. Leaves (38%) were the most commonly used plant part for the preparation of traditional remedies, and most of the remedies were prepared as paste and applied topically. The highest use value of 0.30 was reported for Capsella bursa-pastoris. Greater similarity (14% species) in the usage of plants was shown by Bakerwal, Gujjar, and Pahadi ethnic groups, whereas the least similarity (1%) was observed between Bakerwal and Kashmiri ethnic groups. Based on the results obtained in the present study, further phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of plants is recommended to confirm the efficacy and safety of the remedies used and to possibly elucidate candidates for the development of new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of indigenous communities reside in the Himalayan belt of Baramulla, where the lack of modern health care facilities represents crucial problems to their survival. Therefore, the current study was aimed at documenting traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the region. Ethnomedicinal data was collected during 2018–2020. Fifty‐one informants were interviewed in seventeen villages via questionnaires, semi‐structured interviews and group discussions. Data was also analyzed by various ethnobotanical indices. A total of 85 plant species distributed in 40 families was documented. Asteraceae was reported to be the dominant plant family and leaves were the most frequently utilized plant part. Musculoskeletal disorder scored the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) value (0.87). Colchicum luteum (0.61) and Verbascum thapsus (0.59) had the highest use value (UV) and Viola odorata and Ajuga integrifolia had the highest fidelity value (FL) (100%). Of the documented species, the use in this area of about 18 plants (21%) is reported here for the first time.. Medicinal plants still play an important role in the health care sector in the region and the folk knowledge attached to them is remarkable, although declining among the younger generations. Medicinal plants reported for the first time need to be studied pharmacologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indigenous knowledge and conservation status of medicinal plants were explored in the Bandipora district of the Kashmir Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, using semi-structured interviews and group discussions. A total of 71 plant species belonging to 43 families, with the predominance of Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were used in traditional medicine by the tribal communities in the area. Local communities used these plants for treating constipation, digestive disorders, fever, diarrhea, joint pain and as tonic. Medicinal use of plant species in various families was similar to previous reports from Kashmir Himalaya. Artemisia absinthium, Cichorium intybus, Foeniculum vulgare, Taraxacum campylodes and Mentha arvensis were frequently used due to their abundance in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at India's Central Asian strategy and the new geopolitical possibilities that have arisen since the Modi regime took over India. The paper draws on the existing literature to analyze the factors like regional geopolitics, economic interests, cultural linkages, and security concerns that have influenced India's policy towards Central Asia. Trade and investment, people-to-people ties, and strategic collaborations are highlighted as increasingly important to India's involvement with the republics of Central Asia. The paper concludes by assessing the prospects for a stronger and more successful Indian involvement in Central Asia and outlining the many obstacles that must be overcome to bring about such an engagement. The article's purpose is to fill in some of the gaps in the current literature on India's Central Asian strategy by providing a more thorough appraisal of the policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]