This review paper provides an educational overview of medical Cannabis sativa (marijuana) in India, focusing on the psychoactive molecule Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, originally native to India, grow as a wild weed in the Indian Himalayan region. Marijuana (known as Charas, Ganja, and Bhang in India) is a mind-altering illicit drug containing 25-35% Δ9-THC, and its import, export, local sales, and cultivation are banned in India.
A cross-sectional survey of 357 respondents examined how sattvic diet and yogic breathing practices relate to physical health and mental well-being. Both sattvic diet and yogic breathing showed significant positive associations with physiological health. Yogic breathing was a stronger predictor than self-belief in breathing techniques' parasympathetic control. The combined adoption of dietary regulation and breathing practices produced significantly greater improvements in physiological health and psychological well-being than either alone, supporting yoga's holistic premise. The authors suggest these findings support yoga-based lifestyle interventions but note that longitudinal or experimental designs are needed to establish causality.
Whether advanced AI systems could possess forms of awareness comparable to human consciousness is examined through major philosophical perspectives, including dualism, physicalism, functionalism, and panpsychism. The paper investigates whether consciousness is an emergent property of complex computation or a fundamentally non-computational phenomenon. If AI were to attain conscious states, issues concerning moral status, rights, accountability, and the boundaries between human and machine agency would arise. Prematurely attributing consciousness may distort ethical decision-making and public understanding of AI. Philosophical reflection is essential for guiding responsible AI development, ensuring alignment with human values, dignity, and social well-being.
An eight-week structured mindfulness program, including guided meditation, mindful breathing, reflective journaling, and body scan techniques, significantly reduced perceived academic stress among 200 students aged 16–22. Female participants showed higher mindfulness scores and slightly lower stress levels. Students also reported improved concentration, time management, sleep quality, and a more balanced approach to academic challenges. The findings support integrating mindfulness programs into academic institutions as an evidence-based strategy to enhance student mental health and performance.