India, UK sign agreement to collaborate on science and innovation

India and United Kingdom Sign MOU for Science and Innovation Collaboration:

India and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration on science and innovation. The agreement was signed at the UK-India Science Innovation Council meeting, chaired by UK Science Minister George Freeman and Indian Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh. The MOU aims to deepen collaboration between the two countries in science and drive economic growth, job creation, and improve the lives of people around the world.

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Joint Research Schemes and Net Zero Innovation Virtual Centre:

The press release by the UK government stated that the MOU aims to unleash new joint research schemes to tackle global challenges such as climate change, pandemic preparedness, AI, and machine learning. The agreement establishes a new UK-India Net Zero Innovation Virtual Centre that will focus on industrial decarbonisation. The collaboration will also include a UK-India scientific deep sea voyage.

UK-India Science Partnership:

The UK government named India as a partner for the UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund, continuing the UK-India science partnership built through the Newton-Bhabha fund. The renewed partnership will kick off with two new joint UK-India research programs. The first program will receive £5 million in UK funding, matched by India, for research into farmed animal diseases and health. The second program will receive £3.3 million in UK funding, matched by India, towards a technology and skills partnership program. This program will enable UK and Indian researchers to develop skills, technologies, and knowledge in areas such as AI, machine learning, and bio-imaging.

Also Read: IIT-Bombay and UIDAI join hands to develop touchless biometric system

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National Medical Devices Policy Approved By Union Cabinet

National Medical Devices Policy

The Indian Government has taken steps for National Medical Devices Policy to implement the PLI Scheme for medical devices and establish 4 Medical Devices Parks in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. At present, 26 projects worth Rs 1206 crore have been approved under the scheme, with an investment of Rs 714 crore realized.

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National Medical Devices Policy: Key Highlights

14 projects producing 37 products have been commissioned to date and high-end medical devices like Linear Accelerator, MRI Scan, Mammogram, CT-Scan, C-Arm, high-end X-ray tubes, MRI Coils, etc., are being manufactured domestically with the remaining 12 products to follow soon.
Recently, 5 projects have been approved under Category B, for domestic manufacturing of 87 products/product components under National Medical Devices Policy.
To further boost growth in the sector and realize its potential, a comprehensive policy framework is urgently required.
Despite various Government departments taking initiative to encourage the medical device sector, there is currently a lack of a coordinated approach.
Therefore, the regulations, skilling, and trade promotion of medical device industry must be integrated in a coherent manner to enable focused and efficient support from the authorities.

National Medical Devices Policy: Aim

The National Medical Devices Policy 2023 aims to build on these measures to facilitate the orderly growth of the medical device sector.
This sector is expected to grow from $11 billion to $50 billion by 2030.
The policy focuses on creating an enabling ecosystem for manufacturing and innovation, streamlining regulations, promoting training and capacity building programs, and fostering talent and skilled resources in line with the industry requirements.
Domestic investments and production of medical devices will also be encouraged to complement the Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ programs.
The policy covers six broad areas of policy interventions—regulatory streamlining, enabling infrastructure, facilitating R&D and innovation, attracting investments, human resources development, and brand positioning and awareness creation.
The policy aims to enhance ease of doing research and business, create world-class common infrastructure facilities, promote R&D and innovation, attract private investments, develop skilled workforces, and create a dedicated Export Promotion Council for the sector.

India Pavilion At Global Education & Training Exhibition Inaugurated At Dubai

Important aspects of the National Medical Devices Policy for 2023:

Vision:

In the next 25 years, we will achieve a 10–12% market share in the expanding worldwide market while pursuing an accelerated growth path with a patient-centric mindset. We will do this by being the world leader in the manufacture and innovation of medical devices. By 2030, the medical device industry is anticipated to rise from its current $11 billion in revenue to $50 billion.

Mission:

The policy outlines a plan for the sector’s quick development in order to fulfil the following objectives: access and universality, affordability, quality, patient-centered care, preventive and promotion of health, security, research and innovation, and skilled labour.

Promotional tactics for the medical equipment industry:

A set of plans covering six major areas of governmental interventions will help and direct the medical device industry.

Regulatory simplification:

In order to improve the ease of conducting research and business and further to balance patient safety with product innovation, measures such as the development of a “Single Window Clearance System” for Licencing of Medical Devices, coopting all the stakeholder departments/organizations such as AERB, MeitY, DAHD, etc., enhancing the role of Indian Standards such as BIS and designing a coherent pricing regulation, will be followed.

Enabling infrastructure:

The National Industrial Corridor Programme and the proposed National Logistics Policy 2021, both of which fall under the purview of Prime Minister Gati Shakti, both envision the establishment and strengthening of large medical device parks, clusters, and facilities equipped with top-notch common infrastructure in close proximity to economic zones with the necessary logistics connectivity.

Fostering innovation and research:

The goal of the policy is to support the Department’s proposed National Policy on R&D and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector in India while promoting research and development in India. Additionally, it intends to create innovation centres, ‘plug and play’ infrastructures, centres of excellence at academic and research institutions, and support for start-ups.

Boosting investment in the sector:

In addition to current initiatives and programmes like Make in India, Ayushman Bharat, Heal-in-India, and the Start-up Mission, the policy promotes private investments, rounds of funding from venture capitalists, and public-private partnerships (PPP).

Human resources development:

The policy aims to provide a consistent supply of competent workers across the value chain, including scientists, regulators, health experts, managers, technicians, etc.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s resources can be used to skill up, reskill, and upskill professionals in the medical device industry.
In order to ensure the availability of skilled labour for cutting-edge manufacturing and research as well as futuristic medical technologies, the policy will support specialised multidisciplinary courses for medical devices in existing institutions.
This will create future-ready MedTech human resources and meet the sector’s changing needs to establish collaborations with international academic and business institutions in the development of medical technology in order to keep up with the global market.

Brand positioning and raising consumer awareness:

The policy calls for the establishment of an Export Promotion Council specifically for the sector inside the Department, which will make it possible to address a variety of market access issues:

Start studies and projects to learn from the best manufacturing and skilling systems around the world in order to determine whether it is feasible to implement such successful models in India.
Encourage the creation of more forums that will bring together various stakeholders to exchange expertise and create robust networks across the industry.
The policy is anticipated to give the medical device industry the assistance and guidance needed to grow into a competitive, self-sufficient, resilient, and innovative sector that meets the healthcare requirements of not just India but also of the rest of the world.

Overall, the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 is expected to strengthen the medical device industry into a competitive, self-reliant, resilient, and innovative industry that caters to global healthcare needs while meeting the evolving healthcare needs of patients in India.

Also Read: PM Modi to flag off India’s first Water Metro in Kochi

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Operation Kaveri launched to evacuate Indians from Sudan

India, UK sign agreement to collaborate on science and innovation - Part 1555_10.1

India initiated Operation Kaveri to evacuate its citizens from the unrest-stricken Sudan. As per External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s tweet, the operation is currently in progress, and roughly 500 Indians have already arrived at Port Sudan.

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Operation Kaveri Key Points

Operation Kaveri is the latest evacuation operation initiated by India to rescue its citizens and friendly nations’ citizens from war zones.

The Ministry of External Affairs had announced the standby status of two C-130s aircraft and INS Sumedha for the safe evacuation of stranded Indians in Sudan.

Official data states that there are roughly 4,000 Indians in Sudan.

The evacuation operation follows talks held by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with counterparts in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Both countries had offered their “practical support on the ground” during the talks.

About The Sudan Crisis

Sudan is currently experiencing a violent power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) across the country. This conflict arose due to a dispute over an internationally supported plan to establish a new civilian government, four years after the overthrow of authoritarian leader Omar al-Bashir and two years after a military coup. Both sides are accusing each other of obstructing the transition, resulting in widespread violence and instability.

Sudan Important Facts

Capital: Khartoum

Currency: Sudanese pound (SDG)

Region: North Africa

President: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (Chairman of the Sovereignty Council)

Official language: Arabic, English

Other languages: Nubian, Ta Bedawie, Fur

Population: approximately 44 million

Major religions: Islam, Christianity, Traditional African Religions

Evacuation Missions Conducted by India in the Past

Name of Mission	Details of Mission
Kuwait Airlift (1990)	During the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces in 1990, the royal family and VIPs had fled to Saudi Arabia, leaving the general public behind to face the situation on their own. Among the stranded people were over 170,000 Indians. India initiated an evacuation process and successfully airlifted and repatriated all 170,000 Indian nationals back to India.
Operation Sukoon (2006)	In July 2006, as Israel and Lebanon entered into military conflict, India initiated a mission to rescue its citizens who were stranded in Lebanon. The mission, known as the ‘Beirut Sealift’, is now widely recognized as a significant achievement. It was one of the largest naval rescue operations since the ‘Dunkirk’ evacuation. Over the course of the operation, between July 19th and August 1st, 2006, around 2,280 individuals, including some Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals, were evacuated by the Indian task force.
Operation Safe Homecoming (2011)	India initiated ‘Operation Homecoming’ to repatriate Indian citizens stuck in Libya due to the ongoing conflict. The operation successfully evacuated around 15,400 Indian nationals from Libya with the help of Indian Navy and Air India through an air-sea rescue operation.
Operation Maitri (2015)	The joint relief and rescue operation by the Indian government and the Indian Armed forces was launched following the 2015 Nepal earthquake. This operation, known as the Indian Armed Forces’ Operation Maitri, aimed to aid Nepal’s recovery and rescue Indian nationals stranded in Nepal. The Indian army and Air Force conducted an air-sea operation that brought over 5,000 Indians back to India by Air Force and civilian planes. The Indian army also successfully evacuated 170 foreign nationals from the US, the UK, Russia, and Germany. The operation was widely praised for its efficiency and speed in evacuating stranded people from Nepal.
Operation Raahat (2015)	During the 2015 Yemeni civil war between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels, a large number of Indians were stuck in Yemen due to the no-fly zone imposed by Saudi Arabia. To rescue them, India launched a mission named ‘Operation Raahat’. The mission successfully evacuated approximately 5,600 Indians and foreign nationals from Yemen.
Evacuation from Brussels (2016)	Following the terrorist attacks in Brussels Airport and Maalbeek Metro station in March 2016, India conducted a rescue operation to bring back its citizens. A Jet Airways flight was chartered to evacuate 242 Indians, including 28 crew members, from Belgium and bring them back to India.
Operation Samudra Setu (2020)	During the Covid-19 pandemic, India launched a naval operation to repatriate stranded citizens from overseas. The operation was a success and brought 3,992 Indians back to their homeland by sea. Several Indian Naval ships, including Jalashwa (Landing Platform Dock), Airavat, Shardul, and Magar (Landing Ship Tanks), were involved in this operation. The mission took over 55 days to complete and covered more than 23,000 km by sea.
Vande Bharat (2020)	Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian government launched the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate its citizens stranded abroad. The mission was executed in multiple phases, and as of 30th April, 2021, around 6 million Indians were brought back to their homeland under this initiative.
Operation Devi Shakti (2021)	India launched a complex mission named Operation Devi Shakti to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul after the swift takeover by the Taliban. The mission involved multiple phases and was executed with the help of the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, and the Ministry of External Affairs. The operation included the evacuation of over 700 Indian citizens and more than 70 Afghan nationals to safety.
Operation Ganga (2022)	A mission has been launched to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine due to heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Recently, war erupted in Ukraine after a series of attacks by the Russian military.

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Pakistan becomes largest recipient of ADB funded programmes in 2022

India, UK sign agreement to collaborate on science and innovation - Part 1555_15.1

Pakistan Becomes the Largest Recipient of ADB-Funded Programs Amidst Economic Crisis:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Annual Report 2022 revealed that Pakistan received loans of $5.58 billion, making it the largest recipient of ADB-funded programs/projects in the year 2022. Out of the total lending, Pakistan received concessional funding of $2.67 billion from the bank, highlighting the dire economic situation in the country. This significant lending reflects the severity of the economic crisis in Pakistan, which has been compounded by political and geopolitical uncertainties.

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Natural Disasters and Food Insecurity Worsen Economic Woes in Pakistan and Afghanistan:

The ADB report cited extreme floods in Pakistan that damaged over one-third of the Kharif (summer) seasonal cropping area, curtailing food supply and driving up prices. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, drought and flash floods worsened food insecurity and contributed to soaring prices of staple items, impacting the entire population. To address this crisis, the ADB committed $3.7 billion from the programme in 2022, including essential food assistance for those in need, especially women and girls, in Afghanistan (using UN systems), Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Countercyclical Support Facility to Aid Countries Affected by Food and Energy Crisis:

The ADB also provided a combined $2.2 billion, directed through the bank’s countercyclical support facility, for the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. All these countries were severely impacted by the food and energy crisis sparked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the case of Pakistan, devastating floods exacerbated the economic woes, leading to domestic inflation and curtailing consumption.

ADB’s Role in Providing Timely Response to Crises in the Asia Pacific Region:

The ADB has played a critical role in providing timely responses to emerging and ongoing crises in the Asia Pacific region. The bank’s support to the countries affected by natural disasters and economic challenges has been significant. The ADB’s funding has helped address food insecurity, enhance energy security, and support the affected population. The bank’s focus on concessional funding has provided crucial support to the countries struggling with severe economic challenges.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB):

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established in 1966 to promote economic and social progress in Asia and the Pacific.
ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and has 68 member countries, including 49 from the Asia-Pacific region.
ADB provides loans, grants, and technical assistance to its member countries for various development projects, including infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and regional integration.
ADB’s priorities include addressing climate change, promoting gender equality, and supporting private sector development.
ADB has committed over $330 billion in loans and grants since its inception and aims to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific.
The top five shareholders in ADB, in terms of voting power, are Japan (15.6%), the United States (15.6%), China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
India is the fourth-largest shareholder in ADB and has been a member since its inception. In recent years, India has been one of the largest recipients of ADB funding for various development projects, including infrastructure, education, health, and poverty reduction.

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World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 observed on April 28

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April 28 marks the global observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023, aiming to raise awareness regarding the significance of safeguarding workers against occupational hazards, illnesses, and accidents. This occasion offers a chance for individuals and organizations to promote a workplace environment that gives utmost importance to the well-being and safety of workers.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: Theme

The International Labour Organization (ILO) selects the theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work, and for this year, it is “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.” The central objective of this event is to investigate feasible methods of implementing this essential human right in workplaces globally.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: Significance

The significance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work lies in its ability to bring attention to the importance of ensuring safe and healthy work environments. This day provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to recognize the fundamental human right to a safe and healthy workplace and to advocate for measures to promote this right.

By highlighting the issue of work-related accidents and illnesses, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent such incidents and promote workplace safety and health. It also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices on safety and health in the workplace, which can help to improve working conditions and prevent workplace accidents and illnesses.

Overall, World Day for Safety and Health at Work plays a vital role in promoting the well-being of workers worldwide and raising awareness of the importance of safe and healthy workplaces for sustainable economic development.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work: History

The International Labour Organization (ILO) established the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2003 as an annual global initiative to raise awareness of the importance of safety and health in the workplace. The date chosen for this event coincides with the adoption of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention by the ILO on April 28, 1971.

Despite the progress made in creating safer workplaces, many workers still suffer from work-related accidents and illnesses, which can result in loss of life or injury. This day serves as a reminder for individuals and organizations to reflect on the measures they can take to promote a work environment that is safer, healthier, and more productive.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

International Labour Organization Founded: 1919;
International Labour Organization Director-general: Gilbert Houngbo;
International Labour Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

27th April Current Affairs – Top News of the Day

India, UK sign agreement to collaborate on science and innovation - Part 1555_19.1

Today’s Current Affairs

27th April 2023 Current Affairs are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking, UPSC or other competitive exams. Daily Current Affairs is the complete bag of important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the Top News of the Day for 27th March 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

Here is the Current Affairs 27th April 2023 covering the following news headlines: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023, Hero Super Cup 2023, One Earth One Health, Quad Summit.

National News

1. India Pavilion At Global Education & Training Exhibition Inaugurated At Dubai

India, UK sign agreement to collaborate on science and innovation - Part 1555_20.1

The ‘Study in India Pavilion’ at the Global Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX) in Dubai was inaugurated by the Consul General of India in Dubai, Dr. Aman Puri on April, 26, 2023. Organized by the Services Export Promotion Council with the support of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the India Pavilion at GETEX 2023 is being held from 26-28 April 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE. The pavilion, spanning over 200 sqm, features more than 30 universities and edtech stakeholders of Indian higher education.

Overview of Atal Pension Yojana
Parameter	Details
Scheme Name	Atal Pension Yojana
Launched By	Government of India
Launch Date	May 9, 2015
Eligibility Criteria	Age between 18 and 40 years
Pension Amount	Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 per month
Pension Duration	20 years
Contribution Frequency	Monthly
Contribution Amount	Based on age and pension amount chosen
Minimum Contribution	Rs. 42 per month
Maximum Contribution	Rs. 1,454 per month
Guaranteed Pension	Rs. 1,000, Rs. 2,000, Rs. 3,000, Rs. 4,000 or Rs. 5,000 per month
Pension Payment	Monthly
Death Benefit	Nominee will receive the corpus or pension, whichever is higher
Maturity Benefit	Corpus will be returned to the subscriber or nominee

India and United Kingdom Sign MOU for Science and Innovation Collaboration:

Joint Research Schemes and Net Zero Innovation Virtual Centre:

UK-India Science Partnership:

National Medical Devices Policy

National Medical Devices Policy: Key Highlights

National Medical Devices Policy: Aim

Important aspects of the National Medical Devices Policy for 2023:

Vision:

Mission:

Promotional tactics for the medical equipment industry:

Regulatory simplification:

Enabling infrastructure:

Fostering innovation and research:

Boosting investment in the sector:

Human resources development:

Brand positioning and raising consumer awareness:

Operation Kaveri Key Points

About The Sudan Crisis

Sudan Important Facts

Evacuation Missions Conducted by India in the Past

Pakistan Becomes the Largest Recipient of ADB-Funded Programs Amidst Economic Crisis:

Natural Disasters and Food Insecurity Worsen Economic Woes in Pakistan and Afghanistan:

Countercyclical Support Facility to Aid Countries Affected by Food and Energy Crisis:

ADB’s Role in Providing Timely Response to Crises in the Asia Pacific Region:

About Asian Development Bank (ADB):

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: Theme

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023: Significance

World Day for Safety and Health at Work: History

Today’s Current Affairs

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