Category Archives: Business & Economy

INTERNATIONAL: WEST ASIA: EAM to attend first India-GCC foreign ministers meet in Riyadh on September 8-9

Jaishankar will travel to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, on September 8-9 to attend the first India–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting. During the visit, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, will be in Saudi Arabia, Germany and Switzerland from September 8 to 13, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

Jaishankar will travel to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, on September 8-9 to attend the first India–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting. During the visit, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that “India and the GCC enjoy a deep and multifaceted relationship, in areas including political, trade & investment, energy cooperation, cultural and people – to – people ties. The GCC region has emerged as a major trading partner for India and is home to a large Indian expatriate community, numbering around 8.9 million. The Foreign Ministers meeting will be an opportunity to review and deepen institutional cooperation between India and the GCC across various sectors.”

On the second leg of the visit, Jaishankar will travel to Berlin, Germany for a 2 – day visit from 10 – 11 September. This will be his 3rd visit as Minister to Berlin.

“Both India and Germany share a robust Strategic Partnership and Germany is one of India’s prominent trading partners and among the largest Foreign Direct Investors,” the MEA said.

During the visit, MEA said that Jaishankar will meet the German Federal Foreign Minister as well as the leadership and other ministers from the German government with an objective to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations between India and Germany.

The External Affairs Minister will thereafter travel to Geneva, Switzerland for an official visit on September 12-13.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SCIENCE & HEALTH : VACCINES: Chhattisgarh scientists develop new biomarkers to predict Covid severity

The new biomarkers have been designed to diagnose early stages of infection in patients who are affected with severe COVID-19 illness.

In a major breakthrough, the scietist of the Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit (MRU) in Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar hospital, Raipur, have introduced the country’s first-ever bio marker kit that could provide early-stage severity assessment of Covid.

The research, published in Scientific Reports, a journal by the Nature Publishing Group, holds promise for enhancing patient care during the pandemic. The new biomarkers have been designed to diagnose early stages of infection in patients who are affected with severe COVID-19 illness. With the help of an invented kit, doctors will be able to decide whether it is necessary to hospitalise the patient or he can recover at home through medicines.

Under the headship of Dr Jagannath Pal, the team utilising leftover samples from routine Covid-19 tests, has developed a method with impressive accuracy-boasting a sensitivity of 91 per cent and a specificity of 94 per cent in non-comorbid.

The MRU’s research also aligns with the Prime Minister’s “Make in India” initiative. The project was supported by the health administration of Chhattisgarh and funded by the Department of Health Research (DHR), Government of India.

How the kit works

The test results determine the response of adaptive immunity to new virus infection. The test required input of leftover RNA followed by the routine COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR. Complementary DNA is prepared from RNA samples by reverse transcription.

The complementary DNA is used for subsequent qPCR reactions to determine the expression of the signature genes. By analyzing the level of the genes we determine a “Severity Score”. If the score is lower than a cut-off value it indicates the good immune response (T-cell) suggesting low risk and the patient could recover without the requirement of advanced medical facility or extra drug treatments. If the score is higher than a cut-off value it indicates a poor immune response (T-cell) suggesting high risk and patients may require advanced medical facility or extra drug treatments for recovery. The same test could be used for other virus infection also.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: HEALTH & MEDICINE: CANCER RESEARCH: President Murmu launches India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer -‘CAR-T cell therapy’

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday launched India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay.

Describing the newly-launched treatment, named “CAR-T cell therapy,” as a beacon of hope, President Murmu expressed confidence that the therapy will provide a new lease of life to countless cancer patients.

CAR-T cell therapy, considered a groundbreaking advancement in medical science, has long been available in developed nations. However, its prohibitive costs have rendered it beyond the reach of many.

President Murmu said that the therapy is not only accessible but also the world’s most affordable CAR-T cell therapy.

She applauded the collaborative efforts between the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and industry partner ImmunoACT, highlighting the indigenous therapy as an example of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

source/content: ddnews.gov.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SPACE FRONTIERS : India’s first National Space Day: August 23rd, 2024 – PM Modi and ISRO chief reflect on India’s space milestones

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the first National Space Day. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister expressed immense pride in India’s remarkable achievements in the space sector.

“Greetings to everyone on the first National Space Day. We recall with great pride our nation’s achievements in the space sector. It is also a day to laud the contributions of our space scientists,” Prime Minister Modi said.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing the space sector, the Prime Minister said, “Our government has taken a series of futuristic decisions relating to this sector, and we will do even more in the times to come.”

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in strengthening India’s space ecosystem.

Speaking to ANI, Somanath highlighted recent policy reforms and initiatives under the leadership of PM Modi toward advancing the space sector.

The ISRO chief said that PM Modi’s leadership has been crucial in several key policy interventions in India’s space sector. “As Prime Minister, Modi has not only created but also implemented policies through the governmental system,” he said.

Underscoring three major initiatives, the ISRO chief said, “After the space sector reforms, we worked on a space policy. This new policy clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Space, ISRO, and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), paving the way for greater private sector involvement in space activities.”

“A foreign direct investment policy has also been announced, allowing private and foreign investments in the space sector with certain controls and regulations that were not possible earlier. The third initiative, undertaken by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), involves the geospatial policy. This policy makes all geospatial and satellite data freely available up to a five-meter resolution, creating secondary effects,” he added.

Reflecting on recent milestones, Somanath recalled the Prime Minister’s live participation in the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing event. “I remember our Prime Minister Modi watching the live transmission and taking a moment from the BRICS summit to join us,” he said.

Somanath also recounted Modi’s visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, where he showed keen interest in the Gaganyaan mission and other space projects.

“We were asked to prepare a long-term roadmap, a vision for space 2047 in the Amritkaal. The Prime Minister was delighted with our presentation on future space missions, including the Gaganyaan program and plans for a space station,” Somanath said.

M. Sankaran, Director of the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), also recalled the Prime Minister’s visit to the space center after the success of Chandrayaan-3.

“When he was talking, he was a bit emotional, thanking all of us for our efforts and appreciating everyone’s contributions. He was very clear that we need to involve other government agencies in space activities, which eventually led to the space sector reforms,” Sankaran said while speaking to ANI.

Following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, PM Modi declared August 23 as National Space Day and named the landing site ‘Shiva Shakti Point,’ while designating the Chandrayaan-2 landing site as ‘Tiranga Point.’

This historic achievement made India the fourth country to land a rover on the Moon and the first to do so in the Moon’s southern polar region. The celebration aims to inspire future generations and foster interest in space exploration across the nation.

The theme for National Space Day 2024 is “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,” reflecting the impact of space achievements on everyday life and the nation’s ambitious space endeavors.

source/content: ddnews.gov.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: DRONE PATENTS: Patent Granted: Path-Breaking Drone Technology Developed by Anna University Researchers to Revolutionise Package Delivery Applications

A path-breaking technology has been developed by the researchers at the Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai that may open up a new era of drone operations.

The airborne-based intelligent autonomous landing system for mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that come with accurate identification of geographical location of landing sites from the plurality of images captured has been granted patent by the Indian Patent Office, Intellectual Property India.

“The technology would immensely help in the delivery/pick up of load such as weapons, ammunition, medicines, food etc. to armed forces deployed along hilly terrains or inaccessible locations along the border,” said Dr K. Senthil Kumar, Professor and Director, Dr Kalam Advanced UAV Research Centre, Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT,

The system developed by his team of researchers is capable of not only finding the precise location of a marker like a particular coloured dress or object on the site and land there safely even if it were to be a hilly terrain with uneven surface and slope. At present, existing UAVs were designed to land at a pre-determined well prepared plain surface locations,

Dr Senthil Kumar explained, “Once the landing site is identified, the position coordinates are obtained and UAV lands at the target including moving platforms. Further, QR code can also be used to enhance reliability. The efficiency of the UAV landing system is increased, landing time is reduced, and the complete process is on-board and autonomous using AI and deep learning algorithms. The system is particularly useful for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) applications.”

According to Dr Senthil Kumar, the UAV landing system could be utilised in high-altitude logistics drones to assist armed and border security forces in day-to-day essential supplies delivery to border posts, emergency relief and rescue operations or delivery of certain goods to strengthen combat missions.

“We now have UAVs with the capability to fly up to 50 kg load to 20 km. Efforts are on to enhance the load to 100 kg and flying distance to 50 km,” he added.

Highlighting the UAVs utility, Dr Senthil Kumar said, besides defence, firefighting and surveillance operations, the intelligent autonomous landing system for mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles could also be used for civilian missions such as organ/medicine delivery in healthcare, product delivery in e-commerce etc.

“The invention marked a significant breakthrough in drone technology as it would revolutionise the package delivery applications. The existing delivery methods were done only by way of airdrop from certain altitudes,” he remarked.

source/content: raksha-anirveda.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH: Single-Molecule Transistor Breakthrough in Nanoelectronics

In a major achievements for nanoelectronics , researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences have developed a pioneering transistor design that utilises single molecules controlled by mechanical forces.

This innovative approach marks a significant departure from conventional electronic technologies, promising advances in ultra-compact electronics, quantum information processing, and advanced sensing applications.

The breakthrough centres on a technique known as the mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ). This method diverges from traditional transistors by using mechanical forces to regulate electronic properties instead of electrical signals. To achieve this, the researchers employed a piezoelectric stack to precisely fracture a macroscopic metal wire, creating a nanometer-scale gap tailored for the insertion of single molecules, such as ferrocene.

Ferrocene, a molecule consisting of an iron atom sandwiched between two cyclopentadienyl rings, displays unique electrical behaviours when subjected to mechanical manipulation. This phenomenon occurs because the mechanical gating process alters the molecular structure, influencing how electrons are transported through the junction.

By exploiting this characteristic, the researchers have demonstrated how mechanical forces can control electronic behaviour at the molecular level, opening new avenues for advanced electronic devices.

Dr Atindra Nath Pal and Biswajit Pabi, leading the research team, found that the orientation of ferrocene molecules between silver electrodes plays a critical role in the transistor’s performance. Their experiments revealed that the device’s electrical conductivity could either be enhanced or diminished based on the specific alignment of the molecules. This discovery highlights the crucial impact of molecular geometry on electronic properties and device functionality.

In further studies, the researchers investigated the use of gold electrodes in combination with ferrocene at room temperature. The results were remarkable: the transistor exhibited a low resistance of approximately 12.9 kΩ, which is about five times the quantum of resistance.

This is notably lower than the typical resistance found in molecular junctions, which averages around 1 MΩ. Such low resistance suggests the potential for developing highly efficient, low-power molecular devices that could revolutionise several technology sectors.

The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond traditional electronics. The ability to precisely control electron transport through single molecules could lead to the development of ultra-compact devices with applications in quantum computing, where managing electron flow with high precision is crucial.

Additionally, the advancements in sensing technology could benefit from the enhanced sensitivity and specificity provided by these molecular-scale devices.

This innovative approach also aligns with broader trends in the technology sector, where there is a growing focus on miniaturisation and energy efficiency. By harnessing mechanical forces to control electronic behaviour, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in nanoelectronics and paving the way for next-generation technologies that could reshape the digital landscape.

India is making significant headway in the field of Nanotechnology , with groundbreaking advancements in sensor technology and material science that promise to enhance healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to highly sensitive sensors using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and 2D materials. These low-cost, point-of-care devices quickly detect health conditions, food safety parameters, and environmental pollutants.

Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have developed sensors that excel in accuracy and reliability, addressing critical needs in health, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

This achievement by researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences represents a significant leap forward in the field of nanoelectronics. By integrating single molecules into transistor designs and controlling their properties through mechanical forces, the research team has set new standards for electronic devices.

As this technology evolves, it holds the promise of advancing multiple fields, including quantum information processing, ultra-compact electronics, and advanced sensing applications, heralding a new era of technological innovation.

source/content: opengovasia.com (headline edited)

3 indigenous Mpox testing kits get manufacturing nod

These kits are developed by Siemens healthcare, Transasia diagnostics, and JITM C Genes.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has approved the manufacturing of three indigenously developed kits for detecting mpox (previously known as monkeypox). The approval criteria was a sensitivity and specificity of over 95%, the drug regulator said.

These kits are developed by Siemens healthcare, Transasia diagnostics, and JITM C Genes.

“These RT-PCR kits use fluid samples from pox rashes to examine the virus. These kits were validated by the ICMR, but there’s no commercial manufacturing, as it is not required,” a Health Ministry official said.

These three approved kits are among the six validated by the ICMR to detect the viral infection.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SCIENCE – RESEARCH & DISCOVERY: Living walls: Indian student Prantar Tamuli develops carbon capturing building material in University College London(UCL)

Tamuli developed the C-ELM under the guidance of research supervisors during his MSc in Bio-Integrated Design, even innovating new methods to culture cyanobacteria at home during the Covid-19 lockdown in London.

An Indian student at University College London (UCL) has developed an innovative construction biomaterial that utilises living microorganisms to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, potentially revolutionising the building industry’s carbon footprint.

Prantar Tamuli, a Master’s student in UCL’s Biochemical Engineering Department, recently introduced this material as part of an art installation at St Andrews Botanic Garden in Scotland.

The biomaterial, known as a cyanobacterial engineered living material (C-ELM), incorporates living cyanobacteria within translucent panels that can be mounted on the interior walls of buildings. As the microorganisms grow through photosynthesis, they capture carbon dioxide from the air.

“My goal with developing C-ELM is to shift the construction of our future human habitats from being a significant carbon-emitting activity to one that actively sequesters carbon,” Tamuli was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Through a process called biomineralisation, the captured CO2 is converted into calcium carbonate, effectively trapping the carbon.

A kilogram of C-ELM can capture up to 350g of carbon dioxide, while the same amount of traditional concrete would emit approximately 500g of CO2. A wall covered with 150 square metres of these panels could sequester about one tonne of carbon dioxide.

“The potential of this biomaterial is immense. If scaled up and widely implemented, it could significantly reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint,” said Professor Marcos Cruz of UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture and co-director of the Bio-Integrated Design Programme, according to the report by PTI.

Tamuli developed the C-ELM under the guidance of research supervisors during his MSc in Bio-Integrated Design, even innovating new methods to culture cyanobacteria at home during the Covid-19 lockdown in London.

Dr Brenda Parker, co-director of the Bio-Integrated Design Programme, added, “By breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers, we can enable breakthroughs like these. Biotechnology is now in a position to transform sustainable design and construction,” PTI reported.

Inspired by studying stromatolites—ancient structures formed by algal mats—Tamuli focused on the cyanobacteria species *Kamptonema animale*, which grows in long strands that easily bind to surrounding materials within the panels. The calcium carbonate produced by the cyanobacteria strengthens and reinforces the panels.

These panels offer multiple benefits for buildings, including being lightweight, sound-absorbing, translucent enough to allow light to pass through, and thermally insulating to improve energy efficiency.

The first panels were publicly displayed inside the “Bioscope” pavilion at St Andrews Botanic Garden, showcasing low-carbon, nature-inspired construction methods designed by the collective Studio Biocene. A patent for C-ELM technology has been filed by UCL’s commercialisation company, UCL Business.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: HEALTH SCIENCE – PSYCHIATRY: Australia’s ‘Illawarra Indian Doctor’s Association’ honours Dr Naveen Chandra in Sydney for psychiatric services

The Illawarra Indian Doctor’s Association held a special oration on August 23, 2024, to honour Dr Naveen Chandra for his significant contributions to psychiatric services in the Illawarra region.

Dr Naveen Chandra, a pioneering figure in the field, was the first Director of the Illawarra Psychiatric Services. He played a crucial role in organizing hospital and community services in the area and served as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Wollongong for 35 years. His dedication to his profession and his community has made him a well-respected figure in the field of psychiatry.

The event was attended by approximately a hundred local doctors and a few of Dr Chandra’s friends. The gathering began with a one-minute silence in memory of a doctor who was tragically murdered in Calcutta. During the ceremony, Dr Chandra was presented with a shawl, a plaque, and a lifetime achievement award certificate by senior doctors from the Association. Professor Nagesh Pai spoke extensively about Dr Chandra’s achievements, highlighting his contributions to psychiatry not only in Australia but also in India, Fiji, and Myanmar.

Following the award presentation, the oration featured a lecture on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder by Prof Pai and a talk on community facilities by Dr Jayachandra. The event was graced by the presence of CEOs from both public health services and a private psychiatric hospital, who spoke highly of Dr Chandra’s contributions to the field of psychiatry.

Dr Naveen Chandra Shetty’s distinguished career is marked by several notable achievements:

  • Dr Naveen Chandra established the Illawarra Psychiatric Group in the early 1980s, playing a crucial role in developing psychiatric services in the region.
  • In the late 1980s, he convened a meeting with senior psychiatrists of New South Wales at his home to establish the Australian Indian Psychiatric Association.
  • At the request of Fiji’s Health Minister, he, along with four other international psychiatrists, provided guidance on starting community services and a postgraduate diploma in psychiatry in Fiji.
  • He established three free rural psychiatric centers in three villages in India and worked there for 12 years, significantly enhancing mental health services in these underserved areas.
  • During his tenure, he organized three international conferences in Nitte, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in the field of psychiatry.
  • Dr Chandra was a founding member of the Institute of Australasian Psychiatrists and served as Vice President and CPD assessor for several years, contributing to the development and recognition of the institution.
  • He was invited by the superintendent of Myanmar Psychiatric Hospital to evaluate their psychiatric services, offering his expertise to improve their mental health care system.
  • In 2011, he received the ‘Initiative in Psychiatric Service’ award from the Federation of Asian Psychiatric Associations in Melbourne, recognizing his innovative contributions to psychiatry.
  • In 2012, he was awarded a fellowship by the British College of Psychiatrists, honoring his extensive contributions to the field.
  • In 2003, he was awarded a fellowship by the Australasian Psychiatric Association, further cementing his reputation as a leader in psychiatry.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, reflecting on Dr Chandra’s legacy and his impact on psychiatric services in Illawarra and beyond. His pioneering work continues to inspire many in the field of psychiatry.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: AGRICULTURE: SEEDS 0NLINE : Now buy certified seeds and planting material online for 1st time from National Seeds Corporation(NSC’s) MyStore platform

The onboarding of the National Seeds Corporation offices on the online marketplace will encourage farmers to buy certified seeds.

The state-run National Seeds Corporation (NSC) has initiated the onboarding of its area and regional offices on MyStore, an online marketplace connected to the Government’s Open Network for Digital Commerce. The move aimed at easing access to quality seeds will enable farmers across the country to buy seed and planting material online.

An official at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare said the NSC has 48 area offices, 11 regional offices, and five farms across the country. Of these, 12 offices and farms (six area offices, four regional offices and two farms) have been onboarded on the MyStore platform, and started selling seeds and planting materials. The remaining offices will be onboarded by the first week of September, the officer added.

The dozen offices are located at places including Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh; Agra in Uttar Pradesh; Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru, Dharwad, Davangere and Raichur in Karnataka ; Hisar and Karnal in Haryana; Jaipur in Rajasthan ; and Bhubaneswar in Odisha. These offices and farms have 211 products, of which 88 are available for sale on the MyStore.

The NSC sells seeds and planting material of 80 crops–38 field crops and 42 horticulture crops. The NSC has so far made seeds available through a network of 5,000 dealers, including 861 cooperatives and 1,354 farmer producer organisations. This is the first time it has made them available through an online platform so that farmers in far-flung areas could easily buy authentic seeds, the official said.

Apart from seeds, some of the NSC offices are also selling indoor and outdoor plants online, the official said. For instance, the Bhopal-based NSC office is selling plants such as aglaonema (lipstick plant), snake plant Haiti, golden pothos (money plant), peace lily, aloevera, and ashwagandha on the platform, where anyone can order.

The move to onboard the NSC offices will enable and encourage farmers to buy certified and quality seeds, the official said, adding that it would also help to increase the seed replacement ratio of major field crops.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)