The innovative field of three-dimensional (3D) printing has been revolutionising varied industries for years now. Particularly in the medical sphere, 3D printing technology has enabled to produce a smart gel sheet capable of self-rolling into a tube. This tube can be used as a nerve conduit during surgical procedures, thereby decreasing the surgery’s complexity and accelerating nerve healing. With the help of design software, a virtual model of the part is devised, which is then fabricated by layer-upon-layer deposition of material using a 3D printer.
The Emergence of Four-Dimensional Printing
The 3D printed components can undergo a shape alteration on demand post-fabrication. This remarkable advancement is referred to as four-dimensional (4D) printing, where ‘time’ stands as the additional dimension. Though 4D printed components have not made their way into clinical use yet, they carry immense potential. These emerging technologies may open new vistas for creating advanced medical equipment in the upcoming years. Such devices would potentially lessen surgical complications, allow deployment through minimally invasive means, and expedite healing.
Ekatha Harbour – an India-Maldives Collaborative Project
Recently, there has been significant progress in India and Maldives’ growing defence cooperation. The nations have launched the construction of ‘Ekatha Harbour’ for the Maldives National Defence Force’s Coast Guard at Sifavaru in Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) atoll. This endeavour is one of India’s largest grant-in-aid projects announced in 2021. This collaboration showcases India’s efforts to expand its ties with Maldives, particularly in defence and security areas, amid China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
World Press Freedom Prize Honouring Imprisoned Iranian Women Journalists
The prestigious UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize 2023 has been awarded to three imprisoned Iranian women journalists – Niloofar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi, and Narges Mohammadi. They have earned this recognition for their unwavering commitment to truth and accountability. Celebrated annually on May 3, World Press Freedom Day acknowledges the dire necessity of freedom of expression and the safety of journalists globally. The growing attacks faced by women journalists worldwide, spanning from stigmatization and sexist hate speech to severe physical assault, are a harsh reality of today’s world.
ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise 2023 – Expanding Regional Military Cooperation
To strengthen the military cooperation between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the debut ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023) is being organised. This exercise will allow the Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to team up closely, facilitating seamless operations in the maritime domain. INS Delhi and INS Satpura, two of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet’s prime components, will participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), both hosted by Singapore.