The Department of Promotion for Industry and Internal Trade in India, operating under the Ministry of Commerce, recently held the inaugural physical Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Startup Forum in New Delhi. This conference represented the third cycle of the Startup India drive, designed to foster startup cooperation among the SCO Member States. The initiative aims to stimulate innovation, create job opportunities, and inspire bright minds to devise inventive solutions.
The event stressed on the importance of encouraging collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit, setting up joint platforms, and trading best practices among SCO countries. The workshop titled ‘Role of Bililateral and Multilateral Engagements in developing a startup ecosystem’ aimed to strengthen bonds among these nations and bolster the startup environment.
Founded in 2001, the SCO is a permanent intergovernmental organization with a mandate to uphold peace, security, and stability in the Eurasian region. Comprising of nine member states, it is considered as a balancing power to NATO. The group recognises Russian and Chinese as its official languages. The inception of SCO can be linked to the Shanghai Five, initiated in 1996 and included Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. It expanded to become SCO with the addition of Uzbekistan in 2001, followed by the induction of India and Pakistan in 2017. Iran is slated to become a full-time member in 2023.
Ministry of Ayush and ICMR Join Hands for Integrative Health Research
In a recent development, the Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have agreed upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on integrative health research in India. This MoU is intended to generate evidence using contemporary scientific methods with a focus on nationally significant healthcare domains. This collaboration will enhance research capabilities through training programs for Ayush researchers.
The integration of traditional and modern medicine is a focal point for the government, and this partnership is viewed as an integral stride towards this overarching goal. The MoU would facilitate the establishment of Ayush-ICMR Centers for Advanced Research in Integrative Health at all AIIMS facilities with co-funding. In addition, both entities will explore opportunities for public health research, address nationally important diseases, and conduct high-caliber clinical trials in specified areas.
Ganga Expressway
The Uttar Pradesh government has set a 2024 deadline to finish the 594-km Ganga Expressway (NH-334), one of India’s substantial expressway ventures. The administration aims to wrap up the project a year in advance to ensure its operation before the subsequent Maha Kumbh Mela scheduled for January 2025 in Prayagraj.
This significant expressway undertaking in Uttar Pradesh, India is constructed via a public-private partnership model, with Adani Enterprises and IRB Infrastructure Developers leading the project. The expressway, divided into four main sections, promises to link Meerut to Prayagraj, spanning across 12 districts. The project, estimated to cost Rs 36,000 crore, offers financial bonuses for developers upon early completion.
Men’s World Boxing Championships
The Prime Minister of India has extended his warm congratulations to Deepak Bhoria, Hussamuddin, and Nishant Dev for their extraordinary accomplishments at the Men’s World Boxing Championships held in Tashkent. These athletes have made history by ensuring India’s highest ever medal haul at this distinguished event with Deepak Bhoria (51kg) securing silver, and Hussamuddin (57kg) and Nishant Dev (71kg) winning bronze medals in the semifinals.
Taking place from April 30 to May 14, 2023, in Uzbekistan, the Men’s World Boxing Championships is a significant event combining more than 400 boxers from across the globe, crafting an arena of competition and suspense in 13 weight classes for the ultimate victory. Supported by the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the Boxing Federation of Uzbekistan, and endorsed by the Government of Uzbekistan, this contest not only highlights superior boxing skills but also serves as a platform to appreciate the vivacious culture and cordial hospitality of Uzbekistan.
