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AIIMS New Delhi, IIT Delhi, and University College London (UCL) have collaborated to develop advanced solutions in medical technology. The partnership, announced on November 22, 2024, aims to address global health challenges through joint research, innovation, and expertise-sharing. This collaboration will focus on cutting-edge areas like diagnostics, imaging, medical devices, artificial intelligence, and digital health. Speaking about the initiative, Professor Alok Thakar, Head of the Centre for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship at AIIMS, said, "By combining our expertise in medical science, engineering, and global policy, we are creating a platform for MedTech innovation. Together, we aim to enhance patient care and set new benchmarks in medical technology." Professor Rangan Banerjee, director of IIT Delhi, emphasised the importance of affordable healthcare innovations, saying, "Science, engineering, and medicine research can significantly improve lives. Our partnership is poised to deliver cost-effective medical technologies." The partnership will include student and staff exchanges, joint research programmes, collaborative degrees, and knowledge-sharing through workshops and publications. Dr Michael Spence, UCL's President and Provost, said, "At UCL we recognise the difference that international collaboration can make to solving pressing global challenges and we know the power that bringing together different disciplines can have". As part of the MoU signing, the delegation visited mPRAGATI, IIT Delhi's medical technology development centre. Professor Naresh Bhatnagar, IIT Delhi's Dean of R&D, highlighted the collaboration's global impact: "Today's medical science relies heavily on technology. Together, we aim to benefit people not just in India and the UK but globally." The partnership marks a significant step in strengthening ties between these institutions, comprising expertise in engineering, medicine, and global policy to drive innovation in healthcare. Track Education News , Exam updates , Campus , Study Abroad related news live on NDTV.comAdvocates condemn ‘unconscionable’ denial of water beforeo mentally ill man’s death in Sydney prison
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The oceans, encompassing over 70% of the Earth's surface, are vital lifelines for biodiversity and economic prosperity. They are reservoirs of opportunities for sustainable development, encapsulated within Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: 'Life Below Water'. This goal emphasises conserving marine resources while leveraging their potential for economic growth. Central to this ambition is the concept of the Blue Economy, introduced by Gunter Pauli in his 2010 book The Blue Economy: 10 Years, 100 Innovations, 100 Million Jobs. Pauli envisioned oceans as "development spaces", where conservation aligns with the sustainable use of resources. The World Bank defines the Blue Economy as "the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems". Similarly, the European Commission describes it as encompassing "all economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coasts, including fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, and renewable energy". This vision encompasses fisheries, aquaculture, maritime shipping, renewable ocean energy, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology. According to a World Bank report, globally, the Blue Economy generates around $2.3 trillion annually, contributing to food security, poverty eradication and climate change mitigation. According to FAO, marine ecosystems are integral to global well-being. Oceans provide sustenance to over three billion people, with fish accounting for 16% of the global animal protein supply. Livelihoods for 660820 million people rely on fisheries and aquaculture, with women playing a critical role, particularly in fish processing, where they hold up to 90% of jobs. Furthermore, the World Bank report says that oceans absorb 25% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, with "blue carbon" sinks such as mangroves and seagrasses proving five times more effective than tropical forests at sequestering carbon. For Pakistan, the Blue Economy is an untapped frontier. With a 1,046 km coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by the Arabian Sea, Pakistan's maritime potential remains largely underutilised. The maritime sector contributes only 2.4% of GDP, as per the Pakistan Economic Survey 20232024, with fisheries exports at just $450 million annually. In contrast, regional peers earn billions from marine resources. Estimates suggest Pakistan could generate over $100 billion annually from its Blue Economy with the right strategies (World Bank Group report). However, Pakistan's marine economy faces several challenges. Overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution and unregulated coastal development hinder sustainability. Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing exacerbates the problem, with global losses estimated at $1022 billion annually as per the FAO Report. Climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion and ocean acidification, further threatens livelihoods and ecosystems. Fragmented governance structures and inadequate infrastructure add to these issues. Despite these hurdles, opportunities abound for Pakistan to leverage its marine potential. Examples from Morocco, Indonesia and Oman highlight the impact of governance reforms and targeted investments. Morocco, backed by the World Bank, developed its aquaculture sector, creating rural jobs, especially for women. Indonesia employs mobile technologies to monitor fisheries, improving biodiversity conservation. Oman's fisheries management is a benchmark for balancing ecology and economic growth. To realise its Blue Economy potential, Pakistan must implement a comprehensive approach. Reforms like Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and marine spatial planning can align conservation with economic activities. Clear policies and tenure rights can empower communities to adopt sustainable practices. Digital tools for maritime mapping and data-driven monitoring can improve decision-making and resource management. Public-private partnerships in fisheries, renewable energy and marine biotechnology can foster innovation and economic diversification while attracting needed capital. Pakistan's scenic beaches, such as Gwadar and Kund Malir, have immense potential for eco-tourism. Investments in infrastructure, conservation and community engagement can attract global visitors and preserve natural habitats. Small-scale fishers and women in supply chains must be prioritised through policies and capacity-building programmes to ensure equitable access to resources and inclusive growth. Regional cooperation to address shared issues like illegal fishing and marine pollution can also drive collective progress. Empowering coastal communities is central to the Blue Economy. Small-scale fishers, often the most impacted by resource degradation, must have a role in governance and decision-making. This not only ensures equity but also enhances compliance with sustainable practices. Globally, fisheries rebuilding efforts are more successful when local stakeholders are involved. Pakistan's reliance on maritime transportation for 95% of its imports and exports underscores the strategic importance of coastal infrastructure (Pakistan Economic Survey 202324). Modernising ports and improving logistics can make Pakistan a regional maritime hub, boosting trade efficiency. Renewable ocean energy projects, like tidal and wave energy, can help address Pakistan's energy crisis while cutting carbon emissions. Protecting mangroves and coastal ecosystems is crucial for carbon sequestration and climate resilience. Declining mangrove cover threatens biodiversity and causes economic losses exceeding $4 billion annually, as seen in Belize. Restoring these habitats can deliver ecological and economic benefits. The oceans are Pakistan's gateway to sustainable development. Localising SDG 14 and embracing the Blue Economy, Pakistan can transform its marine resources into a foundation for economic growth and environmental stewardship. Visionary leadership, innovative governance and a commitment to sustainability are essential to secure Pakistan's maritime future, set a global example and ensure its oceans remain a source of life and livelihood for generations to come. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourNone
New Delhi: A unique digital governance platform in India, PRAGATI, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has transformed the delivery of the country’s infrastructure projects, a study by Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and the Gates Foundation has found. Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) has driven accountability at the most senior level and supported unprecedented federal and regional collaboration, accelerating 340 projects worth $205 billion and cutting through decades of delays, the study noted. The findings were released on Monday at a symposium hosted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bengaluru, which brought together leaders from academia and the public and private sectors to discuss how digital governance can transform infrastructure development. Titled ‘From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India’s PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress’, the case study noted that many of the 340 projects were anywhere from three to 20 years overdue. This new model not only does away with layers of obfuscation, but introduces an element of “naming and shaming” that compels officials to be directly answerable, the study has found. “PRAGATI shows us it is essential for nations to cultivate an environment where top leadership is using technology to drive cross-collaboration and regular accountability reviews. This is particularly valuable for countries aiming to make infrastructure development a pillar of economic growth,” said Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean and Professor of Management at University of Oxford. “The transition towards such systems may require initial investment and cultural shifts, but the long-term benefits of more reliable infrastructure and public trust are immeasurable, delivering a ripple effect of efficiency and success in their development agenda,” he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi expressed happiness at the recognition of PRAGATI effectiveness. “PRAGATI represents a wonderful amalgamation of technology and governance, ensuring silos are removed and projects are completed on time. Over the years, these sessions have led to substantive benefits, which have greatly benefitted people,” he said on X. The case study has found that the ministries and departments are now more responsive to citizen grievances, knowing that their performance will be reviewed at the highest level and subjected to a data-driven analysis. “In India’s complex federal structure, fostering cooperation between the central government and states – regardless of which political party is in power at the Centre or the states – is crucial for effective governance. The relationship between the central government and states has historically been marked by political tensions and competing priorities,” the study noted. “Different political parties often control different states, and partisan differences can easily derail important initiatives. Yet PRAGATI has emerged as a powerful demonstration of cooperative federalism in action – showing how central and state governments can work together effectively regardless of political affiliations when focused on shared development goals,” it added. The case study has recommended that potential exists to further enhance the Team India approach through PRAGATI.With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that “this was just a first run”. “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatia’s political scene. Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU. Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war”. His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East”. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
In a Dec. 22 Truth Social post , Trump announced Ken Howery as his choice for United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark and added that the U.S. should pursue control of Greenland. Greenland is an island located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans and is a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” Trump’s post says. While Trump hasn’t elaborated on his motivation to purchase Greenland, the territory has access to valuable natural resources and houses a large U.S. military base . Its location also provides access to the Arctic Ocean from the Atlantic. Trump first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019, during his first administration. Denmark’s prime minister called purchase discussions “absurd,” prompting Trump to cancel a planned trip to the country. Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton penned an op-ed in 2019 saying that acquiring the territory would provide a safeguard against foreign threats like what the U.S. faced during World War II and the Cold War. After Trump expressed renewed interest in Greenland on Dec. 22, Google search data shows there’s been a spike in searches about Trump’s statement and Greenland, including whether the territory is for sale. THE QUESTION Is Greenland for sale? THE SOURCES Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede Danish national government website Self-Government Act in 2009 Statement from Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to ABC News Rasmus Jarlov , a member of Danish parliament U.S. Space Force THE ANSWER No, Greenland is not for sale. WHAT WE FOUND Greenland is not for sale, Múte Egede, the territory’s prime minister, said on Facebook . “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom,” Egede wrote in Danish, translated into English via Google Translate. “However, we must continue to be open to cooperation and trade with the whole world, especially with our neighbours. Since all cooperation and trade cannot go through Denmark. All cooperation with us must be based on our values. Because at all times we must not squabble about our country,” Egede wrote. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, according to the Danish national government website . It has its own government, managing most domestic affairs, while Denmark oversees foreign policy, defense and monetary matters. In 2009, Greenland's residents voted for increased autonomy , which gave the island its own parliament and independent leadership, but it is still in part controlled by Denmark. According to Greenland’s Self-Government Act in 2009 , Greenland has the option to declare full independence if it chooses to in the future. First, in order to do that, the decision regarding Greenland’s independence must be brought before the people. Greenland has a population of roughly 56,000. If Greenland’s population decides to move forward, negotiations begin between Danish and Greenland governing bodies. An agreement has to be made between the two, and if reached, Greenland’s parliament has to approve and then draft a resolution for independence. The agreement for independence ends with Denmark’s parliament approving the independence. Greenland would then become an independent nation. In response to Trump’s Dec. 22 Truth Social post, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told ABC News the “Danish Government is looking forward to welcoming the new American ambassador. And the Government is looking forward to working with the new administration.” “In a complex security political situation as the one we currently experience, transatlantic cooperation is crucial. As far as statements about Greenland, the Prime Minister's Office has no comments other than reference to what was stated by the Premier of Greenland about Greenland not being for sale, but open for cooperation.” VERIFY reached out to the Danish prime minister’s office for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication. Danish parliament member Rasmus Jarlov rejected Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland in a post on X. “Greenland is Danish. It has been since 1380 and it will continue to be. This is undisputed, signed in rock in treaties and not open for negotiation. At all. Dictators threaten to take control over other countries' territory. Free democratic countries do not,” Jarlov said. The U.S’s interest in Greenland did not begin with Trump. In 1946, the U.S. considered proposals to pay Denmark $100 million in gold bars for Greenland or trade oil-rich land in Alaska for some of Greenland’s territory, according to the Associated Press . Even though the sale did not go through, the United States ended up with the military bases it wanted anyway. The U.S. Air Force currently maintains two bases in Greenland, Thule and Sondestrom. Construction of the Thule base in 1952 was made possible by a defense treaty signed by the U.S. and Denmark in 1951 . Originally designed as a refueling base for long-range bombing missions, it has been a ballistic missile early warning site and satellite telemetry station since 1961. Sondestrom’s mission is in support of the base at Thule. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Related Articles Claim that only 6% of federal employees work in the office is false No, Trump can’t legally withdraw the U.S. from NATO by executive order No, the U.S. does not have any authority over the Panama Canal The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us YouTube Snapchat Instagram Facebook TikTok Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808The Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) officers should be the stewards of the State’s wealth and promoters of its opportunities, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayn has said. He was speaking after inaugurating the KAS Day celebration and the first-anniversary meeting of the Kerala Administrative Service Officers Association here on Sunday. The KAS officers were appointed in various departments to bring about progressive changes. The KAS is not a means to preside over the continuation of the old projects and schemes. On the contrary, the KAS officers are meant to break new ground for changes, he said. As the first batch of the KAS, the government has stood by the difficulties faced by the officials. The government has intervened to a large extent in the service problems faced by the officials, said the Chief Minister. He added that the government will immediately take measures to address the rest of the issues faced by them. The process regarding the amendment of the special rule will be completed expeditiously. Along with this, the government will also examine the possibility of providing periodic training to the KAS officers on the model of the All India Services. The KAS officials should try to turn insignificant departments into significant ones, said Mr. Vijayan while praising the interventions made by the officials in the meetings of the G20 summit and events like Keraleeyam and Navakerala Sadas. Both the State government and the public have high expectations of the KAS officials. They should nurture a positive attitude towards matters related to the people. The Chief Minister also said that maximum care should be taken to reduce the delay in taking decisions on files by using advanced technologies. The process of recruiting the next batch of KAS officers is in the final stage. As the first KAS batch, the officers have to set an example for the coming batches, he said. Governance should be done giving due respect to democracy. “We need a bureaucratic society guided by progressive secular values. A new work culture with an accountable approach is essential for working constructively. The government has introduced some new perspectives in the field of governance. The officers should have the qualities like adaptability, empathetic behaviour, awareness of civil rights, and confidence to work constructively,” he added. Published - December 22, 2024 07:42 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
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Solvay SA ( OTCMKTS:SVYSF – Get Free Report ) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 701,400 shares, a growth of 25.4% from the November 30th total of 559,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 701.4 days. Solvay Price Performance OTCMKTS SVYSF opened at $32.15 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $35.88 and a 200 day moving average of $36.12. Solvay has a twelve month low of $23.50 and a twelve month high of $43.20. About Solvay ( Get Free Report ) Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Solvay Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Solvay and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .The Extinction of Small Used Car Dealerships: A Closer Look at Corporate Exploitation