Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 12 May 2023

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Startup Forum 2023

India's Department of Promotion for Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce recently organized the first-ever physical Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Startup Forum in New Delhi. This event marked the third edition of the Startup India initiative aimed at expanding startup interactions amongst the SCO Member States, promoting innovation, generating employment, and encouraging young talent to develop innovative solutions. The event focused on promoting collaboration and entrepreneurship, creating common platforms, and sharing best practices among SCO nations. The workshop on the ‘Role of Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements in developing a startup ecosystem’ aimed to build closer ties between these nations and boost the startup ecosystem.

The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization established in 2001. It aims to maintain peace, security, and stability in the Eurasian region. The SCO consists of nine member states and is seen as a counterweight to NATO. Its official languages are Russian and Chinese. The SCO's origins can be traced back to the Shanghai Five, formed in 1996 with Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. After Uzbekistan joined in 2001, it became the SCO. India and Pakistan joined in 2017, and Iran is set to become a permanent member in 2023.

Ministry of Ayush and ICMR collaborate for Integrative Health Research

The Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and collaborate on integrative health research in India. The MoU aims to generate evidence using modern scientific methods and focus on areas of national importance in healthcare. The cooperation will strengthen research capacity through training programs for Ayush researchers. The integration of traditional and modern medicine is a priority for the government, and this collaboration is seen as a significant step in that direction.

The MoU will facilitate the establishment of Ayush-ICMR Centers for Advanced Research in Integrative Health at all AIIMS with co-funding. Additionally, the parties will explore possibilities for public health research, addressing diseases of national importance, and conducting high-quality clinical trials in identified areas. A joint working group will be established to explore further areas of collaboration and ensure the implementation of joint research projects. The MoU signifies the commitment to evidence-based research and the integration of Ayush practices into the national healthcare system.

Ganga Expressway

The Uttar Pradesh government aims to complete the 594-km Ganga Expressway (NH-334), one of India's largest expressway projects, by December 2024, a year ahead of schedule. The early completion is intended to ensure that the expressway is open to the public before the next Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, scheduled for January 2025.

The Ganga Expressway is a significant expressway project in Uttar Pradesh, India. The construction is being carried out on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with Adani Enterprises and IRB Infrastructure Developers as the project developers. The expressway, divided into four sections, will connect Meerut to Prayagraj, passing through 12 districts. It is estimated to cost Rs 36,000 crore. Financial incentives are provided to the developers for completing the project ahead of schedule. The Ganga Expressway project is crucial for improving connectivity and facilitating transportation in the region.

Men's World Boxing Championships

Prime Minister of India has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Deepak Bhoria, Hussamuddin, and Nishant Dev for their remarkable achievement in the Men's World Boxing Championships held in Tashkent. They have created history by ensuring India’s best-ever haul of three medals at the prestigious tournament. Deepak Bhoria (51kg) won silver, Hussamuddin (57kg) and Nishant Dev (71kg) won bronze medals in the semifinals.

The Men's World Boxing Championships, taking place from April 30 to May 14, 2023, in Uzbekistan, is a prominent event that brings together more than 400 boxers from across the globe, competing in 13 weight categories to claim victory and honor. Organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the Boxing Federation of Uzbekistan, with the support of the Government of Uzbekistan, the tournament not only showcases top-notch boxing skills but also serves as a platform to celebrate the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Uzbekistan.