Delhi, 10 APR 2024 

Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) at Command Hospital (Southern Command) in Pune has conducted two piezoelectric Bone Conduction Hearing Implants (BCI) in a 7-year old male child suffering from congenital external and middle ear anomalies with severe degree of hearing loss and one adult with Single Sided Deafness (SSD), becoming the first government hospital across the country to procure and conduct the successful piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implants.

The ENT department of Command Hospital (Southern Command) is a designated Neurotology centre of the AFMS. The dept. has been providing Implantable hearing solutions to dependent clientele for a number of years. Active piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implant system is an implantable medical electronic device for hearing impaired patients [conductive loss (including aural atresia), mixed hearing loss and single sided deafness].The cost of the equipment has always been a concern, making its outreach limited.

There are certain group of patients with conductive/ mixed hearing loss or patients with single sided deafness, who are not candidates for cochlear implantation and do not benefit with hearing aids or middle ear surgery. To reduce the associated disability, it is imperative to provide hearing augmentation for better academic outcome in children and social life in adults. Bone conduction implantation is the definitive hearing solutions in such groups of patients to rehabilitate them, and the Armed Forces Medical Services were quick to realise this.

DG Armed Forces Medical Services Lt Gen Daljit Singh and DGMS (Army) Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee have congratulated the Command Hospital (SC) and wished many more laurels to the institute.

These patients were implanted successfully at Command Hospital (SC), Pune by Lt Col (Dr) Rahul Kurkure, Neurotologist and Implant Surgeon under the guidance of Col (Dr) Nitu Singh, Senior Advisor & HoD (ENT). The Command Hospital (SC), Pune is one of the premier institute of AFMS, presently commanded by Maj Gen B Nambiar. The hospital was recently awarded with the most prestigious “Raksha Mantri” trophy as the best hospital in the entire AFMS.

Delhi, 10 APR 2024 

Ministry of Mines, Government of India organized a Special Webinar today for Start-ups, MSMEs, and Individual Innovators working in the Mining & Metallurgical sector to explore avenues for advancing research and innovation in mining and mineral processing.  The Webinar was inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology whereas the key note address was delivered by Shri VL Kantha Rao, Secretary Mines.

 Ministry of Mines launched “Promotion of Research and Innovation in Start-ups and MSMEs in mining, mineral processing, metallurgy and recycling sector (S&T-PRISM)” in November, 2023 to fund research and innovation in starts up and MSMEs which are working in the field of mineral sector, applied and sustainable aspect of mining and industrial applications.  It is expected that this will bridge up the gap between R&D and commercialization as also to promote the ecosystem for a complete value chain in mining and mineral sector.

Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, Nagpur, an autonomous body under the administrative control of Ministry of Mines is implementing agency for S&T – PRISM.

Fresh proposals under the S&T-PRISM program have been invited by JNARDDC and deadline is 30thApril, 2024. Preference is given to Startups/MSMEs of North East region and women-led enterprises.

The webinar was attended by more than 200 participants which includes Startups, Experts and Industry.

During the webinar, participants engaged in insightful discussions surrounding the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in mining and mineral processing. Dr. Anupam Agnihotri, Director, JNARDDC made a presentation on functioning and guidelines of S&T-PRISM. Amitesh Sinha, Head- Corporate Venture Capital & Vedanta Spark Initiatives and Shri Rohit Pathak, CEO & Business Head, Birla Copper, Aditya Birla Group shared their experience in dealing with startups in Mining Sector.  Prof. Asim Tewari, Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay briefed on role of artificial intelligence in Mining Sector.

Symposium emphasises need for innovative policy solutions, collaboration between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and foreign organisations

Symposium explores themes covering health governance, IPR, access to medicine and public health policy

Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade established by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with Centre for Justice, Law and Society (CJLS) at Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), organized the International Symposium on Health Governance in a Political Landscape: Interplay of Health Law, Society and Political Economy.

Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog delivered the inaugural address highlighting the importance of access to medicine and right to health and shared his experiences for policy implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul emphasised the need for inspiring leadership in policymaking, particularly health policy, by citing the example of India’s leadership as a vaccine supplier to the developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul also discussed how the deficiencies of India’s Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 were addressed by invoking the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for implementing the health-related emergency measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University & Dean, JGLS delivered opening remarks along with the welcome address by Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head & Professor, CTIL and Prof. Dipika Jain, Professor, JGLS & Director, CJLS respectively.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ravindra Bhat, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India chaired the plenary session 1 on the theme “Economic Policies, TRIPS and Healthcare: Building Bridges for Access”. Mr. Justice Bhat highlighted the importance of public interest as a ground for granting injunction in pharmaceutical patent disputes. Mr. Justice Bhat focussed on access to health and its intersection with the Intellectual property Right laws in broader parlance and interlinkages between health, trade, and access to medicines which balance economic and public rights. The panellists emphasized the need for innovative policy solutions and greater collaboration between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and international organizations to promote affordable access to medicines for all.

The second plenary session on the theme “Ink & Insight: Living the Scholarly Life Through Thought, Research & Publication” focused on the role of research and publication in shaping public health policy, particularly evidence-based policymaking. The panellists highlighted the influence of economic interests and conflicts of interest in health policy formulation and stressed on the importance of transparency in policymaking.

Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary of Kerala’s Local Self-Government and Women & Child Development Department, delivered a special address that emphasized local bodies’ crucial role in addressing healthcare challenges and utilizing development funds effectively. Subsequently, thematic sessions explored diverse aspects of health governance, including intellectual property rights (IPRs), medicine accessibility, research ethics, and technology’s impact on health outcomes.

The first day of symposium concluded with a special address by Prof. Chantal Thomas, Vice Dean and Radice Family Professor of Law, Cornell Law School, United States of America highlighted India’s significant role in healthcare, emphasizing its moral leadership during Covid-19 and in bringing out the Doha 2001 declaration. She called for an analytical shift in legal and political discourse, advocating for dynamic trade models that consider gender and promoting participatory politics in international trade law.

The thematic sessions on Day 2 featured esteemed speakers and participants delving into critical health governance issues, particularly in TWAIL and Health Equity, abortion rights, reproductive justice, and TRIPS and regional integration in health. Both days’ thematic sessions saw discussions among eminent academicians such as Prof. (Dr.) B.S. Chimni, Distinguished Professor of International Law, JGU; Professor (Dr.) S. G. Sreejith, Professor & Executive Dean, Jindal Global Law School & Executive Director, Centre for International Legal Studies, JGU; Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head & Professor, CTIL; Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, Public Health Doctor and Researcher, Bengaluru; Prof. Leila Choukroune, Professor of International Economic Law & Director of the University of Portsmouth Thematic Initiative in Democratic Citizenship; Prof. Shailja Singh, Associate Professor, CTIL; Prof. Shiny Pradeep, Assistant Professor, CTIL; and the participants.

The symposium ended with a special address by Dr. Anup Wadhawan, former Commerce Secretary, Government of India and a distinguished lecture by Prof. Lorand Bartels on “International Economic Law and Right to Health”. Dr. Anup Wadhawan emphasized the complexities of ensuring access to medicines, urging conscious policy choices like reforming the IPR regime for public health goals. Prof. Bartels emphasized that health is reiterated a fundamental human right within international law. He also cited the Chilean alcohol tax case to underscore challenges in policy implementation. Prof. Ashita Dawer, Associate Professor of Economics, Jindal Global Law School, JGU delivered the concluding remarks. This session was moderated by Ms. Ronjini Ray, Consultant (Legal) Assistant Professor, CTIL.

The Symposium offered scholars and early-stage academicians, both domestic and international, a platform to present their research articles to expert commentators. Following feedback from the commentators, scholars will refine their articles for publication in a Special Issue of Jindal Global Law Review. Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head & Professor, CTIL delivered the concluding observations of the Symposium.

World Homoeopathy Day 2024 celebrated with the theme Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency

Scientific convention on World Homoeopathy Day aimed to promote holistic health and wellness and head towards utilization of advanced techniques for homoeopathy research

During the event 17 CCRH publications including STGH app – mobile application with one edition of Standard Treatment Guidelines in Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha were released

About 80 poster presentations and 30 pharmaceutical and other firms also presented at the exhibition stall

Inaugurating the Scientific Convention on World Homoeopathy Day 2024 today at Yashobhoomi Conventional Centre Dwarka New Delhi, President Smt Droupadi Murmu said, “Many individuals who had become disillusioned with various methods of treatment have benefited from the miracles of Homeopathy. However, within the scientific community, such experiences can only be acknowledged when presented with a sufficient number of experiences backed by facts and analysis. Encouraging scientific rigor will increase confidence in this method of treatment among people.”

She added in her address “Scientific validity forms the basis of authenticity and both acceptance and popularity will increase with authenticity. Your efforts to empower research and enhance proficiency will be beneficial in promoting homeopathy. This will benefit everyone involved in Homeopathy, including doctors, patients, drug manufacturers, and researchers.”

The President further said that the continuous improvement in the education system of homeopathy will make this method more attractive to young students. The involvement of a large number of young people is essential for the bright future of homeopathy. President congratulated the Ayush ministry for organisating this mega event and promoting homeopathy along with other Ayush systems of medicine.

President graced this two-day Scientific Convention on the theme of “Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency” organized by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous apex research organization under Ministry of Ayush to celebrate the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day today.

On this occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said “in homeopathy, there are immense possibilities for integration between other medical systems and traditional medicine. Efforts to integrate these systems, where appropriate, will benefit patients who demand a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Strong research and clinical testing are crucial for establishing a robust scientific foundation for homeopathy. The government is committed to quality control and patient safety by working collaboratively with the homeopathic community. To increase public access to homeopathy and expand its reach, we are actively promoting its integration into primary healthcare systems. We are actively encouraging research in homeopathy through facilities like the CCRH and other collaborators and allocating resources for clinical trials and evidence-based studies.”

Dr. Subhash Kaushik, DG, CCRH, Ministry of Ayush, in his welcome address, emphasized on the need of evidence-based research in today’s era, for which it is important that the scientists of various fields and specialties come together. He thanked eminent scientists and doctors from various organisations like AIIMS, ICMR, Apollo Cancer Hospital, Chennai, Janakpuri Superspecialty Hospital, Delhi, etc. for showing their support for Homoeopathy by attending the symposium.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by a session on ‘Words of Wisdom’, chaired by the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Vaidya Devendra Triguna Ji and Padma Shri Dr. HR Nagendra Ji. In this session Padma Awardees Padma Awardees of Homoeopathy sector Padma Shri Dr. V.K. Gupta, Padma Shri Dr. Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri Dr. Kalyan Banerjee, and Padma Shri Dr. RS Pareek share their enriching experience with the gathering.

Dr. Anil Khurana, Chairman, National Commission for Homoeopathy along with Ayush Scientist Chair,Dr. Sangeeta A. Duggal, Advisor (Homoeopathy), Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Pinakin N Trivedi, President, Board of Ethics and Registration for Homoeopathy, NCH Dr. Janardanan Nair, President, Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy, NCH Dr. Tarkeshwar Jain, President, Homoeopathy Education Board, NCH, Dr Nandini Kumar Ayush distinguished chair were among the other dignitaries at the event. The event also saw participation of 8 delegates from Netherlands, Spain, Columbia, Canada and Bangladesh. During the event, 17 CCRH publications were released.

Subsequent sessions will include talks and panel discussion on topics like Empowering Homoeopathy and the Modern Perspectives, Clinicians Perspectives and Advancing practice. These sessions would witness inputs from Dr. V.K. Gupta, Chairman, SAB, CCRH, Sh. B.K Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Sangeeta A. Duggal, Advisor (Homoeopathy), Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Raj K. Manchanda, Chairperson, Homoeopathic Sectional Committee, Ayush Department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) & Former DG, CCRH, Dr.Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Ayog, Dr. LK Nanda, Chairperson, SCCR, CCRH and other renowned clinicians.

The Scientific Convention over the 2 days will also include sessions on Translational Research, Evidence Base: Research & Practice Experience, Epidemic and Public health, Homoeopathic Drug Standardisation and Basic Research, Interdisciplinary Research, Reforms and Research in Education, Global Perspectives., Challenges in Homoeopathy – Role of Homoeopathic Professional Associations, Veterinary Homoeopathy, Quality Assurance in Homoeopathic Medicinal Products and Services, etc.

This convention aims to promote evidence-based scientific treatment in clinical practice and health programs, to capacitate homoeopathic community in research-based therapeutics, to become a healthcare powerhouse meeting the population’s needs for personalized, safe, and credible healthcare, and to enrich homoeopathic medicine with quality diagnostics, therapeutics, and scientific tools for better patient outcomes.

Delhi, 10 APR 2024 

My heartfelt greetings to all citizens on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the culmination of the sacred month of Ramzan, holds immense significance, symbolizing the spirit of gratitude and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of compassion, generosity, and unity that lie at the heart of the festival, and resonate with the ethos of our diverse nation.

May this Eid bring joy, fulfillment, and abundant blessings to the lives of all.

Delhi, 10 APR 2024

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day Homoeopathy Symposium, organized by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, in New Delhi today (April 10, 2024) on the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Homoeopathy has been adopted in many countries as a simple and accessible treatment method. All over the world, many institutions at international, national and local levels have been promoting Homoeopathy. She appreciated the Ministry of AYUSH, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, National Commission for Homoeopathy, National Institute of Homoeopathy and all such institutions of the Central Government for their contribution in the promotion of Homoeopathy in India.

The President said that the importance of research is continuously increasing in the 21^st century. Therefore, the theme of this Symposium ‘Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency’ is very relevant. She emphasized that research and proficiency will play an important role in further increasing the acceptance and popularity of Homoeopathy.

The President said that many people share such experiences of a person who was disappointed after being treated with various methods and benefited from the miracle of Homoeopathy. But, such experiences can be recognized in the scientific community only when presented with facts and analysis. Such factual analysis done on a large scale is called Authentic Medical Research. Encouraging scientific rigor will further increase people’s confidence in this medical system.

The President said that only healthy people create a healthy society. A healthy nation is built on the foundation of a healthy society.  She expressed that all healthcare professionals will make invaluable contribution in building a healthy, prosperous and developed India.

Please click here to see the President’s speech – 

Delhi, 04 APR 2024 

Army Medical Corps celebrated its 260th Raising Day on 03rd April 2024. Raised in the year 1764, the Corps has rendered selfless service to the nation over centuries of progress, development, dedication & sacrifice, both in combat and in peace, living up to the Corps motto of ‘Sarve Santu Niramaya’ meaning ‘let all be free from disease’.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari attended an event in New Delhi that was organized to mark the Raising Day, and to honour the achievements and celebrate the Esprit-de-Corps of AMC. A video commemorating distinguished achievement of the Armed Forces Medical Services was also screened during the event which was attended by more than 700 veterans of AFMS as well as by civil & service dignitaries.

The AMC Raising Day celebrates the contributions of thousands of Officers, JCOs and other ranks of the Army Medical Corps who have been successful in impacting the lives of the Armed Forces personnel, families and veterans. As part of UN Peace Keeping Missions and HADR activities on foreign soil, the Corps has excelled in every sphere of medical care.

In its endeavour to enhance optimal Combat Medical Care and superlative state-of-the-art peace time medical care, the AMC in its 260th year has set a benchmark in professionalism, courage & compassion beyond the call of duty while relentlessly marching towards the ultimate goal of ‘Swastha Bharat, Viksit Bharat’.

Delhi, 04 APR 2024

Indian Coast Guard Station Pipavav evacuated one critically injured patient aged – 37 yrs, from an Indian Fishing Boat named Pushkar Raj, 50 Km from the coast in Gulf of Khambat on 03 Apr 2024. On receipt of information, ICG Interceptor Boat C-409 on deployment was diverted by Maritime Rescue Sub Centre, Pipavav.

Interceptor Boat on reaching scene of action, established communication with the IFB and it was intimated that the fisherman had sustained fracture in his left foot and his ankle had parted. The patient was safely evacuated by the Interceptor Boat. The fisherman was administered with initial treatment by ICG medical team and was later shifted to Govt. Hospital in stable condition for further medical management.

Delhi, 04 APR 2024 

The Army Commanders’ Conference concluded in New Delhi on   2^nd April 2024. The biannual event, held in a hybrid format, commenced with a virtual session chaired by General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on 28^th March 2024, and was followed by in-person discussions on 1^st and 2^nd April 2024. The senior leadership of the Army brainstormed a wide array of security-related aspects, including ongoing transformation initiatives, leveraging technology and innovation for capability development, enhancing operational preparedness, addressing emerging security and HR-related issues.

Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, in his keynote address on 2^nd April 2024, reaffirmed the nation’s trust in the Indian Army, acknowledging its indispensable role in national security. He applauded the stellar role of the Army in guarding the borders, fighting terrorism and providing aid to the civil administration during crises. The Hon’ble RM exhorted the Army leadership to constantly review doctrinal, structural, & organisational reforms to meet future challenges in view of the evolving security dynamics.

The Raksha Mantri also appreciated the efforts of Indian Army in developing niche technologies in collaboration with indigenous industries and premier educational institutions. Further underscoring the importance of investing in modernisation and technological advancements, he acknowledged appreciable progress made towards the aim of achieving ‘Modernisation through Indigenisation’ under the abiding mantra of ‘Atmanirbharta’.

The Raksha Mantri also reaffirmed the commitment of the Government to the welfare of soldiers, veterans and their families. He emphasised the importance of developing a trained and motivated workforce that can handle the challenges of contemporary combat while being adept at futuristic evolution in warfighting. He called on the leadership to invest in human capital by adhering to the traditions and principles of mutual respect, loyalty, and discipline. Shri Rajnath Singh also released Indian Army UN Journal -2024 encapsulating the theme of ‘Resilience and Adaptability’ on the occasion.

The senior leadership of the Army was also addressed by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Manoj Pande, COAS, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).

The CDS complimented formations and the soldiers for their commitment towards security of the borders with a professional approach while at the same time dealing with challenges and embracing the transformational changes enthusiastically. He also exhorted the senior leadership to embrace the aspects of jointness, integration, and technological absorption in sync with the call of the ‘Third Revolution in Military Affairs’.

The COAS during his address complimented the Army fraternity for successfully wading through myriad challenges and embracing the transformational changes with enthusiasm. He called upon the senior leadership to continue pursuing the process of transformation and technology absorption besides adopting the best practices of sister services and modern armies. He also emphasised the need to ensure seamless situational awareness between commanders at all levels and troops on the ground. The COAS also highlighted that there is a constant need to undertake doctrinal and structural reforms by embracing change and being open to new ideas to meet future operational challenges.

The CNS and CAS emphasised the importance of enhanced jointness given the lessons emerging from contemporary conflicts. They underscored the importance of synergy at the grass-roots level between the services for optimum operational outcomes. Sharing the highlights of ongoing initiatives in their respective services, the Chiefs emphasised the necessity to ensure seamless coordination during joint operations and exercises.

The senior hierarchy of the Army was also addressed by Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa & former CEO of Niti Aayog and Shri Pankaj Saran, former diplomat and Deputy National Security Advisor. The distinguished speakers alluded to the changing geopolitics, impact of developments in the neighbourhood and the global arena on India, and underscored the ever-growing role and importance of armed forces in India’s rise and future trajectory. They emphasised upon the importance of strategic planning and readiness in order to effectively navigate these complex dynamics in future.

Over the two days, senior Army leadership delved deep into current and emerging security landscapes, contemporary subjects affecting the Indian Army and HR aspects affecting serving personnel, their families and the veteran community. The necessity to align the training with technological advancements to harness the innovation potential of the Indian defence industry was also emphasised. The senior leadership reviewed the progress made on the ongoing transformative initiatives and future thrust areas were identified. The Commanders expressed their satisfaction with the steady pace of achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’ in line with the national resolve.

Key Takeaways

v Organisational and procedural transformation will be undertaken to ensure induction/ absorption of niche technology towards futuristic Capability Development with a focus on Atmanirbharta. Towards this, the innovation potential of Army Design Bureau will be upscaled besides Army Design Bureau Cells being established at Command Headquarters. This is aimed at empowering Command Headquarters, formations and unit commanders in facilitating greater outreach to the industry and identification/ trials of niche technology.

v To further bolster the initiative, option of creating a separate Fund Head will be explored. In addition, test bed brigades/ formations will be nominated to ensure greater efficiency and continuity in trials and finalisation of trial reports. Moreover, to ensure lifetime support, future procurements will include aspects catering for holistic sustenance requirements during contract finalisation stage.

v More opportunities to collaborate with other ministries will be explored, to optimally utilise resources and synergise efforts for enhanced capability building and infrastructure development in border areas.   

v Human Resource Management policies will be revised and attuned to facilitate absorption of niche technology with matching training infrastructure. The revised policy will be more innovative towards meeting the requirements of a tech-enabled future-ready Indian Army.

v To ensure realistic wargame and training, feasibility of creating a tailor-made organisation to function as Adversarial Force will be explored.

Delhi, 04 APR 2024 

As part of the ongoing exercise Gagan Shakti-24, Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft recently operated from the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the northern sector in Kashmir valley. A large number of troops were airlifted and subsequently air landed utilising Chinook, Mi-17 V5 and ALH Mk-III helicopters by night.

IAF also plans to practise similar drills in coordination with administration of State Governments for activation of ELFs in other sectors. Various IAF fixed and rotary wing platforms will carry out coordinated landing and operations at these ELF, requiring good planning and coordination with civil administration employing Whole-of-the-Nation-Approach (WNA). ELF operations provide an opportunity for IAF aircraft to undertake operations from such restricted landing surfaces while also being able to undertake Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief operations during times of natural calamities to provide succor and relief. The capability to operate by night at these stretches of highways, and the capability to transfer troops from such surfaces will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of Indian Armed Forces.