Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal today launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ from the Mumbai port. The Union Minister of State, Shantanu Thakur also attended the launch. The Cruise Bharat Mission aims to excel in India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Sonowal said that the mission aims to propel the country’s cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic by 2029. He further said that the government is committed to harnessing the tremendous potential of the Blue Economy of India.

Mr Shantanu Thakur said that the Cruise Bharat is a visionary initiative that will open new horizons, create unprecedented opportunities, and place India at the forefront of the global cruise tourism industry.

Based on research conducted at Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow and data from antibody-based therapies (biologics), a protein Sclerostin, has emerged as a promising drug target for treating Chronic kidney disease (CKD) induced osteoporosis as well as postmenopausal osteoporosis. Studies suggest that the protein Sclerostin plays a key role in the dysregulation of bone metabolism. In patients with advanced stages of CKD and osteoporosis, Sclerostin levels are observed to be high.

To develop oral medication through the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of Sclerostin, a collaborative research agreement was signed by Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, Ahmedabad and Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow. Under this agreement, CDRI and Zydus will jointly undertake preclinical research. Any drug candidate emerging from the efforts will be developed by Zydus for India and other markets.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population, posing significant health challenges. One of the major complications of CKD is disruption of mineral metabolism, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Those above the age of 65, particularly women, are at higher risk. Unfortunately, most of the conventional anti-osteoporosis medications are contraindicated in patients with CKD, due to the risk of worsening renal function. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective drugs for osteoporosis that will reduce fracture risk without a deterioration of renal function.

“The National Quantum Mission is more than just a quantum initiative. It is a strategic investment in India's future, laying the groundwork for economic growth, job creation, and technological leadership in the quantum-driven world,” said Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh at the Announcement Ceremony of Thematic Hubs and Technical Groups National Quantum Mission (NQM).

Addressing the ceremony through a video message, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the establishment of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) comprising of 14 Technical Groups (17 Project Teams) across 17 states and 2 Union Territories. These hubs bring together a total of 152 researchers from 43 institutions, including 31 Institutes of National Importance, 8 research laboratories, one university and 3 private institutes. This initiative reflects the nation's collective ambition to lead in the rapidly evolving field of quantum technologies.

“The National Quantum Mission is a key pillar in realizing the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, reflecting our determination to be at the cutting edge of quantum technologies that will shape the future,” stressed Dr Jitendra Singh.

India on Sept. 30 launched BharatGen, an initiative to make generative AI available to citizens in different Indian languages, with Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh asserting that it was the world's first State-funded project of its kind.

Spearheaded by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), the initiative will create generative AI systems that can generate high-quality text and multimodal content in various Indian languages.

The initiative was launched by Principal Scientific Advisor A K Sood, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Abhay Karandikar, Department of Telecommunications Secretary Neeraj Mittal among others. The S&T Minister has sent a video message for the event.

On orders from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has established collaborative research facilities called DRDO-industry-academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoE), at premier academic institutes in the country.

These include “directed research ecosystems” that pursue collaboration among DRDO laboratories, and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).

“DIA-CoEs will pursue research both in developing cutting-edge technologies and in the areas of denied defence technologies,” says its website.

October 2nd marks Gandhi Jayanti, a day that honours Mahatma Gandhi‘s birth anniversary, recognising his crucial contributions to India’s independence movement.

Affectionately referred to as Bapu and recognised as the “Father of the Nation,” the title “Mahatma,” meaning “great soul,” was given to him by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore in 1915.

Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in Porbandar, Gujarat, on October 2, 1869, this year, India will celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 155th birth anniversary on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Seniors are the backbone of our society, shouldering countless responsibilities while passing down invaluable wisdom and rich traditions to the younger generation. To honour their vital role, we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons on October 1 each year — a day dedicated to recognising the contributions of older citizens. This special occasion not only highlights their significance as societal leaders but also sheds light on the challenges they face, reminding us all to appreciate and support the incredible legacy they create.

The theme for the 34th International Day of Older Persons is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar will honour national toppers in the field of disability rehabilitation and special education in New Delhi tomorrow. Dr. Kumar will attend a convocation ceremony organized by the National Rehabilitation Examination Board, an entity affiliated with the Rehabilitation Council of India under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The event will also be attended by Ministers of State of Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma and Ramdas Athawale.

This convocation aims to celebrate the achievements of students who have demonstrated excellence in special education and rehabilitation services. The event will not only acknowledge academic brilliance but also emphasize skill development and professional commitment, inspiring future generations. The teacher and parents of the National Toppers are also invited to the event.

U.S President Joe Biden has approved 567 million dollars in defense support for Taiwan. According to the White House, Biden has delegated the Secretary of State the authority to direct the drawdown of up to 567 million dollars in defense articles, services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training to provide assistance to Taiwan.

In April this year, Biden signed a hard-fought bill into law that provides billions of dollars of new US aid to Ukraine for its war with Russia, as well as for Israel and Taiwan.

The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise, KAZIND-2024, commenced Monday at the Surya Foreign Training Node in Auli, Uttarakhand.

This joint exercise will run from September 30 to October 13, 2024, and aims to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in an official press release.

The Indian Armed Forces are represented by 120 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the KUMAON Regiment of the Indian Army. Additional personnel from other arms and services, as well as the Indian Air Force, are also participating.