The 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA)
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), hosted the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) in New Delhi, India, from October 14 to 18, 2024.
The overarching theme of this significant event was 'Smart Regulation: Delivering Quality Assured Medical Products for All.' The conference spanned a comprehensive five-day program, commencing with the first two days designated as the PRE-ICDRA, followed by the subsequent three days designated as the main ICDRA sessions.
Since it was founded in 1980, the International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) has brought together regulatory authorities from WHO Member States to strengthen collaboration and develop international consensus on regulatory priorities.
Oct 18, 2024
Kaksar Bridge Renamed in Honour of Kargil War Hero Capt. Amit Bhardwaj
In a poignant ceremony, Kaksar Bridge, in the Union Territory of Ladakh, was renamed Capt. Amit Bhardwaj Setu to honour the sacrifice of Capt. Amit Bhardwaj during the Kargil War. The event, attended by prominent military and civil officials, including CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Major General K. Mahesh, SM, celebrated Bhardwaj's bravery and dedication to the nation.
Sunita Dhonkaria, Capt. Bhardwaj's sister, inaugurated a memorial at the bridge, further honoring her brother's legacy. Capt. Amit Bhardwaj, serving with the 4 JAT Battalion, made the ultimate sacrifice during a rescue operation in Kaksar, showcasing unparalleled courage against infiltrators in 1999.
Nayab Saini Takes Oath as Haryana Chief Minister
Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as Haryana's Chief Minister for the second time, marking BJP's third consecutive term in power in the state. Governor Bandaru Dattatreya administered the oath at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and NDA leaders. Saini's council of 13 ministers also took the oath. Saini, a Dalit leader from Kurukshetra, led the BJP to victory in the October 5 Assembly elections, securing 48 seats in the 90-member house. Saini's rise to the top post continues from his earlier roles in the BJP, including as Haryana BJP chief.
Oct 17, 2024
Karnataka Eyes Top Spot as Asia's Animation and Gaming Powerhouse
During a special address at the second edition of the Indian Gaming Convention (IGC) held in New Delhi, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka's Minister of Information Technology and Biotechnology, expressed the state's ambition to lead the gaming and animation industry. Kharge stated, "Karnataka has all that is needed to ensure that we become the gaming and animation capital of not only this country but also of Asia."
Theme of IGC 2024 'India—the Next Superpower in Gaming' emphasises India's growth trajectory to becoming a global leader in gaming.
Centre Extends Tenure of Registrar General Mritunjay Kumar Narayan
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of tenure of Registrar General Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, who is also the Census Commissioner, until August 2026. It also appointed IPS officer Praveen Vashista as Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As Census Commissioner of India, the role of Narayan, a 1995-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre Indian Administrative Service officer, is crucial considering the next census exercises. The Census enumeration, which was scheduled to take place in 2021, has been postponed 10 times in the last four years.
Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution against Waqf Amendment Bill
The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the BJP-led central government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August and subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The state's lawmakers expressed concerns over the bill, asserting that it could undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards and the management of Waqf properties.
V. Abdurahiman, the minister for welfare of minorities, sports, Waqf and Haj pilgrimage, moved the government resolution under rule 118 and said that the Waqf was a subject on the concurrent list.
He argued that the amendments proposed by the Centre as part of the new bill would take away the rights of state governments and Waqf Boards in each state and challenge democratic federalism norms in the country.
Oct 16, 2024
Omar Abdullah Takes Oath as CM of Jammu and Kashmir
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the National Conference-Congress alliance won the maiden assembly elections held after the abrogation of Article 370. Abdullah and his ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The NC won 42 seats while the Congress won 6 seats. The majority got further strengthened with the backing of five Independent MLAs and one MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Bharatiya Janata Party won 29 seats, up from 25 it won in 2014 assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Poll body ECI Announces Dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for the upcoming Legislative Assembly Election in the states of Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The announcement came days after the elections were successfully organised in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian poll body.
While Maharashtra will go to polls in a single phase, Jharkhand will have a two-phase poll process, with the results set to be announced on November 23.
The western Indian state of Maharashtra will go to polls on November 20 with the last date of securing nominations being October 29. The last date of withdrawal of candidature will be November 4.
Meanwhile, the voters in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand will cast their votes in two phases on November 13 and November 20. The last of securing nomination for the first phase is October 25 while for the latter it is October 29. The candidates can withdraw their names for both phases on October 30 and November 1, respectively.
Telangana Appoints One-man Commission to Study SC Sub-Classification
The state government appointed a one-man commission, headed by retired judge of Telangana High Court Justice Shameem Akhtar, to conduct a detailed study on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes for providing reservations.
The Scheduled Castes Development Department (SCDD) had issued orders to this effect.
The commission will complete its inquiry and submit its report to the government within 60 days from the date of assumption of charge.
It may be recalled that the Cabinet sub-committee, headed by Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, recently suggested that the government appoint a one-man Commission of Inquiry under Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 (Central Act-60 of 1952) to look into all aspects of SC sub-categorisation.
Oct 15, 2024
India Expels 6 Canadian Diplomats, Recalls its Envoy as Row Escalates
The ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada escalated with New Delhi recalling its top envoy to Ottawa and expelling six Canadian diplomats from the country.
The developments followed Ottawa naming India's High Commissioner to Canada and a few other diplomats as 'persons of interest' in the investigation into Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder.
In response, India initially announced the withdrawal of High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and the other diplomats from Canada. Soon after, India said it was expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi, including the acting High Commissioner. All of them were asked to leave India by the end of this week.
US-India Leadership Summit 2024
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) held its annual 'India Leadership Summit 2024′ in New Delhi to enhance bilateral trade, supply chains, semiconductor investment, AI and next-gen technologies cooperation. The summit followed on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successful visit to the US for the Quad Leaders' Summit and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The day-long summit aimed to bolster defence ties, promote clean energy and secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. John Chambers, Chairman of USISPF has said that this is India's century and he is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we work closely with Indian leaders to build a shared and prosperous future for both nations. The summit offered a vital platform to strengthen the dynamic strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi. The summit featured sessions with prominent leaders including Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan and Jyotiraditya Scindia, among other key officials. The summit also delved into strategies for fortifying India's manufacturing economy, as Washington and New Delhi collaborate on rebuilding and realigning global supply chains.
Andhra Pradesh to Establish 'Ratan Tata Innovation Hub'
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced that the state is set to establish an Innovation Hub named the "Ratan Tata Innovation Hub" in Amaravati, honouring the legacy of Ratan Tata. The hub's purpose would be to foster innovation, create entrepreneurial ecosystems, and mentor start-ups in the region.
The initiative aims to link the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub with five other zonal centres, each of which is supported by a prominent business group.