WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine at Jamanagar
PM to inaugurate WHO Global
Centre for Traditional Medicine at Jamanagar tomorrow
Prime Minister of Mauritius and Director-General of WHO to grace the ceremony
Ayush Minister says, 'it's time for India to capitalize on our traditional
knowledge, and use it to serve the world'
Why is it in news?
Today,
the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Gujarat organized a curtain raiser
press conference to discuss two pertinent developments in the field of
traditional medicine in India- the groundbreaking event of the WHO Global
Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) and the convening of the Global Ayush
Investment and Innovation Summit (GAIIS). Both the events are being held in
Gujarat and will be graced by the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Mauritius Shri Pravind Jugnauth and
the Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. There will be a galaxy of
ambassadors that will grace both the events.
Highlights
· The WHO Global Centre for
Traditional Medicine, the first of its kind in the world, will be inaugurated
on April 19, 2022, in Jamnagar. The Centre aims to channel the potential of
traditional medicine, by integrating it with technological advancements and
evidence-based research. While Jamnagar will serve as the base, the new Centre
aims to engage and benefit the world. The GCTM shall focus on four main
strategic areas: evidence and learning; data and analytics; sustainability and
equity; and innovation and technology to optimize the contribution of
traditional medicine to global health.
· The Global Ayush Investment
and Innovation Summit will be held from April 20 to April 22, 2022, in
Gandhinagar. The Summit aims to increase investments and showcase innovations
in the field of traditional medicine. It is a unique attempt to foster
longlasting partnerships, boost exports and nurture a sustainable ecosystem.
· Commenting on the upcoming
events, Shri Sarbananda Sonawal, Union Minister for Ayush said,”
Both the events will mark a milestone for India’s Ayush industry. The Global
Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit present an opportunity for India to
create a global market for Ayurvedic and herbal products. We are standing at
the doors of a golden era, where we can capitalize on our traditional
knowledge, and use it to serve the world.” He further added, “Global Centre for
Traditional Medicine represents WHO’s and India’s outstanding commitment to
global health. Standing at the juncture of advanced technology and ancient
wisdom, the only way ahead of us is upwards.”
· At the press conference in
Rajkot, esteemed guests such as Shri Sarbananda Sonawal, Union Minister for
Ayush; Dr. Shri Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai, Minister of State for Ayush;
and Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, introduced the
WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine and Global Ayush Innovation and
Investment Summit (GAIIS). They discussed the key highlights of the partnership
between the Ministry of Ayush and the WHO, and emphasized the importance of
investment and innovations in the field of traditional medicine in the
post-Covid world. The conference was also attended by Shri Manoj Agrawal,
Additional Chief Secretary, from the Health Department of the Government of
Gujarat.
· The GCTM seeks to set
policies and standards on traditional medicine products and help countries
create a comprehensive, safe, and high-quality health system. Global Ayush
Investment and Innovation Summit is an initiative to strategize India’s efforts
in becoming a global hub of traditional products, practices, and related
services.
Sugar Exports
India's sugar exports grow
by 291% since 2013-14
Modi government’s policies are helping farmers increase their income by tapping
global markets – Shri Piyush Goyal
Sugar exports rise by
64.90% during 2021-22 alone.
Why is it in news?
Sugar
exports exceed 10 million tons for the first time.
Highlights
· India's Sugar Exports
witnessed an astounding growth of 291% from USD 1,177 million in FY 2013-14 to
USD 4600 million in FY 2021-22. As per DGCI&S data, India exported sugar to
121 countries across the globe.
· Sugar export jumped 65 per
cent in 2021-22 corresponding to previous year. The growth was achieved despite
logistical challenges posed by COVID19 pandemic in the form of high freight
rates, container shortages, etc.
· Highlighting the historic
achievement in a tweet, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal said that
Modi government’s policies were helping farmers increase their income by
tapping global markets.
· According to the DGCI&S
data, India had exported sugar worth of USD 1965 million in 2019-20, which rose
to USD 2790 million in 2020-21 and USD 4600 million in 2021-22.
· In 2021-22
(April-February), India has exported sugar worth of USD 769 million to
Indonesia, followed by Bangladesh (USD 561 million), Sudan (USD 530 million)
and U.A.E (USD 270 million). India also exported sugar to Somalia, Saudi Arab,
Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Nepal, China, etc. Indian
sweetener has also been imported by USA, Singapore, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, Iran,
Syria, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, France, New Zealand, Denmark,
Israel, Russia, Egypt, etc.
· Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra
and Karnataka account for nearly 80 percent of the total sugar production in
the country. The other major sugarcane-producing states are Andhra Pradesh,
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab.
· Notably, India is the
world’s second-largest sugar producer after Brazil. Since 2010-11, India has
consistently produced surplus sugar, comfortably exceeding the domestic
requirements. The record exports would enable the sugar producers to reduce
their stocks and would also benefit the sugarcane farmers, as the increased
demand for Indian sugar is likely to improve their realizations. The
significant rise in agri-exports is also seen as a testimony of the
government’s commitment to increase farmers’ income by boosting exports of
agricultural and processed food products of the country.
· In order to ensure seamless
quality certification of products to be exported, APEDA has recognized 220 labs
across India to provide services of testing to a wide range of products and
exporters.
· APEDA organizes
participation of exporters in the International Trade Fairs, which provides a
platform to the exporters to market their food products in the global
marketplace. APEDA also organizes national events like AAHAR, Organic World
Congress, BioFach India etc. to promote agri-exports.
· In 2019, APEDA led a
delegation of exporters to Indonesia and organised road shows and had meetings
with relevant authorities. Thereafter, export to Indonesia picked up and today
they are the highest importer of sugar from India.
· Even after record exports,
the closing stocks at the end of Sugar season 2021-22 (October – September)
would be at a comfortable level of 73 lakh tons. The Government will continue
to take all possible steps to maintain this upward trend in sugar exports.