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1. The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) is a WHO-managed network supporting national digital health transformation. Launched during India's G20 Presidency in August 2023 and formally in February 2024, GIDH's objectives include assessing digital health needs and matching resources with priorities. It features four main components: Country Needs Tracker, Country Resource Portal, Transformation Toolbox, and Knowledge Exchange. Despite India's commitment of USD 10 million, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has not approved the contribution. Digital healthcare encompasses technologies like mHealth, telemedicine, and personalized medicine, aiming to make medical services accessible and sustainable. India's Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, launched in September 2021, works towards creating electronic health records for all citizens, implemented by the National Health Authority.
2. NASA and India have committed to increased cooperation, including a joint project on the International Space Station (ISS) featuring an Indian astronaut. The countries concluded a Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation, providing advanced training for ISRO astronauts at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Additionally, they are exploring India's participation in the Lunar Gateway Programme, part of the US-led Artemis programme. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, set to launch soon, will map Earth's surface bi-weekly to aid climate change efforts. The India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), launched in May 2022, promotes collaboration in critical technologies like AI, semiconductors, and defense space. The iCET Dialogue on June 17, 2024, in New Delhi saw the US Space Force partnering with Indian startups 114ai and 3rdiTech.
3. The Union Cabinet approved the "National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)" proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance forensic infrastructure nationwide. With a financial outlay of Rs. 2,254.43 crore for 2024-25 to 2028-29, NFIES aims to establish off-campus laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in 28 States and all Union Territories, set up new Central Forensic Science Laboratories, and enhance the Delhi Campus of NFSU. The scheme addresses the shortage of trained forensic professionals, supports efficient criminal justice processes, and aims for a high conviction rate above 90%. With the new criminal laws effective from July 1, 2024, forensic investigations will increase for offences punishable by seven years or more.
4. The Odisha government has extended its hockey sponsorship until 2036, coinciding with the centenary of Odisha's formation in 1936 and the year of the 2036 Olympic Games. The Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd (OMC), originally committed to sponsoring Hockey India from 2018 to 2023, had extended its support to 2033, and now to 2036. OMC, a wholly owned government corporation established in 1956, plays a key role in this sponsorship. In addition, the Odisha Chief Minister inaugurated the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, one of the largest in Rourkela, on January 5, 2023. National Sports Day is observed in India on August 29, marking the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.