The North East Region is organizing an International Conference on Biotechnology involving over 700 International and National delegates representing over 35 countries.
The International Bio-resource Conclave is being held from February 24-26, 2023, in Imphal, Manipur with the theme "Reimagine Ethnopharmacology: Globalisation of Traditional Medicine".
The conference is being organized by the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) in collaboration with Society for Ethno-pharmacology, India and International Society for Ethno-pharmacology, Switzerland. The 22nd Congress of the International Society for Ethno-pharmacology and the 10th Congress of Society for Ethno-pharmacology (ISE SFEC-2023) will also be held during the conference.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, The conference is aimed at the development of bio-resources and traditional healer's practices of the Northeast region for societal benefit and livelihood generation. The conference is expected to facilitate the globalisation of traditional medicine, leading to better healthcare outcomes.
He announced the organization of Industry-Connect (I-Connect) events in several states to develop collaboration between industries and institutes. The program encourages entrepreneurs to promote unique bio-resources and traditional knowledge of the Northeast region.
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Therapeutic Areas:
IBSD focuses on antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, insect repellents, anti-diabetic, anti-arthritis, bronchial asthma, gastro-protectives, and immuno-modulation research. IBSD performs metabolomics studies of medicinal plants to establish their mechanism of action with network pharmacology and synergistic study. The research aims to develop products, processes, and technologies with local bio-resources and traditional knowledge-based therapeutic agents.
Research Areas
IBSD synergizes all research areas to catalyze the bio-economy of the region, including:
- Plant resources
- Microbial resources, including traditional foods
- Phyto-pharmaceutical mission, ethno-pharmacology, and drug development
- Animal resources
- Eco-restoration, water quality management, and surveillance.
India has developed four indigenous vaccines in just two years, including ZyCoV-D, CORBEVAXTM, GEMCOVAC™-19, and iNCOVACC.
IBSD's microbial culture collection center has a huge collection of microbes from NER, which can play a potential lead for new drug development and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) study. IBSD is working on quality evaluation, validation of fermented foods of NER for developing products, processes, and technologies.
India has traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Part of Unani, and there is a need to develop good collection, storage, and manufacturing practices with standardization of Traditional Pharmacology.
Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD)
- IBSD was established in the year 2001 in Imphal under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.
- IBSD has three different other entities including its Regional Centre at Gangtok in Sikkim and Research Nodes at Shillong in Meghalaya and at Aizawl in Mizoram.
- IBSD's mission is for "Bioresources development and their sustainable use through biotechnological interventions for the socio-economic growth of the North Eastern Region".
- IBSD established linkages between traditional healers and scientific communities for benefit sharing and promotion of start-ups with Ethno Entrepreneurships.
- IBSD established a Science Museum at Maha Union Govt. Higher Secondary School, Chandel, an Aspirational district of Manipur, and is organizing many activities to promote scientific thinking about local bioresources of the region.
- IBSD has established a Bioresource Park at Hararaou, Imphal, for germplasm collection of bioresources of NER.
India's Economic Growth and International Relations - Union Minister Piyush Goyal's Address at Asia Economic Dialogue
Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the Asia Economic Dialogue in Pune. He expressed his conviction that India will be the world's third-largest economy in 4-5 years. He believes India will drive its economy closer to 35-40 trillion dollars by 2047.
Goyal encouraged industry to be proud of India's achievements and strong macroeconomic fundamentals. India is recognized as the country of the decade and has a young demographic dividend.
Asia has both democracies and non-transparent, non-rule-based economies. India has been wanting to internationalize and engage with technology and modern ways of working. India is recognized as the country of the decade, if not the country of the 21st century.
Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict has had a severe effect on the developed world more than developing countries. The conflict has had a devastating effect on food security, energy security, inflation, interest rates, and growth.
The then-government's decision to offer to become a part of RCEP was ill-conceived. RCEP agreement could have been the death-knell of all manufacturing in India. India's trade deficit with China increased to around 48 billion dollars by 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to not join RCEP on November 4th, 2019.
India needs to sensitize its people to take more pride in Indian products. India believes in the rule of law, their right to liberty, and freedom of expression. It will take some time for India to create adequate systems and manufacturing systems.
India is now a partner the world can trust. India converted the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity. India's ability to innovate and come out with vaccines has been a world record. India did not let down a single international commitment during COVID-19.
India had the highest ever exports in 2021-22.
India has completed the fastest FTA in the world with UAE and Australia, and is currently negotiating with Israel, Canada, EU, UK, GCC, and Russia. The US Congress's approval is required for FTA approval in the US, and the Indo Pacific Economic Framework is being conceptualized as an alternative framework for closer ties with the US.
The government is promoting circular economies and sustainable products such as organic farming and textiles, and aims to increase agricultural organic produce exports from Sikkim to Rs. 8000 crores by 2030.
The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and becoming 100% indigenized in the auto industry to reduce indiscriminate imports. Large companies should pay MSMEs promptly to support small businesses and increase profitability. Any effort to increase exports will have an impact on MSMEs, and the government is providing concessions and schemes for MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs.
10-Jan-2023: 14th Edition of the World Spice Congress (WSC) to be held in Mumbai from 16-18 February 2023
India is known as the ‘Spice Bowl’ of the world. It produces a number of quality, rare and medicinal spices. With an aim to open up newer opportunities to promote international trade of Indian spices, the 14th edition of the World Spice Congress (WSC), is to be held in Mumbai from 16-18 February 2023.
It will provide a platform for the stakeholders to discuss the industry’s current trends after COVID-19 and chart out a way forward. The event, organised to create a platform not only for traders but also policy regulators, will have special business sessions dedicated to promoting spice trade among the G20 countries. Policy makers, regulatory authorities, spice trade associations, government officials as well as technical experts from key G20 countries will participate in the event. The theme of the WSC 2023 is VISION 2030: S-P-I-C-E-S (Sustainability, Productivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Safety).
Maharashtra is a one of the leading states producing spices. It is the largest producer of turmeric in India. Maharashtra produces two GI tagged turmeric varieties and one GI tagged Chilli variety. Coastal areas of Maharashtra are also known for production of GI tagged Kokum. The state is one of the largest exporting hubs for spices.
The WSC 2023 will be held at the CIDCO International Convention Centre, Navi Mumbai. Shri Piyush Goyal will also distribute the trophies and Awards for Excellence in Exports of Spices on 17th February 2023.