Today in History (July 24th, 1923)
On this day, in 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne, the final treaty concluding World War I, was signed at Lausanne, Switzerland, between representatives of Turkey (successor to the Ottoman Empire) on one side and by Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Greece, Romania, and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia) on the other.
Summary of Today’s News
Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO)
The Balasore multitrain collision, allegedly caused by signaling tampering, prompts Railways to plan the overhaul of signaling systems at all stations, converting from conventional relay interlocking to electronic interlocking technology, which is more tamper-proof, in a time horizon of six years. The Railway Ministry’s Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) first proposed electronic interlocking systems in 2011; however, slow progress and capacity constraints pose challenges.
RDSO is Indian Railways’ sole R&D organization, conducts research, sets standards, and provides technical support to enhance the safety and efficiency of Indian Railways through design, testing, and implementation of new technologies.
India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) Complex
The redeveloped India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) Complex, to be inaugurated on July 26, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is an Integrated Exhibition cum Convention Centre (IECC) with modern facilities. It aims to cater to India’s growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The complex, covering about 123 acres, will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September.
Multi drug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable and preventable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria affecting the lungs. There are two types: latent TB, which is inactive and non-contagious and active TB, which causes symptoms and can be transmitted. About one-quarter of the world’s population has latent TB, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. TB spreads through the air, and Drug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) emerges due to inappropriate medicine use but can be treated with second-line drugs. Bedaquiline, a crucial drug, plays a vital role in treating MDR-TB. However, concerns have been raised over Johnson & Johnson’s patent strategy, hindering affordable access to this life-saving medication. Widening availability is crucial to combat the global DRTB crisis.
G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group
The G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, the first dedicated working group on Disaster Risk Reduction, will hold its third and final meeting in Chennai from July 24 to 26, 2023. The meeting will involve G20 countries, international organizations, and knowledge partners to draft a communique with shared commitments and key recommendations on priority areas.
