Israel Brands in India List

 

Introduction

India and Israel, two nations with diverse cultures and rich histories, have been nurturing diplomatic relations for decades. The connection between these countries extends beyond politics and diplomacy and encompasses trade, investment, and cooperation in various sectors. In this article, we explore the dynamic partnership between India and Israel, focusing on trade, investment, and potential collaboration sectors, offering valuable insights for students and anyone interested in international relations and business.

Pepsi Is Israel Product

Trade Relations

The trade relationship between India and Israel has flourished over the years, benefitting both countries. India’s primary exports to Israel include:

• Pearls and precious stones
• Chemical and mineral products
• Machinery and electrical equipment
• Textile and textile articles
• Plastics

Conversely, India imports the following categories of goods from Israel:

• Machinery and electrical equipment
• Base metals
• Defence-related equipment
• Machinery and transport equipment
• Chemical and mineral products

This exchange of goods and services reflects the growing economic interdependence between the two nations.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Israel has made significant investments in India, although it remains a minor contributor in terms of FDI. The presence of major Israeli companies in India such as Avgol Nonwovens, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, and others has contributed to the economic partnership.

Israel Brands in India List, Key Companies in India

Several Israeli companies have established themselves in the Indian market, reinforcing the economic ties between the two countries. These include Avgol Nonwovens, Rivulis, NeoLynk, Ecoppia, Naa’n Dan Jain, Aqwise, Polemix, Eli Hajaj, Alumayer, Plasson, Huliot, Metzerplas, IDE, and Netafim, among others.

Israeli Companies in Madhya Pradesh

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited and Avgol are among the Israeli companies that have set up operations in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, contributing to the local economy.

Potential Collaboration Sectors

India and Israel have identified several sectors with the potential for collaboration:

Defence: Israel is a key supplier of defence equipment to India. This collaboration strengthens both countries’ security and technology capabilities.

Agritech: Both nations can benefit from collaboration in agricultural technology, sharing expertise in areas like precision farming, irrigation, and sustainable agriculture.

Food Processing: Joint ventures in food processing can enhance the quality and efficiency of food production in India, benefiting farmers and consumers.

Electronics: Collaboration in the electronics sector can lead to the development of innovative technologies and products, further boosting the technology ecosystem in both countries.

China’s Nuclear Arsenal Buildup: U.S. Pentagon Report

 

The U.S. Pentagon has released a report on China’s military power, indicating that China is expanding its nuclear weapons arsenal at a faster rate than previously estimated. This report also suggests that China may be drawing lessons from Russia’s conflict in Ukraine for potential scenarios related to Taiwan. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Accelerated Nuclear Arsenal Growth

• The Pentagon report highlights that China’s nuclear force is growing at an accelerated pace.
• Last year, it was predicted that China could nearly quadruple its number of nuclear warheads to 1,500 by 2035.
• The 2023 report suggests that China is on track to have over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.
• China’s aim is to modernize its military to become “world-class” by 2049.

No First Use Policy

• While China maintains a “no first use” policy for nuclear weapons, the U.S. does not adhere to such a policy.
• The Pentagon has not observed any shift in China’s stance but notes that there might be exceptions in certain circumstances.

Military Pressure on Taiwan

• China has been exerting military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan.
• This includes ballistic missile overflights, increased warplane incursions into Taiwan’s defense zone, and large-scale military exercises encircling Taiwan.
• China has declared its intent to bring Taiwan under its control, even by force if necessary.

U.S. Support for Taiwan

• The U.S. has provided substantial military assistance to Taiwan to bolster its defenses against potential aggression.

China’s Defense Budget

• China’s military spending in 2023 reportedly increased by 7.2% to $216 billion USD, exceeding its economic growth.
• Some sources suggest that the actual spending could be higher.
• China maintains that its military policy is defensive.

Regional Tensions and U.S. Activities

• China has been increasingly assertive in the region, intercepting U.S. military flights and conducting military exercises.
• The report highlights over 180 instances where Chinese aircraft aggressively intercepted U.S. military flights.

World Health Summit 2023: India’s Participation And Key Themes

 

 

The 2023 World Health Summit took place from October 15 to October 17 under the theme “A Defining Year for Global Health Action” in Berlin, Germany, and online.

Bringing the World Together for Global Health Improvement

The World Health Summit is a special event where people from different parts of the world come together to talk about how to make everyone healthier. This includes leaders, scientists, business people, and regular folks who care about health. This summit fosters international collaboration and open discourse rooted in scientific insights, placing global health at the forefront of political agendas and advancing the global health conversation in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Themes of the World Health Summit 2023

This year, central topics at the World Health Summit 2023 include:

• Learning from COVID-19 for Future Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
• Recommitting to Universal Health Coverage
• Sustainable Health for People and Planet
• G7/G20 Measures to Enhance Global Health Equity and Security
• Harnessing the Power of Digital Technologies for Global Health
• World Health Organization’s 75th Anniversary
• Innovations to Accelerate the Fight Against Tuberculosis
• Global Financing Facility (GFF) Pledging Event

India At The World Health Summit 2023

The Global Challenge of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a significant global health challenge, demanding immediate attention and a multi-faceted approach. Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, underscored the importance of addressing NCDs during her virtual address at the high-level panel discussion on “Scaling up Integration of NCDs in Primary Care” at the World Health Summit 2023.

India’s Emphasis on a Comprehensive Approach to Addressing NCDs

India strongly underscores the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that encompasses preventive measures, early dialogues, and effective management in order to diminish the occurrence and consequences of NCDs on people’s well-being.

India’s Commitment to NCDs

Dr. Pawar highlighted India’s dedication to reducing the impact of NCDs and emphasized several key initiatives:

The 75/25 Initiative: India launched the 75/25 initiative, aiming to screen and provide standard care for 75 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes by 2025. This initiative is recognized as the most extensive expansion of NCDs in primary healthcare on a global scale.

Outcome Budget Inclusion: The Outcome Budget document of the Union Budget for 2023-2024 included hypertension and diabetes treatment as output indicators for the first time. This reflects the government’s commitment to scaling up coverage services for these NCDs.

National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD): The Government of India initiated NP-NCD in 2010 under the National Health Mission (NHM) to strengthen infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management, and referral.

Ayushman Bharat: The Ayushman Bharat initiative is translating policy intent into budgetary commitment to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Initiatives and Efforts

Dr. Pawar highlighted various initiatives and efforts to tackle NCDs in India:

Population-Based Screening (PBS): Under the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) program, individuals aged 30 and above are targeted for risk assessment and screening of common NCDs, such as hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. These services are provided through trained frontline health workers, with continuity of care ensured through all levels of healthcare delivery systems.

e-Sanjeevani: Teleconsultation services for NCDs are provided to citizens through e-Sanjeevani, leveraging information technology to overcome geographical and accessibility barriers.

Collaboration with Ministries: India collaborates with other Union Ministries and Departments, such as the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Ayush, for activities like the Fit India Movement and yoga-related activities.

Public Awareness: Various initiatives, including the observation of International & National Health Days and the use of print, electronic, and social media, are employed to increase public awareness about NCDs and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Role of Digital Health Technologies

Dr. Pawar emphasized the role of technology in improving the last mile delivery of healthcare services, particularly in the management and prevention of NCDs:

National NCD Portal: This portal is used for the prevention, control, screening, and management of common NCDs. It captures primary-level information at public health facilities for individual-wise screening and treatment compliance. It also features a Single Longitudinal Health Record for each individual in the cloud, identified by a Unique Health ID (ABHA ID), ensuring data availability and care continuity.

A Global Collaborative Approach

Dr. Pawar concluded by reiterating India’s dedicated commitment to preventing and controlling NCDs. She expressed deep appreciation for global efforts in this crucial domain and emphasized the interconnectedness of global health. In the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Health,’ India underscored the need for nations to collaborate and share successes, advocating for a collective approach to address the challenges posed by NCDs. This collaborative effort reflects the broader ethics of unity and shared responsibility for the well-being of our global community.

APAAR ID Registration, Benefits, and Download

What Is APAAR ID?

The Ministry of Education and Government of India has initiated the APAAR ID, known as the “One Nation One Student ID Card.” This groundbreaking program aims to digitally centralize academic data, including degrees, scholarships, rewards, and other credits for students. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information about the benefits of the APAAR ID and how to download it from the official website.

The One Nation One Student ID Card, APAAR ID, is a significant step towards a more organized and accessible academic experience for students in India. By registering and downloading your APAAR ID, you can unlock various benefits and conveniently store your academic records. With thousands of institutes and millions of students already benefiting from this program, it’s a promising development in the education sector.

APAAR ID Registration Form

Government Initiatives: Explore how the Government of India and the Ministry of Education continue to introduce initiatives that benefit citizens.
Registration Process: Understand the significance of completing the APAAR ID registration and how to download the card for use.

APAAR Card: One Nation One ID Card Registration

Digital Student ID: Learn about the APAAR Card, a digital ID card for students in India, whether they attend private or government schools or colleges.
Main Objectives: Explore the key objectives of the APAAR Card program, such as collecting academic data and academic credits in one place.
Unique Identifier: Understand how the card includes a unique 12-digit APAAR number for each student.

ABC Card PDF Download

The Academic Bank of Credits was launched following discussions in the National Education Policy (NEP). Under this portal, all students can register and avail of the benefits provided by the ABC Card. The following instructions explain the ABC Card PDF download process. After downloading the APAAR Card PDF @ abc.gov.in, it’s important to verify the details mentioned on it, such as name, APAAR ID, QR code, and others. Currently, thousands of institutes and two crore students have registered online for the ABC Card or APAAR ID Card.

ABC Bank Registration By Digilocker

ABC Bank Account: Learn about the ongoing ABC Bank registration through Digilocker.
Account Setup: Find out how to set up an account using your mobile number, select university details, academic qualifications, and more.
APAAR Card Issuance: Understand the process of APAAR Card issuance and how to download it for various services.

Guide for APAAR ID Registration Online @ abc.gov.in

Registration Steps: Follow the detailed instructions for completing APAAR ID registration online on the abc.gov.in website.
Mobile and Aadhar Card: Understand the role of your mobile number and Aadhar card number in the registration process.
Selecting School or University: Learn how to choose your school or university and specify your class or course.
Card Generation: Find out how to submit the form and generate your APAAR ID Card online for collecting academic credits.

List of Countries Supporting Palestinian Group Hamas

 

In the midst of a state of war, several countries, particularly in the Middle East, have stepped forward to express their support for Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. These nations are providing both political backing and practical assistance to Hamas in the ongoing conflict.

List of Countries Supporting Palestinian Group Hamas

1. Iran’s Ongoing Support

Iran, led by President Ebrahim Raisi, has maintained a longstanding alliance with Hamas. Iranian support for the Palestinian group includes financial aid and the provision of military supplies.

2. Qatar’s Staunch Backing

Qatar, another prominent supporter of Hamas, has issued statements holding Israel responsible for the ongoing escalation in the conflict. Qatar has been actively extending financial assistance to Hamas.

3. Regional Support from Various Nations

Several other Middle Eastern countries have also shown solidarity with Hamas in its struggle against Israel. This includes Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon.

4. Lebanese Citizens’ Display of Solidarity

Beyond governments, Lebanese citizens in the capital city of Beirut have publicly expressed their support for Hamas in its ongoing fight against Israel.

In summary, Hamas has garnered significant regional support, both politically and financially, from countries like Iran, Qatar, and others in the Middle East. This support underscores the complexity and international dimension of the ongoing conflict in the region.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi In Telangana Unveils Manifesto For Underprivileged

 

 

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) recently unveiled its manifesto, promising a host of transformative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged citizens. In a press conference on October 15th, party president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao outlined these pledges, highlighting their commitment to uplift the marginalized sections of society.

Life Insurance for BPL Families

One of the standout promises in the BRS manifesto is the provision of life insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh to over 93 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. This initiative takes inspiration from the successful Rythu Bima program, which extends insurance to farmers. By extending similar coverage to BPL families, the BRS aims to provide a much-needed safety net to those who are economically vulnerable.

Ensuring Food Security

The BRS manifesto emphasizes the importance of food security by pledging to supply superfine rice through the public distribution system to all ration card holders. This commitment falls under the Telangana Annapurna scheme, with the goal of ensuring that no family goes to bed hungry. This move can significantly alleviate the burdens of low-income households and contribute to improving their overall quality of life.

Monthly Honorarium for Eligible Women

Under the Saubhagya Laxmi scheme, the BRS has promised to provide a monthly honorarium of ₹3,000 to eligible women. This initiative recognizes the invaluable contributions of women in households and communities and aims to provide them with economic empowerment.

Aasara Pension Enhancement

K. Chandrashekar Rao announced a substantial increase in the Aasara pension amount for various vulnerable groups, including old-aged individuals, single women, differently-abled individuals, and others. The monthly pension will be raised in a phased manner, with the ultimate goal of increasing it to ₹5,000 for old-aged and single women and ₹6,000 for the physically challenged. This increase will provide financial relief to those who need it the most.

Rythu Bandhu Expansion

The BRS plans to enhance the benefits of the Rythu Bandhu scheme, which currently provides support to farmers. The proposed increase will raise the annual support to ₹16,000 per acre, a significant boost from the existing ₹10,000. This augmentation will be implemented in phases to ensure a smooth transition and efficient distribution of resources.

Domestic Gas Cylinders for BPL Families

Addressing the energy needs of BPL families, the BRS manifesto includes a promise to provide domestic gas cylinders at an affordable price of ₹400. This move aims to make clean cooking fuel accessible to economically disadvantaged households, contributing to improved health and living conditions.

Healthcare Reform Under Aarogya Sri

Under the Aarogya Sri health scheme, the BRS pledges to expand treatment coverage to ₹15 lakh, which includes coverage for accredited journalists. This initiative will enhance access to quality healthcare and reduce the financial burden on families during medical emergencies.

Continuation of Welfare Schemes

The BRS is committed to continuing key welfare schemes, including the double-bedroom housing and Gruhalaxmi schemes, and providing house sites to the poor. These initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing the housing needs of the marginalized.

Residential Schools for Unreserved Communities

In a bid to attract and serve the unreserved communities, the BRS has announced the opening of one residential school in each of the 119 constituencies. This move will facilitate access to quality education for students from these communities.

Old Pension Scheme for Employees

Recognizing the concerns of employees, the BRS manifesto assures the formation of a committee to examine the possibility of reinstating the old pension scheme, offering an alternative to the current pension system.

Rights Over Assigned Lands

The BRS manifesto commits to providing complete rights over assigned lands to those who hold them, ensuring that they can manage and dispose of their land as needed.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), formerly known as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), is an Indian political party primarily operating in the state of Telangana. It was established on April 27, 2001, by K. Chandrashekar Rao, with the primary objective of achieving statehood for Telangana, with Hyderabad as its capital. The party has played a pivotal role in leading a consistent movement for the creation of a separate Telangana state.

International Day of the Girl Child 2023: History, Date, Significance and Theme

 

The International Day of the Girl, observed every year on October 11, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about gender inequality and advocating for the rights and empowerment of girls. This article explores the significance, history, and theme of the International Day of the Girl 2023.

The Origins of International Day of the Girl

The International Day of the Girl was first celebrated in 2012. This day was established to focus attention on the unique challenges girls face and to promote their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. The day was born out of the recognition that girls, like boys, deserve equal opportunities and rights.

International Day of the Girl 2023: Theme

The theme for the International Day of the Girl in 2023 is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.” This theme emphasizes the need to invest in girls, recognizing that their leadership and well-being are crucial for a fairer and more equal future.

Historical Significance

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

In 1995, the World Conference on Women held in Beijing resulted in a landmark achievement. Countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a progressive blueprint for advancing the rights of women and girls. This declaration was a pivotal moment as it was the first international document to explicitly call out the rights of girls.

The Rights of Girls

The United Nations underscores that girls have the inherent right to a safe, educated, and healthy life. This right is not just limited to their formative years but extends into their adulthood. Empowering girls during their adolescent years can have a profound impact on their ability to change the world. They can be today’s empowered girls and tomorrow’s leaders, workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders.

Investment in Girls

Investing in adolescent girls is an investment in a brighter and more equitable future. It is a commitment to ensuring that half of humanity has an equal stake in addressing critical global challenges, including climate change, political conflicts, economic growth, disease prevention, and sustainable development.

The Role of Gender Equality in Sustainable Development

Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is an integral part of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015 as part of the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030. Recognizing the rights of women and girls across all these goals is fundamental to achieving justice and inclusion, creating economies that work for all, and sustaining a shared environment for current and future generations.

World Post Day 2023: History, Date and Theme

 

World Post Day is celebrated each year on October 9th to commemorate the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874. It’s a day to recognize the crucial role that post offices play in connecting communities, and in 2023, the theme is “Together for Trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future.”

History of World Post Day 

The history of postal services dates back centuries, with the first organized postal service said to have been established during the time of Augustus Caesar in Rome. Remarkably, the oldest functioning post office is in Sanquhar, Scotland, operating since 1712 AD.

UPU and World Post Day

World Post Day was officially declared by the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969. The UPU is an international organization that promotes and coordinates postal services worldwide. It currently has 151 member countries, all of which participate in this annual celebration.

World Post Day 2023 Significance

World Post Day serves to raise awareness about the vital role of postal services in people’s daily lives and their significant contribution to global social and economic development. Postal operators offer basic financial services to approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, including payments, money transfers, and savings.

Celebrating World Post Day

Countries around the world celebrate World Post Day in various ways. Post offices often use this occasion to introduce or promote new postal products and services. Many nations host special exhibitions to highlight the importance of postal services in everyday life and their impact on social and economic development. Additionally, some postal services use this day to recognize and reward their employees for their outstanding service.

World Post Day 2023,Theme: “Together for Trust”

The theme for World Post Day 2023, “Together for Trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future,” underscores the importance of governments and postal services working together to develop a digital single postal territory. This digital infrastructure complements the extensive physical postal network that has been built over centuries. It also encourages collaboration with the UPU to ensure that people everywhere can access the digital economy through their local post office.

In conclusion, World Post Day is a day to celebrate the rich history and vital role of postal services in our interconnected world. It reminds us of the invaluable contributions made by postal workers and services to global development, and it encourages collaboration to create a safer and more connected future.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• Universal Postal Union Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland;
• Universal Postal Union Founded: 9 October 1874;
• Universal Postal Union Founder: Heinrich von Stephan;
• Universal Postal Union Head: Director-General; Masahiko Metoki;
• Universal Postal Union Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council.

National Wildlife Week 2023: Dates, Theme, Purpose and History

 

Introduction

The National Zoological Park recently kick-started the celebration of the 69th Wildlife Week, a significant event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation in India. This year’s theme, “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation,” reflects the collaborative efforts required to protect and preserve the nation’s rich biodiversity. The festivities coincide with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, reinforcing the principles of Ahinsa (non-violence) and compassion for all living beings. The choice of dates for Wildlife Week, spanning from October 2 to October 8, holds deep symbolism.

History of National Wildlife Week

National Wildlife Week in India has a storied history that dates back to 1952 when the Indian Board of Wildlife first conceptualized the idea. Originally observed as Wildlife Day in 1955, it evolved into a week-long celebration in 1957, gaining significance as a platform to highlight the long-term objectives of safeguarding the country’s precious wildlife.

Dachigam National Park: A Milestone Moment

One of the most notable milestones associated with Wildlife Week is the opening of Dachigam National Park to the public during the 1981 celebration. This momentous decision allowed tourists and nature enthusiasts to explore the park’s breathtaking biodiversity, including the iconic hangul or Kashmir stag. The exposure to Dachigam’s unique wildlife contributed significantly to a greater understanding and appreciation of the region’s natural heritage.

Significance of the Dates

This week-long celebration coincides with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a visionary leader who championed the principles of Ahinsa (non-violence) and compassion toward all living beings. The convergence of these dates serves as a poignant reminder of the moral responsibility shared by all to protect and nurture India’s diverse wildlife.

Theme of UN World Wildlife Day 2023

The theme of  “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation” aligns with the overarching theme of UN World Wildlife Day in 2023. This theme underscores the critical role that partnerships and collaborative efforts play in ensuring the survival of endangered species and the conservation of their habitats.

Activities Planned for Wildlife Week 2023

The activities planned for Wildlife Week at the National Zoological Park are designed to promote inclusive and collective participation in the cause of wildlife conservation. These activities include:

1. Educational Workshops and Seminars

Educational workshops and seminars will be conducted to inform the public about the importance of wildlife conservation. These events will focus on raising awareness and providing information on the various challenges facing India’s wildlife.

2. Wildlife Photography Exhibitions

Wildlife photography exhibitions will showcase the beauty and diversity of India’s wildlife. This visual medium serves as a powerful tool to inspire appreciation and protection of the country’s natural treasures.

3. Guided Tours and Nature Walks

Guided tours and nature walks within the National Zoological Park will provide visitors with an opportunity to connect with wildlife firsthand. These experiences aim to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving natural habitats.

4. Conservation Pledges

Visitors will have the chance to make conservation pledges, committing to take specific actions to support wildlife conservation efforts. These pledges can range from reducing plastic usage to participating in local conservation initiatives.

5. Art and Craft Workshops

Art and craft workshops will encourage creativity among children and adults, allowing them to express their love for wildlife through various artistic mediums.

Nobel Prize Winners in 2023 List, Name and Fields

 

The Nobel Prize winners in 2023 represent a diverse range of fields and disciplines, but they are all united by their extraordinary contributions to humanity. Their work has had a profound impact on our understanding of the world around us and on our ability to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The Nobel Prize is the world’s most prestigious award, honoring individuals and organizations for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economics. The prizes are awarded annually by the Nobel Foundation, based on the will of Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.

Nobel Prize 2023, Date and Time

The 2023 Nobel Prize announcements will take place from October 2 to October 9, 2023, at the earliest. All of the announcements will be streamed live at nobelprize.org. The prize-awarding institutions have decided to announce their 2023 prize decisions as follows:

• Physiology or Medicine: Monday, October 2, at 11:30 CEST (Central European Summer Time)
• Physics: Tuesday, October 3, at 11:45 CEST
• Chemistry: Wednesday, October 4, at 11:45 CEST
• Literature: Thursday, October 5, at 13:00 CEST
• Peace: Friday, October 6, at 11:00 CEST
• The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel: Monday, October 9, at 11:45 CEST

Nobel Prize 2023 in Physiology or Medicine 

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their pioneering work on mRNA vaccines, which have played a pivotal role in the fight against COVID-19. Their discoveries have the potential to revolutionize the way we prevent and treat infectious diseases.

The discoveries by the two Nobel Laureates were critical for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic that began in early 2020. Through their groundbreaking findings, which have fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system, the laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times.

Nobel Prize 2023 in Physics

Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier “for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter”. This year Nobel Laureates in Physics 2023 are being recognised for their experiments, which have given humanity new tools for exploring the world of electrons inside atoms and molecules. Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier have demonstrated a way to create extremely short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes in which electrons move or change energy.

Fast-moving events flow into each other when perceived by humans, just like a film that consists of still images is perceived as continual movement. If we want to investigate really brief events, we need special technology. In the world of electrons, changes occur in a few tenths of an attosecond, an attosecond is so short that there are as many in one second as there have been seconds since the birth of the universe.

The laureates’ experiments have produced pulses of light so short that they are measured in attoseconds, thus demonstrating that these pulses can be used to provide images of processes inside atoms and molecules.

Nobel Prize 2023 in Chemistry

Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov “for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots”.  The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 rewards the discovery and development of quantum dots, nanoparticles so tiny that their size determines their properties. These smallest components of nanotechnology now spread their light from televisions and LED lamps, and can also guide surgeons when they remove tumour tissue, among many other things. The Nobel Prize amount for 2023 is set at Swedish kronor (SEK) 11.0 million per full Nobel Prize.

What is Quantum dots?

Quantum dots now illuminate computer monitors and television screens based on QLED technology. They also add nuance to the light of some LED lamps, and biochemists and doctors use them to map biological tissue.

Quantum dots are thus bringing the greatest benefit to humankind. Researchers believe that in the future they could contribute to flexible electronics, tiny sensors, thinner solar cells and encrypted quantum communication – so we have just started exploring the potential of these tiny particles.

Nobel Prize 2023 in Literature

• Thursday, 5 October by The Swedish Academy (Svenska Akademien), Börssalen, Källargränd

The Nobel Prize in Literature is a Swedish literature prize that is awarded annually, since 1901, to an author from any country who has, in the words of the will of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, “in the field of literature, produced the most outstanding work in an idealistic direction”. It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by Nobel’s 1895 will. The prize is administered by the Nobel Foundation and awarded by the Swedish Academy.

Nobel Prize 2023 in Peace

• Friday, 6 October by The Norwegian Nobel Committee, The Norwegian Nobel Institute (Norska Nobelinstitutet)

Nobel Prize 2023 in Economics

• Monday, 9 October by The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Check the List of the Nobel Prize 2023 Winners 

Nobel Prize Category	Announcement Date	Venue	Winners
Physiology or Medicine	Monday, 2 October	Karolinska Institutet, Solna	Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman
Physics	Tuesday, 3 October	Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm	Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier
Chemistry	Wednesday, 4 October	Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm	Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov
Literature	Thursday, 5 October	The Swedish Academy, Stockholm
Peace	Friday, 6 October	Norwegian Nobel Institute, Oslo
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences	Monday, 9 October	Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm

Nobel Prize 2023 In Medicine or Physiology Announced, Check All The Details

 

Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman “for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19”. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

The discoveries by the two Nobel Laureates were critical for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic that began in early 2020. Through their groundbreaking findings, which have fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system, the laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times.

mRNA vaccines: A promising idea

In our cells, genetic information encoded in DNA is transferred to messenger RNA (mRNA), which is used as a template for protein production. During the 1980s, efficient methods for producing mRNA without cell culture were introduced, called in vitro transcription. This decisive step accelerated the development of molecular biology applications in several fields. Ideas of using mRNA technologies for vaccine and therapeutic purposes also took off, but roadblocks lay ahead. In vitro transcribed mRNA was considered unstable and challenging to deliver, requiring the development of sophisticated carrier lipid systems to encapsulate the mRNA. Moreover, in vitro-produced mRNA gave rise to inflammatory reactions. Enthusiasm for developing the mRNA technology for clinical purposes was, therefore, initially limited.

These obstacles did not discourage the Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó, who was devoted to developing methods to use mRNA for therapy. During the early 1990s, when she was an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, she remained true to her vision of realizing mRNA as a therapeutic despite encountering difficulties in convincing research funders of the significance of her project. A new colleague of Karikó at her university was the immunologist Drew Weissman. He was interested in dendritic cells, which have important functions in immune surveillance and the activation of vaccine-induced immune responses. Spurred by new ideas, a fruitful collaboration between the two soon began, focusing on how different RNA types interact with the immune system.

About the Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman

Katalin Karikó was born in 1955 in Szolnok, Hungary. She received her PhD from Szeged’s University in 1982 and performed postdoctoral research at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Szeged until 1985. She then conducted postdoctoral research at Temple University, Philadelphia, and the University of Health Science, Bethesda. In 1989, she was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where she remained until 2013. After that, she became vice president and later senior vice president at BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals. Since 2021, she has been a Professor at Szeged University and an Adjunct Professor at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Drew Weissman was born in 1959 in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA. He received his MD, PhD degrees from Boston University in 1987. He did his clinical training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School and postdoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health. In 1997, Weissman established his research group at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the Roberts Family Professor in Vaccine Research and Director of the Penn Institute for RNA Innovations.

Important Facts on the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes, the Nobel Prizes. As described in Nobel’s will, one part was dedicated to “the person who shall have made the most important discovery within the domain of physiology or medicine”. Learn more about the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine from 1901 to 2022.

Number of Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine

113 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine have been awarded since 1901. It was not awarded on nine occasions: in 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1921, 1925, 1940, 1941 and 1942.

Number of Nobel Prize laureates in physiology or medicine

225 individuals have been awarded 1901-2022.

Youngest medicine laureate

To date, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in physiology or medicine is Frederick G. Banting, who was 32 years old when he was awarded the medicine prize in 1923.

Oldest medicine laureate

The oldest Nobel Prize laureate in physiology or medicine to date is Peyton Rous, who was 87 years old when he was awarded the medicine prize in 1966.