3. IN the innovation domain, the 8th Governing Body Meeting of the India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F) took place virtually on Jan 20 during which three joint R&D projects totaling $5.4 million were approved. The members also decided on a strategy for the new phase of I4F 2.0, which includes co-developing disruptive technologies in strategic sectors.
4. ON the economic and commercial front, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget, the Economic Survey 2021-22 was tabled in the parliament on Jan 31. The survey states that the Indian economy is estimated to grow by 9.2 percent in real terms in 2021-22, after a contraction of 7.3 percent in 2020-21. Investment is expected to see strong growth of 15% in 2021-22. India's external trade recovered strongly in 2021-22. India’s merchandise exports have followed the global trend and during Apr-Dec 2021, the merchandise exports grew by nearly 50%.
5. ON the cultural front, the Indian Cultural Center (ICC) in Tel Aviv, in association with the Tribal and Israeli Art Gallery, organised a special event on Jan 6 featuring artwork of award-winning artist Ms. Orly Alan Meruguei, based on her experience of living 16 years in India. On Jan 20, the ICC, in association with Luminary Studio, conducted a special Yoga workshop in the city of Modiin.
6. ON the consular and community front, on the occasion of Tu Bishvat, Malida ceremony was celebrated by the Indian Jewish diaspora across different cities in Israel. The Embassy continued to facilitate Vande Bharat Mission flights from Tel Aviv to Delhi; eight flights were conducted on this sector during the month.
7. LASTLY, on Covid-19, as of Jan 30, over 75 percent of the country's adult population is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. On Jan 27, the Drugs Controller General of India granted regular market approval for COVID-19 vaccines Covishield and Covaxin. By the end of the month, 1.66 billion vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.
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