India, UK sign MoU on biotechnology, crop science

India and a consortium of top UK research institutions, including the Cambridge University, have signed an MoU to conduct a research programme in the field of crop science to help tackle global challenges in the areas of food security, crop science and biotechnology.
Scientists from Cambridge University will collaborate with Indian counterparts to conduct research in the field of crop science as part of an agreement signed yesterday.
The UK-India Collaboration programme in crop science aims to enhance collaborative research, promote knowledge exchange, and support capacity building to develop resilience in food security.
The focus of the latest Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in New Delhi will be on tackling global food shortages with research into increasing crop yields and improving disease and drought resistance.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the University of Cambridge by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Leszek Borysiewicz, along with Professor K VijayRaghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, and Dr Nafees Meah, Director, Research Councils UK India, on behalf of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
"This collaboration builds on the close links already established between leading researchers in the United Kingdom and India and is another great example of both countries' commitment to growing our partnerships in translational and applied research," Prof Borysiewicz said.

"This collaboration will create opportunities for leading experts in the UK and India to come together to tackle global challenges in the areas of food security, crop science and biotechnology," he said.

All parties agreed on the importance of crop science as an area of enormous potential for scientific collaboration, and its central role in driving global food security in India and beyond.
The agreement foresees joint projects focusing on the fundamental science underpinning yield enhancement, disease resistance and drought resistance; research into crop re-breeding; and the translation of fundamental research into sustainable agriculture practice.
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About Diwali, the British Prime Minister said "one of the things about this festival that appeals to me is the huge reach and scale of appeal - if we look at India, there are over a billion people, speaking hundreds of languages, following various faiths, united by this festival of light.

"For the rest of the world, colourful celebrations taking place, in Singapore, South Africa to Australia and look at Britain where people right now are buying gifts at Leicester's Gold Mile... Or the string of lights on Wembley's Ealing Road." May said.
"As I said those 5 days of festival has become such a recognised and important part of our national lives. We have just heard some references to the meaning of Diwali and when we look at it, its relevance extends beyond India, beyond the Indian diaspora, even beyond Hindu, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and different ways of festival.There is a message for all of us whatever be our faith.

"Now I have to say I have not read the 24,000 verses in the epic poem of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya.But I do know stories from many Diwali celebrations that I have attended in my own constituency, where over a number of years the children have actually acted out the story of Rama," she said.
Relating the message of Diwali to her role, May said "As a PM we should give importance to the values of charity, sacrifice, responsibility.To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, losing yourselves in service of others.Values of good conduct, Dharma, taking the right path and ensuring the good triumphs over evil... The values we now need even more."

"The Mission of my government is a fairer Britain, no matter who you are you can achieve your dreams and the achievements of the British Indian community - 1.5 million people demonstrate just how much a country can achieve when talents are unleashed.
"People of all backgrounds and potentials can achieve that - in politics we have Priti Patel in the Cabinet, Alok Sharma in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, MPs Shailesh Vara and Rishi Sunak in Commons, Peers like Jitesh Gadhia, Dolar Popat, Sandip Verma, Ranbir Suri in Lords.In education system there are more chances and opportunities created, like in Avanti Trust, achieving great things, proves why need to go further and support faith schools," May said.

"Our economy has become more successful and dynamic including different industries such as technology, films, fashion and society becomes stronger as people from all backgrounds play their parts in making our schools, hospitals, armed forces the best they can be. We celebrate the achievements of British Indians, I want to remember the importance of removing the barriers.