The current drug discovery paradigm in the West is constrained in what it can do, primarily due to the funding model. Here we envisage a hypothetical non-governmental, non-profit organization called the Centre for Affordable Medicine. By sourcing innovation from a network of academic and corporate partners, and working primarily in India, it could lower the cost of innovation. Funding could be from a variety of players that expect a social, not financial, return.

A report by Sam Bateman and Anthony Bergin of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Canberra in the Australian daily The Australian, shows panic reaction of Australia as the largest territorial claimant in Antarctica. A quote directly from the report is as follows: ‘China and India’s increasing interest in the Antarctic could presage the use of their stations for military purposes, destabilising the continent as a zone of peace…. Like other rising nations, China and India want a higher profile in Antarctic affairs.

Phil Marker heads the Climate Change and Energy Unit of the UK Department for International Development and British High Commission, India. This unit is responsible for promoting collaboration between the UK and India on climate change and energy issues including programmes addressing energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate resilience, water and technology innovation in India.