IIT-Madras Creates India`s First Polycentric Prosthetic Knee, KADAM

• The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, has introduced India`s first Polycentric Prosthetic Knee, which aims to improve the lives of thousands of amputees above the knee.
• `Kadam,` a polycentric above-knee prosthesis developed in partnership with the Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT) and Mobility India, is a `Made in India` product.
• Thanks to Kadam, above-knee amputees can now walk with a normal gait. It aims to improve not only the mobility of users, but also their quality of life by improving community participation and general well-being.
• It was developed by a team from IIT Madras` TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), which also developed and commercialized the country`s first standing wheelchair, the `Arise,` as well as the NeoFly-NeoBolt.

ADB expects India`s economy to grow by 7.5 percent in FY23.

• South Asian economies are expected to grow at a collective rate of 7% in 2022, according to the Asian Development Bank, with India`s most significant economy rising at 7.5% this fiscal year before increasing to 8% the following year. 
• However, the prognosis is threatened by uncertainties arising from Russia`s invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing coronavirus illness (COVID-19) pandemic, and the US Federal Reserve tightening.
• In its flagship, Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2022, the Manila-based multilateral financial organization Asian Development Bank (ADB) projected the Indian economy`s growth in GDP as 7.5% for 2022-2023 (FY23) and 8.0% for 2023-2024 (FY24).

HAL and Israel Aerospace are teaming up to convert planes into mid-air refuelers.

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to convert civil passenger aircraft to Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aircraft in India, which is a significant development. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been looking for new mid-air refuellers for quite some time.
• Under the newly signed agreement, HAL will convert pre-owned civil (passenger) aircraft into air refueling aircraft with cargo and transport capabilities.
• The move, according to HAL, will provide India`s defense industry with new capabilities and cost-effective solutions.
• It also covers passenger to cargo aircraft conversions and MMTT conversions, according to the MoU.
• According to a defense official, a Boeing 767 passenger airliner is expected to be modified.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a Bengaluru-based state-owned aerospace and defense company. HAL is one of the world`s oldest and largest aerospace and defense firms, formed on December 23, 1940.