Evacuation Slides
Why are they important?
- Evacuation slides are crucial for safely getting passengers off an aircraft in emergencies, especially when the plane is at a height.
- They are made from strong materials like carbon fibres and nylon coated with urethane to resist fire and tearing.
Types of Evacuation Slides
- Inflatable Slide: Helps passengers descend from the aircraft exit door to the ground. If the doors are inaccessible, passengers can reach the wings and use the slide from there.
- Inflatable Raft: Functions like the inflatable slide but can also be used as a life raft if the aircraft lands on water.
- Inflatable Exit Ramp: Assists passengers in moving from certain overwing exits to the wings, providing an alternative path to the ground.
- Inflatable Exit Ramp/Slide: Aids in descending from an overwing exit or aircraft wing to the ground, combining the features of a ramp and slide.
Manufacturing and Deployment
- Evacuation slides are packed and installed within a cabin door or an external fuselage compartment.
- They are inflated using high-pressure gas or containers and ambient air through suction machines.
Gas Used for Inflation
- Carbon Dioxide: Often used for its non-flammable properties and effectiveness in inflation.
- Nitrogen Gas: Sometimes used due to its inert nature and safety in high-pressure environments.
Protocols for Deployment in the European Union
According to the Aviation Safety Agency (EUASA), evacuation slides must be deployed following specific protocols to ensure passenger safety during an emergency evacuation.
The slides will automatically deploy when the distance from the ground to the flight exit door is six feet or greater.
Inflation Time and Durability Requirements
- The inflation time for the slide should range from six to 10 seconds, depending on its specific location.
- The slide must be capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, from -40 degrees Celsius to 71 degrees Celsius.
- It should also endure rainfall of up to one inch per hour and winds of up to 46 km/hr, coming from 45-degree angles around the airplane, in accordance with US Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
Uttar Pradesh's Investment in Civil Aviation
The Uttar Pradesh government is aiming to attract private investment of USD 2 billion (over Rs 16,000 crore) in the civil aviation sector. The proposed investment will focus on promoting activities such as aviation training, aircraft maintenance, and aero-sports, as well as developing and upgrading existing airstrips.
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)
- As part of the flagship Regional Connectivity Scheme, the state is working to operationalize 225 routes, in addition to developing 14 state-owned airstrips marked for immediate development.
- Six airstrips, namely Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Shravasti, Moradabad, and Sonbhadra, are being upgraded to accommodate flights under the RCS.
Budget Allocation and Aviation Growth
- Uttar Pradesh has allocated approximately Rs 28,000 crore in the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) for civil aviation infrastructure, including airstrip modernization and land acquisition.
- There has been a 20% increase in the number of flyers in Uttar Pradesh in FY24, indicating significant growth in aviation for leisure and business tourism.
Public-Private Partnership and Helicopter Taxis
- The government is promoting the development of aviation infrastructure through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
- Helicopter taxis are being introduced in major tourist hotspots, with UP Tourism signing an agreement with Rajas Aerosports And Adventures to operate heliports for 30 years between Agra and Mathura.
- Uttar Pradesh has become a preferred tourist destination, experiencing a 50% increase in tourist inflow, reaching 480 million in 2023.
About UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik)
- Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for regional airport development and regional connectivity enhancement.
- Part of the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.
- Applicable for a period of 10 years.
Objectives of UDAN
- Improve air connectivity to remote and regional areas of India.
- Develop remote areas and enhance trade, commerce, and tourism expansion.
- Enable common people to access air travel at affordable rates.
- Create employment opportunities in the aviation sector.
Key Features of UDAN
- Airlines are required to cap airfares for 50% of the total seats at Rs. 2,500 per hour of flight.
- Achieved through financial stimulus, concessions from Central and State governments, airport operators, and Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
- VGF is a government grant to bridge the gap between operational costs and expected revenue.
- Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) was created to meet viability gap funding requirements under the scheme.
- Partner State Governments contribute a share to this fund, with specific contributions for different regions.
Uttar Pradesh: The Top Source of Prime Ministers
Since India gained independence, there have been 15 Prime Ministers. Uttar Pradesh, which makes up 17% of India’s population (based on the 2011 census), has been the birthplace of six of these Prime Ministers.
Lok Sabha Representation
- Nine Prime Ministers have represented Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha, with some serving from multiple constituencies.
Prime Ministers from Uttar Pradesh
- 75% of the time, the office of Prime Minister was held by someone who was also a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh. This includes:
- Jawaharlal Nehru: Nearly 17 years in office.
- Indira Gandhi: Over 15 years in total.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Served three terms, totaling about six years.
- Narendra Modi: In office since May 2014.
Narendra Modi
- Although Narendra Modi was born in Gujarat and became Chief Minister of that state, he chose to contest elections from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in 2014 and 2019.
Congress Prime Ministers
- Every Congress leader who served as Prime Minister represented Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha, except for:
- PV Narasimha Rao: Represented Andhra Pradesh.
- Manmohan Singh: A Rajya Sabha MP for Rajasthan and Assam.
Uttar Pradesh’s Importance
- Uttar Pradesh is India’s most populous state, with 215 million people according to the 2011 census. It sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha, accounting for 20% of the total. A decisive victory in Uttar Pradesh is often crucial for determining the party in power at the national level.
Voter Turnout in Uttar Pradesh's 6th Round
In the sixth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh saw a voter turnout of 54.03% in 14 constituencies of the Purvanchal region. This turnout was slightly below the 2019 figure of 54.49% for the same seats.
Voter Turnout Trends
- There was a noticeable decline in voter turnout as the polling progressed from West UP to central UP and finally to eastern UP.
Turnout by Phase
- Phase 1: 61.11% Phase 2: 55.19% Phase 3: 57.34% Phase 4: 58.22% Phase 5: 58.02% Phase 6: 54.03% (eastern UP)
Purvanchal Region Overview
- Districts Covered: Jaunpur, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Balia, and Ghazipur
- Geographic Features: Northern parts formed by the Rapti and Ghaghra rivers, known as: Rapti Khadar, Saryupar Maidan, and Purabiya Plains (from south to north)
Prayagraj Municipal Corporation Takes Action Against Air Pollution
The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued notices to nine departments, including the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA), Public Works Department (PWD), North Central Railway (NCR), and Jal Nigam, for their contribution to poor air quality in Smart City Prayagraj.
The notice, which references a specific writ number, calls for measures to reduce dust pollution, such as:
- Green curtains: Covering construction sites with green curtains to prevent dust from spreading.
- Water spraying: Regularly spraying water using sprinkler machines to keep dust levels down.
- Road sweeping: Employing mechanized road sweeping to clean roads effectively.
- Mist guns: Using mist guns to further reduce dust in the air.
PMC officials have pointed out that the increase in air pollution in the city is linked to ongoing construction activities. In response to public concerns, notices have been sent to the relevant departments to take necessary actions.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- The notices emphasize the importance of complying with the instructions to mitigate air pollution.
- Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in further enforcement actions in accordance with regulations.
Uttar Pradesh Leads in Transmission Line Expansion
Uttar Pradesh has been recognized as the top state for the addition of transmission lines by state transmission utilities in FY24, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
- The Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (UPPTCL) played a significant role in this achievement by adding 1,460 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines rated at 220kV or higher. This marked a substantial contribution, making UPPTCL responsible for over 20% of the overall increase from the state sector.
- Following Uttar Pradesh, the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd (GETCO) secured the second position by adding 898 ckm of transmission lines by the end of FY24. Other states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar also contributed to the increase, with Gujarat holding a 13% share in the overall addition.
- The CEA, originally constituted under the Electricity (Supply) Act of 1948 and now operating under the Electricity Act of 2003, is responsible for formulating the National Electricity Plan every five years. This plan aims to optimize the utilization of resources for power generation and is part of the CEA's objectives to ensure efficient and effective management of the country's electricity supply.
- The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), established on January 14, 2000, as part of the power sector reforms in Uttar Pradesh, plays a crucial role in planning and managing the electricity sector in the state. UPPCL is focused on providing reliable and cost-efficient electricity to all citizens and is a professionally managed utility at the forefront of the power sector in Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh and Industry 4.0
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Industry 4.0
- The Uttar Pradesh nodal technical university has partnered with IBM for training in AI and Cloud computing to prepare the workforce for Industry 4.0.
- The state is promoting the ‘One District, One Incubator’ initiative to foster innovation.
- With AI investment in India projected to reach USD 5 billion by 2027, Uttar Pradesh aims to harness this growth for job creation, self-employment, and startup development.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IBM
- Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) in Uttar Pradesh has signed an MoU with IBM to offer free online courses in AI and related fields across over 500 affiliated colleges.
- A joint study by Intel and International Data Corporation indicates that AI spending in India is expected to grow by 31.5% from 2023, the highest among eight surveyed countries.
Understanding Industry 4.0
- Industry 4.0 involves integrating intelligent digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes, including robotics, automation, industrial IoT networks, AI, and big data.
Startup Ecosystem
- Uttar Pradesh has the fourth-largest startup ecosystem in India, with plans to integrate education and incubators while facilitating angel funding for new business ideas.
- The government aims to establish an incubator in every higher educational institution across 75 districts. Currently, over 60 incubators are operational in the state.
- The state is home to approximately 10,000 recognized startups, with 50% originating from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Nearly 4,300 startups are led by women entrepreneurs.
- Uttar Pradesh boasts eight of India’s 108 unicorns, including Paytm, Paytm Mall, India Mart, Moglix, Pine Labs, Innovaccer, InfoEdge, and Physics Wallah.
What is a Unicorn?
- A unicorn refers to a privately held company with a market capitalization exceeding USD 1 billion.
- It signifies new enterprises focused on delivering innovative solutions and novel business models across various sectors like fintech, edtech, and B2B (Business-to-Business) companies.
Workshop on Global Standards & IPR
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- A recent workshop was organized by the National Telecommunications Institute for Policy Research, Innovation and Training (NTIPRIT) in Ghaziabad. This event was under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and in collaboration with the ITU Area office and Innovation Centre.
- The workshop aimed to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, which falls on 17th May.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- The workshop emphasized the significance of “Global Standards & IPR” for the progress of any nation.
- It served as a platform for national stakeholders to establish global partnerships and align with international best practices in telecommunications standards.
- The event aimed to enhance the involvement of Indian experts in the upcoming World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and provided participants with opportunities to engage with global standards and IPR dynamics.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD)
- WTISD aims to raise awareness about the potential benefits of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) for societies and economies, as well as strategies to bridge the digital divide.
- 17 May marks the anniversary of the first International Telegraph Convention and the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
National Telecommunications Institute for Policy Research, Innovation and Training (NTIPRIT)
- NTIPRIT was founded in 2010 as the National Telecom Academy, serving as the telecom training institute for the Department of Telecommunications.
- In 2011, the institute's mandate was broadened to include Policy Research and Innovations, leading to its renaming as the National Telecommunications Institute for Policy Research, Innovations & Training (NTIPRIT). Since then, NTIPRIT has evolved into the premier Telecom Training Institute in the country.
Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade
Recently, a Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade was held at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC) in Air Force Station Chandinagar, Uttar Pradesh, to celebrate the successful training of Air Force Special Forces 'Garud' Commandos.
- The Garud Commando Force, formed in February 2004, is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force, with over 1500 personnel. Their responsibilities include protecting critical Air Force bases, conducting search and rescue operations, and disaster relief during emergencies.
- In 2004, Garud forces were deployed in Congo as part of UN peacekeeping operations.
Illegal Mining on Yamuna Banks
- In a crackdown on the sand mining mafia, the mining department and Loni administration seized earthmovers, trucks, and trolleys from the banks of the Yamuna River in Loni's Pachera area.
- A stretch of land spanning 15 kilometers along the Yamuna river in Loni, including the villages of Pachaira, Badarpur, and Nauraspur, has been leased for sand mining.
- The illegal sand mining was occurring 1.5 kilometers away from the leased 48-acre land in Pachera, which has been rented for a period of five years.
- To ensure sustainable river sand mining, it is crucial to refill the mine pits created during sand extraction through natural replenishment within an appropriate timeframe.
- Illegal deep excavations often take place in sensitive areas along the riverbank, leading to the formation of deep pits.
- In 2023, flooding in the Loni area caused significant damage, partly due to the deep pits left by illegal sand mining activities along the Yamuna River.
About the Yamuna River
- The Yamuna River is a major tributary of the Ganges in Northern India and is a key part of the Yamuna-Ganga Plain, one of the largest alluvial plains in the world.
- It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier at an altitude of 6,387 meters in the lower Himalayan ranges and flows through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and finally meets the Ganges at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
- Important dams on the Yamuna include the Lakhwar-Vyasi Dam in Uttarakhand and the Tajewala Barrage Dam in Haryana.
- Key tributaries of the Yamuna are the Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, and Ken rivers.
- The government has initiated various programs like the Yamuna Action Plan and the Delhi Government’s Six-Point Action Plan to clean the Yamuna by February 2025.
Sand Mining
- Sand mining involves removing natural sand and sand resources from various environments such as terrestrial, riverine, coastal, or marine areas to extract valuable minerals, metals, crushed stone, sand, and gravel for further processing.
Prayagraj to Get 2nd SSH Lab
Dengue is a tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, which belongs to the Genus Flavivirus. The virus is primarily transmitted by female mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, with Aedes aegypti being the main culprit. This mosquito species is also responsible for spreading other diseases such as chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika infection. There are four closely related serotypes of the dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.
Symptoms of Dengue include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Intense pain in bones, joints, and muscles
- Diagnosis and Treatment : Dengue infection is diagnosed through a blood test. There is no specific medication available for treating dengue.
- Background: Prayagraj is set to receive its second Sentinel Surveillance Hospital Lab (SSH Lab), which is crucial for diagnosing dengue. Currently, there is only one SSH lab in Prayagraj, located at the microbiology department of Moti Lal Nehru (MLN) Medical College.
- Workshop Discussion: During a workshop at MLN College on National Dengue Day (16th May 2024), plans were discussed to establish a specialized dengue testing laboratory at Tej Bahadur Sapru Hospital (Beli Hospital) by the end of 2024.
- Theme of Dengue Day 2024: The focus was on community engagement and dengue control.
Study by IIT Kanpur: Air Pollution Threatening the Mangrove Ecosystem
The Sundarbans, home to the largest mangrove forests globally, is under threat from air pollution, as highlighted by a study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Bose Institute, Kolkata. The research, titled “Acidity and oxidative potential of atmospheric aerosols over a remote mangrove ecosystem during the advection of anthropogenic plumes,” found that pollutants, particularly black carbon and soot particles, are deteriorating the air quality in the Sundarbans. These pollutants are not only from the Kolkata metropolis but also from the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain region.
The study authors recommend several measures to improve air quality and protect the ecosystem, including:
- Promoting and utilising solar and wind energy
- Encouraging electric transportation
- Providing subsidised LPG
- Regulating various activities such as banning diesel generators, toxic shipments, and pollutant factories, and regulating brick kilns
- Strengthening coastal regulations
The Sundarbans is located at the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, along the Bay of Bengal. The mangrove ecosystem, which exists in inter-tidal zones along the coasts of tropical and subtropical countries, serves multiple ecological functions, including:
- Providing habitat, food, and spawning grounds for fish and shellfish
- Offering habitat for birds and other wildlife
- Protecting coastlines and creating new land through sediment accretion
- Mangrove Cover in India: West Bengal has the highest percentage of mangrove cover in India, followed by Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- The India State of Forest Report provides detailed information about mangroves and their condition across the country.
Painting Exhibition at Banaras Hindu University
Recently, a four-day group painting exhibition titled 'Yogasutra' was held at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), organized by the Faculty of Visual Arts.
- The exhibition showcased the artistic talents of four students from the painting department: Joydeb Das, Noddy Judith Gomes, Faraz Imran, and Niharika Ahona Barsaat, featuring around 25 paintings.
About Banaras Hindu University
- Banaras Hindu University was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya, with the support of notable figures like Dr. Annie Besant, who envisioned it as the University of India.
- Located in the sacred city of Varanasi, BHU is an internationally renowned center of learning.
- The university boasts six centres of Advanced Studies, ten Departments under the Special Assistance Programme, and numerous specialized research centers.
- Bharat Kala Bhavan, a prestigious museum within the university, houses a rich collection of rare artifacts.
- BHU's 927-bed hospital is equipped with modern facilities and amenities.
Building Plans in Areas off Yamuna E-Way
The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has launched the Building Plan Management System (BPMS), allowing over 34,000 residential plot owners to submit their building plans for approval online.
The BPMS aims to streamline the approval process for building maps, providing a fast, transparent, and efficient solution for processing applications.
About Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA)
- YEIDA was established under the UP Industrial Development Act of 1976 to ensure the systematic development of notified areas adjacent to Delhi.
- The authority aims to prevent unauthorized urban growth in these areas through planned development.
Shri Vallabhacharya Jayanti
Vallabhacharya Jayanti, observed on May 4, 2024, marks the birth anniversary of the esteemed Hindu scholar and devoted follower of Lord Krishna, Shri Vallabhacharya, who lived from 1479 to 1531 CE.
- Vallabhacharya was a highly respected figure with profound knowledge of the Vedas and Upanishads. He was affectionately known by titles such as Vallabha and Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya.
Vaishnavism
- He established the philosophy of Shuddha Advaita, which means pure non-dualism. Additionally, he founded the Pushti sect, a Krishna-centered devotional movement in the Braj region of India.
- Vallabhacharya was born in 1479 AD in Varanasi to a Telugu Brahmin family.
Pushti Sect
- Vallabhacharya is the founder of the Bhakti sect known as 'Pushtimarg.'
- Pushtimarg is a subtradition of the Rudra Sampradaya, also called Pushtimarg Sampradaya or Vallabha Sampradaya, within Vaishnavism.
- He established this tradition in the early 16th century, dedicating it to the worship of Krishna.
- Pushtimarg, a devotional school, was further developed by Vallabhacharya's disciples, particularly Gusainji.
- The principles of Pushtimarg are rooted in the enchanting love stories of young Krishna, as narrated in texts like the Bhagavata Purana and associated with locations like Govardhana Hill.
Leopard Strayed from Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Recently, forest officials in Uttar Pradesh captured a leopard that had wandered into Aliganj village from the nearby Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. This reserve, covering over 700 square kilometers, spans across the districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich. It is home to various wildlife, including tigers and leopards, and is part of the Terai Arc Landscape in the upper Gangetic Plain. The reserve's northern boundary is adjacent to the Indo-Nepal border, while the Sharada and Khakra rivers mark its southern boundary.
About Leopards
- Scientific Name: Panthera pardus
- Habitat: Leopards are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Western and Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast and East Asia. The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is commonly found across the Indian subcontinent.
- Diet: Leopards are nocturnal predators that primarily feed on smaller herbivores such as chital, hog deer, and wild boar.
- Melanism: This is a genetic variation where leopards have black fur, including their spots. These black leopards are often mistakenly called black panthers and are thought to be a different species.
Threats to Leopards
- Poaching: Leopards are hunted for their skins and body parts, which are sold illegally.
- Habitat Loss: The destruction and fragmentation of their natural habitats pose a significant threat to leopard populations.
- Human-Leopard Conflict: As humans expand into leopard territories, conflicts arise, leading to harm for both humans and leopards.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix-I
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I
Cyber Police Stations in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, cyber police stations are set to be established in all 75 districts, with plans to create 57 new stations after the parliamentary elections. Each station will be staffed with 25 officers and employees, aiming to combat the rising incidents of cybercrime both nationally and globally. While cyber stations are currently operational in 18 divisions, the remaining districts will follow suit post-elections.
- The finalization of these cyber police stations is contingent upon the lifting of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the completion of the general elections. The MCC is a self-imposed guideline by political parties to ensure fair conduct during elections, and it is enforced by the Election Commission to uphold free and fair electoral processes.
- Although the MCC lacks statutory authority, its enforcement has strengthened over the years, allowing certain provisions to be invoked under other laws such as the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Representation of People’s Act.
Cybercrime
- Cybercrime refers to illegal activities where a computer is either the target of the crime or is used as a tool to carry out the offense.
- According to the Constitution of India, cybercrimes are considered State subjects, as outlined in the Seventh Schedule.
- These crimes involve unlawful or unauthorized actions that take advantage of technology to commit various forms of wrongdoing.
- Cybercrime encompasses a broad spectrum of offenses and can impact individuals, organizations, and even governmental bodies.
Portable Ultrasound and Echocardiogram Machines Unveiled at IMS-BHU
The Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU), has introduced two new portable machines for ultrasound and echocardiogram in the department of Geriatric Medicine. These machines will enhance the department's ability to provide timely and efficient medical care to patients.
Complimentary Services Offered
- The department of Geriatric Medicine at IMS-BHU offers various complimentary services to patients, including:
- Bedside electrocardiogram and spirometry services.
- Body composition analysis using a body composition analyzer.
- Frailty assessment with a hand grip dynamometer.
All these services are provided at no cost to the patients, ensuring accessible healthcare.
Presentation on Ankylosing Spondylitis at AIIMS, Jammu
A presentation on the various aspects of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and its impact on bone health was conducted by IMS BHU at AIIMS, Jammu.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the back, rib cage, and neck.
- The condition often begins in young adults, typically in their late teens or twenties.
- In response to spinal inflammation, the body may produce excess calcium around the vertebrae, leading to the formation of additional bone and increased stiffness in the back and neck.
Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association (APOA)
- The Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association (APOA) is a regional organization comprising orthopaedic surgeons from countries within the Asia Pacific region.
- Established in 1962 as the Western Pacific Orthopaedic Association, the organization was renamed in 2000 to reflect the inclusion of Indian sub-continent countries.
- With 24 member chapters and over 65,000 members from more than 40 countries, APOA aims to promote education, research, and fellowship among orthopaedic surgeons in the region.