GMU signs MoU with top Medical college of Bahrain for collaboration in Medical Education, Research
Ajman: Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, on 8th January 2020 signed an agreement for strategic collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Medical University of Bahrain, aimed to promote mutual cooperation in medical education and research. The MoU was signed at Gulf Medical University on 8th January 2020 by Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor, representing GMU and Prof. Sameer Otoom, the President, representing RCSI Bahrain.
The MoU is part of GMU’s strategic objectives concerning internationalization and global collaborations. At present, higher education and training are confined within the walls of universities. E-learning and technological advances maximize the utilization and effectiveness of the learning process. GMU, as a leading medical university in the Gulf region, has close relationships with similar universities in the GMU.
Prof. Hossam Hamdy said the collaboration between GMU and RCSI Bahrain would open up several opportunities in education, research and internationalization. “Both the institutions share the same values and have the same vision and mission of imparting healthcare to the populations of the UAE, Bahrain and the GCC countries through innovations in medical education and healthcare. We hope to take this collaboration ahead in such a way that it benefits both GMU and RCSI Bahrain, as well as the region,” he said.
Prof. Sameer Otoom said that the collaboration would focus on three things mainly: exchange of examiners, joint research and clinical electives. Regarding the delegation’s visit to GMU and the tour of the teaching, training and research facilities, he said, “We are very impressed with the research facilities of GMU that we’ve seen today – a big research center focusing on one type of research and big modern hospitals within the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System. This is an exemplary concept.”
The delegation also complemented GMU for its innovative, technology-intensive training methodology, especially the Virtual Patient Learning (VPL) system developed by GMU to enhance the students’ learning experience.
Gulf Medical University has been establishing tie-ups with leading international universities and research institutions in the United States, Europe, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Gulf States and Egypt, in line with its strategic directions. In the field of research, the University has established international research laboratories that cooperate with a large number of international research centers and work with their counterparts in the UAE, especially in the field of immunology research to treat cancer. GMU receives students from more than 80 countries as its reputation and image goes beyond the region.
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Railways: FM Sitharaman allocates Rs 2.77 lakh crore for capital expenditure
New Delhi (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday allocated Rs 2,77,830 crore to the Ministry of Railways for capital expenditure in the financial year 2026–27.
The Budget allocation includes the construction of new lines and the purchase of locomotives, wagons, and coaches, among other works.
The ministry had received Rs 2,52,000 crore in FY 2025–26. The current allocation for the upcoming financial year is 10.25 per cent higher, making it the highest ever. Besides, the ministry will get Rs 15,000 crore from Extra Budgetary Resources, the document showed.
According to the Budget document, the railways’ total earnings are projected at Rs 3,85,733.33 crore, while expenditure is estimated at Rs 3,82,186.01 crore, resulting in a surplus of Rs 3,547.32 crore at the end of the financial year.
"Since the railways' earnings are too meagre to fund asset creation and support new works, it receives funds from the government. Accordingly, the ministry has been allocated Rs 2,77,830 crore to undertake activities such as laying new lines, converting narrow gauge to broad gauge, and constructing double lines on single-line routes," a railway official said.
The Budget document has earmarked funds from the Rs 2,77,830 crore allocation for various construction and asset creation projects. These include Rs 36,721.55 crore for new lines, Rs 4,600 crore for gauge conversion, Rs 37,750 crore for doubling, Rs 52,108.73 crore for rolling stock (locomotives, wagons, etc.), and Rs 7,500 crore for signalling and telecom, among others.
The allocation under the signalling and telecom head is significant as the automatic train protection system, Kavach, falls under this department. The ministry has laid strong emphasis on expanding Kavach coverage across the rail network.
The document also presents the actual earnings and expenditure of the railways in 2024–25. During the year, railways earned Rs 3,35,757.09 crore and spent Rs 3,32,440.64 crore, recording a surplus of Rs 3,316.45 crore. The budgetary allocation for the year stood at Rs 2,51,946.56 crore.
"As far as FY 2025–26 is concerned, the actual figures for earnings and expenditure will be available only after the financial year ends,” an official said, adding that largely earnings and expenses are on expected lines with minor changes.
Out of the total expenditures of the railways, the biggest share goes on paying pensions to its employees.
According to Budget documents, expenditure on pensions was Rs 58844.07 crore in 2024-25, which is expected to rise to Rs 74500 crore in 2026-27.
