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By admin: June 5, 2023

UAE to Host World's Largest IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

Tags: Environment Summits International News

The next International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress will be held from 9 to 15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

An overview of the news

• The United Arab Emirates was selected as the host country based on a rigorous evaluation process of its candidature.

• The United Arab Emirates has a long-standing collaboration with IUCN, with seven IUCN Member organizations and the National Committee based there.

• The country is home to 50 scientific and policy experts who are members of IUCN Commissions.

• The selection of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) as the venue was supported by a broad range of governmental authorities and civil society organizations.

About IUCN World Conservation Congress

• The IUCN Congress is the world's largest conservation event, held every four years.

• The Congress brings together leaders from government, civil society, Indigenous peoples' organizations, business, and academia.

• Its purpose is to determine the world's most pressing environmental and development challenges and develop actions to address them.

• The Congress will focus on delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted by over 190 countries in December.

• The Framework includes targets to enhance the conservation of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.

Previous IUCN World Conservation Congress

• The previous IUCN World Conservation Congress was held in 2021 in Marseille, France.

• It had almost 6,000 people attending on-site and over 3,500 participants online.

• During the congress, 148 resolutions and recommendations were adopted, including calls to protect 80% of the Amazon by 2025 and halt deep-sea mining across the oceans.

• The global community was urged to adopt an ambitious One Health approach.

• The IUCN Climate Crisis Commission was established during the congress.

About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

• It is an international organization that works towards the conservation and sustainable use of nature and natural resources.

• It was established in 1948 and is the world's largest and most diverse environmental network. 

• It brings together governments, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and experts from around the world.

• The primary mission of the IUCN is to encourage, and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature.

• It strives to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and support actions that tackle pressing environmental challenges.

World Environment Day - 5 June

Tags: Important Days

World Environment Day is an annual event celebrated on June 5th to raise global awareness about environmental issues and encourage positive actions to protect the planet.

An overview of the news

• World Environment Day 2023 is hosted by Côte d'Ivoire and supported by the Netherlands.

• Theme of World Environment Day 2023 is 'Solutions to plastic pollution'.

• The theme is chosen by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and serves as a guiding principle for activities and discussions worldwide.

• World Environment Day is observed by individuals, communities, organizations, and governments in over 100 countries. 

• It serves as an opportunity to engage people from all walks of life and inspire them to take action for a sustainable future.

• The day is dedicated to increasing awareness about environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, pollution and loss of biodiversity.

• It promotes understanding of the importance of environmental conservation and encourages individuals to make positive changes in their daily lives.

• Each year, a different country is chosen as the global host of World Environment Day.

Background of the Day

• World Environment Day was first celebrated by the United Nations in 1972.

• Its celebration on a global scale began on 5 June 1974 in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, where an environmental conference was organised in the presence of 119 countries.

• It was during this conference that it was decided to celebrate World Environment Day on 5th June every year.

SBI launches Project Kuber in Bengaluru

Tags: Economy/Finance State News

State Bank of India (SBI), Bengaluru Circle, recently launched 'Project Kuber' to meet the banking needs of its customers.

• Project Kuber' aims to facilitate, and cater to various banking requirements of customers in Bengaluru Circle.

Transaction Banking Hubs

• The project includes the establishment of four Transaction Banking Hubs and one Corporate Salary Package Hub. 

• These hubs will focus on increasing SBI's market share in liability products.

• Nand Kishore, the Chief General Manager of SBI, Bengaluru Circle, inaugurated the hub on 3rd June.

• They are located at SBI Administrative Building on KG Road and Sampige Road in Malleswaram.

• The Transaction Banking Hubs will provide a range of services to both corporate and non-corporate clients.

• These services include account opening, onboarding on SBI's digital platforms, and catering to payment and collection-related requirements. 

• The hubs will serve as a one-stop destination for digital banking services such as Yono Business, e-Payments, Cash Management Products, and more.

India's first carbon neutral village to be developed in Bhiwandi taluka of Thane district

Tags: State News

Union Minister of State, Kapil Patil, recently announced the development of India's first carbon-neutral village in Bhiwandi Taluka, located in Thane district.

An overview of the news

• The government is actively working towards developing a carbon-neutral village in Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane district.

• This initiative aims to minimize carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices for a cleaner and greener environment.

• Along with the carbon-neutral village, 121 tribal villages are being developed as model villages.

• These model villages serve as examples for sustainable development, showcasing effective infrastructure, amenities, and improved living conditions.

• In the Bhiwandi Lok Sabha Constituency, around 1,75,000 farmers are benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Yojana. 

• This scheme provides financial support to farmers, enhancing their livelihoods and promoting agricultural growth.

Development Projects

• Several significant development projects have been completed in the Bhiwandi Lok Sabha Constituency, including the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro, Kalyan-Murbad Railway, Eight-Layer Majivada-Vadape Bypass, Shahapur-Khopoli Highway, among others. 

• These projects have been instrumental in driving progress and enhancing connectivity in the region.

Ahmednagar renamed Ahilyadevi Holkar Nagar

Tags: State News

Mumbai Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the renaming of Ahmednagar district in western Maharashtra to Ahilya Nagar, in honor of Ahilya Devi Holkar, an eminent ruler of the Malwa kingdom during the 18th century. 

An overview of the news

• The announcement was made during a ceremony commemorating Ahilya Devi's 298th birth anniversary in Ahmednagar. 

• The decision came in the wake of a controversy surrounding the temporary removal of statues of Ahilya Devi and social reformer Savitribai Phule from Maharashtra Sadan.

About Ahilya Devi Holkar

• Born on May 31, 1725, in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharani Ahilya Devi Holkar is recognized as one of the most accomplished female rulers in Indian history. 

• As a prominent ruler of the Malwa kingdom and a member of the Maratha Holkar clan, she championed the principles of dharma and promoted industrialization during the 18th century. 

• She encouraged trade and commerce, improved infrastructure, and supported the growth of industries.

• Her efforts played a crucial role in fostering economic development and prosperity in the region.

• As a tribute to her legacy, Indore's domestic airport has already been named Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, and the Indore university has been renamed Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya.

Dennis Francis elected 78th UNGA president

Tags: Person in news

Dennis Francis, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago (TT), created history by becoming the first TT citizen to be elected as the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

An overview of the news 

• The election took place at the UN headquarters in New York, US, on 1 June. 

• Francis, who has served in the diplomatic service for over 40 years, was nominated on April 1 and faced no opposition in the election. 

• He will serve as the 78th President of the UNGA.

• He will enforce the rules of procedure, such as opening and closing debates, regulating speaking times for representatives, suspending or adjourning debates, and setting the agenda for the assembly.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

• It is the United Nation’s chief policy-making and representative organ and was created in 1945.

• It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN).

• It serves as the main deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the United Nations.

• Its powers, structure, functions and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter.

• Its main functions are to prepare the budget of the United Nations, appoint non-permanent members to the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General of the United Nations, receive reports from other parts of the United Nations system, and make recommendations through resolutions.

Three-member panel constituted to probe Manipur violence

Tags: committee

The Centre has established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the recent series of violence in Manipur, led by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Ajai Lamba. 

About Commission of Inquiry

• In addition to Ajai Lamba, the commission includes retired IAS officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired IPS officer Aloka Prabhakar as members. 

• The headquarters of the commission will be located in Imphal, Manipur.

• The central government has appointed the Commission of Inquiry under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

What will examine the commission?

• The commission's mandate, according to a notification from the Union Home Ministry, is to inquire into the causes and spread of the violence and riots targeting different communities in Manipur that occurred on May 3 and thereafter.

• The commission will examine the sequence of events leading to the violence, gather all relevant facts, and determine if there were any lapses or dereliction of duty on the part of responsible authorities or individuals. 

• It will also assess the adequacy of administrative measures taken to prevent and address the violence and riots.

• The commission is required to submit its report to the central government as soon as possible. 

• But no later than six months from the date of its first sitting.

Violence in Manipur

• The violence in Manipur, which began on May 3, resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries, and property damage.

• The government of Manipur recommended the establishment of a judicial inquiry commission to investigate the causes and factors associated with the crisis. 

• Manipur has experienced sporadic violence since the outbreak of ethnic clashes on May 3. 

• The clashes were triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

• Prior tensions had arisen over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, leading to smaller agitations.

Two-day lavender festival inaugurated in Bhaderwah

Tags: State News

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the two-day lavender festival at Bhaderwah in Jammu on 4th June.

An overview of the news

• He said Bhaderwah has emerged as the Lavender capital of India and Agri StartUp destination.

• CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu organized the event as part of its 'One Week One Laboratory' campaign.

• Dr Jitendra Singh described Bhaderwah as the birthplace of India's 'Purple Revolution' and a destination for agri-startups.

CSIR-Aroma Mission

• This is a flagship project of CSIR, under which lavender cultivation is being promoted in the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir region.

• The objective of this project is to increase the income of small and marginal farmers and to develop agri-based startups.

• The project is being directly monitored by the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh.

• Under his directions, lavender cultivation is being promoted at CSIR-IIIM Bhaderwah and other parts of J&K.

A specific species of lavender, RRL-12

• CSIR-IIIM has developed its own unique species of lavender (RRL-12) and cultivation technology of lavender.

• This species of lavender has proved very suitable for lavender cultivation in rainfed temperate regions of India.

• CSIR-IIIM initiated lavender cultivation under CSIR-Aroma Mission and provided more than 30 lakh lavender plants free of cost to the farmers of different districts of J&K.

What is lavender cultivation?

• Lavender is a popular aromatic herb known for its beautiful flowers and soothing fragrance. 

• It is widely cultivated for various purposes, including ornamental, culinary, and therapeutic uses. 

• It belongs to the Lamiaceae family.

• Lavender flowers are used to flavor various dishes, desserts and beverages.

• It is also a popular ingredient in teas and herbal infusions.

• Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy, perfumes, soaps, candles, and cosmetics.

• Some popular lavender varieties include English lavender, French lavender and Spanish lavender.

3rd Health Working Group Meeting at Hyderabad

Tags: National Summits National News

The third meeting of the G20 Health Working Group (HWG) was held at Hyderabad from June 4 to 6.

An overview of the news

• Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Bharti Praveen Pawar addressed the 3rd Health Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency.

• The 3rd meeting of the HWG held a main event focusing on cooperation in R&D of Medical Counter Measures (MCMs).

Highlights of the event

Co-branded events

• The meeting included co-branded events with the Global Vaccine Research Collaborative and the Joint Finance Health Task Force meeting.

• The objective of these events is to increase cooperation in the field of healthcare.

Participant

• The meeting was attended by representatives of 19 G20 member states, 10 invited countries and 22 international organizations.

Proposed deliverables

• The HWG has proposed a number of deliverables, including a mapping of ongoing initiatives in health emergencies, prevention, preparedness and response.

• The launch of a Climate Change and Health Centre, regional networks for vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics (VTD) research and development, and the creation of a global medical countermeasure coordination platform were also discussed.

Global Initiative on Digital Health

• Another proposed 'Global Initiative on Digital Health' was launched.

• The initiative aims to establish an institutional framework for convergence of existing digital health initiatives.

Past HWG Meetings

• Health priorities were introduced and discussed in detail during the HWG meetings held in Thiruvananthapuram and Goa earlier this year, emphasizing the importance of advancing health objectives.

Showcasing India's Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

• Delegates will have the opportunity to visit 'Genome Valley' in Hyderabad, a well-known hub for global life science companies.

• The visit will highlight India's expertise in life science research and drug manufacturing.

• Genome Valley is responsible for 33% of global vaccine production, including vaccines for diseases such as COVID-19, polio and rotavirus.

Amlan Borgohain won two gold medals at the Flanders Cup 2023 Athletics

Tags: Sports Sports News

Indian athlete Amlan Borgohain won two gold medals at the Flanders Cup 2023 Athletics Meet in Merksem, Belgium.

An overview of the news

• Amlan Borgohain secured gold medals in both the men's 100m and 200m races at the Flanders Cup 2023 athletics meet.

• In the men's 100m event, Borgohain emerged as the fastest man with a time of 10.70s. Although this was 0.45s slower than his own national record, it was enough for him to claim the gold.

• Jamaican athlete Aubrey Allen secured the silver medal in the men's 100m event with a timing of 10.80s. Victor Hofmans from Belgium finished third, clinching the bronze with a time of 11.01s.

• Borgohain continued his impressive performance in the men's 200m race, clocking an impressive time of 20.96s to claim another gold medal. Victor Hofmans of Belgium finished second with a time of 21.42s, and Samuel Rowe, a Jamaican sprinter, secured the third position with a time of 21.88s.

Flanders Cup

• The Flanders Cup, also known as the Internationaal Antwerps Athletics Gala, is a significant athletics meet that is categorized as a Category F event in the World Athletics calendar.