1. UAE to Host World's Largest IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
Tags: Environment Summits International News
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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.
2. NIPCCD organized a Refresher Training Programme on Mission Vatsalya
Tags: Government Schemes National News
NIPCCD organized a Refresher Training Programme on Mission Vatsalya from 29- 31 May, 2023 at NIPCCD Regional Centre, Mohali. 33 participants attended the training Programme.
The programme involved discussions on the following themes:
Improve functioning of statutory bodies
Strengthen service delivery services
Upscale Institutional care/ services Encourage non-intuitional community based care
Training and Capacity building of duty holders
About Mission Vatsalya
It promotes family-based non-institutional care of children in difficult situations based on the 'principle of institutionalization of children' as a last resort.
Before the year 2009, three schemes were implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for children in need of protection -
1. Juvenile justice programs for children as well as children in need of care and protection
2. Integrated Program for Street Children
3. Child Home Assistance Scheme
In theyear 2010, these three schemes were merged into a single scheme which is known as Integrated Child Protection Scheme.
In the year 2017 its name was changed to "Child Protection Services Scheme" and in the year 2021-22 it was also changed to Mission Vatsalya.
It aims to ensure a healthy and happy childhood for every child in the country.
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD)
It is an autonomous organisation and its Headquarter is in New Delhi.
It functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Its objective is to take a comprehensive view of child development and develop and promote programmes in pursuance of the National Policy for Children.
3. IRDAI issues draft Bima Vahaks guidelines
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
IRDAI recently came out with draft guidelines for 'Bima Vahaks (BV)'.
An overview of the news
It seeks to establish a dedicated distribution channel at the level of Gram Panchayats.
The guidelines propose Corporate Bima Vahaks and Individual Bima Vahaks for the distribution channel.
Corporate Bima Vahak would be legal personsregistered in accordance with the respective laws and engaged by an insurer. Individual Bima Vahak could be any individual appointed by an insurer or appointed by a Corporate Bima Vahak.
The BVs, both corporate and individual, would be authorised to undertake activities like the collection of proposal information, and KYC documents and coordinate claims-related services.
As per the draft, every insurer will have to provide alternative mode for payment of premium by prospects or policyholders.
Objective of the guidelines
This initiative aims to improve accessibility and availability of insurance in every nook and corner of the country.
Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
IRDAI is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the insurance industry in India.
It was set up to promote and regulate the insurance sector in India.
It was established on April 1, 2000, under the provisions of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
The primary role of the IRDAI is to regulate and promote the insurance industry in India.
4. India’s first deluxe train Deccan Queen completes 93 years of service
Tags: National National News
The Deccan Queen, the first deluxe train service of the Indian Railways, completed 93 years of service on June 1, 2023.
An overview of the news
The train was introduced on June 1, 1930, and was considered a significant milestone in the history of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway.
Known as the "Queen of Deccan" or "Dakkhan ki Rani," the Deccan Queen operated between Mumbai and Pune.
Initially, the train consisted of seven coaches, offering first and second class accommodations. The third class was introduced in 1955.
On January 1, 1949, the first-class accommodations were discontinued, and the second class was upgraded to first class. The third class was later redefined as the second class in April 1974.
In 1966, the coaches of the Deccan Queen were replaced with anti-telescopic and steel-bodied integral bogies. The interior furnishings were improved for enhanced passenger comfort.
The Deccan Queen is equipped with modern pantry facilities, including a toaster, deep freezer, and microwave oven.
The dining car of the train is well-furnished with cushioned chairs and carpets, offering table service to 32 passengers.
Over the years, the Deccan Queen has become an iconic train and a symbol of pride for Indian Railways, serving as a popular mode of transportation for passengers traveling between Mumbai and Pune.
5. NATO Launches Arctic exercise
Tags: Defence International News
NATO countries have started military exercises in the Arctic region.
An Overview of the News
The exercise involves approximately 1,000 allied forces from Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with NATO applicant Sweden.
Finland, NATO's newest member, is hosting its first joint training in the Arctic region since joining the Western alliance in April.
The exercise took place at Rovajärvi in northern Finland, near the Russian border, at one of Europe's largest artillery training grounds.
Oath to defend Finland:
NATO has pledged to protect its newest member, Finland.
The decision to join NATO was influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which raised tensions between Moscow and the West.
Participation and Scope of Practice:
About 6,500 Finnish soldiers and 1,000 vehicles are participating in the exercise.
The Arctic Challenge 2023 exercise also includes 150 aircraft from 14 NATO members and partner countries.
The objective of the exercise is to enhance military cooperation and preparedness in the Arctic region.
Joint training reinforces NATO's commitment to collective defence and regional security.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
It is a military alliance between North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
It was created during the Cold War as a defense pact to prevent Soviet expansion and protect member states from possible aggression.
The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg
About Finland
Finland is the 31st member of NATO.
Prime Minister- Sana Marin
Capital- Helsinki
Currency- Euro
6. Saudi naval cadet trains with Indian Navy for the first time
Tags: Defence International News
55 cadets of the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) underwent training with the Indian Navy for the first time.
An Overview of the News
The cadets have been attached to the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata, for afloat training.
The cadets were given simulator training before commencing sea training.
During sea flights, cadets received training in navigation, seamanship, anchoring, coastal navigation, replenishment at sea, sea boats, fire fighting and emergency drills.
The Chief of the Naval Staff was apprised of the ongoing training activities and progress of the trainees.
Navy Chief Admiral -R Hari Kumar
Indian Navy:
It is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces, responsible for protecting India's interests at sea.
The President of India holds the position of Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy, which vests ultimate authority and responsibility over naval operations.
The Navy is commanded by the Chief of Naval Staff, who is a four star Admiral.
Establishment - 26 January 1950
Headquarters -New Delhi
7. MoU signed between the Indian Navy and the Indian Maritime University
Tags: National National News
The Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for technical collaboration on 2 June.
An overview of the news
The MoU outlines the procedure for collaboration in various areas, including training, joint research and development, collaborative courses, and resolution of field level issues.
The collaboration will involve teams from the Centre of Excellence (Marine Engineering) at INS Shivaji, Lonavala, and the Indian Maritime University.
Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, and Dr. Malini V Shankar, IAS (Retd), Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University, signed the MoU.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University in areas related to maritime education, research, and resolving practical challenges faced in the field.
Through this collaboration, the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University will work together to develop and implement training programs, conduct joint research projects, and address issues specific to the maritime sector.
Significance of MoU
The technical collaboration between the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University is expected to contribute to the overall growth and development of maritime education, training, and research in India.
This partnership reflects the importance of synergy between academic institutions and defense forces in fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and addressing real-world challenges.
The signing of the MoU demonstrates the commitment of both the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University to strengthen their cooperation and promote excellence in the maritime sector.
About Indian Maritime University (IMU)
It is a central university in India dedicated to maritime education, training, and research.
It was established through an Act of Parliament in 2008 as a teaching-cum-affiliating university.
The university has its headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and operates through its various campuses and affiliated institutes located across the country.
The university aims to provide quality education and training to students aspiring to pursue careers in the maritime industry, including shipping, logistics, ports, offshore sectors, and related fields.
8. Nepal's PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India
Tags: International Relations International News
In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' made a four-day visit to New Delhi on 31 May.
An overview of the news
Various projects were launched during the visit which included the Kurtha-Bijalpura section of the railway line.
An Indian Railways cargo train was inaugurated from the newly constructed rail link Bathnaha (India) to Nepal Customs Yard under Indian grant.
Integrated Checkposts (ICPs) were inaugurated at Nepalgunj (Nepal) and Rupaidiha (India).
Celebration of ICP in Bhairahawa (Nepal) and Sonauli (India).
Phase-II facilities under Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum pipeline inaugurated.
Apart from this, another new pipeline will be built from Siliguri to Jhapa in eastern Nepal.
Exchange of MoU/Agreement between the two countries
Treaty of Transit between India and Nepal.
MoU between India and Nepal for cooperation in the field of Petroleum Infrastructure.
MoU between India and Nepal for development of infrastructure at Dodhra Chandani Check Post on Indo-Nepal border.
MoU between NPCIL and NCHL, Nepal for cross border payments.
Project Development Agreement of Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project.
MoU for the development of Phukot-Karnali Hydroelectric Project.
About Nepal
The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal
President - Ram Chandra Paudel
Capital - Kathmandu
Currency - Nepalese Rupee
9. US Congress approves deal to lift country's borrowing limit
Tags: International News
The US Congress approved a deal to lift the country's borrowing limit, thereby preventing default on its debt.
An Overview of the News
The bipartisan measure passed through the Senate with a vote of 63-36 after the US House of Representatives approved it.
President Joe Biden committed to turning the measure into law to protect the US from a catastrophic default on its $31.4 trillion debt.
United States House of Representatives
It is the lower house of the United States Congress.
It, along with the Senate, forms the national bicameral legislature of the United States.
Its structure and functions are established by Article One of the United States Constitution.
It provides proportional representation based on the population of each state.
It has a total of 435 representatives.
Founded - 1789
Headquarters - Washington, D.C., United States
Speaker - Kevin McCarthy
Majority Leader - Steve Scalise
Minority Leader - Hakeem Jeffries
10. Latvian parliament elects Edgars Rinkevics as new president
Tags: Person in news International News
In 2011, Edgars Rinkevics, Latvia's foreign minister, was elected as the new president by the 100-seat Saimaa legislature.
An Overview of the News
In a close vote, Edgars Rinkevics secured 52 votes, more than the minimum needed to win the election.
Edgars Rinkevics, aged 49, has previously held positions such as State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and worked as a journalist with Latvian Radio in the 1990s.
Latvia:
It is a country on the Baltic Sea, situated between Lithuania and Estonia.
The capital of Latvia is Riga, known for its remarkable woodwork and Art Nouveau architecture.
Riga's mediaeval Old Town contains St. Peter's Church is a popular tourist destination.
Capital - Riga
Prime minister - Krišjānis Kariņš
Official language - Latvian
