1. 8th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit 2023
Tags: Summits National News
The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) on 23 June successfully concluded the 8th edition of the Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit at Mumbai.
An overview of the news
The theme for the Summit was, ‘Patient Centricity: New Paradigm of Manufacturing and Quality’.
The two-day Summit brought together industry leaders, global regulators, quality experts, and stakeholders to foster knowledge exchange and deliberate on areas of importance in shaping the pharmaceutical landscape in India.
The event was inaugurated by Samir Mehta, Chairman, Torrent Pharmaceuticals and President, IPA.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare addressed the summit.
India played a vital role as the "Pharmacy to the World" during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring a steady supply of quality medicines and vaccines across the globe.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry has demonstrated its potential both in terms of quality and quantity.
About the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA)
IPA was established in the year 1999 in Mumbai.
IPA represents 24 research-based national pharmaceutical companies.
Collectively, the IPA companies contribute to over 85 percent of the private sector investment in pharmaceutical research and development in India.
IPA companies are responsible for more than 80 percent of the country's exports of drugs and pharmaceuticals.
They also serve over 60 percent of the domestic market in India.
2. G-20 Labor Engagement Group meeting started in Patna
Tags: Summits
The two-day meeting of the G-20 Labor Engagement Group began on 22 May 2023 in Patna, Bihar.
An Overview of the News
Around 150 delegates from the G-20 member states and eight guest countries participated.
The ceremony was inaugurated by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Ashoka Convention Center in Patna.
This meeting includes universalizing social security and increasing women's participation in the workforce (around 32% globally).
The meeting also focused on the plight of migrant workers and the issue of knowledge and skill gaps among workers.
The delegates will explore new employment opportunities and challenges in G20 countries.
Union Labor and Employment Minister - Bhupendra Yadav
Labor Resources Minister of Bihar - Surendra Ram
About G-20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
Bihar:
It is a state located in eastern India and shares its border with Nepal.
This region is divided by the river Ganga.
Bihar is known for its important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a revered site.
Formation - 22 March 1912
Capital - Patna
District - 38
Governor - Rajendra Arlekar
Chief Minister - Nitish Kumar
Rajya Sabha - 16 seats
Lok Sabha - 40 seats
3. G20 Tourism Working Group and Tourism Ministerial meetings begin in Goa
Tags: Summits
On 19 June the G20 Tourism Working Group and Tourism Ministerial meetings began in Goa.
An Overview of the News
G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) addressed the session on “Making Cruise Tourism a Model for Sustainable and Responsible Travel”.
Various events related to cruise tourism, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and public-private sector collaborations have been organized alongside the main meetings.
The G20 Tourism Working Group and Tourism Ministerial Meetings aim to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable development in the region.
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
About Goa
It is a state located on the west coast of India, bordering the Arabian Sea.
It is the smallest state of India by area.
Formation (as a state) - 30 May 1987
Capital - Panaji (Executive Branch)
Official Animal - Gaur
Official Sport - Football
Rajya Sabha - 1 seat
Lok Sabha - 2 seats
Governor - PS Sreedharan Pillai
Chief Minister - Pramod Sawant
4. Director General Level Border Coordination Conference
Tags: Summits
The 53rd Director General level Border Coordination Conference between Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is being held in New Delhi from June 11 to June 14.
An overview of the news
During the conference, BSF delegation from India led by Director General BSF Dr. Sujoy Lal Thousenwill meet the BGB delegation headed by Major General AKM Najmul Hasan.
The conference is being organized to discuss border related issues and for better coordination between the two border guarding forces.
During the conference, joint curbing of various cross-border crimes and timely exchange ofinformation between the two border guarding forces will be discussed.
In addition, discussions will be held on developmental and infrastructural works, joint efforts for effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan and confidence building measures.
The last BSF-BGB Border Coordination Conference was held in Dhaka last year.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Cape Town
Tags: Summits International News
BRICS countries kicked off its foreign ministers meeting on 1st June in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa.
An overview of the news
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the meeting of foreign ministers of BRICS countries.
South Africa, which currently holds the chair of the bloc, hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town on 1-2 June.
The foreign ministers’ meeting will finalise the agenda for the 15th BRICS summit scheduled to be held in South Africa in August.
It is believed that 19 countries are in line to join BRICS.
Joint Agreement
The BRICS foreign ministers agreed BRICS cooperation should be strengthened to promote unity among developing countries.
Advance the global governance system reform.
Accelerate the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Contribute to world peace and development.
About BRICS
The full form of BRICS is Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill coined the term BRIC (without South Africa) in 2001.
He claimed that by 2050, the four BRIC economies would dominate the global economy by 2050.
South Africa was included in the list in 2010.
The presidency of the Forum is rotated annually among the members.
BRICS accounts for about 40% of the world’s population.
It accounts for 30% of the world's GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
In the year 2014, during the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, the BRICS leaders signed an agreement to establish a New Development Bank (NDB).
8. PM Modi to chair SCO Summit virtually
Tags: Summits National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 22nd Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State on 4th July.
An overview of the news
It will be held in the virtual format. India assumed the rotating Chairmanship of SCO at the Samarkand Summit on 16 September last year.
All the SCO Member States, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have been invited to attend the Summit.
In addition, Iran, Belarus and Mongolia have been invited as observer states.
As per SCO tradition, Turkmenistan has also been invited as the Guest of the Chair.
In addition, heads of six international and regional organizations have also been invited.
The theme of the summit is 'Towards a Secure SCO'.
The SECURE acronym was given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2018 SCO summit which refers to security, economy and trade, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and environment.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) :
It is a permanent intergovernmental international organization.
It was founded in 2001.
The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and came into force in 2003.
It is a Eurasian political, economic and military organization.
Its aim is to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.
China, Russia and four Central Asian states – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – were founding members of the SCO.
Its members include China, Russia, India and Pakistan, as well as 4 Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Official Languages - Russian and Chinese
Chairmanship - On the basis of rotation for a year by Member States
9. Anti-corruption working group meeting under G20 India Presidency concluded in Tehri
Tags: Summits
The three-day Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency concluded in Tehri, Uttarakhand.
An Overview of the News
- Rahul Singh, Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, chaired the meeting as the Chairman of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group.
- The meeting focused on combating corruption and discussed various key topics and areas.
- Discussions included asset recovery, fugitive economic offenders, formal and informal channels of cooperation for information sharing, institutional framework to combat corruption and mutual legal assistance.
- Three high-level principles were agreed upon: promoting the integrity and effectiveness of responsible public bodies and officials, international law enforcement cooperation and information sharing, and preventing and combating corruption.
- The meeting saw the participation of over 90 delegates from 20 member states, 10 invitees and representatives of nine international organisations.
About Uttarakhand
Formation - 9 November 2000
Capital- Dehradun
District - 13
Governor - Gurmeet Singh
Chief Minister - Pushkar Singh Dhami
Legislative Assembly - Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly (70 seats)
Rajya Sabha - 3 seats
Lok Sabha - 5 seats
10. Second G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting concluded in Rishikesh (Tehri), Uttarakhand
Tags: Summits
The second meeting of the G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) organized by the Union Ministry of Defense and Tourism from 25 to 27 May 2023 was held in Rishikesh (Tehri).
An Overview of the News:
- The meeting witnessed wide participation of 90 delegates from 20 member countries, 10 invited countries and 9 international organizations including UNODC, OECD, Egmont Group, INTERPOL and IMF.
Subject of the Meeting:
- The main themes of the meeting of the G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group were as follows:
- Asset recovery,
- Fugitive economic offenders,
- Formal and informal channels of cooperation for information sharing,
- Institutional frameworks for combating corruption and mutual legal assistance, among others.
- There have been in-depth and productive discussions on several other key focus areas.
- A unique ancillary event was organized on the first day of the G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group on 'Gender and Corruption'.
- India looks forward to hosting the delegates again in Kolkata on 9-11 August 2023 for the 3rd meeting of the ACWG.
- India will also host the first ever in-person anti-corruption ministerial meeting to give further momentum to the G-20 agenda of strengthening the international fight against corruption.
