1. Second G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting begins in Mumbai
Tags: Summits National News
The second meeting of the G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)began on 23 May in Mumbai.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the meeting is to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities.
The meeting aims to identify opportunities and examine creative financing mechanisms for disaster risk reduction.
Government officials, industry experts, private sector representatives and stakeholders from more than twenty countries participated in the three-day meeting.
The meeting is based on the theme of "Financing for DRR" from the first DRRWG meeting held in Gandhinagar.
The Coastal Road Project in Mumbai was discussed during the DRRWG meeting.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister -Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird -Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
2. India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development virtually launched
Tags: International Relations International News
The Ministry of Education, Government of India and US Department of State on 22 May launched the India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development in virtual mode.
An overview of the news
Its aim is to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the field of education and skill development.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of skilling and vocational education in an industry-centric era.
Recognizing the need to align skill training programs with industry requirements, both sides agreed to promote partnerships between educational institutions, industry stakeholders and relevant government agencies.
The collaboration aims to bridge the skill gap, increase employability and promote entrepreneurship in both the countries.
The delegations from both sides expressed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in education and skill development between India and the United States.
The establishment of an India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development was announced during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held between India and the US in Washington DC in April 2022.
Topic of discussion
Skilling and vocational education
Certification and recognition
Matchmaking between U.S. and Indian higher educational institutions
Engaging with the Private Sector
3. WHO warns of possible rise in dengue cases in Afghanistan
Tags: International News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert on the recent cases of dengue fever in Afghanistan.
An overview of the news
The organization said that their medical staff has enough equipment to control the disease.
The organization said that the number of dengue patients may increase during the rainy season. Twelve groups of 65 women health professionals are participating in the three-day program to protect against dengue patients.
The WHO also urged the people of Afghanistan to avoid mosquito bites and adopt necessary safety measures to prevent dengue.
What is Dengue?
Commonly known as break bone fever, it is a flu-like illness caused by the dengue virus.
It occurs when an Aedes mosquito carrying the virus bites a healthy person.
The disease is mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.
Causes of Dengue
It is caused due to four viruses, namely - DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.
The virus enters the mosquito when it bites an already infected person.
The disease is transmitted when it bites a healthy person, and the virus is spread through the person's bloodstream.
Symptoms of Dengue
Headache, Muscle, bone and joint pain, Nausea, Vomiting, swollen glands, Rash.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for dengue.
Early detection of severe dengue-associated illness and access to appropriate medical care reduce deaths from severe dengue.
Diagnosis of dengue infection is done with a blood test.
4. 30 percent financial support from the Center to promote green shipping
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has announced 30 per cent financial assistance to promote green shipping.
An overview of the news
Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal made five important announcements focusing on green shipping and digitization of ports at the end of the second Chintan Shivir of the ministry held in Munnar, Kerala.
Green Hydrogen hubs will be developed at the Deendayal Port at Kandla and Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin.
Two tugs each will be procured for Jawaharlal Nehru, VO Chidambaranar, Paradip and Deendayal ports under the Green Tug Transition Programme.
A single window portal will be prepared to facilitate booking of river and sea cruises.
Jawaharlal Nehru and Turicorin ports will be made smart ports by next year.
What is Green Shipping?
Green shipping is when people or goods are transported via ships using the minimum resources and energy possible to protect the environment from pollutants generated by the ships.
Green shipping promotes clean practices by implementing emission control, efficient port management and equipment management.
5. AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval Exercise
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
Indian Navy ships INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA arrived at Port Al-Jubail in Saudi Arabia on 21st May.
An overview of the news
The visit of these ships marks the beginning of the harbor phase of the second edition of the naval exercise between the two countries, known as 'Al-Mohad Al-Hindi 2023'.
This year the naval exercise also includes the participation of a Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
During the exercise, naval forces from both countries will engage in joint maneuvers, training activities, and exchange of expertise.
The exercise will focus on enhancing maritime security capabilities and promoting interoperability between the two navies.
The inaugural edition of the exercise was successfully conducted in 2021.
About Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise
The decision on this bilateral exercise between India and Saudi Arabia was taken at the Riyadh summit held in 2019.
Its aim is to carry out tactical maneuvers, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill to enhance interoperability.
It aims to strengthen the defense ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
Importance of the Exercise
AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 signifies the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in the defense sector.
The exercise will provide an opportunity for both navies to learn from each other's experiences and improve their operational capabilities.
The naval exercise also serves as a platform for fostering diplomatic relations and strengthening regional security cooperation.
The successful conduct of AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 may pave the way for future collaborations in defense technology, intelligence sharing, and joint defense projects.
The exercise contributes to maintaining stability and security in the region by promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between the Indian and Saudi Arabian navies.
6. Third meeting of G-20, Tourism Working Group begins in Srinagar
Tags: National Summits National News
The third meeting of the G-20, Tourism Working Group began on 22 May in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
An Overview of the News
The meeting focused on five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitization, Skilling, MSME and Destination Management.
The priorities aim to grow the tourism sector and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The objective of the meeting is to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable development.
This is the third meeting of the Tourism Working Group after the previous meetings in Gujarat and West Bengal.
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.
7. India to host 44th ISO COPOLCO Plenary
Tags: National Summits National News
India will host the 44th edition of the annual ISO COPOLCO Plenary from May 23-26, 2023, by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
An overview of the news
The event to be held in New Delhi will be inaugurated by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
COPOLCO President Sadie Denton, ISO Secretary General Sergio Mujica and other high ISO officials will also attend the event.
Organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the grand event will include interactive sessions and workshops on relevant topics, apart from various activities aimed at enhancing consumer engagement in the standardization process.
It will also feature a distinguished presence of leaders from government and business sectors, as well as an international delegation of eminent global stakeholders.
About ISO COPOLCO
ISO COPOLCO, known as the Committee on Consumer Policy, is a vital committee under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
It is responsible for advocating consumer interests in the standardization process and ensuring that standards are developed with consumers‘ needs in mind.
It provides a forum for the exchange of information and experience on consumer involvement in ISO's international standardization work.
COPOLCO's membership consists of 128 ISO member countries, represented by representatives of these countries' national standards bodies and consumer organizations.
Themes of the Plenary
'Challenges and Good Practices for Consumer Engagement', 'Empowering Consumers for a Sustainable Future' and 'Consumer Protection and Legal Framework'.
International Standards Organisation (ISO)
It is an international body with 168 member countries.
It plays a crucial role in developing standards that impact a wide range of business and social sectors worldwide.
8. 5000 year old tree from Chile recognized as the oldest tree in the world
Tags: International News
A giant tree in southern Chile, known as the "Great Grandfather" and this tree, a Patagonian cypress, located in the Alerce Costero National Park is the oldest tree in the world.
news overview
The trunk of the tree has a diameter of four metres (13 ft) and it is 28 metres tall.
It is over 5,000 years old, surpassing the oldest tree currently known as the Methuselah, which is 4,850 years old.
It is located in a forest in the southern Los Ríos region, 800 kilometres (500 mi) south of the capital Santiago.
This tree belongs to the species Fitzroya cupressoides, which is also known as Patagonian cypress.
Fitzroya cupressoides is the largest tree species in South America.
About Chile
It is a long, narrow country located on the western edge of South America.
Santiago is the capital of Chile and is located in a valley surrounded by the Santiago Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains.
The city's central square is called the Plaza de Armas and has palm-lined streets.
The Plaza de Armas houses the Neoclassical Cathedral and the National History Museum.
There is a huge park in Santiago called Parque Metropolitano.
President - Gabriel Boric
9. Amy Pope became the first woman Director-General of the United Nations Migration Agency
Tags: Person in news International News
Amy Pope of the United States has been selected as the first female Director-General of the United Nations Migration Agency.
An Overview of the News
She will head the Geneva-based International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Pope is currently serving as deputy to Director General Antonio Vitorino.
Her five-year term as director general will begin on October 1, replacing Vitorino.
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
It is an agency of the United Nations and provides services and advice related to migration.
The agency provides assistance to governments and expatriates.
It caters to the needs of diverse groups including internally displaced persons, refugees and migrant workers.
Formation - 6 December 1951
Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
Membership (2023) - 175 member states and 8 observer states
10. EPFO adds 1.39 crore members during financial year 2022-23
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has added 1.39 crore members during the financial year 2022-23.
An overview of the news
Provisional payroll data of EPFO highlights that it added over 13 lakh members in March 2023.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, out of the 13.40 lakh members added during March, over seven lakh new members have come under the EPFO ambit for the first time.
Among newly joined members, the highest enrollment is in the age group of 18 to 21 years with 2.35 lakh members, followed by about two lakh members in the age group of 22 to 25 years.
The data also highlights that more than 10 lakh members rejoined the EPFO. These members changed their jobs and rejoined the establishments covered under EPFO.
About EPFO
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory organisation set up under the Union ministry of Labour and Employment was set up in 1951 by an Ordinance issued by the President.
Later Parliament passed the Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, act 1952.
It is the country’s largest social security organisation.
EPFO assists the Central Board of Trustees in the administration of a provident fund scheme, pension scheme and an insurance scheme for the registered establishments in India.
