1. 76th World Health Assembly at Geneva
Tags: Summits International News
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will represent India in the 76th World Health Assembly at Geneva, Switzerland to be held from 21st to 30th May 2023.
An overview of the news
In line with India's commitment to a healthier world, the Union Health Minister will deliver the keynote address at the side events of 'Heal in India and Heal by India' as well as 'Together We Fight Against TB'.
During his stay till 24 May 2023, Mandaviya will participate in various bilateral meetings with countries across the world.
He will promote opportunities for health-related cooperation among the participating countries.
The bilateral meetings will engage representatives from Singapore, France, Netherlands, USA, Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil, Qatar and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Additionally, a multilateral meeting is also scheduled with representatives from BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China and South-Africa).
Key agenda for assembly
Discussions and deliberations on the issues of Universal Health Coverage.
Public Health Emergencies
Health & Well-Being
Emphasising the importance of global collaborations and partnerships for building resilient global health architecture.
Collectively striving to achieve Universal Health Coverage through value-based healthcare.
About World Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO.
It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.
The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.
The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.
2. 2nd Trade and Investment Working Group meeting begins in Bengaluru
Tags: Summits National News
On 23 May, the second Trade and Investment Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency began in Bengaluru.
An Overview of the News
It is a three-day meeting and is attended by 75 delegates from G20 countries, invited countries and regional/international organisations.
The objective of the Bengaluru meeting is to address issues related to international trade and investment and seek agreeable solutions.
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash inaugurated the seminar.
The meeting discussed reforming the multilateral trading system and finding agreeable solutions for international trade and investment.
An exhibition of Indian Startups is also a part of the event.
The first Trade and Investment Working Group meeting was held in Mumbai.
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.
Karnataka:
It is a state in southwest India and is bordered by Maharashtra to the north, Goa to the northwest, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest.
Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is known as the "Silicon Valley of India" and is a major centre of technology and innovation.
Hampi, located in northern Karnataka, was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kannada is the official language of Karnataka, although English and Hindi are also widely spoken.
Chief minister - Siddaramaiah
Governor - Thawar Chand Gehlot
Official Animal - Indian Elephant
Official Bird - Indian Roller
Official Dance - Yakshagana
Official Song - Jaya Bharat Jananiya Tanujate
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
