1. 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
2. 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
3. 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.
4. PM Modi attended FIPIC summit in Papua New Guinea
Tags: Summits International News
_sxyRD3O.gif)
PM Modi attended the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea 23 May. 14 countries from the Pacific Islands (PICs) attended the summit.
An overview of the news
The summit was led by Papua New Guinea's PM James Marape and PM Modi.
As part of India's Act East Policy, the Prime Minister of India announced a 12-point development plan for the Pacific Island Nations.
The 12-point development plan focuses on a number of areas including health care, renewable energy and cyber security.
The two leaders also launched a translation of the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ to the Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea.
The translated book is co-authored by linguist Subha Sasindran and Sasindran Muthuvel, Governor of West New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea.
PM Modi's 12-point action plan
A 100-bed regional super specialty hospital in Fiji
Setting up a regional IT and cyber security training hub in Papua New Guinea
Sagar Amrut Scholarships-100 scholarships in the next five years
Jaipur foot camp in Papua New Guinea in 2023
FIPIC SME development project,
A solar project for government buildings
Provide desalination units for drinking water
Supply sea ambulances
Set up dialysis unit
Emergency helpline number
Set up Jan Aushadi kendras
Set up yoga centres.
Pacific Island nations
The Pacific Islands are island geographic regions of the Pacific Ocean.
Pacific Island nations include the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
About India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)
It was launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Fiji in November 2014.
FIPIC includes India and 14 of the island countries – Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
About FIPIC summit
FIPIC-I, in 2014, took place at Suva, Fiji’s capital city.
India announced various development assistance initiatives and other cooperation projects in areas of climate change, trade, economy, telemedicine and tele education, IT, grants for community development projects, etc.
FIPIC-II summit took place in 2015 in Jaipur.
In 2019, the Leaders of the Indo-Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) meeting (consisting of delegations from 12 of the 14 Pacific Island countries) was held in New York on September 24, 2019.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Panel discussion on ‘Role of G20 in creating global economic stability’
Tags: Summits International News
A recent panel discussion held in Dubai highlighted the important role of the G20 in creating global economic stability.
An overview of the news
A panel discussion held in Dubai shed light on the vital role of the G20 in creating global economic stability.
The event took place on the sidelines of the International Conference jointly organized by the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak, Academy for Global Business Advancement, and Council for Strategic Affairs.
Importance of the G20
The panelists highlighted the significance of the G20 in the current international order.
The group plays a multifaceted role in creating global economic stability, fostering inclusive growth, ensuring financial stability, promoting balanced and sustainable growth, and effectively managing and preventing crises.
Panelists and insights
The panel consisted of Manjeev Singh Puri, former ambassador of India to Nepal, Prof Tatiana Karabchuk from UAE University, and Prof Mayssa Banat from Rafik Hariri University in Lebanon.
They provided valuable insights into the G20's role and its impact on global economic stability.
The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, the Director of IIM Rohtak.
G20 as a platform for decision-making
Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri highlighted the G20's ability to bring together leaders from the world's largest economies and facilitate effective decision-making and implementation through national and multinational systems.
Despite lacking de jure power, the G20 possesses significant de facto power, making it influential in driving positive change globally.
Specific areas of impact
The panelists delved into specific areas where the G20 can make a significant impact.
Prof Tatiana Karabchuk emphasized the importance of public opinion polls for informed decision-making and suggested the G20's role in implementing necessary changes in online education.
Prof Mayssa Banat emphasized the power of language education in overcoming barriers and shaping global economic policies.
G20's contribution to global economic stability
The panel discussion showcased the diverse aspects of the G20's role in fostering cooperation among major economies and driving sustainable development.
The group's focus on inclusive growth, financial stability, crisis management, and balancing de jure and de facto power within global institutions is essential for global economic stability.
