United States (US)-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Commence VII Annual Leadership Summit

• It is held in Washington.
• The summit focuses on the Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), strengthening US-India supply chains, securing a stronger Indo-Pacific with the Quad and enhancing the commercial bilateral relationship.
• The four focus areas of iCET are Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors and Wireless Telecommunication.
• Note:
  • USISPF is the only independent not-for-profit institution dedicated to strengthening the US-India partnership in Washington DC and in New Delhi.
  • It is a trusted partner for businesses, non-profit organisations, the diaspora and the governments of India and the United States.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was Awarded Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024

• The award was given by the London-based publishing house Central Banking.
• The bank was recognized for improving its Enterprise-Wide Risk Management (ERM) framework across the organization.
• Note:
  • The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935, in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
  • It was initially established in Kolkata but was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937.
  • Functions:
    • It plans and supervises the monetary policies designed for the country.
    • It designs the parameters under which all the banks of the country should work.
    • All the foreign exchanges that happen between India and other countries are maintained and looked after by the RBI.
    • RBI is the authority who issues notes, destroys the old notes and decides which currency is fit for circulation among the people.
    • It introduces and upgrades safe and efficient modes of payment systems in the country to meet the requirements of the public at large.

What is Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)?

• It is the process of planning, organizing, directing and controlling the activities of an organization to minimize the harmful effects of risk on its capital and earnings.
• It can include financial, strategic and operational risks and those associated with accidental losses.

Maharashtra Farmer Siddhesh Sakore Named Land Hero by United Nation (UN) Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

• The UNCCD praised the dedication of Siddhesh Sakore to addressing the economic and environmental challenges faced by farmers in Maharashtra.
• He highlighted the impact of economic crises, toxic chemical usage and climate change on sustainable farming, stressing the importance of eco-friendly and cost-effective technologies.
• Note:
  • The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994.
  • It is the sole legally binding environment convention that links development and environment to sustainable land management.
  • Its headquarter is in Bonn, Germany.
  • The UNCCD is one of the three Rio Conventions, the other two being:
    • United Nation Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)
    • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • It works to combat Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) by promoting sustainable land management practices, restoring degraded ecosystems and supporting communities affected by these issues.
• Indian Chess Player Divya Deshmukh Won U-20 World Junior Chess Championship 2024
• She became the fourth Indian woman to win this prestigious title by defeating Bulgarian Grand Master Beloslava Krasteva.
• The Championship was organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
• Note:
  • The International Chess Federation (FIDE), founded in 1924, is the governing body of chess and regulates all international chess competitions.
  • Its headquarter is in Lausanne.
  • Constituted as a non-governmental institution, it was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a Global Sporting Organization in 1999.
  • Motto: Gens una Sumus (We are one Family)

Global Wind Day 2024

• Global Wind Day is annually observed on 15th June to raise awareness about the importance of wind energy as a clean and renewable power source.
• The theme for the day 2024 is Pawan-Urja: Powering the Future of India.