22 Apr 2022: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. 30th Annual General Meeting of American Chamber of Commerce
2. FATF Ministerial Meeting
3. International Mother Earth Day
4. Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit

1. 30th Annual General Meeting of American Chamber of Commerce

Syllabus: GS II, International Relations, Bilateral agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Prelims: American Chamber of Commerce

Mains: Evaluating the government interventions to develop the Northeast region.

Context: The 30th general meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce was held with an emphasis on bringing more business and investments to the North East region of India. 

Important Highlights of the Meeting:

• The meeting commenced with the objective of reaping the potential of the North East region which is a strong contender for international trade due to its competence in sectors like tourism, organic farming, agriculture and so on.
• It is also geostrategically located. 
• The government has agreed to extend support to enable a business environment in the region and requested business leaders from India and other parts of the world to relocate to the North East. 
• It is envisaged that the North East will evolve as a hub of investment and global partnerships. 
• This meeting will also add a futuristic vision to the India-US bilateral trade. 

About American Chamber of Commerce: 

• The American Chamber of Commerce-India is an association of American business organisations operating in India. 
• It was established in 1992 and under this partnership, over 400 US companies function as members. 
• This association (AMCHAM India) is a member of the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC and the Amchams of Asia Pacific.
• AMCHAM India is headquartered in New Delhi and has regional offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. 
• The US Ambassador to India is the Honorary President of AMCHAM. 
• The major objective of the association is to promote the investment activities by the US companies that would contribute to the strengthening of India-US bilateral trade. 
• Its mission is to assist member companies to succeed in India through advocacy, information, networking and business support services. 

Explore more about India-US Relations in the shared link.

2. FATF Ministerial Meeting

Syllabus: GS II, International Relations, Important International institutions and agencies – their structure and mandate

Prelims: FATF

Mains: Role of FATF to tackle terror financing.

Context: The FATF (Finacial Action Task Force) Ministerial meeting was conducted in Washington DC alongside the 2022 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The meeting witnessed active participation by the Government of India. 

Focus Areas:

• The FATF Ministerial meeting focused on ensuring strategic funding for the delivery of the priorities that intend to strengthen:
  • The FATF Global Network
  • FATF systems of Mutual Evaluations
  • Enhancing International Beneficial Ownership Transparency
  • Increasing Capabilities to more effectively recover criminal assets
  • Leveraging digital transformation
• India conveyed its firm determination to fight money laundering, terror financing and proliferation of financing with accountability and transparency. 

To read about FATF, follow the link.

3. International Mother Earth Day

Syllabus: GS III, Environment, Conservation 

Prelims: Facts about Earth Day

Context: Earth day has been celebrated in India and across the world with a significant realisation of reaching the net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target bringing the global rise in temperature below 1.5 degrees celsius and combating climate change. 

About Earth Day:

• Earth Day is celebrated every 22nd of April. 
• The International Mother Earth Day paid intense attention to the shift towards sustainable economic models that work for both people and the planet, promoting harmony with nature and Earth. 
• Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970 as a signal of alert to protect the environment in the wake of the Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969 which killed thousands of seabirds, dolphins, seals and sea lions. 
• It is also celebrated to express gratitude to mother Earth for her kindness in ushering civilizations of humankind and living organisms. 
• Earth Day celebration upholds a mission to diversify, educate and activate the environment movement worldwide. 

Get a comprehensive understanding of International Mother Earth Day in the shared link:

4. Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit

Syllabus: GS II, Social Justice, Issues relating to Health

Prelims: About Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit, National Ayush Mission

Mains: Challenges and opportunities of traditional medicines

Context: The Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit witnessed the signing of many Letters of Intent (LoIs) in Major Ayush Categories. 

Major Categories that attracted LoI include:

• FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
• Medical Value Travel (Heal in India)
• Pharma Technology & Diagnostic
• Farmers and Agricultural

Read about Global Ayush Innovation and Investment Summit in Perspective, Sansad TV

Read previous PIB here.

April 22nd, 2022, PIB:- Download PDF Here