Summits & Meetings - Current Affairs for December, 2017

India will host third Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Mumbai, Maharashtra in June 2018. In this regard, Union Government and AIIB Secretariat have signed MoU to delineate duties and responsibilities of major stakeholders who would be involved in organizing the aforesaid Annual Meeting. The theme of the annual meeting is "Mobilizing Finance for Infrastructure: Innovation and Collaboration". Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

• The AIIB is multilateral financial institution proposed by China.
• Its purpose is to provide finance to infrastructure development and regional connectivity projects in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Its goals are to boost economic development in Asia-Pacific region, provide infrastructure, and promote regional cooperation and partnership.
• It was founded in October, 2014 and became operational in January 2016. It is headquartered in Beijing.
• Currently, it has 56 member states. It is seen as rival to World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• The capital of AIIB is $100 billion, with almost $30 billion invested by China. India is one of the founding members of AIIB and 2nd largest shareholder in AIIB followed by Russia.
• The voting shares are based on size of each member country's economy and not contribution to the bank's authorised capital.

The 7^th International Ground Water Conference (IGWC-2017) was hosted by India in New Delhi from December 11 to 13, 2017. The theme of conference was "Ground water Vision 2030- Water Security, Challenges and Climate Change Adaptation". IGWC Conference

• The conference was organized by National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under aegis of Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
• The delegates from 15 countries participated in the conference and 250 research papers were presented, including 32 Keynote papers.
• The conference took stock of present status and challenges of Groundwater management in the country under the changing water use and climatic scenarios.
• The conference discussed these burning issues in 10 focal themes spread.
• It looked into synergistic policy options between various sectors linked with water resources in country and drew a roadmap to address these challenges for sustainable development goals of 2030.

The Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma led the Indian delegation to the second UN World Tourism Organization/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture. With focus on sustainable development, it was held in Muscat, Capital city of Oman, during 11-12th December, 2017. Speaking during the Ministerial Dialogue on Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Dr. Mahesh Sharma highlighted India's approach to sustainable development, while preserving nature and India's cultural heritage. The Conference had also on its agenda themes such as culture and tourism as a factor of peace and prosperity; tourism development and protection of cultural heritage; culture and tourism and urban development and creativity; and exploring cultural land escapes in tourism. The conference also finalized the 2030 Agenda. India also held bilateral discussions on cooperation between India and Oman in fields of culture and tourism. Additionally the two sides agreed to institute a joint committee to explore areas for mutual cooperation in fields of culture and tourism between India and Turkey.

15^th trilateral meeting of the Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign ministers was held in New Delhi. It was held between India's External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi. The discussions of meeting focused on regional security, issues affecting Asia-Pacific region, counter-terror efforts and coordination at regional and multilateral forums. The ministers reiterated importance trilateral format as platform to foster closer dialogue and practical cooperation in identified areas Joint Communique The ministers released joint communiqué after meeting. They agreed to strengthen the trilateral dialogue for consultation and coordination on regional and global issues of mutual interest. International and regional peace:

• They held that cooperation is conducive to maintaining international and regional peace, stability and promoting global economic growth and prosperity.
• They stressed for establishment of just and equitable international order based on international law and mutual respect, fairness and justice.
• They held that various crises in the world should be resolved in accordance with the international law.

• The three nations also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed that all acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable irrespective of their motivations, committed wherever and by whomsoever.

• They called for prevention of arms race in outer space for maintaining international peace and security. Russia and China reiterated that they welcome India's participation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

• It is a trilateral grouping of Russia, India and China that has met annually since 2002.
• In recent years, it has functioned as complement to other frameworks involving three countries and including Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The First International Conference on Sports Medicine and Sports Sciences SAICON 2017 was inaugurated on 7th Dec 2017 by the Minister of State (I/C) Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore. Additionally 'Khelo India' programme has been chalked out to tap talent at the school and college level. Under the Khelo India national school games would be organised from January 31 to February 8 next year for the under 17 age group. These school games will act as a springboard. He said for the first time a sports broadcaster will broadcast live the national school games. The ministry is working to create a Bank of Coaches in different disciplines of Sports. Progress is being made to recognise all the coaches in an athlete's career who wins medal at international level. A provision has been made so that the amount given to the coaches of national athletes is shared by 20% by the grass root coach and 30% of it would go to the developmental coaches at academies. SAICON 2017 aims to promote scientific temperament in the country and inspire students, researchers and educationists alike to take up sports science and research to the next level. Organized by Sports Authority of India, the 3-day conference is being attended by about 1000 national and international delegates. SAI: Know More

• The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is an apex National Sports body set up in 1984 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Government of India for the development of sport in India.
• SAI has 2 Sports Academic institutions, 10 "SAI Regional Centres" (SRC), 14 "Centre of Excellence" (COE/COX), 56 "Sports Training Centres" (STC) and 20 "Special Area Games" (SAG).
• In addition, SAI also manages Netaji Subhash High Altitude Training Centre (Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh)
• It also mans 5 stadiums in the national capital of Delhi, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (also serves as national head office of SAI), Indira Gandhi Arena, Dhyan Chand National Stadium, SPM Swimming Pool Complex and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range.

The first International Exhibition and Conference on AYUSH and Wellness sector- AROGYA 2017 was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik. It was organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with Union Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil). Its theme was 'Enhancing the global potential of AYUSH'. AROGYA 2017 witnessed participation of thousands of delegates from India as well as abroad including delegates from over 60 countries across the world. More than 250 manufacturers of alternative medicine also showcased their products and services at the exhibition. India has long history and culture running over 5000 years of using traditional medicines for health care and developing them with modern scientific outlook. AYUSH is the acronym of tradition medical systems that are being practiced in India such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. AROGYA, 2017: Objectives

• Showcase strengths and scientific validation of Indian System of Medicine in global context. Promote and strengthen awareness and interest about AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy).
• Facilitate international promotion, development and recognition of AYUSH. Foster interaction of stakeholders and market development of AYUSH at international level.
• Give boost to AYUSH Products in International Market. Exhibit research and latest developments in AYUSH sector and harness its potential.

The High Level Inter-Governmental Mid-Point review meeting of Asia and Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022 was held in Beijing, China. A number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region had participated in it. Indian delegation was led by Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot. The meeting was organised by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in cooperation with China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF). Its main objective was to review progress made by member States during Decade at mid-point in 2017 with regard to Incheon Strategy to make right real for persons with disabilities in Asia and Pacific. It also discussed future policy action for building disabilities-inclusive societies in region, bearing in mind synergies between 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Incheon Strategy. It also finalised declaration to address gaps and challenges in empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The Incheon Strategy provides Asian and Pacific region and world with first set of regionally agreed disability-inclusive development goals. It has been developed over more than two years of consultations with governments and civil society stakeholders.