IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought observed on June 17

 Each year on June 17, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed to raise awareness about the urgent need to address desertification and drought.

 This year's theme is "United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future."

 Historical Context: At the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, desertification, biodiversity loss, and climate change were identified as significant obstacles to sustainable development.

 UNCCD Formation: In 1994, the UN General Assembly established the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), creating a legally binding international agreement that links environmental protection, development, and sustainable land management.

 Decade Declaration: In 2007, the UN General Assembly designated 2010-2020 as the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification.

NATIONAL NEWS

Inauguration of Prerna Sthal at Parliament House Complex

 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the Prerna Sthal at the Parliament House Complex, a site consolidating statues of India's eminent leaders and freedom fighters.

 The Prerna Sthal enhances the visitor experience by providing easier access and incorporating QR code-based life stories of the commemorated figures.

 Vice President Dhankhar highlighted the Prerna Sthal as a source of inspiration, expressing hope that visitors would feel energized and motivated by the stories of the great leaders featured there.

 The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Speaker of Lok Sabha and several Union Ministers.

 Memorable Event: The event was marked by floral tributes and heartfelt reflections on the contributions of India's historical figures, making it a memorable and significant occasion.

SPORTS

Puja Tomar scripts history becomes first Indian to win a bout in the UFC

 Puja Tomar has become the first Indian mixed martial artist to win a bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

 In her inaugural fight in the strawweight (52kg) division, Tomar achieved a split-decision victory against Brazil's Rayanne dos Santos.

 The judges' scores were 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28 in favor of Tomar.

 Nicknamed "Cyclone": The 30-year-old fighter, also known as "Cyclone," signed with the UFC in October of the previous year.

 Pioneering Woman: Tomar's signing made her the first Indian woman to compete in the esteemed MMA organization.

 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a prominent American mixed martial arts promotion company known worldwide.

Shruti Vora's Historic Achievement in Equestrian Sports

 Shruti Vora made history by becoming the first Indian to secure a victory at a three-star Grand Prix equestrian event.

 Vora scored an impressive 67.761 points in the CDI-3 event held in Lipica, Slovenia.

 Top Competitors: She surpassed Moldova's Tatiana Antonenco, who scored 66.522 points, to claim the top position.

 Previous Competitions: Shruti Vora has represented India in significant events, including the Dressage World Championship in 2022 and the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014.

 Asian Games Performance: At the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Vora finished in 8th place.

 Indian Equestrienne: Vora's achievements highlight her status as a prominent Indian equestrienne on the international stage.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

Switzerland to host Summit on Peace in Ukraine

 An international peace conference focused on Ukraine, officially titled the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, took place at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland on June 15-16, 2024.

 The event, hosted by Swiss President Viola Amherd, aimed to formulate a comprehensive roadmap towards achieving a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.

 The conference gathered international leaders, diplomats, and experts to discuss strategies and foster dialogue, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in restoring peace and stability in the region.

 This significant diplomatic endeavor underscored Switzerland's role in mediating and facilitating negotiations for conflict resolution on the global stage.

SCHEMES

Launch of the Digital Agriculture Mission

 Government Initiative: As part of its agenda for the first 100 days, the government is set to launch the Digital Agriculture Mission with a budget of Rs 2800 crore.

 This two-year mission aims to establish a farmer registry, a crop-sown registry, and georeferenced village maps.

 Each farmer will receive a unique ID, facilitating the creation of a comprehensive farmers' registry.

 The unique ID will enable farmers to access various government schemes, including PM-Kisan and Fasal Bima Yojana, as well as financial services like farm loans and insurance.

 Originally scheduled for 2021-22, the launch was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 In some states, the creation of unique farmer IDs has already started as part of a pilot project.

 The mission will also develop a crop-sown registry, documenting the crops grown by farmers on their land.