Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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The National Investigation Agency organized the two-day Anti-Terror Conference-2024 in New Delhi to strengthen coordination in the fight against terrorism. The conference aimed at fostering a ‘Whole of Government’ approach and generating insights for future policies. It brought together operational forces, technical, legal, and forensic experts to discuss national security and terrorism threats. Key topics included legal frameworks for counter-terrorism, emerging technologies, international cooperation, and dismantling terror ecosystems. Senior police officers, central agency officials, and experts from law, forensics, and technology attended to share experiences and best practices.

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Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan led the 35th Triservices Commanders’ Conference (TSTCC) on 13 November 2024 at Southern Naval Command, Kochi. The conference included Commanders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, IDS, and other formations. It reviewed progress from the previous conference and outlined future plans to optimize training facilities and resources. TSTCC is held annually to enhance collaboration, exchange best practices, and improve combat effectiveness and operational capabilities.

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The 2024 Asia Pacific Economic Summit was hosted in Lima, Peru. US and Chinese leaders recently warned of challenging times ahead at an Asia-Pacific economic summit in Lima. Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), formed in 1989, promotes free trade, investment, and economic cooperation for sustainable growth. APEC streamlines cross-border movement of goods, services, investments, and people by improving customs and aligning regulations. It has reduced trade barriers, boosting regional growth and trade. APEC has 21 “economies,” including the US, China, Japan, and others, covering 40% of the world’s population and 60% of global GDP. Annual meetings are held with decisions made by consensus and commitments taken voluntarily. APEC Secretariat is based in Singapore.

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The Global Freight Summit 2024 started in Dubai on November 18, hosted by DP World. More than 5,000 leaders from 155 countries are attending the three-day event. The theme is “Acting today to reach the opportunities of tomorrow.” Discussions focus on AI, blockchain, sustainable shipping, and resilient trade routes. Indian firms like Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and SRM Tech are participating.

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The G20 summit is being held in Rio de Janeiro at the Modern Art Museum, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, and China’s Xi Jinping, are discussing trade, climate change, and international security. PM Modi addressed the summit on “Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty.” The G20, established in 1999, became a forum for Heads of State/Government in 2008. It includes 19 countries and the EU, with special invitees like the UN and the World Bank. G20’s decisions influence policies but are not legally binding.

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India and Sweden co-chaired the 6th Annual Summit of the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) in Baku, Azerbaijan, during COP29. LeadIT was launched in September 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York. LeadIT2.0, launched at COP28 in 2023, sets new targets for 2024-26. The summit was co-chaired by India’s Kirit Vardhan Singh and Sweden’s Romina Pourmokhtari. Attended by 41 member countries and various stakeholders from industry and academia. LeadIT, supported by the World Economic Forum, targets carbon emissions reduction in energy-intensive industries to achieve net zero by 2050.

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India hosts the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) conference from November 25-30, 2024, marking the first time this event occurs in its 130-year history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ‘United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025’ at this conference, which expects around 3,000 delegates, including 1,000 from abroad. The event aims to showcase India’s cooperative movement, which comprises 25% of global cooperatives, with 800,000 cooperatives operating in the country. The theme is ‘Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All’, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

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The 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) will take place in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. It will include the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 30), the 20th meeting of the COP for the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 20), and the seventh meeting for the Paris Agreement (CMA 7). Additionally, the 63rd sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 63) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 63) will also be held.

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Kaziranga in Assam is hosting the 12th International Tourism Mart (ITM) from November 26 to 29, 2024. It is organized by the Ministry of Tourism. The event promotes North East India’s tourism potential to domestic and international visitors. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its one-horned rhinoceros, serves as the event’s backdrop. About 400 participants, including tour operators, hoteliers, entrepreneurs, influencers, media, and officials, are attending. ITM offers a platform for networking, collaboration, and promoting tourism businesses to strengthen the industry.

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The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s sixteenth Conference of Parties (COP16) is started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the first time West Asia hosts this event. India joins 197 nations, marking UNCCD’s 30th anniversary, with its delegation led by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini. India will present the Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP), targeting restoration of 1.15 million hectares across four states. AGWP integrates indigenous afforestation, biodiversity conservation, GIS tools, water management, and community engagement. The conference, running until December 13, showcases India’s leadership in combating desertification and fostering global sustainable land management.