Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in Jaipur, showcasing Rajasthan as a key investment hub. Rajasthan, with its rich resources, heritage, and skilled youth, offers opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism. Rajasthan contributes Rs 84,000 crore in exports, supported by the Make in India initiative and MSME policies, strengthening its manufacturing sector. Rajasthan excels in renewable energy, mineral reserves, and unique cultural assets, enhancing tourism and economic growth. Initiatives like e-visa, Udan Yojana, and heritage tourism have transformed Rajasthan into a vibrant investment destination.

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The 11th summit meeting of the Developing Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation was held on 19 December 2024 in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital in Cairo. The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. It was officially established on June 15, 1997, through the Istanbul Declaration. D-8 aims to improve members’ global economic position, diversify trade opportunities, enhance international decision-making participation, and improve living standards. It is a global organization, not regional, reflecting its diverse membership. D-8 activities do not conflict with member nations’ commitments to other international or regional organizations.

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India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments (CSPOC) of Commonwealth Countries in 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced this at the CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey. The event will focus on artificial intelligence, social media, and their role in parliamentary processes. India previously hosted CSPOC in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010, showcasing its cultural heritage and modern development.

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Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the International Overseas Uttarakhandi Conference in Dehradun, fostering ties with global migrants. The state seeks investment in tourism, agriculture, power, wellness, and manufacturing, emphasizing policy reforms and improved infrastructure. A migrant cell and venture fund were announced to support collaboration with migrants. CM Dhami urged migrants to adopt villages or children to address migration issues and preserve heritage.

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The 3rd National Mines Ministers’ Conference is held in Konark, Odisha, on January 20-21, 2025, under the “Vikasit Bharat 2047” vision. Union Coal and Mines Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy presides over the event, with Odisha CM Shri Mohan Charan Majhi as Chief Guest. A report on states’ best mining practices will be released to improve transparency and efficiency. The Mining Tenement System (MTS) Module will be launched for digital governance in mining. Sanction letters will be handed to startups promoting sustainable mining innovation. Geological data and critical mineral block reports will be transferred to boost exploration and self-reliance.

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The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change addressed the 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Circularity, organized by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in New Delhi. The theme focused on ‘Nature Positive Recycling,’ emphasizing the importance of aligning India’s growing automotive sector with environmental sustainability. Government policies supporting sustainability include the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, End-of-Life Vehicles Rules, and promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs) through schemes like FAME and PLI. The Ministry called for circular economy practices, highlighted the automotive sector’s role in achieving SDGs, and encouraged the industry to lead the transition to sustainability.

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India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics, focusing on sustainable sports infrastructure. The first International Olympic Research Conference will be held at Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat from January 27-30, 2025. Organized by the Indian Olympic Association, the event aims to address financial challenges and create a sustainable roadmap for hosting the Olympics.

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Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan announced a Global Thirukkural Conference in New Delhi, with preparations underway. Thirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar, is a classic Tamil text with 1,330 couplets offering wisdom on ethics, governance, love, and spirituality. It is divided into three sections: Aram (Virtue), Porul (Wealth), and Inbam (Love), covering a wide range of moral and practical guidance. The couplets are concise and poetic, making them memorable and quotable. Thirukkural has had a profound influence on Tamil culture and life.

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IIAS-DARPG India Conference 2025 is held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 10-14, 2025. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the event. IIAS-DARPG stands for International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). 240 delegates from 55 countries have registered. The theme is “Next Generation Administrative Reforms – Reaching the Last Mile.” The event focuses on public administration, governance, and policymaking innovations. India is hosting the IIAS Conference for the first time, making it the first South Asian country to do so.

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Sierra Leone hosted the first-ever African Urban Heat Summit on February 6, 2025. Freetown’s Heat Action Plan (HAP) was launched, marking Africa’s first comprehensive urban heat response plan. The summit was organized by Freetown and Climate Resilience for All (CRA), gathering mayors, policymakers, and climate experts. Extreme heat is affecting African cities, straining healthcare and economies. The HAP includes cooling corridors, green spaces, and protective measures for vulnerable groups. 70% of Africa’s population will live in cities by 2050, with deadly heatwaves expected by the 2090s.