Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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On August 2, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu presided over the 52nd Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan, her first time leading the event. The conference, attended by key leaders like Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah, also included state governors, lieutenant governors, and administrators of union territories. The two-day event featured participation from NITI Aayog officials and senior government members. The Conference of Governors, first held in 1949, addresses governance and administrative issues in India.

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The 4th Rashtriya Hindi Vigyan Sammelan took place in Bhopal on July 30-31, 2024. The conference aimed to promote science and technology research in Hindi and popularize these fields through the Hindi medium. It featured six sessions covering various topics, including Science, Technology, Ayurveda, Engineering, and Science Communication. Organized by CSIR-AMPRI Bhopal in collaboration with several institutions, including CSIR-NIScPR and local universities, the event provided a platform for researchers to present their work in Hindi.

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India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industries hosts the 1st BIMSTEC Business Summit in New Delhi from August 6-8, 2024. The summit, inaugurated by Dr. S. Jaishankar and attended by key leaders, aims to boost regional trade and investment among BIMSTEC countries. Over 300 stakeholders will discuss trade, connectivity, energy security, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

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India and Zambia held their 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Lusaka to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new cooperation areas. They reviewed issues like institutional mechanisms, scholarships, training, and collaboration in higher education. Discussions covered trade, defense, health, agriculture, mining, SMEs, digital platforms, and cultural exchanges. Both sides were pleased with their relationship and discussed regional and international issues, focusing on multilateral cooperation. An agreement was made to hold the next FOC in New Delhi, continuing their strategic partnership.

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India and Australia held two key bilateral meetings to enhance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Australia hosted the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue in Canberra, to discuss maritime security cooperation.
The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, while Ms. Sarah Storey and Mr. Bernard Philip led the Australian delegation. They discussed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), sustainable marine resource use, Search and Rescue operations, pollution response, blue economy, and Port State control. India hosted the 14th India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi. The 7th Maritime Security Dialogue will be held in New Delhi.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on August 17, 2024, held virtually with participation from many Global South leaders. The summit is rooted in the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, providing a platform for Global South countries to discuss vital issues. The theme is “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” focusing on conflicts, food and energy security, and climate change. The summit includes a Leader’s session hosted by Modi and 10 Ministerial sessions on various themes. Over 100 countries participated in the previous summit.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The GCC is a political and economic alliance of six Arabian Peninsula countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Established in 1981, the GCC promotes economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation among its members. India shares a strong relationship with GCC countries, which are major trading and investment partners. Geostrategically, the Persian Gulf, near GCC nations, is vital for global trade, and both India and GCC aim for regional stability and security.

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The International WASH Conference 2024, organized by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, held from September 17-21 in New Delhi. It aims to promote dialogue and collaboration for equitable and efficient water resource use for current and future generations. The conference theme is ‘Sustaining Rural Water Supply’ and will focus on addressing global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing innovations, and best practices. The event has a special focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

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The Indian Parliament hosted the 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference in New Delhi for two days. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the conference, attended by 46 Presiding Officers, 25 Speakers, and other legislative officials from States and Union Territories. The theme is ‘The Role of Legislative Bodies in the Attainment of Sustainable and Inclusive Development.’ The CPA India Region was established in 2004 and includes 31 Member Branches, including the Indian Parliament and 30 State and Union Territory Legislatures.

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Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41st Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi. The conference focuses on strategic, operational, and administrative issues amidst evolving geopolitical and maritime security challenges. He praised the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for ensuring the security of India’s coastline and preventing illegal activities. He honored ICG personnel’s bravery, especially those who lost their lives near Porbandar.