Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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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 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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The EU and India’s external affairs ministry are organizing a regional conference in New Delhi on August 21-22 to address online radicalization. The event, in collaboration with the Global Counter-Terrorism Council, will involve experts from India, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Europe. The conference aims to enhance counter-terrorism partnerships and align with the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Expected outcomes include strategies to tackle the challenges of technology and terrorism and explore collaboration opportunities to combat violent extremism online.

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The 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) took place in Singapore on August 26, 2024, to strengthen strategic ties. The first ISMR was held in New Delhi in September 2022. ISMR is a high-level platform to discuss bilateral relationships and set future agendas. Four Indian ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, and six Singaporean ministers attended the meeting. The 2nd ISMR reviewed progress since the first meeting and focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors. Discussions included digitalisation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity.

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Union minister of state for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh inaugurated the ASSOCHAM Environment and Carbon Conference in New Delhi. The conference theme is “Fostering a collaborative ecosystem for achieving net zero by 2070.” The government aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 and fulfill the Vikshit Bharat 2047 vision. He highlighted the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission in solving water crises for rural farmers. The government supports industries and stakeholders in addressing environmental issues. The conference includes representatives from industries, research, and environmental organizations.

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The Supreme Court of India organized a two-day National Conference of the District Judiciary on August 31 and September 1, 2024 in New Delhi. The conference was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, where a coin and postage stamp were released to commemorate 75 years of the Apex Court. The event featured six sessions attended by over 800 participants from the district judiciary across all States and Union Territories. Sessions focused on improving infrastructure, accessibility, and inclusivity in the judiciary, addressing judicial security, case management strategies, and enhancing judicial training programs. The conference also discussed how higher courts can better support district judiciary needs.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion to African countries at the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. China will support 30 infrastructure projects, offering 360 billion yuan in financial assistance. This year’s theme is “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” FOCAC was established in 2000 to strengthen China-Africa relations. The forum is held every three years, alternating between China and an African nation. FOCAC includes 53 African countries, except Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan, opposing China’s “One China” policy.

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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 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It was co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. The first conference took place in 2018 in Beijing, China. India had offered to host the second conference in 2020, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This conference came at a time when India’s aviation industry was transforming. As the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, India aimed to become a hub for MRO services, cargo, and regional aviation.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen on 11 September 2024. The conference takes place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 11-13 September 2024. The aim is to position India as a global leader in the green hydrogen ecosystem. It focuses on technological advancements and strategic investments in the green hydrogen value chain. The event is organized by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office.