Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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India has been placed in the “regular follow-up category” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) after its plenary meeting in Singapore from June 26-28, 2024. The meeting evaluated 17 countries on anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism financing, and anti-proliferation compliance. India, Russia, France, Italy, and the UK were kept in the regular follow-up, while one country was grey-listed. The FATF commended India’s efforts but urged quicker prosecution in such cases.

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The 24th SCO Heads of State Meeting was held on July 4, 2024, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Hosted by President Tokayev, the summit admitted Belarus as the 10th full member. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the meeting, represented by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, who reiterated Modi’s stance against terrorism. Key leaders, including Putin, Xi Jinping, and Erdogan, attended, emphasizing the priority of combating terrorism and radicalization.

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The 1st International Conference on Steel Slag Road was held in New Delhi by CSIR, where NITI Aayog released guidelines for using steel slag in road construction. This technology repurposes steel production waste, creating strong, durable, and eco-friendly roads. Processed steel slag offers high strength, hardness, abrasion resistance, and drainage capacity. It can partially meet India’s annual demand for 1.8 billion tonnes of natural aggregates. India’s first steel slag road was built in Surat.

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The recent NATO summit in Washington, D.C., extensively discussed Ukraine’s potential membership. The alliance also considered providing at least €40 billion ($43.28 billion) in military aid to Ukraine over the next year. NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance comprising 32 member states.

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India will host the second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation on September 11 and 12, 2024, co-organized by the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) APAC. ICAO, a UN specialized agency established in 1947, promotes safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible international civil aviation. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, ICAO has 193 member states and sets global aviation standards and regulations.

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India hosted the 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue in New Delhi on August 1, 2024. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral defence ties and coincided with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit. It was co-chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Hoang Xuan Chien. Both sides reviewed cooperation areas and signed a Letter of Intent to enhance training exchanges.

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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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The 28th conference of central and state statistical organizations, organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), concluded in New Delhi. The two-day conference focused on “Use of Data for Decision Making- Strengthening State Statistical System.” The conference featured engaging sessions and panel discussions on topics of common interest between Central and State Government departments. Over 30 Central Ministries, State and Union Territories, along with organizations like the Reserve Bank of India and Indian Statistical Institute, participated. The conference was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

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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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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.