Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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The first International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Africa was held on 17 June 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. It was organised by Pepperdine University and the Religious Freedom Institute, and hosted by the Global Peace Foundation. The summit brought together policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society groups from across Africa. The aim was to discuss both the challenges and the opportunities related to promoting religious freedom on the continent. This event marks a significant step in uniting global efforts to protect the right to religious belief and practice in Africa.

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Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced a three-day international conference from August 20 to 22, 2025, in Greater Noida to focus on deciphering the Indus Valley script. The event, titled ‘Decipherment of the Indus Script: Current Status and the Way Forward’, will include experts from India and abroad working on Harappan civilisation and script. This comes after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin offered a $1 million prize for anyone who successfully deciphers the Indus script. ASI may also introduce fellowships for scholars dedicated to this research.

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Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the Maharashtra government, Pawan Hans and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, known as FICCI, held the 7th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit in Pune, Maharashtra. The summit promoted helicopters and small aircraft as vital for regional air connectivity, economic growth, and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. A dedicated Helicopter Directorate under Directorate General of Civil Aviation, known as DGCA, was announced to improve oversight and certification. Digital initiatives like the Heli Sewa Portal were praised for enhancing transparency.

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India will Chair BRICS in 2026. BRICS nations have officially supported India’s Chairship for the 18th BRICS Summit. They also backed India’s bid to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) to the UNFCCC in 2028. China and Russia reaffirmed their support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). BRICS recognized India’s Startup Knowledge Hub initiative for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

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In July 2025, the 11th India Maize Summit was held in New Delhi, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The summit recognized progressive maize farmers for their innovation and contributions. It emphasized the vital role of agriculture in India’s economy and the need for sustainable farming for future generations. Maize is now India’s third-largest crop, but its productivity per hectare needs improvement. India does not use Genetically Modified (GM) seeds for maize, yet production has increased through research and better practices.

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Recently, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the two-day BIMSTEC Ports Conference in Visakhapatnam. BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. The conference aims to strengthen maritime connectivity and cooperation among Bay of Bengal nations. It reflects India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and its leadership in regional maritime development. The theme is Blue Economy, Innovation, and Sustainable Partnerships. Nations participating include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

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A two-day National Conference on “Good Governance Practices” was recently held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on July 17-18, 2025. It was jointly organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Government of Odisha. The event aimed to showcase successful governance models awarded the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.

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Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi. It supports the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047 to make India a top maritime power. Container capacity rose by over 70%, and cargo via coastal and inland waterways grew. India allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in shipping and offers incentives via GIFT City IFSC. A Maritime Development Fund (MDF) was announced to boost long-term finance in shipbuilding and port infrastructure. Parliament passed the Bills of Lading Bill 2025 to simplify shipping document laws.

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The Department of Hospital Administration at Army Hospital Research & Referral (AHRR), New Delhi, recently organised SHAPE 2025, the first-ever Armed Forces National Conference on Sustainable Hospital Architecture, Planning, Infrastructure and Equipment, on July 26–27, 2025. SHAPE 2025 aligned with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, marking a step toward future-ready and resilient healthcare infrastructure. The conference stressed the shift from traditional hospital design to environmentally conscious, technology-enabled, and patient-friendly planning. It called sustainability a strategic need for health equity, disaster readiness, and national preparedness.

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India has been elected as chairman of the Executive Board of Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) with the highest votes at the 23rd AIBD General Conference in Phuket, Thailand (19–21 August 2025). India last held this position in 2016, and this strengthens its leadership role as it also serves as President of AIBD General Conference until August 2025. AIBD, founded in 1977 under UNESCO, has 92 member organizations from 45 countries. The conference theme was “Media for People, Peace & Prosperity,” highlighting India’s growing global influence in broadcasting.