Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The 14th biennial lake conference took place in Moodbidri, Karnataka from October 17 to 20, 2024, focusing on the theme “Lake 2024 – wetlands for human wellbeing.” It called for the government to notify ecologically sensitive panchayats under Section 5(1) of the Environment Protection Act 1986 for better ecosystem health. The conference highlighted the ineffectiveness of most Gram Panchayat Biodiversity Management Committees since the Biodiversity Act 2002. It recommended that zilla panchayats supervise these committees through a phased program by State Biodiversity Boards to improve ecosystem health and resource management.

Notes:
The 16th annual BRICS summit took place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024. BRICS originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In 2024, BRICS admitted four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. BRICS now represents nearly half of the world’s population and a quarter of the global economy. The group acts as a counterbalance to institutions like the World Bank and IMF, dominated by Western countries. The term “BRIC” was first used in a 2001 Goldman Sachs paper predicting their rise among the world’s largest economies.

Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 14th All India Civil Defence and Home Guards conference at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The conference was held after 19 years. More than 60 senior officials and 1,200 members from different states participated in this event. The focus was on discussing the draft Civil Defence Bill and Model Home Guard Bill. The conference aims to enhance efficiency through modern technology in civil defense and home guard operations across India.

Notes:
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) held a conference of Buddhist monks and scholars in Colombo to support Pali’s classical language status in India. Scholars and monks from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh attended, emphasizing Pali’s role in preserving “Dhamma” and Buddhist practices. The Indian government’s recognition of Pali reflects its commitment to promoting Buddhist heritage. ICCR is an autonomous body under India’s Ministry of External Affairs, focusing on cultural exchanges with other countries.

Notes:
India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation are hosting the first Asian Buddhist Summit on November 5-6, 2024, in New Delhi. The theme is “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia,” with India’s President as Chief Guest. The summit gathers Sangha leaders, scholars, and practitioners from across Asia to discuss Buddhism’s role in addressing current challenges. Buddhism has deeply influenced Asia’s spiritual and cultural unity. Buddha Dhamma is integral to India’s national identity and plays a role in its foreign policy, strengthening ties across Asia through shared values and diplomacy.

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The 16th India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) recently held in Hyderabad. It is organized by the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI). With more than 150 sessions and 250 speakers, the conference aims to explore trends, challenges, and innovations in gaming. It serves as a vital platform for showcasing talent and shaping policies to advance India’s video game industry. The event underscores India’s rising influence in the global gaming market, addressing the need for dedicated gaming hubs and expanding the nation’s incubator ecosystem, inspired by initiatives like Telangana’s IMAGE Tower.

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The International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge began at Gurugram University. It was inaugurated by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) and Gurugram University. The conference focused on interdisciplinary research and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.

Notes:
The Global Soils Conference 2024 was inaugurated in New Delhi on 19 November and runs until 22 November. It serves as a key global platform for soil scientists, government, industry leaders, and farmers. The conference focuses on the importance of soils, addressing soil degradation, and promoting sustainable soil management. It is organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi, under the International Union of Soil Sciences, Italy. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the National Academy of Agricultural Science are collaborating in the event.

Notes:
India and Sweden co-chaired the 6th Annual Summit of the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) in Baku, Azerbaijan, during COP29. LeadIT was launched in September 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York. LeadIT2.0, launched at COP28 in 2023, sets new targets for 2024-26. The summit was co-chaired by India’s Kirit Vardhan Singh and Sweden’s Romina Pourmokhtari. Attended by 41 member countries and various stakeholders from industry and academia. LeadIT, supported by the World Economic Forum, targets carbon emissions reduction in energy-intensive industries to achieve net zero by 2050.

Notes:
India hosts the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) conference from November 25-30, 2024, marking the first time this event occurs in its 130-year history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ‘United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025’ at this conference, which expects around 3,000 delegates, including 1,000 from abroad. The event aims to showcase India’s cooperative movement, which comprises 25% of global cooperatives, with 800,000 cooperatives operating in the country. The theme is ‘Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All’, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.