Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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India recently hosted the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 in New Delhi, marking the first time this pivotal event is held in India and the Asia-Pacific region. The WTSA brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from over 190 countries to discuss and establish future standards for technologies like 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and cybersecurity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s role as a dynamic player in digital technology, highlighting its advancements in telecom and digital infrastructure, including a significant increase in mobile manufacturing and connectivity initiatives.

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The 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) started in Cali, Colombia. The CBD has 196 contracting parties and is the most comprehensive binding international agreement on nature conservation. It was opened for signing at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. The CBD aims to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use, and ensure fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources. The governing body, the COP, meets every two years to review progress and set priorities. The Secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, and supports implementation through the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols.

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The 15th ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference began on 21 October at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 is an international conference organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It fosters dialogue between academics, researchers, and industry in information and communication technologies (ICT) to promote innovation and collaboration. The event gathered global researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore ICT solutions and discuss emerging trends. The focus is on future technologies that impact global communication networks and standardization. The theme of the conference is “Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World.”

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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.

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IIT Guwahati’s Centre for Career Development hosted the “Leadership Summit 2024” focused on “Grooming Young Talents.” The two-day event attracted nearly 50 delegates from top companies like Google, NetApp, and Reliance-BP. This initiative highlights IIT Guwahati’s commitment to developing young professionals for the workforce. The summit served as an important platform for knowledge sharing and networking among industry leaders and students.

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The 11th Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) took place in Singapore from October 22-24, 2024, as part of Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW). It was co-organized by Nanyang Technological University (NTU’s) Energy Research Institute (ERI@N) and Singapore’s Solar Energy Research Institute (SERIS). Supported by key organizations like the Asian Development Bank, Singapore Economic Development Board, Energy Market Authority, and Enterprise Singapore. ACES 2024 aimed to unite global leaders to promote clean energy, accelerate net-zero goals, and encourage innovative energy solutions. The summit emphasized the integration of policy, finance, and technology for advancing climate action and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific.

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The first Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe, from October 29-31. This conference brings African nations into the global discussion on climate change and its health impacts, where Africa faces high burdens of climate-sensitive diseases. More than 400 participants, including government officials, health and climate experts, and researchers, attended the conference. It focuses on sharing innovations, best practices, and solutions to build climate resilience in health.

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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 National Investigation Agency organized the two-day Anti-Terror Conference-2024 in New Delhi to strengthen coordination in the fight against terrorism. The conference aimed at fostering a ‘Whole of Government’ approach and generating insights for future policies. It brought together operational forces, technical, legal, and forensic experts to discuss national security and terrorism threats. Key topics included legal frameworks for counter-terrorism, emerging technologies, international cooperation, and dismantling terror ecosystems. Senior police officers, central agency officials, and experts from law, forensics, and technology attended to share experiences and best practices.

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Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan led the 35th Triservices Commanders’ Conference (TSTCC) on 13 November 2024 at Southern Naval Command, Kochi. The conference included Commanders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, IDS, and other formations. It reviewed progress from the previous conference and outlined future plans to optimize training facilities and resources. TSTCC is held annually to enhance collaboration, exchange best practices, and improve combat effectiveness and operational capabilities.