Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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The 66th Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting in New Delhi, chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, assessed three projects from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and two from the Ministry of Railways. The Integrated Multimodal NPG oversees unified planning and integration for connectivity infrastructure ministries, facilitating stakeholder interactions. It guides departments in creating economic zones and connectivity infrastructure, aligning with the National Master Plan objectives to minimize disruptions and enhance efficiency in national infrastructure projects.

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IIT Madras is hosting the All India Research Scholars’ Summit (AIRSS) 2024 from March 4th to 7th. Organized by the Research Affairs Council, the event brings together minds from diverse disciplines across India to showcase and explore the latest research advancements. With a focus on fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the summit aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s vision, promoting self-reliance through innovation.

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The three-day National Horticulture Fair in Bengaluru, hosted by IIHR, focuses on ‘Nextgen technology-led horticulture for sustainable development.’ Emphasizing water conservation, it showcases innovative technologies like smart irrigation, vertical farming, and digital horticulture. The event aims to boost farmers’ income and ensure high-quality horticultural goods. Notably, 25 farmers, 5 from North Eastern States, 4 entrepreneurs, 5 Food Processing Organizations, and 5 Krishi Vigyan Kendra staff members were honored for their contributions during the fair.

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The 17th Annual International Biocuration Conference (AIBC-2024) is set to take place at the National Capital Region (NCR) Biotech Science Cluster in Faridabad, India. The venue, comprising the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) and the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), offers a comprehensive platform for scientific discussions and collaboration during the conference.

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South Korea hosted the 3rd Summit for Democracy in Seoul from 18-20 March 2024, initiated by President Joe Biden in 2021 to combat authoritarianism and uphold human rights. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken opened the summit. Previously, the 1st was held virtually in 2021, with over 100 countries attending, and the 2nd in 2023, co-hosted with multiple nations in virtual mode, with 121 world leaders invited.

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India and Mauritania held their 1st Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott, discussing bilateral, regional, and global issues. Talks covered political cooperation, economic partnership, and cultural exchanges. Bilateral trade surged to $378 million in 2022-23 from $108 million in 2021-22. India’s Resident Mission, opened in June 2021, has bolstered relations. The meeting highlighted the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two nations.

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The 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting, led by Brazil, convened in Brasilia with India’s participation. Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of Labour & Employment, India, co-chairs alongside Brazil and South Africa. The meeting’s focus includes quality employment, just transition amidst digital transformations, technology’s role in enhancing life quality, and gender equity in workplaces. The Indian delegation emphasized inclusivity, advocating for equal representation and empowerment irrespective of demographics.

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Leaders from 34 countries convened in Brussels for the Nuclear Energy Summit on March 21. Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium, the summit aimed to explore strategies for leveraging nuclear power in achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable development goals. Following COP28, where over 20 countries pledged to increase nuclear energy use, the summit emphasized practical steps for deployment and financing. Technical panels delved into maximizing nuclear energy’s potential.

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World Meteorological Day on March 23 commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950, recognizing meteorologists’ vital role. Recently, a METOC seminar named “Meghayan-24” was organized by the School of Naval Oceanology & Meteorology and Indian Naval Meteorological Analysis Centre. Admiral R Hari Kumar emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, aligning with WMO’s theme “At the Frontline of Climate Action.” Indian Navy commits to sustainable policies integrating climate considerations into security strategies.

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The 2nd INSA-NCGG LEADS program, held in New Delhi from April 1-7, 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). It aims to cultivate future leaders in science and technology, promoting visionary leadership and scientific excellence in India. Professors and scientists from various prestigious institutions participate, supported by NCGG’s governance training and INSA’s scientific excellence promotion.