Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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India-Republic of Korea Consultations on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation occurred in Seoul on April 26, 2024. Discussions encompassed nuclear, chemical, and biological disarmament, regional non-proliferation issues, outer space security, conventional weapons (including AI), and multilateral export controls. Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi led the Indian delegation, representing the Ministry of External Affairs, while Mr. Youn Jong Kwon led the RoK delegation, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defence Ministers meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan on April 26, 2024. All member states’ defense ministers signed a protocol. They endorsed the concept of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, echoing the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. The joint communique outlined further collaborative initiatives, emphasizing unity and global interconnectedness.

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The Ministry of Mines, along with partners Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, CEEW, and IISD, hosted the “Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities” in New Delhi from April 29th-30th, 2024. Aimed at bolstering India’s critical mineral supply chain, the summit convenes stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and startups. Key topics include mineral auction progress and sustainable solutions. Technical sessions focus on eight key minerals crucial for clean energy technologies and electric vehicles.

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India will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20 to 30. Organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), these meetings aim to foster global discussions on Antarctica’s environmental conservation and scientific collaboration. India, a Consultative Party since 1983, operates two research stations and enacted the Antarctic Act in 2022.

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The 5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan convened on May 6th-7th, 2024, in Leh, Ladakh. Meeting was co-chaired by officials from both nations, discussions centered on bilateral matters like new Land Customs Stations, trade routes, infrastructure, digitalization, smuggling prevention, and coordinated cross-border management. Bhutan lauded India’s support for capacity building and cross-border trade initiatives through workshops and bilateral agreements, expressing gratitude for ongoing collaboration.

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The 4th Joint Committee meeting for AITIGA review convened in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 7-9 May 2024. AITIGA, signed in 2009, is a trade pact between ASEAN and India, effective since 2010, commonly known as the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement. Focused on physical goods, it excludes services, with a separate ASEAN-India Trade in Services Agreement established in 2014 during the 7th ASEAN Economic Ministers-India Consultations in Bangkok, Thailand.

Notes:
India hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) in Kochi, organized by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and the Ministry of Earth Sciences. ATCM is an annual meeting of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty’s signatories. India introduced a new working group to regulate tourism and protect Antarctica’s ecosystem. Representatives from 56 member countries attended, marking India’s first time hosting since 2007.

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The IAEA’s International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) 2024, held in Vienna, highlighted nuclear waste concerns. Currently, 145 states report incidents of lost, stolen, or mishandled nuclear materials to the IAEA. Radioactive substances are widely used in medical, educational, and industrial sectors. The main concern is extremists using these materials in a “dirty bomb,” which, though less deadly than an atomic bomb, could cause mass panic in urban areas.

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The FICCI organized Cold Chain and Logistics Summit in New Delhi to promote collaboration and innovation in India’s perishable goods industry. Dr. Surendra Ahirwar of the Ministry of Commerce highlighted the importance of redefining logistics for various sectors, including pharma, food, oil, and flowers. Over 250 delegates from diverse industries are participating, aiming to develop an integrated, sustainable, and efficient cold chain ecosystem.

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The SIDS4 conference, held from May 27-30, 2024, gathered over 3,000 delegates to develop the “Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS” (ABAS), aiming for resilient prosperity in Small Island Developing States. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) announced funding through its Infrastructure for Resilient Island States Programme (IRIS) at the United Nations 4th International Conference on SIDS in Antigua and Barbuda.