Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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The India-IORA Cruise Tourism Conference concluded on June 14, 2024, in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, IORA Secretariat, and FICCI, it aimed to enhance cruise tourism in the Indian Ocean region through cooperation, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships. Held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, it featured representatives from IORA member states including Bangladesh, Kenya, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and others.

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The two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine at Switzerland’s Bürgenstock resort concluded with hopes of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Out of 100 delegations, 80 countries and four organizations supported the final joint communiqué. The Swiss Peace Summit, focused on facilitating dialogue and negotiations to end the conflict that started in February 2022, gathered international representatives to discuss and promote peace initiatives.

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The first IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific-2024 held at Kochi from June 26-28, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty. The conference themed “Farmer Centric Innovations in Dairying” is organized by the Indian National Committee of the International Dairy Federation. Key figures include the Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and the National Dairy Development Board. Leaders and experts will address global dairy sector issues. The event features 22 exhibition pavilions and 17 startups showcasing dairy farms, processing equipment, and related technologies.

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The annual conference on MND ‘Awareness, Care, and Management’ at Nimhans, Bengaluru, highlighted the importance of symptomatic and supportive treatments. Motor Neuron Diseases (MNDs) are progressive neurological disorders affecting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, slurred speech, and paralysis, typically after age 50. Causes are mostly unknown, though some cases are genetic. MND affects more males than females.

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India participated in the CLGF Annual Board meeting in Sri Lanka, focusing on “Reinforcing Social Resilience through Women’s Political Representation.” CLGF, headquartered in London since 1995, unites local governments and ministries across 56 Commonwealth nations, including India. It advocates for gender equality in local governance to support women’s active participation in public life, aligning with SDG 5 goals.

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The 24th SCO Heads of State Meeting was held on July 4, 2024, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Hosted by President Tokayev, the summit admitted Belarus as the 10th full member. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the meeting, represented by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, who reiterated Modi’s stance against terrorism. Key leaders, including Putin, Xi Jinping, and Erdogan, attended, emphasizing the priority of combating terrorism and radicalization.

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India participated in the 86th session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) from July 1-5, 2024, in Rome. Represented by FSSAI CEO Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao, India supported standards for spices, vegetable oils, and food safety. Key initiatives included guidelines for controlling Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli, safe water use in food processing, and recycled materials in food packaging. India’s active role underscores its commitment to global food safety standards and fair trade practices. The CAC, established by FAO and WHO in 1963, has 189 members, including India since 1964.

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on July 26, 2024. His three-day visit from July 25-27 included participation in ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings. The Lao PDR, as ASEAN chairman, hosted these events. Saleumxay Kommasith, Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, also attended. The conference saw foreign ministers from the 10 ASEAN member states and reaffirmed commitments to enhancing the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) over the next five years.

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India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industries hosts the 1st BIMSTEC Business Summit in New Delhi from August 6-8, 2024. The summit, inaugurated by Dr. S. Jaishankar and attended by key leaders, aims to boost regional trade and investment among BIMSTEC countries. Over 300 stakeholders will discuss trade, connectivity, energy security, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on August 17, 2024, held virtually with participation from many Global South leaders. The summit is rooted in the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, providing a platform for Global South countries to discuss vital issues. The theme is “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” focusing on conflicts, food and energy security, and climate change. The summit includes a Leader’s session hosted by Modi and 10 Ministerial sessions on various themes. Over 100 countries participated in the previous summit.