Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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The BRICS Literature Forum 2024 was recently held in Kazan, Russia. The theme of the forum was “World Literature in the New Reality: Dialogue of Traditions, National Values, and Cultures.” It gathered writers, poets, philosophers, artists, and scholars from BRICS nations to share their ideas and experiences. The plenary session emphasized the importance of literature in promoting unity and cooperation in society. The “Meet the Authors from India” session focused on “Volga to Ganga,” exploring how river-based cultures contribute to multiculturalism and social progress. The forum highlighted literature’s role in connecting cultures and fostering social harmony.

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The International WASH Conference 2024, organized by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, held from September 17-21 in New Delhi. It aims to promote dialogue and collaboration for equitable and efficient water resource use for current and future generations. The conference theme is ‘Sustaining Rural Water Supply’ and will focus on addressing global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing innovations, and best practices. The event has a special focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

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Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41st Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi. The conference focuses on strategic, operational, and administrative issues amidst evolving geopolitical and maritime security challenges. He praised the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for ensuring the security of India’s coastline and preventing illegal activities. He honored ICG personnel’s bravery, especially those who lost their lives near Porbandar.

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The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 was inaugurated in Mumbai with the theme ‘Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel.’ The event aims to make India a leading global hub for holistic healthcare based on Ayush systems. Organized by the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Maharashtra Government, and key partners. The summit focuses on integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (Ayush) with modern healthcare. Officials from Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan participated in the event.

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The 2024 Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD), an annual Indian Navy conference, held in New Delhi. The conference’s theme is “Resource Geopolitics and Security in the Indo-Pacific.” IPRD is the Indian Navy’s key platform for international strategic engagement, discussing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s conference highlights the impact of traditional and new marine resources on geopolitics, with a focus on offshore energy resources like hydrocarbons shaping future geopolitics.

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The World Green Economy Forum launched in Dubai, bringing together global leaders to address environmental challenges.
Under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s patronage, the theme was “Empowering Global Action: Unlocking Opportunities and Advancing Progress.” Sessions focused on international cooperation for climate mitigation and integrated approaches to meet sustainable development goals. Strategies for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries were discussed, emphasizing public-private partnerships and philanthropists’ roles in climate solutions. The forum highlighted AI’s importance in sustainability and the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), along with youth’s critical role in environmental progress.

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A parliamentary delegation attended the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva. The assembly focused on harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a peaceful and sustainable future. The delegation participated in meetings of the IPU’s governing council, the highest decision-making body. They met counterparts from other parliaments during the assembly. The delegation also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Geneva. The IPU included 180 member parliaments and 15 associate members from both large and small countries.

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An Indian delegation led by Union Minister Nityanand Rai attended the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 in Manila. The conference was inaugurated by Philippine President Bongbong Marcos. The theme was “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia Pacific to accelerate disaster risk reduction.” APMCDRR is the key platform for the Asia-Pacific region to monitor and enhance cooperation on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It involves governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to speed up disaster risk reduction efforts.

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organized a function and national conference on the rights of older persons for its 31st Foundation Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The NHRC was established on 12th October 1993. Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, was the Chief Guest. He stated that India’s human rights record is unmatched, especially for minorities, marginalized, and vulnerable groups. The growing ageing population presents both opportunities and challenges. The Commission has taken steps to protect elderly rights, including forming a core group and issuing guidelines.

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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.