Current Affairs - Places

The World Maritime Conference 2024 will take place in Chennai, marking its return to the city after 15 years. Scheduled from December 4 to 6, the event will feature over 300 global delegates and high-profile discussions on futuristic developments and challenges in the maritime sector. Nations like the US, UK, Germany, Spain, and various Asia-Pacific countries will participate, showcasing the event's global significance.

The 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024. This marks the first time a West Asian nation is hosting the event, coinciding with the UNCCD’s 30th anniversary. Representatives from 197 nations, including India, are participating to address global desertification and land degradation under the theme "Our Land. Our Future."

The 'Bima Sakhi Yojana,' aimed at empowering women across India through financial security and skill development, will be launched by the PM in Panipat on December 9. The initiative promotes economic participation and entrepreneurship among women by providing financial assistance, access to insurance products, and skill development opportunities. Panipat is the chosen location for this significant event.

The 'One Day One Genome' initiative was launched in New Delhi on the 1st foundation day of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC). This initiative aims to showcase India’s microbial diversity by releasing fully annotated bacterial genomes, along with summaries, infographics, and genome data. It focuses on leveraging this data for a better understanding of microbial functions, which could enhance areas like agriculture, human health, and environmental sustainability. The initiative is coordinated by BRIC-NIBMG under the Department of Biotechnology.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, has been chosen as the location for the BIMSTEC Energy Centre, following the signing of a Host Country Agreement between India and BIMSTEC. This initiative aims to strengthen energy cooperation among BIMSTEC member states, promoting energy security and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region. The centre will foster inter-grid connectivity, regional connectivity, and collaboration on energy issues. The agreement was formalized by MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumder and BIMSTEC Secretary General Indramani Pandey, marking a significant step in India's engagement with BIMSTEC and its commitment to regional cooperation.