UNESCO Recognizes Odisha Villages as Tsunami Ready
Twenty-four coastal villages in Odisha were certified as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by UNESCO-IOC during the Global Tsunami Symposium.
The certification process, conducted by the National Tsunami Ready Recognition Board (NTRB), includes fulfilling 12 preparedness indicators.
Tsunami preparedness involves measures like public education, evacuation plans, and community drills to minimize risks.
India’s Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) provides alerts to 25 Indian Ocean countries, ensuring last-mile connectivity.
BSNL Launches India’s First Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Connectivity
Direct-to-Device satellite technology enables communication directly between satellites and devices, bypassing the traditional cell towers.
Some of the advantages include reliable internet connectivity even in very remote areas, UPI payment support, and proper emergency communication service in isolated regions.
BSNL is utilizing Viasat’s geostationary satellites located 36,000 km from the Earth.
The challenges it faces include latency, issues in spectrum allocation, regulations, and testing device compatibility.
International Day Against Transnational Organized Crime (TOC)
Transnational Organized Crime encompasses illegal activities such as narcotics trade, money laundering and trafficking in human beings across national borders.
The UN’s 2019 resolution referred to activities intended to disrupt the nexus of organized crime with terrorism.
FATF for the fight against terrorist financing and INTERPOL for international policing cooperation.
India faces both counterfeit currency circulation and illicit trade routes along borders, especially in the case of Northeast India.
India Hosts Finance Commission Conclave for Strengthening Local Bodies
Article 243I mandates State Finance Commissions (SFCs) every five years to recommend tax sharing and grants for local bodies.
Challenges include delays in SFC establishment and lack of financial data from states, leading to ad-hoc recommendations.
The 15th Finance Commission proposed withholding grants from non-compliant states after March 2024.
Strengthening SFCs is vital for improving fiscal decentralization and local governance..
Raising Ambition in Climate Finance: UNFCCC Report at COP-29
The estimated annual global investment requirement to address climate change is $6.3–6.7 trillion by 2030; for EMDCs other than China, the amount is $2.3-2.5 trillion.
Three recommendations include tripling the lending capacity of multilateral banks, reducing private capital costs, and developing carbon markets.
Declining technology costs in solar energy and South-South Cooperation make climate finance accessible for India.
GCF and other mechanisms support developing countries to meet their climate targets.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: Relevance of Teachings in Modern Times
Guru Nanak emphasized precepts of equality and truthful and high-mindedness for leading a good life whereas very critical towards casteism and materialistic attitudes in religion.
His gurbani like ‘Vaand Chhako’ or give to share one’s wealth and ‘Sarbat da Bhala’ or wellbeing of all, appear still resonant with contemporary issues like inequality and climate justice.
Guru Nanak’s legacy is inspiring sustainable and inclusive global answers.
India Strengthens Maritime Security with Operation Sagar-Manthan
NCB, in collaboration with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, recovered 700 kg of methamphetamine as part of this anti-drug trafficking operation.
This operation, Sagar-Manthan, targets maritime drug trafficking and supports the vision of India becoming a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ by 2047.
Monitoring very large sea routes is a major challenge. Interconnecting narco-trafficking with national security threats is another challenge.
Tsunami Ready Program – UNESCO-IOC’s effort at building coastline resilience through public awareness and safety measures.
Key Concepts and Policies:
Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity: Direct communication between satellites and ground devices, bypassing traditional cell towers.
Transnational Organized Crime (TOC): Crimes such as drug trafficking and money laundering, involving activities across international borders.
State Finance Commission (SFC): A constitutional body establishing fiscal distribution between states and local bodies to strengthen decentralization.
Green Climate Fund (GCF): A UN initiative supporting developing countries to adapt and modify climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
Operation Sagar-Manthan: India’s maritime anti-drug trafficking operation enhancing coastal and national security.
