Weekly Brief 14-19/05/2024

1. Indian Space Situational Assessment Report 2023: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) publishes an annual report called the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) to assess the environment around Earth in space,  with a focus on potential hazards to Indian space assets. Here's a summary of the key findings from the ISSAR 2023 report: Global Trends: India-Specific Findings:

• There's a growing trend in the number of space objects in orbit. This is likely due to increased accessibility to space and the growing use of space technology.

• In 2023, there were 3143 new objects added to Earth's orbit from 212 launches and break-up events of existing objects, compared to 2533 objects in 2022.

2.Idashisha Nongrang: Nongrang is the first woman to hold the position of Director General of Police in Meghalaya.

3.The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) is an initiative by the Government of India launched in 2015 . It aims to develop 100 Indian cities into sustainable and citizen-friendly areas through the use of modern technologies.

The core objectives of SCM are:

• To provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to citizens.

• To create a clean and sustainable environment.

Here are some of the key features of SCM:

• Area-based development:  The mission focuses on developing specific areas within a city rather than the entire city as a whole. This allows for a more concentrated effort and faster implementation of plans.

• Citizen participation:  The mission emphasizes involving citizens in the planning and implementation of projects. This ensures that the projects meet the needs and aspirations of the people who will use them.

• Use of smart solutions:  The mission encourages the use of technology to improve efficiency and sustainability in urban areas. This includes using sensors, data analytics, and other tools to manage traffic, water, and energy consumption.

Funding and Implementation

The Smart Cities Mission is a centrally funded and implemented scheme. The central government provides financial support to the state governments and urban local bodies (ULBs) for the development of smart cities. The mission is implemented through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) which are equally owned by the ULBs and states.

Criticism of the Mission

The Smart Cities Mission has been criticized for a number of reasons, including:

• Lack of citizen participation: Critics argue that the mission has not done enough to involve citizens in the planning and implementation of projects.

• Focus on infrastructure development: Critics argue that the mission has focused too much on infrastructure development and not enough on social development issues such as education and healthcare.

• Slow pace of implementation: Critics argue that the mission has been slow to implement projects.

Overall, the Smart Cities Mission is a ambitious initiative that has the potential to transform Indian cities. However, the mission faces a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to be successful.

4.2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID), was published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and covers data up to the end of 2023 [IDMC GRID]. Here are some key takeaways:

• A record high: As of the end of 2023, there were an estimated 75.9 million internally displaced people (IDPs) globally. This represents a significant increase from 71.1 million in 2022.

• Conflict dominates: Conflict and violence caused the displacement of a staggering 68.3 million people in 2023. This includes nearly two-thirds of new displacements arising from conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Palestine.

• Disasters a growing factor: Disasters, including earthquakes and extreme weather events, displaced an additional 7.7 million people in 2023. Climate change is expected to further increase displacement risks.

• Regional hotspots: Countries like Sudan, Syria, DRC, Colombia, and Yemen host nearly half of the world's IDPs.

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The report highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of displacement, protect IDPs, and find solutions for their safe return or resettlement.

5. 9 Day Indo-Bangla Baul Music Festival Begins In Dhaka To Mark 250th Birth Anniversary Of Fakir Lalon ShahL Renowned Baul singer and scholar Farida Parveen said Lalon is revered as a great mystic saint, philosopher and social reformer of his time. He composed thousands of songs which were later compiled by his disciples. His songs celebrate the spirit of humanism blending elements of Islam, Vaishnavism, Sahajiya Buddhism and Jainism.

10.Anmol Rai, A Transwoman Crowned As Miss Pink Nepal 2024 In Gala Event, Kathmandu

11. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: just passed on May 17th, 2024. It's an annual celebration organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Here's a quick rundown of WTISD:

• Commemorates: It marks the founding of the ITU in 1865 and highlights the growing importance of ICTs in our lives.

• Theme for 2024: The theme for 2024 was "Digital Innovation for a Sustainable Future". This emphasizes the role of technology in achieving sustainable development goals.

• Focus: WTISD raises awareness about the:

• Global Innovation Gap: The unequal access to and development of ICTs in different regions.

• Importance of Digital Inclusion:  Ensuring everyone has access to and can benefit from ICTs.

• Bridging the Digital Divide:  Closing the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don't.

12.Satwiksairaj Rankireddy And Chirag Shetty Reach Semi-Finals Of 2024 Thailand Open In Men’s Doubles

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