Asiatic Golden Cat

 The Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii),has been rediscovered in Assam’s Manas National Park. 

• This sighting  marks a major conservation milestone, given that the last confirmed sighting occurred in 2007.
• Manas National Park now joins other Northeast Indian reserves, such as those in Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, in supporting this rare species.

• Habitat: Highly adaptable found in forests ranging from tropical/subtropical evergreen forests, mixed and dry deciduous forests and tropical rainforests even at an altitude of 3,738 above sea level.
• Range Countries: Southern China, Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. 

Species Characteristics:

• The common coat colour is golden or red-brown, but it may also be dark brown or even grey.
• Its size is medium with relatively long legs.
• Mainly Nocturnal but recent data indicates that it may be diurnal.
• Males are larger than females.
• Reproduction a gestation Period of 75 – 80 days.

Protection Status:

• Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972:  Scheduled I
• IUCN: Near Threatened 
• CITES: Appendix I

Centre Issues Guidelines on Seaweed Import

·        The recent notification by the Indian government concerning the import of live seaweeds marks a significant step towards enhancing the country’s coastal economy and promoting sustainable practices in aquaculture. This initiative, outlined in the ‘Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India,’ aims to address critical challenges faced by the domestic seaweed industry, particularly in securing high-quality seed stock

Seaweeds

·        Seaweeds are a type of marine algae found in oceans and seas.

·        They vary in color (green, red, and brown) and are rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, making them valuable for multiple industries including food, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.

·        Seaweeds grow in shallow coastal waters, where they absorb sunlight to photosynthesize. 

·        India’s long coastline supports the cultivation of different types of seaweed as mentioned in the table.

Objectives of the Guidelines

·        Addressing Seed Shortages: The main goal of these guidelines is to enable the introduction of quality germplasm of seaweed species. Today, India’s seaweed industry still has challenges because of raw materials, particularly the seed for Kappaphycus, the most widely grown species. This policy seeks to help the government ensure that domestic farmers get access to better seed materials that would increase production yield.

·        Economic Upliftment: They address the need to strengthen economic prospects where communities live particularly along the coast. As a major economic activity, the creation of seaweed enterprises aims to improve the soci-economic welfare of fisherfolk and other stakeholders. This is in line with other objectives under PMMSY with production aspires of 1.12 million tonnes of seaweed in 2025.

Regulatory Framework

·        Application Process: Keeping live seaweeds for import is only allowed in India under very specific conditions which will require the importer to make an elaborate application to the Department of Fisheries. The National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species in Indian Waters shall assess this application rigorously. Upon approval an import permit will be issued within four weeks thereby simplifying the process of importing high quality germplasm.

·        Quarantine and Biosecurity Measures: To prevent the invasion of undesirable species in the Indian marine environment, the guidelines contain very stringent measures on quarantine and biosecurity. These protocols are especially needed to avoid introducing new pests and diseases that may be fatal to aquatic life in that area. After import control measures, monitoring and risk assessment will also be implemented for the sustenance of the environment while pursuing TiO2 industry development.

Investment in Infrastructure

·        The government has also produced significant efforts towards putting in place framework that will support this effort.

·        ₹127.7 crore has been proposed to be spent for a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu to facilitate research and development of seaweed farming. 

·        This facility is believed to contribute significantly in the downstream processing industries hence generating more employment in the coastal villages.

Environmental Sustainability

·        The guidelines emphasize environmental sustainability, ensuring that while economic growth is pursued, ecological balance is maintained. 

·        The government has articulated its commitment to uphold environmental protection standards throughout this initiative, recognizing that sustainable practices are vital for long-term success in aquaculture. By addressing seed shortages, promoting economic upliftment, and ensuring environmental sustainability through rigorous regulatory frameworks, these guidelines are poised to transform India’s coastal economies.

·         As the country aims for significant production targets by 2025, this initiative could serve as a model for integrating sustainable practices into economic development strategies across various sectors

Applications of Seaweed

·        Agriculture: Used as natural fertilisers and soil conditioners.

·        Food Industry: Serve as food additives and stabilisers (e.g., agar and carrageenan).

·        Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

·        Biofuels: Emerging renewable energy source due to high biomass productivity.

·        By enabling regulated seaweed import, the guidelines open pathways for sustainable economic growth in coastal regions and broader applications of seaweed in various industries.         

Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

• U.N. Biodiversity Summit, COP16, is set to  take place in Cali, Colombia from October 21 to November 1, 2024.
• Nearly 200 countries are there to discuss strategies to combat the rapid destruction of nature.

Goals at COP16

• Unified System: Establish a single, multilateral system to generate revenue for conservation from DSI usage

 What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?

• DSI refers to the unique genetic codes and sequences found in all living organisms.
• Importance: These sequences are crucial for understanding how organisms develop and function.
• DSI is vital for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources, particularly in food and agriculture.

Why Genetic Information?

• Research and Development: Scientists have been using genetic codes from plants, animals, and microbes to discover new products for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• Biodiversity Concerns: Countries rich in biodiversity, like Brazil and India, want to ensure they receive compensation when companies exploit their natural resources.

Importance of Digital Sequence Information to Companies

• Economic Impact: Sectors using DSI contribute approximately $1.6 trillion annually, impacting industries like pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
• Product Development: DSI is vital for creating new medical treatments, including vaccines, and food products.
• Role in Research
• Fundamental Tool: DSI is crucial for environmental and biological research, aiding in the understanding of life’s molecular basis and evolution.
• Therapeutic Potential: It helps explore ways to manipulate genes for new therapies, cures for diseases, and alternative energy sources.
• Conservation Applications: DSI assists in taxonomy, risk assessment for threatened species, tracking illegal trade, identifying product origins, and conservation management

Benefits of Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

• Accelerated Research : DSI provides quick access to genetic information, speeding up research for scientists and institutions globally.
• Protecting Endangered Species: DSI is crucial for studying and conserving biodiversity, especially for species at risk of extinction.
• Research Opportunities: The digital nature of DSI facilitates research on plant genetics and the development of new medicines, benefiting industries that depend on genetic resources.
• Data Sharing and Collaboration : Publicly accessible DSI databases encourage international collaboration, allowing efficient knowledge sharing and contributing to global research projects.

Challenges of Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

• Lack of Benefit-Sharing Framework : Developing countries argue that open access to DSI lets developed nations profit from genetic data without giving fair compensation to the original countries or local communities.
• Intellectual Property Issues: DSI can lead to companies or nations patenting products developed from genetic data, raising questions about the rights of source nations and communities.
• Conservation vs. Commercialization: DSI could either help conserve biodiversity or lead to its exploitation, depending on how the information is used and whether benefits are shared fairly.

Current Challenges :

• Complex Legal Framework: Laws governing genetic material usage vary widely by country which complicates research and sharing.
• Limited Financial Benefits: Developing nations often see little profit from their biodiversity due to these regulations.

Related Initiatives :

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

• The GBF includes DSI in its targets. It aims for a balanced approach to biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing, emphasizing the need for multilateral cooperation.

Nagoya Protocol

• This protocol, part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, focuses on fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, but does not fully address DSI.

EOS 6 & INSAT 3DR

• ISRO is monitoring Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’  with the satellites named EOS 6 and Insat 3DR.

EOS-6 (Oceansat-3)

INSAT-3DR

GSLV Mk II

 INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS (ICCR)

• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) organized a conference in Colombo to celebrate the recognition of Pali as a classical language by the Indian government. 
• The event witnessed the participation of Buddhist scholars and the monastic community from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
• The conference highlighted the importance of Pali in preserving the "Dhamma" and promoting Buddhist practices. 

 Pali language 

• Pali is mainly known as the language of the Buddhist Pali Canon (Tipiṭaka), which contains a vast collection of scriptures central to Theravāda Buddhism. 
• Pali continues to be studied and promoted, especially in Sri Lanka and several Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, these countries remain prominent centers for Pali learning, contributing significantly to the language''s preservation and propagation.
• Beyond academic study, Pali is chanted in rituals and ceremonies, maintaining its relevance in contemporary Buddhist practices, these ritual use helps keep the language alive and integral to the spiritual lives of many Buddhists.

 Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)

• It is an autonomous body, under the Ministry of External Affairs.
• It plays a significant role in enhancing India''s cultural diplomacy and promoting international cultural exchanges. 
• It was established in April 1950, by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India.

Objectives

• Participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes related to external cultural relations.
• Promoting and strengthening  cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries.
• Promote cultural exchanges with other countries and their citizens.

Activities

• It organizes cultural festivals in India and abroad to promote Indian arts, traditions, and heritage. 
• It provides financial support to several cultural institutions throughout India.
• It offers sponsorship and support to individual performers in various fields, including dance, music, photography, theater, and visual arts, promoting their talent on international platforms.
• It provide different scholarship programs, and annually awarding about 3000+ scholarships under 21 different schemes to foreign students from approximately 180 countries.   
• It engages in cultural diplomacy through various initiatives, promoting awareness and appreciation of Indian culture globally.

Karmayogi Competency Model for Civil Servants

• The Capacity Building Commission (CBC), has developed the Karmayogi Competency Model for civil servants. 
• It is a framework of behavioral and functional skills designed to resource their transition from a karmachari (worker) to a karmayogi (devoted worker).
• The model aims to optimize deployment of officers to roles based on their capabilities, which are also mapped to publications on the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) portal.

Components of the Competency Model

• The version consists of 34 capabilities, classified as behavioral and purposeful.
• Behavioral Competencies: There are 13 behavioral skills, similarly divided into two sub-classes; Core Competencies ,Leadership Competencies
• Key behavioral competencies include: Self-awareness, Personal effectiveness,  Creativity and innovation and Strategic leadership.
• These talents are inspired by 4 resolutions that every public official has to encompass: Vikas (Development), Garva (Pride),  Kartavya (Duty) and Ekta (Unity).
• Functional Competencies: There are 21 functional competencies, which cognizance of competencies required to efficiently perform precise roles in governance.
• Key functional capabilities include: Citizen-centricity, Policy architecture, Digital fluency, Financial management and Data analytics.

Mission Karmayogi National Program

It is a flagship programme of Government of India launched in 2020 for education of civil servants, which intends to convert the Civil Services from ‘Rule Based’ to ‘Role Based’ way of functioning and Citizen Centric. 

Mission Karmayogi has the following six pillars;

• Policy Framework,
• Institutional Framework,
• Competency Framework,
• Digital Learning Framework (Integrated Government Online Training Karmayogi Platform (iGOT-Karmayogi),
• Electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS), and
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.

Key Features of Mission Karmayogi

• Capacity Building Commission (CBC): CBC monitors and opinions the implementation of capacity-building applications, aligning them with the targets of Mission Karmayogi.
• The CBC was established in April 2021 and is uniquely staffed with representation from the personal region and the civil society.
• IGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) Platform: This digital platform provides anytime, anywhere education, allowing civil servants to get entry to personalized studying paths based on their roles and talent gaps.
• Annual Capacity Building Plans (ACBP): Each government branch creates and implements its personal capacity-building plans in alignment with its priorities and goals.
• Role-based Competency Framework: The education is designed to develop function-based skills in civil servants that specialize in precise talents required for their respective skills .

Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) portal

• It is being evolved as an important part of the Digital India stack for capacity building of all authorities personnel.
• It targets to provide ‘anytime-anywhere-any device’ gaining knowledge of to educate around 2.0 crores customers which turned into thus far unachievable thru conventional measures.
• It is expected to conform into a vibrant and global class marketplace for content modeled on FRACs.
• Supported by a strong e-gaining knowledge of the content material industry the content can be curated by individual government ministries or companies.

Conclusion

• Mission Karmayogi seeks to convert India’s civil services, making them higher organized and citizen-oriented, in the end contributing to the country’s bold dreams.
• It is a transformative initiative that empowers civil servants to force India’s development. By nurturing citizen-centric, tech-savvy Karmayogis, we pave the way for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Nature Conservation Index

·        India''s environmental performance has come under scrutiny following the release of the Nature Conservation Index, which ranked the country 176 out of 180 countries in terms of natural environment protection. With a score of 45.5 out of 100, this ranking reflects significant challenges in managing biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Key Highlights of the Index

·        Overall Ranking: India ranked 176th out of 180 countries.

·        Score: India received a score of 45.5 out of 100.

·        Top Performers: Luxembourg, Estonia, and Denmark topped the list, while Kiribati was the lowest-ranked.

·        Marine Conservation: India scored 0 out of 100 in managing marine protected areas and species protection within marine ecosystems.

·        Terrestrial Protection: India scored 73 out of 100 for terrestrial species protection but faces challenges with illegal wildlife trade, ranking fourth globally in this area.

·        Protected Areas: While 7.5% of India’s terrestrial area is protected, only 0.2% of marine waters are under protection.

·        Regional Comparison: Other South Asian nations such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar ranked above India, with Bhutan being the highest in the region at a commendable position.

Details of the Index

·        The Nature Conservation Index is a new assessment tool that ranks countries based on their efforts in natural environment protection across four key pillars:

·        Managing Protected Areas: Evaluating the extent and effectiveness of designated conservation zones.

·        Addressing Threats Against Biodiversity: Assessing actions taken to mitigate risks posed to various species and ecosystems.

·        Nature and Conservation Governance: Analyzing policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks supporting conservation efforts.

·        Future Trends in Natural Resource Management: Looking at the sustainability and long-term strategies for managing natural resources.

·        The index uses 25 parameters within these pillars to gauge each country’s performance.

·        It draws upon publicly available data from reputable sources such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Bank, and Yale''s Environmental Performance Index (EPI).         

Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

• The Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY) is a landmark initiative that was launched on October 28, 2014. This ambitious scheme has been conceived as a comprehensive strategy to address the unique challenges faced by tribal communities in India, which constitute about 8.9% of the country''s population.
• With over 700 scheduled tribes spread across diverse regions—from the Himalayas to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands—India''s tribal populations often remain marginalized in terms of socio-economic development.
•  The Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY) aims to empower tribal communities in India, recognizing their historical neglect. The initiative not only provides financial assistance but also establishes a framework for sustainable development ,improve the socio – economic conditions of Tribal populations but also emphasizes the preservation of their cultural heritage and identity .

Six Key Steps Under PMVKY

The PMVKY encompasses six steps aimed at different facets of tribal welfare.

These include:

1.Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana

• The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) revamps the existing Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan, which focuses on integrated village development in 36,428 villages with significant tribal populations. This initiative targets critical sectors such as road and telecom connectivity, education, health services, and sanitation, all of which aim to raise the living standards of tribal communities.
• Under the scheme, these villages have been specifically identified to address challenges in road connectivity, mobile and internet access, schools, Anganwadi centres, health sub-centres, drinking water facilities, drainage, and solid waste management. Each village will receive ₹20.38 lakh, with a total expenditure of ₹7,276 crore planned by 2025-26. As of July 2024, schemes for approximately 16,000 villages have been approved, and ₹2,283 crore has already been released for implementation.

2.Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

• The PVTG development scheme is designed to ensure the socio-economic upliftment of the most marginalized tribal communities (PVTG families) while preserving their cultural heritage.  The initiative provides financial support to state governments for tailored developmental activities in housing, health, and education sectors.
• The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission has been launched to enhance further living conditions and provide PVTG families with access to basic facilities.
• In the 2023-24, the government  launched Pradhan Mantri PVTGs Development Mission to improve their socio-economic conditions, allocating Rs. 15,000 crore over three years for essential amenities like secure housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, education, health, nutrition, and enhanced connectivity. An initial comprehensive IEC campaign is underway in 100 districts, targeting around 500 blocks and 15,000 PVTGs habitations to raise awareness about their entitlements. The initiative will ensure that every unreached PVTGs household benefits from various government schemes, utilizing local centers like Haat Bazar, CSCs, and Gram Panchayats to facilitate access and services at their doorstep.

3.Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRI)

• This component facilitates research and documentation efforts related to tribal communities. Financial assistance is allocated to state governments and UTs based on their proposals to strengthen the knowledge base concerning tribal cultures and challenges.

4.Pre-Matric Scholarships

• These centrally sponsored schemes aim to support tribal students in their educational pursuits. The Pre-Matric Scholarship caters to students in grades IX and X, the scholarship is available for students with a parental income of up to ₹2.50 lakhs, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational advancement.
• For most states, the Government of India contributes 75%, while the state government provides 25%. In the case of North Eastern and hilly states, the Government of India’s contribution increases to 90%, with the state contributing only 10%. For Union Territories (UTs) like Andaman & Nicobar, which do not have a Legislative Assembly or their own grants, the Government of India provides 100% of the funding.

5.Post-Matric Scholarships

• The Post-Matric Scholarship follows similar terms and conditions as the Pre-Matric scheme but caters to Scheduled Tribe students studying beyond class 10. This scholarship aims to further support their educational journey by alleviating financial burdens and encouraging continued academic advancement.

6.Administrative Assistance for Project Management Units

• The PMVKY also allocates funds to establish project management units within state governments, ensuring that schemes related to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes are effectively monitored and implemented.

Other Steps by Government of India for Tribal Welfare:

 Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM):

• Approved for implementation from 2021-22 to 2025-26, the PMJVM has been restructured by merging and extending two existing schemes: the “Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce through Minimum Support Price” and the “Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products.”
• The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) is designed to enhance tribal entrepreneurship and create livelihood opportunities by promoting the efficient and equitable use of natural resources, including agricultural products, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and non-farm enterprises.
• The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) serves as the central implementing agency for this initiative
• The mission supports the theme of “Vocal for Local by Tribal,” aiming to empower tribal communities through local resource utilization.
• Under the PMJVM, the Ministry provides financial assistance for the procurement of Minor Forest Produces (MFPs) at Minimum Support Price (MSP), the development of infrastructure for MFP and non-MFP value chains, and value addition training programs through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras

Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) 

• The Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) serves as a dedicated funding source for tribal development. This multi-faceted strategy encompasses support for critical areas such as education, health, sanitation, water supply, and livelihood opportunities
• In addition to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), 41 ministries and departments contribute a percentage of their total scheme budgets each year towards tribal development initiatives under the DAPST.

SIMBEX

• The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is scheduled from 23 to 29 Oct 2024, in the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam. 
• The exercise began as ''Exercise Lion King'' in 1994, and has since evolved into one of the most significant bilateral maritime collaborations between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). 
• The exercise will be conducted in two phases - the Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam and the Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal.

Purpose:

• Aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Singapore by enhancing interoperability, improving maritime domain awareness, and fostering cooperation to address common maritime challenges.
• The Harbour Phase will include Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sail briefings between personnel from both navies. The Sea Phase will witness advanced naval drills, including live weapon firings, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, anti-surface and anti-air operations, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.

 Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs)

• SMEE''s are Identical functional, technical, and professional information exchanges between US military exchange experts and experts from the Marine and Naval Infantry forces from our partner nations.

The Caspian Sea is shrinking – but why?

• The Caspian Sea is the planet’s largest inland sea and its largest lake, an enormous body of water roughly the size of Montana.
• The Caspian Sea’s water level has dropped two metres since the mid-1990s, particularly affecting the shallower northern basin, which could face near-total drying by the century’s end.
• Coastlines have shifted up to 50 kilometres in some areas, affecting human and economic activities, including the oil industry. Among the five Caspian nations, Kazakhstan is so far the most affected.

Caspian Sea

UNITED NATIONS DAY

• United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 every year to observe the establishment of the United Nations (UN) in 1945. 
• United Nations Day 2024 marked the 79th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 on October 24. 
• The day highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as peace, human rights, and sustainable development. 
• The theme for United Nations Day 2024 has not yet been announced. Last year''s theme was “Equality, Freedom & Justice for All.”

United Nations 

• The UN was established after World War II with the aim of preventing future world wars and succeeded the League of Nations, which was characterized as being ineffective. 
• On April 25, 1945, 50 nations assembled in San Francisco, California, to draft the UN Charter, which was adopted on June 25, 1945. The charter took effect on October 24, 1945, when the UN began operations. As of October 2024, the UN has 193 sovereign states.
• The organization is financed by set and voluntary contributions from its member states.   

Objectives

• The UN''s objectives, as outlined by its charter, include:
• Maintaining international peace and security
• Protecting human rights
• Delivering humanitarian aid
• Promoting sustainable development
• Upholding international law

Headquarters and Offices

• The UN is headquartered in New York City, in international territory with certain privileges extraterritorial to the United States. 
• It also has offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, and The Hague, where the International Court of Justice is headquartered at the Peace Palace.
• The UN comprises six principal operational organizations:
• General Assembly: Represents all 193 member states, each having one vote.
• Security Council: Responsible for maintaining international peace and security, consisting of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States).
• Economic and Social Council: Promotes international economic and social cooperation and development.
• International Court of Justice: Settles legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on international legal issues.
• UN Secretariat: Provides studies, information, and facilities needed by the UN for its meetings and operations.
• Trusteeship Council: Established to oversee the administration of trust territories, suspended since 1994.

Specialized Agencies

• The United Nations (UN) has 15 specialized agencies
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
• International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO)
• World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Universal Postal Union  (UPU)
• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
• International Maritime Organization (IMO)
• World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• World Bank
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)