Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (26-12-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: Key partnership: On India and Kuwait ties |
| Social Issues: 260 Canada colleges involved in trafficking: ED |
| Economy: Why guaranteeing MSP is essential for farmers and India |
| Environment and Ecology: Dense fog envelops Delhi as IMD issues yellow alert |
| Disaster Management: 20 years after Indian Ocean tsunami, India is better prepared |
Key partnership: On India and Kuwait ties
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS1 International Relations
Context: India and Kuwait ties
Why in News
Prime Minister of India’s visit to Kuwait aimed to strengthen India-Kuwait ties by addressing strategic gaps, fostering defence cooperation, and enhancing historical trade and diaspora relations.
Background
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kuwait marks a significant milestone in India’s diplomatic outreach to the Gulf region.
- This visit holds particular importance as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since 1981, bridging a gap of over four decades.
- It also follows nearly 12 years since the Kuwaiti Prime Minister visited India.
- The visit has not only reinforced historical ties but also paved the way for new strategic partnerships, especially in the backdrop of the evolving geopolitical scenario in West Asia.
Historical Significance of India-Kuwait Relations
- India and Kuwait share a long-standing relationship rooted in historical trade and cultural exchanges. These ties can be traced back to the days of the British East India Company when Kuwait served as an entrepôt for India’s trade routes across West Asia
- Kuwait’s Connection to India:
- The Kuwaiti elite historically had homes in Mumbai, signifying strong cultural and economic linkages.
- Until 1961, when Kuwait gained independence, the Indian rupee was legal tender in Kuwait, highlighting the deep economic ties between the two.
- Indian Diaspora in Kuwait:
- Kuwait hosts over 500,000 Indian workers, making Indians the largest expatriate community in the country.
- This community is built on the foundations of historical trade ties, further fostering people-to-people connections.
- Economic Ties:
- Bilateral trade between India and Kuwait exceeds $10 billion, a significant figure given Kuwait’s smaller geographical and economic size.
- Kuwait is India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier and fourth-largest LPG supplier, meeting approximately 3% of India’s energy needs.
Current Visit: Bridging Gaps in Strategic and Defence Cooperation
- Despite robust trade and cultural ties, India-Kuwait relations have historically lagged in strategic and defence cooperation. Residual concerns about India’s close ties with Saddam Hussein’s Iraq during the Gulf War had also created some mistrust. Prime Minister Modi’s visit aimed to address these gaps and build stronger ties in these areas.
- Strategic Partnership:
- The visit witnessed the launch of a Kuwait partnership, the latest addition to India’s growing list of strategic partnerships in the Gulf region.
- An MoU was signed to institutionalise defence cooperation, marking a significant step toward enhancing security collaboration.
- Recognition of the Visit:
- The Kuwaiti Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, conferred Kuwait’s highest honour, the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, on PM Modi. This gesture underlines the importance Kuwait places on strengthening its ties with India.
Geopolitical Context of the Visit
The visit comes at a critical juncture for West Asia, a region currently fraught with political instability and conflict. Several ongoing issues have heightened the need for India to strengthen its bilateral ties with Gulf countries:
- Conflict in West Asia: The continued bombardment of Gaza by Israel, coupled with attacks on Lebanon and Yemen, has made peace in the region increasingly fragile.
- The ouster of the Assad regime in Syria has empowered Islamist radicals, potentially leading to further violence and instability.
Impact on Indian Interests:
- India’s key infrastructure and connectivity projects, such as the I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) and the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), may face delays or setbacks due to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
- Securing energy supplies and ensuring the safety and welfare of over 8 million Indians living and working in the Gulf have become even more crucial.
- Global Leadership Vacuum: The incoming Trump administration’s domestic priorities in the U.S. and Europe’s preoccupation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict have created a vacuum in global leadership, particularly in conflict-ridden regions like West Asia.
Strategic Implications for India
The visit underscores India’s broader strategy of strengthening bilateral ties in the Gulf to secure its economic and geopolitical interests:
- Energy Security: Kuwait’s role as a major supplier of crude oil and LPG to India makes it a vital partner in ensuring India’s energy security.
- Strengthened ties with Kuwait can help India diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on any single supplier.
- Geopolitical Leverage: By forging stronger relations with Kuwait and other Gulf countries, India can enhance its influence in a region critical for global energy markets and strategic stability.
- Diaspora Welfare: The Indian government’s focus on ensuring the rights and welfare of its expatriate community in Kuwait and the Gulf highlights the importance of the diaspora in India’s foreign policy.
- Standalone Diplomacy: Despite domestic criticism of PM Modi’s frequent foreign visits, such standalone diplomatic forays are essential for addressing India’s specific strategic and economic interests in key regions.
Conclusion
- Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait completes a significant chapter in India’s outreach to the Gulf region.
- By addressing gaps in strategic and defence cooperation and reaffirming historical ties, the visit has strengthened India-Kuwait relations at a crucial time for West Asia.
- As geopolitical tensions persist in the region, India’s proactive engagement with Gulf countries will be pivotal in securing its energy needs, ensuring the welfare of its diaspora, and enhancing its global influence.
- This visit sets the stage for further standalone diplomatic efforts aimed at securing India’s long-term interests.
- While the WTO’s future remains uncertain, its decline signals a troubling trend for global cooperation and rule-based governance.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following reasons:
1. It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait since 1981. 2. Kuwait is India’s sixth-largest supplier of crude oil and fourth-largest supplier of LPG. 3. The visit resulted in the signing of an MoU to institutionalize defence cooperation. 4. It marked the establishment of a new India-Kuwait strategic partnership. Select the correct answer using the code given below: |
Q. Consider the following statements (2022)
Which of the statements given above are correct? A 2 and 4 only B 3 and 5 only C 1, 3 and 4 only D 1 and 2 only Ans: C |
| Answer – 1 – D
Explanation –
|
260 Canada colleges involved in trafficking: ED
Source: Times of India
UPSC Relevance: GS2 Social Issue
Context: ED uncovered a human trafficking network
Why in News
The ED uncovered a human trafficking network using Canadian student visas to facilitate illegal migration from India to the US, leading to tragedies like the Patel family’s 2022 death at the US-Canada border.
Background
- On January 19, 2022, a tragic incident occurred on the US-Canada border, where the Patel family—Jagdish Patel (39), Vaishali Patel (35), and their two children (aged 11 and 3)—froze to death in Manitoba during an attempt to illegally cross into the US.
- The family was left stranded by human traffickers in -37°C temperatures amidst a snowstorm.
- This incident shed light on a broader human trafficking syndicate, prompting an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India.
Findings of the Investigation
- Human Trafficking via Student Visa Route
- The ED discovered an international syndicate of traffickers using student visas to facilitate illegal migration.
- Traffickers arranged for “students” to be admitted to 260 Canadian colleges and universities.
- Migrants used the student visa to enter Canada but often did not attend the institutions. Instead, they were smuggled across the US-Canada border.
- Involvement of Indian Agents
- At least 1,700 agents in Gujarat and 3,500 agents across India were part of this racket.
- The agents charged migrants ₹50-60 lakh per person for the entire process, including student visa arrangements and travel to Canada.
- Two key agents in Mumbai and Nagpur were found to have agreements with several Canadian colleges, receiving commissions for enrolling students.
- Scale of the Racket
- Over 35,000 illegal migrants are sent abroad annually by just two agents in Mumbai and Nagpur.
- Despite a multi-agency crackdown, over 800 agents remain active in facilitating illegal migration.
- Searches and Seizures
- In December 2024, the ED conducted searches at eight premises across Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara.
- Assets seized during the searches included ₹19 lakh in bank accounts, documents, and digital evidence.
The Role of Canadian Colleges
The investigation revealed:
- Some Canadian colleges were complicit in the racket, issuing admission letters to “students” without proper verification.
- These institutions are under scrutiny for their financial transactions and the extent of money earned from such operations.
Broader Implications
- Abuse of the Student Visa Route
- The “student visa” route is considered safer and more convenient than traditional trafficking methods like the “donkey route” (a term for risky, illegal migration via land routes).
- Financial Exploitation
- The traffickers and agents capitalized on vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities, charging exorbitant fees for illegal services.
- Impact on Indian and Canadian Authorities
- Indian agencies like the ED are collaborating with foreign governments to dismantle this syndicate.
- The involvement of Canadian institutions raises questions about immigration policies and enforcement gaps in Canada.
- Increased Surveillance
- Enhanced monitoring of student visa applications and travel activities is likely in both India and Canada.
Tragic Catalyst for the Probe
The death of the Patel family was a harrowing reminder of the risks involved in illegal migration. Their case highlighted:
- Inhuman practices of traffickers who abandoned them in harsh weather.
- The need for stringent actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
- The ED’s ongoing probe underscores the need for international cooperation to tackle human trafficking and illegal migration.
- Strengthened regulatory frameworks, stricter visa processes, and awareness campaigns are crucial to addressing these systemic issues.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. With reference to the role of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in uncovering a human trafficking network, consider the following statements:
1. The ED investigates money laundering activities linked to human trafficking networks. 2. The ED has the authority to seize financial assets and documents involved in illegal migration activities. 3. The ED works in coordination with international agencies to dismantle cross-border human trafficking operations. Which of the statements given above are correct? |
Q. |
| Answer 2– D
Explanation –
|
Why guaranteeing MSP is essential for farmers and India
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: Importance and Challenges of MSP
Why in News
The issue of Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been central to the ongoing agricultural debate in India, highlighting concerns over farmer welfare, water conservation, and food security.
What is MSP and Its Origins?
- Definition of MSP: MSP stands for Minimum Support Price, which is the lowest price at which the government guarantees to purchase crops from farmers, ensuring protection against market fluctuations.
- Historical Context: MSP was introduced nearly 60 years ago as a safety net when India faced acute food shortages and was reliant on imports to feed its population. The scheme aimed to encourage higher agricultural production by ensuring farmers a secure income.
- Initial Focus: In its early stages, MSP was not based on the cost of production but rather on incentivizing farmers through subsidies for fertilizers, chemicals, and other inputs. This shifted farmers from subsistence farming to market-oriented agriculture, leading to dependency on markets and exploitation by traders.
- Consequences Over Time: Rising input costs with stagnating MSP.
- Increased indebtedness among farmers.
- Growing incidents of farmer suicides, with reports suggesting over 4,00,000 suicides in three decades, potentially reaching 7,00,000 suicides based on unofficial estimates.
Current Challenges in the MSP System
- Regional Disparities: Despite the government setting MSP rates, farmers in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh often sell their crops far below the official MSP due to a lack of government procurement infrastructure.
- Example: In 2023, while the MSP for paddy was set at Rs 2,325 per quintal, farmers in these states sold it for as low as Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,400 per quintal.
- Capped Procurement: In states like Rajasthan, the government limits how much paddy can be purchased at MSP. Excess produce is then sold at significantly lower rates, leading to financial losses for farmers.
- OECD Report Findings:
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed that due to lower-than-required MSP, farmers have incurred a cumulative loss of Rs 60 lakh crore over the years.
- In 2023 alone, farmers lost Rs 14.72 lakh crore due to subpar MSP rates.
- Impact on Farmer Debt and Suicides:
The financial losses caused by insufficient MSP have left farmers heavily indebted, contributing significantly to rising suicide rates in rural India.
The Debate on MSP in Punjab
- Groundwater Concerns:
- Punjab’s over-reliance on water-intensive crops like wheat and paddy has depleted groundwater reserves, with reports suggesting that groundwater may only last 15–20 years for drinking purposes.
- Producing 1 kg of rice requires 3,000–3,500 liters of water, exacerbating the crisis.
- Demand for MSP Guarantee:
Farmer unions in Punjab are advocating for a guaranteed MSP law for 23 crops, aiming to:- Promote crop diversification to reduce water usage.
- Shift focus to crops with higher profitability, such as oilseeds and pulses.
- Benefits of Diversification:
- Electricity Savings: Agricultural electricity consumption could reduce by 60%, enabling cheaper electricity for households.
- Foreign Exchange Savings: India spends Rs 2 lakh crore annually on importing oilseeds and pulses. Producing these domestically could significantly reduce this expenditure.
- National Self-Sufficiency: Punjab’s farmers have the potential to make the country self-reliant in oilseeds, pulses, and other crops, similar to their contribution during the Green Revolution.
Economic and Health Benefits of MSP Guarantee
- Affordable Implementation:
Economists argue that guaranteeing MSP for 23 crops would cost Rs 20,000–50,000 crore annually, a fraction of what India spends on imports of oilseeds and pulses. - Health Concerns:
- India imports large quantities of palm oil, which is processed with harmful chemicals.
- Promoting domestic oilseed production under MSP guarantees would safeguard public health and reduce dependency on unhealthy imports.
- Addressing Inflation and Rural Distress:
Guaranteed MSP can stabilize agricultural incomes, reduce farmer indebtedness, and alleviate rural distress, thereby curbing inflationary pressures on essential commodities.
Key Recommendations
- Legislative Guarantee of MSP:
- A legal framework ensuring MSP for 23 crops can secure farmer incomes, promote crop diversification, and address regional procurement disparities.
- Strengthened Procurement Systems:
- States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan need improved infrastructure to procure crops at MSP, ensuring fair prices for farmers.
- Promotion of Diversification:
- Policies encouraging cultivation of oilseeds, pulses, and other less water-intensive crops should be prioritized to conserve natural resources and boost profitability for farmers.
- Investments in Agriculture:
- Redirecting funds towards MSP guarantees and agricultural innovation can lead to sustainable farming practices, reduced import dependency, and enhanced food security.
Conclusion
Guaranteeing MSP through legislation is critical for addressing multiple issues in the agricultural sector. It offers a comprehensive solution to:
- Prevent farmer suicides.
- Conserve natural resources like groundwater.
- Reduce India’s dependency on imports.
- Safeguard public health and stabilize rural economies.
The government must act urgently to implement MSP guarantees, ensuring a sustainable and equitable agricultural system for the nation.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system in India:
1. The MSP was introduced as a safety net for farmers to ensure they receive a minimum price for their crops, regardless of market fluctuations. 2. The introduction of MSP was based on the cost of production, including subsidies for fertilizers and chemicals. 3. In states like Punjab, farmer unions are demanding a guaranteed MSP law for 23 crops to promote crop diversification and reduce the reliance on water-intensive crops like wheat and paddy. 4. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has reported that the low MSP rates have led to a cumulative loss of Rs 60 lakh crore for farmers over the years. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 3, and 4 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (d)
|
| Answer 3– A
Explanation –
|
Dense fog envelops Delhi as IMD issues yellow alert
Source: Times of India
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Environment and Ecology
Context: AQI
Why in News
IMD forecasted light rainfall and fog in Delhi, and the Supreme Court directed the CAQM to impose Stage-III restrictions if the AQI exceeds 350.
Overview of Weather Conditions
- Recently, Delhi experienced a thin layer of fog as the temperature dipped to 7°C, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The dense fog led to significant disruptions in various sectors, particularly transport.
Impact on Transportation
- Rail Services: The low visibility caused by the fog resulted in delays for 18 trains arriving in Delhi from different regions of the country. The affected trains faced difficulties in maintaining schedule due to the disruption in rail operations.
- Flight Operations: Despite the reduced visibility, flight operations at Delhi Airport remained unaffected. The airport authorities employed reduced visibility procedures to ensure the smooth handling of aircraft arrivals and departures.
IMD Yellow Alert
- The IMD issued a yellow alert for the day, indicating that moderate to dense fog was likely during the morning and night. Additionally, there was a possibility of light to very light rainfall in some parts of Delhi. The yellow alert typically signals that citizens should be prepared for potentially hazardous weather conditions, and it is not as severe as higher-level alerts.
Air Quality Management and Supreme Court Guidelines
- Air Quality and Restrictions
- In light of the prevailing weather conditions, which could exacerbate pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has the authority to impose stringent measures based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The guidelines specify:
- Stage-III Restrictions if the AQI crosses 350.
- Stage-IV Restrictions if the AQI exceeds 400.
- Impact of Restrictions
- Under Stage-III restrictions, measures may include the suspension of construction and demolition activities, restrictions on industrial operations, and curtailment of vehicular traffic in certain zones.
- Stage-IV restrictions are more severe and could include the closure of non-essential industries and even more stringent curbs on vehicular movement and construction activities. These restrictions are aimed at reducing pollution and improving air quality to protect public health.
- Supreme Court Oversight
- The Supreme Court of India has directed the CAQM to implement these measures promptly if air quality deteriorates, ensuring a proactive approach towards managing air pollution.
- This reflects the Court’s concern for public health, especially during periods of extreme weather like dense fog, which can trap pollutants and aggravate respiratory issues.
Air Quality Index (AQI):
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized measure used to assess and communicate the quality of air. It provides information on how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects might be of concern. The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating poorer air quality and greater health risks.
AQI and Health Effects:
- AQI 0-50 (Good): No health impact; air is clean.
- AQI 51-100 (Moderate): People with respiratory problems may experience slight irritation.
- AQI 101-150 (Sensitive): Exposure may aggravate asthma, respiratory, and cardiovascular issues.
- AQI 151-200 (Unhealthy): Health effects will be felt by the general population, especially sensitive individuals.
- AQI 201-300 (Very Unhealthy): Health impacts are likely for everyone, with warnings of more severe effects.
- AQI 301-500 (Hazardous): Serious health effects for all; emergency health conditions are likely to occur.
Stages of Air Quality Restrictions (in India):
In Delhi and other parts of India, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) may impose air quality restrictions depending on the AQI levels:
- Stage-III Restrictions:
- Activated when AQI crosses 350.
- It may involve actions like restricting the entry of heavy vehicles, halting construction activities, and enforcing stricter vehicular pollution controls.
- Stage-IV Restrictions:
- Activated when AQI crosses 400.
- It may involve measures like shutting down non-essential industries, imposing curbs on vehicular movement, and issuing advisories for vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
- The combination of fog, low temperatures, and moderate rainfall has significantly impacted daily life in Delhi.
- The IMD’s yellow alert and the CAQM’s air quality restrictions underscore the ongoing efforts to manage adverse weather conditions and pollution levels.
- These measures are critical in safeguarding public health and ensuring the resilience of the city’s infrastructure during challenging weather events.
- The proactive role of the Supreme Court further highlights the importance of ensuring environmental and public health standards are maintained during such conditions.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Which of the following statements regarding the Air Quality Index (AQI) is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) 1 and 3 |
Q. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements: (2019)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4- D
Explanation
|
20 years after Indian Ocean tsunami, India is better prepared
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Disaster Management
Context: 2004 Tsunami Disaster and India’s Disaster Management Response
Why in News
In response to the 2004 tsunami, India established early warning systems, improved disaster preparedness, and implemented new technologies to enhance disaster resilience.
Background
- On December 26, 2004, a catastrophic tsunami struck multiple countries around the Indian Ocean, leaving devastating effects. Triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake below the seabed off the coast of Indonesia, the tsunami claimed over 230,000 lives.
- The waves hit several coastal regions, including the Aceh area of Indonesia, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&N), Thailand’s coastline, and the Indian and Sri Lankan coastlines.
- This disaster was unprecedented in terms of its scale, both in loss of life and its widespread effects.
- Despite the gravity of the situation, the lack of preparedness and the absence of an early warning system (EWS) meant that many people were caught by surprise. The resulting damage was not just in terms of lives lost but also in the destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods, particularly for those living along the Indian Ocean rim.
Lack of Early Warning and Detection Systems:
- At the time, India’s tsunami detection system was inadequate, primarily relying on seismic data collected internationally.
- The country’s seismic monitoring network was limited and unable to detect tsunamis triggered by distant earthquakes in real time.
- The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), based in Hyderabad, did have a tsunami detection system in place, but it was not designed to detect tsunamis from earthquakes far away.
- As a result, there was a delay in detecting the earthquake and issuing a tsunami warning.
- This failure of early detection and lack of an effective warning system played a crucial role in the disaster’s widespread impact.
- The tsunami struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands just 20 minutes after the earthquake, and it travelled over 1,200 km to Chennai and Sri Lanka within two hours.
- Had an early warning system been in place, these areas could have been evacuated or better prepared.
Emotional and Personal Accounts:
- The tragedy also had deeply personal stories of survival. Meghana Rajashekhar, for example, shared her heart-wrenching story of how she, a 12-year-old girl, was swept away by the tsunami in Car Nicobar Island.
- After losing both her parents, Meghana survived for two days afloat on debris before being rescued. Such personal accounts underscored the human cost of the disaster.
The Response to the Tragedy:
- In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, several critical steps were taken to address the gaps in disaster management and early warning systems.
- The Indian government enacted the Disaster Management Act in 2005, which laid the foundation for a national disaster management framework.
- It led to the creation of India’s Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), established at INCOIS in 2007.
- This centre is equipped with a real-time seismic monitoring and sea-level network capable of detecting tsunamigenic (tsunami-producing) earthquakes within minutes of their occurrence.
- The ITEWC disseminates timely advisories to concerned authorities across 26 countries in the Indian Ocean region, as part of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) framework.
Ongoing Improvements and Initiatives:
India’s preparedness for future disasters has significantly improved over the years:
- Tsunami Preparedness in Odisha: Odisha, one of the coastal states of India, has made significant strides in preparing for tsunami threats. Currently, 24 coastal villages in the state have been officially recognized as “tsunami-ready.” This designation is based on specific criteria such as having evacuation plans, conducting mock exercises, and ensuring community awareness with clearly marked escape routes.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The NDMA, guided by the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), has been instrumental in enhancing disaster preparedness across India. One of the key components of this agenda is Early Warning Systems (EWS), which are continuously improving. The Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) now facilitates the rapid dissemination of warnings, including tsunami alerts, to millions of mobile phones. This protocol allows authorities to send warnings to affected populations, providing information about the impending disaster and the necessary steps to take.
- Risk Mapping and Prediction Systems: As part of the disaster preparedness strategy, India is focusing on developing more reliable risk mapping and prediction systems. This includes using GIS technology to map out risk areas and predict the impact of various natural hazards, from tsunamis to cyclones and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
- Cell Broadcast System: Future improvements also include the development of a cell broadcast system, which will ensure more reliable and faster delivery of emergency messages. This system will go beyond tsunamis and cyclones, and will be applicable to other hazards such as lightning strikes and floods.
Strategic and Geopolitical Collaboration:
- In addition to the technical sessions on disaster management, the Dweep Diksha Dialogue, an event hosted by the Andaman and Nicobar Command (HQ ANC), also included discussions on the geopolitical and geostrategic aspects of the security environment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- The involvement of service officers from 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations.
- These dialogues help enhance mutual understanding and collaboration among countries to improve disaster response capabilities in the region.
Ongoing and Future Efforts:
- The annual Dweep Diksha Dialogue serves as a platform for sharing knowledge on disaster risk reduction and response.
- It emphasizes the importance of training and education in disaster management, with a focus on improving the ability of both military and civilian authorities to respond to natural disasters.
- These efforts align with the goals of creating a disaster-resilient India, with a greater focus on preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies.
Conclusion:
- The 2004 tsunami was a tragic reminder of the need for robust disaster management systems. The subsequent developments in India’s early warning systems, preparedness initiatives, and disaster risk reduction frameworks reflect a significant improvement in the country’s ability to respond to such natural disasters.
- India’s progress in disaster management and its commitment to building a disaster-resilient nation are commendable, and the ongoing collaboration with neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean region further strengthens the regional response to such calamities.
| CARE MCQ | |
| Q5. Which of the following developments were initiated in India in response to the 2004 tsunami disaster to improve disaster management and early warning systems?
1. The establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) at INCOIS, Hyderabad in 2007. 2. Recognition of 24 coastal villages in Odisha as “tsunami-ready” with evacuation plans and community awareness programs. 3. Introduction of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) for quick dissemination of warnings to mobile phones. 4. Deployment of a cell broadcast system for the speedy delivery of disaster-related messages, including tsunami alerts. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge? (2011)
A. The mangrove swamps separate the human settlement from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out B. The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster C. The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami D. The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots Ans: D |
| Answer 5- D
Explanation
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