About Heat Waves: 

• • Heatwaves: Heatwaves are extended periods of excessively high temperatures that can have severe implications on human health, environment, and the economy. India being a tropical country is particularly vulnerable to heatwave conditions.
• Declaration of Heatwaves: According to IMD, the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions. 
• The following criteria for Heat Wave declarations have been provided:

• • Heat wave declaration is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches 

• at least 40°C or more for Plains, 
• 37°C or more for coastal stations and 
• at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions. 

• A heatwave’s severity is determined by its departure from normal temperature
  • Normal Heatwave: When the departure from Normal is by 4.5-6.4 degrees Celsius and 
  • Severe Heatwave: When the departure from Normal is greater than 6.4 degrees Celsius
• Based on Actual Maximum Temperature (for plains only):
  • Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature 45°C
  • Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature 47°C
• The IMD considers the criteria of “departure from normal temperature” and “actual maximum temperature”, only when at least two stations in a meteorological subdivision report such a high maximum or when at least one station has recorded a corresponding departure from the normal for at least two consecutive days.

Government Initiative Regarding Heat Waves:

• Climate Hazards and Vulnerability Atlas of India: The atlas provides a range of vulnerability with risks ranging from nil, low, moderate, high and very high categories for every Indian district with regards to major weather events.
• India’s Cooling Action Plan: It provides a long-term vision to address the cooling requirement of various sectors.
• Model Heat Action Plan: It has been released by the National Disaster Management Authority  (NDMA) to provide hyperlocal warning systems, vulnerability mapping of cities, and climate-resilient housing policies.

About World Health Organization (WHO):

• • It is a United Nations agency that works to promote health and safety globally. 
  • Establishment: The WHO was established on April 7, 1948. (World Health Day)
• The WHO began functioning in 1951 after merging with the Health Organisation of the League of Nations.
• What the WHO does:

• • Sets standards: Sets standards for public health. 
  • Provides technical assistance: Provides technical assistance and support to countries. 
  • Helps prevent and respond to disease outbreaks: Helps to detect, prevent, and respond to health emergencies. 
  • Collaborates with partners: Works with governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. 
  • Strengthens health systems: Works with countries to strengthen their primary health care. 
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Funding Structure of WHO:

• • Assessed Contributions: Mandatory contributions from member states, calculated based on a country’s wealth and population.
    • Covers less than 20% of WHO’s total budget.
  • Voluntary Contributions: Contributions from member states, private organizations, philanthropic foundations, and other donors.
    • Account for ~80% of WHO’s total budget.

About the World Meteorological Organization (WMO):

• • A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology, and geophysics.
  • Establishment: Established in 1950, succeeding the International Meteorological Organization (founded in 1873).
    • Became a UN specialized agency in 1951.
    • Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Membership: WMO has 193 Member States and Territories, working collectively on global meteorological initiatives.
    • India is a member of the WMO since 1950
• Key Publications: Releases the State of the Global Climate Report, Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, and Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update.

• • Provides scientific input to the IPCC and global climate frameworks.
• Significance: WMO ensures the reliable exchange of weather, climate, and water information, aiding global sustainable development and safety.