Wayanad landslides a ‘disaster of severe nature,’

Context: The Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) considers the Meppadi landslides in Wayanad as a “disaster of severe nature” due to their intensity and magnitude.

• The Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is an executive body constituted by the central government to assess the impact and damage caused by significant natural disasters

About Disaster

• A disaster is defined in the Disaster Management Act, 2005 as a catastrophe, mishap, or calamity caused by natural, man-made, accidental, or negligent factors.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Guidelines on ‘National Calamity’

• According to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines, there is no provision to declare any disaster as a ‘national calamity.’
• However, financial aid is provided based on the disaster’s severity, as assessed by the IMCT.
• Financial Assistance and Relief
  • For disasters of severe nature, financial assistance for notified natural disasters, including landslides, is covered under the SDRF.
  • Additional funds may be provided from the NDRF, following an assessment by the IMCT.
• Factors Considered for Declaring Severe Calamities
  • Intensity and Magnitude: The scale and impact of the disaster.
  • Assistance Required: The level of external help needed by the state.
  • State Capacity: The ability of the state to manage the situation.
  • Flexibility in Relief Plans: Availability of alternatives within disaster relief plans.

India to host– WAVES for first time in 2025

Context:  Prime Minister  announced during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program that India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time in 2025 in Goa.

About WAVES

• It refers to the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit.
• It is a global platform aimed at fostering dialogue, trade collaboration, and innovation in the media and entertainment industry.
• Features of WAVES 2025
  • Organizers: Jointly organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the Goa government.

CPGRAMS

Context: Between 2022 and 2024, CPGRAMS successfully resolved over 70 lakh grievances, contributing to a more responsive and effective governance system in India.

About CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System)

• CPGRAMS serves as a vital mechanism to bridge the gap between citizens and the government by addressing concerns efficiently.
• An Online Platform CPGRAMS is an online platform accessible to citizens 24/7, enabling them to lodge grievances related to service delivery by public authorities.
• Unique Registration ID: Every grievance registered on CPGRAMS is assigned a unique registration ID, which allows citizens to track the progress of their complaints.
• Single Integrated Portal: The platform serves as a unified portal connecting all Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and various State Governments.
• Easy Access:  CPGRAMS is accessible to the citizens through standalone mobile applications downloadable through Google Play store and mobile applications integrated with UMANG.
• Development and Monitoring: Developed by the National Informatics Centre, (MeitY), in association with the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
• Global Recognition: CPGRAMS has received international acclaim, with the Commonwealth Secretariat recognizing it as a best practice in governance, suitable for replication across Commonwealth nations.
• Reduced Grievance Redressal Timeline: The time taken for grievance redressal has been reduced from 30 days to 21 days, ensuring faster resolution of issues.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

Cold Wave

Context: IMD reports intensified cold wave conditions in Kashmir, with fresh spells of snowfall expected in early January due to two approaching Western Disturbances (WD).

About Cold wave

Definition of Cold Wave by IMD

For Plains

• Temperature Threshold: Minimum temperature is ≤10°C at a weather station.
  • Temperature deviation is 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal for that period.
• Severe Cold Wave: Minimum temperature falls below 2°C, or Temperature deviation is more than 6.5°C below normal for that period.
• Alternative Criteria: A cold wave is also declared if the minimum temperature ≤4°C.

For Hilly Regions

• Temperature Threshold: Minimum temperature is ≤0°C.
  • Alternatively, a deviation of 4.5°C or more below normal is also considered.

Core Cold Wave Zone in India: The regions classified under India’s ‘core cold wave zone’ include:

• Northern States: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.
• Central States: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.
• Eastern States: Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha.
• Southern State: Telangana.
• Condition During Cold Wave in Kashmir : Kashmir is in the midst of Chillai-Kalan (Dec 21–Jan 30) i.e. forty days of intense cold, the harshest winter period.
• • Chillai-Kalan will be followed by Chillai-Khurd (20 days) and Chillai-Bachha (10 days), extending cold conditions into February.

About Western Disturbances

• Western Disturbances (WDs) are extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region.
• Winter Rainfall: They are a primary source of winter rainfall in northwest India and snowfall in the Himalayas.
• Impact on Agriculture: WDs are crucial for the growth of Rabi crops (wheat, barley, etc.).
• Influence on Monsoon: WDs can also influence the onset and intensity of the Indian monsoon.

NMCG’s 59th Executive Committee Meeting

Context: The 59th Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), chaired approved critical projects worth ₹794 crores for Ganga rejuvenation across multiple states.

Key Projects Approved

• Uttar Pradesh: ₹272 crores approved for Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Chandauli (45 MLD) and Manikpur (15 KLD), integrating solar power and eco-friendly waste management with long-term O&M.
• Bihar and West Bengal: ₹265 crores sanctioned for Buxar (50 MLD STP, sewer network) and Uttarpara-Kotrung (22 KLD treatment plant), ensuring sustainable operations through advanced models and infrastructure.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

About NMCG

• Establishment: Formed in 2011 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti , NMCG functions as the operational wing of the National Ganga Council.
• Objective: To rejuvenate the Ganga River by addressing pollution, ensuring sustainable river basin management, and conserving its cultural heritage Under Namami Gange Programme.
• Structure and Members:
  • Director-General: Heads the mission and oversees all activities.
  • Executive Committee (EC): Key decision-making body, including representatives from central ministries, state governments, and technical experts.
• Powers:
  • Approve projects and allocate funds for river cleaning and infrastructure development.
  • Monitor implementation of programs across the Ganga basin states.
  • Collaborate with state governments, private entities, and NGOs to achieve sustainable outcomes.
  • By driving these initiatives, NMCG reaffirms its commitment to a pollution-free and sustainable Ganga ecosystem.

DOWNLOAD PDF