UPSC PT Pointers

At the ongoing G20 Ministerial Meeting in Durban, India highlighted its disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts, with a key focus on SACHET, India's Integrated Alert System. The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister emphasized India’s multi-agency approach integrating various meteorological, hydrological, seismic, and oceanographic institutions through a Common Alert Protocol (CAP)-compliant system. About Integrated Alert System (SACHET) Overview: SACHET i

Flash Flood in Dharali Village

The flash flood in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, highlights the growing threat of disasters caused by extreme weather events in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Factors Driving Frequent Disasters in the IHR Tectonic Activity and Earthquake Risk: The Himalayas are still rising due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, making the region highly seismically active. Fault lines like Dhaulagiri and Indus-Ganga absorb tectonic stress, triggering earthquakes tha

Massive Wildfire in Southern France

A massive wildfire has recently ravaged around 16,000 hectares (39,537 acres) of forest and villages in southern France. About France France, one of the oldest nations in the world, is located in both the Northern and Eastern hemispheres, making it a significant geopolitical and cultural player. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Europe. Geography and Location: Borders: France shares borders with 7 countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerlan

District Flood Severity Index (DFSI)

About the District Flood Severity Index Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to assess and rank districts in India based on the severity of floods and their impacts over time. Purpose of DFSI The index accounts for the historical severity of floods in India, taking into consideration factors such as the number of people affected, the spread and duration of floods, and other related parameters. It is designed to help i

Cyclone Midhili

It is a cyclonic storm that is expected to intensify over the Bay of Bengal. The storm is expected to cross the Bangladesh coast and bring heavy rainfall to West Bengal's coastal districts. The name Midhili was proposed by the Maldives.

Suspension bridge

Suspension bridge Recently, a suspension bridge in Gujarat's Morbi collapsed, killing at least 134 people. The 19th century Bridge, which had just been reopened after six months of repairs, was reportedly carrying over 400 people when it collapsed. About suspension bridges It is a design where the deck is suspended on vertical suspenders underneath suspension wires. Stiffening girders, two or more main suspension cables, towers, and anchorages for cables are the prim

State Disaster Response Fund

State Disaster Response Fund The Centre has released the first instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2021-22 to all the States, in the wake of the second wave of COVID-19. Normally, the annual exercise of the release of the first instalment is usually done in June, as per the recommendations of the Finance Commission. As a special dispensation, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, at the recommendation of the Home Ministry, has released in advance the

Fukushima Radioactive Water to be Released in Seas

Fukushima Radioactive Water to be Released in Seas Japan is planning to release about 1 million metric tons of radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. About Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant: Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant is located in the town of Okuma, Japan. The reactor is located on the country’s east coast. It is about 220 km north-east of the capital Tokyo. The 2011 Earthquake, destroyed the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant’s electricity and coo

Nanda Devi Glacial Burst in Uttarakhand: Important PT Points

Nanda Devi Glacial Burst in Uttarakhand: Important PT Points The glacial burst at the Nanda Devi glacier caused flash floods in Dhauliganga & Rishiganga rivers. The tapovan-Vishnugad project located on the Dhauliganga river was washed away. While Rishiganga hydel project was located on Rishiganga River. Originating at Vasudhara Tal, a glacial lake in Uttarakhand, the Dhauliganga flows in a meandering course, which takes it through the Nanda Devi National Park.

National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)

National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) National Disaster Response Fund is defined in Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) as a fund managed by the Central Government to meet the expenses for emergency response, relief and rehabilitation due to any threatening disaster situation or disaster. NDRF is constituted to supplement the funds of the State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) of the states to facilitate immediate relief in case of calamities of a severe nature. It