Description

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Context:

The World Meteorological Organisation declared the year 2024 to be the warmest ever since measurements began.

The average annual mean temperature of the Earth during the year was more than 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels (1850-1900 period). The year 2024 was the warmest for India as well, as announced by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

About India Meteorological Department (IMD)

The IMD was established in 1875. It is the country's national meteorological service and the main government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
The Director General of Meteorology is the head of the India Meteorological Department.
There are 6 Regional Meteorological Centers each under a Deputy Director General in Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Nagpur, and Guwahati.
Its headquarters are in New Delhi.
Currently, IMD comes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

IMD mandate

Conduct meteorological observations and provide current and forecasted meteorological information for weather-sensitive activities such as agriculture, shipping, aviation, offshore oil production, etc.
Warn of severe weather events such as tropical cyclones, nor'easters, dust storms, heavy rain and snow, cold and heat waves.
To provide meteorological statistics for agriculture, water resources management, industry, oil extraction, and other state-building activities.
To conduct and promote research in meteorology and related fields

How has IMD evolved over the years?

Aspect	Details
Historical Background	In 1864, Calcutta and coastal Andhra were hit by devastating cyclones causing significant loss of life.
	These calamities highlighted the need for a system to monitor atmospheric parameters, leading to the establishment of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in 1875.
Development of IMD	IMD began in 1875 with HF Blanford as the first Imperial Meteorological Reporter.
	Significant advancements were made under Gilbert Walker in 1903, who identified large-scale oscillations in atmospheric circulation, foundational for understanding El Niño.
	Over 150 years, IMD has expanded with permanent observatories and automatic weather stations across the country.
Advances in Cyclone Forecasting	A pivotal moment came during the 1999 Odisha super cyclone, prompting investments in technology and manpower.
	Cyclone-related deaths have significantly decreased due to IMD's accurate forecasting.
	IMD's cyclone forecasts serve 13 countries in the region, aiding their cyclone management systems.
Diversified Roles	Initially focused on weather forecasting, IMD now provides services for elections, sporting events, space launches, and various industries.
Global Roles and Recognition	Recognized as the Regional Climate Center for South Asia.
	Contributes to the UN Early Warning Program for All, supporting 30 identified countries.

READ ABOUT

World Meteorological Organization, State of Climate Services

Climate Change 2024

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding the India Meteorological Department (IMD):

It is the country's national meteorological service and the main government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
It functions as an agency of the Department of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The IMD was established in 1875. It is the country's national meteorological service and the main government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.

Statement 2 is correct: It functions as an agency of the Department of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

Its headquarters are in New Delhi.

The IMD is also one of six regional specialized meteorological centers of the World Meteorological Organization.