Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a review meeting on April 11 to assess the readiness for heat wave conditions in light of the forecasted extreme weather during the summer months.
Meeting Overview
- The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Officials briefed him about the expected above-normal maximum temperatures across most parts of the country during April-June, particularly in central western peninsular India.
Health Sector Preparedness
- Availability of essential supplies in the health sector such as medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS, and drinking water was evaluated.
Dissemination of Information
- Emphasis was placed on the timely dissemination of essential information, education, and communication (IEC) awareness material, especially in regional languages, through various platforms including television, radio, and social media.
Translation of Advisories
- Considering the expectation of a hotter than normal summer coinciding with the General Elections in 2024, it was proposed to translate advisories issued by the Health ministry and NDMA into regional languages for wider dissemination.
Whole-of-Government Approach
- Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach involving all arms of the government at central, state, and district levels, as well as various ministries, to work in synergy.
Focus Areas
- Awareness creation and preparation in hospitals were highlighted, with an emphasis on rapid detection and suppression of forest fires.
Attendees
- The meeting was attended by key officials including the principal secretary to the prime minister, home secretary, representatives from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and the National Disaster Management Authority.
Forecasted Extreme Heat
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently warned of extreme heat during the April to June period, with central and western peninsular parts expected to be the most affected.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who chaired the meeting to review preparedness for heat wave conditions on April 11?
- A) Home Secretary
- B) Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
- C) Minister of Health
- D) Chief Minister of a State
- Answer: B) Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
- Which region of India is expected to face above-normal maximum temperatures during April-June according to the meeting briefing?
- A) Eastern India
- B) Northern India
- C) Central Western Peninsular India
- D) Southern India
- Answer: C) Central Western Peninsular India
- What was stressed upon in terms of dissemination of information during the meeting?
- A) Use of only television for awareness
- B) Timely dissemination in regional languages
- C) Dissemination restricted to social media
- D) Dissemination only in English language
- Answer: B) Timely dissemination in regional languages
- Why was there a proposal to translate advisories issued by the Health ministry and NDMA into regional languages?
- A) To make it accessible for the visually impaired
- B) To cater to a wider audience
- C) To keep the information confidential
- D) To limit its dissemination
- Answer: B) To cater to a wider audience