Preparedness & Response — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. Providing humanitarian assistance abroad and receiving international support during domestic disasters

India's disaster diplomacy involves both providing humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected countries (HADR operations to Nepal 2015, Turkey 2023, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and others) and receiving international support during major domestic disasters. This two-way engagement reflects India's growing status as a regional power and 'net security provider' in the Indian Ocean Region. India has also provided disaster-relevant technology transfer, capacity building, and financial support to smaller neighbouring countries through bilateral and multilateral channels.

Correct Answer: C. 7

The correct answer is 7. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 has seven global targets (A to G): reducing global disaster mortality, reducing the number of affected people, reducing direct economic losses, reducing damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, increasing the number of countries with national/local DRR strategies, enhancing international cooperation, and increasing access to multi-hazard early warning systems. India reports progress against each of these seven targets in its Sendai Framework Monitoring reports to UNDRR. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: C. NDMA

NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) is responsible for monitoring India's progress against the Sendai Framework targets and reporting to UNDRR (UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) through the Sendai Framework Monitoring (SFM) system. NDMA coordinates with all central ministries, state governments, and UTs to compile data on disaster losses, risk reduction investments, and preparedness indicators. India submits regular voluntary progress reports on Sendai Framework implementation through NDMA.

Correct Answer: B. National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), headquartered in New Delhi under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is India's premier institution for disaster management training, education, research, and documentation. NIDM conducts training programmes for government officials, community leaders, and disaster management professionals at national and state levels. It also undertakes disaster management research, develops training materials, and maintains India's disaster management knowledge portal.

Correct Answer: B. Ensuring warning messages reach the most vulnerable and remote communities

Last Mile Connectivity in early warning refers to ensuring that disaster warning messages reach the most vulnerable and geographically remote communities — the 'last mile' that is often disconnected from mainstream media and communication networks. India uses multiple channels for last mile connectivity: SMS alerts, community sirens, mobile vans with public address systems, FM radio, and NDRF community volunteers. Addressing last mile connectivity gaps is a key priority of India's National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) funded by the World Bank.

Correct Answer: C. District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), chaired by the District Collector/District Magistrate, is mandated under the Disaster Management Act 2005 to prepare a District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP). The DDMP covers hazard and vulnerability mapping, preparedness measures, response protocols, resource inventory, and post-disaster recovery planning for the district. DDMPs are updated regularly and serve as the operational blueprint for disaster response at the ground level in India.

Correct Answer: B. Reducing vulnerability and exposure to hazards and strengthening resilience

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) aims to systematically reduce disaster risks by reducing hazard exposure, vulnerability, and poor risk governance, and by strengthening the resilience of communities and critical systems to withstand and recover from hazardous events. DRR is a proactive, long-term approach that contrasts with reactive disaster response. The Sendai Framework, India's NDMP 2016, and national DRR policies all frame risk reduction as the primary goal of disaster management.

Correct Answer: C. Response

Evacuation — the physical movement of people from hazard-threatened areas to places of safety — is primarily a Response phase activity, though evacuation planning is a Preparedness activity. During cyclone and flood warnings, pre-emptive evacuation is initiated as part of the immediate response to an imminent threat. India's success in evacuating millions of people before cyclones in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is a global model for effective evacuation as a life-saving Response measure.

Correct Answer: C. District Collector/District Magistrate

The District Collector (also known as the District Magistrate in some states) chairs the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) as per the Disaster Management Act 2005. The DDMA is the ground-level implementation body for disaster management in India, responsible for preparing district plans, overseeing preparedness activities, coordinating response, and directing recovery. The CEO of the Zila Parishad serves as the co-chairperson of the DDMA.

Correct Answer: C. Disaster Management Act 2005

The correct answer is Disaster Management Act 2005. The Disaster Management Act 2005 is India's primary legislation governing disaster risk management, establishing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The Act defines roles and responsibilities at all levels of government, establishes the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs), and mandates the preparation of national, state, and district disaster management plans. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.