Daily Current Affairs : 4-January-2025

India has recently witnessed a significant collaboration aimed at strengthening its disaster management capabilities. The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This partnership focuses on improving disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response through a unified national approach. Let’s explore the key aspects of this partnership and its potential impact on India’s disaster management framework.

Objectives of the MoU

The main aim of this collaboration is to tackle the critical challenges India faces in disaster management. The MoU outlines several joint initiatives to enhance the country’s overall response to natural and man-made disasters.

  • Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness: The partnership will focus on reducing the impact of disasters and ensuring that communities are better prepared.
  • ‘Whole of the Nation’ Approach: Aiming to engage all levels of government, agencies, and citizens in the disaster management process.
Framework for Joint Initiatives

The MoU highlights four main areas of cooperation:

  1. Collaborative Research:
    • Joint studies will be conducted on disaster management, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
    • These studies will provide policy recommendations for the government to improve disaster management strategies.
  2. Capacity Building:
    • The collaboration will organize seminars, workshops, and training programs.
    • Stakeholders such as armed forces personnel and NDMA officials will be trained to enhance their disaster response capabilities.
  3. Awareness Campaigns:
    • Nationwide initiatives will promote disaster preparedness and risk mitigation, encouraging citizens to take proactive measures.
  4. International Engagements:
    • The partnership aims to strengthen India’s collaboration with other countries, aligning disaster management efforts with India’s foreign policy goals.
About CENJOWS and NDMA
  • CENJOWS: Established in 2004 by the Ministry of Defence, CENJOWS is a think tank that works to promote jointness in national security and disaster management. It plays a crucial role in formulating policies through research-based alternatives and fostering debates.
  • NDMA: Formed in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, NDMA is India’s apex body for disaster management. Chaired by the Prime Minister, it coordinates disaster response efforts and disaster risk reduction strategies.
Important Points:
  • CENJOWS and NDMA Partnership: Recently, the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) signed an MoU with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to enhance India’s disaster management capabilities.
  • Main Objective: The collaboration aims to address challenges in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response through a “whole of the nation” approach.
  • Key Areas of Cooperation:
    • Collaborative Research: Joint studies on disaster management and humanitarian assistance to provide policy inputs.
    • Capacity Building: Organizing seminars, workshops, and training programs for stakeholders like armed forces and NDMA officials.
    • Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide initiatives to promote disaster preparedness and risk mitigation.
    • International Engagements: Strengthening global collaboration on disaster management aligned with India’s foreign policy.
  • CENJOWS Overview: Established in 2004 by the Ministry of Defence, it promotes jointness in national security and disaster management through research and policy debates.
  • NDMA Overview: Established in 2006, NDMA is India’s apex body for disaster management, chaired by the Prime Minister, and responsible for disaster risk reduction and response coordination.
  • Importance of the MoU: This partnership will improve India’s disaster management infrastructure, making it more efficient and comprehensive.
Why In News

Recently, the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to enhance India’s disaster management capabilities, marking a significant step towards strengthening the country’s response and preparedness in the face of natural and man-made disasters.

MCQs about Boosting India’s Disaster Management: CENJOWS-NDMA Partnership
  1. What is the main objective of the MoU signed between CENJOWS and NDMA?
    A. To provide financial aid for disaster management
    B. To enhance India’s disaster management capabilities through a ‘whole of the nation’ approach
    C. To establish new disaster management centers in every state
    D. To focus only on disaster relief operations
    Correct Answer: B. To enhance India’s disaster management capabilities through a ‘whole of the nation’ approach
    Explanation: The MoU aims to address challenges in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response by adopting a comprehensive national approach involving all sectors and stakeholders.
  2. Which of the following is NOT a key area of cooperation mentioned in the MoU?
    A. Collaborative research on disaster management
    B. Capacity building through seminars and workshops
    C. Organizing international relief missions only
    D. Awareness campaigns to promote disaster preparedness
    Correct Answer: C. Organizing international relief missions only
    Explanation: The MoU focuses on four main areas: collaborative research, capacity building, awareness campaigns, and international engagements. It does not mention solely organizing international relief missions.
  3. What is the role of CENJOWS in the partnership with NDMA?
    A. Providing financial support for disaster relief
    B. Promoting research-based alternatives and fostering debates on national security and disaster management
    C. Overseeing the distribution of disaster relief materials
    D. Conducting global disaster management conferences
    Correct Answer: B. Promoting research-based alternatives and fostering debates on national security and disaster management
    Explanation: CENJOWS, established in 2004, focuses on promoting jointness in national security and disaster management through research and policy formulation.
  4. Which body is responsible for coordinating disaster management efforts in India?
    A. Ministry of Defence
    B. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
    C. Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS)
    D. The Prime Minister’s Office
    Correct Answer: B. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
    Explanation: NDMA, formed in 2006, is India’s apex statutory body for disaster management, responsible for coordinating disaster response and risk reduction efforts. It is chaired by the Prime Minister.

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