Daily Current Affairs : 2-January-2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, is a crucial organization in India, responsible for providing essential weather forecasts and climate-related services. It has served the country for nearly 150 years and continues to play a key role in safeguarding lives and property by providing accurate weather information.

What is IMD?

The IMD is India’s national weather agency, primarily responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and climate research. It offers vital information on weather patterns, natural disasters, and climate changes that impact various sectors in India.

  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Ministry: It operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The History of IMD

IMD’s origins trace back to the 18th century with provincial observatories like the Madras Observatory (1793). However, its official establishment in 1875 came after significant weather events such as the 1864 Calcutta cyclone and monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871. These events highlighted the need for a centralized weather service in India.

  • Founded in: 1875
  • Early Efforts: Prior to 1875, there were independent observatories in different provinces.
Key Functions of IMD

IMD provides a range of services crucial for different sectors:

  1. Weather Forecasting:
    • Offers short-term and long-term weather predictions
    • Supports industries like agriculture, aviation, and disaster management
  2. Cyclone Warnings:
    • Specializes in cyclone prediction for the Indian Ocean region
    • Issues timely alerts to help minimize damage
  3. Data Collection:
    • Operates over 700 observatories across India
    • Provides detailed meteorological data for research and planning
  4. Climate Research:
    • Studies climate change impacts and extreme weather events
    • Focuses on monsoon dynamics and seasonal patterns
  5. Sectoral Services:
    • Offers real-time weather data for aviation, shipping, fisheries, and flood management
Important Points:
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD): India’s national weather service agency, responsible for meteorological observations, forecasting, and climate research.
  • Established in 1875: Formed in response to critical weather events like the 1864 Calcutta cyclone and monsoon failures in the late 1800s.
  • Headquarters: Located in New Delhi, India, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
  • Historical Origins: Began with provincial observatories (e.g., Madras Observatory in 1793), later unified in 1875.
  • Key Functions of IMD:
    • Weather Forecasting: Provides short-term and long-term weather predictions, benefiting sectors like agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.
    • Cyclone Warnings: Specializes in cyclone forecasting for the Indian Ocean region.
    • Data Collection: Operates over 700 observatories across India to gather meteorological data.
    • Climate Research: Focuses on studying climate change, extreme weather events, and monsoon dynamics.
    • Sectoral Services: Supports industries like aviation, shipping, fisheries, and flood management with real-time data.
  • Impact: IMD’s forecasts and warnings play a crucial role in saving lives, minimizing damage from disasters, and supporting economic growth across various sectors.
Why In News

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, has played a critical role in weather forecasting and climate services in India for nearly 150 years, providing essential data and warnings that help safeguard lives, support economic activities, and enhance disaster preparedness across the country.

MCQs about The India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  1. When was the India Meteorological Department (IMD) established?
    A. 1793
    B. 1864
    C. 1875
    D. 1901
  2. Where is the headquarters of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) located?
    A. Mumbai
    B. Kolkata
    C. New Delhi
    D. Chennai
  3. Which of the following is NOT a key function of the India Meteorological Department (IMD)?
    A. Weather forecasting
    B. Cyclone warnings
    C. Climate research
    D. Agriculture production control
  4. How many observatories does the India Meteorological Department (IMD) operate across India?
    A. Over 500
    B. Over 700
    C. Over 1,000
    D. Over 200

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