All questions of Disaster Management in India for UPSC CSE Exam

A disaster is the consequence of human interaction with a hazard. In other words, a hazard becomes a disaster when it affects a community or population. Without this interaction, it remains a potential threat or hazard.

Understanding Hazard Classifications
Hazards are classified to better understand their origins and impacts. Among the classifications listed, the term "technological hazards" is often misinterpreted.
Classification of Hazards
- Natural Hazards: These are events that occur due to natural processes of the Earth. Examples include earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
- Quasi-natural Hazards: These are hazards that arise from natural events but are exacerbated by human actions, such as deforestation leading to landslides or urbanization influencing flood patterns.
- Man-made Hazards: These are hazards that result from human activities, typically involving industrial processes, pollution, or warfare. Examples include oil spills, chemical plant explosions, and nuclear disasters.
Why "Technological Hazards" is NOT a Classification
- The term "technological hazards" can be seen as a subset of man-made hazards, referring specifically to risks arising from the use of technology, such as industrial accidents or failures in infrastructure.
- While "technological hazards" is a recognized term, it is not a standalone classification like the others. It falls under the broader category of man-made hazards.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer is "D" because "technological hazards" is not an independent classification but rather a specific type of man-made hazard. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective hazard management and risk assessment in fields such as emergency planning and public safety.

The correct answer is option 'A' - Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
Explanation:

Explanation of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897:
- The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 is a colonial-era Act that empowers state governments in India to take special measures and prescribe regulations to prevent the outbreak of epidemics.
- This Act was enacted to provide for the better prevention of the spread of dangerous epidemic diseases.
- It gives the government the authority to take necessary measures to control the spread of epidemic diseases such as COVID-19, cholera, plague, etc.
- Under this Act, the state governments have the power to implement quarantine measures, disinfection of persons, vehicles, and buildings, and other necessary steps to prevent the spread of diseases.
- The Act also allows for the punishment of those who violate the regulations prescribed under it.
- The Epidemic Diseases Act was recently in the news during the COVID-19 pandemic when several states invoked this Act to implement lockdowns, quarantine measures, and other restrictions to control the spread of the virus.
In conclusion, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 is a crucial legislation that enables the government to take swift and effective measures to combat epidemic diseases in India.

The SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund is significant as it enhances regional cooperation and response to the COVID-19 crisis in South Asia. It provides financial support for managing the impact of the pandemic in SAARC countries.

The text does not mention "natural geological processes" as a cause for the occurrence of disasters. Instead, it discusses environmental degradation, developmental processes, and industrialization as contributing factors.

The Disaster Management Act, 2005, was enacted in India in the year 2005. It marked a significant step in the country's approach to disaster management and provided a legal framework for disaster-related activities.

The Pre-Disaster Phase of the disaster management cycle focuses on measures such as prevention, mitigation, and capacity-building to reduce the scale of future disasters and address vulnerability. It aims to minimize the impact of disasters before they occur.

The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, primarily aims to address communicable diseases, especially those with the potential to spread rapidly within a population.

The primary focus of risk reduction in disaster management is to build resilience within communities. This involves measures and activities that help communities better prepare for and withstand the impact of disasters.

The Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World emphasize disaster prevention and preparedness as key components of disaster risk reduction. It underscores the importance of measures taken before disasters occur to reduce their impact.

The Plague of Justinian had the highest number of recorded lives lost in human history, with over 100 million people dying. It occurred during the Byzantine Empire between 541-542 A.D.

The SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund's purpose is to address the impact of COVID-19 and enhance preparedness and response in SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries. It was created to provide financial support for managing the COVID-19 crisis in the region.

A hazard is defined as any phenomenon that has the potential to cause disruption or damage to people and their environment. It encompasses various events or situations that pose a threat to safety and well-being.

Section 51 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the penalty for disobeying orders promulgated by public servants during epidemics. It addresses cases where disobedience leads to obstruction, annoyance, or injury.

Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, empowers state governments to take special measures and prescribe regulations during epidemics to prevent their spread and address the situation effectively.

Natural disasters are the consequences or effects of natural hazards on human life. They result from natural events or processes, such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes, affecting human communities.

The main objective of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in India is to formulate policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management to ensure a timely and effective response to disasters. It plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response.

The Bhopal Gas tragedy resulted in over 10,000 lives lost and over 5.5 lakh people affected by injuries. It is considered one of the worst chemical disasters globally.

Vulnerability, in the context of disaster management, refers to the propensity of things (including people, communities, and infrastructure) to be damaged or adversely affected by a hazard. It assesses the level of susceptibility to harm when a hazard event occurs.

The stage of disaster management that involves activities to promote sustainable redevelopment after a disaster is known as "Rehabilitation." It focuses on restoring affected communities to a level of functioning similar to or better than before the disaster.