Heat Waves UPSC: What You Need to Know for the Exam
Heat Waves: Understanding a Pressing Issue for UPSC (IAS Exam)
Heat waves are a recurring phenomenon in India, posing a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Given their growing intensity and frequency, understanding heat waves UPSC is crucial for aspirants, particularly in the context of the General Studies section of the preliminary examination and for potential Essays or Main questions.
Understanding Heat Waves:
Definition: A heat wave is an extended period of abnormally high temperatures exceeding the average maximum temperature for a specific location and season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has specific criteria for declaring heat waves, considering both the base temperature (regional average) and the degree of departure from that average.
Criteria for declaring Heat Waves UPSC in India:
Plains: When the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C or exceeds the normal maximum temperature by 4.5°C to 6.4°C for consecutive days. A severe heat wave is declared if the departure is above 6.4°C or the maximum temperature is 47°C or more.
Hilly Regions: When the maximum temperature reaches at least 30°C or exceeds the normal maximum temperature by 4.5°C to 6.4°C for consecutive days.
Impacts of Heat Waves:
Health:
Heatstroke, dehydration, exhaustion, and worsening of pre-existing medical conditions are significant health risks associated with heat waves. Vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and outdoor workers are particularly at risk.
Agriculture:
Heat waves can damage crops, reduce yields, and strain water resources used for irrigation.
Infrastructure: Excessive heat can damage power grids due to increased demand for cooling and can lead to deformation of roads and railway tracks.
UPSC and Heat Waves:
Heat waves are a recurring theme in current affairs and can be linked to various topics in the UPSC syllabus, including:
Disaster Management
Climate Change and its Impact
Public Health Issues
Agriculture and Food Security
Be prepared to answer questions on the causes and consequences of heat waves, government initiatives for heat wave mitigation, and potential solutions for adapting to a warming climate.
Tips for UPSC Success from Tarun IAS
Tarun IAS emphasizes a comprehensive approach to studying heat waves:
Link heat waves UPSC to relevant topics like climate change, disaster management, and their socioeconomic consequences.
Utilize data and statistics from credible sources like the IMD and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports.
Practice answer writing, focusing on analytical thinking and suggesting mitigation strategies.
By understanding heat waves UPSC and their implications, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle UPSC questions related to this crucial topic.
By understanding heat waves UPSC and their implications, UPSC aspirants can effectively tackle related questions in the exam and demonstrate their awareness of a pressing national concern.