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Birth Anniversary of Kandukuri Veeresalingam


  • Kandukuri Veeresalingam was a prominent social reformer and writer in 19th-century India, particularly known for his contributions to Telugu literature.
  • Born on April 16, 1848, in Andhra Pradesh, he played a pivotal role in advocating for social reforms, especially in the areas of women's rights and education.
  • Veeresalingam initiated the widow remarriage movement in Telugu-speaking regions, challenging social norms and advocating for the rights of widows to remarry.
  • He founded the first widow remarriage association in 1874, called the "Hitakarini Sabha," which worked to promote education and social upliftment for women.
  • As a prolific writer, he authored numerous literary works, including novels, plays, essays, and poetry, addressing various social issues and advocating for progressive ideas.
  • His notable works include "Rajasekhara Charitramu," "Chintamani," and "Ratnamala," which not only entertained but also enlightened readers about societal issues.
  • Veeresalingam's efforts significantly influenced the cultural and intellectual landscape of Andhra Pradesh, leaving a lasting impact on the region's literature and social reform movements.

Electoral Bond Scheme


  • The Electoral Bond Scheme was introduced in India in 2018 as a way to cleanse political funding.
  • It allows individuals and companies to buy bonds from authorized banks and donate them to political parties.
  • These bonds are like promissory notes and can only be encashed by registered political parties within a specified timeframe.
  • The scheme aims to promote transparency in political funding by making donations traceable through banks.
  • However, critics argue that it lacks transparency as the identity of donors remains anonymous.
  • There are concerns about the potential misuse of the scheme by corporates to influence political decisions.
  • The Supreme Court of India has upheld the scheme, but some political parties and activists continue to challenge its legality.
  • The scheme has undergone some amendments over the years to address various concerns raised by stakeholders.
  • Despite the debates surrounding it, the Electoral Bond Scheme remains a significant aspect of political financing in India.

Hydrocarbons


  • Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
  • They are the simplest form of organic compounds and are found abundantly in nature, primarily in fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
  • Hydrocarbons are classified into two main types: aliphatic and aromatic.
  • Aliphatic hydrocarbons include straight-chain alkanes, branched-chain alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons contain one or more benzene rings and include compounds like benzene, toluene, and xylene.
  • Hydrocarbons are important as fuels for vehicles, heating, and electricity generation.
  • They are also used as raw materials in the production of plastics, solvents, lubricants, and various chemicals.
  • Hydrocarbon combustion is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to environmental concerns such as climate change and air quality deterioration.
  • Research and development efforts are underway to find cleaner and more sustainable alternatives to traditional hydrocarbon-based fuels and chemicals.

Heat Island


  • Heat islands are areas within cities or urban environments that experience significantly higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas.
  • They are primarily caused by human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and the construction of buildings and roads, which absorb and retain heat.
  • The urban heat island effect exacerbates temperature extremes, especially during heatwaves, leading to health risks such as heat-related illnesses and increased energy demands for cooling.
  • Factors contributing to heat islands include the lack of vegetation, increased concrete and asphalt surfaces, and reduced green spaces, which limit cooling through evapotranspiration and shade.
  • Strategies to mitigate heat islands include increasing green spaces like parks and urban forests, implementing cool roofing and pavement technologies, and promoting sustainable urban planning and design practices.
  • Addressing heat islands is crucial for enhancing urban livability, improving public health, and minimizing the environmental impacts of cities on local ecosystems.

Polarisation


·       Polarization refers to the division or separation of individuals or groups into opposing camps or viewpoints on a particular issue, ideology, or belief system.

·       Causes: Polarization can be fueled by various factors such as political differences, socioeconomic disparities, cultural clashes, religious beliefs, and media influence.

·       Political Polarization: In politics, polarization often manifests as extreme ideological differences between political parties or factions, leading to gridlock, hostility, and an inability to compromise.

·       Social Polarization: Social polarization occurs when societies become divided along lines of race, ethnicity, religion, or class, leading to heightened tensions, discrimination, and inequality.

·       Media Role: Media outlets can contribute to polarization by presenting information in a biased manner, promoting sensationalism, and fostering echo chambers where individuals are exposed only to viewpoints that align with their own.

·       Consequences: Polarization can have detrimental effects on society, including increased social unrest, erosion of trust in institutions, difficulty in reaching consensus on important issues, and a breakdown of civil discourse.

·       Mitigation Strategies: Addressing polarization requires efforts to promote empathy, understanding, and dialogue across divides, as well as fostering media literacy and encouraging critical thinking skills to combat misinformation and echo chambers.

Universe Expanding


  • The universe is expanding, a concept supported by various astronomical observations and theories.
  • Edwin Hubble's observations in the 1920s provided evidence for the expansion of the universe.
  • This expansion means that galaxies are moving away from each other over time.
  • The expansion rate of the universe is described by the Hubble constant, denoted as H0.
  • The expansion of the universe is not like an explosion from a single point, but rather a stretching of space itself.
  • The Big Bang theory is the prevailing explanation for the origin of the universe, suggesting that it began as an infinitely hot and dense point and has been expanding ever since.
  • The expansion of the universe has several implications, including the increasing distance between galaxies and the cooling of cosmic background radiation.
  • Dark energy is believed to be driving the accelerated expansion of the universe, although its nature remains one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology.

Angara-A5 space rocket


  • The Angara-A5 is a heavy-lift space launch vehicle developed by the Russian space agency, Roscosmos.
  • It is part of the Angara rocket family, designed to replace the older Proton and Rokot launch systems.
  • The Angara-A5 is capable of lifting payloads of up to 24.5 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO).
  • It features a modular design, using common core stages with different configurations of additional boosters depending on payload requirements.
  • The first successful test launch of the Angara-A5 occurred in December 2014 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.
  • Its development aims to reduce Russia's dependency on foreign launch vehicles for heavy payloads.
  • The Angara-A5 is designed to be more cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly compared to its predecessors.
  • It utilizes a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene (RP-1) as propellants, which are widely used in Russian rocketry.
  • The Angara-A5 is expected to play a significant role in Russia's future space exploration missions, including crewed missions to the Moon and beyond.

World Art Day


  • World Art Day is celebrated annually on April 15th to promote awareness of creative endeavors worldwide.
  • It was established by the International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP) in 2011 to honor the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, a symbol of creativity and artistic innovation.
  • The day aims to highlight the importance of art in society, its ability to bridge cultural divides, and its role in fostering creativity and critical thinking.
  • Celebrations include various events such as art exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and performances organized by artists, art organizations, and cultural institutions globally.
  • World Art Day serves as a reminder of the power of art to inspire, challenge, and enrich our lives, promoting cultural diversity and dialogue across borders.

MSC ARIES ship


  • MSC ARIES is a large container ship operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world's leading container shipping lines.
  • Built in 2021, MSC ARIES is part of the MSC's fleet that serves global trade routes, transporting goods between major ports across continents.
  • The vessel has a carrying capacity of over 23,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), making it one of the largest container ships in operation.
  • MSC ARIES features modern technology and efficient design to optimize cargo handling and fuel consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.
  • It is equipped with advanced navigation and safety systems to ensure smooth and secure voyages across the oceans.
  • MSC ARIES plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade, supporting the movement of goods and commodities essential for global commerce and economic growth.

Artificial Reefs


  • Artificial reefs are man-made structures placed on the ocean floor to mimic the functions of natural reefs.
  • They are typically made from various materials like concrete, steel, old ships, and even recycled materials like tires and subway cars.
  • Purpose: Artificial reefs serve multiple purposes including habitat restoration, enhancing marine biodiversity, and providing recreational opportunities for fishing, diving, and snorkeling.
  • Habitat restoration: They can help restore degraded marine ecosystems by providing substrate for coral growth and attracting fish and other marine life.
  • Biodiversity: Artificial reefs increase biodiversity by creating new habitats for various marine species that may not have suitable habitats otherwise.
  • Economic benefits: They can boost local economies by attracting tourists interested in diving and fishing activities, thus supporting businesses like dive shops, charter boats, and hotels.
  • Environmental considerations: Careful planning and monitoring are necessary to ensure artificial reefs do not cause harm to existing marine ecosystems or interfere with navigation and other human activities.
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of artificial reefs, including addressing issues such as biofouling and structural integrity.

Top of Form

 

Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016


  • Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) was enacted in 2016 by the Indian Parliament to regulate the real estate sector and protect the interests of homebuyers.
  • RERA aims to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the real estate industry.
  • It mandates the registration of real estate projects and real estate agents with the regulatory authority established under the act.
  • Developers are required to provide accurate information about their projects, including details of land titles, project layouts, approvals, and completion timelines.
  • RERA imposes penalties for non-compliance and establishes mechanisms for dispute resolution between buyers and developers.
  • The act includes provisions for the establishment of an appellate tribunal to adjudicate disputes and appeals arising from the regulatory decisions.
  • It mandates the deposit of a percentage of project funds into a separate escrow account to ensure that developers use funds efficiently for the designated project.
  • RERA also requires developers to obtain all necessary approvals before advertising or selling properties, reducing the risk of project delays or cancellations.
  • The act has significantly enhanced consumer confidence in the real estate market by providing greater transparency and accountability, leading to increased investments and improved project delivery timelines.

Sittwe Port


  • Location: Sittwe Port is situated in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, on the Bay of Bengal.
  • Importance: It serves as a crucial gateway for trade and commerce, facilitating the movement of goods to and from western Myanmar and neighboring countries.
  • Connectivity: Sittwe Port is connected to various parts of Myanmar via road and river networks, enhancing its accessibility.
  • Strategic significance: Due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean, the port holds strategic importance for regional economic development and maritime security.
  • Development projects: Several development projects have been initiated to enhance the port's infrastructure and capacity, aiming to accommodate larger vessels and increase efficiency.
  • Economic impact: The port contributes significantly to the local and national economy through trade activities, employment generation, and revenue generation.
  • Potential for growth: With ongoing development efforts and regional integration initiatives, Sittwe Port is poised for further growth and expansion, contributing to the economic development of Myanmar and the broader region.

Curative Petition


  • A curative petition is a legal remedy available in some jurisdictions, including India, for addressing miscarriages of justice.
  • It is the last judicial resort available for redressing grievances after the exhaustion of all other remedies like review petitions.
  • The concept of curative petition was established by the Indian Supreme Court in the case of Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra & Anr in 2002.
  • It allows a petitioner to seek a review of a final judgment or order of the Supreme Court, which may have resulted in a gross miscarriage of justice.
  • To file a curative petition, the petitioner must demonstrate that there was a violation of principles of natural justice or a significant error apparent on the face of the record.
  • Curative petitions are heard by a bench comprising the senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, along with the judges who delivered the impugned judgment, if available.
  • The grounds for filing a curative petition are limited and stringent, as it is intended to rectify only the most egregious errors that would lead to a serious miscarriage of justice.
  • The decision of the bench hearing the curative petition is final and binding, with no further avenue for appeal.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)


  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to international cooperation in meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related fields.
  • Established in 1950, the WMO facilitates the exchange of weather and climate information among its member countries, which currently number 193.
  • Its primary goal is to promote the safety and wellbeing of societies by providing accurate and timely weather forecasts, climate services, and early warnings of severe weather events.
  • The organization coordinates global efforts to monitor and assess the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces through networks of observing stations, satellites, and other monitoring systems.
  • WMO's activities include research, capacity building, technical assistance, and policy development to enhance understanding of the Earth's weather and climate systems.
  • It also addresses challenges such as climate change, air pollution, water scarcity, and extreme weather events through collaborative projects and initiatives.
  • WMO plays a key role in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, providing scientific expertise and technical support to help countries meet their climate-related commitments.
  • Through its various programs and services, the WMO contributes to sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and the protection of lives, property, and the environment worldwide.

 


15th April 2024 current Affairs

Birth Anniversary of Kandukuri Veeresalingam

  • Kandukuri Veeresalingam was a prominent social reformer and writer in 19th-century India, particularly known for his contributions to Telugu literature.
  • Born on April 16, 1848, in Andhra Pradesh, he played a pivotal role in advocating for social reforms, especially in the areas of women's rights and education.
  • Veeresalingam initiated the widow remarriage movement in Telugu-speaking regions, challenging social norms and advocating for the rights of widows to remarry.
  • He founded the first widow remarriage association in 1874, called the "Hitakarini Sabha," which worked to promote education and social upliftment for women.
  • As a prolific writer, he authored numerous literary works, including novels, plays, essays, and poetry, addressing various social issues and advocating for progressive ideas.
  • His notable works include "Rajasekhara Charitramu," "Chintamani," and "Ratnamala," which not only entertained but also enlightened readers about societal issues.
  • Veeresalingam's efforts significantly influenced the cultural and intellectual landscape of Andhra Pradesh, leaving a lasting impact on the region's literature and social reform movements.

Electoral Bond Scheme

  • The Electoral Bond Scheme was introduced in India in 2018 as a way to cleanse political funding.
  • It allows individuals and companies to buy bonds from authorized banks and donate them to political parties.
  • These bonds are like promissory notes and can only be encashed by registered political parties within a specified timeframe.
  • The scheme aims to promote transparency in political funding by making donations traceable through banks.
  • However, critics argue that it lacks transparency as the identity of donors remains anonymous.
  • There are concerns about the potential misuse of the scheme by corporates to influence political decisions.
  • The Supreme Court of India has upheld the scheme, but some political parties and activists continue to challenge its legality.
  • The scheme has undergone some amendments over the years to address various concerns raised by stakeholders.
  • Despite the debates surrounding it, the Electoral Bond Scheme remains a significant aspect of political financing in India.

Hydrocarbons

  • Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
  • They are the simplest form of organic compounds and are found abundantly in nature, primarily in fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
  • Hydrocarbons are classified into two main types: aliphatic and aromatic.
  • Aliphatic hydrocarbons include straight-chain alkanes, branched-chain alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons contain one or more benzene rings and include compounds like benzene, toluene, and xylene.
  • Hydrocarbons are important as fuels for vehicles, heating, and electricity generation.
  • They are also used as raw materials in the production of plastics, solvents, lubricants, and various chemicals.
  • Hydrocarbon combustion is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to environmental concerns such as climate change and air quality deterioration.
  • Research and development efforts are underway to find cleaner and more sustainable alternatives to traditional hydrocarbon-based fuels and chemicals.

Heat Island

  • Heat islands are areas within cities or urban environments that experience significantly higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas.
  • They are primarily caused by human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and the construction of buildings and roads, which absorb and retain heat.
  • The urban heat island effect exacerbates temperature extremes, especially during heatwaves, leading to health risks such as heat-related illnesses and increased energy demands for cooling.
  • Factors contributing to heat islands include the lack of vegetation, increased concrete and asphalt surfaces, and reduced green spaces, which limit cooling through evapotranspiration and shade.
  • Strategies to mitigate heat islands include increasing green spaces like parks and urban forests, implementing cool roofing and pavement technologies, and promoting sustainable urban planning and design practices.
  • Addressing heat islands is crucial for enhancing urban livability, improving public health, and minimizing the environmental impacts of cities on local ecosystems.

Polarisation

·       Polarization refers to the division or separation of individuals or groups into opposing camps or viewpoints on a particular issue, ideology, or belief system.

·       Causes: Polarization can be fueled by various factors such as political differences, socioeconomic disparities, cultural clashes, religious beliefs, and media influence.

·       Political Polarization: In politics, polarization often manifests as extreme ideological differences between political parties or factions, leading to gridlock, hostility, and an inability to compromise.

·       Social Polarization: Social polarization occurs when societies become divided along lines of race, ethnicity, religion, or class, leading to heightened tensions, discrimination, and inequality.

·       Media Role: Media outlets can contribute to polarization by presenting information in a biased manner, promoting sensationalism, and fostering echo chambers where individuals are exposed only to viewpoints that align with their own.

·       Consequences: Polarization can have detrimental effects on society, including increased social unrest, erosion of trust in institutions, difficulty in reaching consensus on important issues, and a breakdown of civil discourse.

·       Mitigation Strategies: Addressing polarization requires efforts to promote empathy, understanding, and dialogue across divides, as well as fostering media literacy and encouraging critical thinking skills to combat misinformation and echo chambers.

Universe Expanding

  • The universe is expanding, a concept supported by various astronomical observations and theories.
  • Edwin Hubble's observations in the 1920s provided evidence for the expansion of the universe.
  • This expansion means that galaxies are moving away from each other over time.
  • The expansion rate of the universe is described by the Hubble constant, denoted as H0.
  • The expansion of the universe is not like an explosion from a single point, but rather a stretching of space itself.
  • The Big Bang theory is the prevailing explanation for the origin of the universe, suggesting that it began as an infinitely hot and dense point and has been expanding ever since.
  • The expansion of the universe has several implications, including the increasing distance between galaxies and the cooling of cosmic background radiation.
  • Dark energy is believed to be driving the accelerated expansion of the universe, although its nature remains one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology.

Angara-A5 space rocket

  • The Angara-A5 is a heavy-lift space launch vehicle developed by the Russian space agency, Roscosmos.
  • It is part of the Angara rocket family, designed to replace the older Proton and Rokot launch systems.
  • The Angara-A5 is capable of lifting payloads of up to 24.5 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO).
  • It features a modular design, using common core stages with different configurations of additional boosters depending on payload requirements.
  • The first successful test launch of the Angara-A5 occurred in December 2014 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.
  • Its development aims to reduce Russia's dependency on foreign launch vehicles for heavy payloads.
  • The Angara-A5 is designed to be more cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly compared to its predecessors.
  • It utilizes a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene (RP-1) as propellants, which are widely used in Russian rocketry.
  • The Angara-A5 is expected to play a significant role in Russia's future space exploration missions, including crewed missions to the Moon and beyond.

World Art Day

  • World Art Day is celebrated annually on April 15th to promote awareness of creative endeavors worldwide.
  • It was established by the International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP) in 2011 to honor the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, a symbol of creativity and artistic innovation.
  • The day aims to highlight the importance of art in society, its ability to bridge cultural divides, and its role in fostering creativity and critical thinking.
  • Celebrations include various events such as art exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and performances organized by artists, art organizations, and cultural institutions globally.
  • World Art Day serves as a reminder of the power of art to inspire, challenge, and enrich our lives, promoting cultural diversity and dialogue across borders.

MSC ARIES ship

  • MSC ARIES is a large container ship operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world's leading container shipping lines.
  • Built in 2021, MSC ARIES is part of the MSC's fleet that serves global trade routes, transporting goods between major ports across continents.
  • The vessel has a carrying capacity of over 23,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), making it one of the largest container ships in operation.
  • MSC ARIES features modern technology and efficient design to optimize cargo handling and fuel consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.
  • It is equipped with advanced navigation and safety systems to ensure smooth and secure voyages across the oceans.
  • MSC ARIES plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade, supporting the movement of goods and commodities essential for global commerce and economic growth.

Artificial Reefs

  • Artificial reefs are man-made structures placed on the ocean floor to mimic the functions of natural reefs.
  • They are typically made from various materials like concrete, steel, old ships, and even recycled materials like tires and subway cars.
  • Purpose: Artificial reefs serve multiple purposes including habitat restoration, enhancing marine biodiversity, and providing recreational opportunities for fishing, diving, and snorkeling.
  • Habitat restoration: They can help restore degraded marine ecosystems by providing substrate for coral growth and attracting fish and other marine life.
  • Biodiversity: Artificial reefs increase biodiversity by creating new habitats for various marine species that may not have suitable habitats otherwise.
  • Economic benefits: They can boost local economies by attracting tourists interested in diving and fishing activities, thus supporting businesses like dive shops, charter boats, and hotels.
  • Environmental considerations: Careful planning and monitoring are necessary to ensure artificial reefs do not cause harm to existing marine ecosystems or interfere with navigation and other human activities.
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of artificial reefs, including addressing issues such as biofouling and structural integrity.

Top of Form

 

Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016

  • Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) was enacted in 2016 by the Indian Parliament to regulate the real estate sector and protect the interests of homebuyers.
  • RERA aims to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the real estate industry.
  • It mandates the registration of real estate projects and real estate agents with the regulatory authority established under the act.
  • Developers are required to provide accurate information about their projects, including details of land titles, project layouts, approvals, and completion timelines.
  • RERA imposes penalties for non-compliance and establishes mechanisms for dispute resolution between buyers and developers.
  • The act includes provisions for the establishment of an appellate tribunal to adjudicate disputes and appeals arising from the regulatory decisions.
  • It mandates the deposit of a percentage of project funds into a separate escrow account to ensure that developers use funds efficiently for the designated project.
  • RERA also requires developers to obtain all necessary approvals before advertising or selling properties, reducing the risk of project delays or cancellations.
  • The act has significantly enhanced consumer confidence in the real estate market by providing greater transparency and accountability, leading to increased investments and improved project delivery timelines.

Sittwe Port

  • Location: Sittwe Port is situated in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, on the Bay of Bengal.
  • Importance: It serves as a crucial gateway for trade and commerce, facilitating the movement of goods to and from western Myanmar and neighboring countries.
  • Connectivity: Sittwe Port is connected to various parts of Myanmar via road and river networks, enhancing its accessibility.
  • Strategic significance: Due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean, the port holds strategic importance for regional economic development and maritime security.
  • Development projects: Several development projects have been initiated to enhance the port's infrastructure and capacity, aiming to accommodate larger vessels and increase efficiency.
  • Economic impact: The port contributes significantly to the local and national economy through trade activities, employment generation, and revenue generation.
  • Potential for growth: With ongoing development efforts and regional integration initiatives, Sittwe Port is poised for further growth and expansion, contributing to the economic development of Myanmar and the broader region.

Curative Petition

  • A curative petition is a legal remedy available in some jurisdictions, including India, for addressing miscarriages of justice.
  • It is the last judicial resort available for redressing grievances after the exhaustion of all other remedies like review petitions.
  • The concept of curative petition was established by the Indian Supreme Court in the case of Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra & Anr in 2002.
  • It allows a petitioner to seek a review of a final judgment or order of the Supreme Court, which may have resulted in a gross miscarriage of justice.
  • To file a curative petition, the petitioner must demonstrate that there was a violation of principles of natural justice or a significant error apparent on the face of the record.
  • Curative petitions are heard by a bench comprising the senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, along with the judges who delivered the impugned judgment, if available.
  • The grounds for filing a curative petition are limited and stringent, as it is intended to rectify only the most egregious errors that would lead to a serious miscarriage of justice.
  • The decision of the bench hearing the curative petition is final and binding, with no further avenue for appeal.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to international cooperation in meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related fields.
  • Established in 1950, the WMO facilitates the exchange of weather and climate information among its member countries, which currently number 193.
  • Its primary goal is to promote the safety and wellbeing of societies by providing accurate and timely weather forecasts, climate services, and early warnings of severe weather events.
  • The organization coordinates global efforts to monitor and assess the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces through networks of observing stations, satellites, and other monitoring systems.
  • WMO's activities include research, capacity building, technical assistance, and policy development to enhance understanding of the Earth's weather and climate systems.
  • It also addresses challenges such as climate change, air pollution, water scarcity, and extreme weather events through collaborative projects and initiatives.
  • WMO plays a key role in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, providing scientific expertise and technical support to help countries meet their climate-related commitments.
  • Through its various programs and services, the WMO contributes to sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and the protection of lives, property, and the environment worldwide.