General Studies 2022 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q5

Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारतीय मौसम विज्ञान विभाग द्वारा चक्रवात प्रवण क्षेत्रों के लिए मौसम-संबंधी चेतावनियों के लिए निर्धारित रंग-संकेत के अर्थ की चर्चा करें। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a comprehensive treatment covering meaning, purpose, and implications of IMD's colour-coded warnings. Structure as: brief intro on IMD's mandate → systematic explanation of four colour codes (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) with their specific meanings for cyclone-prone areas → significance for disaster management → concise conclusion on effectiveness/challenges.

Key points expected

Green (No warning/No action needed) - calm conditions, no likelihood of adverse weather
Yellow (Watch/Be updated) - possibility of severe weather, unlikely to cause damage, e.g., isolated heavy rainfall
Orange (Alert/Be prepared) - probability of severe weather causing damage to transport, power, communication; action required
Red (Warning/Take action) - extremely bad weather with high probability of destruction; disaster management authorities must act
Specific relevance to cyclone-prone areas: Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat coasts
Link to disaster management framework: enables SDMAs/NDMA to activate response protocols, evacuations, resource mobilization

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Covers all four colour codes with precise meanings, distinguishes between 'watch/alert/warning' terminology, and addresses cyclone-specific context rather than generic weather warnings	Mentions 3-4 colours with basic meanings but misses nuanced differences between alert levels or cyclone-specific applications	Lists colours without explaining meanings, confuses warning levels, or treats it as generic weather forecast without cyclone relevance
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Accurately describes IMD's criteria for each colour (wind speed, rainfall intensity, storm surge), mentions 2018 rationalization of warning system, and links to cyclone classification (depression/deep depression/cyclonic storm)	Basic accurate description of colours but lacks technical criteria or historical context; no mention of 2018 reforms	Factual errors in colour meanings, confuses IMD with NDMA functions, or includes outdated pre-2018 warning categories
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression from low to high intensity, clear visual hierarchy, seamless integration of cyclone context, and balanced coverage within 150 words	Generally organized but uneven weightage (over-detailed on some colours, sketchy on others), minor flow disruptions	Random order of colours, no logical progression, abrupt shifts between topics, or severely unbalanced structure
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Cites specific cyclone events where colour warnings were operational: Fani 2019 (Red), Amphan 2020 (Red), Yaas 2021, or mentions 13 coastal states/UTs under cyclone warning system; references PM CARES/NDMA mobilization	Generic mention of 'recent cyclones' without naming, or vague reference to eastern/western coasts without specificity	No examples, irrelevant examples (non-cyclone events like Kashmir floods), or fabricated cyclone names
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Brief critical assessment: effectiveness in reducing mortality (Zero casualty policy of Odisha), limitations (last-mile connectivity, fisherfolk reach), or integration with NDMA's Sendai Framework commitments	Descriptive conclusion summarizing colours again without value addition, or generic statement on importance of warnings	No conclusion, abrupt ending, or irrelevant conclusion on climate change without connecting to warning system

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