Disaster management and disaster risk reduction are crucial paradigms that prioritize the safety and resilience of communities exposed to natural or man-made hazards. Disaster management involves a continuum of activities: from immediate response to an event, through rehabilitation, to long-term recovery. These processes are facilitated through strategies that include preparedness, relief, and recovery. On the other hand, disaster risk reduction (DRR) emphasizes the systematic approach of recognizing, assessing, and reducing risks. It seeks to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society, to prevent or lessen the adverse impacts of hazards. Together, they aim to reduce vulnerabilities, ensuring that communities are not just restored but also fortified against future threats. This comprehensive view safeguards lives and promotes socio-economic growth, even amidst adversity.

India, often confronted by natural calamities like earthquakes and floods, has significantly refined its disaster management approach. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), founded in 2005, plays a pivotal role, steering national policies and strategies. With a multi-layered framework, NDMA merges centralized decision-making with localized tactics, underpinning the nation’s dedication to proactive preparedness and community involvement.

Prime Minister Modi’s 10-point directive on disaster management underscores the nation’s commitment to proactive, sustainable, and community-centered approaches in disaster resilience. Acknowledging India’s unique challenges, this directive lays emphasis on institutionalizing best practices, prioritizing resilient infrastructure, leveraging technology, and championing community-driven initiatives. It captures a strategic, holistic, and people-focused blueprint for disaster readiness.

In order to commemorate NDMA’s 18^th Raising Day, this issue is dedicated to the organisation which has hit its prime in a short span of time.

This issue also carries a story on the recently held G 20 Summit in Delhi. The G20 summit meetings are significant as leaders from 20 major economies convene to discuss international financial stability, economic growth, and other related issues. Hosting such a conference is a momentous occasion for Delhi and India at large, underscoring the nation’s position in global economic and political discussions. Needless to say, the event achieved remarkable success, cementing India’s position as the ‘VISHWAMITRA’.

On 08 October 2023, the Indian Air Force (IAF) marks 91 years of dedicated service to the nation. In honour of IAF Day, we’re also presenting a feature on “IAF 2032”, looking ahead to envision the IAF’s goals as it approaches its centennial.