2024: India Records Its Warmest Year Since 1901 + Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()?? Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

1. Overview of the Event
On January 3, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that 2024 was India’s warmest year since temperature records began in 1901. The annual mean temperature rose by 0.65°C above normal, surpassing the previous record set in 2016. Globally, 2024 is also expected to be the warmest year, although official announcements are awaited.
2. Factors Contributing to the Record Heat
Climate Change:
📍 Accelerated global warming due to human activities.
📍 A consistent increase in temperature over the past decade.
El Niño Effect:
📍 A climate pattern marked by the warming of equatorial Pacific Ocean waters.
📍Strong El Niño conditions prevailed from July 2023 to April 2024, impacting global and regional climates.
3. Seasonal Highlights
Post-Monsoon (October–December):
📍Recorded the sharpest temperature rise (+0.83°C above normal).
Monsoon (June–September):
📍Temperatures were 0.71°C above normal, with excess rainfall (8%) impacting crops and food prices.
November 2024:
📍Marked as India’s second warmest November since 1901.
4. Impact on Weather Patterns
Rainfall:
📍Northeast monsoon (October–December) was near normal, with some regions experiencing excess rainfall.
📍Extreme rain caused widespread flooding in agricultural regions, reducing food crop output.
Winter 2024:
📍Winter was unusually warm, with a muted start.
📍Some regions, like northwest India (Rajasthan, Gujarat), could experience cold day conditions in 2025.
5. Expert Insights
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD Director General:
📍"The annual mean air temperature has shown a consistent rising trend due to climate change. At 0.65°C above normal, 2024 is the warmest year on record."
Aarti Khosla, Climate Trends:
📍 "While El Niño played a role, accelerated global warming has been a significant factor since 2016."
6. Global Context
Warmest Year for Earth:
📍Between January–November 2024, global air temperatures were more than 1.5°C above normal, breaching the Paris climate summit threshold.
Historical Comparison:
📍2016 was the previous record-holder with a global temperature rise of 0.94°C due to a strong El Niño.
7. Future Projections
2025 Outlook:
📍 Above-normal temperatures and weather shocks are likely to continue.
📍IMD predicts warm days and nights for most regions during January–March.
Climate Crisis Response:
📍Urgent need for global and national strategies to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures.
8. Key Takeaways
2024 marks a grim milestone as India’s warmest year on record.
The combined effects of El Niño and climate change are driving extreme heat and unpredictable weather.
Immediate action is needed to address the climate crisis and its cascading impacts on agriculture, water resources, and human health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in Competitive Exams:
Q1. With reference to 2024 being India’s warmest year, consider the following statements:
1. The annual mean temperature in 2024 was recorded as 0.65°C above normal.
2. Post-monsoon season (October–December) witnessed the sharpest temperature rise of 0.83°C above normal.
3. 2024 was the second warmest year in India’s recorded history after 2016.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Q2. Which of the following factors contributed to 2024 becoming India’s warmest year on record?
(a) Increased rainfall during the southwest monsoon
(b) A weak La Niña and its impact on global temperatures
(c) A strong El Niño and accelerated climate change
(d) Reduced agricultural activity and deforestation
Answer: (c) A strong El Niño and accelerated climate change
Q3. What role did El Niño play in India’s record temperatures in 2024?
(a) Caused above-average rainfall during the northeast monsoon
(b) Contributed to higher temperatures by warming the equatorial Pacific Ocean
(c) Lowered global air temperatures in early 2024
(d) Reduced India’s monsoon rainfall significantly below normal
Answer: (b) Contributed to higher temperatures by warming the equatorial Pacific Ocean
Q4. Globally, 2024 breached the 1.5°C warming threshold set by which of the following agreements?
(a) Kyoto Protocol
(b) Paris Climate Agreement
(c) Montreal Protocol
(d) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Answer: (b) Paris Climate Agreement
Q5. What is the warmest year on record for both India and the world?
(a) 2016
(b) 2020
(c) 2024
(d) 2017
Answer: (c) 2024