08 Jan 2024 PRITHvi VIgyan Scheme
This article covers ‘ Daily Current Affairs ’ and the content details of ‘ PRITHvi VIgyan Scheme’ This content is applicable in the “Science & Technology ” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
UPSC Mains GS3 Syllabus : Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, has approved the “Prithvi Vigyan (Prithvi)” scheme, an important Ministry of Earth Sciences’ project.
The initiative has a budget of Rs 4,797 crore and is scheduled to run from 2021 to 2026.
About PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Scheme :
The scheme includes five ongoing sub-schemes, which are as follows:
1) ACROSS : Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modeling Observing Systems and Services.
It focuses on long-term data as well as advanced weather and climate modelling systems.
The primary goals of ACROSS are to improve the accuracy and reliability of weather and climate predictions, to understand the underlying mechanisms of climate variability and change, to monitor and evaluate air quality and its consequences on health and the environment, and to develop and deploy cutting-edge atmospheric research observing systems.
2) O-SMART : Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources, and Technology.
It aims for long-term exploration and utilisation of marine resources through the application of cutting-edge technology.
O-SMART’s main goals are to provide reliable and precise ocean information and advisory services for a variety of sectors such as fisheries, navigation, coastal management, disaster management, and security, to explore and harness ocean resources such as minerals, energy, and biotechnology, to develop and deploy cutting-edge ocean technology for observation, exploration, and exploitation, and to improve human resource development and international cooperation in the ocean.
3) PACER : Polar Science and Cryosphere Research.
It seeks to unravel the secrets of the Earth’s poles and glacial regions, hence contributing to a better understanding of global climate change.
It monitors and predicts changes in the cryosphere and their impact on water supplies and sea level rise, as well as participates in international scientific collaborations and polar regions’ management.
4) SAGE : Seismology and Geosciences.
It works to improve earthquake monitoring and research on the solid components of the Earth.
It attempts to comprehend the seismicity and tectonics of the Indian subcontinent and its surrounding region, try to figure out the possibility of earthquakes and threat to various regions of India, and to raise the public’s awareness about earthquake safety.
5) REACHOUT : research, education, training, and outreach.
It promotes growth of talents and makes sure that the research is effectively translated into services that benefit society.
Its objective is to improve the quality and quantity of earth science human resources by various schemes such as grants, financial aid, internships, training programmes, and so on, as well as to foster an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship in earth sciences through multiple channels such as incubation centres, hackathons, challenges, and so on.
Major objectives of the Scheme are –
- Long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth to record the vital signals of the Earth System and change.
- Developing Modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean, and climate risks, as well as understanding the science of climate change.
- Exploration of the Earth’s polar and high seas regions in search of new phenomena and resources.
- Technology development for the investigation and sustainable utilisation of oceanic resources for societal purposes.
- Knowledge and ideas from Earth systems science are translated into services for societal, environmental, and economic benefit.
Significance :
These integrated research and development efforts will assist in the study of the earth system sciences through all five components of the earth system (weather, climate, ocean, cryosphere, and seismological science).
- Analyse the living and non-living resources for their long-term utilisation.
- It would enable the development of integrated multidisciplinary earth science research and innovative programmes across various MoES institutes.
- The research programme intends to help a variety of industries, from environmental conservation and resource management.
- PRITHVI’s focus encompasses the Earth’s different dynamic systems, from atmospheric conditions to seismic activity.
Ministry of Earth Sciences :
- It is responsible for transforming science into societal services, by giving services in the climate, weather, ocean and coastal state, hydrology, seismic research, and disasters.
- It also examines and utilises marine resources in a sustainable manner, as well as exploring the Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayan poles.
- MoES provides meteorological forecasts, natural disaster warnings, tsunami alarms, and earthquake surveillance.
- These services are used efficiently by organisations and state governments to protect lives while minimising property damage caused by disasters.
Conclusion :
PRITHVI is an ambitious initiative that would boost India’s skills in Earth systems science while also providing vital contributions for policy development, planning, and development. It will also aid in global efforts to address climate change and natural disasters.
Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 8th Jan 2024
Mains practice question :
Q1) How will the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) initiative aid in the nation’s efforts to mitigate climate change while boosting environmental resilience?
I am a content developer and have done my Post Graduation in Political Science. I have given 2 UPSC mains, 1 IB ACIO interview and have cleared UGC NET JRF too.
No Comments