The Union Cabinet has approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
About PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)
Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
Tenure: Period from 2021-26
Overall cost: ₹ 4,797 crore
It encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes
ACROSS (Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services)
O-SMART (Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology)
PACER (Polar Science and Cryosphere Research)
SAGE (Seismology and Geosciences)
REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training, and Outreach)
About sub-schemes of PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)
Sub-schemes
Objectives
Major Components
ACROSS
Development of global advanced weather prediction models
Monsoon Convection, Clouds, and Climate Change (MC4): To improve the observational database and climate of monsoonal precipitation changes.
High Performance Computing System (HPCS): To develop modern supercomputers, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.
Monsoon Mission (MM-II): Predicting weather/climate extremes and development of climatic application.
Atmospheric Observations Network: Aimed at sustenance of observational network as per World Meteorological Organization standards.
O-SMART
Oceanographic research activities with the objectives for providing forecast and services for sustainable harnessing of our oceanic resources.
Ocean observation and network: Provide vital data for operational forecast, scientific research and applications.
Marine Living Resources (MLR) programme: To develop an ecosystem model for the management of the living resources in the Indian EEZ.
Programme on ‘Sea Water Quality Monitoring’: To identify the periodical changes in seawater quality.
Ocean Observation Systems: Provide vital data for operational forecast, scientific research and applications.
‘Ocean-modelling data assimilation and process specific observations’ programme: To measure water quality parameters in the coastal waters around India in a sustained manner.
Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):To explore deep ocean for resources and develop deep sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources.
Other activities:
Harnessing ocean energy for generating freshwater
Seafront Research Facility
Studies on Gas hydrates
PACER
Integrates all scientific programs regarding studying polar region
Indian Antarctic Programme: Indian Scientific Expeditions, Maintenance of Research bases at Antarctica etc.
Indian Arctic Programme: Study Fjords, climate change, sea level change in Arctic
Indian Scientific Expeditions to the Southern Ocean (ISESO): Study circumpolar current, their role in carbon sequestration, biogeochemistry and climate change.
SAGE
Strengthening earthquake monitoring and research on the Earth’s solid components
Seismological monitoring and micro-zonation
Geodynamics and surface processes
Seismicity and earthquake precursors
Setting up a facility for geochronology
Scientific deep drilling in the Koynaintra plate seismic zone
Indian Ocean: Deep ocean observations and dynamics of lithospheric evolution
REACHOUT
Raise awareness in general public about various schemes/mission of MoES in various scientific aspects related to Earth system science
Research and Development in Earth System Sciences (RDESS)
Knowledge Resource Center Network (KRCNet)
BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate (BCWC)
International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean)
Development of skilled manpower in Earth system sciences (DESK)
Significance of integrated R&D efforts under PRITHVI
Improve understating of the Earth System Sciences by holistically addressing all the five components of the Earth system.
Enable development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across different MoES institutes.
Boost research in earth system sciences through increased fund availability and cross disciplinary integrative nature of scheme.
Address grand challenges of weather and climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science and services.
Converted research into practical solutions for future disasters arising from Climate change, Pollution, Sea level rise, etc.
Understand and predict weather accurately due to increased cross-disciplinary coordination and increased observation data.
Explore the living and non-living resources for their sustainable harnessing.
Nurture a skilled workforce of Earth system scientists for the future.
Help MoES fulfil its mandate to translate Science to Services for the Society.
About the concept ‘Science to service’ for the Society
It underscores the importance of bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world applications to create tangible benefits for individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
Somekey aspects and examples of "Science to Services for the Society":
Research Translation: Actionable solutions involve identifying relevant findings and using them for practical applications for economic/environmental/social benefit. E.g. Disaster Early Warning Systems,
Technology Transfer: Involves the process of transferring new discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace or other sectors where they can be utilized for societal benefits.
E.g. use of CRISPR-Cas9 in treatment of cancer (CAR-T cell therapy), Development of GM crops, etc.
Collaboration between Scientists and entrepreneurs: To commercialize scientific discoveries and promote innovation in product designing and marketing.
E.g. Use of digital technology in marketing.
Education and Training: Involves disseminating scientific knowledge and expertise to the broader society through education and training programs. E.g. Skilling and training programs run by government.
