Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: Science &Technology
Topic: Functioning of the Executive —Ministries and Departments of the Government.
Issue: Merging of Schemes.
Context: The PRITHVI initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet in India, allocates Rs. 4,797 crores over five years for holistic earth sciences research, fostering international collaboration and disaster prediction capabilities.
Top of FormSynopsis:
The “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences is set to be implemented from 2021-2026.
AIMS: To improve the understanding of Earth System Sciences and enhance capabilities in predicting and managing natural disasters by integrating research efforts across different MoES institutes.
Sub-Schemes: PRITHVI encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes:
- Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)
- Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)
- Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)
- Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE)
- Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)
Objective:
- Aims to approach earth system sciences holistically, treating various components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere) as an interconnected unit.
- Provide reliable services for weather forecasts, warnings, and alerts for natural disasters.
- Strengthen India’s capabilities in predicting and managing natural disasters for societal, environmental, and economic benefits.
- PRITHVI initiative enables cross-disciplinary projects by consolidating funds allocated to separate verticals. This approach fosters integrated research efforts and facilitates ease of doing research.
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences can now award research projects to overseas institutes under PRITHVI, expanding collaboration beyond national boundaries.
Conclusion: The PRITHVI initiative, demonstrates India’s commitment to advancing Earth System Sciences, disaster prediction, and international collaboration for holistic research and societal benefits.
