Cabinet gives nod to ‘Prithvi’ programme for earth observation

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Schemes

In the news:

The Union Cabinet cleared a ₹4,797-crore programme called ‘Prithvi’ (Earth) that is expected to subsume five existing schemes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
Cabinet approval for an agreement between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council to jointly develop a “small satellite.”

PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Program Objectives:

Enhance long-term observations of various Earth components (atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, etc.) to monitor planetary changes.
Develop models for weather prediction, understanding climate hazards, and studying climate change.
Explore polar and high-seas regions to uncover new phenomena and resources.
Create technology for sustainable exploration and utilization of oceanic resources for societal needs.
Apply insights from Earth system science to benefit society, the environment, and the economy.

Launched by MoES, focusing on various activities including sending a manned submersible 6,000 meters into the Indian Ocean.
Part of the broader Prithvi programme, integrating major activities of the Ministry.
Approved by the Cabinet in 2021 with an allocation of ₹4,000 crore for five years.

Ministry’s Activities:

The research and development and operational (services) activities of the Ministry are carried out by its 10 institutes.
They are the India Meteorological Department, the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, the National Centre for Coastal Research, the National Centre for Seismology, the National Institute of Ocean Technology, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Earth Science Studies.
Supported by a fleet of research vessels for required research.