CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS

The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 4,797 crore research scheme to boost and maintain research momentum in the fields of ocean, atmospheric and polar sciences.

What is PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Scheme?

• The PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) will be an umbrella scheme to help continue many of the ongoing research projects and efforts in the areas of atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere and biosphere (five components of the Earth system) till 2026.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• It will open doors for Indian scientists to join hands with international experts.
• This initiative, with a budget of Rs 4,797 crore over a five-year period (2021-26), aims to streamline and enhance the research efforts of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Some of the ongoing research that will now come under PRITHVI include:
  • Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and 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)
• Need of the scheme: With climate change and its adverse impacts affecting globally, the need for improving understanding the roles of atmosphere-ocean-poles has become increasingly necessary.