National
PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Scheme
⇒ The Union Cabinet Chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of Ministry of Earth Sciences, for implementation during the period from 2021-26 at an overall cost of Rs 4,797 crore.
The scheme encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes namely-
- 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)
The major Objectives of the overarching Prithvi Scheme are:
- Augmentation and sustainance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change
- Development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and understanding the science of climate change
- Exploration polar and high seas regions of the Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources
- Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications
- Translation of knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit
Other Points:
- Earth System Sciences deal with all the five components of the earth system: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere and their complex interactions.
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) holistically addresses all the aspects relating to the Earth System Science.
- The overarching scheme of PRITHVI will holistically address all the five components of earth system to improve the understating of the Earth System Sciences and to provide reliable services for the country.
- Various components of PRITHVI scheme are inter-dependent and are carried out in an integrated manner through combined efforts of the concerned Institutes under MoES.
- The overarching scheme of Prithvi Vigyan will enable development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across different MoES institutes.
- These integrated R&D efforts will help in addressing the grand challenges of weather and climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science and services and explore the living and non-living resources for their sustainable harnessing.
International
Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and USA for supporting Indian Railways in achieving Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission
⇒ The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and United States for International Development/India (USAID/India) on June 14, 2023 for supporting Indian Railways to achieve Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.
- The Union Cabinet on January 05, 2024 approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and United States for International Development/India (USAID/India) for supporting Indian Railways to achieve Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission.
About MoU:
» The MoU provides a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector. The MoU facilitates utility modernization, advanced energy solutions and systems, regional energy and market integration and private sector participation and engagement, training and seminars/workshops focusing on specific technology areas like Renewable Energy, energy efficiency and other interactions for knowledge sharing.
The MoU signed by Indian Railways with United States Agency for International Development/India is for enabling energy self-sufficiency with the following understanding:
- Both the Participants intend to jointly work broadly on the following key activity areas with details to be agreed separately:
- Long-term energy planning including clean energy for Indian Railways.
- Develop an Energy Efficiency Policy and Action Plan for Indian Railway Buildings.
- Planning for clean energy procurement to achieve Indian Railway’s net-zero vision.
- Technical support for addressing regulatory and implementation barriers.
- Bid design and bid management support for system-friendly, large-scale renewable procurement.
- Supporting Indian Railways in the promotion of e-mobility.
- Collaboratively host event, conferences, and capacity-building programs in the mentioned identified areas.
- Either participant may request in writing a revision, modification or amendment to all or any part of this MoU. Any revision, modification or amendment approved by the Participants will form part of the revised MoU. Such revision, modification or amendment will come into effect on such date as may be determined by the Participants.
- This Memorandum of Understanding is effective as of the date of signing and is expected to continue for a period of five year or until the effective end of South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) whichever period is shorter.
Impact:
The MoU has been signed to support India Railways in achieving Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission (NZCE) by 2030. This will help Indian Railways to reduce dependence on imported fuel such as Diesel, Coal etc. Deployment of Renewable Energy (RE) plants will give fillip to RE technology in the country. This will help in development of local ecosystem which subsequently gives boost to local product development.