On the 19th Foundation Day of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the Government of India unveiled several landmark initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s climate preparedness. The event, held in New Delhi on July 29, 2025, was led by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, also overseeing PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space.

Dr. Singh emphasised the critical importance of science and technology in supporting both ecological sustainability and national economic advancement. Underlining the transformative journey of the Ministry over the last decade, he introduced a series of high-impact tools and digital resources designed to bolster India’s forecasting systems, disaster resilience, marine research, and public awareness of climate events.

Key Scientific Tools and Services Launched

The new services launched cover a wide array of domains—meteorology, oceanography, geology, and environmental sciences:

• Rainfall Monitoring Systems: Advanced real-time rainfall tracking systems for timely warnings.

• Bharat Forecast System - Extended Range Prediction (BharatFS-ERP): An advanced model providing 2–4 week lead time forecasts, improving disaster readiness.

• Crop-Weather Calendars: Region-specific agrometeorological calendars to assist farmers in planning activities based on predicted climate patterns.

• Seismic Microzonation Studies: Updated microzonation data for four Indian cities to better prepare urban areas for earthquake threats.

• Air Quality Forecast Systems: Tools to predict and monitor atmospheric pollution levels.

• High-Resolution Rainfall Datasets & Updated Wave Atlases: Resources to help coastal planners, disaster managers, and marine transport authorities.

• Seabed Charts and Marine Biodiversity Reports: Crucial datasets for marine resource conservation and deep-sea exploration.

• Documentary Release: A short film titled ‘Life Saving Impact’ was also released, showcasing the Ministry's achievements in disaster mitigation.

Meteorological Infrastructure Strengthened

A substantial leap in India’s weather observation and forecasting infrastructure was reported:

• The number of Doppler Weather Radars increased from 15 in 2014 to 41 in 2025, drastically enhancing real-time weather monitoring.

• Seismic and weather observation stations have doubled, improving the reliability of early warnings.

• Upper-air observation systems, lightning detection networks, and rain gauges have also seen significant expansion.

These upgrades now allow early cyclone alerts up to 10 days in advance, an improvement that has directly contributed to lower mortality rates in recent cyclonic events.

Support for Agriculture and Fisheries

Dr. Singh highlighted that over 7 lakh farmers currently use the Meghdoot mobile app, which provides region-specific weather-based agricultural advisories. These advisories, updated regularly, guide sowing, irrigation, and harvesting schedules to mitigate the effects of climate variability on agriculture.

Fishermen have also benefited from real-time SMS alerts indicating safe fishing zones, reducing accidents and increasing productivity in India’s coastal regions.

Water Security through OTEC Desalination in Lakshadweep

A major innovation in renewable-powered water desalination was also announced. Six Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plants have been established in Lakshadweep Islands, now producing a combined 1.5 lakh litres of potable water daily. Previously known for water scarcity, these islands are now self-reliant in drinking water, showcasing a sustainable model for other water-stressed coastal and island territories.

Policy and Global Vision

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to a “scientific temper” and evidence-based governance, with a goal to align Earth Science advancements with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Emphasis was placed on multi-institutional collaboration, engaging premier research institutions, academia, and private sector partnerships.

Dr. Singh concluded by reaffirming India’s readiness to lead the Global South in climate action and scientific cooperation, positioning the Ministry of Earth Sciences as a vital organ in this strategic shift.

Conclusion

The Earth Sciences Ministry's 19th Foundation Day marked more than a ceremonial milestone—it underscored India’s strategic intent to integrate science, technology, and governance in the fight against climate change and natural disasters. With tools such as BharatFS-ERP, high-resolution environmental datasets, seismic mapping, and Doppler networks, India is better positioned than ever before to predict, prepare for, and respond to environmental threats.

Moreover, the Ministry’s interventions in agriculture, fisheries, and water resource management, including desalination initiatives, highlight the transformative role of science-driven development in ensuring resilience, livelihood security, and sustainable growth across the country.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Highway Infrastructure, Flysbs Aviation, Part Electricals & Engineering, Jyoti Global Plast, M&B Engineering, Cash Ur Drive Marketing, Renol Polychem, Jyoti Global Plast, Takyon Networks, Mehul Colours, Sri Lotus Developers & Realty, Jyoti Global Plast, B.D. Industries (Pune), NSDL.

The Current active IPO are Aditya Infotech, Lakshmi India Finance, Kaytex Fabrics, Umiya Mobile, Repono, Shree Refrigerations, Sellowrap Industries, Shanti Gold International, Patel Chem Specialities.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.