<h4>150th Foundation Day of IMD and Mission Mausam</h4><p>The <strong>Prime Minister of India (PM)</strong> marked the <strong>150th Foundation Day celebrations</strong> of the <strong>Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)</strong>.</p><p>This significant event took place on <strong>15th January 2025</strong> in <strong>New Delhi</strong>. It highlighted India's long-standing commitment to meteorological science and services.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Event Details:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Date:</strong> 15th January 2025</li><li><strong>Location:</strong> New Delhi</li><li><strong>Participants:</strong> PM of India, Secretary General of <strong>World Meteorological Organization (WMO)</strong></li></ul></div><p>During the celebrations, the PM also officially launched the ambitious <strong>Mission Mausam initiative</strong> and unveiled the <strong>IMD Vision-2047 document</strong>.</p><h4>Understanding Mission Mausam Initiative</h4><p><strong>Mission Mausam</strong> is a crucial government initiative designed to significantly enhance India's capabilities in various aspects of meteorology.</p><p>Its primary focus is on improving <strong>weather forecasting</strong>, advanced <strong>modelling</strong>, and efficient <strong>dissemination</strong> of weather-related information across the nation.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Mission Mausam Budget:</strong></p><ul><li>An initial allocation of <strong>Rs 2,000 crore</strong> has been sanctioned.</li><li>This budget is designated for the <strong>first two years</strong> of the mission's implementation.</li></ul></div><h4>Objectives of Mission Mausam</h4><p>The mission outlines several ambitious objectives aimed at modernizing India's weather services.</p><ul><li><strong>Upgrade Weather Forecasting:</strong> Improve the accuracy of <strong>short to medium range weather forecasts</strong> by <strong>5-10%</strong>.</li><li><strong>Enhance Air Quality Prediction:</strong> Increase the accuracy of <strong>air quality prediction</strong> in major metro cities by up to <strong>10%</strong>.</li><li><strong>Extend Prophecies to Panchayat Level:</strong> Provide forecasts at the <strong>panchayat level</strong> with a lead time of <strong>10-15 days</strong>.</li></ul><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Current IMD Accuracy:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Extreme Events (e.g., Heat Waves):</strong> Approximately <strong>98%</strong> accuracy.</li><li><strong>Heavy Rainfall Forecasts:</strong> Around <strong>80%</strong> accuracy.</li></ul></div><p><strong>Invest in Technology:</strong> The mission will leverage cutting-edge technologies to bolster observational and modelling systems.</p><ul><li>Utilize <strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong> and <strong>Machine Learning (ML)</strong>.</li><li>Employ <strong>High-Performance Computing</strong> for improved weather models.</li><li>Deployment of additional <strong>Doppler radars</strong> and advanced <strong>satellites</strong>.</li></ul><p><strong>Weather Management:</strong> A key aspect involves exploring advanced techniques for mitigating extreme weather events.</p><ul><li>Investigating <strong>weather modification techniques</strong> like <strong>cloud seeding</strong>.</li><li>Aim to mitigate effects of <strong>rainfall variability</strong>, including <strong>floods</strong> and <strong>droughts</strong>.</li></ul><p><strong>Cloud Chamber Research:</strong> Dedicated research infrastructure will be established to deepen understanding of atmospheric processes.</p><ul><li>A specialized <strong>cloud chamber</strong> will be set up at the <strong>Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune</strong>.</li><li>This facility will study <strong>cloud dynamics</strong> and refine <strong>cloud seeding experiments</strong> for better weather management.</li></ul><h4>Phased Implementation of Mission Mausam</h4><p><strong>Mission Mausam</strong> is structured for execution in <strong>two distinct phases</strong> over a total period of <strong>five years</strong>.</p><ol><li><strong>Phase One (2025 - March 2026):</strong> This initial phase will focus on strengthening the foundational observational network.<ul><li>Expansion by adding approximately <strong>70 Doppler radars</strong>.</li><li>Integration of new <strong>high-performance computers</strong>.</li><li>Deployment of <strong>wind profilers</strong> and <strong>radiometers</strong>.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Phase Two (2026 onwards):</strong> The subsequent phase aims for further advanced enhancements in observational capabilities.<ul><li>Introduction of more sophisticated <strong>satellites</strong>.</li><li>Integration of specialized <strong>aircraft</strong> for atmospheric observations.</li></ul></li></ol><h4>About the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)</h4><p>The <strong>Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)</strong> serves as India's principal agency for all meteorological and seismological activities.</p><p>Established in <strong>1875</strong>, it plays a pivotal role in monitoring atmospheric conditions and predicting weather phenomena.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>IMD at a Glance:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Established:</strong> 1875</li><li><strong>Parent Ministry:</strong> <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences</strong>, Government of India</li><li><strong>Core Functions:</strong> Meteorological observations, weather forecasting, seismology.</li></ul></div><p>IMD's services are critical across various sectors, providing essential data for national development and safety.</p><ul><li>Issues <strong>weather forecasts</strong> and <strong>warnings</strong> for sectors like <strong>agriculture</strong>, <strong>aviation</strong>, and <strong>shipping</strong>.</li><li>Conducts continuous <strong>research</strong> to advance meteorological science and improve predictive models.</li></ul><h4>Major Initiatives Related to Meteorology in India</h4><p>India has several other key initiatives aimed at bolstering its meteorological infrastructure and services.</p><ul><li><strong>National Monsoon Mission (NMM):</strong> Focused on improving monsoon prediction.</li><li><strong>Mausam App:</strong> A mobile application providing real-time weather information.</li><li><strong>Doppler Weather Radars:</strong> A network for detecting and tracking severe weather events.</li></ul><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> Understanding the functions of <strong>IMD</strong> and initiatives like <strong>Mission Mausam</strong> is crucial for <strong>GS Paper 1 (Geography)</strong> and <strong>GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management, Science & Technology)</strong>. Questions can relate to climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, and technological advancements.</p></div>