PIB Summary- 14th September, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Mission Mausam

Context

Recently, the union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with an outlay of Rs.2,000 crore over two years.

Mission Mausam

• Purpose and Scope: Mission Mausam aims to significantly enhance India’s capabilities in meteorology and climate science. This broad and transformative initiative focuses on expanding research, development, and operational capacities in atmospheric sciences.
• Technological Integration: By incorporating advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, and modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the mission seeks to elevate weather surveillance, modeling, forecasting, and overall management of meteorological services.
• Operational Goals: The mission is designed to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather and climate information, covering a wide range of applications from monsoon forecasts to real-time alerts for air quality, and severe weather conditions like cyclones, fog, hail, and rain. It also focuses on capacity building and raising public awareness about climate phenomena.
• Infrastructure and Tools: Mission Mausam will deploy cutting-edge radars, satellite systems with advanced sensors, high-performance supercomputers, and sophisticated Earth system models. Additionally, it will utilize a GIS-based automated Decision Support System to facilitate real-time data dissemination and improve response strategies.
• Implementation Framework: The initiative will be led by three key institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences:
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
  • National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
• Collaboration and Support: These institutions will collaborate with other domestic and international entities, including various academic and industrial partners, to foster innovation and share knowledge within the global meteorological community.
• Sectoral Impact: Mission Mausam is set to benefit a myriad of sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, defense, environmental management, aviation, water resources, power generation, tourism, transportation, energy, and healthcare. The mission’s comprehensive approach is also expected to enhance decision-making processes related to urban planning, transportation infrastructures, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring.

Exercise Eastern Bridge

Context

The 7th edition of the bilateral air exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Oman Air Force is scheduled to be conducted  from 11th to 22nd September 2024 at Masirah, Oman.

Exercise Eastern Bridge

• Objective and Components: Exercise Eastern Bridge is an aerial joint exercise involving complex aerial maneuvers, air-to-air, and air-to-ground operations along with extensive logistical coordination. This exercise showcases the collaborative capabilities between the participating air forces.
• Inaugural Event: The initial edition of this exercise took place in 2009, hosted at Thumrait, Oman. This marked the beginning of high-level aerial cooperation exercises between India and Oman.

Additional Military Collaborations Between India and Oman:

• Naseem Al-Bahr: This exercise is a naval collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman, underscoring the maritime linkage between the two nations.
• Al Najah: This involves joint operations between the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman, enhancing ground forces interoperability and tactical training.

Strategic Importance of Oman:

• Geopolitical Significance: Oman’s strategic geographical positioning near the Strait of Hormuz and along the Arabian Sea elevates its status as a pivotal ally for India in the West Asia and Indian Ocean regions. This location is crucial for naval and air force strategy due to its proximity to major maritime routes that are vital for international trade and oil transportation.