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Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Making India a ‘Weather-Ready, Climate-Smart' nation
Aimed at transforming the country into a 'weather-ready and climate-smart' nation, the Indian government has launched the ambitious 'Mission Mausam' initiative, as per a DD News press release. The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 20,000 million for the period 2024–2026, seeks to develop advanced weather surveillance technologies, strengthen forecasting capabilities, and improve last-mile dissemination systems. The budget allocation includes Rs 2580 million for the financial year 2024–25 and Rs 17420 million for 2025–26. An Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB) report says that with its diverse geography and climate, India is heavily influenced by weather and monsoon patterns. Recognizing the critical need for accurate weather forecasting, especially in a country where agriculture is a primary livelihood, on September 11, 2024, the Indian Union Cabinet approved Mission Mausam, a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Designed to position India as a global leader in weather and climate sciences, the mission aims to make the nation 'Weather Ready' and 'Climate Smart', meeting the global standards. Such a mission is required because of varied needs. India's agrarian economy has faced erratic rainfall patterns caused due to climate change, which have increased farmers' vulnerability. Accurate monsoon forecasts will help optimise sowing periods, irrigation planning, and crop yield predictions. It will aid in disaster preparedness. India faces frequent extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts. Enhanced prediction capabilities can save lives and reduce economic losses. It will also help rural development. Improved weather services can support rural communities by aiding in water resource management, livestock protection, and infrastructure planning. The Mission aims to improve weather and climate services, ensuring timely and precise observation, modelling, and forecasting information for multiple sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and rural development. Through collaboration with national and international research institutions, academia, and industry, it aspires to revolutionize India's weather and climate services while cementing its global leadership in this critical field. The initiative leverages cutting-edge technology, including high-resolution models and supercomputing systems, to provide accurate forecasts on various timescales – ranging from short-term (hours) to seasonal predictions. The PIB report adds that the primary objectives of Mission Mausam are to enhance India's capability in weather forecasting across various scales – short-term, medium-term, extended-range, and seasonal; to develop high-resolution models for improved accuracy in predicting monsoon behaviour; to strengthen observational networks with advanced radars, satellites, and automated weather stations; to provide actionable advisories for agriculture, water resources, energy, health, and disaster management sectors; and to build capacity through research collaborations with national and international institutions. Despite significant progress, Mission Mausam faces several challenges that include geographical diversity as India's varied topography requires complex region-specific models to develop; climate change uncertainty as rapid changes in global climate patterns make long-term predictions more challenging; infrastructure gaps as remote areas still need more observational infrastructure like Doppler Weather Radars or Automatic Weather Stations; and awareness levels to ensure that farmers and rural communities effectively utilise forecast information remains a key hurdle. The North-East region of India faces unique challenges due to its topography and climatic conditions frequent floods during monsoons disrupt livelihoods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall that pose significant risks to infrastructure, the PIB report adds. Therefore, Mission Mausam prioritizes this region by deploying additional weather observation systems tailored to hilly terrains; providing localized forecasts to mitigate the impact of extreme events; and collaborating with state governments to integrate weather data into disaster management plans. Mission Mausam, the report highlights, marks a transformative milestone in India's efforts to address climate variability and its far-reaching socio-economic impacts. By enhancing forecasting capabilities and ensuring the dissemination of accurate and actionable information to stakeholders, it supports sustainable development while safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. The Mission's implementation holds the potential to significantly bolster India's resilience against climate-induced challenges such as extreme weather events and resource scarcity. As it progresses, the focus on integrating cutting-edge technology, fostering research collaborations and driving public awareness campaigns will ensure widespread adoption and impact. Mission Mausam is poised to not only mitigate risks but also unlock opportunities for climate-adaptive economic growth, playing a pivotal role in shaping a safer, more resilient, and prosperous future for India.
UPI
14-06-2025
- Business
- UPI
'Black boxes' from jet crash in India found; sole survivor doing well
1 of 10 | India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the site of an Air India plane crash near the airport in Ahmedabad, India, on Friday. Photo by Indian Press Information Bureau | License Photo June 13 (UPI) -- Both of the "black boxes" were recovered from the wreckage of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in India after after all but one of the 242 people onboard died. The voice and data recorders may help investigators learn what caused the passenger jet to crash just minutes after it took off from Ahmedabad for London's Gatwick Airport on Thursday. "The Flight Data Recorder (Black Box) has been recovered within 28 hours from the accident site in Ahmedabad," Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, the Indian Union Minister of Civil Aviation, said in a social media post. "This marks an important step forward in the investigation. This will significantly aid the enquiry into the incident." Hours later on Saturday morning local time, the voice recorder was found. The captain of the flight sent a distress call to air traffic control less a minute after take off, India's aviation authorities confirmed Saturday. The plane crashed just 33 minutes after takeoff. The recorders were recovered from on top of the medical college hostel where the jet crashed. Members of the U.S. Transportation Safety Board and British authorities are assisting with the investigation. More 50 of those killed from the plane are British nationals. The aircraft was made in the United States. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Thursday they haven't found any safety data that the plane model itself is unsafe. "They have to get on the ground and take a look. But again, right now it'd be way too premature," Duffy said at a news conference. "People are looking at videos and trying to assess what happened, which is never a strong, smart way to make decisions on what took place." It was the first fatal flight involving the 787-8. Boeing has manufactured 1,188 of the planes since they went into service in 2009. India's government is inspecting all Boeing 787s , the aviation minister just told reporters in a press briefing. Air India operates 33 Boeing 787s and rival airline IndiGo has one, according to data from Flightradar24. Rescue workers scoured the site for survivors and, miraculously, one man, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who had been in seat 11A on the Air India flight, right next to his brother. He walked away from the crash site with only minor injuries. The sole survivor is doing well in hospital but is "psychologically disturbed," according to the Civil Hospital medical director. The jet struck a hostel for B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital students and relatives, a medical school. The total death toll is at least 290. The British national of Indian origin told the Hindustan Times it happened very fast. "Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed," Ramesh said. "I don't know how I'm alive, how I exited the plane." Ramesh added, "I don't know how I survived. I saw people dying in front of my eyes -- the air hostesses, and two people I saw near me. ... I walked out of the rubble." He was seated near a left-side window emergency exit in the economy section of the aircraft. He said he saw the exit, tried to get out through it and succeeded. Ramesh said he still can't believe he made it out alive. Prime Minister Narenda Modi visited him in the hospital. Modi said on X, "Met those injured in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, including the lone survivor and assured them that we are with them and their families in this tough time. The entire nation is praying for their speedy recovery. A student said it was a "miracle" she missed the flight. Bhoomi Chauhan, 28, said she was angry after a traffic jam on the way to the airport meant she missed boarding the flight by just 10 minutes. Now she said is "numb" after learning a about the crash. In a statement on X Air India offered its deepest condolences to families of those killed and added, "The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national. The FAIMA Doctors Association said on X that "The wife of one super-specialist doctor was found dead." Fifty MBBS students were hospitalized in stable condition while two or three were in critical condition and four or five students were missing. Three to four relatives of resident doctors also are missing, according to FAIMA.
Express Tribune
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Modi opens Chenab bridge
This photograph taken and released by the Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB) on 6 June 2025 shows India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding national flag during the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge in Reasi, Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Photo AFP Listen to article Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Friday since a conflict with arch-rival Pakistan, opening a strategic railway line to the contested region he called "the crown jewel of India". "Pakistan will never forget... its shameful loss," the Hindu nationalist premier told crowds a month since India launched strikes on its neighbour after an attack on tourists in Kashmir. "Friends, today's event is a grand festival of India's unity and firm resolve," Modi said after striding across the soaring bridge to formally launch it for rail traffic. "This is a symbol and celebration of rising India," he said of the Chenab Bridge which connects two mountains. New Delhi calls the Chenab span the "world's highest railway arch bridge", sitting 359 metres (1,117 feet) above a river. While several road and pipeline bridges are higher, Guinness World Records confirmed that Chenab trumps the previous highest railway bridge, the Najiehe in China. The new route will facilitate the movement of people and goods, as well as troops, that was previously possible only via treacherous mountain roads and by air. Around 150 people protested against the project on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad in Azad jammu and Kashmir. "We want to tell India that building bridges and laying roads in the name of development will not make the people of Kashmir give up their demand for freedom," said Azir Ahmad Ghazali, who organised the rally attended by Kashmiris who fled unrest on the Indian side in the 1990s. "In clear and unequivocal terms, we want to say to the Indian government that the people of Kashmir have never accepted India's forced rule." Modi also announced further government financial support for families whose relatives were killed, or whose homes were damaged, during the brief conflict --- mainly in shelling along the Line of Control. "Their troubles are our troubles," Modi said.
RTHK
13-05-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
Modi vows strong response to any 'terrorist attack'
Modi vows strong response to any 'terrorist attack' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to respond strongly to any future "terrorist attack". Photo: Indian Press Information Bureau via AFP Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed on Monday to respond strongly to any future "terrorist attack", and warned that New Delhi would not tolerate "nuclear blackmail" in the event of further conflict with Pakistan. A weekend ceasefire appeared to be holding, after four days of intense jetfighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks -- the worst violence between the two nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999. US President Donald Trump on Monday said American intervention had prevented a "bad nuclear war". "We stopped a nuclear conflict... millions of people could have been killed," he told reporters at the White House. Modi, in a televised address to the nation -- his first since hostilities began last Wednesday -- said Pakistan has chosen to attack rather than help it fight "terrorism". "If another terrorist attack against India is carried out, a strong response will be given," he said. The alarming spiral towards all-out war began before dawn on Wednesday, when India launched missile attacks destroying what it called "terrorist camps" in the Pakistan-administered part of Kashmir. "If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure," Modi said. The conflict followed an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of backing the attack, but Islamabad denied involvement. (AFP)
RTHK
13-05-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
Modi vows strong response to any 'terrorist attack'
Modi vows strong response to any 'terrorist attack' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to respond strongly to any future "terrorist attack". Photo: Indian Press Information Bureau via AFP Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed on Monday to respond strongly to any future "terrorist attack", and warned that New Delhi would not tolerate "nuclear blackmail" in the event of further conflict with Pakistan. A weekend ceasefire appeared to be holding, after four days of intense jetfighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks -- the worst violence between the two nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999. US President Donald Trump on Monday said American intervention had prevented a "bad nuclear war". "We stopped a nuclear conflict... millions of people could have been killed," he told reporters at the White House. Modi, in a televised address to the nation -- his first since hostilities began last Wednesday -- said Pakistan has chosen to attack rather than help it fight "terrorism". "If another terrorist attack against India is carried out, a strong response will be given," he said. The alarming spiral towards all-out war began before dawn on Wednesday, when India launched missile attacks destroying what it called "terrorist camps" in the Pakistan-administered part of Kashmir. "If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure," Modi said. The conflict followed an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of backing the attack, but Islamabad denied involvement. (AFP)
