Why in news : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to adopt the indigenously developed Bharat Forecast System (BFS), India’s first high-resolution weather model capable of forecasting at a 6 km x 6 km spatial resolution. 

About: 

India’s Climate Vulnerability and the Role of Weather Forecasting

India's diverse climate and vulnerability to extreme weather events underscore the critical need for precise and timely weather forecasting. With 70% of annual rainfall occurring in just 100 monsoon hours (IMD, 2023), and 53% of the population depending on agriculture (NSSO), effective forecasting becomes not just a technological challenge but a national imperative. From Cyclone Fani (2019) causing $8.1 billion in damages (World Bank) to flash floods and droughts affecting millions, India requires a robust meteorological system.

The Need for an Upgrade: Shortcomings of Legacy Systems

1. Low Grid Resolution:
• Older systems had a 12 km grid resolution, missing microclimatic variations.
• 72% of Indian districts face drought-like conditions despite normal monsoons (IMD, 2023).
2. Delayed Predictions:
• Forecast generation took 12–14 hours.
• Mumbai’s 2021 floods outpaced warnings; over 1,000 homes submerged within hours.
3. Disaster Response Gaps:
• Chennai floods (2015): 48% of fatalities occurred where rainfall was underestimated.
• Cyclone Phailin (2013): Evacuations relied on last-minute global model updates.

Mission Mausam and the Launch of Bharat Forecast System (BFS)

Mission Mausam aimed at transforming India’s meteorological capabilities through:

• High-resolution modeling (sub-6 km grids)
• Faster computation (cutting forecast generation time by 66%)
• Expansion of Doppler radar network (target: 100 radars by 2025)

Core Components of the Bharat Forecast System

1. Supercomputing Infrastructure: Arka
• 11.77 petaflops computing capacity
• Reduces forecast generation time from 12 to 4 hours (IITM, 2024)
• 33 petabytes of storage for extensive model simulations and real-time data
2. Doppler Radar Network
• 40 operational radars covering 80% of high-risk zones
• 100-meter resolution over 500 km range
• Target: 100 radars by 2025
3. Satellite Data Integration
• INSAT-3D and 3DR: 5-minute cloud updates and sea surface temperature accuracy of 0.1°C
• 3D atmospheric profiling up to 18 km enhances storm tracking
4. Terrain-Specific Forecasting
• Coastal zones: 40% reduction in cyclone landfall error (Odisha 2023 case)
• Himalayas: Captures rainfall/snowfall transitions
• Delhi floods (2023): Predicted localized rainfall 12 hours ahead of global models

Hyperlocal Precision: 6 km Grid and Panchayat-Level Forecasting

• Captures microclimates: e.g., Maharashtra rain shadow zones with 87% rainfall variance.
• Karnataka 2023: Detected 200% rainfall difference between adjacent blocks.
• Forecast accuracy improved by 64%:
• Cloudbursts (Himachal 2023): Predicted 6–8 hours earlier
• Heatwaves: Identifies rural heat islands
• Wheat yield increase by 15% using sowing advisories (ICAR pilot, 2023)

Use Cases Demonstrating BFS Impact

1. Agriculture:
• Citrus crops worth ₹1,200 crore saved in Punjab via frost alerts
• 30% reduction in coffee bean spoilage in Kodagu (Karnataka)
2. Disaster Preparedness:
• Chennai Cyclone Michaung (2023): 40% faster emergency response
3. Water Management:
• Telangana's Mission Kakatiya: Scheduled lake refills for better rainwater capture

Nowcasting and Short-Term Prediction Capabilities

• Doppler radars scan every 6 minutes with 500-meter resolution
• Forecasts process in 90 seconds via Arka
• Use Cases:
• Mumbai cloudburst (2023): Detected 47 minutes earlier
• Delhi Airport: Flight diversion with 110-minute lead
• Kerala fishermen: 300 boats protected by wind warnings
• Accuracy:
• 90% for sub-2-hour rainfall forecasts (vs. 60% legacy)
• 50% reduction in tarmac lightning incidents

Strategic Weather Applications

1. Monsoon Management:
• 30% higher extreme rainfall forecast accuracy
• Uttarakhand 2023: Saved 12,000 lives via cloudburst warnings
• Maharashtra: Informed irrigation planning
2. Cyclone Tracking:
• 40% smaller landfall error
• Zero casualty events in Andhra (2024)
• Odisha: ₹850 crore saved annually by reducing false alarms
3. Urban Resilience:
• Mumbai (2024): 40% reduction in waterlogging
• Hyderabad: 25% commute delay reduction
4. Insurance and Energy:
• Crop insurance: 5-day faster claim processing
• Wind farms: ₹200 crore/year saved in turbine damage

India’s Meteorological Leadership: A Tropical Advantage

• BFS predicts monsoon rainfall 30% more accurately than ECMWF (Indian Ocean Dipole scenarios)
• Cyclone Biparjoy (2023): 40% improved landfall prediction over NOAA models
• Exports and International Adoption:
• Thailand: Licensed BFS for monsoon prediction
• Kenya: 15% crop loss reduction via locust alerts (FAO)

Conclusion: A Climate-Resilient Future Through Meteorological Innovation

The Bharat Forecast System is more than a technological upgrade — it is a paradigm shift in how India prepares for, responds to, and thrives amidst climatic uncertainties. By leveraging indigenous supercomputing, satellite integration, and high-resolution data modeling, India has positioned itself at the forefront of tropical weather forecasting and climate resilience.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bharat-forecast-system-india-launches-worlds-most-precise-weather-model-to-improve-predictions/articleshow/121412223.cms

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-new-weather-model-what-different-how-improve-monsoon-forecast-rainfall-benefit-farmers-flood-management-explained-11748333052856.html

Where to use :  

Paper II( Geography Optional ) : Contemporary Issues 

Why in news : Recent reports, including from the World Bank, confirm India’s climate crisis, with Climate Physical Risks (CPRs) like rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and severe disasters threatening over 80% of its population and economy. 

About : 

What are Climate Physical Risks?

Climate Physical Risks (CPRs) are the tangible and measurable consequences of climate change that affect ecosystems, human societies, and economies. These risks emerge from both extreme weather events and gradual climatic transformations, disrupting infrastructure, livelihoods, health, and long-term economic stability.

These risks are crucial in shaping climate adaptation strategies and disaster risk mitigation frameworks, especially in vulnerable countries like India.

Types of Climate Physical Risks

1. Acute Physical Risks

These are short-term, high-intensity events triggered by extreme weather phenomena such as:

• Cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Amphan, 2020, caused losses exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in India and Bangladesh),
  
• Heatwaves (e.g., 2022 North Indian heatwave led to 90+ deaths and damaged wheat crops),
  
• Floods (e.g., 2023 Himachal Pradesh flash floods),
  
• Severe storms and cloudbursts (e.g., Kedarnath floods, 2013).
  

Impacts include:

• Destruction of physical infrastructure (bridges, railways, housing),
  
• Interruptions in critical supply chains (agriculture, retail, manufacturing),
  
• Casualties and large-scale displacement of people (as seen in Bihar floods 2017),
  
• Disruption of public health and sanitation systems.
  

2. Chronic Physical Risks

These refer to long-term, progressive climate changes that gradually degrade ecological and economic systems. Examples include:

• Sea-level rise affecting coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi,
  
• Warming temperatures, especially in the Himalayan belt and Thar Desert,
  
• Ocean acidification harming fisheries and coral ecosystems in the Andaman and Lakshadweep islands,
  
• Erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, notably in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
  

Impacts include:

• Decline in agricultural productivity (as seen in declining rice yields in Eastern India),
  
• Water stress in river basins like Cauvery and Krishna,
  
• Biodiversity loss in hotspots like Western Ghats and Sundarbans,
  
• Spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria to newer regions.
  

What are Climate Physical Risks (CPRs) for India?

1. Rising Temperatures & Heatwaves

• India’s average temperature rose by ~0.7˚C between 1901–2018, while the Indian Ocean warmed by 1˚C between 1951–2015.
  
• According to IPCC AR6, each additional 0.5°C increase will exacerbate heat stress, erratic rainfall, and drought frequency.
  
• Future projection: If global temperatures reach 4°C by 2100, India could face heatwaves lasting up to 25 times longer (as per IITM Pune studies).
  
• Example: Delhi recorded 49.9°C in May 2024—its highest-ever temperature.
  

2. Erratic Monsoons

• Long-term IMD analysis shows a 27% increase in dry spells and a rise in extreme wet spells during the monsoon from 1981 to 2011.
  
• Central India experienced a 75% increase in extreme rainfall events (>150mm/day) between 1950–2015.
  
• Example: The 2023 monsoon brought extreme rainfall to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, triggering floods and landslides.
  

3. Droughts & Water Scarcity

• 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress (NITI Aayog CWMI, 2019).
  
• 12% of India’s population lives under ‘Day Zero’ conditions—complete depletion of municipal water sources (e.g., Chennai, 2019).
  
• Future outlook: By 2030, India’s water demand may be twice the available supply, potentially causing a 6% loss in GDP.
  
• Example: Bundelkhand’s recurring droughts have triggered large-scale migration and farm suicides.
  

4. Rising Sea Levels

• As per Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (2022), 27 million people in India could be affected by 1-foot sea-level rise by 2100.
  
• Coastal cities like Mumbai, Surat, and Kochi face recurrent tidal flooding and saline intrusion, threatening infrastructure, agriculture, and freshwater aquifers.
  

5. Food Security Crisis

• Wheat yields may decline by 19.3% by 2050 and 40% by 2080, while kharif maize may drop by 18–23%, due to high temperatures and erratic rainfall (ICAR, 2021).
  
• Rising CO₂ concentrations reduce iron, zinc, and protein in rice, wheat, maize, and legumes.
  
• Implication: Over 1 billion people, especially in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, may suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
  
• Example: Punjab, India's grain bowl, faces yield stagnation due to heat stress during Rabi season.
  

6. Economic & Infrastructure Damage

• India faced USD 3 billion in flood-related losses in the past decade—about 10% of global flood losses.
  
• Extreme weather affects railways (e.g., Mumbai's suburban rail flooding), highways, airports, and ports.
  
• Example: 2023 monsoon floods in Gujarat damaged highways and industrial parks, stalling economic activity in GIDC zones.
  

What are the Challenges in Tackling CPRs for India?

1. Fossil Fuel-Centric Energy Model

• Despite a rise in renewables, 77% of India’s electricity (FY23) still comes from coal.
  
• Example: NTPC and other PSUs continue expanding coal capacity despite net-zero ambitions.
  

2. Lack of Climate Finance

• India requires USD 10.1 trillion by 2070 to meet net-zero targets, yet annual climate investments fall short by billions.
  
• Example: In 2023, India attracted only USD 21 billion in green finance, far below its needs.
  

3. Technological Lags

• Over 50% of India’s green energy tech imports (USD 3.89 billion) come from China (FY24).
  
• This over-dependence affects the PLI schemes for solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, and green hydrogen.
  

4. Vulnerability of Renewable Projects

• Climate change impairs renewable efficiency:
  
• Wind speeds in Tamil Nadu may fall by 5% in 2024–25.
  
• High temperatures reduce solar PV efficiency by 0.4–0.5% per °C.
  
• Dust accumulation in Thar Desert regions may slash solar output by up to 60%.
  

5. Limited R&D in Green Technologies

• India spends only 0.7% of GDP on R&D, compared to Israel (4.6%) and South Korea (4.5%).
  
• This hampers innovation in:
  
• Green hydrogen (India launched National Hydrogen Mission, but lags in electrolyzer tech),
  
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS),
  
• Grid-scale battery storage.
  

6. Challenges in Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Transport sector emits 14% of India’s GHGs.
  
• Adoption of EVs is slow due to:
  
• High upfront costs,
  
• Limited charging infrastructure (only 25,000 stations as of 2024),
  
• Weak supply chains for batteries and motors.
  

7. Fragmented Data and Climate Modelling

• CPR assessment remains disjointed across agencies like IMD, IITs, and NDMA.
  
• Existing tools like IIT Gandhinagar’s flood maps and IMD’s vulnerability atlases are valuable but not unified.
  
• Problem: Global climate models often fail to capture hyper-local climate dynamics, especially in complex terrains like the Himalayas or Western Ghats.

What are Government Initiatives to Tackle CPRs? 

1. National Adaptation Plan (NAP) : This is a strategic framework that guides adaptation actions to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change, particularly in sectors like agriculture, water, and health. It focuses on building long-term resilience in vulnerable communities.
2. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) : Launched in 2008, the NAPCC comprises eight core "missions" (like the Solar Mission and Mission on Sustainable Agriculture) that aim to promote climate adaptation and mitigation across key sectors through technology, energy efficiency, and ecosystem protection.
3. Atal Bhujal Yojana : A central sector scheme launched in 2020 to improve groundwater management through community participation in seven water-stressed states. It aims to reduce groundwater overexploitation and enhance recharge capacity—critical for drought resilience.
4. Sovereign Green Bonds : Introduced in 2023 to mobilize resources for climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and low-emission projects. The proceeds are earmarked for public sector green investments, reducing carbon intensity of the economy.
5. Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) : Part of the Union Budget 2023–24, MISHTI aims to restore and protect mangrove ecosystems along India’s coastline to act as natural buffers against sea-level rise, cyclones, and erosion, while enhancing community livelihoods.
6. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) : Launched in 2022 by India and endorsed globally, Mission LiFE promotes sustainable consumption and climate-conscious lifestyles among individuals, emphasizing behavioral change as a tool to reduce climate risks and environmental degradation.

What Strategies can India Implement to Address CPRs? 

1. Agricultural Sustainability : Enhancing climate resilience in agriculture requires promotion of drought-tolerant crops (e.g., climate-smart millets under the International Year of Millets 2023) and micro-irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
   Programs like PM-KUSUM and Per Drop More Crop promote efficient water use and renewable energy in farming.
2. Resilient Urbanisation : Implementing sponge city designs (e.g., Indore’s rainwater harvesting model) and enforcing green building codes can reduce urban flooding and heat stress.
   Urban forests (e.g., Miyawaki forests in Bengaluru) and Heat Action Plans (Ahmedabad’s model reduced mortality by 30%) help cities adapt to rising temperatures.
3. Coastal Adaptation : Protecting coastlines through mangrove restoration (e.g., under MISHTI in Sundarbans and Bhitarkanika) and climate-resilient infrastructure like elevated ports in Odisha helps buffer storm surges and sea-level rise.
   Strengthened early warning systems (IMD cyclone alerts) reduce casualties from events like Cyclone Fani (2019).
4. Decentralized Adaptation : District-level Climate Resilience Cells can combine indigenous knowledge (e.g., Zabo system of Nagaland for water conservation) with vulnerability mapping using satellite and AI tools for localized climate solutions.
   Kerala’s Local Adaptation Plan for Action (LAPA) is a model of decentralized planning.
5. Domestic Clean Energy : To cut import dependence (over 50% of solar tech from China), the National Green Hydrogen Mission and PLI schemes promote domestic manufacturing of solar PVs, batteries, and wind turbines.
   India is also exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for safe, scalable nuclear energy.

Conclusion

India’s rising CPRs—ranging from heatwaves to coastal threats—demand multi-sectoral, decentralized, and innovation-driven responses. While progress is visible through initiatives like MISHTI, NAPCC, and Mission LiFE, building long-term resilience requires integrated action—from farm to city, coast to climate lab—to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

Source :  https://greencentralbanking.com/2025/06/09/us-insurers-are-taking-note-of-climate-change-risks-report-finds/

Where to use : 

Paper III ( General Studies ) : Climate change and disaster 

Why in news : The pharmaceutical industry is evolving rapidly with biologics, AI, and automation driving changes in drug development and manufacturing. To stay competitive globally, India must foster specialized skills in these technologies and address key challenges like regulatory compliance, infrastructure, and innovation capacity. 

About : 

State of India’s Pharmaceutical Industry

• Global Role: 3rd-largest by volume, 14th by value. Supplies 50% of global vaccine demand and 40% of U.S. generics.
  
• Market Size: Valued at $50 billion in FY24, expected to hit $130 billion by 2030.
  
• Biotech Sector: Valued at $137 billion (2022); projected to reach $300 billion by 2030.

Key Segments

• Generics: Fulfills 20% of global demand.
  
• APIs: Over 500 APIs produced; 8% of global share.
  
• Medical Devices: Poised to grow from $11 billion to $50 billion by 2030.
  

Growth Drivers

• Low Costs: Indian drugs are 60–90% cheaper than Western alternatives.
  
• Govt Support: PLI schemes boost local production of APIs and formulations.
  
• R&D Strength: 64,480 patent applications in 2023; ranks 6th globally.

Key Concerns in Tech-driven Pharma Growth

1. Data Privacy & Cybersecurity

Digitization exposes sensitive health data to breaches.  India faced a 37% rise in healthcare cyberattacks in 2023 (CERT-In).

2. Rising Costs & Access Inequality

High-tech tools like biologics and AI require large investments, often unaffordable for SMEs. Example: Biologics can cost 10–20x more than traditional drugs.

3. Regulatory Gaps

Technology outpaces regulations, causing delays in approval.India’s average approval time is 18–24 months, compared to <12 months in the U.S.

4. Skill Shortage

There is a major talent deficit in bioinformatics, robotics, and data science. Only 2% of pharma workforce is trained in AI/digital tools (as per FICCI report, 2023).

5. Ethical & Equity Challenges

Technologies like gene editing raise questions about consent, bias, and access.Limited rural access to AI-driven diagnostics widens the healthcare gap.

Major Technologies Shaping the Pharmaceutical Industry

1. AI & Machine Learning

AI/ML accelerates drug discovery by predicting molecular interactions, repurposing drugs, and enabling personalized treatment.
Example: Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy's use AI for diseases like diabetes and TB.
Fact: DRDO's Centre for AI and Robotics (CAIR) is exploring AI for healthcare innovation.

2. Generative AI & LLMs

LLMs analyze genomic and clinical trial data to design better trials and interpret biological complexity.
Example: Global use of AI platforms like DeepMind's AlphaFold is being mirrored in India’s research pipelines.

3. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

IoMT links wearables and sensors to monitor vitals, aiding chronic disease management and decentralized trials.
Example: Apollo Hospitals use remote patient monitoring systems.
Fact: IoT packaging ensures temperature-sensitive drugs like vaccines meet WHO storage norms.

4. Blockchain Technology

Ensures drug traceability, combats counterfeits, and secures patient records.
Example: IIT Madras’ BlockTrack allows secure health record sharing via blockchain.
Fact: India loses $3–4 billion annually to counterfeit drugs—blockchain reduces such leakages.

5. Biologics & Biosimilars

Biologics include vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapies; biosimilars are their affordable versions post-patent expiry.
Example: Biocon is a leader in insulin and biosimilar production.
Fact: India’s biosimilar market may reach $35 billion by 2030.

6. Digital Twin Technology

Simulates drug production processes to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce errors.
Example: Used in continuous manufacturing lines by top pharma plants in Gujarat and Telangana.

Measures for Responsible Technological Intervention

1. Agile Regulatory Frameworks

Adopt dynamic, risk-based approvals for innovations while ensuring safety.
Example: India’s New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules (2019) simplified trial approvals.

2. Strengthen Data Security & Ethics

Use blockchain, encryption, and AI threat detection. Example : Aligns with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

3. Skilling & Talent Development

Collaborate with academia to develop AI, biotech, and automation training programs.Example: CSIR and AICTE’s biotech innovation hubs support student-led projects.

4. Ethical Governance & Public Engagement

Ensure transparency in clinical trials and build public trust via ethical committees.
Example: ICMR’s guidelines on AI ethics in health research.

5. Foster Open Innovation & Collaboration

Public–private partnerships and global consortia can scale innovation affordably.
Example: India–UK med-tech partnerships in oncology and digital health.

Conclusion

To sustain leadership in pharmaceuticals amid tech disruption, India must bridge talent gaps, reform regulations, and ensure equitable tech adoption. Leveraging AI, biotech, and digital tools responsibly will enhance innovation, reduce costs, and position India as a global pharma innovation hub.

Source : https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/Pharma-40-Shaping-the-Future-of-Pharmaceutical-Manufacturing.aspx

Where to use :  

Paper II ( Geography Optional ) :   Industries .

Districts : : Eastern Maharashtra (Akola, Amravati, Yavatmal, Wardha, Buldhana, Washim)

Agro-climatic zone: Dry sub-humid to semi-arid

Main crop: Cotton (rain-fed)

Soil: Black cotton soil (regur)

Irrigation coverage: Less than 12% of gross cropped area

Extent of the Problem

Key Causes of Suicide in Vidarbha

1. A. Indebtedness and Credit Trap
2. Crop Failure and Climate Vulnerability
3. Price Volatility and Low Returns
4. Lack of Alternative Income Sources

Where to use : 

Paper II ( Geography Optional ) : Farmers and Agrarian Unrest

1. Valparai plateau

Why in news :  Rainforest fragments in an around Valparai Plateau in Western Ghats 

About : 

• It is a region located in the Western Ghats mountain range of India, specifically in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. 
• Valparai is a hill station known for its tea, coffee plantations, and cardamom plantations. 
• The area serves as a crucial habitat for wildlife, including elephants that undertake an annual migration through the region. 
• The Valparai plateau is part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), contributing to its biodiversity and ecological significance.
  • Approx : Coimbatore 

2. Krem Mawjymbuin cave

Why in news :  A new species of cave-adapted fish, Schistura densiclava, has been discovered in Krem Mawjymbuin cave in Meghalaya (East Khasi Hills). 

About : 

• It is a limestone cave in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India.
•  It's located in Mawsynram, a village known as the wettest place on earth. 
• The cave is a natural wonder and holds religious significance, particularly for Hindus who consider a naturally formed shivalinga within the cave. 
  • Approx :  East Khasi Hills 

3. Haveri 

Why in news :  A rare Kannada inscription discovered in Haveri, Karnataka, marks the first known historical record in India to document a mass humanitarian disaster (6,307 deaths) due to bara" (drought), dating back to 18th August 1539 CE. 

About : 

• It is a city and headquarters of Haveri district of Karnataka State in India.  
• It is famous for its cardamom garlands, Byadgi red chillies and Hukkeri Math.
• Around 25 km away, there is a place called Bada, which is the birthplace of the poet Kanakadasa.
  • Approx : Hubli 

4. Khichan (Phalodi) 

Why in news :  The Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) wetlands in Rajasthan have been declared Ramsar Sites, bringing India's total to 91, the highest in Asia. 

About : 

• It is a village  located in the Phalodi tehsil of Phalodi district of Rajasthan.
• It is a railway station on the broad gauge line and connects all important towns in Rajasthan. 
• Phalodi Railway station lies on the broad gauge line of the Delhi- Jaisalmer and Bikaner - Jaisalmer train route. 
  • Approx :  Jaisalmer  

5. Menar (Udaipur) 

Why in news :  The Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) wetlands in Rajasthan have been declared Ramsar Sites, bringing India's total to 91, the highest in Asia. 

About : 

• It is a small village located around 45 km southeast of Udaipur in Rajasthan , India 
• Often referred as the Peacock Paradise.
• It is primarily known for its picturesque Menar Lake , which is surrounded by hills and offers a tranquil environment .
  • Approx :  Udaipur