As part of Mission Mausam, India is building a cloud chamber at which institute?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
Explanation:
- Under the Government of India's ambitious 'Mission Mausam' (Mission Weather), a state-of-the-art Cloud Chamber is being constructed at the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
- What is a Cloud Chamber? It is a laboratory where the process of cloud formation is studied under artificial conditions. Through this facility, scientists can gain insights into how clouds form, how raindrops develop within them, and how lightning occurs.
- Objective: Its primary goal is to develop techniques for 'Weather Modification'—that is, bringing about artificial changes in the weather—such as inducing artificial rainfall through 'Cloud Seeding.'
- Significance: This represents a major stride toward making India self-reliant in the fields of weather forecasting and the management of extreme weather events (such as excessively heavy rainfall or droughts).
Key Points regarding 'Mission Mausam' (for revision):
- Nodal Ministry: This mission is being spearheaded by the 'Ministry of Earth Sciences.'
- Budget: The Central Government has allocated approximately ₹2,000 crore for this two-year mission.
- Technology: The initiative will utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and High-Performance Computing systems.
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Where is the 'Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology' (IITM) located?
Answer: Pune.
Question: What is the primary objective of 'Mission Mausam'?
Answer: To enhance the accuracy of weather forecasting and to develop weather management techniques.
Question: What is the process of inducing artificial rainfall called?
Answer: Cloud Seeding.