- Why in news
- On 5 February 2026, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences told the Rajya Sabha about progress under the PRITHVI scheme in 2024-25, covering observation networks, models and early warnings.
- What it is
- PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) is a Ministry of Earth Sciences scheme that covers the whole Earth system: atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth. It combines earlier ministry schemes into one umbrella with five sub-schemes. It supports observations, research, forecasting services, polar and ocean exploration, and training.
- Scope
- The scheme addresses all five components of the earth system to improve understanding and give reliable services such as weather forecasts and disaster warnings.
- Radar network
- The Doppler Weather Radar network now has 47 radars.
- Forecast model
- The indigenous Bharat Forecasting System global model runs at about 6 km resolution.
- Seismology
- The seismic network can detect earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 and above, and seismic microzonation is complete for 12 cities.
- Implementing ministry
- The scheme is run by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Don’t confuse with PRITHVI vs Prithvi missile: PRITHVI is an earth-science scheme of MoES. The Prithvi missile is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile of DRDO.
Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.
Why it matters
- Gives better forecasts and early warnings for cyclones, floods, heatwaves and earthquakes, reducing loss of life and property.
- Brings atmosphere, ocean, polar and seismic work under one scheme for joined-up planning.
Problems
- Gaps between targets and achievements in some indicators, such as only 1 of 4 targeted DWRs commissioned in 2024-25.
- Warnings must reach the last mile and be turned into local action.
Way forward
- Speed up radar and sensor installation and improve district-level impact-based forecasts.
- Link forecasts with disaster management agencies and local bodies for timely action.
Put in your answer
Forecast accuracy: One-day-ahead heavy rainfall warning accuracy reached 85% in the 2025 monsoon, against 77% in 2020.
- 2018Mains GS1 · Q5Why India takes keen interest in resources of the Arctic region.
- 2026Mains GS1 · Q15Role of satellite technologies in climate-smart agriculture and food security.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Prelims practice · Statements
Ours, not from a UPSC paper
Consider the following statements:
- 1.The PRITHVI scheme addresses five components of the earth system: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere and biosphere.
- 2.The Bharat Forecasting System global model, developed under the Ministry's modelling effort, has a highest resolution of about 12 km.
- 3.The PRITHVI scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
True or false?
1 of 5
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.The PRITHVI scheme covers atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere and biosphere components of the earth system.
True. It addresses all five components of the earth system.
2.The Doppler Weather Radar network under the scheme has been expanded to 47 radars.
True. The network has 47 DWRs.
3.Under the scheme, the seismic network is able to detect earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 and above.
True. Detection threshold is magnitude 3.0.
4.The Hilsa Fishery Advisory Service is among the early warning and advisory services provided under the scheme.
True. HiFA is listed among the advisory services.
5.The PRITHVI scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
False. It is implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.