Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; and Minister of State (Independent Charge) Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, said today that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, is leading the world in addressing climate-related issues.
The Minister was in Noida for a visit to India's premier and one of the world's most advanced institutions, the "National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast" (NCMRWF).
According to the Minister, Prime Minister Modi has consistently raised India's voice on the issue of climate change at every global forum. He stated that given India's vast area, diversity, and heterogeneity, as well as its role as a disaster management leader, the world looks to India to address global challenges such as climate change.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the world should recognize and appreciate India's top position in the next 25 years, when the country celebrates its centennial of independence, crediting its scientific prowess in R&D and innovation capabilities.
The Minister stated that the country is in the midst of a knowledge explosion, with eager Indian youth seeking to expand their horizons in scientific innovation. He stated that the rate of scientific advancement in India is astounding and that it has begun to bear fruit for the rest of the world to see.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India is at the forefront of weather forecasting and the best in the world, owing to its large and diverse population. He stated that the country has a Prime Minister like Narendra Modi who places a high value on science and technology, encouraging scientists to achieve greater success.
According to the Union Minister, Indian youth have a scientific temperament due to aptitude and the Government of India, too, is committed to encouraging them by giving wider exposure.
Dr. Jitendra Singh walked around the NCMRWF complex and was briefed by Dr. Ashis K. Mitra, Head, NCMRWF, on the facilities, functioning, and various activities. The Minister was also informed about the most recent computing facility and India's first supercomputer, CRAY X-MP, which was installed at NCMRWF in 1988 and remained operational until 1999.
During the visit, Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary, M/o Earth Sciences, as well as senior officials from M/o Earth Sciences and NCMRWF, were present. NCMRWF is a centre of excellence in numerical modelling and data assimilation and is one of only 11-12 such centres in the world. The centre is also a heavy user of the National Knowledge Network (NKN).
