The Cabinet approved the Mausam Mission to expand research and development, as well as the capacity for monitoring, modeling, forecasting and managing climate.

By integrating advanced observation systems, high-performance computing and technologies such as artificial intelligence, the initiative will establish a new benchmark for more accurate monsoon predictions and air quality alerts, said the Executive, which also mentioned extreme weather events, cyclones, meteorological interventions to manage fog, hail and rain.

For the central government, the Mausam Mission will directly benefit agriculture, disaster management, defense, aviation, water resources, energy, tourism, maritime transport and health, and improve decision-making in areas such as urban planning, road and rail transport, offshore operations and environmental monitoring.

Another new initiative is a new payment scheme for the purchase and operation of at least 38,000 electric buses for public transportation, to be manufactured in the country, which will contribute to reduce pollution. Added to this are other plans to encourage the production and purchase of electric two- and three-wheeled vehicles, ambulances, trucks and buses, and the construction of roads prepared for all types of weather.

At present, most public transport in India runs on diesel or other similar polluting variants, which causes an adverse environmental impact, the authorities acknowledged.

These programs promote private sector engagement and an efficient, competitive and resilient manufacturing industry, to address concerns related to environmental pollution and fuel security, as well as to achieve significant progress in promoting sustainable transportation solutions.

jrr/llp/jf/lrd