UPSC Notes

India's Advanced Weather Prediction Capabilities

PYQs

6

Articles

1

Momentum

17

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept is crucial for understanding India's scientific and technological advancements, particularly in critical areas like disaster management, agricultural planning, and water resource management. It demonstrates India's self-reliance and regional leadership in meteorological services, aligning with national strategic and economic goals.

India has significantly enhanced its meteorological services through the development and implementation of advanced weather prediction systems like the Bharat Forecast System (BharatFS). These systems leverage cutting-edge supercomputing and modeling techniques to provide high-resolution, localized weather forecasts crucial for various sectors.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Resolution

6 km horizontal resolution (global operational model)

Grid System

Triangular Cubic Octahedral (TCo) dynamical grid

Supercomputing Support

Arka (IITM-Pune) and Arunika (NCMRWF-Noida)

Indigenous Development

Developed by IITM-Pune, NCMRWF-Noida, IMD, aligning with 'Make in India'

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaScience & Technology
Conceptual areaDisaster Management
Conceptual areaIndian Geography

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM-Pune)Developed
National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF-Noida)Supported development
India Meteorological Department (IMD)Supported development, utilizes system
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • BharatFS: India's 6km resolution global weather prediction model.
  • Uses Triangular Cubic Octahedral (TCo) grid and MoES supercomputers (Arka, Arunika).
  • Provides localized forecasts (panchayat/village level) for agriculture and water management.
  • Significantly improves extreme rainfall prediction, aiding disaster preparedness.
  • Indigenous development by IITM, NCMRWF, IMD, aligning with 'Make in India'.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Science & TechnologyDisaster ManagementIndian Geography

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: BHARAT FORECAST SYSTEM

22 Jul 2026 · BharatFS is India's new 6km resolution global weather prediction model, using TCo grid and supercomputers (Arka, Arunika). It provides localized forecasts for agriculture, water management, and improved extreme weather prediction, enhancing disaster preparedness and showcasing India's indigenous tech capabilities.

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India's Advanced Weather Prediction Capabilities

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UPSC has asked 6 linked questions on India's Advanced Weather Prediction Capabilities in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.