Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today chaired the Second General Body Meeting of the Earth System Sciences Council (ESSC), where he emphasised citizen-centric science communication and the need to transform India's scientific achievements into accessible, compelling narratives for the general public.

Calling for greater citizen-centric science communication, the Minister stressed that scientific breakthroughs, technological innovations and research outcomes must be conveyed in simple language that enables ordinary citizens to appreciate their relevance and national significance.

The meeting reviewed the annual reports and audited accounts for FY 2025-26 of the five constituent institutions of ESSC; National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar; Director General, CSIR, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi; Joint Secretary, MoES, Dr. G.R.S. Rao; Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser, MoES, Chetan Prakash Jain; and senior scientists and officials of the Ministry and its institutions attended the meeting.

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that professional communication expertise must complement scientific knowledge to make research and technological achievements more accessible to society. He encouraged greater coordination among institutional communication teams, regular interaction with media professionals and the use of creative formats to communicate scientific achievements, technological applications and public services more effectively.

Reviewing the progress of the Deep Ocean Mission, Dr. Jitendra Singh was apprised of major advances in India's human deep-sea exploration programme, including the development of MATSYA-6000, the country's 6,000-metre depth-rated human submersible. Indian aquanauts successfully completed dives to 4,025 metres and 5,002 metres during the Indo-French expedition aboard the submersible Nautile, marking a significant advancement in India's deep-sea exploration capabilities.

NIOT also reported progress in indigenous ocean technologies, including desalination solutions for Lakshadweep, offshore fish cage technologies, oceanographic instrumentation, deep-sea mineral exploration and ocean thermal energy conversion. These initiatives strengthen India's capabilities in ocean exploration, marine research and sustainable utilisation of ocean resources.

Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed scientific advances under Mission Mausam and the PRITHVI programme, including developments in the Bharat Forecasting System, advanced numerical weather prediction and atmospheric observation networks.

IITM's research is strengthening weather and climate forecasting through improved modelling systems, expanded observation infrastructure and emerging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications. These efforts are aimed at improving forecasting capabilities and strengthening India's scientific preparedness for weather and climate-related challenges.

The Minister reviewed INCOIS's expanding ocean information and advisory services for fishing communities, coastal populations and maritime stakeholders. Its services include multilingual marine advisories, fishing-related information, swell-surge inundation forecasts and ocean observation products, strengthening the application of ocean science in public service delivery and coastal preparedness.

NCESS presented its scientific contributions in earth sciences, including research on landslides, tectonic processes, ocean structures, atmospheric aerosols and rainfall over the Western Ghats, alongside the development of scientific laboratories and research facilities.

Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed NCPOR's achievements in polar and ocean research, including the 45th Indian Antarctic Expedition involving 95 members, the 16th Indian Arctic Expedition, glacier monitoring in the Himalayas and scientific investigations in the Southern Ocean.

Research on polar environments, glacier dynamics, ocean-atmosphere interactions and carbon cycling continue to contribute to a deeper understanding of climate change and global environmental processes, strengthening India's contribution to international polar research.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh welcomed the suggestions and contributions of members and assured follow-up by the Ministry. He encouraged members to continue sharing ideas and suggestions with him, the Secretary and concerned officials beyond formal meetings, describing the institutions as an extended scientific family working collectively towards advancing India's Earth Sciences capabilities.

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