Ministry of Earth Sciences Marks 20th Foundation Day, Launches Weather & Ocean Initiatives
On 27 July 2026, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) celebrated its 20th Foundation Day at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi, marking two decades of work in weather forecasting, oceanography, seismology and polar research. The event was presided over by MoES Secretary Dr N. Kalaiselvi. Key launches included: the India Meteorological Department (IMD) establishing 13 Centres of Excellence, upgrading the Thiruvananthapuram Cyclone Warning Centre to an Area Cyclone Warning Centre, and launching IMD NOVA for thunderstorm nowcasting; the NCMRWF's WINGS mobile app and a National Doppler Weather Radar Reflectivity Mosaic; and the National Centre for Seismology releasing the Strong Motion Atlas of India (2010-2020).
IMD (India Meteorological Department) founded in 1875; HQ New Delhi | IMD's 150th anniversary fell in 2025 | MoES also oversees INCOIS, NCPOR and the National Centre for Seismology | Dr N. Kalaiselvi also led CSIR as its first woman Director-General
The Ministry of Earth Sciences marked its 20th Foundation Day (27 July 2026), launching IMD NOVA, the WINGS app and the Strong Motion Atlas of India (2010-2020).