Govt Launches ‘Bharat Forecast System’, World’s First Weather Model to offer 6 Km Resolution

Current Context: On May 26, 2025, the Government of India launched the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), a groundbreaking weather model offering 6-km resolution forecasts, surpassing existing global models in precision.

• Developed by IITM Pune, BFS enhances monsoon tracking, disaster management, and agricultural planning, ensuring localized weather predictions for rural and urban areas.

Key Features & Advancements:

• High-Resolution Forecasts: BFS operates at 6-km resolution, compared to global models with 10-15 km resolution, improving accuracy for local weather changes.
• Powered by Supercomputers: Uses Arka and Arunika, India's most advanced meteorological supercomputers, enabling faster weather simulations.
• Improved Disaster Preparedness: Provides 30% more accurate extreme weather predictions, helping authorities respond effectively to cyclones, floods, and heatwaves.
• Village-Level Forecasting: BFS delivers granular climate insights, ensuring farmers receive precise monsoon predictions for better crop planning.
• Tropical Weather Model: Designed specifically for India and tropical regions, making it highly relevant for nations with similar climatic patterns.

Question:

Q.1 Which institution developed the Bharat Forecast System (BFS)?
a) IMD, Delhi
b) ISRO
c) IITM Pune
d) NCMRWF

Answer: c) The BFS was developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, a leading institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences specializing in climate and atmospheric research.