36th International Geological Congress to be held in New Delhi

36th International Geological Congress to be held in New Delhi

What is the news :

• The 36th International Geological Congress (IGC), themed “Geosciences: The Basic Science for a Sustainable Future” will be held during 20-22 March, 2022 in New Delhi.
• The 36^thIGC is a joint endeavour of the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Indian National Science Academy and the Science Academies of Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Described as the Olympics of Geosciences, the IGCs are held quadrennial, under the aegis of the International Union of Geological Congress (IUGS), the Scientific Sponsor of the IGCs. They draw participants to the tune of around 5000 – 7000 delegates from all over the world.

What is Geosciences :

• Geoscience (also called Earth Science) is the study of Earth. Geoscience includes so much more than rocks and volcanoes, it studies the processes that form and shape Earth’s surface, the natural resources we use, and how water and ecosystems are interconnected.
• Geoscientists help protect the planet by studying it, learning from it, and predicting what the future will bring.
• They perform environmental assessments and study global environmental systems. They locate water, mineral, and energy resources. They predict geological disasters.

About the event :

• The event would provide a unique platform for knowledge and experience sharing in the field of geosciences and professional networking.
• It would give first-hand information on latest technologies in mining, mineral exploration and management of water, mineral resource and environment.
• It would also facilitate increased academic production and create opportunities for capacity building across geoscientific streams.
• The Congress is slated to be inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi and Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Minister of State for Coal, Mines & Railways Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve and Minster of State for Communications Shri Devusinh Chauhan.

Key Points :

• The entire world, today, is concerned about its sustainability. Since Geoscience can play a crucial role in addressing it, the 36th IGC has been themed as “Geoscience – the Basic Science for a Sustainable Future”.
• The scientific programme will reflect on how Geosciences are integrally related to a sustainable future, touching various aspects of life.
• The talks will also highlight the complex interactions of various phenomena that regulate the Earth processes and their symbiosis with the biosphere, by focusing on emerging paradigms in the realm of geosciences in the context of sustainable development.
• India, leading its regional partners had bid in the 34^thInternational Geological Congress at Brisbane in 2012 to host the 36^th IGC in India in the year 2020. India won the bid.
• The present Congress originally scheduled to be held during 2-8 March, 2020 was postponed due to Covid Pandemic.
• 36^thIGC will be releasing three commemorative Postage Stamps on the occasion along with the First Day Cover.  58 years ago India had hosted the 22^nd session of the IGC which was the first IGC on the Asian soil.