36th International Geological Congress (IGC)

International Geological Congress (IGC)- Relevance for UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 2: International Relations- Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

 

36^th International Geological Congress (IGC) in News

• The reformatted 36^thInternational Geological Congress is being organized jointly by the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India and Indian National Science Academy.

 

Key Points about 36^th International Geological Congress (IGC)`

• 36^th International Geological Congress (IGC)` is being organized on a virtual platform with the support of India’s neighboring countries- Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Theme of 36^th IGC: “Geoscience for the next decade: Challenges and Society”.
• The scientific program under 36^th IGC reflected on how Geosciences are integrally related to a sustainable future, touching various aspects of life.
• 36^th International Geological Congress (IGC) was attended virtually by the geoscience community over the world with its inaugural ceremony in a hybrid mode.

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

 

International Geological Congress (IGC)- Key Points

• About: International Geological Congress (IGC) is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization. International Geological Congress (IGC) is also described as the Olympics of Geosciences.
  • Meetings of the IGC are held in collaboration with and under the sponsorship of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
  • IUGS holds its General Assemblies in conjunction with Sessions of the IGC.
• Frequency of IGC Meetings: IGC’s are held quadrennial, under the aegis of the International Union of Geological Congress (IUGS), the scientific sponsor of IGCs.
• Mandate: The main purpose of the Congress is to encourage the advancement of fundamental and applied research in the Earth sciences worldwide.​

 

Key Facts about International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS)

• About: International Union of Geological Sciences founded in 1961, with 121 national members, representing over a million geoscientists.
  • The IUGS is one of the World’s largest scientific organizations.
  • The IUGS is a member of the International Science Council (ISC).
• Mandate: The IUGS encourages international co-operation and participation in the Earth sciences in relation to human welfare.
• IUGS Membership: its membership is open to countries or defined regions.

 

Key Functions of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS)

• IUGS promotes and encourages the study of geological problems, especially those of worldwide significance.
  • IUGS also supports and facilitates international and interdisciplinary cooperation in the Earth sciences.
• IUGS gives special consideration to-
  • International standards;
  • Geoscience education;
  • Geoscience information;
  • Environmental management and hazards.
• IUGS works through topic-specific Commissions, Task Groups, and Initiatives as well as Joint Programs with other organizations, that are concerned with a wide range of geologic research of direct interest to governments, industry, and academic groups within the Earth sciences.
• IUGS aims to promote the development of the Earth sciences through the support of broad-based scientific studies relevant to the entire Earth system-
  • To apply the results of these and other studies to preserving Earth’s natural environment, using all natural resources wisely and improving the prosperity of nations and the quality of human life; and
  • To strengthen public awareness of geology and advance geological education in the widest sense.
• IUGS fosters dialogue and communication among the various specialists in earth sciences around the world.
  • IUGS achieves this by organizing international projects and meetings, sponsoring symposia and scientific field trips, and producing publications.

 

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