Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates AATAL Lab at IITM Delhi

Why in the News?

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, **Dr. Jitendra Singh**, inaugurated the **Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL)** at the Delhi branch of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

Key Features / Major Points:

- First-of-its-Kind Facility: Specially established for the Delhi-NCR region to move beyond generic Air Quality Index (AQI) metrics and identify the specific chemical composition of pollutants.

- Under Mission Mausam: Developed under the flagship national **Mission Mausam** initiative to bolster atmospheric science, meteorology, and air-quality forecasting.

- Real-Time Integration: Integrated with IITM's **AIRWISE system** for real-time source apportionment (distinguishing sources like vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions, or stubble burning).

- Comprehensive Toxicity Mapping: Equipped to analyze fine particulate matter, heavy metals, microplastics, and carcinogenic compounds to issue timely public health advisories.

- Key Officials Present: Attended by Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar (Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences), Dr. A. Suryachandra Rao (Director, IITM), and Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (Director General, IMD).

Static GK Facts:

- IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology):

- Established: **November 17, 1962** (Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra).

- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

- India Meteorological Department (IMD):

- Established: **1875** | Headquarters: New Delhi.

- Director General: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (known as the 'Cyclone Man of India').

- Mission Mausam: Union Cabinet-approved national initiative designed to upgrade India's weather observation networks, modeling, and climate forecasting capabilities.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: At which institute's Delhi campus did Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurate the AATAL facility in October 2026?

A: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)

Q: Under which national initiative was the AATAL laboratory established?

A: Mission Mausam

Q: Which real-time system is the AATAL facility linked with to track pollution source apportionment?

A: AIRWISE System

Q: Where is the main headquarters of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) located?

A: Pune, Maharashtra

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