The 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) took place in Beijing, China, from August 8-16, 2024. Indian students showcased their exceptional skills and brought home several prestigious medals. The four-member team, representing Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, secured three gold medals, three bronze medals, and two silver medals across three competition categories.
Categories and Achievements
The competition was divided into four main categories:
- Theory and Practical
- Earth System Project
- International Team Field Investigation
- Data Mining
India excelled in these areas, demonstrating strong performance across all categories.
Official Recognition and Support
- Dr. Jitendra Singh: The Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for various departments, including the Ministry of Earth Sciences, congratulated the Indian team and praised their achievement.
- Dr. M Ravichandran: Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Earth Sciences, expressed pride in the students and highlighted the IESO’s role in advancing earth science education under the REACHOUT scheme.
- Dr. Jagvir Singh: Scientist G & Adviser, MoES, emphasized the IESO’s vision to inspire young minds in earth sciences and address critical environmental challenges.
IESO Background
Founded in 2003 during the International Geoscience Education Organization Council Meeting in Calgary, Canada, the IESO is an annual event aimed at fostering interest in earth sciences. It encourages global teamwork, idea exchange, and competition.
India’s Participation
India has been a participant in the IESO since 2007 and hosted the 10th edition in Mysore. This year, 35 countries competed, with 32 reaching the finals.
Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO)
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) supports the INESO, a national-level competition for students in grades 9 to 12, as a precursor to the IESO. This event, facilitated annually by the Geological Society of India in collaboration with MoES and other educational bodies, covers subjects such as geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental sciences. Top performers from INESO are selected to represent India at the IESO.
Support from the MoES
The MoES backs both the INESO and IESO under the REACHOUT scheme, part of the PRITHVI (PRITHvi Vigyan) scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2024. The scheme aims to enhance the understanding of Earth system sciences through research, development, and reliable services.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When and where was the 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held?
- A) August 1-7, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan
- B) August 8-16, 2024, in Beijing, China
- C) August 15-22, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea
- D) August 10-17, 2024, in New Delhi, India
- How many gold medals did the Indian team win at the 17th IESO?
- A) Two
- B) Three
- C) Four
- D) Five
- Which official is the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Earth Sciences?
- A) Dr. Jitendra Singh
- B) Dr. M Ravichandran
- C) Dr. Jagvir Singh
- D) Dr. Anil Kumar
- What is the primary focus of the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO)?
- A) Promoting sports among students
- B) Advancing knowledge in Earth system sciences
- C) Encouraging innovation in technology
- D) Supporting language learning
- Which scheme supports the Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) and the IESO?
- A) SWACHH Bharat Mission
- B) REACHOUT scheme
- C) Digital India Initiative
- D) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao