India's fastest and first multi petaflops supercomputer named Pratyush was unveiled at which Indian research institute?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Pratyush is an important milestone in India's supercomputing efforts, especially in the field of weather and climate research. It is described as one of India's fastest and first multi petaflops supercomputers dedicated to improving weather forecasting and climate modelling. This question tests your general awareness of major Indian scientific institutions and their achievements in high performance computing. Knowing where Pratyush was installed helps you connect supercomputing technology with real world applications in meteorology.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The supercomputer in question is named Pratyush.
  • It is described as India's fastest and first multi petaflops supercomputer.
  • The question asks at which institute Pratyush was unveiled or installed.
  • Options include IISc Bengaluru, ISRO Bengaluru, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune, IIT New Delhi and C DAC Pune.


Concept / Approach:
Pratyush was deployed to support advanced weather modelling and climate research in India. For this purpose, it was installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, which is a key centre for atmospheric and climate studies under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. While ISRO and IISc also conduct high level research and operate powerful computers, the specific multi petaflops supercomputer named Pratyush is associated with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. C DAC has developed other supercomputers, but the name Pratyush is tied to meteorology. Therefore, the correct answer is Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Identify the field of application of Pratyush, which is weather and climate research rather than space missions or general engineering. Step 2: Recall that the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune specialises in atmospheric science and climate modelling. Step 3: Connect the need for high performance computing with the complex numerical models used in meteorology at this institute. Step 4: Compare this with the roles of IISc, ISRO and IITs, which have different primary missions even though they use supercomputers. Step 5: Choose Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune as the institution where Pratyush was unveiled.


Verification / Alternative check:
Press releases and news reports about the launch of Pratyush highlight that it was installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune to enhance India's weather forecasting capabilities. They mention that the system would support monsoon prediction and climate research through more detailed and frequent simulations. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is often cited as the coordinating body. These sources do not place Pratyush at IISc, ISRO or IITs, though those institutions may have their own computing resources. This confirms that IITM Pune is the correct location associated with Pratyush in general knowledge questions.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru: A leading research university with its own facilities, but Pratyush was not unveiled there.
  • Indian Space Research Organisation, Bengaluru: Responsible for space missions and satellites, not the host of the Pratyush weather supercomputer.
  • Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi: An engineering institute (IIT Delhi) that conducts research but is not the location of Pratyush.
  • Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, Pune: C DAC designs and develops supercomputers like PARAM, but Pratyush is specifically associated with IITM for meteorology.


Common Pitfalls:
Because C DAC is famous for building India's earlier supercomputers, some learners may assume every Indian supercomputer is located there. Others might select ISRO or IISc simply because they recognise those names. To avoid these mistakes, try to link each supercomputer name with its primary application domain. Pratyush is connected to weather and climate research, and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune is India's main centre for such studies. Remembering that connection will help you quickly choose IITM Pune in exam questions about the location of Pratyush.


Final Answer:
India's fastest and first multi petaflops supercomputer Pratyush was unveiled at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune.

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