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Type: Prelims Only

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    Google’s GenCast AI

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: GenCast

    Why in the News?

    Google DeepMind has unveiled its revolutionary GenCast AI model, designed to predict the weather more accurately and farther in advance than current forecasting tools.

    About GenCast:

    What is it?
    • GenCast is an AI-based weather forecasting model developed by Google DeepMind.
    • It uses machine learning techniques for more accurate and long-term predictions compared to traditional models.
    • Unlike traditional numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, GenCast uses an ensemble of AI-generated forecasts, trained on 40 years of reanalysis data.
    • Outperforms traditional tools in predicting extreme weather, tropical cyclones, and wind power production.
    How GenCast Works
    • Trained on 40 years of reanalysis data (1979–2019), blending historical data and modern forecasts.
    • It is powered by a neural network with 41,162 nodes and 240,000 edges, where nodes process data and edges connect them.
    • A diffusion model that refines noisy data in 30 steps to improve forecast accuracy.
    • It generates about 50 forecasts at once, providing probabilistic predictions (e.g., likelihood of rain, not exact amounts).
    • Generates forecasts in 8 minutes using a single TPU v5 unit, much faster than traditional NWP models, which take hours.
    Significance of GenCast
    • Outperforms ECMWF ensemble forecasts on 97.2% of targets, especially for extreme weather predictions.
    • Provides longer-term forecasts for up to 15 days, with spatial resolution of 0.25° x 0.25° and 12-hour intervals.
    • Offers probabilistic forecasts to help better prepare for extreme weather.
    • Faster processing than traditional models, reducing forecast time from hours to minutes.
    • Sustainability and scalability allow the model to be expanded to other areas of weather prediction.
    • Google collaborates with weather agencies to enhance AI forecasting methods while recognizing the importance of traditional models.

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  • Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

    What are the new Interception Rules and Safeguards?

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Interception Rules and Safeguards

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has introduced the Telecommunications (Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, replacing Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, allowing certain agencies to intercept phone messages under specific conditions.

    About the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951

    • The Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 are a set of regulations that govern the establishment, maintenance, and operation of telecommunication services in India.
    • These rules were framed under the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which is a key legislation that grants the government authority to regulate telecommunication networks in India.
    • The rules cover various aspects of telecommunication, such as:
    1. The process for obtaining telecommunication licenses.
    2. The rights and obligations of telecommunication service providers.
    3. The use of telecommunication networks for government purposes.
    4. Provisions for the lawful interception and monitoring of communication for security, investigation, and public interest reasons (Rule 419A).

    What do the new Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024 state?

    1. Authorization for interception:
      • The Union Home Secretary and the Secretary to the State government in charge of the Home Department can authorize interception orders.
      • An officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary may issue interception orders in unavoidable circumstances (the circumstances are not specified).
    2. Remote areas/operational reasons:
      • In remote areas, or for operational reasons, the head or second senior-most officer of the authorized agency (at central and state levels) can issue orders.
      • These orders must be confirmed by the competent authority within seven days.
      • If not confirmed, the interception ceases and the data cannot be used for any purpose, including court evidence.
    3. Destruction of records:
      • Interception records must be destroyed every six months by the authorized agency and review committee, unless required for functional purposes or court directions.

    Will it override Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951?

    • Yes, Rule 419A is replaced with these new rules, introducing changes in the conditions and procedures for interception.
    • Previously, interception was allowed only in emergent cases.
      • The new rules broaden this to include situations where it is not feasible to obtain prior orders in remote areas or due to operational reasons.
    • Under Rule 419A, there was no limit to the number of IGP-rank officers at the State level who could be authorized for interception.
    • The new rules allow only the head and second senior-most officer of the authorized agency at the state level to issue orders.
      • If the order is not confirmed within seven days, any intercepted messages cannot be used for any purposes, including court evidence.

    PYQ:

    [2021] ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

    (a) Article 19
    (b) Article 20
    (c) Article 21
    (d) Article 29

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    What is Starlink?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Starlink Project

    Why in the News?

    Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, denied claims that militants in Manipur (India) were using his Starlink satellite internet technology after the Indian Army and police seized Starlink devices alongside weapons.

    Starlink’s involvement in Terrorism:

    • The Indian Army shared photos showing weapons and what seemed to be Starlink devices seized in Manipur. The equipment was marked with “RPF/PLA,” referring to a militant group.
    • This discovery raised concerns over the potential bypass of geographic restrictions by non-state actors.
    • Musk denied the allegations, explaining that Starlink services were not operational in India, despite the devices being found in the region.

    What is Starlink?

    • Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide broadband internet via a network of low Earth orbit satellites.
    • Satellites are launched ensuring low latency and high-speed connections compared to traditional satellite internet.
    • Starlink uses a large constellation of satellites, each equipped with phased array antennas and parabolic antennas to boost capacity.
    • SpaceX has plans to launch 42,000 satellites, which will create a mega-constellation to provide global coverage.

    Does Starlink have regulatory approval in India?

    • Starlink does not yet have regulatory approval in India.
    • India’s regulatory framework restricts the use of foreign satellite communication services, especially for non-commercial purposes.
    • Starlink is however operational in more than 60 countries, including neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan (where it plans to start operations in 2025).

    PYQ:

    [2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?

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  • Surrogacy in India

    Challenges of Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR)

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Posthumous Assisted Reproduction

    Why in the News?

    On October 4, 2024, the Delhi High Court allowed the parents of a deceased man to use his frozen semen for posthumous reproduction. The court cited a similar 2018 case in Germany and noted that the ART Act, 2021, doesn’t specifically address such situations.

    What is Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR)?

    • Posthumous reproduction refers to the use of reproductive material (such as sperm or eggs) from a deceased individual to conceive a child after their death.
    • This can include posthumous sperm retrieval, where sperm is collected from a deceased man (typically through medical procedures shortly after death) for future use in assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

    What does the Law says in India?

    • The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021 governs all fertility treatments and artificial insemination procedures.
    • The ART Rules, 2022 specify guidelines for posthumous sperm retrieval, but only in cases where the deceased was married, and the surviving spouse is the one requesting the retrieval.
      1. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) rejected the parents’ request, clarifying that the law does not apply to “post-mortem grandparenthood.”
    • The Surrogacy Regulation Act applies exclusively to married couples or women with medical needs for surrogacy and does not include grandparents as “intending grandparents.”

    Challenges posed by Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR):

    PAR presents several legal, ethical, and social challenges:

    • Legal Issues: There’s a lack of clear laws governing the use of gametes after death, especially regarding consent from the deceased and questions about parentage and inheritance. The absence of specific regulations makes it difficult to establish who holds parental rights.
    • Ethical Concerns: Issues include the morality of using a deceased person’s genetic material, the commodification of human tissue, and concerns about grandparenthood. The emotional and ethical implications for surviving family members also come into play.
    • Social and Psychological Issues: Children born through PAR may face challenges related to knowing their deceased parent, and surviving partners may struggle with grief or guilt. Disputes over the deceased’s wishes can complicate family dynamics.
    • Biological Considerations: The long-term storage of gametes can lead to degradation, affecting the quality of embryos or sperm. Preserving genetic material for extended periods also presents technical challenges.
    • Cultural and Religious Concerns: Different cultures and religions may oppose posthumous reproduction, viewing it as morally or spiritually problematic.
    • Access and Equity: PAR can be expensive and may raise issues of access and commercialization, potentially leading to exploitation or unequal access to these technologies.

    PYQ:

    [2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements: 

    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg.

    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    What are Hydrothermal Vents?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hydrothermal Vents

    Why in the News?

    • Indian oceanographers have captured the first-ever image of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean.
      • This discovery is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with a total outlay of ₹4,000 crore.

    What are Hydrothermal Vents?

    • Hydrothermal vents are typically found near tectonic plates, where cold water (about 2°C) near the ocean floor mixes with magma, leading to superheated water (up to 370°C) that emerges through chimneys.
    • These vents release mineral-rich plumes, including metals like copper, zinc, gold, silver, platinum, iron, cobalt, and nickel, making them significant for mineral exploration.

    Mineral Potential of Hydrothermal Vents:

    • Hydrothermal vent deposits are rich in valuable minerals such as copper, zinc, gold, silver, and nickel, which are highly sought after for various industries.
    • These vents can remain active for periods ranging from a few hundred years to 30,000 years, making them long-lasting and crucial for mineral exploration.
    • Scientists at NCPOR, confirmed that the image showed an active vent chimney with black smokers, and signs of chemosynthetic organisms thriving in this extreme environment.
      • This discovery enhances India’s Deep Ocean Mission, particularly the Samudrayaan mission, which focuses on mineral exploration from inactive hydrothermal vents.

    About the Hydrothermal Exploration Programme by NCPOR:

    Details
    • A scientific initiative by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to explore hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean, focusing on the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges.
    • Aimed at mineral exploration and studying ecosystems around hydrothermal vents.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Locate and Study Hydrothermal Vents: Identify active vents with minerals like copper, zinc, gold, and nickel.
    • Mineral Exploration: Part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission, aiming at valuable mineral exploration such as cobalt and platinum.
    • Biodiversity Studies: Understand chemosynthetic organisms that thrive in extreme conditions of the vents.
    Key Features of the Programme
    • Geophysical Surveys: Conducted since 2012 to detect temperature anomalies and turbidity in the water columns for locating vent fields.
    • Use of Advanced Technology: Utilizes Automatic Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and high-resolution imaging.
    • Collaborations: Partners with the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) for exploration in the Southern Indian Ocean.

     

    About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

    • DOM is an ambitious initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) approved in 2021 to develop technologies for deep-sea exploration.
    • Part of the 9 missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

    Important updates in DOM:

    • Samudrayaan and Matsya6000:
      • Launched in 2021 under DOM, Samudrayaan is India’s flagship crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 m in the Central Indian Ocean.
      • The mission will utilize Matsya6000, a deep-ocean submersible designed for a three-member crew.
        • Construction: Made from titanium alloy to endure pressures up to 6,000 bar.

    India’s Ocean Exploration Milestones:

    • 1981: Ocean studies began with a program on polymetallic nodules (PMN) initiated at CSIR-NIO, marked by the collection of the first nodule sample from the Arabian Sea aboard the research vessel Gaveshani.
    • 1987: India became the first country to receive Pioneer Investor status from the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
      • Allocated 1.5 lakh km² in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for nodule exploration, based on extensive surveys by CSIR-NIO.
    • 2002: India signed a contract with the ISA; after resource analysis, surrendered 50% of the allotted area, retaining 75,000 km².
    • Further studies narrowed the mining area to 18,000 km², identified as the First Generation Mine-site.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
    2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters
    3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Manipur Crisis

    What is Protected Area Regime (PAR)?

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Protected Area Regime (PAR)

    Why in the News?

    • The Manipur government has announced that the Central government has re-imposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, all of which share borders with Myanmar.
      • The reimposition of the PAR comes after 13 years of relaxation and is aimed at addressing security concerns, primarily the alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar.

    What is the Protected Area Regime (PAR)?

    Details
    • Introduced under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which is part of the Foreigners Act, 1946.
    • The regime was created to regulate the movement of foreigners in sensitive areas near international borders.
    • It applies to regions between the Inner Line and the International Border, primarily areas close to Myanmar in these states.

    Objectives: To ensure national security by restricting foreign nationals’ access to sensitive regions.

    Implications:  

    • For Foreign Visitors: Special permits and approvals required, potentially discouraging tourism.
    • Impact on Tourism and Development: Could slow international tourism and investments, reversing earlier benefits.
    • Enhanced Security: Allows tighter control over foreign movements, addressing illegal migration.
    • Border Control: Strengthens border management, reducing unauthorized cross-border activities.
    Areas Covered
    • Pre-2010: Applied to all of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
    • 2010 Relaxation: The regime was relaxed for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, allowing foreigners to visit these areas without special permits.
    • 2024 Reimposition: The regime has been reimposed in these states, particularly due to security concerns related to illegal immigration and border management.
    Structural Mandate 
    • Mandate: Foreign nationals must apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or state authorities to enter these areas.
    • Implementation: The PAPs specify the duration of stay and movement routes. Unauthorized extension or deviation from routes is prohibited. The system is managed under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
    • Exemptions: Some countries may have exemptions, and Indian citizens generally do not need PAPs to travel in these areas.

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  • NITI Aayog’s Assessment

    Niti Aayog moots policy measures to develop workers’ accommodation around factories

    Prelims Only | Governance | : Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SAFE Initiative

    Why in the News?

    NITI Aayog has proposed a set of policy interventions to enable the creation of mega workers’ accommodations near factories under its initiative called S.A.F.E (Site Adjacent Factory Employee) Accommodation-Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth.

    About the S.A.F.E. (Site Adjacent Factory Employee) Initiative

    Overview
    • S.A.F.E. initiative by NITI Aayog aims to provide affordable dormitory-style housing for workers near industrial areas, especially migrant laborers, including women.
      • The housing will include essential amenities like water, electricity, and sanitation, improving workers’ living conditions and enhancing productivity.
    Key Features
    • Location: Housing will be near industrial hubs to minimize commute time.
    • Basic Amenities: Includes water, electricity, and sanitation.
    • Ownership: Non-transferable accommodations, strictly for worker use, ensuring worker welfare.
    Significance
    • Worker Welfare: Improves living standards and promotes gender inclusivity.
    • Productivity: Reduces commute time, enhancing productivity and reducing attrition.
    • Economic Growth: Attracts global investors and supports India’s manufacturing growth target of 25% GDP by 2047.
    Key Recommendations
    • Tax & GST Benefits: Reclassification for tax exemptions to make the initiative financially viable.
    • Zoning Laws: Amendments for mixed-use developments to integrate worker housing.
    • Viability Gap Funding (VGF): 30%-40% of project cost for financial support.
    • Environmental Clearances: Streamlining for faster approvals.
    • Financial Support: Public-private partnerships for development and management.

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  • Should legislatures in India have fixed tenures?

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Issues related to election;

    Why in the News?

    The 129th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024, mandates fixed five-year Lok Sabha terms, aligning State Assembly elections, with mid-term polls serving only the remainder of the five-year tenure if dissolved.

    Do fixed legislative tenures promote better governance?

    • Potential for Improved Stability: Fixed tenures can provide a stable political environment, reducing frequent electoral disruptions that may hinder long-term governance plans.
    • Governance Challenges: However, Achary argues that while fixed terms might seem beneficial, they could lead to governance issues if political instability arises, as seen in states where mid-term elections are necessary due to governmental collapse.

    Note: 

    • Fixed Legislative Tenure refers to predetermined, non-variable terms for legislatures, ensuring elections occur at set intervals, and enhancing stability.
    • Mid-term polls are elections held before the scheduled end of a legislative term, usually triggered by government collapse or dissolution.

    How would fixed tenures impact the accountability of elected officials?

    • Increased Accountability: Frequent elections are believed to enhance political accountability since representatives must consistently engage with their electorate. Achary emphasises that regular electoral cycles compel politicians to remain responsive to public needs.
    • Mid-Term Elections as a Safety Valve: Allowing mid-term elections maintains accountability within the legislative framework, ensuring that elected officials remain answerable to their constituents even if they face political challenges during their term.

    What are some learnings from the Western world?

    • Lessons from the UK: The UK’s Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011 was meant to set fixed terms for its Parliament but caused problems like policy delays and constitutional issues.
      • It was eventually repealed. India’s plan is different because it allows mid-term elections, where new governments serve only the remaining term, not a full fixed term.
    • Lessons from Germany: The Constructive Vote of No Confidence in Germany mandates the selection of a new leader before the current one is removed, ensuring stability. However, this approach is not well-suited to India’s political system and has not gained significant support.

    What challenges might arise from implementing fixed tenures in the Indian political context?

    • Erosion of Federalism: Aligning State Assembly tenures with those of the Lok Sabha could weaken federalism by reducing the autonomy of state legislatures. This may result in premature dissolutions and disruptions in local governance.
    • Political Instability Risks: The bill’s provision for shorter tenures following mid-term elections could result in significant instability. If a government collapses mid-term, the resultant Lok Sabha might only serve for about a year, which is seen as undesirable by Madhavan.
    • Potential for Increased Political Maneuvering: There is doubt about whether fixed tenures can effectively deter practices like horse trading or efforts to destabilize governments. While the bill aims to address such issues, its success is uncertain.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Federalism: Ensure state legislatures retain autonomy by allowing flexibility in election cycles and minimizing central influence on state governance.
    • Mitigate Political Instability: Introduce safeguards like stricter anti-defection laws and robust mechanisms to address mid-term government collapses while maintaining accountability.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Japan, India startups collaborate to tackle space debris

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Issues related to space debris;

    Why in the News?

    space startups from Japan and India announced a joint agreement to explore the use of laser-equipped satellites for removing debris from orbit, addressing the growing issue of orbital congestion.

    What is Space Debris?

    • Space debris, often referred to as space junk, consists of non-functional spacecraft, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegration of satellites.
    • These objects orbit the Earth at high speeds, posing significant risks to operational satellites and manned missions.

    What are laser-equipped satellites for removing debris from orbit?

    • Laser-equipped satellites utilize focused laser beams to target and vaporize small parts of space debris, effectively stopping its rotation and making it easier for servicing spacecraft to rendezvous with and de-orbit defunct satellites. T
    • Companies like Japan’s Orbital Lasers and India’s InspeCity are collaborating to explore business opportunities for these laser systems.
    • They plan to demonstrate this technology in space, with potential deployment on satellites after meeting regulatory requirements in their respective countries, indicating a growing interest in international partnerships to tackle the issue of space debris.

    What are the concerns related to space debris?

    • Collision Risks: The increasing amount of space debris raises the likelihood of collisions with active satellites and spacecraft, which can lead to further debris generation in a cascading effect known as the Kessler Syndrome.
    • Operational Challenges: Space debris complicates satellite operations and can disrupt services such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, and global positioning systems.
    • Environmental Impact: The accumulation of debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) threatens the sustainability of space activities and could hinder future space exploration efforts.

    What are the initiatives to tackle space debris globally?

    • International Collaboration: Organizations like the United Nations have called for urgent action to track and manage space debris, emphasizing the need for global cooperation.
    • Technological Innovations: Companies like Orbital Lasers are exploring innovative solutions such as using laser-equipped satellites to de-orbit defunct satellites and mitigate debris by vaporizing parts of their surfaces.
    • Regulatory Frameworks: Various countries are developing regulations to ensure responsible satellite launches and operations, including guidelines for end-of-life satellite disposal to minimize future debris creation.

    What are the measures should be taken by Satellite? (Way forward)

    • Tracking and Monitoring: Satellites use onboard systems and ground-based tracking data to monitor the position of space debris and predict potential collision risks.
    • Avoidance Maneuvers: Satellites perform preemptive orbital adjustments or “collision avoidance manoeuvres” to shift their trajectory away from debris.
    • Shielding and Resilience: Some satellites are equipped with protective shielding to withstand minor debris impacts, minimizing potential damage in low-risk scenarios.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC IAS/2019)

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    IRIS² Program

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: IRIS²

    Why in the News?

    The European Union has signed a contract for IRIS², a network of 290 satellites aimed at improving resilience, connectivity, and security.

    About IRIS²:

    Details
    • IRIS² stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite.
    • It consists of a 290-satellite constellation, including 264 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
    • Collaboration between European Union and SpaceRISE.
    • First satellite launch planned for 2029.

    Key Features of IRIS²:

    • Deployment of 264 satellites in LEO and 18 in MEO.
    • Provide secure, high-speed broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.
    • Focus on Europe for secure satellite internet services.
    Project Funding and Implementation
    • 12-year concession for IRIS² is funded by the EU, ESA, and private firms like SES, Eutelsat, and Airbus.
    • Total cost: €10.6 billion (~$11 billion).
    Applications of IRIS²
    • Governmental Use: Border surveillance, crisis management, infrastructure security, and defense.
    • Civilian Use: Broadband access, smart energy, transportation, and remote healthcare.

     

    World’s Largest Earth Observation Programs: Take a look

    • Copernicus Program (EU): Launched in 2014, the Copernicus Program is a European Union initiative with satellites like Sentinel to monitor land, ocean, and atmosphere, enhancing environmental management and disaster response.
    • NASA Earth Observing System (EOS): Initiated in 1997, NASA’s EOS provides comprehensive Earth observation data from satellites like Terra and Aqua, focused on understanding Earth’s environment, climate change, and atmospheric composition.
    • Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS): Founded in 2005, GEOSS connects Earth observation systems globally to provide data on climate, water resources, biodiversity, and natural disasters, involving over 100 organizations.
    • Landsat Program (USA): Launched in 1972 by NASA and USGS, Landsat is the longest-running satellite program offering continuous Earth surface monitoring, focusing on land cover, land use, and environmental changes.

    Note: 

    In September, 2024, ISRO launched the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08 under the SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, with the satellite operating in a circular Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 475 km and a mission life of 1 year.

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