GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD
1.Context
The Supreme Court said it only wanted what was good for India even as the government argued that growing genetically modified (GM) crops such as mustard would make quality edible oil cheaper for the common man and benefit the national interest by reducing foreign dependence.
2.What is GM Food?
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have altered DNA to change their properties
- Genetically modified crops can improve yield, build resistances to pests, frost or drought, or add nutrients
- Crops can also be modified to reduce carbon emissions and boost the sustainability of food production
- While widespread, GM crop production uses only about 10% of the land non-GM crop production uses.
- GM is nothing more than a breeding technique, much like crossing that we’ve been doing for thousands of years. But it’s more sophisticated, so we can make very precise changes, very rapidly
- GMOs were first introduced in the US in 1994, with modified tomato plants that ripened more slowly to prolong their shelf life
- Since then, a wide range of crops, such as soybeans, wheat and rice have been approved for agricultural use, along with GM bacteria grown to produce large amounts of protein
- Scientists in India have also developed strains of Sub-1 rice, which are much more resistant to flooding
- Flooding is a major issue in rice-growing regions of northern India and Bangladesh, set to become worse as the climate crises develops, and now 6 million farmers in the region are using Sub-1 rice to safeguard their crops against inundation
- Golden rice, on the other hand, is a GM strain modified to contain vitamin A, designed to combat the shortage of dietary vitamin A in parts of Asia and Africa
2.1. Disease resistance
Gene editing technology has also helped save crop production from blights
In the late 20th century, the papaya ringspot virus almost wiped-out papaya crops in Hawaii, but a local scientist developed a modified papaya that was resistant to the virus. Seeds were distributed to farmers, saving papaya production a decade later
Currently there’s no real solution except for massive fungicide applications
No one wants that, so we worked on adding genes or DNA changes from distantly related plants to achieve better resistances to the fungus
3. GM Controversy
- Many people find the idea of GM foods hard to swallow — a 2020 opinion poll found 50% of people in 20 surveyed countries perceived GM foods as unsafe
- When GM crops were first developed 30 years ago, uncertainty and concerns about safety were shared by scientists, but things are different now
- Scientists say that "GM food is completely safe to eat, and 30 years of information showing it’s not dangerous for the environment"
- There are concerns big corporate interests from companies like Monsanto, which promote more pesticides and monocultures and wrong forms of agriculture and seeds sold to farmers and expensive prices
4. GM Food Industry
- GM agriculture is moving on from the Monsanto big-dog corporate model
- GM products are increasingly focused on social and public enterprise and the industry is looking at more local solutions that help smallholder farmers in developing countries
- Regulation and licensing are a huge part of this. Many, including Replanet, strongly advocate for open-source seeds and GM technologies
- You can develop GMOs without patents developed by humanitarian public organizations
- It’s about creating a licensing landscape that empowers local farmers to adapt to the demands of sustainable agriculture, but quickly enough to meet rising populations and climate change
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For Prelims: Bt Cotton, Bt Cotton
For Mains: 1. Genetically modified food remains controversial, especially in Europe, but for some experts, it is the best science-based method for a sustainable global food system amidst biodiversity loss and a rising population. Discuss (250 Words)
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Source: indianexpress
HOUTHIS
1. Context
The United States conducted additional strikes early on Thursday against a couple of Houthi anti-ship missiles that were being prepared to fire into the Red Sea, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told presspersons. American forces had targeted 14 missiles that were ready to launch in Yemen on Wednesday, after Washington re-designated the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a “terrorist” entity for their attacks on merchant vessels
2. Who are Houthis?
- "The Houthis, a prominent clan affiliated with the Zaidi Shia sect, have their origins in Yemen's northwestern Saada province. The Zaidis constitute approximately 35 percent of Yemen's population.
- For over a thousand years, the Zaidis held dominion over Yemen until their overthrow in 1962, leading to a protracted civil war that extended until 1970.
- During the 1980s, the Houthi clan began a resurgence of the Zaidi tradition in response to the rising influence of the Salafists, who received support from the state.
- In 2004, the Houthis initiated an insurgent movement against the Yemeni government, adopting the name of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a prominent political, military, and religious leader who was assassinated by Yemeni security forces in September of that year. Subsequent years witnessed ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Yemen's Sunni-majority government.
- In 2012, Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had served as Yemen's president since 1990 and earlier as the president of pre-unified North Yemen from 1978, was compelled to resign in the wake of the Arab Spring protests. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
- In 2015, Saleh allied himself with the Houthis against Hadi, resulting in the insurgency capturing Sana'a. President Hadi fled to Aden and later sought refuge in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to reside for the most part.
- However, in 2017, Saleh severed his ties with the Houthis and joined forces with their adversaries, including the Saudis, the UAE, and President Hadi. In December of that year, Saleh was assassinated."
3. How did the UAE and Saudi Arabia get involved in the war?
- "In March of 2015, shortly after Hadi's removal from power, a coalition consisting of nine nations and led by Saudi Arabia, with logistical and intelligence support provided by the United States, initiated an aerial campaign against the Houthi forces.
- These airstrikes aimed to bolster Hadi's troops, who were attempting to retake control of Sana'a from the Houthi faction. Nonetheless, at the core of this intervention was the underlying power struggle in the region, pitting Saudi Arabia against Iran.
- Both Riyadh and Western nations believed that the Houthi group received military and financial backing from the Iranian regime.
- Saudi Arabia, due to its extensive 1,300-kilometer border with Yemen, initially asserted that the conflict would conclude within a few months.
- However, progress by the coalition has been limited, resulting in a prolonged stalemate, with the Houthi faction retaining control over Sana'a and a dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Yemen.
- Since 2015, the nature of the conflict has constantly evolved, with various factions switching allegiances among the Saudi-supported Popular Resistance Committees, Iran-backed groups, and an array of Islamist militants, including those associated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State."
4.Way forward
More than the UAE, it is Saudi Arabia that has been in the crosshairs of the Houthis. Since 2015, they have repeatedly fired missiles and mortar at Saudi military and civilian facilities including airports and oil facilities, and killed many Saudi soldiers. Over the last year, the two sides have been engaged in a tense battle to capture the Marib province, which is the government’s only remaining stronghold in northern Yemen, and houses vast oil and gas infrastructure.
Source: Indianexpress
FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATION ACT (FCRA)
1. Context
A week after the Centre for Policy Research received a final order cancelling its licence under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), its president Yamini Aiyar has said its funding had been “choked”, its staff strength was now “skeletal’’ and programming is down to a bare “minimum”
2. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act
- The law sought to regulate foreign donations to individuals and associations so that they functioned "in a manner consistent with the values of a sovereign democratic republic".
- Foreign funding in India is regulated under the FCRA act. Individuals are permitted to accept foreign contributions without the permission of MHA. However, the monetary limit for acceptance of such foreign contributions shall be less than Rs. 25,000.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The FCRA was enacted during the Emergency in 1976 amid apprehensions that foreign powers were interfering in India's affairs by pumping money into the country through independent organizations. These concerns were, in fact, even older- they had been expressed in Parliament as early as 1969.
3. Provisions of the Act
- The FCRA requires every person or NGO wishing to receive foreign donations to be registered under the act, to open a bank account for the receipt of foreign funds in the statute Bank of India, Delhi, and to utilize those funds only for which they have been received, and as stipulated in the act.
- They are also required to file annual returns, and they must not transfer the funds to another NGO.
- The Act prohibits the receipt of foreign funds by candidates for elections, journalists or newspapers and media broadcast companies, judges and government servants, members of the legislature and political parties or their office-bearers, and organizations of a political nature.
4. Key Highlights of the 2020 Amendment
- It bars public servants from receiving foreign contributions. It prohibits the transfer of foreign contributions to any other person.
- Aadhar number is mandatory for all office bearers, directors, or key functionaries of a person receiving foreign contributions, as an identification document.
- The foreign contribution must be received only in an account designated by the bank as an FCRA account in such branches of the State Bank of India, New Delhi.
- No funds other than foreign contributions should be received or deposited in this account.
- It allowed the government to restrict the usage of unutilized foreign contributions. This may be done if, based on an inquiry the government believes that such a person has contravened provisions of the FCRA.
- While NGOs earlier could use up to 50 percent of funds for administrative use, the new amendment restricted this use to 20 percent.
5. Registration under FCRA
- NGOs that want to receive foreign funds must apply online in a prescribed format with the required documentation. FCRA registrations are granted to individuals or associations that have definite cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programs.
- Following the application, the MHA makes inquiries through the Intelligence Bureau into the antecedents of the applicant and accordingly processes the application. The MHA is required to approve or reject the application within 90 days-failing which is expected to inform the NGO of the reasons for the same.
- Once granted, FCRA registration is valid for five years. NGOs are expected to apply for renewal within six months of the date of expiry of registration. In case of failure to apply for renewal, the registration is deemed to have expired.
6. Cancellation of Approval
The government reserves the right to cancel the FCRA registration of any NGO if it finds it to violate the Act. Registration can be cancelled for a range of reasons including, if "in the opinion of the Central Government, the public interest must cancel the certificate". Once the registration of an NGO is canceled, it is not eligible for re-registration for three years. All orders of the government can be challenged in the High court.
For Prlims& Mains
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For Prelims: FCRA, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust, NGO, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). For Mains: 1. What is the Foreign contribution regulation act and discuss the new restrictions introduced by the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020. |
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Previous Year Questions
1.Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (Please refer GS-II Paper, 2015) |
Source: The Indian Express
PRODUCTION LINKED INCENTIVE (PLI) SCHEME
1. Context
The central government has disbursed incentive amount of Rs 4,415 crore under its flagship Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for as many as eight sectors, including large-scale electronics manufacturing, IT hardware, bulk drugs among others till October this fiscal year
2. About Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is an initiative by the Indian government to boost domestic manufacturing in specific sectors. It incentivizes companies, both domestic and foreign, to set up or expand production facilities in India by offering financial rewards based on incremental sales achieved over a set period.
- The government announces a PLI scheme for a particular sector with specific targets for production and sales.
- Companies apply for the scheme and submit their production plans.
- If selected, companies receive a percentage of their incremental sales (over a base year) as an incentive.
- The incentive amount varies depending on the sector and the level of incremental sales achieved.
- The scheme typically runs for several years, providing companies with long-term financial support.
3. Sectors with Current PLI Schemes
- Mobile phone manufacturing and specified electronic components have been successful in attracting major players like Apple and Samsung to set up production in India.
- Large-scale electronics manufacturing to boost domestic production of TVs, laptops, and other electronics products.
- High-efficiency solar PV modules to make India a global leader in solar energy production.
- Automobiles and auto components incentivize the production of electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and advanced auto components.
- Man-made fibre (MMF) apparel and textiles to boost domestic production of high-quality MMF textiles.
- White goods (air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.) to make India a global hub for white goods manufacturing.
4. Sectors Likely to See PLI Schemes in the Future
- The pharmaceuticals and medical devices sector is crucial for national health security and has the potential for significant growth.
- Green hydrogen and ammonia fuels are essential for achieving climate goals and could benefit from PLI support.
- Advanced manufacturing technologies include robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, which are crucial for future industries.
- The food processing sector has vast potential for value creation and job creation, and PLI could help address inefficiencies.
5. Benefits of the PLI Scheme
- PLI attracts investment and encourages companies to manufacture in India, reducing dependence on imports.
- New manufacturing units and increased production lead to job creation in various sectors.
- PLI attracts global companies with advanced technology, leading to knowledge transfer and skill development in India.
- Increased domestic production can lead to higher exports and strengthen the Indian economy.
6. Challenges in the PLI Scheme
- Companies need significant upfront investment to set up new production facilities, which can be a deterrent for some.
- The application and approval process for PLI schemes can be lengthy and complex, discouraging some companies.
- The government needs to ensure the long-term sustainability of PLI schemes to avoid dependence on subsidies.
7. The Way Forward
The PLI scheme is a promising initiative with the potential to transform India's manufacturing landscape. By addressing the challenges and continuously improving its design, the government can further incentivize domestic production and boost India's economic growth.
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For Prelims: Production Linked Incentive scheme, industrial policy
For Mains:
1. Discuss the role of the government in promoting domestic manufacturing. Should the focus be on incentives like the Production Linked Incentive scheme or on creating a conducive business environment? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider, the following statements : (UPSC 2023) Statement-I : India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods. Statement-II : Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Answer: D |
Source: The Indian Express
ANNUAL STATUS OF EDUCATION REPORT (ASER) FOR 2023
1. Context
More than half of 14- to 18-year-old children in rural India cannot solve a simple three-digit division problem that’s usually taught in Class 3-4 and struggle with everyday skills, including determining time and doing basic calculations, shows the latest edition of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) released.
2. About the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is a nationwide citizen-led household survey that captures the status of children's enrollment and learning outcomes in rural India. It is conducted by the Pratham Education Foundation and has been published annually since 2005.
The ASER report is a valuable tool for tracking progress in education, identifying areas of concern, and informing policy decisions. It is widely used by government agencies, civil society organizations, and researchers.
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) for 2023, titled "Beyond Basics," focuses on the age group of 14-18 years in rural India.
The key highlights
- Enrollment: Overall, 86.8% of 14-18-year-olds are enrolled in an educational institution. Gender gaps in enrollment are small, but significant differences exist by age, with younger girls slightly more likely to be out of school compared to boys.
- Activity: Only 40.6% of youth are engaged in any form of organized activity (studying, vocational training, work, household chores, etc.) beyond school. There are significant variations across states and socio-economic groups, with urban youth more likely to engage in such activities compared to rural youth.
- Ability: Basic reading and math abilities remain a concern, with only 55.3% of 14-18-year-olds able to read a Class 2 level text fluently and only 37.9% able to do simple division. There are again notable disparities across states and socio-economic groups, with urban youth performing better than rural youth.
- Digital Awareness and Skills: Smartphone access is increasing, with 79.8% of youth owning a smartphone. However, digital literacy skills remain low, with only 46.2% able to perform basic tasks like sending messages or accessing information online. The use of smartphones for learning purposes is also limited, with only 25.5% using them for educational content.
- Other key findings: Vocational training participation is low, with only 12.3% of youth enrolled in any vocational training program. Aspirations are high, with most youth aspiring for higher education and vocational training. However, there is a mismatch between aspirations and access to opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities.
3. Role
- Provide a reliable and independent assessment of the state of education in rural India. ASER is not affiliated with the government and its surveys are conducted by volunteers, ensuring unbiased data collection.
- Track progress towards achieving educational goals. ASER monitors India's progress towards achieving the Right to Education Act (RTE) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to education.
- Identify areas of concern and inform policy decisions. ASER's findings have been instrumental in shaping education policies at both the national and state levels.
- Raise public awareness about education issues in rural India. ASER's reports are widely disseminated and discussed in the media, bringing attention to the challenges faced by rural children in accessing quality education.
4. Functions
- Conducting an annual household survey: Every year, ASER volunteers visit rural households across India to collect data on children's enrollment, attendance, and learning levels in basic reading and arithmetic.
- Developing and administering standardized assessments: ASER uses age-appropriate and contextually relevant tools to assess children's learning levels.
- Analyzing and interpreting data: ASER's team of researchers analyze the data collected through the survey and produce reports that provide insights into the state of education in rural India.
- Disseminating findings: ASER reports are available in English and Hindi, and summaries are also made available in various regional languages. The reports are widely disseminated to policymakers, educators, researchers, and the general public.
- Advocating for policy change: ASER uses its findings to advocate for policy changes that will improve the quality of education for children in rural India.
5. Importance of Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) findings
The findings of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) are important for several reasons:
- ASER offers independent and reliable data on rural education in India, where official data may be incomplete or unreliable. It covers rural areas, often neglected by traditional data collection methods, providing insights into the education landscape experienced by a vast majority of children.
- ASER tracks progress towards achieving India's education goals, like the Right to Education Act and the Sustainable Development Goals. This allows policymakers and advocates to identify areas where interventions are needed and assess the effectiveness of existing policies.
- ASER's findings directly inform policy decisions at both the national and state levels. Based on the report's data, governments can allocate resources more effectively, develop targeted interventions, and improve educational programs for rural children.
- ASER reports generate widespread discussion and media attention, bringing public awareness to the challenges faced by rural education. This encourages public engagement and participation in demanding better education for all children.
- ASER data empowers communities to hold local authorities accountable for the quality of education their children receive. Additionally, civil society organizations use the report's findings to advocate for systemic changes and improvements in the education system.
- ASER disaggregates data by various factors like gender, socio-economic status, and geographical location. This allows identification of disparities in access and learning outcomes, guiding efforts towards promoting equity and ensuring all children have access to quality education.
- ASER's findings often spark debates and discussions about different approaches to education, particularly in rural contexts. This leads to the exploration of innovative solutions and pilot projects aimed at improving learning outcomes for children in diverse settings.
- ASER's independent and evidence-based approach promotes accountability within the education system. By shining a light on both successes and challenges, it encourages transparency and continuous improvement in education delivery.
6. The Way Forward
ASER's findings are crucial for understanding and addressing the challenges of rural education in India. By providing reliable data, sparking public discourse, and informing policy decisions, ASER plays a vital role in paving the way for a brighter future for education in rural India.
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For Prelims: Annual Status of Education Report, education
For Mains:
1. Explain the persisting gender disparity in enrollment and learning outcomes in rural India. What policy measures can be implemented to bridge this gap? (250 Words)
2. Discuss the role of the Right to Education Act (RTE) in improving access to education in rural India. How effectively has the RTE addressed the issue of disparities in educational outcomes for marginalized communities? (250 Words)
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Source: The Indian Express
SATELLITES AND WEATHER
1. Context
North India, plagued by heavy fog since December 2023, witnessed heightened warnings on January 16th, 2024. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts for "very dense fog" in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, with visibility dropping below 50 meters at night and morning. Similar warnings were issued for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, where visibility could range between 50-200 meters. To enhance these alerts, the IMD has leveraged satellite imagery from INSAT 3D and 3DR. These maps clearly depict the fog cover, with annotations highlighting the affected areas.
2. Understanding INSAT 3D Satellite Maps
- To interpret the maps, understanding the color representation is crucial. The clue provided at the bottom right of a 2021 map (Map 1) is 'Night Microphysics.'
- According to a February 2019 paper by IMD scientists, the INSAT 3D satellite utilizes a red-green-blue (RGB) imager, where colors in the images are determined by two factors: solar reflectance and brightness temperature.
- Solar reflectance is the ratio of solar energy reflected by a surface to the incident solar energy. Brightness temperature, on the other hand, involves the relationship between an object's temperature and the brightness of its surface. It differs from our usual understanding of temperature, as it considers how the object emits thermal radiation at different frequencies in various directions.
- The 'day microphysics' data component of INSAT 3D examines solar reflectance at three wavelengths: 0.5 micrometers (visible radiation), 1.6 micrometers (shortwave infrared radiation), and 10.8 micrometers (thermal infrared radiation).
- Detectors onboard the satellite track radiation in these wavelengths from over India.
- The strength of the 0.5 micrometer visible signal determines the amount of green color, the strength of the 1.6 micrometer shortwave infrared signal dictates the amount of red color, and the strength of the 10.8 micrometer thermal infrared signal influences the amount of blue color.
- Through this process, the INSAT 3D computer assigns colors to each point on the image.
3. How Satellites Track Snow with Color Clues?
- The satellite tracks snow by exploiting the distinctive characteristics of its interaction with solar radiation.
- In the paper, it is noted that the color scheme is particularly useful for various applications, including the analysis of different cloud types, initial stages of convection, maturing stages of a thunderstorm, identification of snow areas, and the detection of fires.
- In the visible part of the spectrum, the solar reflectance of both snow and clouds is similar.
- However, snow significantly absorbs radiation at a wavelength of 1.6 micrometers, which corresponds to the shortwave infrared.
- Consequently, when the satellite is monitoring snow, the red component of the color scheme becomes notably weak.
- This phenomenon allows the satellite to distinguish and identify areas covered by snow through the analysis of the weakened red signal in the imagery.
4. INSAT 3D's Night Microphysics Colors
- The determination of colors in the satellite's 'night microphysics' component involves a more complex process.
- In this context, two colors are not determined by a single signal but by evaluating the strength of the difference between two signals.
- The computer calculates the amount of red color based on the disparity between two thermal infrared signals 12 micrometers and 10 micrometers.
- Similarly, the amount of green color varies according to the difference between a thermal infrared signal and a middle infrared signal 10.8 micrometers and 3.9 micrometers, respectively.
- In contrast, the amount of blue color is not derived from a difference but is determined by the strength of a thermal infrared signal with a wavelength of 10.8 micrometers.
- For instance, in Map 3, the data reveals three types of clouds, denoted by temperature differences in kelvin.
- A mature cumulonimbus ("CB") cell, possibly part of a tropical storm, appears over West Bengal, predominantly in red, with its blue component indicating a very cold temperature. North of Delhi, green flecks dominate, suggesting a prevalence of lower clouds.
- Further north, a high and substantial cloud system encompasses both lower and upper clouds.
- By combining day and night microphysics data, atmospheric scientists can discern the presence of moisture droplets with different shapes and temperature differences over time.
- This approach enables tracking the formation, evolution, and dissipation of cyclones and other weather events.
- As an example of the satellite's capabilities, leveraging the ability of INSAT 3D to generate images based on signals of multiple wavelengths, the authors of the 2019 paper propose day and night microphysics data that they believe can indicate an impending thunderstorm within one to three hours.
5. How satellites collect weather data?
- Satellites such as INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR collect weather data using radiometers and atmospheric sounders.
- Radiometers are devices designed to measure different properties of radiation by leveraging its interaction with matter, often in the form of temperature or electrical activity.
- Additionally, both satellites are equipped with atmospheric sounders. These instruments are designed to measure temperature and humidity while studying water vapor at different heights above the ground.
- By combining the measurements from radiometers and sounders, scientists gain insights into various atmospheric characteristics.
- This integrated approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics and conditions within the Earth's atmosphere.
6. India's Weather Satellite Arsenal
- India currently operates several weather satellites, including Kalpana 1, INSAT 3A, INSAT 3D, and INSAT 3DR. The radiometer on INSAT 3DR is an upgraded version of the Very High-Resolution Radiometer (VHRR) used by Kalpana 1 and INSAT 3A, launched in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
- The Space Application Centre's information on INSAT 3A highlights its three-channel VHRR with 2 km resolution in the visible band and 8 km resolution in the thermal infrared and water vapor bands for meteorological observation. The radiometers on INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR feature significant improvements in spatial resolution, spectral channels, and functionality compared to their predecessors.
- Over the years, India has continually enhanced its weather monitoring capabilities with each new satellite being an improved version of the previous one. For instance, INSAT 3DR, launched in 2016, had a launch mass of 2,211 kg and carried an upgraded VHRR, a sounder, a data-relay transponder, and a search-and-rescue transponder.
- While Kalpana 1 served India's weather monitoring and warning services for 15 years before being deactivated in September 2017, INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR are currently active in geostationary orbits at 82 degrees and 74 degrees east longitudes, respectively.
- In February 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation plans to launch the INSAT 3DS meteorological satellite on its GSLV Mk II launch vehicle. The "3DS" designation stands for "3D second repeat," indicating a continued commitment to advancing and repeating the success of the 3D series.
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For Prelims: INSAT 3D, INSAT 3DR, GSLV Mk II launch vehicle, weather, Kalpana 1, Indian Space Research Organisation, India Meteorological Department
For Mains:
1. Explain the role of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in managing weather-related issues. (250 Words)
2. Discuss the future plans of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) regarding the launch of INSAT 3DS and its significance. (250 Words)
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Source: The Hindu
