Current Affairs 17th Aug 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Krishi Decision Support System (DSS)

Context

The Union Agriculture Ministry launched a digital geo-spatial platform, Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS),

About Krishi Decision Support System

• It is developed by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Department of Space using RISAT-1A and Visualization of Earth observation Data and Archival System (VEDAS) of the space department.
• It will share real-time data-driven insights on weather patterns, soil conditions, crop health, crop acreage, and advisories with all stakeholders such as farmers, experts, and policymakers
• One nation-one soil information system of Krishi-DSS will give comprehensive soil data with embedded information on soil type, soil pH (potential of hydrogen), soil health, etc.
• It aims to assist farmers in improving crop management and productivity.

RISAT-1A

●       RISAT-1A, also known as Earth Observation Satellite-04 (EOS-04), is an all-weather radar imaging satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

●       The satellite’s mission is to provide high-resolution images for applications such as agriculture, forestry, plantations, soil moisture, hydrology, and flood mapping. It can also help boost India’s border security

EOS-08 Mission

Context

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on August 16 launched the EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite.

About EOS-08

• Satellite has been launched under SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• Satellite includes new technologies such as an Integrated Avionics System, flexible solar panels, and advanced antennas.
• The mission has a planned life of one year.
• One more satellite named SR-0 DEMOSAT was also onboard which was developed by Space Kidz India.

 Payloads of E0S-08 Mission

• Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR) payload: To take images in Mid-Wave & Long Wave Infrared band for applications like Disaster Monitoring, Environmental Monitoring etc.
• Global Navigation Satellite System: Used for ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture, cryosphere studies, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection.
• SiC UV Dosimeter: Monitor UV irradiance at the Gaganyaan mission’s crew module viewport, serving as a high-dose alarm sensor for astronaut safety.

Objectives of EOS-08 mission:

• Designing and developing a microsatellite,
• Creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus,
• Incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites.

Threat to Aravalli due to Encroachments and Deforestation

Context

The Aravalli range is facing severe threats from illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachments causing severe environmental degradation in the region.

More in News

• A study was presented by Professor Laxmi Kant Sharma at the IUFRO World Conference in Stockholm which highlighted the urgent need for sustainable practices to protect and restore the Aravallis.
• The entire ‘green wall’ is threatened by illegal land encroachments in Haryana, illegal mining in Rajasthan, and illegal tourism and hotel construction work in southern Rajasthan and Gujarat.

About the Aravalli Range

• The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain range in the world, stretching from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan.
• Rajasthan contains 80% of the range, while the remaining 20% is shared by Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
• It acts as a natural green wall in the northwestern part of India, forming an ecotone zone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain in a semi-arid environment.
• The highest peak is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, (1722 Metres)
• It gives rise to several rivers, including the Banas, Luni, Sakhi, and Sabarmati.

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