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NISAR Satellite Launch Set for March 2025

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In March 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the NISAR satellite, a milestone in space exploration, the 2.8-tonne satellite will be deployed using the GSLV Mk-II rocket. NISAR represents a collaborative effort between India and the United States, culminating in a ₹5,000-crore project initiated in 2009. India food delivery What is NISAR? NISAR is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. Unlike traditional satellites that capture images with cameras, SAR satellites emit radio signals that bounce back to generate detailed images. This technology allows NISAR to operate effectively in darkness, adverse weather, and dense vegetation. Development and Collaboration NASA initially sought a partnership with Germany’s DLR for a new SAR satellite. However, due to scheduling conflicts and budget cuts, NASA turned to ISRO. Impressed by ISRO’s successful missions, including Chandrayaan-1 and RISAT-2, NASA and ISRO officially launched the NISAR mission in 2014. Monitori...
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WHO Predicts 55% Chance of La Niña Formation

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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported the probability of La Niña developing soon, which leads to cooler ocean surface temperatures. However, current forecasts suggest that any cooling effects will be minimal. What is La Niña? La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Oceans. It often influences global weather patterns. La Niña can lead to increased rainfall in some regions and drought in others. Current La Niña Forecasts The WMO indicates a greater than 50% chance of La Niña forming in the upcoming three months. Predictions estimate a 55% likelihood of its development between December 2024 and February 2025. This is a slight decrease from earlier forecasts. The anticipated La Niña is expected to be weak and short-lived. Such conditions typically result in lesser impacts on global climate. The phenomenon may not alter temperature trends. Relationship with Global Warming Despite the pot...
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What is Hybrid Agricultural Intelligence?

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                                                         Moravec’s paradox illustrates how AI excels at complex tasks but struggles with simple, interactive ones. This opens the door for combining human intelligence with AI, especially in agriculture. By Integrating traditional farming knowledge with AI, this Hybrid Agricultural Intelligence (HAI) can create sustainable solutions to support Indian farmers. Importance of Agriculture in India Agriculture is crucial to India’s economy, which contributes 18.2% to the GDP. Additionally, it supports 42.3% of the population’s livelihoods. Indian farmers possess extensive knowledge developed over centuries. They manage diverse crops, soil types, and weather conditions effectively. Indigenous Technology Knowledge (ITK) Indigenous Technology Knowledge (ITK) is vital for small farmers, who comprise over ...
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Dunlin, a Near Threatened Bird, Spotted During Kerala Bird Race

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The recent Kochi edition of the Kerala Bird Race showcased 192 bird species and among them was the Dunlin, a small shorebird now classified as “Near Threatened”. This change reflects an increase in risk from “Least Concern” in 2023, which is often found in large flocks on mudflats and beaches. Birdwatchers spotted it at Puthuvype beach. Bird Count Statistics This year, the total bird count dropped. Only 4,885 individual birds were counted, nearly half of last year’s 8,639. About 100 birdwatchers participated in the event. Experts caution that this decline may not indicate a long-term trend. Consistent monitoring is necessary for accurate assessments. Event Coordination and Participation The event was coordinated by the Cochin Natural History Society, Kerala Agricultural University, and the State Forest and Wildlife Department. It spanned around 100 locations in Kochi and central Kerala. Approximately 25 teams took part in the bird race. Notable Species Observed Several remarkable speci...
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Tamil Nadu Finalises Oil Spill Contingency Plan for Coastline

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In January 2024, after an oil spill in Ennore, Thiruvallur district, the Tamil Nadu government introduced a detailed plan to handle future oil spills. This plan focuses on four coastal districts that are at high risk of oil spills and aims to prevent environmental damage. Identifying Risk Areas The Tamil Nadu State Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan has identified four districts as ‘very high’ risk for oil spills:Ramanathapuram Thoothukudi Gulf of Mannar islands Thiruvallur In addition to these, Kanniyakumari and Chennai are considered ‘high-risk’ areas. The plan focuses on 15 sensitive zones, which need special attention and quick action if an oil spill happens. Protecting Critical Ecological Zones Certain regions with fragile ecosystems are given special protection under the plan, including:Gulf of Mannar Thoothukudi salt pans Beaches at Manapad, Rameswaram, and Tiruchendur Palk Bay and Kanniyakumari Mangroves in Pudukkottai and Thanjavur Tharangambadi and Velankanni beaches Vedaran...
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Binar Satellites Burn Up Due to Solar Activity

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Three CubeSats from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program burned up in Earth’s atmosphere. This was anticipated due to their name, Binar, meaning fireball in the Noongar language. The satellites, Binar-2, 3, and 4, lasted only two months in orbit instead of the planned six. About Low Earth Orbit Satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) face atmospheric drag, which gradually decreases their altitude. Eventually, they re-enter the atmosphere and burn up. The Binar satellites experienced this process  earlier than expected. Increased solar activity caused the early demise of the Binar satellites. The Sun has been unusually active, creating challenges for low-Earth orbit satellites. Solar phenomena like sunspots and solar flares contribute to this activity. Solar Cycle Patterns The Sun operates on an 11-year magnetic cycle. At the cycle’s peak, solar activity intensifies. Current solar activity in Cycle 25 has exceeded forecasts , complicating satellite operations. Effects on Space Weathe...
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Impact-Driven Agri-Research #sciencefather #research #agriculture

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