UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 08-03-2021

GISAT-1

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch GISAT-1 into space using GSLV-F10 rocket.
Geo Imaging Satellite-1 or GISAT-1 is India’s first earth observation satellite in a geostationary orbit.
The rocket will place GISAT-1 in geosynchronous orbit, and subsequently in geostationary orbit, using its onboard propulsion system.
GISAT-1 will facilitate near real-time observation of the Indian sub-continent, under cloud-free condition, at frequent intervals.
With onboard high resolution cameras, the satellite will allow India to monitor the Indian land mass and the oceans, particularly its borders.
It would help in quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic and any short-term events.
It will obtain spectral signatures of agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, disaster warning, cloud properties, snow and glacier and oceanography.

Earth Observation Satellites

It is a remote sensing satellite designed for Earth observation (EO) from orbit, including spy satellites and those used for non-military uses.

Starting with IRS-1A (1988), ISRO has launched many operational remote sensing satellites.
13 satellites in Sun-synchronous orbit - Resourcesat-1, 2, 2A; Cartosat-1, 2, 2A, 2B; RISAT-1,2; Oceansat-2; Megha-Tropiques; SARAL; SCATSAT-1.
4 satellites in Geostationary orbit – Kalpana; INSAT 3A, 3D, 3DR.
These satellites provide data in diversified spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions to cater to different user requirements - agriculture, water resources, urban planning, mineral prospecting, environment, etc.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle

The maiden flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) - ISRO’s compact launcher - will be made soon.
SSLV will meet the “launch on demand” requirements in a cost-effective manner for small satellites in a dedicated and ride-share mode.
It is a three-stage all solid vehicle that can launch up to 500 kg satellite into 500 km Low Earth Orbit and 300 kg into Sun Synchronous Orbit.
With lower per kg launch cost, the mini launcher will have multiple satellite mounting options for nano, micro and small satellites.
SSLV can be assembled in 3 days (PSLV needs 60 days).

Exotic Earthworm

An exotic and highly invasive earthworm Amynthas alexandri has been collected and reported for the first time from Karnataka.
They are medium-to-large-sized, fast-moving worm, which has practically inhabited all the districts of Kerala.
Earlier, it was recorded in 15 States/Union Territories in India - Himachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc.
Their original home is Southeast Asia. Earlier, their distribution was in China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, Europe and England.

Cicadas

Cicadas are insects, which are physically distinguished by their stout bodies, broad heads, clear-membraned wings, and large compound eyes.
They are famous for their penchant for disappearing entirely for many years, only to reappear in force at a regular interval.
The species of cicadas fall into roughly two categories:
1. Annual cicadas (Spotted every year, but lives for 2 to 5 years)
2. Periodical cicadas (Spend most of their lives underground and only emerge once in a decade or two.)
While annual cicadas can be found throughout the world, periodical cicadas are unique to North America.
The cicada life cycle has three stages - Eggs, nymphs and adults.
Cicada nymphs spend their developmental period in underground to suck the liquids of plant roots before molting their shells and surfacing as adults to lay eggs.
Unlike locusts, cicadas don’t eat vegetation but rather drink the sap from tree roots, twigs, and branches.
They are known for their buzzing and clicking noises.

India Science Research Fellowship

The India Science Research Fellowship (ISRF) is given for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand researchers to work in Indian Universities and Research Institutions.
It was launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and it is implemented since 2015.
ISRF programme acts as a platform to establish research cooperation with neighbouring countries of India.
The scholars have been selected based on research proposal, experience, academic merit and publication record.

Government Security

Government Security (G-Sec) yields could soften temporarily as the Indian government’s fiscal deficit may undershoot FY2021 Revised Estimate (RE) by Rs.50,000 crore to Rs.90,000 crore.
G-secs are tradable government debt issuances issued by the Central Government or the State Governments.
They guarantee the full repayment of invested principal at the maturity of the security and often pay periodic coupon or interest payments.
Types - Such securities are short term or long term. They are,
1. Short term securities are called treasury bills with original maturities of less than 1 year. Now, they are issued in 3 tenors (91 day, 182 day and 364 day)
2. Long term securities are usually called Government bonds or dated securities with original maturity of 1 year or more.

They are a distinct asset class, and also risk-free gilt-edged instruments as they have government backing.
But they tend to pay a lower rate of interest than corporate bonds.
They are used to fund daily operations, and special infrastructure and military projects.

Source: PIB, The Hindu, Down To Earth, Business Line