Read Current Affairs
- ISRO is gearing up to launch a record-breaking 24 scientific experiments aboard the POEM satellite as part of the SpaDex Mission.
- About the SpaDeX Mission:
- The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a pioneering mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that focuses on advancing autonomous space docking technology. The mission will use the PSLV-C60 launch vehicle to demonstrate in-space docking between two small spacecraft: Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02). This technology is a significant milestone for future lunar missions, the creation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and other ambitious space projects.
- Mission Overview:
- Launch vehicle: PSLV-C60.
- Orbit: Circular orbit at 470 km altitude with a 55-degree inclination.
- Separation dynamics: The Chaser and Target spacecraft will initially separate with a velocity difference to achieve 10-20 km of separation, using propulsion systems to align both spacecraft in the same orbit, enabling a Far Rendezvous.
- Docking and demonstration: Following docking, the mission will demonstrate electrical power transfer between the spacecraft before undocking for payload operations.
- What is POEM?
- The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) is a scientific platform developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which repurposes the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket into an orbital station for experiments. POEM was first used during the PSLV-C53 mission in 2022 to minimize space debris. It is equipped with a Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system to ensure stable attitude control during operations.
- Historical Context:
- The concept of space docking was first achieved by the Soviet Union in 1967 with the successful docking of the Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188 spacecraft. With SpaDeX, India is positioning itself as the fourth country in the world to master space docking technology.
- The Prime Minister of India has extended an invitation to the public to attend the Rann Utsav, which will continue until March 2025.
- About Rann Utsav
- Rann Utsav is a prominent annual cultural festival hosted by the Gujarat Tourism Department, held in the Great Rann of Kutch, the largest salt desert in India. The festival celebrates the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Kutch, drawing both domestic and international visitors.
- About the Rann of Kutch
- Location: The Rann of Kutch is a vast expanse of salt marshes located along the India-Pakistan border. It is primarily situated in Gujarat’s Kutch district, with a smaller section extending into Pakistan's Sindh province.
- Divisions:
- Great Rann of Kutch: The larger portion, stretching from east to west, bordered by the Thar Desert to the north and Kutch Hills to the south.
- Little Rann of Kutch: Positioned southeast of the Great Rann, extending southward towards the Gulf of Kutch.
- Geographical Features: The region lies near sea level, connected to the Arabian Sea through the Kori Creek to the west and the Gulf of Kutch to the east. It is the largest flooded grassland area in the Indomalayan biogeographic region, which stretches across South and Southeast Asia.
- Climate:
- Summer: Temperatures can soar to 50°C, with averages around 44°C.
- Winter: Temperatures may dip to freezing levels or even lower.
- Flora and Fauna:
- The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the endangered Indian Wild Ass (Khur).
- The region hosts a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, desert vegetation, and grasslands (baits), which support local wildlife.
- The area is part of the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest sanctuary in India.
- The unique biodiversity of the region is marked by a contrast of desert terrain on one side and sea on the other, fostering a diverse range of plant and animal life.
- Historical and Cultural Importance: The Rann has been historically significant, with evidence of neolithic settlements and its role as a center of the Indus Valley Civilization. It has been a part of empires such as the Mauryas and Guptas, contributing to its rich cultural heritage.
- Kutch Desert:
- The Kutch Desert stretches across vast areas, bordered by:
- Sindh (Pakistan) to the northwest,
- The Kutch Desert stretches across vast areas, bordered by:
- A three-year-old female tiger recently strayed from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha into the Bandwan area of Purulia district in West Bengal.
- About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
- Location:
- Located in the northern part of Odisha, within Mayurbhanj District, Similipal is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, with the highest peaks being Khairiburu and Meghashini, reaching up to 1515 meters above sea level.
- Designation:
- Similipal was designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and became a part of the Project Tiger initiative in 1973. It was also recognized as a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
- Terrain:
- The reserve features an undulating and hilly landscape, with a mix of open grasslands and dense forests.
- Vegetation:
- Similipal hosts diverse forest types, with Northern tropical moist deciduous forests being the most predominant. Semi-evergreen patches are also found throughout the reserve. It is renowned for being the only habitat of melanistic (black) tigers in the world.
- Flora:
- The reserve is home to 1,078 plant species, including 94 varieties of orchids. Sal trees are the dominant species across the landscape.
- Fauna:
- Similipal is rich in wildlife, supporting both large and small mammals, reptiles, and bird species. Some notable fauna include:
- Large Mammals: Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, and Sloth Bear.
- Small Mammals: Langur, Mongoose, Pangolin, Flying Squirrel, and Porcupine.
- Reptiles: Python, Monitor Lizard, and Turtle.
- Birds: Various species of birds are found in the reserve.
- Similipal is rich in wildlife, supporting both large and small mammals, reptiles, and bird species. Some notable fauna include:
- Cultural Importance:
- The region is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara, each contributing to the cultural richness of the area.