In Conversation with Dr K Sivan (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 3: Science and Tech
Prelims level: Satellite Instructional Television Experiment
Mains Level: Role of Space Technology in Imparting Informal Education to Farmers

Context:

• SITE was the largest sociological experiment in the world. This satellite communications experiment was performed for one year during 1975-76 by ISRO.
• During SITE, TV programmes on subjects such as health, hygiene, family planning and agriculture were beamed through satellite (stationed in 36,000 km high geostationary orbit).
• SITE experience enabled ISRO to evolve INSAT system for rapid expansion of country’s telecommunication, TV broadcasting and weather monitoring infrastructure.

EDUSAT Programme:

• During this programme, GSAT-3 or EDUSAT, a dedicated satellite for the educational field, was launched by GSLV and utilized for enhancing the outreach as well as the quality of the formal as well as informal education sectors.

DHRUV:

• DHRUV, the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme, was started to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge.
• Gifted children will be mentored and nurtured by renowned experts in different areas in centres of excellence across the country, so that they can reach their full potential.
• With children drawn from all over the country, the DHRUV programme reflects the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.

Role of Space Technology in Imparting Informal Education to Farmers:

• During SITE programme, TV documentaries on agriculture made in vernacular languages were beamed to farmers on improving agricultural practices.
• Later during APPLE and INSAT utilization programmes, TV documentaries specific to various subjects on agriculture were made and telecast through satellites and they have been continuing.
• Weather monitoring satellites like Kalpana and INSAT – 3D have become instrumental in the accurate weather prediction. Remote sensing satellites have enabled our agricultural scientists to detect crop diseases, accurately estimate crop acreage, crop yield, soil quality, which ultimately will bring benefits to the farmers.

Young Scientist Programme (Yuvika):

• Yuvika is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on space technology and its applications as well as space science to the younger ones with the intent of arousing their interest in the emerging areas of space activities.
• The two week long residential training programme involves invited talks and experience sharing by the eminent scientists, facility and lab visits, hands on training, exclusive sessions for discussions with experts and more importantly, a feedback session.

Samwad with Students:

• It was launched by ISRO as part of its enhanced outreach programme. The interaction of scientists with students goes a long way in awakening the curiosity and creativity lying inside the student community.
• With this in mind, as well as with the intention of making our young students proud of their country’s achievements in space through the narrative of ISRO scientists themselves, ‘Samwad with Students’ programme was also launched.

  Online Coaching for UPSC PRE Exam

  General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q1. With reference to the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), consider the following statements:
1. Number of operational SEZs have reduced in 2019-20 as compared as compared to those at the end of FY 2018-19.
2. Petrochemicals constitute a major segment of SEZ exports during 2019-20.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B
Mains Questions:
Q1. Describe the role of space technology in imparting informal education to farmers.