(FREE) UPSC Current Affairs 2024 PDF

(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Operation Dronagiri

(DECEMBER-2024)

Recently, Department of Science and Technology has launched Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under National Geospatial Policy 2022.

It demonstrates the potential applications of geospatial technologies and innovations in improving the quality of life of citizens and ease of doing business.
Operation Dronagiri is part of the numerous efforts of DST in liberalising geospatial data, developing geospatial infrastructure, geospatial skill and knowledge as well as standards in implementing the policy.

In the first phase, Operation Dronagiri will be implemented in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra, where pilot projects will run and use of cases be demonstrated to showcase the potential applications of integration of geospatial data and technology in 3 sectors i.e. Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics and Transport.
Several government departments, industry, corporate and startups will be partnered with in the first phase. This will create the base for its nationwide rollout.
The entire implementation process will be driven by Geospatial Innovation Cell, Department of Science and Technology.
Operation Dronagiri gains a powerful backbone with support from Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI). This will make spatial data accessible, bringing transformation similar to the process in which UPI has brought about financial inclusion.
It represents a crucial step within the National Geospatial Policy, designed to position India as a global leader in geospatial technology.
Its main focus is on turning data into actionable solutions that bring real, socioeconomic benefits on the ground.

Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI) enables seamless data sharing, access, and analysis for urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and more.

Built with advanced data exchange protocols and privacy-preserving features, it empowers organisations to make data-driven decisions for the public good, fostering innovation and responsible use of geospatial data.
GDI offers tools to unlock actionable insights and drive collaboration. It enables efficient data processing, analysis, and sharing among stakeholders.
This collaboration ensures faster, more coordinated responses in areas like infrastructure monitoring, disaster relief, and environmental protection.

Implementation

A nationwide rollout is envisioned under a PPP model, with a similar approach to UPI’s deployment. Industry and private sector engagement will be pivotal in supporting the transformation in the geospatial sector.

Geospatial technology has applications in almost every domain of the economy ranging from agriculture to industries, development of urban or rural infrastructure, administration of land, economic activities of banking and finance, resources, mining, water, disaster management, social planning, delivery services, etc.
Geospatial data is now widely accepted as a critical national infrastructure and information resource with proven societal, economic and environmental value that enables government systems and services, and sustainable national development initiatives, to be integrated using ‘location’ as a common and underpinning reference frame.