10 Feb 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Successful launch of three satellites
2. Sarva Dawa Sevan or Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to Eliminate 
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)
3. Amrit Bharat Stations

1. Successful launch of three satellites

Syllabus: GS 3, Science and Technology.

Mains: Awareness in the field of space.

Prelims: Small Satellite Launch Vehicles.

Context: Successful flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV).

Details:

• Small Satellite Launch Vehicle SSLV D2 successfully launched three satellites EOS-07, Janus-1, and AzaadiSAT-2.
• They were placed into their intended 450 km circular orbit with an inclination of 37 degrees. 
• SSLV D2 took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• Details about the satellites launched:
  • EOS-07 is a 153.6 kg Earth Observation Satellite launched by ISRO.
  • Janus-1 is a technology demonstration satellite weighing 10.2 kg. It belongs to ANTARIS, USA.
  • AzaadiSAT-2 is an 8.8 kg satellite developed by Space Kidz India that integrated scientific payloads developed by 750 girl students across India.

Also read: Satellite Launch Vehicle Program

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle:

• It is developed by ISRO and is the new small satellite launch vehicle that is developed to cater to the launch of small satellites up to 500 kg to Low Earth Orbits on a ‘launch-on-demand’ basis. 
• It has three solid stages. The launch vehicle is 34 m tall and 2 m wide (diameter) with a lift-off mass of 120 t. 
• It can launch Mini, Micro, or Nanosatellites (10 to 500 kg mass) to a 500 km orbit, thus providing a low-cost option with minimal launch infrastructure, low turn-around time, and flexibility to accommodate multiple satellites.
• SSLV D2 has overcome the shortcomings of the first developmental flight SSLV D1 which was launched in August 2022. SSLV D1 marginally missed placing the satellites.
• With the successful launch of SSLV, India is aiming to commercialize small satellite launches through the Industry on-demand basis.

For more information on SSLV, read here: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle

2. Sarva Dawa Sevan or Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

Syllabus: GS 2, Issues related to health.

Mains: Lymphatic Filariasis elimination.

Prelims: Lymphatic Filariasis.

Details:

• Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched a nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, specifically in 10 filaria-affected states of the country.
• India intends to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027 which is three years ahead of the set global target.
• Lymphatic Filariasis is a vector-borne disease caused by Culex mosquitoes and causes disability.
• Despite 10 to 15 MDA rounds in the past, LF could not be eliminated due to sub-optimal coverage.
• However, a multi-pronged strategy is adopted this time with two phases of MDA covering 1113 blocks in 90 districts across ten states of India to safeguard communities from disability and social and economic insecurity.
• Some of the best practices and work plans were also highlighted during the event. For example,
  • In order to ensure the consumption of drugs in the presence of health workers, Maharashtra Government will leverage the Jagruk Balak Programme.
  • Madhya Pradesh will converge the Vikas Yatra 2023 activities with the MDA to optimize drug consumption at booths. Moreover, mobile teams will also be constituted for the migratory population in the state.
  • Bihar is roping in celebrities like Manoj Bajpai with a huge fan base to appeal to the community to come forward and participate in MDA rounds.

3. Amrit Bharat Stations

Syllabus: GS 2, Government schemes and initiatives.

Prelims: Amrit Bharat stations.

Details:

• Amrit Bharat Station scheme intends to upgrade or modernize railway stations across the country.
• Around 1275 stations have been identified to be taken up under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme.
• The scheme envisions the continuous development of stations with a long-term approach. 
• It intends to improve station facilities like improvement of waiting rooms, toilets, lift/escalators, cleanliness, and Wi-Fi.
• It is also looking forward to world-class services like kiosks for local products through schemes like ‘One Station One Product’, improved passenger information systems, executive lounges, etc.
• It will provide inclusive, sustainable, and environmental solutions with multimodal integration of stations.

Also read: Indian Railways: Establishment and Brief Facts for UPSC Exam

Read the previous PIB articles here.

February 10th, 2023, PIB:- Download PDF Here