Sansad TV: National Science Day | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• National Science Day is observed to honor the discovery of the "Raman Effect," which was instrumental in Sir C.V. Raman winning the Nobel Prize. These breakthroughs laid the groundwork for future scientific discoveries and inventions, and their contributions to astronomy, mathematics, medicine, metallurgy, and chemistry have had a significant impact on modern scientists.
• India has made remarkable progress in science and technology, with numerous new methods, products, and high-quality goods developed in the country. India has made great strides in cutting-edge fields like space research and atomic energy and has a robust base in modern technology. Additionally, India boasts the world's third-largest pool of scientific and technical personnel.

Space-based technologies

• The use of space-based technologies, including Earth observation satellites, communication satellites, meteorological satellites, and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), is crucial for disaster risk reduction. The geospatial data obtained from Earth observation satellites is especially helpful during major events like earthquakes and floods for assessing and reducing risk.
• For large urban areas, space technologies can provide information about damaged buildings and hazardous sites that are vulnerable to secondary disasters. These technologies can also help in determining land use/land cover patterns, capturing weather data, monitoring crops, and formulating drought mitigation strategies.

GIS and Remote sensing

• GIS (Geographic Information System) is an effective tool for storing and manipulating remotely sensed data, as well as other spatial and non-spatial data types for both scientific management and policy orientation. It can be used to measure, map, monitor, and model a variety of data types related to natural phenomena. In terms of risk assessment, GIS can be used to create hazard maps for earthquakes, landslides, floods, or fires for cities, districts, or even entire countries.
• It can also be used for tropical cyclone threat maps, which are used by meteorological departments to improve the quality of tropical storm warning services and quickly communicate the risk to people who are likely to be affected by the disaster. Additionally, GIS can be used to prepare seismic hazard maps for assessing risks and to carry out search and rescue operations more effectively by identifying disaster-prone areas and zoning them according to risk magnitudes.

Role of the Internet

• In the current electronic age, the internet is a valuable tool for communication during disasters.
• Creating a well-designed website is a cost-effective method to establish a national and international presence.
• It is an innovative option for the rapid and global dissemination of disaster information, as many organizations including national meteorological services are experimenting with real-time weather forecasts, observations and satellite data through the internet.
• During the most critical phase of natural disasters, electronic communication has provided the most effective, and at times the only, means of communication with the outside world.

Warning and Forecasting System

• A forecasting and early warning system plays a crucial role in determining the severity of natural hazards.
• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues cyclone warnings from the Area Cyclone Warning Centres (ACWCs) and has the infrastructure in place to disseminate these warnings at appropriate times.
• The IMD operates 36 seismic stations throughout the country to monitor seismological activity.
• The National Remote Sensing Agency provides satellite data to aid in long-term drought proofing programmes for natural resources in districts through the National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Management System (NADAMS).
• The Central Water Commission (CWC), under the Ministry of Water Resources, issues flood forecasts and warnings that are used to alert the public and prompt appropriate action by administrative and state engineering agencies in the flood hazard area.

Conclusion

India has achieved remarkable advancements in science and technology, resulting in the development of numerous innovative techniques, goods and improved quality products. India has made remarkable progress in frontier areas of science and technology such as atomic energy and space research. Presently, the country has a robust foundation in modern technology, and it ranks third in terms of scientific and technical workforce worldwide.