Space TRISHNA Mission Context: Prime Minister announced that India and France will jointly launch the TRISHNA satellite in 2027, a mission designed to contribute to global water and food security. About TRISHNA Mission TRISHNA (Thermal Infrared Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment) is a joint mission of Indian Space Research Organisation and CNES. Objective It aims to provide high-resolution data on land surface temperature, vegetation condition, and water cycle processes. It will also support studies on urban heat islands, volcanic and geothermal activity, glacier melt, and snow runoff, along with atmospheric parameters like aerosols, water vapour, and clouds. Payloads TIR Payload (CNES): A four-channel infrared sensor for accurate surface temperature mapping. VNIR-SWIR Payload (ISRO): A seven-band sensor for detailed surface reflectance and biophysical analysis. Function Combined data will help estimate surface energy balance and heat flux. Orbit & Life The satellite will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at 761 km altitude (12:30 PM equatorial crossing), with 57 m resolution for land/coastal areas and 1 km for oceans/polar regions, and a mission life of 5 years. Latest inventions in science and technology Smart Seed Coating Technology Context: ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, has developed and demonstrated an innovative biopolymer-based Smart Seed Coating Technology designed to enhance seed quality, crop establishment, and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses across a wide range of agricultural crops. About Smart Seed Coating Technology The biodegradable biopolymeric coating forms a multifunctional protective layer that carries beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, micronutrients, crop-protection agents and growth promoters directly to the seed-soil interface. It promotes rapid germination, vigorous seedling and root growth, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses (drought, temperature extremes, soil degradation, pests) during the critical crop establishment phase. Field demonstrations in Telangana recorded nearly 30% higher yields in groundnut and soybean over conventional…
