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Q71 (IAS/2015) Science & Technology › Space & Defence Technology › Indian earth observation satellites Official Key

In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used? 1. Assessment of crop productivity 2. Locating groundwater resources 3. Mineral exploration 4. Telecommunications 5. Traffic studies Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Explanation

Indian satellite systems can be grouped into two categories: Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS)[1]. The INSAT system is designed for telecommunications, meteorological observation and various other data and programmes[1], while IRS satellites collect data in several spectral bands and are very useful in the management of natural resources[2].

Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites are specifically used in assessment of crop productivity, locating groundwater resources, and mineral[4] exploration. Additionally, remote sensing and satellite imageries can be useful in identifying possible river-basins and identifying ground water potential[6]. Satellites like the IRS have played an important role, through infrared photographs, in locating geothermal areas[7].

Telecommunications is a function of the INSAT system, not IRS satellites. Traffic studies are not mentioned as an application of IRS satellites in the provided documents. Therefore, only activities 1, 2, and 3 are correct applications of IRS satellites, making option A the correct answer.

Sources
  1. [1] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
  2. [2] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
  3. [5] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters > Consequences of Drought > p. 66
  4. [6] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters > Consequences of Drought > p. 66
  5. [7] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Recent Developments: > p. 295
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Q. In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used? 1. Assessment of crop productivity 2. Locating gr…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 6/10 · 4/10

This is a classic 'Definition & Application' question. It tests if you understand the fundamental binary of India's space program: IRS (Earth Observation/Cameras) vs. INSAT (Communication/Transponders). The answer lies directly in NCERT Geography Class XII, which explicitly separates these two systems.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for assessment of crop productivity
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
Presence: 4/5
“Satellites are mode of communication in themselves as well as they regulate the use of other means of communication. However, use of satellite in getting a continuous and synoptic view of larger area has made satellite communication very vital for the country due to the economic and strategic reasons. Satellite images can be used for the weather forecast, monitoring of natural calamities, surveillance of border areas, etc. On the basis of configuration and purposes, satellite system in India can be grouped into two: Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS). The INSAT, which was established in 1983,is a multi-purpose satellite system for telecommunication, meteorological observation and for various other data and programmes.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly names the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS) as a dedicated remote sensing satellite system in India.
  • States that satellite images provide a continuous, synoptic view useful for applications like weather forecasting and monitoring large areas — capability required for crop monitoring and assessment.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 10: Spatial Organisation of Agriculture > AGRO-CLIMATIC REGIONS OF INDIA > p. 32
Presence: 4/5
“India has great variations in the geo-climatic, socioeconomic, and agricultural practices. The variations in the geo-ecological and socioeconomic conditions have closely influenced the agricultural activities. For the planning of agriculture, the Planning Commission and the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) have divided the country into 15 agro-climatic regions (Fig. 10.10). The main objectives of agro-climatic regions are • (i) to optimise agricultural production;• (ii) to increase farm income;• (iii) to generate more rural employment;• (iv) to make a judicious use of the available irrigation water; and• (v) to reduce the regional inequalities in the development of agriculture. These agro-climatic regions are as under:”
Why this source?
  • Notes that the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) used remote sensing to divide India into 15 agro-climatic regions for agricultural planning.
  • Lists agricultural objectives of these remote-sensing-driven regions (optimise production, increase farm income, judicious use of irrigation) which imply use of remote sensing for crop-related assessment and planning.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters > Consequences of Drought > p. 66
Presence: 3/5
“Identification of ground water potential in the form of aquifers, transfer of river water from the surplus to the deficit areas, and particularly planning for inter-linking of rivers and construction of reservoirs and dams, etc. should be given a serious thought. Remote sensing and satellite imageries can be useful in identifying the possible river-basins that can be inter-linked and in identifying the ground water potential. Dissemination of knowledge about drought-resistant crops and proper training to practise the same can be some of the long-term measures that will be helpful in drought-mitigation. Rainwater harvesting can also be an effective method in minimising the effects of drought.”
Why this source?
  • States remote sensing and satellite imageries are useful for identifying groundwater potential, river basins and in drought-mitigation planning — activities closely linked to sustaining crop productivity.
  • Shows satellite data is applied to practical agricultural/environmental assessments that affect crop outcomes.
Statement 2
Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for locating groundwater resources
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 27
Presence: 5/5
“palaeochannels as a migratory river. Its initial course flowed close to the Aravalli ranges and the successive six stages took west and north-westerly shifts till it coincides with the dry bed of the Ghaggar River. The course of the Saraswati River in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan is clearly highlighted in the LANDSAT imagery by the vegetation cover thriving on the rich residual loamy soil along its earlier course. The digital enhancement studies of IRS-1C data (1995), combined with RADAR imagery from European Remote Sensing Satellite ERS 1/2, identified subsurface features and recognised the palaeochannels beneath the sands of the Thar Desert.”
Why this source?
  • Specifically names IRS-1C digital enhancement studies that identified subsurface features and palaeochannels beneath sands.
  • Detecting palaeochannels and subsurface features is directly relevant to locating potential groundwater-bearing formations.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters > Consequences of Drought > p. 66
Presence: 4/5
“Identification of ground water potential in the form of aquifers, transfer of river water from the surplus to the deficit areas, and particularly planning for inter-linking of rivers and construction of reservoirs and dams, etc. should be given a serious thought. Remote sensing and satellite imageries can be useful in identifying the possible river-basins that can be inter-linked and in identifying the ground water potential. Dissemination of knowledge about drought-resistant crops and proper training to practise the same can be some of the long-term measures that will be helpful in drought-mitigation. Rainwater harvesting can also be an effective method in minimising the effects of drought.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states remote sensing and satellite imageries can be useful in identifying ground water potential.
  • Links satellite-based identification of groundwater potential to planning measures (e.g., inter-linking rivers, aquifers).
INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
Presence: 3/5
“The IRS satellite system became operational with the launching of IRS-IA in March 1988 from Vaikanour in Russia. India has also developed her own Launching Vehicle PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). These satellites collect data in several spectral bands and transmit them to the ground stations for various uses. The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) at Hyderabad provides facilities for acquisition of data and its processing. These are very useful in the management of natural resources. • EXERCISES 1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options. • (i) In how many zones has the Indian Railways system been divided? • (a) 9 (c) 17 • (b) 12 (d) 14• (ii) On which river and between which two places does the National Water Way No.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the IRS satellite system collecting multispectral data for natural resource management.
  • Notes NRSC processes IRS data for various uses, implying operational support for resource applications including groundwater studies.
Statement 3
Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for mineral exploration
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > Guidelines for Sustainable Sand & Minor Mineral Mining > p. 115
Presence: 5/5
“• Where to mine and where to prohibit mining: District Survey Report for each district in the country, taking the river in that district as one ecological system. Use of ISRO, remote sensing data and ground truthing. z. Sustainable mining: Mining out material only that much which is deposited annually. 3. Involvement of District authorities in the process: The District-level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) headed by District Collector. The District Collector is to be assisted by the District Level Expert Appraisal Committee (DEAC) headed by Executive Engineer (Irrigation Department), being assigned the responsibility of granting environment clearance up to 5 hectare of mine lease area for minor minerals, mainly sand.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly recommends use of ISRO remote sensing data for deciding 'where to mine and where to prohibit mining'.
  • Connects remote sensing outputs with district-level mining surveys and ground-truthing for sustainable mining decisions.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Recent Developments: > p. 295
Presence: 5/5
“lrr zor3, India's first geothermal power plant was announced to be set up in Chhattisgarh' 'The plant would be set up at Tattapani in the Balrampur district. Satellites like the IRS-r have played an important role, through infrared photographs, in locating geothermal areas. r”
Why this source?
  • States that satellites like the IRS have played an important role via infrared photographs in locating geothermal areas.
  • Demonstrates a direct application of IRS data in exploring energy/mineral-related resources (geothermal).
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 27
Presence: 4/5
“palaeochannels as a migratory river. Its initial course flowed close to the Aravalli ranges and the successive six stages took west and north-westerly shifts till it coincides with the dry bed of the Ghaggar River. The course of the Saraswati River in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan is clearly highlighted in the LANDSAT imagery by the vegetation cover thriving on the rich residual loamy soil along its earlier course. The digital enhancement studies of IRS-1C data (1995), combined with RADAR imagery from European Remote Sensing Satellite ERS 1/2, identified subsurface features and recognised the palaeochannels beneath the sands of the Thar Desert.”
Why this source?
  • Describes digital enhancement of IRS-1C data to identify subsurface features (palaeochannels) beneath desert sands.
  • Shows IRS capability to reveal concealed geological/subsurface features relevant to prospecting and exploration.
Statement 4
Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for telecommunications
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites are used in Assessment of crop productivity, Locating groundwater resources and Mineral exploration."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists IRS uses in crop assessment, groundwater locating and mineral exploration—applications of remote sensing, not telecommunications.
  • Shows IRS are used for Earth-observation resource and environmental applications rather than communication services.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) are a series of Earth observation satellites, built, launched and maintained by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)."
Why this source?
  • Defines IRS as a series of Earth observation satellites built and maintained by ISRO, indicating their remote-sensing role.
  • States IRS provides remote sensing services and is a large constellation for Earth observation, not telecom.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"IRS-P5 is a first spacecraft designed to acquire stereoscopic Imageries."
Why this source?
  • Describes IRS spacecraft and payloads designed to acquire imagery (e.g., stereoscopic imageries), confirming imaging/remote-sensing function.
  • Details cameras and sensors onboard IRS for imaging, which are remote sensing instruments rather than telecommunication payloads.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
Strength: 5/5
“Satellites are mode of communication in themselves as well as they regulate the use of other means of communication. However, use of satellite in getting a continuous and synoptic view of larger area has made satellite communication very vital for the country due to the economic and strategic reasons. Satellite images can be used for the weather forecast, monitoring of natural calamities, surveillance of border areas, etc. On the basis of configuration and purposes, satellite system in India can be grouped into two: Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS). The INSAT, which was established in 1983,is a multi-purpose satellite system for telecommunication, meteorological observation and for various other data and programmes.”
Why relevant

Explicitly groups Indian satellite systems into INSAT (multi-purpose for telecommunication, meteorology, etc.) and IRS (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System), implying different primary functions.

How to extend

A student could use the rule that INSAT = telecom while IRS = remote sensing and check whether IRS satellites are listed among telecom satellites (INSAT/GSAT) on an external satellite catalog or agency website.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Recent Developments: > p. 295
Strength: 4/5
“lrr zor3, India's first geothermal power plant was announced to be set up in Chhattisgarh' 'The plant would be set up at Tattapani in the Balrampur district. Satellites like the IRS-r have played an important role, through infrared photographs, in locating geothermal areas. r”
Why relevant

Describes satellites like 'IRS-r' being used for infrared photographs to locate geothermal areas, showing a clear remote‑sensing application for IRS-series satellites.

How to extend

Combine this example of imaging use with knowledge that telecom satellites carry transponders, then verify whether IRS specifications list imaging sensors versus communication transponders.

Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Keeping Time with the Skies > Our scientific heritage > p. 185
Strength: 4/5
“The Cartosat series of satellites, launched by ISRO, capture high-quality images of the Earth to improve maps, plan cities, and handle natural disasters in India. One such mapping platform, Bhuvan, uses these images to show terrain, soil, land use, vegetation, and more. AstroSat, another ISRO mission, makes scientific observations of stars and other celestial objects. India's other space missions include Chandrayaan 1, 2, and 3 to the Moon; Aditya L1 to study the Sun; and Mangalyaan to Mars. ISRO also lets Indian students build and launch small satellites, such as AzaadiSat, InspireSat-1, and Jugnu.”
Why relevant

States that the Cartosat series (an ISRO imaging/mapping family) capture high‑quality Earth images for maps and planning, reinforcing that some Indian satellites are optimized for Earth observation.

How to extend

A student can contrast Cartosat/IRS mission descriptions (imaging) with INSAT/GSAT mission descriptions (communications) from ISRO to assess whether IRS are intended for telecom.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Major Events > p. 56
Strength: 3/5
“1980: Second experimental launch of SLV-3; Rohini satellite successfully placed in orbit. 1981: Bhaskara II launched on November 20. 1982: INSAT-1A launched (April), deactivated in September. 1983: Second launch of SLV-3; RD-D2 placed in orbit. INSAT-1B launched. 1984: Indo-Soviet manned space mission (April). Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to reach space. 1987: ASLV with SROSS-1 satellite on board launched. 1988: First Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-1A launched. 1990: INSAT-1D launched successfully. 1991: Launch of second operational Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-1B (August). 1992: Third developmental launch of ASLV witth SROCC-C on board (May). Satellite placed in orbit. First indigenously built satellite, INSAT-2A, launched successfully.”
Why relevant

Timeline notes separate launches for IRS (first IRS-1A in 1988) and INSAT launches earlier and afterwards, indicating distinct satellite series and purposes in India's space program.

How to extend

Use the historical separation of IRS and INSAT series to check external lists/catalogs that classify satellites by series and function (remote sensing vs. telecom).

FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 68
Strength: 3/5
“Today Internet is the largest electronic network on the planet connecting about 1,000 million people in more than 100 countries. Satellites touch human lives in many ways. Every time you use a cell phone to call a friend, send an SMS or watch a popular programme on cable television. You are using satellite communication. Communication through satellites emerged as a new area in communication technology since the 1970s after U.S.A. and former U.S.S.R. pioneered space research. Artificial satellites, now, are successfully deployed in the earth's orbit to connect even the remote corners of the globe with limited onsite verification. These have rendered the unit cost and time of communication invariant in terms of distance.”
Why relevant

Explains how satellites are used for telecommunications (cell phones, TV, internet), providing the general function that telecom satellites perform.

How to extend

A student can use this general definition of telecom satellites to compare against IRS mission descriptions; if IRS missions describe imaging/remote sensing rather than providing telecom services, it supports the distinction.

Statement 5
Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for traffic studies
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 3/5
"Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites are used in Assessment of crop productivity, Locating groundwater resources and Mineral exploration."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists primary applications of IRS satellites (agriculture, groundwater, minerals) without mentioning traffic studies.
  • Shows IRS usage is focused on natural resource assessment rather than transport/traffic monitoring in this source.
Web source
Presence: 3/5
"Optical satellite data from Indian Remote Sensing satellites (IRS) ... to monitor and map flood inundation."
Why this source?
  • Describes IRS optical data being used to monitor and map flood inundation for disaster management — an Earth-observation application, not traffic.
  • Reinforces that IRS applications cited are environmental/disaster related, with no reference to traffic studies.
Web source
Presence: 3/5
"Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) enable necessary mapping and monitoring of various parameters needed for better agricultural management. The details of the Indian Remote Sensing satellites, used for agricultural management are presented in Table 1 below."
Why this source?
  • Details IRS sensors and their use for agricultural management and monitoring, indicating primary users and applications.
  • Again demonstrates common IRS applications (agriculture) with no mention of traffic-related uses.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
Strength: 4/5
“Satellites are mode of communication in themselves as well as they regulate the use of other means of communication. However, use of satellite in getting a continuous and synoptic view of larger area has made satellite communication very vital for the country due to the economic and strategic reasons. Satellite images can be used for the weather forecast, monitoring of natural calamities, surveillance of border areas, etc. On the basis of configuration and purposes, satellite system in India can be grouped into two: Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS). The INSAT, which was established in 1983,is a multi-purpose satellite system for telecommunication, meteorological observation and for various other data and programmes.”
Why relevant

Describes IRS as a system for remote sensing and states satellite images give a continuous, synoptic view of large areas for monitoring (weather, calamities, surveillance).

How to extend

A student could infer that a synoptic, large-area imaging capability can be repurposed to observe urban road networks and temporal changes relevant to traffic studies (e.g., vehicle density, incident detection) and then check IRS sensor resolution/timing.

Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Keeping Time with the Skies > Our scientific heritage > p. 185
Strength: 5/5
“The Cartosat series of satellites, launched by ISRO, capture high-quality images of the Earth to improve maps, plan cities, and handle natural disasters in India. One such mapping platform, Bhuvan, uses these images to show terrain, soil, land use, vegetation, and more. AstroSat, another ISRO mission, makes scientific observations of stars and other celestial objects. India's other space missions include Chandrayaan 1, 2, and 3 to the Moon; Aditya L1 to study the Sun; and Mangalyaan to Mars. ISRO also lets Indian students build and launch small satellites, such as AzaadiSat, InspireSat-1, and Jugnu.”
Why relevant

Specifically names the Cartosat series as capturing high-quality images to improve maps and plan cities via an Indian mapping platform (Bhuvan).

How to extend

One could extend this to hypothesize that high-resolution Cartosat imagery and Bhuvan-derived maps can be used to map road geometry and urban layouts needed for traffic analysis, then verify Cartosat spatial/temporal specs.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > Note: > p. 434
Strength: 4/5
“*Note: • (1) GAGAN is a satellite-based augmentation system and stands for GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation which is a joint project between ISRO and the Airports Authority of India.• (2) NavIC is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system that provides accurate real-time positioning and timing services.”
Why relevant

Notes GAGAN and NavIC are satellite-based navigation/positioning systems providing accurate real-time positioning and timing services.

How to extend

A student could combine NavIC/GAGAN capability with ground vehicle GPS/NavIC-enabled data (e.g., probe vehicles, taxis) to infer how satellite navigation supports traffic monitoring/vehicle tracking.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Road Transport > p. 76
Strength: 3/5
“India has one of the second largest road networks in the world with a total length of about 62.16 lakh km (morth.nic.in, Annual Report 2020-21). the princely states and British India. After Independence, twenty-year road plan (1961) was introduced to improve the conditions of roads in India. However, roads continue to concentrate in and around urban centres. Rural and remote areas had the least connectivity by road. For the purpose of construction and maintenance, roads are classified as National Highways (NH), State Highways(SH), Major District Roads and Rural Roads. Fig. 7.1 About 85 per cent of passenger and 70 per cent of freight traffic are carried by roads every year.”
Why relevant

States roads carry about 85% of passengers and 70% of freight, and road networks concentrate in urban centres, implying significant demand for road/traffic information.

How to extend

Using this demand argument, a student could argue that national remote sensing and navigation assets (IRS/Cartosat/NavIC) are logical tools to consider for traffic studies and then seek technical evidence of such applications.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves testing the 'Primary Function' of technology. They will mix applications of System A (IRS) with System B (INSAT) to trap students who only memorize names but not functions.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly solvable from NCERT Class XII (India People & Economy), Chapter 7, which distinguishes IRS from INSAT.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Space Technology > Satellite Classes. The syllabus divides satellites by function: Remote Sensing (Looking down) vs. Communication (Bouncing signals).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Functional Triad': 1. Earth Observation (IRS, Cartosat, Resourcesat, RISAT) → Crops, Maps, Spying. 2. Communication (INSAT, GSAT) → TV, Tele-medicine, Disaster Warning. 3. Navigation (NavIC, GAGAN) → GPS, Timing, Traffic.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When reading about a satellite, ask 'What is the payload?' If it has Cameras/Sensors, it's for Resources (IRS). If it has Transponders, it's for Connectivity (Telecom). Never mix the two.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS) & its monitoring capability
💡 The insight

IRS is explicitly named as India's remote sensing system; the references highlight satellites' synoptic view and monitoring uses which underpin crop assessment.

High-yield for UPSC geography and science-tech questions: links space programmes (ISRO/IRS) with practical applications (agriculture, disaster management). Helps answer questions on satellite categories, their uses, and national programmes. Prepare by linking NCERT/system descriptions with application examples in agriculture and environment.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
🔗 Anchor: "Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for assessment of crop productiv..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Role of NRSA (remote sensing agency) in agro-climatic regionalisation
💡 The insight

NRSA used remote sensing to define agro-climatic regions for planning agriculture, showing institutional use of satellite data in crop planning.

Useful for polity/administration + geography overlaps: shows how central technical agencies inform agricultural planning and policy. Master by studying institutional roles, schemes, and how remote sensing informs land-use/agricultural policy questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 10: Spatial Organisation of Agriculture > AGRO-CLIMATIC REGIONS OF INDIA > p. 32
🔗 Anchor: "Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for assessment of crop productiv..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Remote sensing applications in drought mitigation and water-resource identification
💡 The insight

References link satellite imagery to identifying groundwater potential, river basins and drought-mitigation — factors that influence crop productivity.

Relevant to disaster management, resource planning and agriculture topics in UPSC. Understanding these applications enables answers on how tech aids resilience and productivity. Study by mapping remote-sensing outputs to practical interventions (irrigation planning, drought response).

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters > Consequences of Drought > p. 66
🔗 Anchor: "Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for assessment of crop productiv..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Remote sensing for groundwater potential
💡 The insight

References state that satellite imagery and remote sensing are useful in identifying groundwater potential and aquifers.

High-yield for UPSC geography/environment: questions often ask about technological methods for resource mapping and drought mitigation. Connects to topics on water resources, drought management and GIS/RS applications. Prepare by studying examples of satellite applications (palaeochannel detection, aquifer mapping) and linking them to policy uses.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters > Consequences of Drought > p. 66
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 27
🔗 Anchor: "Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for locating groundwater resourc..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 IRS satellites and data applications
💡 The insight

IRS system is described as providing multispectral data and processed by NRSC for natural resource management.

Useful for questions on indigenous satellite capabilities and their role in resource management and planning. Helps answer demand-side questions on national technological assets (PSLV/IRS) and their practical uses. Study IRS mission capabilities, data types, and institutional players (NRSC) through official case examples.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 27
🔗 Anchor: "Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for locating groundwater resourc..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Palaeochannel detection & groundwater exploration
💡 The insight

IRS-1C studies identified palaeochannels and subsurface features relevant to locating groundwater beneath deserts.

Directly applicable to questions on innovative methods of groundwater exploration and desert hydrology. Links geomorphology with remote sensing techniques; practice by reviewing case studies where palaeochannels indicated viable groundwater targets.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 27
🔗 Anchor: "Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for locating groundwater resourc..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 IRS / Remote sensing for natural resource and mining decision-making
💡 The insight

References explicitly recommend using ISRO/IRS remote sensing data and ground-truthing to decide mining locations and sustainable extraction.

High-yield for UPSC geography/environment topics: explains technological inputs into resource management, links space tech with mining policy and EIA processes. Master by studying ISRO applications, case examples, and integration with ground surveys to answer questions on sustainable mining and resource governance.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > Guidelines for Sustainable Sand & Minor Mineral Mining > p. 115
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
🔗 Anchor: "Are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used for mineral exploration"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Next Logical Question' is on specific IRS series: RISAT (Radar Imaging) is used for all-weather surveillance (cloud penetration), while Oceansat provides Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) data based on chlorophyll and sea surface temperature.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the 'Camera vs. Phone' logic. Remote Sensing literally means 'sensing from a distance' (taking photos). Telecommunications requires active signal relay (like a phone tower). A camera cannot act as a phone tower. Therefore, IRS cannot do Telecommunications (Option 4). Eliminating 4 removes options (B) and (D). Between (A) and (C), Mineral Exploration (3) is a classic geological use of spectral imaging (identifying rock signatures), making (A) the only logical choice.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link this to GS-3 Agriculture & Disaster Management: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) mandates the use of Remote Sensing (IRS) for crop yield estimation and claim settlement, reducing human error in 'Girdawari'.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2019 · Q32 Relevance score: -3.86

For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IAS · 1996 · Q88 Relevance score: -4.97

Which one of the following satellites is to be launched from India in 1996?

IAS · 2010 · Q7 Relevance score: -6.01

Consider the following statements : The Satellite Oceansat-2 launched by India helps in 1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere. 2. predicting the onset of monsoons. 3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

NDA-II · 2009 · Q1 Relevance score: -6.38

Consider the following statements with respect to the Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-2): 1. This is the first Indian satellite with microwave imaging configuration on board. 2. The satellite will boost India’s defence capabilities. 3. It can take images of the earth day and night, even under rainy and cloudy-conditions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2024 · Q34 Relevance score: -6.54

Consider the following activities : 1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft 2. Monitoring of precipitation 3. Tracking the migration of animals In how many of the above activities can the radars be used ?