ISRO Detects Strong El Niño Looming, Threatening Global Weather and India’s Monsoon
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims + Mains·
Remote sensing and climate monitoring: a key GS3 topic for disaster management and science & technology.
Why in news
ISRO's EOS-06/Oceansat-3 satellite detected declining marine productivity and wind reversals in the equatorial Pacific, indicating a developing El Niño.
Background
ISRO's EOS-06/Oceansat-3 satellite orbits at 741 km above Earth. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasts an 80% probability for El Niño conditions between June and August 2026.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TEOS-06/Oceansat-3: ISRO satellite used to monitor marine productivity and wind patterns.
- FactEOS-06/Oceansat-3 orbital altitude: 741 km above Earth.
- FactWMO forecast: 80% probability of El Niño conditions by June–August 2026.
- PlaceEquatorial Pacific: Region where wind reversals and reduced chlorophyll-a levels indicate El Niño.
Prelims practice question
What is the orbital altitude of the ISRO EOS-06/Oceansat-3 satellite used to monitor marine productivity?
- (a)741 km
- (b)850 km
- (c)1200 km
- (d)500 km
Show answer
Answer: (a) 741 km — The note specifies that the EOS-06/Oceansat-3 satellite orbits at 741 km above Earth.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how satellite-based remote sensing enhances India's ability to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of extreme climatic phenomena like El Niño.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data integration: Combining ISRO's marine productivity data with WMO forecasts for early warning
- Agricultural vulnerability: Impact of erratic monsoon patterns on food security and rural livelihoods
- Technological sovereignty: Reducing reliance on foreign meteorological data for climate modeling
Keywords: Remote Sensing · Climate Resilience · Monsoon Dynamics · Marine Productivity · Early Warning Systems
More Science & Technology notes
- ‘Heartbreaking and extremely rare’: Mother humpback whale carries stillborn calf through the ocean; scientists explain the unusual behaviour · 18 September 2026
- Kew's Millennium Seed Bank collected seeds from the last known wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree on Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile, to prevent its extinction · 18 September 2026
- Australian researchers successfully grew and consumed edible fungi (lion's mane, turkey's tail · 18 September 2026
- The Iberian lynx population recovery was highlighted as a success story of conservation programs · 18 September 2026
- Why AI Isn’t Likely to Wipe Out Humanity With Bioweapons · 18 September 2026
- AI Giants Call "Slowdown" Amid Hacking Fears, Risk Antitrust Probes · 18 September 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.