In News:

The European Union (EU) has announced the launch of IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite), a highly ambitious space program that aims to enhance satellite connectivity, security, and resilience for both governmental and civilian applications. The initiative is set to rival major global satellite systems, such as Elon Musk's Starlink, and aims to provide secure, high-speed broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.

Key Features of IRIS²:

• Satellite Constellation: The system will consist of 290 satellites, including 264 in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
• First Launch: The first satellite for the program is scheduled for launch in 2029.
• Secure Connectivity: IRIS² is designed to provide secure, high-speed broadband services, particularly for European regions that lack reliable connectivity.
• Collaboration: The project is a collaboration between the EU, the European Space Agency (ESA), and private sector partners, including SES, Eutelsat, and Airbus.
• Funding: The program is funded through a €10.6 billion (~$11 billion) investment, with a 12-year concession for its implementation.

Applications of IRIS²:

• Governmental Use:
  • Border Surveillance: Enhanced monitoring for national security.
  • Crisis Management: Reliable communication during natural disasters and emergencies.
  • Infrastructure Security: Safeguarding key national infrastructure.
  • Defense: Boosting military communication resilience.
• Civilian Use:
  • Broadband Access: Providing internet access in rural and underserved areas.
  • Smart Energy: Supporting management of energy grids and related technologies.
  • Transportation: Ensuring reliable communication and navigation in aviation, maritime, and automotive sectors.
  • Remote Healthcare: Improving healthcare access in remote locations.

Significance of IRIS²:

• Strategic Asset: The program will strengthen EU sovereignty in space technology and improve its technological independence, reducing reliance on non-European satellite systems.
• Cyber and Communication Resilience: IRIS² is designed to enhance resilience against cyber threats and communication disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted service for both public and private sectors.
• Commercial Benefits: The satellite network will provide high-speed connectivity for businesses across Europe, offering a boost to commercial activities in remote and underserved areas.
• Complementary to Existing EU Programs: IRIS² complements other EU space initiatives, such as Copernicus (Earth observation) and Galileo (satellite navigation), enhancing the EU's capabilities in the space sector.

Overview of the IRIS² Satellite Network:

• Deployment in LEO and MEO:
  • 264 satellites in LEO will provide low-latency communication for a wide range of applications.
  • 18 satellites in MEO will offer broader coverage and support for global connectivity.
• Funding and Partners: The program is funded by the EU, ESA, and private firms, including SES, Eutelsat, and Airbus, ensuring both public and private sector involvement in the project.
• Applications:
  • The network will provide secure satellite services for critical government functions, including surveillance, defense, and crisis management.
  • It will also support civilian uses, such as broadband, smart grids, and transportation, and will facilitate cloud-based services.

Strategic and Geopolitical Importance:

• Boost to European Competitiveness: By developing its own satellite system, the EU will enhance its competitive position in the global space sector.
• Security and Autonomy: IRIS² will help Europe maintain control over its communication infrastructure, strengthening its autonomy and reducing dependence on external players for critical services.
• Resilience in Crisis Situations: In times of disruption (e.g., natural disasters, cyberattacks), IRIS² will ensure that Europe can maintain secure, reliable connectivity.

In News:

A recent study has revealed a dramatic decline in the number of bird species at Assam's Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary (BBBS). The sanctuary, once home to a rich diversity of avian species, has experienced a 72% decline in bird species over the past 27 years. The study, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, highlights the severe biodiversity crisis facing the sanctuary.

Key Findings:

• Bird Species Count Decline:
  • In 1997, the sanctuary recorded 167 bird species.
  • Recent surveys (2022-2024) have only recorded 47 species, marking a 71.85% decline in species count.
• Surveys:
  • 2011 Survey: Recorded 133 species (86 resident, 23 migratory, 24 local migrants).
  • 2017-2018 Survey: Found 120 species, along with a variety of other biodiversity, including macrophytes, fish, and aquatic ferns.
• Impact on Migratory Birds:
  • Migratory species like Brown Shrike, Citrine Wagtail, and White Wagtail (winter migrants), and the Lesser Kestrel (summer migrant) were recorded recently.
• Main Causes of Decline:
  • Anthropogenic Activities: Overfishing, poaching, excessive harvesting of aquatic plants, and egg collection.
  • Land Use Changes: Habitat degradation due to agriculture, machinery noise, and land being used as pasture areas.
  • Disruption of Food Chain: Habitat loss and changes in foraging and breeding grounds for both migratory and resident birds.
• Species of Concern:
  • Poached Birds: Lesser whistling duck, Fulvous whistling duck, White-breasted waterhen, Indian pond heron, Eastern spotted dove, and Yellow-footed green pigeon.
  • Threatened Species: The sanctuary is home to globally threatened species like the Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant.

About Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary:

• Location: Situated between Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam, the sanctuary spans 11.25 sq. km at an altitude of 90-95 meters above sea level.
• History: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1996, it was originally part of the Subansiri River which has now shifted 7 km from the wetland.
• Climate & Vegetation:
  • Moist tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of around 2,000 mm.
  • The vegetation includes flooded valley grasslands and wetland plants, providing crucial habitat for migratory birds.
• Significance for Avian Species:
  • Hosts a variety of migratory waterfowl, especially during the winter.
  • Home to globally threatened bird species like the Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant, along with resident birds such as the Indian Pond Heron and Fulvous Whistling Duck.

Conservation Efforts:

• The decline in bird species at the sanctuary has raised alarm about the degradation of wetland habitats.
  • The study emphasizes that habitat loss can disrupt the food chain, water table, and nutrient cycle, which in turn harms both the ecosystem and human communities.
• The authors of the study advocate for intense conservation efforts to restore and protect the sanctuary’s biodiversity.

Assam's Biodiversity:

• Assam is one of India's most biodiverse states, with around 950 bird species, including 17 endemic species.
• The state also hosts 55 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA), which are vital hotspots for avian species.