CRPF,India seeks to expedite satellite imaging project to track naxals

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Rashid Faridi

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will soon approach the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to expedite the ongoing project of high-resolution satellite imaging and video mapping of dense forest areas, used by naxalites and jihadis as hideouts. The project, launched in March last year, is aimed at having exact three-dimensional maps of such areas. Currently, aerial videography of the forests and the hills in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand is underway. Since lack of knowledge of the topography has been the biggest hurdle for security personnel, CRPF had contacted ISRO to provide such maps which would help it carry out its operations with precision. “ISRO, Bangalore, is designated as the lead agency for satellite imageries as well as compact GIS solutions for the force. It will provide a customised service to CRPF for providing ground level observation as well as navigation with precision and speed for operational effectiveness,” said a senior home ministry official.

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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After 19 years, Ulysses solar probe to go dark

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Rashid Faridi

NASA and the European Space Agency are about to pull the plug on a robotic solar probe that just wouldn’t quit. The Ulysses probe was launched from the space shuttle Discovery in 1990. It was supposed to last five years. But it’s now nearing 19 years, 5.8 billion miles and still going.

Sixteen months ago, the two space agencies announced that Ulysses was freezing up and about to die in a matter of weeks. Somehow it kept operating, sending important science information about an extraordinarily quiet year for the sunspots and solar wind.That will end  when the space agencies turn off Ulysses’ transmitter. Officials say issues with power, location and antennas make it no longer useful.

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Joint effort of UNESCO and Norway to preserve Pak culture

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Rashid Faridi

Norway and Pakistan would carry out mapping of tangible and intangible cultural assets in NWFP, focussing initially on seven districts, in collaboration with UNESCO, according to Robert Kevile, Norwegian Ambassador.The project would focus initially on districts of Peshawar, Mardan, Mansehra, Charsadda, Swat, Bannu and Chitral. Naeem Tahir, the PNCA director general ensured UNESCO, Norway, and members of all agencies involved in the project of his full support.

Source : http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/

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Castor-oil Plants Genetically Altered To Produce New Bio-lubricants

Posted on June 26, 2009 by Rashid Faridi

Almeria-based researchers, led by Federico García Maroto, have genetically altered the castor-oil plant so as to use it as a factory to produce bio lubricants.The team of scientists is also working on the introduction of genes into castor-oil plants with a technique that is effective and reproducible for the production of generally applicable bio lubricants. That is, they aim to make a great battery of bio lubricants with different applications: automobile industry, aero generators, industrial engines and motors, etc.

Moreover, the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture of Córdoba is developing the agronomic aspect of castor-oil plants. The aim of two-folded: on the one hand, to obtain varieties adapted to current culture conditions in Spain, and on the other hand, that they have a high performance level to obtain high quality oil for lubricants, and therefore, a high content of oleic acid and antioxidant compounds.

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