Marking a year of the Chandrayaan-2 integrated module having been inserted into lunar orbit, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released its initial set of technical and mission data.&nbsp;

The agency goes on to state that though the soft-landing was unsuccessful, the orbiter had completed 4400 orbits around the moon and all eight on-board instruments are performing well. While the orbiter was meant to stay operational for one year, ISRO says that it has enough fuel for remaining in orbit for seven years.

The Indian space agency has said that the spacecraft is healthy and performance of its subsystems are normal. The orbiter is being maintained in 100 +/- 25 km polar orbit (circling the moon along the poles) with periodic orbit maintenance (OM) manoeuvres. When any satellite or spacecraft is in space in a certain orbit it swings wildly on a certain plane and moves a few hundred metres or even a few kilometres away from the intended path. That's when commands are issued to fire it's on-board liquid-fuelles Motors to steer it back on course.&nbsp;

So far, 17 such OMs were carried out since achieving 100 km lunar orbit on September 24, 2019. The statement from ISRO also adds that the eight scientific payloads on-board are being used optimally. Simply put, it means that the illumination on the lunar surface would vary throughout the year, depending on the sun’s position. Hence, ISRO is making use of multiple equipments to capture images and conduct studies when conventional imaging cameras cannot function owing to poor lighting. &nbsp;

According to ISRO, over the last year, the Terrain Mapping Camera 2(TMC 2) has been able to acquire images of nearly 4 million sq. km&nbsp;of lunar surface area&nbsp;during 220 orbits. TMC -2 is said to be the highest resolution camera that is currently in orbit around the moon. With a resolution of 30cm, it will be able to distinguish between objects that are 30cm apart.&nbsp;

It is besides the orbiter high-resolution camera (OHRC) has captured images of about 1056sq km area, this data can be used to select landing sites for future missions. The images from OHRC can also help scientists understand the boulders in a particular region and help in interpreting the geological features and their history.

While some of the salient results have been shared on the occasion of the anniversary of lunar orbit insertion, ISRO has stated that the public data release is planned for later this year, after validation by formal peer review. The agency believes that&nbsp;

India's second moon-probe Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22nd last year and had attempted a moon-landing on September 7th. However, the much-anticipated landing happened to end up in a crash landing, after ISRO lost contact with the Vikram lander, barely at an altitude of 2.1km from the lunar surface.&nbsp;

The mission was launched with the objectives of obtaining detailed information on the topography, mineralogy, surface chemical composition, thermo-physical characteristics and the lunar exosphere.

India’s first lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 is credited with finding extensive presence of surface water and the indication of sub-surface polar water-ice deposits. India is also working on Chandrayaan-3, the country's third moon probe, and it is expected to be launched sometime in 2021 or later.&nbsp;

Marking a year of the Chandrayaan-2 integrated module having been inserted into lunar orbit, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released its initial set of technical and mission data.

Marking a year of the Chandrayaan-2 integrated module having been inserted into lunar orbit, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released its initial set of technical and mission data. The agency goes on to state that though the soft-landing was unsuccessful, the orbiter had completed 4400 orbits around the moon and all eight on-board instruments are performing well. While the orbiter was meant to stay operational for one year, ISRO says that it has enough fuel for remaining in orbit for seven years. The Indian space agency has said that the spacecraft is healthy and performance of its subsystems are normal. The orbiter is being maintained in 100 +/- 25 km polar orbit (circling the moon along the poles) with periodic orbit maintenance (OM) manoeuvres. When any satellite or spacecraft is in space in a certain orbit it swings wildly on a certain plane and moves a few hundred metres or even a few kilometres away from the intended path. That's when commands are issued to fire it's on-board liquid-fuelles Motors to steer it back on course. So far, 17 such OMs were carried out since achieving 100 km lunar orbit on September 24, 2019. The statement from ISRO also adds that the eight scientific payloads on-board are being used optimally. Simply put, it means that the illumination on the lunar surface would vary throughout the year, depending on the sun’s position. Hence, ISRO is making use of multiple equipments to capture images and conduct studies when conventional imaging cameras cannot function owing to poor lighting. According to ISRO, over the last year, the Terrain Mapping Camera 2(TMC 2) has been able to acquire images of nearly 4 million sq. km of lunar surface area during 220 orbits. TMC -2 is said to be the highest resolution camera that is currently in orbit around the moon. With a resolution of 30cm, it will be able to distinguish between objects that are 30cm apart. It is besides the orbiter high-resolution camera (OHRC) has captured images of about 1056sq km area, this data can be used to select landing sites for future missions. The images from OHRC can also help scientists understand the boulders in a particular region and help in interpreting the geological features and their history. While some of the salient results have been shared on the occasion of the anniversary of lunar orbit insertion, ISRO has stated that the public data release is planned for later this year, after validation by formal peer review. The agency believes that India's second moon-probe Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22nd last year and had attempted a moon-landing on September 7th. However, the much-anticipated landing happened to end up in a crash landing, after ISRO lost contact with the Vikram lander, barely at an altitude of 2.1km from the lunar surface. The mission was launched with the objectives of obtaining detailed information on the topography, mineralogy, surface chemical composition, thermo-physical characteristics and the lunar exosphere. India’s first lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 is credited with finding extensive presence of surface water and the indication of sub-surface polar water-ice deposits. India is also working on Chandrayaan-3, the country's third moon probe, and it is expected to be launched sometime in 2021 or later.

A year in orbit, Chandrayaan-2 clicks millions of sq km of lunar surface

The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned Interceptor boat C-449, a 27.80 meters long vessel with a displacement of 105 tons. The induction of this ship is a part of ongoing efforts of the Coast Guard to strengthen Maritime &amp; Coastal Security along the Coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh. The ship will not only strengthen the security umbrella of the East Coast but also help augment patrolling to prevent illicit activities at sea.

K Shanmugam, Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu commissioned the vessel in the presence of minimal dignitaries while following all protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The vessel C-449 is Forty-Ninth amongst the Fifty Four in its series being indigenously designed and built by M/s Larsen and Toubro Ltd, Hazira (Surat). &nbsp;This commissioning ceremony is said to be first in-person (as opposed to virtual) Coast Guard ceremony since the outbreak of COVID-19.&nbsp;

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With its top speed of 45knots (85kmph) and advanced navigation &amp; communication equipment, coupled with modern systems, the vessel is undertaking multifarious tasks including Surveillance, Interdiction, Search and Rescue, in addition to assisting boats and crafts in distress at sea.

“In the East Region, C-449 will be the 10th vessel in the Interceptor boat category. Currently we have eight Offshore Patrol Vessels(OPV) and 15 fast patrol vessels, besides 5 Dornier aircraft and 3 Chetak helicopters. At the pan-India level, the Coast Guard has about five interceptor boats and seven OPVs in the pipeline” S. Paramesh, Inspector General, Coast Guard East Region told WION.&nbsp;

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The ship is commanded by Assistant Commandant Ashish Sharma and will be based at Krishnapatnam under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 6, Visakhapatnam.&nbsp;

The Indian Coast Guard currently operates over 150 surface platforms and more than 60 aircraft.&nbsp;

K Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard had earlier said: “Our Coast Guard stands larger than many navies in the world and we further plan to boost our assets to 200 vessels and 100 aircraft by 2025. We also have bilateral and multilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives etc. Daily we deploy 30-40 ships and 10-12 aircraft for surveillance and in the last decade we have saved over 10,000 lives, in over 3100 missions against the fury of nature.”

The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned Interceptor boat C-449, a 27.80 meters long vessel with a displacement of 105 tons. The induction of this ship is a part of ongoing efforts of the Coast Guard to strengthen Maritime & Coastal Security along the Coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh.

The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned Interceptor boat C-449, a 27.80 meters long vessel with a displacement of 105 tons. The induction of this ship is a part of ongoing efforts of the Coast Guard to strengthen Maritime & Coastal Security along the Coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh. The ship will not only strengthen the security umbrella of the East Coast but also help augment patrolling to prevent illicit activities at sea. K Shanmugam, Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu commissioned the vessel in the presence of minimal dignitaries while following all protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The vessel C-449 is Forty-Ninth amongst the Fifty Four in its series being indigenously designed and built by M/s Larsen and Toubro Ltd, Hazira (Surat). This commissioning ceremony is said to be first in-person (as opposed to virtual) Coast Guard ceremony since the outbreak of COVID-19. With its top speed of 45knots (85kmph) and advanced navigation & communication equipment, coupled with modern systems, the vessel is undertaking multifarious tasks including Surveillance, Interdiction, Search and Rescue, in addition to assisting boats and crafts in distress at sea. “In the East Region, C-449 will be the 10th vessel in the Interceptor boat category. Currently we have eight Offshore Patrol Vessels(OPV) and 15 fast patrol vessels, besides 5 Dornier aircraft and 3 Chetak helicopters. At the pan-India level, the Coast Guard has about five interceptor boats and seven OPVs in the pipeline” S. Paramesh, Inspector General, Coast Guard East Region told WION. The ship is commanded by Assistant Commandant Ashish Sharma and will be based at Krishnapatnam under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 6, Visakhapatnam. The Indian Coast Guard currently operates over 150 surface platforms and more than 60 aircraft. K Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard had earlier said: “Our Coast Guard stands larger than many navies in the world and we further plan to boost our assets to 200 vessels and 100 aircraft by 2025. We also have bilateral and multilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives etc. Daily we deploy 30-40 ships and 10-12 aircraft for surveillance and in the last decade we have saved over 10,000 lives, in over 3100 missions against the fury of nature.”

Indian Coast Guard commissions new Interceptor boat C-449 for East region

The Madras High Court has reserved its verdict after the final hearing of a petition which sought permission for Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict Nalini to make video calls to her kin who are living abroad.

Nalini’s counsel M. Radhakrishnan told WION that they are hopeful of a positive verdict, given that it is a prisoner’s fundamental right to socialise with members of their family.&nbsp;

The petition was filed by Nalini’s mother in May this year as it sought to allow her daughter and son-in-law Murugan alias Sriharan(also in jail) to have 10-minute video calls daily, with their kin. Murugan’s mother resides in Sri Lanka and Murugan’s sister resides in London.

During earlier hearings, the Tamil Nadu government which was represented by IG, Prisons had informed the Madras High Court that there is no provision either in TN Prison Rules 1983 or a government order to allow a prisoner to make a voice or video call to anyone residing in a foreign country. On behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, the IG had &nbsp;asked the court to dismiss the petition.

The state government representative also added that prison authorities cannot take action against the caller on other end, if Nalini or Murugan violated the Prison rules or other laws. Further, it was stated that allowing a petitioner to make video/voice call is a privilege extended to prisoners for good behaviour and not a vested right. It was also pointed out that since the case had international ramifications, and the convicts association with a banned outfit, this fell under the domain of Ministry of External Affairs.

However, Nalini’s counsel had argued on the grounds that the state government’s contentions are unconstitutional.&nbsp;

“Their kin being foreign residents doesn’t mean that a foreign country is involved and that the MEA must look into it. Nobody can prevent two individuals from across borders from talking. The prisoner has the same right to express. Identifying and confirming the caller on the other end is the duty of the Prison authorities” he told WION.&nbsp;

When it came to the possibility of them getting in touch with members of the banned outfit(LTTE), he asserted that they are after all speaking to Murugan’s mother and sister both of whom are not connected to any banned outfit.

“This is a family call to their parents/in-laws, authorities can monitor it or videograph it, even the jailer can sit beside them and witness what is being spoken. Not allowing even this is a clear violation of fundamental right, Article 21 of our Constitution.&nbsp;

"It’s the duty of the state machinery to ensure that the call can take place” Radhakrishnan added, stating that the government’s earlier argument was indeed "intelligently drafted".

Murugan had earlier made requests to speak to his father, a resident of Sri Lanka, but that was turned down.&nbsp;

In late April this year when Murugan’s father expired, he was even denied the opportunity of seeing his father for the final time before the last rites were performed. Reports say that the father’s last wish was that of being able to see their son.&nbsp;

The Madras High Court has reserved its verdict after the final hearing of a petition which sought permission for Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict Nalini to make video calls to her kin who are living abroad.

The Madras High Court has reserved its verdict after the final hearing of a petition which sought permission for Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict Nalini to make video calls to her kin who are living abroad. Nalini’s counsel M. Radhakrishnan told WION that they are hopeful of a positive verdict, given that it is a prisoner’s fundamental right to socialise with members of their family. The petition was filed by Nalini’s mother in May this year as it sought to allow her daughter and son-in-law Murugan alias Sriharan(also in jail) to have 10-minute video calls daily, with their kin. Murugan’s mother resides in Sri Lanka and Murugan’s sister resides in London. During earlier hearings, the Tamil Nadu government which was represented by IG, Prisons had informed the Madras High Court that there is no provision either in TN Prison Rules 1983 or a government order to allow a prisoner to make a voice or video call to anyone residing in a foreign country. On behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, the IG had asked the court to dismiss the petition. The state government representative also added that prison authorities cannot take action against the caller on other end, if Nalini or Murugan violated the Prison rules or other laws. Further, it was stated that allowing a petitioner to make video/voice call is a privilege extended to prisoners for good behaviour and not a vested right. It was also pointed out that since the case had international ramifications, and the convicts association with a banned outfit, this fell under the domain of Ministry of External Affairs. However, Nalini’s counsel had argued on the grounds that the state government’s contentions are unconstitutional. “Their kin being foreign residents doesn’t mean that a foreign country is involved and that the MEA must look into it. Nobody can prevent two individuals from across borders from talking. The prisoner has the same right to express. Identifying and confirming the caller on the other end is the duty of the Prison authorities” he told WION. When it came to the possibility of them getting in touch with members of the banned outfit(LTTE), he asserted that they are after all speaking to Murugan’s mother and sister both of whom are not connected to any banned outfit. “This is a family call to their parents/in-laws, authorities can monitor it or videograph it, even the jailer can sit beside them and witness what is being spoken. Not allowing even this is a clear violation of fundamental right, Article 21 of our Constitution. "It’s the duty of the state machinery to ensure that the call can take place” Radhakrishnan added, stating that the government’s earlier argument was indeed "intelligently drafted". Murugan had earlier made requests to speak to his father, a resident of Sri Lanka, but that was turned down. In late April this year when Murugan’s father expired, he was even denied the opportunity of seeing his father for the final time before the last rites were performed. Reports say that the father’s last wish was that of being able to see their son.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: Counsel hopeful Nalini will be able to make video calls to kin abroad

The biggest names in Indian cinema have decided to unite (remotely) in prayer for their fellow artist and veteran singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who is battling COVID-19 and is in a critical condition at a private hospital in Chennai. 
 
The 74-year old playback singer, fondly known as SPB, has over 40,000 songs to his credit in several Indian languages. In a video message released on August 5th, he had said he was being hospitalized for resting, recuperating comfortably while avoiding risk to his family after he tested positive for coronavirus.

Since then, his condition deteriorated and he had to be moved to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) and placed on ventilator support, as per the medical bulletin issued by the private hospital. There have been repeated updates from the hospital and the singer’s son, pointing out that there is a mild improvement. In the latest video, his son SP Charan had pointed out that the singer continued to be on ventilator support and was being monitored by the medical team. “Dad’s condition is stable but doctors refer to it as critical,” he said.

As a mark of support to their ailing friend and fellow artiste, veteran director Bharathiraja has released a video saying that various stalwarts in the industry such as Ilaiyaraaja, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and AR Rahman, along with several others from the film fraternity would be joining in remotely for a silent prayer for Balasubrahmanian’s recovery.

“Balu is like a sweet male nightingale and it pains us to think that today he is struggling to breathe. Not only the film industry but music fans across the globe are weeping, thinking of this present condition” Bharathiraja said in a video message. Silent prayer will be held remotely from 6pm IST on August 20th. 
 
Besides the 1-minute silent prayer that will be observed by various members of the film fraternity, they will also be playing songs sung by SPB at their respective residences, as a mark fo solidarity. “When we hear his songs play, there is a life force in it. Without any differences, let us pray for a good human-being that SPB is. We are sure that her will rise up and return. His voice will boom again and he will sing thousands of songs for the generations to come” Bharathiraja added. 
 
It is notable that, on similar lines, the film industry had prayed for the well-being of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran when he was battling for life in a US Hospital. In his absence, the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were swept by his party and he also returned to India and took over as Chief Minister, following his recovery.

SPB, a Padma Bhushan awardee and multiple national award winner has contributed as a playback singer, music director, actor, dubbing artist, film producer predominantly in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi films.

At the time of hospitalisation, he had posted a video complaining of chest congestion, phlegm, cold and recurring fever. "I am perfectly alright except for cold and fever (which has subsided). In two days I will be discharged and back home", SPB assured fans in the video message on August 5.

The biggest names in Indian cinema have decided to unite (remotely) in prayer for their fellow artist and veteran singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who is battling COVID-19 and is in a critical condition at a private hospital in Chennai.

The biggest names in Indian cinema have decided to unite (remotely) in prayer for their fellow artist and veteran singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who is battling COVID-19 and is in a critical condition at a private hospital in Chennai. The 74-year old playback singer, fondly known as SPB, has over 40,000 songs to his credit in several Indian languages. In a video message released on August 5th, he had said he was being hospitalized for resting, recuperating comfortably while avoiding risk to his family after he tested positive for coronavirus. Since then, his condition deteriorated and he had to be moved to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) and placed on ventilator support, as per the medical bulletin issued by the private hospital. There have been repeated updates from the hospital and the singer’s son, pointing out that there is a mild improvement. In the latest video, his son SP Charan had pointed out that the singer continued to be on ventilator support and was being monitored by the medical team. “Dad’s condition is stable but doctors refer to it as critical,” he said. As a mark of support to their ailing friend and fellow artiste, veteran director Bharathiraja has released a video saying that various stalwarts in the industry such as Ilaiyaraaja, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and AR Rahman, along with several others from the film fraternity would be joining in remotely for a silent prayer for Balasubrahmanian’s recovery. “Balu is like a sweet male nightingale and it pains us to think that today he is struggling to breathe. Not only the film industry but music fans across the globe are weeping, thinking of this present condition” Bharathiraja said in a video message. Silent prayer will be held remotely from 6pm IST on August 20th. Besides the 1-minute silent prayer that will be observed by various members of the film fraternity, they will also be playing songs sung by SPB at their respective residences, as a mark fo solidarity. “When we hear his songs play, there is a life force in it. Without any differences, let us pray for a good human-being that SPB is. We are sure that her will rise up and return. His voice will boom again and he will sing thousands of songs for the generations to come” Bharathiraja added. It is notable that, on similar lines, the film industry had prayed for the well-being of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran when he was battling for life in a US Hospital. In his absence, the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were swept by his party and he also returned to India and took over as Chief Minister, following his recovery. SPB, a Padma Bhushan awardee and multiple national award winner has contributed as a playback singer, music director, actor, dubbing artist, film producer predominantly in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi films. At the time of hospitalisation, he had posted a video complaining of chest congestion, phlegm, cold and recurring fever. "I am perfectly alright except for cold and fever (which has subsided). In two days I will be discharged and back home", SPB assured fans in the video message on August 5.

SP Balasubrahmanyam: Film Industry unites to pray for recovery of veteran singer

Not a stranger to records in archery, 5-year old Sanjana has successfully completed her most daring, fearsome feat yet! Suspended at a height of 20feet, head-over-heels from a wooden structure, the little girl managed to shoot 111 arrows, onto a target that’s 8 meters away.

Not a stranger to records in archery, 5-year old Sanjana has successfully completed her most daring, fearsome feat yet! Suspended at a height of 20feet, head-over-heels from a wooden structure, the little girl managed to shoot 111 arrows, onto a target that’s 8 meters away. All this, in under 13 minutes and 15 seconds. That’s a whopping 8 arrows per minute! Sanjana undertook this feat amid safety and medical precautions after undergoing intense training for over a year. This is her third major archery feat in three consecutive years. In 2018, she had shot 1,111 arrows continuously in under 3 hrs 30 minutes for a record. Last year she shot 300 arrows on target while being blindfolded. Her training involved performing the Sirasasana (Head-stand) yoga posture to get used to the rapid flow of blood towards the head. Eventually, she was also coached and mentally trained to be able to perform this feat while being suspended 20-feet. “Over one year, we gradually increased the intensity of training and the duration. First it was head-stand, then she was shooting arrows while upside-down and finally she was trying the same while being suspended” Sanjana’s mentor and mind-coach Shihan Hussaini told WION. Since 2018, Sanjana has had the rare distinction of being an archer who trains on three categories of bows- Indian bow, Re-curve and Compound bow. It is said that even professional archers, who compete at the international level don’t train on all three. Making her debut at the Tamil Nadu and National Archery meets, Sanjana had made waves. Participating in the under-9 age category she had struck gold, shooting in all three bows. At the national meet, she won a special recognition by winning the ‘Youngest Achiever Award’. Her father, Premnath, who has a modest job, is elated at the little one’s achievements and adds that she was interested in the bow and arrow from her infancy. “She was gifted a bow and arrow for her birthday and was really obsessed with it. She started basic training when she was 2 years and 9 months old, most others begin only after turning five” he told WION. When asked about the detractors voices and the risks involved, Hussaini said that the there were a few who pointed out the kid’s age and the health concerns, but he adds that safety was paramount and that they had done all they could for extra-safety. “We had adequate practice, there was a doctor on-site monitoring her parameters, and also we had ensured that the wooden structure could handle much more than her body weight. We had even padded the regions where the ropes would hold her, to ensure that she’s comfortable. She didn’t wear a helmet, but that’s because it would obstruct her view” he says. Her father says that she was completely normal and started playing and running around in joy after the feat was completed. So what’s next for the little champ? She’s training for the upcoming national archery event. But whether the event would take place is purely dependent on how the COVID-19 scenario evolves. However, the very reason behind this feat was that “COVID-19 has turned the world upside-down, but the indomitable human spirit can achieve, even in the face of adversity” Hussaini says.

Suspended upside down at 20 feet, 5-year-old performs daring archery feat

Justices TS Sivagnanam and V Bhavani Subbaroyan of the Madras High Court refused to allow the re-opening of Vedanta-owned, Sterlite Copper Smelter plant, in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin. The Court dismissed all the petitions filed by Sterlite, which challenged the Tamil Nadu Government’s and the State Pollution control board’s orders, that asked for the plant to be shut for violating environmental norms.&nbsp;

Sterlite's copper smelter, which is the largest in the country was ordered shut by the Tamil Nadu Government on 28th May 2018. Protests had also been taking place in Tuticorin for nearly 100-days against the Sterlite-plant and its operation. On May 22nd 2018, the protests turned violent and Police firings on those who protested against the plant led to 13 deaths, causing severe backlash across the state. The violent protests that were carried out by anti-Sterlite protestors saw the damaging of public property and vehicles. The Tamil Nadu state Pollution control board had earlier rejected the plant’s application for renewal of Consent to Operate, in April 2018, stating that the plant had violated environmental laws.&nbsp;

Vedanta had taken legal recourse to ensure the re-opening of the plant and partially succeeded when the National green tribunal ruled in favour of the plant. However, the Supreme Court, set aside the NGT order on the grounds that they (NGT) did not have jurisdiction over the issue.&nbsp;

However, the Supreme Court allowed the company to approach the Madras High Court, before which the company’s lawyers filed nearly 10 writ petitions. The hearing of this case is said to have gone on for over 40 days and the verdict was ready by around March 2020, but it had to be deferred owing to the lockdown and the related delays that ensued.&nbsp;

The judges pointed out that at least 70 percent of the 815 page order (which would be released later in the afternoon) had been dictated over telephone or mobile phone given the current scenario that only permits remote working. It was also added that the lawyers had wound up their arguments by January 8th this year and that the final verdict and orders had taken shape by March.&nbsp;

Political reactions from across the spectrum in Tamil Nadu, hailed it as “justice for the victims of the firing”.&nbsp;

On the other hand, it is said that thousands of employees (direct and indirect) have been unemployed following the factory being ordered shut. Reports also state that the closure has led to India becoming a net importer of copper, given that the Sterlite Tuticorin smelter alone contributed to 40% of India’s copper requirement.&nbsp;

Sterlite Copper said the verdict came as an utter shock to the employees of Sterlite Copper and thousands of other small businesses that were dependent on the copper smelter’s operations. The company added that they would be pursuing all available legal remedies in the coming days.&nbsp;

“It is disheartening to note that at a time when our nation is forced to depend on hostile neighbors for copper imports, certain forces are conspiring to stifle our nation’s ability to be an independent copper manufacturer” Pankaj Kumar, CEO, Sterlite Copper said in a statement, that denied the allegations against the plant as false-truths.

Justices TS Sivagnanam and V Bhavani Subbaroyan of the Madras High Court refused to allow the re-opening of Vedanta-owned, Sterlite Copper Smelter plant, in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin.

Justices TS Sivagnanam and V Bhavani Subbaroyan of the Madras High Court refused to allow the re-opening of Vedanta-owned, Sterlite Copper Smelter plant, in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin. The Court dismissed all the petitions filed by Sterlite, which challenged the Tamil Nadu Government’s and the State Pollution control board’s orders, that asked for the plant to be shut for violating environmental norms. Sterlite's copper smelter, which is the largest in the country was ordered shut by the Tamil Nadu Government on 28th May 2018. Protests had also been taking place in Tuticorin for nearly 100-days against the Sterlite-plant and its operation. On May 22nd 2018, the protests turned violent and Police firings on those who protested against the plant led to 13 deaths, causing severe backlash across the state. The violent protests that were carried out by anti-Sterlite protestors saw the damaging of public property and vehicles. The Tamil Nadu state Pollution control board had earlier rejected the plant’s application for renewal of Consent to Operate, in April 2018, stating that the plant had violated environmental laws. Vedanta had taken legal recourse to ensure the re-opening of the plant and partially succeeded when the National green tribunal ruled in favour of the plant. However, the Supreme Court, set aside the NGT order on the grounds that they (NGT) did not have jurisdiction over the issue. However, the Supreme Court allowed the company to approach the Madras High Court, before which the company’s lawyers filed nearly 10 writ petitions. The hearing of this case is said to have gone on for over 40 days and the verdict was ready by around March 2020, but it had to be deferred owing to the lockdown and the related delays that ensued. The judges pointed out that at least 70 percent of the 815 page order (which would be released later in the afternoon) had been dictated over telephone or mobile phone given the current scenario that only permits remote working. It was also added that the lawyers had wound up their arguments by January 8th this year and that the final verdict and orders had taken shape by March. Political reactions from across the spectrum in Tamil Nadu, hailed it as “justice for the victims of the firing”. On the other hand, it is said that thousands of employees (direct and indirect) have been unemployed following the factory being ordered shut. Reports also state that the closure has led to India becoming a net importer of copper, given that the Sterlite Tuticorin smelter alone contributed to 40% of India’s copper requirement. Sterlite Copper said the verdict came as an utter shock to the employees of Sterlite Copper and thousands of other small businesses that were dependent on the copper smelter’s operations. The company added that they would be pursuing all available legal remedies in the coming days. “It is disheartening to note that at a time when our nation is forced to depend on hostile neighbors for copper imports, certain forces are conspiring to stifle our nation’s ability to be an independent copper manufacturer” Pankaj Kumar, CEO, Sterlite Copper said in a statement, that denied the allegations against the plant as false-truths.

Madras High Court refuses to allow re-opening of Sterlite Copper smelter

The Indian Coast guard conducted joint patrol, training exercises with the Marine Police of respective states on the Eastern, Western coasts and along the islands to enhance synergy between the forces.

The Indian Coast guard conducted joint patrol, training exercises with the Marine Police of respective states on the Eastern, Western coasts and along the islands to enhance synergy between the forces. This training imparted involved embarking Marine Police personnel onboard ICG vessels to provide hands-on training in various aspects such as safety, navigation, maintenance, law enforcement, surveillance and investigation at seas within territorial waters. Coast Guard has been training Marine police since 2006-07, as the need to step-up the capabilities of Marine Police has become more pronounced. The Marine Police is required to patrol upto 12 nautical miles into the waters, as the state’s laws are applicable until that point. In terms of the Coast guard’s areas of responsibility, their aircraft and vessels monitor and secure the 7516km long coastline and India’s Exclusive Economic Zone that is over 2million sq km. Aimed at improving the skills and capabilities of the Marine Police of respective states, Joint Coastal patrols enhance the Coastal Security mechanism. This ensures that an additional layer security is in place at the level of the respective states. With implementation of joint patrol, Marine Police personnel will be able to enhancing their operational efficiency. From the East region alone, Coast Guard assets were deployed from six locations - Vishakapatnam, Krishnapatnam, Chennai, Puducherry, Karaikal and Mandapam. Such joint efforts and training would address issues of communication, inter-operability, and joint investigation procedures by Marine Police.

Indian Coast Guard conducts joint patrol and training with marine police

Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian startup has become the first in the country to test-fire a homegrown upper-stage rocket engine. This is seen as a major milestone in the long-drawn process of building a space faring rocket.

Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian startup has become the first in the country to test-fire a homegrown upper-stage rocket engine. This is seen as a major milestone in the long-drawn process of building a space faring rocket. A typical rocket consists of two or more stages, each of which would have its own engines(either single or packed in a cluster). Simply put, a rocket is a combination of multiple engines(stages) that are vertically stacked. While the company has tested the upper-most stage engine, the initial stage engines are being manufactured. If all goes well, the company is looking forward to a maiden launch by December 2021, with the support and guidance of the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). To understand the significance of this test and throw light on the fledgling aerospace startup’s rocket launch plans, WION spoke to team Skyroot WION: Tell us more about the recent engine test. Which rocket variant is this engine meant for and what fuel does this engine use ? How much thrust does this engine generate? Skyroot: We have planned three rockets - Vikram I,II &III, the name is a tribute to ISRO founder Vikram Sarabhai. The current engine is a meant to be the final stage of the four-stage rocket Vikram I. Vikram I is to be powered by 3 stages of solid-fueled engines and the final stage, which we have currently tested is a liquid-fueled one. We have named this engine Raman, as a tribute to Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman. The Raman engine is powered by UDMH and NTO liquid fuels and a cluster of 4 engines would generate 3.4kN thrust. WION: Any specific reasons on why this particular fuel combination was chosen over the others ? Skyroot: UDMH and NTO were chosen as they are earth-storable liquids. Using this fuel and our engine we can switch on and off multiple times. The ability to re-start any number of times provides the option of launching multiple satellites in different orbits. WION: Raman is one engine that goes into the final stage. What about the readiness of the first three stages ? Skyroot: The first three stage engines are under different stages of manufacturing and we hope to test two of them in about six months time. WION: What about the intended payload capacity of the three rockets that your team is working on ? Skyroot: Vikram I is meant to lift 225 kg to 500 km Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit(SSPO) and 315 kg to 45º inclination 500 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Vikram II is designed for 410 kg to 500 km SSPO and 520 kg to 45º inclination 500km LEO. In case of Vikram III we are looking at 580 kg to 500 km SSPO and 720 kg to 45º inclination 500 km LEO. WION: What would be your USP given that ISRO’s latest rocket Small Satellite Launch Vehicle(SSLV) also caters to a similar (sub 500-750kg) payload segment ? Skyroot: When compared to the SSLV rocket, our vehicle is even smaller. We can only compare vehicles of a similar size category, as the price per Kg of payload becomes cheaper with rockets getting bigger. We can confidently say that in the small vehicles segment, we can offer the best and most competitive prices once we get into mass production. As all our 3 variants get operational, we can also offer a significant reduction in per kg cost. WION: Testing rocket engines, sourcing components and preparing them for launch requires expensive infrastructure. How are you managing ? Skyroot: We have some basic facilities of our own and the rest are to be provided by ISRO. In terms of procuring components, there is a reasonably well developed infrastructure in India, thanks to ISRO. We are able to source majority of our components from various vendors and MSMEs within India. As manufacturing costs are relatively low in India, our overall development cost comes down. WION: ISRO needed over two decades to master their most reliable rocket engine - Vikas. How is a startup able to do the same in lesser time, so much so that a December 2021 launch is envisioned? Skyroot: Although we started off in 2018, we have had a head-start because there are ISRO veterans helping us, besides Indians who have worked in this field in foreign countries. Basically the scale and thrust of our engines are lesser than the ones being used at ISRO. We have also been trying new technologies such as 3-D printing in fabricating the engines. This has nearly reduced the overall mass by 50%, and reduced total number of components & lead time by 80%. WION: 3-D printing is majorly used in India for plastics, how do you think this would fare for metals and alloys. Especially in terms of its efficiency in manufacturing rocket-engine components ? Skyroot: Besides metals we are also using special materials in the 3-D printing process and the Vikram engine has come out as designed and is highly efficient. Though uncommon in India, 3-D printing using metals is widely used in the international market and carious components used for space projects are 3-D printed. We are looking forward to 3-D printing the entire Cryogenic engine to be used in our Vikram-2 rocket. WION: In terms of vehicle assembly, launch operations and post-launch tracking and telemetry, how would you manage and which facilities would you be using ? Skyroot: For Launch pad and Mission control we would be making use of ISRO facilities, preferably the new launch pad for SSLV that is coming up. But that depends on the timeline of when the pad will be ready and when our rocket will be ready. It is upto ISRO to determine the cost that would be incurred for providing us these facilities for launch, currently ISRO charges us a nominal amount for the testing that our equipment undergoes. WION: Testing and Launch operations are very costly and involve expensive infrastructure. How would liabilities be covered in case of mishaps and what about the quantum of damages that would be sought (if any) ? Skyroot: Given that insurance is available for all these components and processes, of course liabilities are going to be covered by insurance. But even otherwise, prior to every single test there is a board of approval that does several check before granting permission. After the board grants the go-ahead, then any test has a fair chance. Of course, in case of damage there will be payments that one party would have to make to the other and insurance would also be covering a portion. We look forward In-SPACe playing a key role in making Insurance (if/when needed) accessible at affordable premiums for the NewSpace startups. WION: How are things looking on the funding side ? Your ambitious goals require copious bankrolling. Are people willing to invest given the post-Covid economic scenario ? Skyroot: We have received an initial funding of Rs.31.5cr and are expecting to receive Rs.90cr over the next one year. There are big names that wish to invest in space technology and we are confident about it. WION: How is In-SPACe (Govt of India) supporting your activity ? Is the 18% GST incurred by an Indian satellite company to launch on a private Indian rocket a hinderance ? Will satellite makers not go abroad and launch? Skyroot: In-SPACe is intended to offer single-window clearance for testing, launching, licensing and other aspects. We hope it will enable us to use the facilities. The 18% GST applies for any domestic service transaction irrespective of industry. A major pain point for NewSpace startups is the incurred 18% additional “upfront” cost which will locked up in GST credits. The company can only make use of GST credits only once we start making sizable revenues. This problem applies to even developmental costs incurred .For example, Several crores of developmental/procurement costs we incur till we operationalize commercially, bears the brunt of GST. Ideally, capital-intensive hardware/Space startups like us should be given GST incentive in pre-revenue phases. WION: Rocket science involves people from all scientific disciplines, tell us about the people in your team and the disciplines they cover. Skyroot: CEO -Pawan Kumar Chandana and COO - Naga Bharath Daka are Post graduates from IIT and had worked with ISRO on rocket mechanical systems and flight computer, avionics respectively. Currently we are a team of 40 and the fields of expertise are- Electronics, propulsion, guidance, navigation, control, structure etc. But we do outsource quite a bit of our work and that would mean that we have over 100 people working for us in all. But as we near launch, we’d certainly grow bigger as a team. WION: Can we expect your proposed maiden launch by December 2021 to carry a dummy payload or live satellite(s)? Skyroot: Depending on demand, that is something we’ll decide about 6 months prior to launch.

With ISRO assistance, India’s Skyroot Aerospace aims maiden rocket launch by Dec-2021

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, is undoubtedly among the most successful and consistent rockets in the world among the sub-1.5ton payload to Low-earth orbit or polar orbits. But one lesser-known facet beyond the enviable success rate of this rocket, is its second-stage engine - Vikas.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/visionary-scientist-industrialist-institution-builder-remembering-dr-vikram-sarabhai-on-his-101st-anniversary-319782">Also Read:&nbsp;Remembering Dr Vikram Sarabhai on his 101st anniversary</a>

While ‘Vikas’ translates to development or progress in Sanskrit, the scientist, Padma Bhushan Nambi Narayanan, who led a team to build the engine had secretly kept in mind that this name would be a tribute to ISRO’s founder, visionary scientist and industrialist Dr. Vikram. A. Sarabhai.

It was his way of offering a tribute to Dr. Sarabhai, whom he considers his Guru and biggest influence in his life. August 12th, 2020 also marks the 101st anniversary of the legendary son of the soil - Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai.&nbsp;

In its nascent stage, during the 1960s and 70s, ISRO’s scientists had a difference of opinion on technical grounds - whether to develop solid-fueled engines or liquid-fueled engines.

A vast majority of the then Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) believed in focussing their energies and resources towards solid engines as the technologies linked to it were relatively more achievable. Whereas the pursuit of liquid-fueled engines were considered akin to chasing a chimera.&nbsp;

Technically speaking, liquid-fueled engines are more fuel-efficient as they can be switched on and off, they can lift heavier payloads/satellites. Liquid engines also have lesser vibration and can burn for longer durations when compared to their solid counterparts.

While a solid engine burns out after use, the liquid engine can be tested, re-used after cleaning and re-assembly. Most advanced rockets in the world are primarily dependent on liquid-fueled engines. If and when solids are used, they are only for the initial thrust (using boosters) at lift-off.&nbsp;

Eventually, it was Princeton-postgraduate ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan(now regarded as the Father of Liquid Propulsion engine technology in India), who impressed upon the organization to consider diverting resources to urgently develop liquid fueled engines, given how they were the future of rocketry and how advanced nations were achieving more with these engines.&nbsp;

Sarabhai had not only permitted the deputation of the young Nambi to Princeton while he was working at ISRO, but also ensured that the bureaucratic rigmarole was cleared smoothly before he left.

After Nambi Narayanan completed his course in record-time, when the Americans tried to poach Nambi, by coaxing and showing him the high-end American facilities, it was Sarabhai who advised Nambi. “Leave the nasty guys and take the next flight” Nambi recalls the Father of India’s Space programme having told him.&nbsp;

It was in 1973 that ISRO had launched an experimental rocket(LP-006) using a 600kg thrust liquid engine. The 600kg thrust engine was minuscule compared to the giant 60ton engines(clustered in four to obtain 240ton thrust) that the Americans and Russians were using.

However, the success of this liquid engine in its test flight did steer ISRO in the right direction and led to a deal with the French to co-develop a 60-ton liquid-fuel engine(a 100-time jump when compared to ISRO’s 600kg engine). While the engine was not an all-new model, it was an improvised version of a smaller French engine in the Viking series.&nbsp;

 
The French had named their engine Viking, but the Indian-side, led by Nambi Narayanan, that negotiated the contract had decided on an Indian name - Vikas. Vikas means development in Sanskrit, but Nambi saw an adapted anagram - Vikram A Sarabhai.

This secret was known only to the late TN Seshan, a top bureaucrat who had later served as the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Nambi kept the real-intended meaning of Vikas a secret, owing to the bureaucratic procedures and approvals that ISRO followed when naming a project or a facility.&nbsp;

 
From 1974 to 1980, a team of 100 Indian scientists(in different batches) had learnt to jointly develop the 60-ton thrust Viking-3 Engine, after which they returned to India. But that was just half the story. While the team had learnt how to make an engine, they didn’t have the approval for one such project.

And the engine alone doesn’t make the rocket what it is! Hence, on their own, the team had to master several other components, sub-components that went into a rocket. It would be 1982, before ISRO developed these engines and later got the approval for incorporating the engine into a project - the PSLV.&nbsp;

During the development of the PSLV in the late 80s, it was decided that the 60-ton thrust engine developed with the French would fit into the second stage. PSLV is a 4-stage rocket that is powered by solid-liquid-solid-liquid configuration.&nbsp;

Finally, it was in 1993 that the PSLV lifted off for the first time, but the mission was a failure, after it encountered an error mid-flight. However, most of the critical systems on-board the rocket were validated despite the failed mission.

However, nearly a year later in October 1994, the PSLV lifted off majestically and had proven the rocket’s capability to lift 1000kgs to orbit.&nbsp;

Since then, the PSLV has flown 50 times. With only 2 missions failing. However, the ‘obstinate Vikas Engine’, which was developed by Nambi Narayanan and his team had flown flawlessly in all 50 flights. A fitting tribute to the great Indian visionary, scientist and industrialist it was named after!&nbsp;

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, is undoubtedly among the most successful and consistent rockets in the world among the sub-1.5ton payload to Low-earth orbit or polar orbits.

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, is undoubtedly among the most successful and consistent rockets in the world among the sub-1.5ton payload to Low-earth orbit or polar orbits. But one lesser-known facet beyond the enviable success rate of this rocket, is its second-stage engine - Vikas. Also Read: Remembering Dr Vikram Sarabhai on his 101st anniversary While ‘Vikas’ translates to development or progress in Sanskrit, the scientist, Padma Bhushan Nambi Narayanan, who led a team to build the engine had secretly kept in mind that this name would be a tribute to ISRO’s founder, visionary scientist and industrialist Dr. Vikram. A. Sarabhai. It was his way of offering a tribute to Dr. Sarabhai, whom he considers his Guru and biggest influence in his life. August 12th, 2020 also marks the 101st anniversary of the legendary son of the soil - Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai. In its nascent stage, during the 1960s and 70s, ISRO’s scientists had a difference of opinion on technical grounds - whether to develop solid-fueled engines or liquid-fueled engines. A vast majority of the then Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) believed in focussing their energies and resources towards solid engines as the technologies linked to it were relatively more achievable. Whereas the pursuit of liquid-fueled engines were considered akin to chasing a chimera. Technically speaking, liquid-fueled engines are more fuel-efficient as they can be switched on and off, they can lift heavier payloads/satellites. Liquid engines also have lesser vibration and can burn for longer durations when compared to their solid counterparts. While a solid engine burns out after use, the liquid engine can be tested, re-used after cleaning and re-assembly. Most advanced rockets in the world are primarily dependent on liquid-fueled engines. If and when solids are used, they are only for the initial thrust (using boosters) at lift-off. Eventually, it was Princeton-postgraduate ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan(now regarded as the Father of Liquid Propulsion engine technology in India), who impressed upon the organization to consider diverting resources to urgently develop liquid fueled engines, given how they were the future of rocketry and how advanced nations were achieving more with these engines. Sarabhai had not only permitted the deputation of the young Nambi to Princeton while he was working at ISRO, but also ensured that the bureaucratic rigmarole was cleared smoothly before he left. After Nambi Narayanan completed his course in record-time, when the Americans tried to poach Nambi, by coaxing and showing him the high-end American facilities, it was Sarabhai who advised Nambi. “Leave the nasty guys and take the next flight” Nambi recalls the Father of India’s Space programme having told him. It was in 1973 that ISRO had launched an experimental rocket(LP-006) using a 600kg thrust liquid engine. The 600kg thrust engine was minuscule compared to the giant 60ton engines(clustered in four to obtain 240ton thrust) that the Americans and Russians were using. However, the success of this liquid engine in its test flight did steer ISRO in the right direction and led to a deal with the French to co-develop a 60-ton liquid-fuel engine(a 100-time jump when compared to ISRO’s 600kg engine). While the engine was not an all-new model, it was an improvised version of a smaller French engine in the Viking series. The French had named their engine Viking, but the Indian-side, led by Nambi Narayanan, that negotiated the contract had decided on an Indian name - Vikas. Vikas means development in Sanskrit, but Nambi saw an adapted anagram - Vikram A Sarabhai. This secret was known only to the late TN Seshan, a top bureaucrat who had later served as the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Nambi kept the real-intended meaning of Vikas a secret, owing to the bureaucratic procedures and approvals that ISRO followed when naming a project or a facility. From 1974 to 1980, a team of 100 Indian scientists(in different batches) had learnt to jointly develop the 60-ton thrust Viking-3 Engine, after which they returned to India. But that was just half the story. While the team had learnt how to make an engine, they didn’t have the approval for one such project. And the engine alone doesn’t make the rocket what it is! Hence, on their own, the team had to master several other components, sub-components that went into a rocket. It would be 1982, before ISRO developed these engines and later got the approval for incorporating the engine into a project - the PSLV. During the development of the PSLV in the late 80s, it was decided that the 60-ton thrust engine developed with the French would fit into the second stage. PSLV is a 4-stage rocket that is powered by solid-liquid-solid-liquid configuration. Finally, it was in 1993 that the PSLV lifted off for the first time, but the mission was a failure, after it encountered an error mid-flight. However, most of the critical systems on-board the rocket were validated despite the failed mission. However, nearly a year later in October 1994, the PSLV lifted off majestically and had proven the rocket’s capability to lift 1000kgs to orbit. Since then, the PSLV has flown 50 times. With only 2 missions failing. However, the ‘obstinate Vikas Engine’, which was developed by Nambi Narayanan and his team had flown flawlessly in all 50 flights. A fitting tribute to the great Indian visionary, scientist and industrialist it was named after!

PSLV's Vikas engine - An unfailing tribute to Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic.

The state government has issued new guidelines for celebration of Independence Day and Vinayaka Chathurthi.

On August 15th, public and school children have been specifically asked to stay indoors and watch the events on TV, whereas the government has asked people to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi, which falls on August 22nd at their homes.&nbsp;

Regarding, Independence Day which falls on Saturday, the government has emphasized that senior citizens, school and college students must not take part in the event, owing to the unprecedented circumstances. Under, normal situations the event that takes place on the scenic Marina beach road (Kamarajar Salai) sees the participation of schools students and large number of public.&nbsp;

However, this year it has been clearly stated that the district officials would be visiting the freedom fighters at their homes and felicitating them, instead of it being done in Chennai, in the presence of dignitaries. The Health Minister has also ben deputed to visit homes for special children and disribute sweets, as opposed to the routine practice of allowing the kids to visit the state secretariat.&nbsp;

Besides hoisting the national flag at 8:45am, the Chief Minister would also be felicitating frontline Covid-19 warriors and presenting them with certificates. The government has urged the public to stay indoors and watch the events on television.&nbsp;

In a separate set of guidelines issued for Vinayaka Chathurthi, the government has prohibited erecting Ganesha idols, celebrations in public, carrying them around the city in processions and also immersing them in water bodies. Public have also been strictly instructed to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing norms while stepping out to buy essentials and other items for the festivals.&nbsp;

Given that, places of worship that earn less than Rs.10,000 per annum have been permitted to remain open across the the state, the government has stated that they can carry on with festive traditions, in accordance with the stated norms.

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic.

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic. The state government has issued new guidelines for celebration of Independence Day and Vinayaka Chathurthi. On August 15th, public and school children have been specifically asked to stay indoors and watch the events on TV, whereas the government has asked people to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi, which falls on August 22nd at their homes. Regarding, Independence Day which falls on Saturday, the government has emphasized that senior citizens, school and college students must not take part in the event, owing to the unprecedented circumstances. Under, normal situations the event that takes place on the scenic Marina beach road (Kamarajar Salai) sees the participation of schools students and large number of public. However, this year it has been clearly stated that the district officials would be visiting the freedom fighters at their homes and felicitating them, instead of it being done in Chennai, in the presence of dignitaries. The Health Minister has also ben deputed to visit homes for special children and disribute sweets, as opposed to the routine practice of allowing the kids to visit the state secretariat. Besides hoisting the national flag at 8:45am, the Chief Minister would also be felicitating frontline Covid-19 warriors and presenting them with certificates. The government has urged the public to stay indoors and watch the events on television. In a separate set of guidelines issued for Vinayaka Chathurthi, the government has prohibited erecting Ganesha idols, celebrations in public, carrying them around the city in processions and also immersing them in water bodies. Public have also been strictly instructed to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing norms while stepping out to buy essentials and other items for the festivals. Given that, places of worship that earn less than Rs.10,000 per annum have been permitted to remain open across the the state, the government has stated that they can carry on with festive traditions, in accordance with the stated norms.

Tamil Nadu: Low-key celebrations for Independence Day, Ganesh Chathurthi amid Covid-19

In what Customs Officials are referring to as the biggest ever drug haul in the city, Chennai Air Customs has seized two foreign parcels that arrived from Belgium and Netherlands, which had large quantities of high-value drugs concealed in them.&nbsp;

The two parcels that arrived at the Foreign Post office in the city contained a total of 5210 ecstasy pills, 100 grams of MDMA crystals and 1 gram of Methaqualone, their combined value is $2,20,832. The contraband was seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

The first parcel which originated from Belgium contained leopard-skin fabric and other items. On unwrapping the fabric, nine black pouches were found inside. On being cut-open, the pouches had orange-colored Ecstasy (MDMA) pills with marking “Red Buli” and “Heineke”. Total 4060 ecstasy pills valued at Rs. 1.2 crore were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The parcel was addressed to a person in a village in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu. Follow up searches at the location revealed that consignee address was fake.

The second parcel, which had arrived from Netherlands contained an Inflatable pool, snacks and gummy bear(candy) packets etc. On being opened and examined, the packets were found to contain skull shaped ecstasy pills with marking “MYBRAND”.&nbsp;

Further, two pouches containing MDMA crystals and Methaqualone powder were found concealed inside the inflatable pool. Total 1150 ecstasy pills, 100 grams of MDMA crystals and 1 gram of Methaqualone powder valued at Rs. 45 lakhs were recovered and seized.&nbsp;

The parcel was addressed to a person in Andhra Pradesh. Follow-up searches at the recipient address revealed that the said accused had already been arrested by Chennai Air Customs in a previous drug smuggling case.&nbsp;

“This is the biggest drug haul we have had in the city and the parcels have come in from two different countries. Drugs from European countries are much preferred due to their high quality. However, this is the first time that we are seizing drugs that have arrived from Belgium. We have been alert all through the lockdown when liquor shops are closed and people are on the lookout for intoxicants. We have made many seizures of a variety of drugs during the lockdown and earlier. But this one is the largest of the lot” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION. 
&nbsp;

In what Customs Officials are referring to as the biggest ever drug haul in the city, Chennai Air Customs has seized two foreign parcels that arrived from Belgium and Netherlands, which had large quantities of high-value drugs concealed in them.

In what Customs Officials are referring to as the biggest ever drug haul in the city, Chennai Air Customs has seized two foreign parcels that arrived from Belgium and Netherlands, which had large quantities of high-value drugs concealed in them. The two parcels that arrived at the Foreign Post office in the city contained a total of 5210 ecstasy pills, 100 grams of MDMA crystals and 1 gram of Methaqualone, their combined value is $2,20,832. The contraband was seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The first parcel which originated from Belgium contained leopard-skin fabric and other items. On unwrapping the fabric, nine black pouches were found inside. On being cut-open, the pouches had orange-colored Ecstasy (MDMA) pills with marking “Red Buli” and “Heineke”. Total 4060 ecstasy pills valued at Rs. 1.2 crore were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The parcel was addressed to a person in a village in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu. Follow up searches at the location revealed that consignee address was fake. The second parcel, which had arrived from Netherlands contained an Inflatable pool, snacks and gummy bear(candy) packets etc. On being opened and examined, the packets were found to contain skull shaped ecstasy pills with marking “MYBRAND”. Further, two pouches containing MDMA crystals and Methaqualone powder were found concealed inside the inflatable pool. Total 1150 ecstasy pills, 100 grams of MDMA crystals and 1 gram of Methaqualone powder valued at Rs. 45 lakhs were recovered and seized. The parcel was addressed to a person in Andhra Pradesh. Follow-up searches at the recipient address revealed that the said accused had already been arrested by Chennai Air Customs in a previous drug smuggling case. “This is the biggest drug haul we have had in the city and the parcels have come in from two different countries. Drugs from European countries are much preferred due to their high quality. However, this is the first time that we are seizing drugs that have arrived from Belgium. We have been alert all through the lockdown when liquor shops are closed and people are on the lookout for intoxicants. We have made many seizures of a variety of drugs during the lockdown and earlier. But this one is the largest of the lot” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION.

$2,20,832 worth drug seized in biggest ever drug haul in Chennai

“I pay more than Rs.4 crore in taxes, you can assume that my money, paid as tax, is being used for the space programme” Dr Vikram Sarabhai, among India’s top scientists, institution-builders and industrialists had reportedly said, half-jokingly in the 1960s. This was during the initial phases of discussion about the budget of the Indian Space Programme. The statement was reportedly in response to a professor who asked Sarabhai about why he was spending taxpayers money on space science, which was barely known in India. This was as a time when hardly a decade had passed since the country’s independence. Such an incident was recalled in a commemorative webinar hosted by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, which Sarabhai had founded in his youth. &nbsp;

Ahead of the 101st Birth Anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai (Aug 12th, 1919), PRL held a virtual webinar that saw the participation of Former ISRO Chairmen and the senior staff of PRL, besides Environmentalist Kartikeya Sarabhai(Vikram’s son). 
&nbsp; 
Known as the ‘Cradle of Space Sciences’ in India, PRL was said to be envisioned, conceptualized by Sarabhai when he was a student, in the UK, aged 23. Eventually, the PRL was set up in 1947, when Sarabhai was 28 years of age. PRL is one among the 35 institutes/entities that Sarabhai set up in his lifetime spanning a little over five decades. Today, As a unit of Department of Space, Government of India, PRL carries out fundamental research in selected areas of Physics, Space &amp; Atmospheric Sciences, Astronomy, Astrophysics &amp; Solar Physics, and Planetary &amp; Geo-Sciences. ISRO, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design among others were some of the enduring institutions he built.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, Dr A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO mentioned about the ISRO founder’s ability to build institutions that spanned across domains such as science and technology, management, among others. He urged everyone to remember the contributions of the great son of the soil and requested the scientific community to re-dedicate themselves towards the cause of taking India to great heights.&nbsp;

In his address, Former ISRO Chairman Dr Kasturirangan fondly recalled his interaction with the ISRO founder, reminiscing about how he had been interviewed by Dr.Vikram himself, for a job at PRL and how he finally ended up working there and later at ISRO. “Dr. Sarabhai had a way of testing people’s resolve by asking specific questions and not glossing over the subject. After he understood the candidate, he would spell out his vision and explain his ideas. He would make even those who are very junior to him feel at ease by establishing a personal connect” Kasturirangan said.&nbsp;

It was discussed that Vikram always envisioned about the future that lay far ahead, while also making plans for attaining certain long term goals, that seemed impossible at first. Vikram used to be in touch with the top talent in the diverse fields of science and technology during his annual visits to universities in the US and Europe. He used to often urge Indian talent to return to the country and work on exciting new projects at home, some of which included ISRO, some centres at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research among others.&nbsp;

On one instance, Vikram had persuaded a young U.R. Rao (later to be ISRO Chairman) to reject an offer from Berkeley University and stay in India to work for ISRO, by telling him that “there are many things we can do in this country and that there was nothing like being a pioneer in India”. Vikram’s persuasive, scientific arguments backed by his vision are what led to several young scientists having joined ISRO, during its nascent stages. Vikram had even arranged for various batches of young ISRO scientists to be trained at foreign space facilities, to ensure that they could return home and replicate similar systems here and build India’s space programme from scratch.&nbsp;

 
“When Dr. Sarabhai was the Chairman of ISRO and AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) he had laid the foundation for what premier science agencies must do in the coming years. When it came to Atomic energy he gave direction to projects such as Heavy water reactor, fast breeder reactor, Variable energy cyclotron. For ISRO which was still developing, he envisioned navigation, remote sensing and communication satellites” Dr Kasturirangan recalled.&nbsp;

Vikram Sarabhai’s son, Environmental Educator Kartikeya Sarabhai expressed gratitude and happiness on being to listen to so many eminent persons about their interactions with and fond memories of Vikram Sarabhai. Touching upon how his grandparents had home-schooled his father, uncles and aunts, Kartikeya spoke of how their family believed in every child is like a unique seed with its potential. “The parents and teachers are like gardeners, they can nature and support the growth,” he says.&nbsp;

Reminiscing about a photograph in which Vikram is seen explaining the contents of a book to his two children, Kartikeya said that their father was trying to instil interest in them by explaining planetary science from a science journal. Referring to PRL as their father’s first ‘Karmabhoomi’, Kartikeya talks about his father’s style of institution-building - dream big, create the basic DNA, people and the organization grows. He also makes a mention of Vikram’s management style which involved Horizontal control systems that focussed on team building and individual building, over vertical control systems.&nbsp;

“If I finally did retire, I would prefer to teach science to children” Kartikeya quoted his father as having said.&nbsp;

Born in a family of wealthy industrialists, Vikram was the sixth among eight children and was inclined towards science and the arts from a very young age. Growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the decades that led to India’s independence, Vikram Sarabhai and his family were deeply influenced by the freedom movement and also had the Who’s Who of the country paying regular, friendly visits to their 21-acre palatial residence. &nbsp;

After completing his undergraduate studies in Physics and Mathematics from Cambridge, he worked on his postgraduate research and PhD thesis on cosmic rays under Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. He was also a regular at the leading scientific institutions, seminars in the world, where he kept abreast of the cutting-edge developments in the diverse fields of his interest.&nbsp;

Vikram Sarabhai lived a busy life, often flying to multiple cities in a day and multiple countries in a week, holding meetings with scientists, government officials, and the biggest names in the respective domains, with the aim of institution-building, which would eventually lead to India’s progress in space technology, among other fields.&nbsp;

The ISRO founder who lived an extremely active lifestyle died a mysterious death at the age of 52(on December 30th 1971), during his overnight stay at a hotel, in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram, where he stayed regularly during visits. It is said that despite the hotel staff having made repeated attempts to ring the bell, the routine early-riser had not responded, and appeared to be asleep. That’s when the room was opened with a spare key and the Doctor who had arrived declared that Vikram had probably died a few hours ago. Vikram had meetings until 10 pm the previous night and was expected to be up at 6 am for a swim at the beach.&nbsp;

Describing Vikram’s death as ‘heroic’, his friend and Japanese Space technologist had written that ‘his ability went beyond his living power’. &nbsp;

“I pay more than Rs.4 crore in taxes, you can assume that my money, paid as tax, is being used for the space programme” Dr Vikram Sarabhai, among India’s top scientists, institution-builders and industrialists had reportedly said, half-jokingly in the 1960s.

“I pay more than Rs.4 crore in taxes, you can assume that my money, paid as tax, is being used for the space programme” Dr Vikram Sarabhai, among India’s top scientists, institution-builders and industrialists had reportedly said, half-jokingly in the 1960s. This was during the initial phases of discussion about the budget of the Indian Space Programme. The statement was reportedly in response to a professor who asked Sarabhai about why he was spending taxpayers money on space science, which was barely known in India. This was as a time when hardly a decade had passed since the country’s independence. Such an incident was recalled in a commemorative webinar hosted by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, which Sarabhai had founded in his youth. Ahead of the 101st Birth Anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai (Aug 12th, 1919), PRL held a virtual webinar that saw the participation of Former ISRO Chairmen and the senior staff of PRL, besides Environmentalist Kartikeya Sarabhai(Vikram’s son). Known as the ‘Cradle of Space Sciences’ in India, PRL was said to be envisioned, conceptualized by Sarabhai when he was a student, in the UK, aged 23. Eventually, the PRL was set up in 1947, when Sarabhai was 28 years of age. PRL is one among the 35 institutes/entities that Sarabhai set up in his lifetime spanning a little over five decades. Today, As a unit of Department of Space, Government of India, PRL carries out fundamental research in selected areas of Physics, Space & Atmospheric Sciences, Astronomy, Astrophysics & Solar Physics, and Planetary & Geo-Sciences. ISRO, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design among others were some of the enduring institutions he built. Speaking at the event, Dr A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO mentioned about the ISRO founder’s ability to build institutions that spanned across domains such as science and technology, management, among others. He urged everyone to remember the contributions of the great son of the soil and requested the scientific community to re-dedicate themselves towards the cause of taking India to great heights. In his address, Former ISRO Chairman Dr Kasturirangan fondly recalled his interaction with the ISRO founder, reminiscing about how he had been interviewed by Dr.Vikram himself, for a job at PRL and how he finally ended up working there and later at ISRO. “Dr. Sarabhai had a way of testing people’s resolve by asking specific questions and not glossing over the subject. After he understood the candidate, he would spell out his vision and explain his ideas. He would make even those who are very junior to him feel at ease by establishing a personal connect” Kasturirangan said. It was discussed that Vikram always envisioned about the future that lay far ahead, while also making plans for attaining certain long term goals, that seemed impossible at first. Vikram used to be in touch with the top talent in the diverse fields of science and technology during his annual visits to universities in the US and Europe. He used to often urge Indian talent to return to the country and work on exciting new projects at home, some of which included ISRO, some centres at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research among others. On one instance, Vikram had persuaded a young U.R. Rao (later to be ISRO Chairman) to reject an offer from Berkeley University and stay in India to work for ISRO, by telling him that “there are many things we can do in this country and that there was nothing like being a pioneer in India”. Vikram’s persuasive, scientific arguments backed by his vision are what led to several young scientists having joined ISRO, during its nascent stages. Vikram had even arranged for various batches of young ISRO scientists to be trained at foreign space facilities, to ensure that they could return home and replicate similar systems here and build India’s space programme from scratch. “When Dr. Sarabhai was the Chairman of ISRO and AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) he had laid the foundation for what premier science agencies must do in the coming years. When it came to Atomic energy he gave direction to projects such as Heavy water reactor, fast breeder reactor, Variable energy cyclotron. For ISRO which was still developing, he envisioned navigation, remote sensing and communication satellites” Dr Kasturirangan recalled. Vikram Sarabhai’s son, Environmental Educator Kartikeya Sarabhai expressed gratitude and happiness on being to listen to so many eminent persons about their interactions with and fond memories of Vikram Sarabhai. Touching upon how his grandparents had home-schooled his father, uncles and aunts, Kartikeya spoke of how their family believed in every child is like a unique seed with its potential. “The parents and teachers are like gardeners, they can nature and support the growth,” he says. Reminiscing about a photograph in which Vikram is seen explaining the contents of a book to his two children, Kartikeya said that their father was trying to instil interest in them by explaining planetary science from a science journal. Referring to PRL as their father’s first ‘Karmabhoomi’, Kartikeya talks about his father’s style of institution-building - dream big, create the basic DNA, people and the organization grows. He also makes a mention of Vikram’s management style which involved Horizontal control systems that focussed on team building and individual building, over vertical control systems. “If I finally did retire, I would prefer to teach science to children” Kartikeya quoted his father as having said. Born in a family of wealthy industrialists, Vikram was the sixth among eight children and was inclined towards science and the arts from a very young age. Growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the decades that led to India’s independence, Vikram Sarabhai and his family were deeply influenced by the freedom movement and also had the Who’s Who of the country paying regular, friendly visits to their 21-acre palatial residence. After completing his undergraduate studies in Physics and Mathematics from Cambridge, he worked on his postgraduate research and PhD thesis on cosmic rays under Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. He was also a regular at the leading scientific institutions, seminars in the world, where he kept abreast of the cutting-edge developments in the diverse fields of his interest. Vikram Sarabhai lived a busy life, often flying to multiple cities in a day and multiple countries in a week, holding meetings with scientists, government officials, and the biggest names in the respective domains, with the aim of institution-building, which would eventually lead to India’s progress in space technology, among other fields. The ISRO founder who lived an extremely active lifestyle died a mysterious death at the age of 52(on December 30th 1971), during his overnight stay at a hotel, in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram, where he stayed regularly during visits. It is said that despite the hotel staff having made repeated attempts to ring the bell, the routine early-riser had not responded, and appeared to be asleep. That’s when the room was opened with a spare key and the Doctor who had arrived declared that Vikram had probably died a few hours ago. Vikram had meetings until 10 pm the previous night and was expected to be up at 6 am for a swim at the beach. Describing Vikram’s death as ‘heroic’, his friend and Japanese Space technologist had written that ‘his ability went beyond his living power’.

'Visionary, scientist, industrialist, institution builder': Remembering Dr Vikram Sarabhai on his 101st anniversary

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidharth MP

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