How different things work
Satellite search is conducted using ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and
Command Network, or ISTRAC, which provides support to low earth orbit
satellites and launch vehicle missions.
Satellite search
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, deployed satellites to scan the area in Arunachal Pradesh where the chopper carrying the state chief minister went missing. The satellite search mission failed, as bad weather over the area yielded hazy pictures. Here is a primer on how such a search works:
Tracking facility: Satellite search is conducted using ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network, or ISTRAC, which provides support to low earth orbit satellites and launch vehicle missions. The facility is headquartered in Bangalore and has a network of ground stations at Lucknow, Sriharikota, Port Blair and Thiruvananthapuram as well as in Mauritius, Bearslake (Russia), Brunei and Biak (Indonesia).
What does it do? ISTRAC records the location of an object or individual at regular intervals. Once a satellite spots the object being looked for, a central database location records its exact position in terms of latitude and longitude.
When is it used? ISTRAC has been used to follow the movement of VVIPs as well as track down criminals, details of which are scarce.
JUST WONDERING
Torpedoed by delays
In 2004, the Indian government signed a Rs 18,798-crore deal with France's DCN to build six diesel-powered Scorpene submarines in India. These submarines were to be delivered to the Indian Navy between 2012 and 2017. The first one was to be built by Mazgaon Dockyards Ltd, or MDL, by 2012. But work on that has yet to begin, thanks to "teething problems like absorption of technology and augmentation of the MDL infrastructure and procurement of materials". Now the deadline for the first and the last sub has been extended to 2014 and the second half of 2018, respectively. The deal, which took nine years to conclude and "is likely to impact the operational capability of the Navy", as per a 2009 report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, has suffered from cost overruns as well. Last September, the Rajya Sabha was informed about the sanction of an additional Rs 4,764 crore for the project. What next?
QUIRKY
Offtrack
It's "bird-watching" of a different sort for the staff of Indian Railways. Over the past few months, they have been scouting the tracks for bird nests - and removing them. Central Railway offi cials boast of having removed over 1,000 nests in the past two months. Our feathered friends are sure to have been greatly discomfi ted by this exercise, as areas around the tracks are safe nesting places for them with plenty of food and recreation. But that is not the case with the railway maintenance staff, which is required to keep a strict vigil around the tracks during the nesting season from February to May and remove the nests to avert short circuits on overhead electric lines.
SNOOT CORNER
Don't whine over wine
When it comes to pairing wine with food, most hosts tend to be apologetic about their ignorance. It is, however, important to taste the wine along with the food to see if they go well together. Here are some quick tips on pairing. The ground rules are that red meat corresponds with red wine and lean meat (chicken/fish) goes well with white wine. Pick a wine that you can associate with certain fl avours, aromas, and even the time of day. Riesling is a wine that pairs with every European dish. Rose wine is really the easiest to pair with European food. Usually, traditional dishes and wines from a particular region pair comfortably with each other.
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, deployed satellites to scan the area in Arunachal Pradesh where the chopper carrying the state chief minister went missing. The satellite search mission failed, as bad weather over the area yielded hazy pictures. Here is a primer on how such a search works:
Tracking facility: Satellite search is conducted using ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network, or ISTRAC, which provides support to low earth orbit satellites and launch vehicle missions. The facility is headquartered in Bangalore and has a network of ground stations at Lucknow, Sriharikota, Port Blair and Thiruvananthapuram as well as in Mauritius, Bearslake (Russia), Brunei and Biak (Indonesia).
What does it do? ISTRAC records the location of an object or individual at regular intervals. Once a satellite spots the object being looked for, a central database location records its exact position in terms of latitude and longitude.
When is it used? ISTRAC has been used to follow the movement of VVIPs as well as track down criminals, details of which are scarce.
JUST WONDERING
Torpedoed by delays
In 2004, the Indian government signed a Rs 18,798-crore deal with France's DCN to build six diesel-powered Scorpene submarines in India. These submarines were to be delivered to the Indian Navy between 2012 and 2017. The first one was to be built by Mazgaon Dockyards Ltd, or MDL, by 2012. But work on that has yet to begin, thanks to "teething problems like absorption of technology and augmentation of the MDL infrastructure and procurement of materials". Now the deadline for the first and the last sub has been extended to 2014 and the second half of 2018, respectively. The deal, which took nine years to conclude and "is likely to impact the operational capability of the Navy", as per a 2009 report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, has suffered from cost overruns as well. Last September, the Rajya Sabha was informed about the sanction of an additional Rs 4,764 crore for the project. What next?
QUIRKY
Offtrack
It's "bird-watching" of a different sort for the staff of Indian Railways. Over the past few months, they have been scouting the tracks for bird nests - and removing them. Central Railway offi cials boast of having removed over 1,000 nests in the past two months. Our feathered friends are sure to have been greatly discomfi ted by this exercise, as areas around the tracks are safe nesting places for them with plenty of food and recreation. But that is not the case with the railway maintenance staff, which is required to keep a strict vigil around the tracks during the nesting season from February to May and remove the nests to avert short circuits on overhead electric lines.
SNOOT CORNER
Don't whine over wine
When it comes to pairing wine with food, most hosts tend to be apologetic about their ignorance. It is, however, important to taste the wine along with the food to see if they go well together. Here are some quick tips on pairing. The ground rules are that red meat corresponds with red wine and lean meat (chicken/fish) goes well with white wine. Pick a wine that you can associate with certain fl avours, aromas, and even the time of day. Riesling is a wine that pairs with every European dish. Rose wine is really the easiest to pair with European food. Usually, traditional dishes and wines from a particular region pair comfortably with each other.
