M A I N   N E W S

FLASHBACK ‘03 — Science and Technology
Equipped to launch satellites

New Delhi, December 31
Having already achieved self-sufficiency in the fabrication of satellites, India is now nearing full self-reliance in launching capabilities with the new Science and Technology Policy-2003 providing a boost to scientific growth and research.

Besides unveiling of the policy, the year gone by saw ‘Chandrayaan’, an unmanned mission to moon, being cleared by the government at a cost of Rs 386 crore. The mission will be accomplished by 2008.

The GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) has successfully undergone the second developmental flight. When fully commissioned, it will launch INSATs from our soil. While INSAT-3A and INSAT-3E have already been made operational, nine satellites and six launch vehicle missions are programmed in the coming two years.

The indigenous cryogenic engine undergoing successful trials at the Liquid Propulsion Centre, Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu, will be ready by 2005. This will help make GSLV operational and replace it in Russian-supplied cryogenic upper stage.

The EDUSAT, exclusive satellite for enhancing the literacy level, is programmed for launch by the indigenously built GSLV from our own soil during 2005-06.

India is currently in the process of developing advanced remote sensing satellites. This is for applications in land and water resources management, large-scale mapping operations and ocean and meteorological services.

A preparation known as ‘Wonder Drug’ for the treatment of Systemic Mycosis and Kala-Azar, has now been commercialised. The wonder drug Liposomal Amphotericin-B is available in the market under the brand name ‘Fungisome’. This is much superior to the imported one and costs one tenth.

Also, anti-venom serum from egg will hit the market soon following a tie-up with the industry. Longer studies on toxicity of the serum have already been taken up to ensure efficacy. A significant aspect of this great discovery is that animals like horse will now be spared of the painful experiences at the laboratory.

A new programme, known as ‘Nano-Materials Science and Technology Initiative’, was launched to promote research and development in this frontier area of science. Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for this in the 10th Plan.

India has developed a hybrid poppy plant. The variety named ‘Rakshit’ has been developed from disease-resistant and high-yielding genotypes. It has shown high resistance to downy mildew and is moderately resistant to damping off and collar rot. Its straw is an additional source of morphine.

The National Project on Drugs from Sea has made considerable progress with promising leads relating to the development of anti-diabetic, anti-diahorreal, anti-cholesterol, larvicidal and anti-anxiety drugs. Toxicity studies on monkeys are underway.

Satellite-based Air Traffic Management Services for the Indian Airspace are in the offing. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in coordination with the Airports Authority of India, is working on a technology demonstration project for this. — UNI