Indo British Colonial Heritage

We are at Par now: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair in UK. India, a former colony of Britain is proud to stand up to the former colonial master at a time when the western imperialism is resurfacing in the form of crude aggression against weak and defenceless countries. India which once inspired the freedom struggle in different countries is now a part of the western block. British Prime Minister appears to be taking India into confidence for its next imperialistic mission in the Middle East?

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with the British Prime Minister Mr. Tony Blair, in London on September 20, 2004.

EDUSAT – EXCLUSIVE SATELLITE FOR EDUCATION PUT INTO ORBIT SUCCESSFULLY
21:28 IST

India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, GSLV successfully launched EDUSAT, the country’s first thematic satellite dedicated exclusively for educational services, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, today. This is the first operational flight of GSLV (GSLV-F01) and the third in the GSLV series. EDUSAT is now orbiting the Earth in GTO with a perigee (nearest point to Earth) of 180 km and an apogee (further point to Earth) of 35,985 km with an orbital inclination of 19.2 deg with respect to the equator. The orbital period now is 10.5 hours.

The 414 tonne, 49 m tall GSLV, carrying the 1950 kg EDUSAT, lifted off from Sriharikota at 4:01 P.M. About seventeen minutes after lift off, EDUSAT was successfully placed in GTO. At 4.8 seconds before the countdown reached zero, the four liquid propellant strap-on stages, each carrying 40 tonne of hypergolic liquid propellants (UH25 and N2O4), were ignited. At count zero and after confirming the normal performance of all the four strap-on motors, the mammoth 138 tonne solid propellant first stage core motor was ignited and GSLV blazed into the sky. The major phases of the flight included the first stage burn-out at 104 seconds, the strap on burn-out at 150 seconds, ignition of the second stage at 150 seconds, heat shield separation at an altitude of 115 km and 227 seconds into the flight, second stage burn-out at 288 seconds, ignition of the 12.5 tonne cryogenic stage at 304 seconds and it shut down at 999 seconds after attaining the required velocity of 10.2 km per second.

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EDUSAT was put into orbit at 1014 seconds about 5000 km away from Sriharikota. The separated cryogenic stage was subsequently reoriented and passivated.

Solar Array Deployment

Soon after its injection into GTO, the two solar arrays of EDUSAT were automatically deployed. The deployment of the arrays as well as the general health of the satellite were monitored by the ground station of the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command network (ISTRAC) located in the Indonesian island of Biak. The Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka has since taken control of EDUSAT for all its post launch operations. Ground stations at Lake Cowichan (Canada), Fucino (Italy) and Beijing (China) are supporting MCF in monitoring the health of the satellite and its orbit raising operations.

In the coming days, EDUSAT’s orbit will be raised from its present elliptical GTO to the final Geostationary Orbit (GSO) by firing the satellite’s Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in stages. The satellite will be commissioned into service after the completion of orbit raising operations, checking out all its transponders and positioning it in its designated orbital slot of 74 degree East longitude in the GSO. There, it will be co-located with KALPANA-1 and INSAT-3C.

EDUSAT carries five Ku-bank transponders providing spot beams, one Ku-band transponder providing a national beam and six External C-band transponders with national coverage beams. It will join the INSAT system that has already got more than 130 transponders in C-band, Extended C-band and Ku-band providing a variety of telecommunication and television broadcasting service.

GSLV was declared operational after its successful developmental test flights conducted in April 2001 and May 2003. The vehicle was designed and developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The inertial systems for the vehicle were development by the ISRO Intertial Systems Unit at Thiruvananthapuram. The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) also at Thiruvananthapuram developed the Liquid propulsion stages for the Strap-ons and the second stage of GSLV as well as the reaction control systems. While the Russian supplied cryogenic stage is used for third stage propulsion, the guidance and control of the stage has been implemented by ISRO. Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR is the launch centre for all the launch vehicles of ISRO. ISTRAC provides Telemetry, Tracking and Command support.EDUSAT was developed by ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore. The payloads were developed by Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad. Master Control Facility at Hassan is responsible for all post launch operations of the satellite.

The successful launch of EDUSAT by the first operational flight of GSLV further demonstrates its reliability and the end-to-end capability of the country to establish space systems to undertake large-scale application programmes for the benefit of the society.

PM CONGRATULATES SCIENTSTS AND ENGINEERS ON SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF EDUSAT SATELLITE

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has congratulated scientists and engineers of the Department of Space and ISRO for the successful launch of EDUSAT satellite today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s message:“I was very pleased to be informed of the first operational flight of the GSLV which marks an important landmark in the history of our launch vehicle programme.I am also happy to learn that the GSLV has successfully put into orbit our first satellite dedicated to education, EDUSAT, that would provide connectivity to educational institutions across the country. This is indeed a proud moment for our indigenous space programme.I convey my congratulations and good wishes to all the Scientists and Engineers of the Department of Space and ISRO, who have worked tirelessly to ensure our country is among the select group of countries with advanced space capabilities”.

SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHING OF EDUSAT SATELLITE MOS, PMO CONGRATULATES SCIENTISTS

The Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office, Shri Prithviraj Chavan has congratulated scientists on the successful launch of EDUSAT Satellite. In his message to the Secretary, Department of Space, Shri Chavan said:"I am delighted to learn that our space programme has crossed yet another significant milestone by launching the EDUSAT Satellite in the first operational flight of the Geo Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV), from the Satish Dhawan Space Center-SHAR, this afternoon. Today’s launch demonstrates the versatility of our space programme. I am sure that the EDUSAT will help in improving access of education to the poor and disadvantaged, which is a solemn commitment of this Government. This reaffirms our commitment to use space technology as a tool for development. I congratulate the team of scientists, engineers of ISRO and all others who have contributed to the mission and wish them well in future endeavors in developing space technology."

BIMSTEC COUNTRIES MEET ON TRANS-ASIAN RAIL LINK

The Member Planning Commission Shri Anwarul Hoda has said that the vision of Trans-Asian Rail Links should become a reality. Inaugurating a two-day first meeting of Chief Executive Officers of Railways of BIMST-EC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries here today, Shri Hoda called for strengthening regional cooperation among member nations of BIMSTEC, Bangaldesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal, for pooling their resources for harmonizing different rail technologies, development plan of their national railway networks, development of multi-modal and inter-modal services and training facilities to achieve the ultimate vision of Trans-Asian Rail Links spanning over South East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and Europe under the aegis of the United Nations Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).

Shri Hoda talked at length of the emerging globalization of the World Economy wherein the role of the Governments was changing as enabler and facilitator. This warranted a competitive environment. The Railways of the BIMSTEC countries should take advantage of the worldwide revival of railways as energy efficient, eco-friendly and cost-effective bulk transportation system to integrate themselves for social and economic prosperity of the people.

Earlier, the Chairman Railway Board Shri R.K. Singh, who is leading Indian Delegation in the BIMSTEC conference, in his welcome address gave an overview of Indian Railways stating that it was carrying 14 million passengers and 16 million freight traffic with 8500 passenger trains and 5500 freight trains daily. It was a massive organization with the largest manpower under single management in the world, he concluded. He offered full cooperation for integration of railways of the member countries to achieve the vision for Trans-Asian Rail Links.The BIMSTEC meeting is hosted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and Asian Institute of Transport.

JOINT DECLARATION BY PRIME MINISTERS OF INDIA AND UK

INITIATIVE TOWARDS A NEW AND DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP
18:33 IST

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the British Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, MP, today signed a joint declaration, in which they set out plans to strengthen and deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries through a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Following is the text of the declaration:

"We, the Prime Ministers of India and the UK, believe that the relationship between our two countries is now the strongest it has ever been. Building on the achievements of the 2002 New Delhi Declaration, we commit ourselves and our Governments to strengthening and deepening the comprehensive partnership that exists between our countries – to benefit our peoples, and to create a safer and more prosperous world.People are at the heart of our relationship. Almost 1.5 million people of Indian origin live in Britain today. Their cultural values contribute significantly towards making Britain the vibrant, dynamic society that it is today. They are a vital bond between our countries.

Both our societies value, and encourage, cultural and ethnic diversity.

Both our countries have a long and proud historical tradition, and yet are countries looking forward, adapting to the challenges, and trying to shape the outcome of the 21st century.

The flow of people between our countries is huge. 500,000 Indians visit Britain each year. 400,000 Britons visit India. These people-to-people links flourish in many areas – education, health, development, science and technology, including in the frontier technologies, investment, trade and tourism.

India and the UK are natural economic partners. As India emerges as a global power, trade and investment relations are becoming more diverse. Bilateral trade grew by over 20% last year. We want this rapid growth to continue. But the real partnership lies in the strength of investment in both directions. The UK is the second largest investor into India. India was the 8th largest investor in the UK in 2003. It is one of the fastest growing, investing in the UK’s knowledge economy. The UK provides an important bridge into the European market, attracting over 60% of India’s investment in Europe.

Shared democratic values and a commitment to human rights, justice and the rule of law underpin our relationship. We share a global vision of peace, security and shared prosperity, based on sustainable development. We have shared interests in combating key global challenges – terrorism, poverty, HIV/AIDS, environmental degradation, climate change, drugs, international crime, illegal migration and trafficking in people. We will step up our bilateral co-operation on these issues.

However, we must also urgently strengthen the multilateral system to meet these global challenges. We will co-operate closely on this and the UK will continue to work for India’s Permanent Membership of the UN Security Council.

We can achieve even more together than we already do. We now intend to take our relationship to a new level. We see the relationship between our two countries as among our top international priorities. As Heads of Government, we will work for a long-term comprehensive streategic partnership for the 21st century of shared values and interests. In particular we will strengthen our links in the following areas.

Foreign and Defence Policy

Heads of Government and foreign ministers will exchange visits annually to reinforce and extend our bilateral co-operation in the fields we have identified for joint action.

We will reinforce our strategic partnership, and enhance our defence co-operation, in the pursuit of a more peaceful and secure world. We will build upon, and expand, programmes of joint military training and exercises. We will explore the co-production of defence equipment. We will work towards the objective of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery.

Security Challenges

Both our countries are deeply committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We will work together to try to ensure that the global norms against terrorism are upheld by all countries. We will share our experience and augment our co-operation, including operational co-operation between police, law enforcement agencies and others in our criminal justice system. We will enhance our co-operation to counter money laundering and terrorist financing.

The UK will support India to join the Financial Action Task Force. We will identify specific needs and share best practice in the areas of justice, judicial co-operation and mutual legal assistance. We will co-operate in the light against international, organised and serious crime and new forms of criminality, including illegal migration, drugs trafficking and trafficking in people.

Economic and Trade Issues

Our economic ties will continue to expand. We will establish a Ministerially-led Joint Economic and Trade Committee to further develop a strategic economic relationship, and develop business-led vehicles to enhance bilateral trade and investment in specific sectors including services and knowledge-based industries. We will enhance our dialogue on international trade and investment issues.

We will also establish an Indo-British Economic and Financial Dialogue on bilateral and global issues, on financial systems, and to enhance economic and financial co-operation.

At this important time in the development of the international trade regime, we will work closely together for a successful conclusion to the WTO’s Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations.

The UK and India agree to expand co-operation in the fields of civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programmes, and high technology trade, in accordance with their international obligations.

Science and Technology

The UK and India already co-operate closely on science and technology. We have established a Joint Committee on Science and Technology and a networking scheme that enables scientists to meet each other, exchange research ideas and establish links. We will now enhance existing collaboration and identify new areas for co-operation in fields such as: climate change, alternative and clean energy technologies, environmental science, commercial applications of high technology like biotech and bio-informatics, nano-technology, agriculture, and health research and development. We will encourage collaborative opportunities in these areas.

Development Partnership

We have an important development partnership. The UK is recognised as a leader in international development. India has made great development progress over the last two decades and is now establishing itself as a development partner for other developing countries. Our shared commitment to the UN Millennium Development Goals provides an opportunity to exchange experience on aid effectiveness and development practices. Working together, we can accelerate development and make progress globally towards the Millennium Goals.

Sustainable Development

Both our countries recognize that co-operation is essential to deliver the progressive global agenda set by the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development and the Millennium Declaration. We will initiate regular high-level dialogue to share experiences on how we can overcome social, economic and environmental challenges, and bring real quality of life improvements for people in both our countries and around the world.

Climate change and broader issues of sustainable energy security are high on our respective agendas. Climate change will be a central theme of the UK’s Presidencies of the G8 and EU next year. We will promote effective co-operation in our responses to climate change, including by building on the successful joint work that has already been carried out by the UK and India on climate change impacts and modelling. To this end, we will establish a structured dialogue to exchange views and information and take forward any bilateral co-operation projects.

Education and Culture

There are strong and vibrant academic links between the UK and India. By 2008, we expect that 25,000 students from the UK and India will be studying in each other’s academic institutions. We will explore ways to help educational establishments in our countries to establish lasting partnerships.

The cultural influence of the UK, not least through the use of English, has added to the richness of Indian culture, and Indian writers have enriched English literature. Now, through the community of Indian origin in the UK, and directly, Indian culture is becoming an important component of multi-ethnic Britain. We welcome this and will work to strengthen cultural linkages between our countries, including in areas like publishing and film production.

Conclusion

On this historic occasion we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of both our peoples and the international community based on universal values of democracy and respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. We stress our commitment to work towards promoting international peace, stability and security and the eradication of poverty. We recognize that a strengthened multilateral system, including a reformed Security Council that would reflect the changing aspirations of the 21st century, is an important element of this process. In recognition of our comprehensive strategic partnership we will hold annual summit meetings alternating in our capitals and will continue the high level dialogue established through our Personal Envoys."