28.09.2007

• ISRO to develop satellite navigation by 2012
• Satellite navigation systems use radio time signals transmitted by satellites to enable mobile receivers on the ground to determine their exact location. The relatively clear line of sight between the satellites and receivers on the ground, combined with ever-improving electronics, allows satellite navigation systems to measure location to accuracies on the order of a few metres in real time.
• ISRO proposes to come out with a seven satellite system. The data obtained through this system can also be used for various applications such as agriculture, civil aviation and fisheries.
• At present the global positioning system (GPS) is controlled by the US defence department. GPS is a satellite navigation system using satellite constellation of at least 24 satellites.
• Russia is coming out with its Glonass system by 2009 with 24 satellites. Europe also is building Galileo with about 30 satellites. It will be in operation by 2012-13.
• Difference between skill and talent?
• Skill is about doing something competently – writing good software for example. Talent is about potential to do something competently.
• Can India have a say in its neighbourhood – Myanmar?
• It becomes important in the context of the ongoing pro-democracy demonstrations by the Buddhist monks.
• ASEAN, China and India (in that order) could have some influence over Myanmar. But ASEAN has thrown up its hands and is unable to persuade its member state even to open a political dialogue with the Aung San Suu Kyi. China, being a totalitarian state, is not in a position (or in need of) to take up the cause for democracy in Myanmar. India also though for its own reasons – it has relied heavily on the military regime to fight insurgency in the north-east – also is not able to exert any influence on the military junta and stands reduced to paying some lip service for the cause of democracy in Myanmar. India also is perhaps stung by Myanmar’s gravitation towards China in the light of its support for democracy during 1988-1992. But can India, play any meaningful role now? It is highly debatable.
• Some background about democracy demonstration in Myanmar: This is not the first time that is happening. Back in 1988 when there were such demonstrations, the military junta had put them down with a heavy hand. Then the NLD (National League for Democracy) led by Augn San Suu Kyi won the polls. The military junta then annulled the election exercise and kept her under house arrest.
• Terminology: snam
• It is spam on social networking sites like Orkut, MySpace etc.
• Flag code leads to warrant against Aamir Khan
• At a function attended by this Bollywood actor, the tricolour remained hoisted even after sunset. Moreover, when that was pointed out, it was hurriedly pulled down, without properly and respectfully bringing it down. Thereafter, it lay there on the floor. All these constitute a violation of the flag code.