India's first public-private aerospace research consortium formed

Boeing, IISc, Wipro and HCL enters into an agreement


Boeing has entered into an agreement with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and two leading Indian information technology companies to develop wireless and other network technologies for aerospace-related applications.

The agreement, signed by representatives from Boeing, IISc's Society for Innovation and Development, Wipro Technologies and HCL Technologies, forms the Aerospace Network Research Consortium (ANRC).

Led by Boeing, the ANRC is India's first public-private aerospace research consortium.

"We have a great need for advanced affordable aerospace network R&D," said Naveed Hussain, Engineering and Technology vice president for Boeing in India. "It is part of Boeing's strategy to leverage top research capabilities anywhere in the world and we look forward to working with our Indian partners to benefit from their tremendous capabilities and talents in this area."

"We are pleased to be part of this consortium," said Professor Veni Madhavan, chief executive of IISc's Society for Innovation and Development. "This collaborative approach will help permit research at IISc to be utilized for appropriate and interesting applications in the aerospace industry."

Initially established as a four-year collaborative effort, the agreement can be extended based on mutual interests. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Researchers from Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced R&D unit, and Commercial Airplanes will represent Boeing.

ICRISAT signs MOU with Crop and Food Research of New Zealand

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Crops (ICRISAT) and Crop and Food Research, a Crown Research Institute of New Zealand, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently, in Lincoln, New Zealand, which would mutually benefit India and New Zealand in crop science research.

The MOU, which was signed earlier by ICRISAT Director General William Dar and was carried to New Zealand by the joint ICRISAT-Government of Andhra Pradesh delegation, was countersigned by Crop and Food Research CEO Mark Ward.

According to Dr William Dar, the collaboration will strengthen the partnership between ICRISAT and New Zealand's national research institutes and will leverage mutual strengths in agriculture and food science research.

Both organizations will work together to develop the proposed Bio Food Knowledge Center (BFKC) at the Agri-Science Park within ICRISAT. Early discussions have identified many opportunities to leverage New Zealand's world-class agri science for the benefit of progressing ICRISAT's mission and goals and significantly accelerate the commissioning of the BFKC.

The signing of the MOU is one of the key outcomes from a joint ICRISAT and Government of Andhra Pradesh delegation currently visiting New Zealand. The delegation also met with two prominent Cabinet Ministers, Honorable Pete Hodgson, Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Economic Development and Tertiary Education; and Hon Jim Anderton, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Biosecurity.

ICRISAT will continue to explore collaboration with other Crown Research Institutes in New Zealand, namely AgResearch and HortResearch.

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ArcelorMittal signs MoU with Mauritania

ArcelorMittal announces that it has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (Mou) with Societe Nationale Industrielle et Miniere (SNIM), Mauritania, on the December 26, 2007, the company siad in the release.

Under the MoU, ArcelorMittal and SNIM will jointly develop a large iron ore mining project, using the El Agareb Iron ore resource in Mauritania, which is estimated to contain more than 1 billion tonnes rich grade of Magnetite resource.

In the first phase of project development, ArcelorMittal will conduct exploratory works and a feasibility study. Onward project execution will be progressed by a Joint Venture Company to be created between SNIM and ArcelorMittal.

At the exploratory and prospecting stage, ArcelorMittal's share will be 30 per cent with an option to increase the stake to 70 per cent once project execution starts. Subject to the feasibility study, ArcelorMittal intends to develop a 25 Million tonnes per year mine.

Aditya Mittal, CFO and member of ArcelorMittal’s Group Management Board, said:
“Mauritania’s strategic location in West Africa makes it an ideal choice for iron ore supplies to
ArcelorMittal’s European steel mills. This large iron ore project would further strengthen our existing presence in the region and will create substantial employment opportunities for the people of Mauritania while accelerating growth in Mauritanian economy.”

SNIM is one of the oldest Iron ore producing companies in Africa, producing more than 12 million
tonnes per year of iron ore with world class production facilities and infrastructure. ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel company, is one of the oldest consumers of SNIM’s iron ore, having been a customer for more than two decades.

Sri Lankan Minister For Nation Building killed In Terror Attack

Colombo, Sri Lanka (AHN) - After the death of military intelligence, 'Colonel' Charles, three days back, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) strike back. They killed Sri Lankan Minister D M Dassanayake in a powerful landmine attack near Colombo on January 8.

The minister’s convey was ripped apart by the attack killing him and injuring 11 others. The attack happened as the vehicles crossed the Rukmani Devi junction along the Colombo-Negombo road.

The minister was, with two other were admitted to hospital's intensive care unit, but later succumbed to their injuries, reports rediff.com

Nine others were also injured in the explosion and were receiving treatment.

Violence has increased after the Sri Lankan government pull out of the cease fire agreement with the LTTE vowing to 'demonstrate' its 'military strength'.

Steve Buchnor Sacked To Keep Sprit Of The Game Alive, Not On BCCI Complain

West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor was sacked from the remaining India-Australia Test series and cleared Harbhajan Singh to play. The ousted of Steve has nothing to do with BCCI complain, but to keep sprit of the game alive, ICC Chief said.

Bucknor will be replaced by Billy Bowden, New Zealander. He will stand alongside Pakistan's Asad Rauf, who had been originally appointed for this game.

International Cricket Council (ICC) has also cleared Harbhajan from the three test ban for allegedly making racial comments on Andrew Symonds.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said, “It is accepted that Steve, and his on-field colleague Mark Benson, did not have good games by their very high standards and we feel that given the added pressure and attention Steve's presence would have at the third Test, it is better for the match and for Steve himself if he does not take part," and added the fourth and final Test at Adelaide, which starts on January 24, will be umpired by Bowden and Rauf, as per the original appointments, the rediff.com reported.

However, Mike Procter will continue as match referee as planned, who has banned Harbhajan Singh without any proof, in the five hour hearing.

Removing of Steve Bucknor for the remaining match has noting to do with BCCI complain against Bucknor. The decision was made in the best interests of the game and the series, Speed said.

Steve Bucknor sacked

Jamican umpire, Steve Bucknor has been sacked for the third test between India and Australia, which is scheduled to be held in Perth.

However, India bowler Harbhajan Singh, who was banned by match refree Mick Poctor can play the third test.

Indian Board members have stick to thier demands that ban on Harbhajan must be suspended, but no decision has been taken so far bi International Cricket Council (ICC).

People Of India Wants Team India To Come Back

After the unfair decision of Match Referee Mike Proctor to ban Harbhajan Singh for three test matches and the blunder in umpiring of Steve Bucknor, people in India wants their team to abandon the Test series in Australia. Many Indian politicians have also voiced their concerned about the behavior of Australian team members.

All eyes are set to the meeting of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) meeting in New Delhi on January 8. The BCCI is waiting for ICC to suspend the ban on Harbajan.
However, Indian Team has still not left Sydney for Canberra, waiting for BCCI orders. India was play a two day practice match in Canberra before the third test in Perth.

BCCI President Sharad Pawar on evening of January 7 said, "(The team) should not leave Sydney, and they should not go to Canberra. They should stay there. So we expect something from the ICC. We have also called a meeting of BCCI", reported Times Now.