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Pakistan Space and Satellite Developments

Govt to strengthen scientific research bodies: Zahid
Thursday August 15, 2013

While briefing the Minister‚ Chairman SUPARCO says organization is working for developing indigenous capabilities in space technology.


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Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid says the government will fully cooperate with research and development organizations and take all necessary measures for the promotion of science and technology in the country.

He stated this during his visit to Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission in Islamabad on Thursday.

While briefing the Minister‚ Chairman SUPARCO Ahmad Bilal said the organization is working for developing indigenous capabilities in space technology and promoting space applications for socio-economic uplift of the country.

SUPARCO is also using Satellite Remote Sensing data and Geographic Information System technology for surveying natural resources‚ mapping and environmental monitoring.

Radio Pakistan: Govt to strengthen scientific research bodies: Zahid
 
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BUITEMS Annual Report 2012
Wednesday August 21, 2013

QUETTA: Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences BUITEMS has secured the fourth position in the field of computer science and IT. With the assistance of JICA, a project has been initiated to upgrade and improve the departmental laboratories of the university. JICA will provide sophisticated devices which will surely provide opportunity to the students to be fully trained to confront the challenges of the future in practical life.

This was stated by Vice Chancellor BUTEMS Eng. Ahmed Farooq Bazai while launching Annual Report 2012 at a press Conference here Wednesday.

In order to professionally train the officers and private employees, BUTEMS in mutual coordination with National Institute of Management Sciences of Pakistan has initiated the BUTEMS Executive Education Centre.

He said the prime objective of the newly introduced courses is to inculcate professional attitude and to abide by the code of conduct. Furthermore BUTEMS administration is continuously working to elevate the education standard of the province in general and of university in particular in this regard approximately eight PhD scholars have completed their degrees and joined the university which will certainly help the new students in research methodology, he added.

VC said the management committee of BUTEMS does not believe in resting on laurels rather than achieving new horizons of success and going some extra miles in the path of success and in this regard the BUTEMS has seriously initiated BUTEMS Endowment Fund to financially privilege those deserving students who could not afford educational fees and other expenses, almost 2100 students are enjoying financial assistance so that they may not feel any hurdles in achieving education and fully concentrate on their education and in this regard not only the Balochistan government but also the Higher Education Commission are requested to assist the university so that the financial assistance of deserving students may be implemented in letter and in sprit. Furthermore the university has established PCSIR and SUPARCO labs, he added.

BUITEMS Annual Report 2012 | Pakistan Press International
 
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Moot on aerospace science and engineering starts
Thursday, August 22, 2013

Afshan S. Khan


Islamabad: The three-day 3rd International Conference on Aerospace Science and Engineering Islamabad (ICASE) commenced here on Wednesday at Institute of Space Technology. The conference was organised in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Pakistan, Chairman Maj Gen Ahmed Bilal HI, HI (M) was the chief guest, while Dr Muddassar Farooq, Dean, Institute of Space Technology, was also present on the occasion.

Secretary ICASE 2013 Dr Tayyab said that the delegates have come from different parts of world (from Malaysia to Canada) and from distant parts of Pakistan (all the way from Peshawar to Karachi, and also from Quetta and Lahore) to share their vision and knowledge in the conference. They will be presenting their latest research and technical findings related to aerospace science and engineering. IST took an initiative in 2009 to organise the first International Conference on Aerospace Science and Engineering.

Four topics were identified for the conference including aerodynamics, CFD, aerospace propulsion, structures, dynamics and control systems, space communication, telemetry, tele-command and monitoring systems, design and development of materials for aerospace applications, remote sensing, GIS and related space technology.

ICASE is a biennial event which provides an international platform to the scientific and engineering community to remain abreast of the recent developments in high performance aerospace materials, space communication techniques, and design and construction of space system and structures. Another aim is to establish dialogues leading to long lasting, healthy and technical cooperation among the scientists and engineers of the developing and developed countries.

He said that this year in ICASE-2013, 268 papers were received. While 117 papers have been arranged in 17 Orals sessions including a plenary session, while 151 papers have been organised in a poster session. Eminent scientists, engineers & technologists from eight different countries are going to present their research work. Due to overwhelming response, continuously parallel sessions for oral presentations will run continuously during the three days of the conference. There will be 37 keynote lectures and 80 contributory in oral sessions to be presented by the authors. The proceedings of the conference will be published after referring the papers by the International Scientific Committee comprising of scholars from ten different countries. In addition to oral talks and poster competition, other features of the conference are tutorials, panel discussions and short-courses. As many as 8 tutorial and 5 panel discussions will be held during the conference. Moreover, 6 short courses will be conducted immediately after the conference. More than a dozen industries and research institutes of repute have displayed their products in the exhibition. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has taken ICASE-2013 under his umbrella. It is a great achievement and recognition of ICASE at an international platform.

The secretary conference also thanked the sponsors Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) and ICT R&D Fund. HEC has sponsored all the three conferences in 2009, 2001 and this year in 2013. He also thanked Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Jeddah, for sponsoring the ICASE for the first time.

While speaking at the Third International Conference on Aerospace Science and Engineering Vice Chancellor, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Engr. Imran Rahman, SI (M), PoP welcomed all the delegates who have come from Pakistan and abroad. He was grateful to the chief guest Maj Gen Ahmed Bilal, who graced the conference.

The vice chancellor said that with the grace of God, we initiated our PICO satellite project a couple of years back, which is an ideal project for students to design and test satellite subsystems. The first of the cubesats ‘ICUBE-1’ has passed all the qualification tests and is waiting for integration for expected launch in the last quarter of 2013. While ICUBE-1 is awaiting launch, IST has embarked on planning larger 2U Cubesat ‘ICUBE-2’ with larger payload capacity and advanced attitude control system for more sophisticated applications. It will indeed open up a large vista of experiments and research that could be conducted in space, by all the students, scientists and engineers of our universities and R & D organisations.

IST is also actively participating in the progress of Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (APSCO). We have been selected as a lead university for APSCO Sat-6, which is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Remote Sensing Satellite with Inter Satellite Links capability. The initial feasibility study of the project has been completed and project approval is awaited. IST will invite other Pakistani universities and sister organizations to participate in this prestigious satellite project.

IST will also be working with China on Beihang University’s three satellite constellation in the Low Earth Orbit aimed at accurate Space Environment Measurement and Research.
Through this conference we would bring together Academia, R and D organizations, and both Public and Private industries to focus on the current and future developments, scientific breakthroughs and challenges in Aerospace science and Engineering, including Aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, control systems, Space-craft engineering, communication, Remote Sensing and Geographical information science (GIS), and Materials for aerospace applications.

Chief guest Maj Gen Ahmed Bilal HI, HI (M), while speaking on the occasion said that he has glanced through the research papers and he was delighted to see the top quality of research papers being presented. “Science and technology is an evolving subject but it has really picked up in the last few decades. Its evolving is so fast paced that sometimes it’s difficult to keep pace with it. It’s the university where ideas are nurtured and then transformed into reality. It’s a place where ideas and science meets. We need to create an environment around us and we have to evolve ways and means so that science and technology serves mankind. Such conferences pave the way for the ideas transferred into workable products first in labs and then to the industry for the betterment of the country. Space technology has bridged the distances and has enabled the people to see the world from a different environment. Pakistan is a country where we have tremendous potential that is untapped. We only need to exploit our resources and think out of box,” he said.

Later a souvenir was presented to the chief guest by the Vice Chancellor IST.

Vice Chancellor IST stressed that R&D, Space Science and Engineering has spearheaded by NASA and the likes have been a single major contributory factor for the advancement of all technologies and even in the medical science. This would not have been possible without a clear cut visionary plan and ample resources and funds provided by their governments. He stressed that our government needs to understand that, especially if we want our motherland to be counted amongst technologically advanced countries.

Moot on aerospace science and engineering starts - thenews.com.pk
 
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Spatial Decision Support Systems
Friday August 23, 2013

Time and Duration
Registration Deadline: Wed, 25/09/2013
Venue City: Karachi

Basic Information
Date: 25/11/2013 - 29/11/2013
Venue: National Centre for Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics (NCRG) SUPARCO Headquarters,
Venue Country: Pakistan
Event Organisers:
SUPARCO - Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
More Information Link:
SUPARCO
Language of event: English

Training Details
Is a certificate Issued?:
No certificate issued or not known
Training Requirements:
Basic knowledge in GIS and some experience in basic GIS software
Training Tution:
250.00 USD

Objectives
Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) is a computer information system which can help users flexibly generate decisions to spatial problems and choose the best solution for themselves with the spatial data, application models, software tools and expert knowledge, etc. Therefore, SDSS are systems that focus on decisions involving the spatial problems. SDSS typically uses a variety of spatial and non-spatial information, like data on land use, transportation, water management, demographics, agriculture, climate, epidemiology, resource management or employment. The objective of this course is to provide knowledge of SDSS to individuals and professionals particularly the policy and decision makers who want to enhance their skills in this growing field.

Contents of Course
• Development of Scenario
• Decision making Process
• Decision Support Systems
• Multi-criteria Decision Making
• Group Decision Making and its support
• Conflict Management
• Spatial Data Analysis
• Case Study

Spatial Decision Support Systems | UN-SPIDER Knowledge Portal
 
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Digital Image Processing using ERDAS Imagine
Friday August 23, 2013

Time and Duration
Registration Deadline: Wed, 20/11/2013
Venue City: Karachi

Basic Information
Date: 20/01/2014 - 24/01/2014
Venue: National Centre for Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics (NCRG) SUPARCO Headquarters
Venue Country: Pakistan
Event Organisers:
SUPARCO - Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
More Information Link:
SUPARCO
Language of event: English

Training Details
Is a certificate Issued?:
No certificate issued or not known
Training Requirements:
Basic understanding of remote sensing and some computer experience
Training Tution:
250.00 USD
Additional Information:
Assessment
Oral or written examination

Objectives
The course is aimed at providing basic concepts of image processing and extensive hands-on-experience of working on ERDAS IMAGINE software. A variety of image processing functions available in the ERDAS IMAGINE software will be covered, including (but not limited to) data extraction, image enhancement, data merging and mosiacing, classification, map composition, geo-coding and vector data handling as well as 3D tools such as Virtual GIS.

Contents of Course
• ERDAS Core Modules
• ERDAS Tools and Menus
• Raster/vector data layers
• Image Enhancement techniques
• Image classification
• Map composition
• 3D tools

Digital Image Processing using ERDAS Imagine | UN-SPIDER Knowledge Portal
 
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Advanced Training in Remote Sensing and GIS
Friday August 23, 2013

Time and Duration
Registration Deadline: Fri, 14/02/2014
Venue City: Karachi

Basic Information
Date: 14/04/2014 - 25/04/2014
Venue: National Centre for Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics (NCRG) SUPARCO Headquarters
Venue Country: Pakistan
Event Organisers:
SUPARCO - Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
More Information Link:
SUPARCO
Language of event: English

Training Details
Is a certificate Issued?:
No certificate issued or not known
Training Requirements:
Basic understanding of Remote Sensing with some programming skills
Training Tution:
450.00 USD
Tuition Remarks:
PKR 25,000 (US $ 450 for foreign participants)
Additional Information:
Assessment
Oral or written examination

Objectives
The course is aimed to provide concepts and knowledge on the advanced techniques being used in GIS development and applications. It will also cover topics relating to operationalization of Remote sensing and GIS in different discipline areas.

Contents of Course
• New developments in Satellite Remote Sensing and GIS
• Developing image processing algorithms
• Remote Sensing Applications-Multidisciplinary
• Expert Image Classifier
• Hyper-spectral Remote Sensing
• 3D Analysis in GIS
• Spatial Analysis
• Customization and Automation in GIS
• GIS modeling
• GIS Application in Vehicle Tracking
• Web GIS

Advanced Training in Remote Sensing and GIS | UN-SPIDER Knowledge Portal
 
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Karachi’s first science gallery opened to visitors
Saturday August 24, 2013

Volume 04 Issue 35
By Technology Times in News


STAFF REPORT KHI: With the informative and exciting scientific articles and machines on display, Karachi’s first Interactive Science Gallery has opened its doors to the public at the Pakistan Maritime Museum.

Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Asif Sandila and Foundation for Diffusion of Scientific Knowledge (FDSK) Chairperson Dr Attaur Rahman inaugurated the gallery which houses scientific articles and machines of FDSK and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).

There are multiple attractions for those visiting the gallery, including Archimedes Screw Left, Gyroscope, Wind Generator and Solar System, but what caught the attention of the younger crowd was the anti-gravity mirror which gives a flying image of a man.

On the occasion, Dr Attaur Rahman urged to spread scientific education, stressing on the need for construction of science centres across the country. “Success comes through education and advancement in science and technology,” said Rahman.

Suparco Chairperson Maj Gen (retd) Ahmed Bilal also appreciated Rahman’s efforts in promoting science and technology in the country.

Talking about institutes which offer education in space science, he said that a decade ago there wasn’t even one such centre. “Now we have successfully launched space education and space sciences departments in selected major universities of the country,” said Bilal.

Karachi | Technology Times
 
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Naval chief inaugurates first 'interactive science gallery'
Saturday August 24, 2013

Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila, NI (M) on Friday inaugurated the city's first interactive science gallery, hoping it will "pave path" for children's informal education on the subjects. He was amused to witness a number of space, sub-marine and geography-related sets during his visit to the science gallery after inaugurating it at a ceremony held at Pakistan Maritime Museum.

Suparco aided Foundation for Diffusion of Science Knowledge (FDSK) to organise the interactive science gallery with an aim to impart informal education to the visitors especially children. He was flanked by FRS Chairman, FDSK Professor Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, Managing Trustee, FDSK, Samia Illias, Chairman Suparco headquarters, Major General (Retd) and Ahmed Bilal, HI, HI (M) during his visit at the gallery.

Speaking as a chief guest at the ceremony, Asif Sandila announced a donation of Rs 0.5 million to the gallery, saying the amount would be given from Navy's own fund with a hope to pave path for the children education in space and science fields. He lauded the efforts and contribution of Professor Atta-ur-Rahman to develop the country's education and urged the nation to benefit from his science knowledge. He hoped that Atta-ur-Rahman's knowledge of science would help grow the nation in the key fields. He suggested a gradual reading to children to improve social values.

Professor Atta-ur-Rahman, who has also served as a federal science and technology minister, lauded the volunteers and Suparco for completing the gallery through largely indigenous means. He said the FDSK was going to submit a plan with the government to develop a bigger space and science gallery at about three acres of plot at Karachi University, adding the KU had agreed to allot the FDSK three acres of roadside plot.

He said the FDSK also planned to develop another gallery in Lahore soon. He pointed out that discoveries in science taking place in thousands with each passing day called the discipline a "world of knowledge". The children's creativity, he hoped, would spur national development in the field of science, saying the FDSK planned to start online courses with thousands of subjects for school, college and university students, soon.

However, his education initiative seemed to attract children primarily and to impart science knowledge to them. Regarding new wars of present and future era, he said, the science and space development had now began "intelligent wars". Professor Atta-ur-Rahman pointed out that the external signals to a chip could cease ships, submarines and fighters jets after "fantastic" changes made space and science in modern day military fighting.

He however warned the nation that country's defence could not strengthen unless security through education and self-reliance on indigenous production of military hardware was attained. He also gave a bit of knowledge to the participants about the stealth technology saying "knowledge is strength". He said the US every year poured about $300 million on universities for research and development in the field of space and science, urging the government to follow the suit if really wanted to emerge as a developed and secure nation.

Major General Ahmed Bilal (Retd) said the age of fiction followed the era of reality in space and science, adding the country was going to lunch its satellite - Paksat in next two years. He also urged the nation that science was the way forward to glory and bright future to live in the world, and said in the last 10 years a number of space and science institutions had emerged to impart key education to the growing students.

Giving a welcome address, Samia Illias highlighted the aims of the FDSK and lauded her team for striving to complete the gallery with lack of funds. She said FDSK however could not manage to set up a world class gallery but it would indeed help many attain education on space and science. She hoped the gallery in the city with about 180 million of population, which constituted 60 percent youth below the age 25, would help them to get inspiration and informal knowledge. The science galley had a number of interesting sets of flow formation, vortex, buoyancy, Archimedes screw lift, submarine, water weight, space shuttle by Suparco water rocket etc.

Naval chief inaugurates first 'interactive science gallery' | Business Recorder
 
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Karachi’s first science gallery opens its doors to visitors
By Our Correspondent / Photo: Athar Khan

Sunday August 25, 2013


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Suparco’s shuttle model is some of the attractions featured at Karachi’s first Interactive Science Gallery at the Pakistan Maritime Museum. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS

594876-suparco-1377375043-642-640x480.JPG


KARACHI: With informative and exciting scientific articles and machines on display, Karachi’s first Interactive Science Gallery opened its doors to the public on Friday at the Pakistan Maritime Museum.

Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila and Foundation for Diffusion of Scientific Knowledge (FDSK) Chairperson Dr Attaur Rahman inaugurated the gallery which houses scientific articles and machines of FDSK and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).

There are multiple attractions for those visiting the gallery, including Archimedes Screw Left, Gyroscope, Wind Generator and Solar System, but what caught the attention of the younger crowd was the Anti-gravity Mirror which gives a flying image of a man. Some children were also seen measuring the amount of current in their hand through a machine on display.

Sameer Khan, who had just completed his Matriculation, gave a briefing to the children and other visitors about a dummy submarine and its operations. “All the projects displayed here are interesting and informative but I liked the Orchestra and the machine through which I can measure current in my hands the most,” said Khan.

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Mirza Zeehsan, a supervisor at FDSK, told The Express Tribune that people, especially children up to the age of 15 years age, were welcome to enjoy the gallery.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Admiral Sandila extended his gratitude to FDSK for choosing the maritime museum as the venue for the gallery and hoped that children would get to learn from the gallery.

“We should tell our children that there is no elevator to success – you have to go step by step and eventually climb to the top,” he said, also announcing a contribution of Rs0.5 million from the Navy fund for the scientific centre project of the FDSK. Dr Attaur Rahman also urged to spread scientific education, stressing on the need for construction of science centres across the country. “Success comes through education and advancement in science and technology,” said Rahman. “The interactive science gallery is a commendable effort to establish a facility where students can experience the science exhibits firsthand and easily understand the scientific principles that affect our lives in many profound ways.” He shed light on the importance of investments in the science sector and invited the armed forces to support scientific research centres.

Suparco Chairperson Major General (retd) Ahmed Bilal also appreciated Rahman’s efforts in promoting science and technology in the country.

Talking about institutes which offer education in space science, he said that a decade ago there wasn’t even one such centre. “Now we have successfully launched space education and space sciences departments in selected major universities of the country,” said Bilal.

In her welcome speech at the inauguration, FDSK Managing Trutee Samiya Illias said that she wanted every child in Pakistan to have a place where learning was a delightful and interesting activity. “I wanted our children to have a place which breeds thoughts and ideas. Some talented and wonderful people from all walks of life gathered and helped us in completing our first project,” Illias said. “We hope that the FDSK interactive science gallery will set in motion a nation-wide effort to establish multiple science centres and museums.”

Karachi’s first science gallery opens its doors to visitors
 
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Interactive Science Gallery opens
Sunday August 25, 2013

Karachi: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila announced on Friday a donation of Rs 0.5 million for the Foundation for Diffusion of Scientific Knowledge (FDSK).

Addressing at the inauguration ceremony of Karachi’s first Interactive Science Gallery, at Maritime Museum, he said: “The first word of the Holy Quran is IQRA, which means to read, and if you read more about science you will attain progress and prosperity”. He also appreciated the efforts made by FDSK in this regard.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman SUPARCO Headquarters Major General (retd) Bilal Ahmed said: “If we contribute like a nation we will go forward”. He appreciated the efforts of Professor Dr. Atta–ur-Rehman for the promotion of science and technology in the country.

“Science is a way forward and if we don’t use it then we will be victim of it,” he said while appreciating the efforts of the team, specially the SUPARCO team, who worked hard to make this event successful.

Chairman FDSK Professor Dr Atta–ur-Rehman said: “It is the need of the hour to realise that our children are the real wealth of this country”. He said that the University of Karachi has agreed to give three acres land for the centre. He appreciated the efforts of all volunteers and all those who made strenuous efforts to make this event successful. Managing Trustee FDSK Samiya Illas said that Pakistan happens to be blessed with a young, intelligent and energetic population but unfortunately 60 per cent of the population was away from formal education.

Interactive Science Gallery opens - thenews.com.pk
 
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Science gallery launched
Sunday August 25, 2013

KARACHI, Aug 24: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila has inaugurated what is being described as the city’s first interactive science gallery and announced Rs500,000 donation for the Foundation for Diffusion Of Scientific Knowledge (FDSK).

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held at the Maritime Museum on Friday, he said the first word of the Holy Quran is iqra, which means read. He said the country could attain progress and prosperity if people studied more about science.

Suparco chairman retired major-general Bilal Ahmed, FDSK chairman Dr Atta-ur-Rehman also spoke.—PPI

Science gallery launched - DAWN.COM
 
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Interactive Science Gallery inaugurated, CNS announces Rs0.5mn for FDSK
Sunday August 25, 2013

KARACHI (PPI): The Chief Of Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila NI(M), announced on Friday Rs0.5million donation for the Foundation For Diffusion Of Scientific Knowledge (FDSK).

Addressing at Maritime Museum on the occasion of inauguration ceremony of Karachi's First Interactive Science Gallery, he said the first word of Holy Quran is IQRA, which means to read. He said if you read more about science so you will attain progress and prosperity. He appreciated the efforts done by FDSK. Chairman, SUPARCO Headquarters Major General Bilal Ahmed (Retd), HI ,HI (M) speaking on the occasion said that if we contribute like a nation we will go forward. He appreciated the efforts of Professor. Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman for promotion of the science and technology in Pakistan. Science is a way forward, and if we don't use it then we will be victim of it, he said and appreciated the efforts of team specially SUPARCO team who worked hard to make this event successful.

Chairman of FDSK Professor Dr Atta-ur-Rehman said that it is need of hour to realize that our children are the real wealth of this country. He said that Karachi University has agreed to give 3 acres of land for the centre. He appreciated the efforts of all volunteers and every one to make this event successful.
The Managing Trustee, FDSK Samiya Illas said that Pakistan is blessed with a young intelligent and energetic population but unfortunately 60% of our population is away from formal education. She said in the beginning the trust had little funds and the same situation also prevails now. She said we must explore the formal education of our youth. She appreciated the efforts of all those who made this occasion successful.

Interactive Science Gallery inaugurated, CNS announces Rs0.5mn for FDSK
 
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Pakistan gearing up for the development of EO satellite
Monday August 26, 2013

Pakistan: Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is working on the design and development of Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1), a high-resolution electro-optical remote sensing low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite. SUPARCO aims at launching the satellite by 2015-16.

SUPARCO had planed its first Earth Observation Satellite System (EOSS) in the late 1990s. By the year 2006-07, it was reconfigured and renamed as Remote Sensing Satellite System (RSSS). It comprised of two remote sensing satellites, one carrying an electro-optical payload and the other a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Now, SUPARCO plans to launch the PRSS-1 in a low Earth orbit. The satellite is currently under the process of approval from the Pakistani government. At the moment, SUPARCO is looking for companies that could provide consultancy and technical services for the project.

Pakistan gearing up for the development of EO satellite
 
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UNESCO Launches International Conference on Flood Management Systems
Monday September 2, 2013

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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Islamabad with Pakistan Water Partnership (PWP) launched a two-day International Conference titled ‘Regulation of Hydraulic Structures for Flood Management’, in Planning Commission of Pakistan, Islamabad. The conference was continuation of the technical dialogue under the UNESCO’s Flagship Project ‘Strategic Strengthening of Flood Warning and Management Capacity of Pakistan’. The conference was aimed at assessing the need for revisions of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of major reservoirs especially the Tarbela Dam. As an outcome of two days, the conference drew recommendations by reviewing problems in present SOPs, its elucidation and solution for better management of water resources in the country especially in flood scenarios.

Minister of Planning and Development, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal stressed on the coordinated effort of institutions to deal with hazards. He said, “We intend to work holistically on the comprehensive flood management plan, including plan of early warning flood systems, review of the gaps, capacitating institutions, coordination, management and community responses”. The Minister also emphasized on need to address larger issues of water in Pakistan including scarcity, pollution, ground water sedimentation and per capita availability.

Dr. Shahbaz Khan, Deputy Director UNESCO Asia Region, highlighted the technical and scientific efforts of UNESCO. He shared with participants that as an important milestone of the project, “Integrated Flood Analysis System” (IFAS) has been developed by ICHARM and already been deployed in Federal Flood Division for flood forecasting, information management and dissemination.

International Center for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM) is UNESCO’s category II institute in Japan, and along with Japanese Aerospace Agency (JAXA) as international partner, IFAS modeling has been customized for Pakistan. IFAS is hydrological modeling software is used to calculate the river discharge with the help of satellite rainfall data (GSMaP) provided by JAXA and/or ground rainfall data. It uses the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and land cover/ use data in addition to precipitation data to calculate Run-off.

Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata, Representative UNESCO Pakistan thanked the international cooperation to work with UNESCO, since 2010 on disaster response plans and its early warning flood management system. Resonating the sentiments expressed by Dr. Nagata, Mr. Timo Pakkala, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Pakistan said, “The exceptional intensity and prolonged period of the 2010 and 2011 rains and 2010 floods clearly highlighted limited existing policy environment through this project we are hopeful that the country would benefit from the technical resource UNESCO has bought in the country”.

UNESCO initiated this project with the funding of Government of Japan. Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Council (SUPARCO) are the national partners of this project. In this regard several trainings have been conducted in which more than 500 mid career managers were trained. Professionals of PMD and SUPARCO were sent over to ICHARM, Japan for MS Degrees.

Mr. Akira Kono, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, showed his confidence on UNESCO and government in Pakistan. He said, “ The collaboration of government of Pakistan and Japan, through UNESCO and JICA partnership is of high priority in our program area. This partnership is to strengthen capacities of nation wide stakeholders for flood forecasting, with highest technical resource to deal with hazards”.

Also present at the event, Mr. Mitsoyoshi Kawasaki, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan said, ”We have developed a comprehensive hazard management plan with the Government of Pakistan, and it is a highest priority area for us to work in Pakistan”. He further added that the outcomes of the conference would provide knowledge for the scalability of this project in future.

A wide cadre of international experts, water scientists and experts from United Nations Agencies participated in the conference. A need to assess the state of the art in countermeasures against flood disasters in Asia and the Pacific region is of paramount importance. Socio-economic impacts of floods are severe enough and require affected countries to continuously seek for more effective countermeasures against flood disasters in order to minimize losses incurred. IFAS and similar platforms are the solution for better estimation of floods for minimum human loss.

UNESCO Launches International Conference on Flood Management Systems
 
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CDA to conduct aerial survey of G-12, E-12 sectors’ houses
Monday, September 02, 2013

Islamabad—The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to conduct an aerial survey of the houses and structures in Sectors G-12 and E-12.

The civic authority decided to take help of the SUPARCO.

After the survey, the CDA will start taking possession of the houses in the sectors.

It is worth mentioning here that around 6,819 acre land of the CDA is illegally occupied by the encroachers and land mafia, while the civic authority got vacated 8,445 acres of land.—INP

CDA to conduct aerial survey of G-12, E-12 sectors’ houses
 
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