ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

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ISRO's Mars Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation's Mangalyaan mission is a remarkable success story. Over the last five decades of its existence, ISRO has notched up many successes and has played a key role in indigenous development of various technologies. Its various programmes are also outstanding examples of its ability to successfully perform complex technological and organisational feats. However, one has yet to see any specifi c spin-offs in the civilian domain of these fairly advanced technologies. Further, the gap between running a dedicated, focused technological mission and improving the general level of manufacturing competence and quality is huge. ISRO was earlier closely involved in the development of dual-use technologies, that involvement continues though the organisation has tended to downplay its role in military applications as it seeks to obtain a larger share of the global civilian space market.

Offer of F-16 Aircraft: India Needs an Effective Air Force, Not a Bloated One

With many plans on the table for the IAF to make major acquisitions, it is necessary to consider the fact that multirole combat aircraft, along with upgrades to existing assets, and force multipliers such as airborne warning and control systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, surface-to-air missiles, and a network centric warfare capability coupled with a greatly improved security environment give India the unique opportunity to build a modern, effective and affordable air force.

US as Sole Superpower

The new Bush administration's concerns over national security reflect a stance that remains mired in cold war thinking. But the US's as yet unbridled superpower status could suffer a setback not from challenges from without but from within - its own people and the ever-widening economic recession.

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