India‘s dreams for its odyssey in space seem to be going askew somewhat after the GSAT-1 satellite, launched by the indigenous GSLV D-1 into orbit successfully, couldn‘t be placed in the correct geo-stationary orbit.

Scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have been watching helplessly as the GSAT-1 drifts at the rate of 13 degrees a day. It will probably go out of sight of ISRO‘s master control facility in Bangalore by the month-end, reports United News of India, quoting ISRO sources.

At the time of the last orbit raising event carried out on 23 April, the satellite was located at 53 degrees east.

Tests could be conducted only when the satellite became visible again, ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan had said on Tuesday.

At a press conference in Bangalore, capital of the southern state of Karnataka, Kasturirangam said a shortfall of 10 kg of propellant was the reason why orbital correction could not be made. It could only be placed in a 23 hour and two minute orbit instead of a 24 hour orbit.

He, however, added that the GSAT-1 was in excellent health. As the GSAT-1 was not meant to be an operational satellite, it would not affect any user, he claimed.

The next target would be to increase the GSAT payload to 1,750-1,800 kg. The target was to reach a two tonne payload by the third flight which will lead to changes in configuration.

The second GSLV launch will be held in the third or fourth quarter of 2002.

Meanwhile, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launch has been scheduled for August. It will carry a payload of two satellites - one from Poland (Probo) and another from Germany (Bird). ISRO has scheduled the launch of the Insat-3C satellite also in August.

The question remains how ISRO expects to get orders for its upcoming launches after this big setback to its space programme.

PR consultancy Good Relations India Ltd. (GRI), has announced a strategic alliance with The Flagship Group of the UK. The Flagship Group has acquired a 51% stake in GRI, according to a company release. Diana Soltmann, CEO of The Flagship Group, will join the board of GRI. Anthony Good remains chairman of GRI, having already assumed the position of group chairman of The Flagship Group, while Alpana Kar continues as chief executive. GRI‘s core team, comprising Sudha Sarin, Rakhi Joshi and Vinod Moorthy will continue to work together.

Set up in 1988, GRI today has a client list that includes the information technology, hospitality, aviation, entertainment and financial services, the release says.

Commenting on GRI becoming part of The Flagship Group, Good has said: "Flagship and GRI share a range of similar clients and complement each other. By coming together and creating a larger resource pool, with expertise in various communication solutions, the ultimate benefit of knowledge will give our clients a strategic advantage in their markets."

Flagship is a leading communications consultancy in the UK, with a turnover of over ?5 million, specialising in marketing, public relations, political affairs and new media.

The government yesterday cleared 47 proposals for foreign direct investment (FDI) worth a total of Rs 5,080 million, among which is Sai Television‘s Rs 50 million project for producing software for television programming and communication services.

The biggest proposal that the government cleared yesterday were Banc of America‘s Rs 2350 million plan to launch a 100 per cent subsidiary non banking finance company (NBFC) for commencing financial investment, capital markets and merchant banking services, the Press Trust of India, quoting an official release, said.

The other being Mercedes Benz India‘s proposal to increase foreign equity from 84 per cent to 100 per cent in its Indian operations at a cost of Rs 840 million.

It was reported in the beginning of February that Sai Televisions, a southern-based listed company engaged in the television software business, had entered into a partnership with the US based Pointclick, which specialises in long distance voice calls through a private worldwide network.

The partnership between the two companies involved a share swap under which Pointclick would subscribe to five per cent in equity capital of Sai Television of Rs 51.5 million while Sai Television would have a 50 per cent stake in Pointclick. These were subject to getting government clearance, among other formalities.

The two companies plan to build a network in at least eight cities in India of VOIP (voice over internet protocal) centres, including a super centre designed to handle a tremendous amount of voice traffic drastically reducing the cost of long distance phone calls within India and internationally.

All the operations with regard to Pointclick both in India and abroad will be handled by the management of Pointclick and the role of Sai Television will be to provide services and financial resources for the growth of the two companies.