Latest news with #IRIS


Time of India
12 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
TOI explains: How Nisar was built - why it'll take 90 days before any data comes in
TOI explains: How Nisar was built & why it'll take 90 days before any data comes in NEW DELHI: The India-US Earth observation satellite, Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar), is set for launch on July 30 from Isro's spaceport in Sriharikota aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket. But the mission's real work begins after it enters orbit. Over the next several weeks, the satellite will go through a carefully sequenced set of actions before it starts sending data. In all, Nisar will need at least 90 days to enter its 'science phase'. How Nisar was built Before we get to what happens after launch, here's how the satellite came together: Nisar is the result of nearly a decade of collaboration between Isro and Nasa. Over 8–10 years, both agencies separately developed and tested key systems, which were then brought together into one observatory. The core radar payload was built in parts — Isro developed the S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) built the L-band SAR. These were integrated into a shared structure called the Integrated Radar Instrument Structure (IRIS). Assembly of IRIS and other payload elements took place at JPL. The structure was then shipped to Isro, which had in parallel developed the satellite's mainframe at the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brother Donates Kidney To Save Sister's Life. One Year Later, He Says, I Wish I Never Did It, When This Happens Daily Sport X Undo Isro then carried out the final assembly, integration and testing of the complete satellite. And now that the satellite is ready for launch, let's look at what will happen in the starting Wednesday: Phase 1: Launch At 5.40pm on Wednesday (July 30), the GSLV-F16 rocket will place the 2.8-tonne satellite into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. This means the satellite will pass over the same part of Earth at roughly the same local solar time every day — ideal for tracking changes on the surface. Phase 2: Deployment (Post-launch Days 10-18) Nisar carries a massive 12-metre-wide mesh reflector, which acts as a radar antenna. Since it is too large to launch fully open, it will be folded and stowed during launch and then deployed in space using a complex multistage boom system. The process begins on the 10th day from launch — 'Mission Day 10' which becomes 'Deploy Day 1'. Here's how the deployment unfolds: On Deploy Day 1 (DD-1), engineers initiate pre-deployment checks and unlock six 'launch restraints' that keep the system secure during launch. Two more restraints are released, and the first hinge (called the 'wrist hinge') is activated on DD-2. This starts the unfolding motion of the boom. On DD-3, the shoulder hinge is extended, swinging the boom further outward and on DD-4, the elbow hinge opens, continuing the arm-like movement. The root hinge is deployed on DD-5, bringing the boom to full extension, and on DD-6, a pause is built into the schedule to allow for analysis and verification of earlier steps. And, DD-7 will be a buffer or 'margin' day in case any delays or issues need to be addressed. Once this is through, on DD-8, the satellite performs a 'yaw manoeuvre' (rotation) to correctly orient itself, and then finally opens the circular radar reflector. This slow, deliberate sequence ensures the delicate boom and antenna unfold without damage or misalignment, and paves the way for the next phase. Phase 3: Commissioning After deployment and until the 90th day from launch, all systems are checked and calibrated. This includes the satellite's mainframe, radar electronics, and onboard instruments developed by both Isro and JPL. Phase 4: Science Ops Once fully operational, Nisar will begin capturing data across both L-band and S-band frequencies. The satellite will observe ground movement, ice sheets, forests and land use — feeding data to researchers worldwide. Regular manoeuvres will keep it in position, and a pre-coordinated observation plan will guide its workload until the end of its mission life.


Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
KTBA requests FBR to extend e-filing deadline
KARACHI: Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA has requested the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to extend the e-filing deadline for June 2025 sales tax returns to July 30, due to operational challenges with the IRIS portal's authentication system that are preventing timely compliance. In a letter sent to the chairman FBR, KTBA highlighted that the portal's exclusive reliance on QR codes sent to taxpayers' registered mobile numbers for authentication, arguing that this security measure, while well-intentioned, creates substantial barriers for legitimate taxpayers attempting to meet their compliance obligations. Moreover, it said that Pakistani taxpayers residing overseas who cannot receive SMS messages originating from Pakistan, effectively blocking their access to the tax portal, and added that the corporate taxpayers were also facing similar challenges when registered mobile numbers belonging to the directors or authorized employees who may be unavailable during compliance deadlines. SC implements e-filing system at its registries Authorised representatives, including e-intermediaries, accountants, and tax consultants, are unable to file returns or handle compliance matters on behalf of their clients despite having proper legal authorization, the letter said. Therefore, KTBA urged the FBR to implement a triple-channel QR code delivery system that would simultaneously send authentication codes via SMS, WhatsApp, and registered email addresses, allowing taxpayers to use any of these channels for portal access. 'This multi-channel approach would particularly benefit overseas taxpayers who could access the system through WhatsApp or email when SMS delivery fails, the letter said, and added that for corporate entities, multiple compliance officers to access the IRIS portal with individual credentials linked to the company's business NTN profile, ensuring prompt compliance on behalf of the organization. It said that existing security measures, including password reset policies and annual biometric verification requirements under rule 5(4) of the Sales Tax Rules, would continue to ensure the integrity of tax declarations and added that overseas taxpayers could complete biometric verification through Pakistani identification systems with NADRA assistance. To facilitate the smooth implementation of any system changes, the KTBA recommended a 60-day grace period for taxpayers to update their registered mobile numbers and email addresses in their tax profiles. Once updated within this grace period, further modifications would require QR code verification sent to the registered mobile phone, maintaining security protocols. KTBA also requested for full operationalization of e-intermediary functionality under Section 52A of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, and rule 2(10)(ac) of the Income Tax Rules, 2002 to enable authorized e-intermediaries to access management information systems, input purchase data, manage invoices for their clients, and file returns, statements, and appeals directly through the IRIS portal. Keeping the said in view, KTBA has requested the board to extend the June 2025 sales tax returns deadline till July 30 to facilitate the taxpayers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Malaysian Reserve
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
ULTIMATE GAME and SOUL M GAME Join Forces to Bring Legendary PC Game IRIS to Mobile
BANGKOK, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ultimate Game Co., Ltd., a premier Thai-based online game publisher, has joined forces with Soul M Game Inc., a renowned game developer from South Korea, to launch IRIS ORIGIN SEA — a legendary PC game reimagined for mobile with enhanced graphics and seamless cross-platform play. Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this iconic title will launch exclusively in the Southeast Asian (SEA) market, where gamers will be the first in the world to experience its new chapter in 2025. Mr. Attachet Chaichanasongkram, CEO / Co-Founder, Ultimate Game commented, 'IRIS is a powerful intellectual property (IP) with a longstanding reputation in its original PC format. While various versions have emerged globally, we recognize the unique potential of the original Korean development team. This collaboration allows us to preserve the authenticity and core essence of IRIS, ensuring it resonates deeply with both existing fans and new players in this region.' 'Ultimate Game is committed to revitalizing iconic titles for the modern era. Our journey began with Luna Origin, and now continues with IRIS ORIGIN SEA — marking our first strategic entry into the Southeast Asian market. Looking ahead, we also plan to pursue a public listing within the next five years to support long-term business growth.' Mr. Attachet further emphasized the company's commitment to innovation through global partnerships: 'Our collaboration with Google has enabled us to enhance targeting precision and digital marketing efficiency. By leveraging advanced digital tools, we are able to analyze performance and optimize strategies across all functions — accelerating progress toward our business objectives while continually improving our service offerings.' Mr. Um Tae Doo, CEO, Soul M Game Inc., added, 'IRIS is a legendary IP that we are proud to elevate into a state-of-the-art mobile game. The development process has taken over three years using the latest Unity Engine, resulting in an immersive experience enriched with brand-new features. The game is designed for cross-platform play between mobile and PC, and includes exclusive content never seen in any previous version. Both longtime fans and new users will be able to enjoy a fresh and exciting journey together.' He continued, 'We chose to partner with Ultimate Game due to their deep market expertise in Southeast Asia. Their experienced executive and operations teams have a proven track record in the online gaming industry. Collaborating with a strong local partner ensures greater market penetration with speed and precision — particularly in Thailand, which already boasts a robust MMORPG player base.' Mr. Kodchawara Vanichayapron, CMO / Co-Founder, Ultimate Game Concluded, 'Our marketing strategy for IRIS ORIGIN SEA is centered on Digital Marketing, enabling precise audience targeting and in-game campaign personalization to deliver optimal user experiences. We are confident the game will receive strong support from the IRIS fanbase across the region.' For updates, please visit: #IrisOriginSEA # IrisSEA #Irisorigin #gamemobile #mmorpg


Korea Herald
16-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
ULTIMATE GAME and SOUL M GAME Join Forces to Bring Legendary PC Game IRIS to Mobile -- Launching IRIS ORIGIN SEA Exclusively in Southeast Asia in 2025
BANGKOK, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultimate Game Co., Ltd., a premier Thai-based online game publisher, has joined forces with Soul M Game Inc., a renowned game developer from South Korea, to launch IRIS ORIGIN SEA — a legendary PC game reimagined for mobile with enhanced graphics and seamless cross-platform play. Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this iconic title will launch exclusively in the Southeast Asian (SEA) market, where gamers will be the first in the world to experience its new chapter in 2025. Mr. Attachet Chaichanasongkram, CEO / Co-Founder, Ultimate Game commented, "IRIS is a powerful intellectual property (IP) with a longstanding reputation in its original PC format. While various versions have emerged globally, we recognize the unique potential of the original Korean development team. This collaboration allows us to preserve the authenticity and core essence of IRIS, ensuring it resonates deeply with both existing fans and new players in this region." "Ultimate Game is committed to revitalizing iconic titles for the modern era. Our journey began with Luna Origin, and now continues with IRIS ORIGIN SEA — marking our first strategic entry into the Southeast Asian market. Looking ahead, we also plan to pursue a public listing within the next five years to support long-term business growth." Mr. Attachet further emphasized the company's commitment to innovation through global partnerships: "Our collaboration with Google has enabled us to enhance targeting precision and digital marketing efficiency. By leveraging advanced digital tools, we are able to analyze performance and optimize strategies across all functions — accelerating progress toward our business objectives while continually improving our service offerings." Mr. Um Tae Doo, CEO, Soul M Game Inc., added, "IRIS is a legendary IP that we are proud to elevate into a state-of-the-art mobile game. The development process has taken over three years using the latest Unity Engine, resulting in an immersive experience enriched with brand-new features. The game is designed for cross-platform play between mobile and PC, and includes exclusive content never seen in any previous version. Both longtime fans and new users will be able to enjoy a fresh and exciting journey together." He continued, "We chose to partner with Ultimate Game due to their deep market expertise in Southeast Asia. Their experienced executive and operations teams have a proven track record in the online gaming industry. Collaborating with a strong local partner ensures greater market penetration with speed and precision — particularly in Thailand, which already boasts a robust MMORPG player base." Mr. Kodchawara Vanichayapron, CMO / Co-Founder, Ultimate Game Concluded, "Our marketing strategy for IRIS ORIGIN SEA is centered on Digital Marketing, enabling precise audience targeting and in-game campaign personalization to deliver optimal user experiences. We are confident the game will receive strong support from the IRIS fanbase across the region."


Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Appeal effect orders': tax experts decry FBR working
ISLAMABAD: Tax advisers have expressed serious concern over the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)'s working while passing 'appeal effect orders' by its field formations or passing orders without considering replies of the taxpayers. According to a communication of Javed Iqbal Qazi, advocate Supreme Court and chairman Pakistan Tax Advisors Association to the Prime Minister, the FBR functionaries are not working in accordance with the law; neither appeal effect orders are being passed within the stipulated time nor replies submitted by the taxpayers or their counsels are being considered while passing orders; even when the reply is submitted through the IRIS system. He said: 'In a meeting of the Association, it was decided to bring to your attention the state of affairs of the country and role of different functionaries, vis-à-vis taxation. The replies filed are being ignored and subsequently repeated notices are being issued and finally the orders are being passed to create heavy demand against the taxpayer so as to achieve the arbitrary targets of collection; thus the taxpayer is being punished with heavy taxes.' He said there is no supervisory role of senior officers; i.e., additional commissioners, commissioners and chief commissioners as such the working condition of the department has deteriorated by this deliberate act of the FBR officers; this leading lack of confidence of the taxpayers and its counsels on the departmental officers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025