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Eutelsat to launch multi-mission satellite before Rio Olympics
MUMBAI: Eutelsat Communications’ new multi-mission satellite – Eutelsat 65 West A is on track for launch on 9 March by an Ariane rocket. Lift-off of the 6.5 tonne satellite is scheduled on 9 March at 02:22 local time (05:22 GMT, 06:22 CET).
Built by Space Systems Loral (SSL) in California, Eutelsat 65 West A is a tri-band satellite designed to target fast-growing markets across Latin America. Its high-power Ku-band payload will enable DTH reception of digital and HD channels across Brazil with 60cm antennas and facilitate corporate connectivity in Central America, the Caribbean and the Andean region. Eutelsat 65 West A also features a transatlantic C-band coverage for cross-continental video contribution and distribution and a multi-spotbeam Ka-band payload that will promote broadband access across Latin America, notably Brazil.
Premier coverage of Brazil ahead of Rio Olympics: Eutelsat 65 West A will be located at 65° west, a premier position for the Brazilian TV market. The satellite will reach geostationary orbit ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, providing a unique solution for live TV transmissions from Brazil to Latin America and Europe and further afield via Eutelsat’s global fleet.
High throughput payload for broadband in Latin America: Eutelsat 65 West A will also deliver flexible high throughput coverage of Latin America to address growing demand for connectivity. The Brazilian Ka-band payload is already fully booked, selected by Hughes Network Systems do Brasil (Hughes) as its springboard for mass market broadband services.
Eutelsat 65 West A is another step strengthening Eutelsat’s position as an operator of reference across the Americas. Coverage was bolstered in 2015 by the launch of Eutelsat 115 West B and will be further consolidated later this year by Eutelsat 117 West B.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
