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Alcatel, Finmeccanica form the Space Alliance
MUMBAI: This is an initiative that promises to have broad ramifications for the global satellite industry. Alcatel and Finmeccanica which claims to be Italy’s largest aerospace and defense group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
As per the same they will merge their space activities and form alliances in the space sector through the creation of two sister companies. The partners will contribute their respective satellite industrial and service activities to the joint venture.
The first company will be known as Alcatel Alenia Space. Alcatel will hold approximately 67 per cent of the stake. This will combine Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio’s industrial activities. Alcatel Alenia Space is estimated to do 1.8 billion euros worth of sales for the year. It will position itself as the European leader within the global satellite industry.
It will concentrate on designing, developing, and manufacturing space systems, satellites, equipment, instruments, payloads and associated ground systems. The company will operate through five business divisions. They are telecommunications, optical observation and science, observation systems and radar, navigation, infrastructure and transportation.
The second company,will combine Telespazio with Alcatel Space’s operations and services activities. It will concentrate on operations and services for satellite solutions. This includes control and exploitation of space systems as well as value-added services for networking, multimedia and earth observation.
The company is estimated to conduct sales in the region of 350 millions euros for the year.
The two groups decided to combine their respective strengths in the space industry to better serve this growing market. The aim is to also benefit from the expansion of their customer base as well as leveraging the complementary nature of the technologies and know-how contributed by both the parties.
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or their employees. Alcatel leverages its position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to bring value to its customers in the framework of a broadband world. It had sales of 12.5 billion euros last year and claims to be operating in more than 130 countries.
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.
