News Broadcasting
Arianespace signs launch contract for two SES Americom satellites
Commercial launch services provider Arianespace has signed a launch contract for two SES Americom satellites, AMC-13 and AMC-15.
AMC-13 and AMC-15, new-generation satellites weighing over 4,000 kilograms at liftoff, will be launched by an Ariane 5 booster from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana in 2003 and 2004 respectively. Built by Alcatel Space on the Spacebus 4000 platform, the AMC-13 C-band satellite will be positioned at 172 degrees East. It will deliver superior trans-Pacific and regional services as well as connections to the Americas, Australia and Asia-Pacific networks and is expected to be launched in the second half of 2003.
AMC-15, North America’s first Ku-Ka hybrid satellite is based on the A2100 model and is being built by Lockheed Martin. AMC-15 will feature North America’s first operating Ka-band payload along with 24 Ku-band transponders. It will be positioned at 105 degrees west, and will play an essential role in SES AMERICOM’s new direct-to-home service, AMERICOM2Home, in the United States, according to Arianespace. The launch of AMC-15 is scheduled for the second half of 2004.
Including the AMC-13 and AMC-15 contracts, Arianespace’s backlog now stands at 38 satellites to be launched, plus nine ATV missions for the International Space Station. This year, the company claims to have bagged eight of the 11 contracts open to competition.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
