News Headline
Discovery Science takes its viewers on Space ride
MUMBAI: Come March and Discovery Science will entertain its audience with enthralling series like ‘Secrets of the Universe’, ‘Deadliest Space Weather’ and ‘Cosmic Safari’. Calling it a ‘Space Month’, these series will delve into the mysteries of the universe, mankind’s exploration of space and close encounters of the third kind.
‘Space Month’ aims at taking the viewers on a guided tour of the planets to explore the attractions and hazards of visiting the outlandish planets of the solar system. Beginning 1 March, these programmes will be telecast everyday at 9 PM.
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior VP and general manager – south Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and southeast Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Science continues towards presenting unmatchable content to its viewers. The ‘Space Month’ will give viewers a never seen glimpse of the cosmos and secrets of our universe that is sure to amaze and inspire them. The surreal look at the real deadly weather of space will leave viewers awestruck and imagining.”
The ‘Space Month’ will kick start with groundbreaking series ‘Secrets of the Universe’ which follows a trail of energy into the power centres of the universe. Each episode visualises these realms using state of the art animations based on both scientific data and the latest supercomputer simulations.
Imagine acid rain that can eat through solid steel, hurricane winds that blow at 1,600 miles per hour, and lightning bolts 10,000 times more powerful than anything on Earth. ‘Deadliest Space Weather’ through its cutting-edge graphics will recreate these extreme weather conditions right here on Earth. Viewers will get to watch the cities disintegrating under a hail of Venus’s deadly acid rain and entire skylines are blown away by Saturn’s violent winds that dwarf any storm in recorded history.
The unprecedented programme ‘Cosmic Safari’ leads viewers on a safari through the planet Earth and into the deepest regions of space. Anchored in hard science, cinematic graphics take viewers on a tour of the universe. Viewers will also travel through space to witness evolution as scientists believe it might have occurred and meet the possible inhabitants: a walrus-like creature locked in a moon’s ice age, a giant insect that thrives in low gravity and a flying jellyfish from a planet of gas.
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.
