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Eutelsat to lead consortium to consolidate the Galileo navigation system
MUMBAI: Satellite operator Eutelsat has announced that it has been selected by the Galileo Joint Undertaking to lead an international consortium in a project to develop new ideas and activities to evolve and consolidate the Galileo global navigation satellite system.
The project Galileo Advanced Concepts, was awarded under the European Union Sixth Framework Programme, Galileo Second Call. The consortium led by Eutelsat assembles expertise from companies in Europe and Canada as well as research institutes, including: Alcatel Espacio (Spain), EADS Astrium (Germany) and FDC (France).
The study will be split into three key areas: signals, short-term mission evolutions and long-term mission evolutions. The signals work will concentrate on consolidation of the Galileo signal structure, spreading codes and navigation data message. Short term mission evolutions will study optimising resources for the search and rescue mission and the potential for implementing additional messaging missions.
The long term mission evolutions work will address satellite and receiver advancements and longer-term possibilities such as environmental monitoring and global warning. Eutelsat CEO Giuliano Berretta said, “This contract from the Galileo Joint Undertaking demonstrates the commitment of the participating companies and universities to harness their expertise in order to maximise
the potential of Galileo for bringing important benefits to individuals, companies and administrations on roads, railways, in the skies or at sea.
“This study recognises the necessity to map out a long term vision for the European approach towards the Global Navigation Satellite Systems developments and implementation. We are all fully committed to contributing to building these next steps.”
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.
