News Headline
Insat-3A successfully launched into space
MUMBAI: A major milestone was crossed in India’s space programme today with the succesful launch of the multi-purpose Insat-3A satellite aboard the Arianespace’s Flight 160 rocket from Kourou in French Guiana.
The launch, delayed by a day after a minor anomaly was noticed in the satellite on Wednesday, went on with clockwork precision as the European consortium rocket lifted off according to launch window schedule, carrying Insat-3A and Panamsat’s Galaxy XII satellite and injecting them into space.
As Ariane-5 carried out its mission, Indian Space Research Organisation’s (Isro) chairman Dr K Kasturirangan and other top space scientists, including project director RK Rajangam, who were present at Kourou, expressed their joy over the successful launch, the Press Trust of India reported.
The launch of Insat-3A was called off for the day yesterday after it was observed that the signal strength from one of the two telemetry transmitters was “less than nominal” during the final checks midway through the 11 and a half hours countdown.
Insat-3A is Isro’s biggest satellite to date and is the third satellite in the Insat-3 series. It will provide telecommunication, television broadcasting, meteorology and satellite-aided search and rescue services.
The Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka is scheduled to take control of Insat-3A soon after its injection into Geosynchronous Tranfer Orbit. In the following days, operations like orbit raising manoeuvres to take the satellite into the final Geostationary Orbit, deployment of solar arrays, antennas and solar sail, 3-axes stabilisation, etc., will be conducted from MCF. The MCF will also carry out regular operations and control of the satellite during its design life.
Insat-3A is a multipurpose satellite for providing telecommunication, television broadcasting, meteorology and satellite aided search and rescue services. It carries 12 C-band, 6 upper extended C-band, 6 Ku-band and one search and rescue transponders. The meteorological instruments consist of Very High Resolution Radiometer, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera and a data relay transponder.
Live Telecast: The launch of Insat-3A from Kourou was telecast live by national broadcaster Doordarshan (DD-1) from 3.59 am (IST).
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.
