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IpStar launched; Asia broadband access gets big boost
MUMBAI: Broadband satellite Thaicom 4 (IpStar), the heaviest commercial satellite ever delivered to geosynchronous orbit, was lofted succesfully aboard an Ariane 5 launcher during an early-morning mission (5:20 am local time) yesterday, from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana.
Built for Thailands’ Shin Satellite by Space Systems/Loral at a cost of $400 million, the large telecom platform had a liftoff mass of 6,485 kg and will provide Internet access service to 14 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Once in operational service IPStar will generate 14 kW of electrical power during its planned 12-year mission life, providing Internet access and broadband services to businesses and consumers through 84 spot beams, three shaped beams and seven regional broadcast beams.
The launch was followed closely in Bangkok by more than 300 guests and 50 members of the media who attended a gathering organised by Shin Satellite. Guests watched Arianespace’s video transmission of the mission, which provided a real-time monitoring of Ariane 5’s final countdown. Shin Satellite executives are confident of signing contracts in China and India. Australia’s Macquarie Telecom and New Zealand’s BayCity are among the companies that have signed up.
The previous record for the heaviest satellite was Canadian telecommunications satellite Anik-F2, at 5.9 tons. That was launched by an Ariane-5 on 18 July, 2004.
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.
