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ISRO developed AWS – Agreement signed for production
BANGALORE: ISRO’s INSAT-3A and KALPANA-1 satellites in alliance with Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) have signed an agreement with Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of the Department of Space with a private company, Astra Microwave Products , Hyderabad, for production and supply of AWS to be deployed in various parts of the country.
ISRO’s satellites carry data relay transponders, which can receive data from remote platforms deployed on ground, water bodies or sea.
Meteorological application of this satellite based data relay is one of the important applications. With data collection from local levels and remote and inaccessible areas through AWS, weather forecasts and services can be improved significantly. The weather information collected through AWS could also be disseminated through the village resources centres, being set up by ISRO in cooperation with NGOs and other agencies.
Development of an Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) was taken up by ISRO with the participation of Indian industry and the prototype has been successfully demonstrated. An agreement signed on 18 march by Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of the Department of Space with a private company, Astra Microwave Products , Hyderabad, for the production and supply of AWS to be deployed in various parts of the country.
ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair was present during the brief signing ceremony held at Antariksh Bhavan, Bangalore, the headquarters of ISRO and Antrix Corporation.
The low-cost AWS is compact, modular, rugged and capable of operating with minimum power from battery and solar panel for extended periods in the field conditions even in remote areas where power supply and communication are not available. AWS can continuously record weather data like temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, rainfall, relative humidity, solar radiation, etc. The data from a large number of Automatic Weather Stations located across the country could be collected through the data relay transponder on board the ISRO’s INSAT satellites. AWS features include easy programming of sensors, front panel display, archival of one-year data and communication options — via INSAT, telephone, modem, cellular telephone, etc. A GPS integrated with AWS provides accurate time for transmission of data.
As per the agreement signed today, Astra Microwave Products Ltd, will produce and deploy AWS in the country based on the requirement of the user agencies.
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.
