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ISRO gears up for PSLV’s fifty second flight
NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to launch its forty second communication satellite from Sriharikota, on Thursday afternoon, subject to weather conditions.
The launch is scheduled at 3:41 pm when the space agency’s old workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will lift off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
The satellite on board is CMS-01, which carries 12 extended C band transponders to strengthen various telecommunication services. The Extended C band uses 3.4 to 3.7 GHz for their downlink and 6.425 to 6.725 GHz for uplinks of the signals and is somewhat less susceptible to rain fade and weather interference.
It will provide coverage to the Indian mainland, Andaman and Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands and is expected to replace the aging GSAT-12 which was launched in 2011. The satellite weighs 1,410 kg and will be injected in the geostationary orbit. It will have a mission life of seven years.
The space agency has chosen the ‘XL’ variant of the 44m high PSLV with six strap ons for its fifty second flight. In the normal configuration, PSLV is a four stage/engine expendable rocket powered by solid and liquid fuels alternatively with six booster motors strapped on to the first stage to give higher thrust during the initial flight moments.
After the mission, ISRO will begin preparing for the launch of new small rocket Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) which will carry EOS-02 (Earth Observation Satellite). It will be followed by the launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F10 (GSLV) carrying EOS-3, ISRO chairman K Sivan had earlier told the media.
The other Indian satellites that are ready for launch are GISAT and Microsat-2A. The deployment of the GISAT-1 satellite was earlier slated for 5 March, but was postponed due to technical reasons a day before the liftoff.
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.
