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ISRO to launch 3 satellites for high-speed bandwidth connectivity
MUMBAI: To provide high-speed bandwidth connectivity to rural areas, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch three more satellites as a part of the government’s digital India programme, according to a report by the Press Trust of India.
After the successful launch of two UK satellites by Indian rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on Sunday, ISRO Chairman K Sivan said, “The ISRO will launch three more satellites, which together will provide international level bandwidth speed.”
According to Sivan, the satellites are AGSAT 20 (to be launched next year), GSAT 11, and GSAT 29. GSAT 19 has already been launched.
Sivan informed that the space agency had planned a series of launches over the next six months. There will be a rocket launch mission every second week.
Sivan also said earth observation satellites will also be launched in addition to the communication satellites. The much-awaited moon mission will happen next January.
“The launch window for Chandrayaan-2 mission is planned between 3 January and 16 February 2019. We are aiming for 3 January. We do not expect any delay in the Chandrayaan-2 mission,” Sivan said.
Sivan said that ISRO will be the certifying agency for the rocket carrying Indian astronauts.
According to Antrix Corporation, chairman-cum-managing director S Rakesh, the revenue from the launch of two UK satellites is over Rs 220 crore. Sivan said that the ISRO would like to get the expertise of other countries in this regard.
India on Sunday night successfully put into orbit British earth observation satellites NovaSAR and S1-4 in copybook style.
The two satellites belonged to Surrey Satellite Technologies Ltd (SSTL), UK.
Queried about the next commercial launch, Sivan said, “The next PSLV rocket will carry 30 small satellites from third parties apart from carrying an Indian satellite.”
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.
