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Satellite requirements for next decade being analysed: Jitendra Singh
NEW DELHI: An expert committee has been constituted by the Government to carry out detailed analysis considering the launch requirements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the next decade, keeping in view that a number of countries have requested India to launch their satellites.
The committee will also study the azimuth corridor for flight path, impact points of spent stages, safety zones and mission requirements. The report of the committee is expected to be finalised by October this year.
ISRO has two satellite launch pads at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, which is the main spaceport of the country. These launch pads have been built with state-of-the-art technology and also are designed and built to withstand cyclones.
Meanwhile in reply to another question in Parliament today, Department of Space Minister Jitendra Singh said the GSAT-12 satellite launched on 15 July 2011 is providing linkage for the telemedicine network to the extent of supporting 384 telemedicine centers in the country.
It is thus carrying out a part of the work that had been assigned for a communication satellite GSAT-5P carrying 24 C-band and 12 Extended C-band transponders which was launched on 25 December 2010 on-board GSLV-F06 but could not accomplish the mission due to launch failure.
The transponder capacity on GSAT-5P was planned to augment the INSAT/GSAT capacity for supporting ongoing satellite communication services including telemedicine.
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.
