News Headline
Six satellites including two for communications to launch in 2015-16
MUMBAI: India is planning to launch six more satellites during 2015-16, of which two are communication satellites – GSAT-6 and GSAT-15.
The Rajya Sabha was today informed by MoS in the Prime Minister’s Office and minister of state in the Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh about the same.
The other satellites include three Navigation satellites IRNSS-1E, IRNSS-1F and IRNSS-1G; and one space science satellite ASTROSAT.
In addition, plans are also afoot to launch 13 more satellites from four countries using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
Antrix Corporation, which is the commercial arm of Department of Space, is already marketing remote sensing data (images) from Indian Remote Sensing satellites in the global market through establishment of International Ground Stations and reseller network.
As on April 2015, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched 74 satellites. Out of these, seven satellites failed to reach the orbit due to launch failure and three satellites failed in orbit.
In addition, ISRO has successfully launched 40 foreign satellites from 19 countries and four micro and nano satellites built by students of Indian Universities using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
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.
