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Sky News makes senior editorial appointments
MUMBAI: Sky News has announced a host of foreign and domestic editorial appointments.
Dominic Waghorn has been appointed diplomatic editor. Waghorn is one of Sky’s most experienced foreign journalists, most recently as US correspondent based in Washington where he has reported on major stories including the recent riots in Ferguson, Superstorm Sandy and the Boston Marathon bombing. Previous to that Waghorn spent five years as Sky’s Middle East correspondent reporting extensively from across the region. He was named the RTS Television Journalist of the Year in 2007 for his exclusives from China.
Mark Stone is to become Europe correspondent, based in Brussels, and will play a key role in covering the EU Referendum. Stone’s appointment follows three years as Sky News’ Asia correspondent, where he covered a variety of stories, including travelling to North Korea and explaining the complexities of China for which he was nominated for an RTS Award.
After a successful tenure as Moscow correspondent, Katie Stallard will replace Stone as Asia correspondent, based in Beijing. She has been a major journalistic voice in the Ukraine crisis, as well as reporting closely on the Russian political landscape.
In the UK, Robert Nisbet has been appointed Political correspondent covering Anushka Asthana’s maternity leave. Following a successful term as Sky’s Europe correspondent, Nisbet will bring his wealth of experience to cover the UK political scene, including David Cameron’s campaign to reform the Union and the UK’s position in Europe.
Sky News director of newsgathering Jonathan Levy said, “Dominic, Mark, Katie and Robert are first class journalists who’ll bring a huge amount of expertise and journalistic endeavour to their new roles, offering our customers the very best analysis from their respective beats.”
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.
