Factual
Insat 4A C-band transponders hot with teleport ops
MUMBAI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has almost sold out transponder space on Insat 4A. While the 12 Ku-band transponders on the satellite are sold to Tata Sky for direct-to-home (DTH) operations, there are takers for its C-band transponders.
Private teleport operators Essel Shyam, Noida Software Technology Park (NSTP) and Lamhas have booked C-band transponders to facilitate transmission on multiple channels per carrier (MCPC) mode. “Insat 4A’s C-band transponders are more or less sold out. Essel Shyam, NSTP and Lamhas have booked a transponder each. Among the other takers are Malayala Manorama which has booked half a transponder,” Isro contract management and legal services director SB Iyer tells Indiantelevision.com.
Lamhas is setting up an uplinking facility in Navi Mumbai and plans to offer transponder space as well for those who want to use the facility. Essel Shyam, a joint venture between Essel Group and Shyam telecom, has a teleport in Noida from where the Zee and other channels are uplinked.
Meanwhile, Insat 4A has moved to 81.5 degree East where in-orbit testing of the payloads is being carried out as there is no satellite in that location.
“The testing will be for about 15-20 days before we move it to its final orbital position of 83 degree E. We expect to operationalise the satellite before the end of January,” says Iyer.
Isro plans to launch 4B, where the Doordarshan channels will reside, in July-August, he adds.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
