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Intelsat in deal with RR Sat for content distribution in US & Asia
MUMBAI: Intelsat has announced that RR Satellite Communications Limited (RR Sat), an Israeli broadcast service provider, has selected Intelsat to provide two new content distribution platforms in the United States and Asia, respectively.
In one of the new contracts, RR Sat has chosen the Intelsat Americas-5 (IA-5) satellite to distribute Asian, European and Middle Eastern content via a new direct-to-home (DTH) platform in the U.S. IA-5 hosts a large international broadcasting community in the U.S. from its orbital location at 97?W, presenting RR Sat with the opportunity to penetrate the U.S. DTH market and expand the number of viewers accessing its content, stated an official release.
In a separate contract, RR Sat has launched a new Pan-Asian distribution platform via Intelsat on the APR-1 satellite located at 83?E. The platform on APR-1 will enable broadcasters and programmers to target cable head-ends across most of Asia, including India and Australia, using just one satellite, the release added.
“Leveraging Intelsat’s global satellite fleet allows us to significantly extend our distribution network around the world and enter new markets,” RR Sat VP of Sales and Marketing Lior Rival said. “We know that we have found the right partner in Intelsat; they are proactive, efficient and cost-effective, which will allow us to keep growing our audiences around the world.”
Intelsat COO Ramu Potarazu said, “Intelsat offers value to broadcasters by extending the reach of their programming and providing them cost-effective access to new audiences and markets – our relationship with RR Sat is a great example of this. In general, the Intelsat value proposition for businesses is simple: if you’re looking for an effective way to reach new markets and grow, Intelsat can help.”
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.
