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PanAmSat inks pact with China Radio Intl
MUMBAI: PanAmSat has announced that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with China Radio International (CRI), China’s sole overseas radio network.
Under the agreement, CRI will leverage the power of three of PanAmSat’s satellites the PAS-8 Pacific Ocean Region satellite, the PAS-9 Atlantic Ocean Region satellite and the PAS-10 Indian Ocean Region satellite. Through PanAmSat, China Radio International will reach listeners around the world in eight different languages via its 36 audio channels.
PanAmSat Asia Pacific VP David Ball said, “PanAmSat will now serve as the global platform for the worldwide delivery of China Radio International’s programming bouquet, enabling the network to reach listeners on every corner of the earth. This significant agreement offers CRI the versatility, reliability and comprehensive coverage that they need as they expand their service offering.”
PanAmSat will provide C-band capacity on PAS-8, PAS-9 and PAS-10 and turn-around service at its Napa, California teleport to facilitate the global distribution of CRI’s programming. The network will initially broadcast in eight languages and plans to expand to 39 over time. Its programming fare includes 200 hours of daily airtime comprising news, music, commentary and entertainment.
PAS-8, an FS 1300 model satellite employing 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, is located at 166 degrees east longitude. The satellite provides comprehensive coverage of the Asia-Pacific region, including high-power Ku-band spot beams that cover Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Australia.
PAS-9, a Boeing 601 HP model satellite employing 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, is located at 58 degrees west longitude and offers comprehensive coverage of the Americas and the Caribbean. The satellite serves more than a dozen international broadcasters and programmers who deliver their content throughout the Americas.
The PAS-10 satellite, a Boeing 601 HP model satellite, employing 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, is located at 68.5 degrees east longitude and offers comprehensive coverage of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia. Many of the beams can be switched between the various regions, offering flexibility in the creation of new platforms for the delivery of video, data and IP-based services.
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.
