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Worldspace launches global subscription plan
MUMBAI: Worldspace Corporation which delivers satellite radio has announced the first multinational satellite radio subscription plan available across its global footprint. This covers Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
A company release states that the initial target market for the first phase one of the global subscription rollout will be American and British expatriates living and working abroad, including the US Military. The platform will integrate brands such as Fox News, National Public Radio (NPR), Bloomberg, BBC including music, motivational spoken word and dozens of international channels.
Worldspace began broadcasting throughout the world in 1999 with all channels free to listeners with the purchase of portable digital satellite radio receivers. It claims to have been the first satellite radio company to test audience acceptance of subscription satellite radio in 2000 with limited national and regional offerings first available in India, South Africa and Europe.
The Home Team Radio/Brits Abroad subscription offering will be available for $9.99 with special additional receiver subscription and multi-year incentives. Subscription and receiver sales will be available beginning from mid April online at www.worldspace.com and via phone through the organisation’s global customer service.
Worldspace COO Andy Ras-Work adds, “Regardless of their geographic location, consumers show a strong interest in the choice of portable or mobile satellite radios that feature unique, compelling content and programming. The programming we will be offering with this package is largely unavailable from the limited terrestrial (AM/FM) radio present in the countries we will be serving”.
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.
