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Intelsat shareholders approve proposed Loral acquisition
AMSTERDAM: Intelsat Ltd, a global satellite communications leader providing services in over 200 countries and territories, reported today that its shareholders have approved its proposed acquisition of six satellites and orbital location rights from Loral Space Communications Corporation at a shareholders’ meeting held earlier in the day at Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Shareholder approval of the transaction was required under Intelsat’s bye-laws.
The proposed acquisition of the Loral assets would complement Intelsat’s global network, which includes capacity on 26 satellites, by adding complete coverage of the important North American market and by increasing Intelsat’s customer base in the cable television and broadcasting segments, an Intelsat release stated.
Intelsat’s shareholders approved and adopted the asset purchase agreement relating to the proposed acquisition, which is expected to occur at the conclusion of an auction process under Section 363(b) of the US Bankruptcy Code. If approved by the bankruptcy court, the transaction will be subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions.
Intelsat chief executive officer Conny Kullman said, “We thank our shareholders for their overwhelming support of the Loral asset purchase. These assets would enable Intelsat to enhance its global network to include a North American franchise and to offer customers a global end-to-end solution.”
Kullman further said, “The acquisition would also result in an increase in Intelsat’s revenues from broadcasting, cable television, private data network and other point-to-multipoint traffic. With the shareholder vote successfully concluded, we now look forward to the next milestone in this process — the successful conclusion of the bankruptcy court auction process.”
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.
