News Headline
beIN ropes in Planetcast for sports broadcasting tech across Asia
MUMBAI: beIN Asia Pacific has drafted Planetcast Media Services to power its sporting ambitions, striking a deal that will see the technology provider manage 14 HD sports channels across southeast Asia and Australia.
The Singapore-based broadcaster, part of beIN Media group, has enlisted Planetcast’s cloud-first NexC platform to handle everything from playout to disaster recovery—ensuring sports fans don’t miss a second of action when their team is on the pitch, track or court.
At the heart of this digital partnership sit two key technologies: Cloud.X Turbo, a nimble playout solution that promises ultra-low latency (tech speak for “you’ll see the goal almost before the goalkeeper does”), and Recaster, which delivers broadcast-quality streams over the public internet without breaking a sweat.
“beIN Sports is a leader in live sports media innovation,” said beIN Asia Pacific vice-president of media technology Sabil Salim who clearly believes his company has netted a winner with this partnership. “Planetcast’s proven expertise in managing major sports like the Indian Premier League (IPL), its leading-edge Cloud.X Turbo solution, and its robust NexC cloud platform provide the scalability, reliability, and seamless integration we need to elevate sports broadcasting across the region.”
Planetcast chief executive Sanjay Duda returned the compliment, suggesting the tie-up would give beIN “a competitive edge” in a broadcasting landscape that changes faster than football managers after a bad season.
The deal comes as beIN looks to flex its muscles across 12 countries in the region, where it holds rights to premium sporting contests including Formula 1, UEFA Champions League and the Australian Open.
Planetcast, meanwhile, will use the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas (5-9 April) to showcase its NexC platform—presumably hoping to attract more suitors with its cloud-native charms and AI-powered content automation.
Game on.
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.
