News Headline
Intelsat Commercial Aviation signs an agreement with Nelco to provide in-flight connectivity
Mumbai: Intelsat, the operator of integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), announced the beginning of Intelsat’s inflight connectivity services in Indian skies through an agreement with satellite communication service provider Nelco.
Intelsat’s airline partners and flyers will enjoy end-to-end broadband coverage on domestic and international aircraft flying to or from an Indian airport, as well as aircraft flying over the country.
Intelsat president of commercial aviation Jeff Sare said, “In addition to expanding our service coverage area for current customer airlines, our agreement with Nelco opens the possibility for Intelsat to serve India’s domestic airlines.”
“This is a fast-growing airline market, and there is considerable untapped potential for IFC growth,” he added.
Intelsat’s IFC service provides airline passengers with a seamless at-home and in-office connectivity experience. Furthermore, it enables an airline to distinguish itself by improving the passenger experience, increasing passenger loyalty, and optimising flight operations.
Nelco managing director & CEO PJ Nath said, “We are proud that Nelco has forged this relationship with in-flight connectivity pioneer Intelsat to offer Aero IFC services on their customer aircraft.”
“As India’s leading Satcom service provider offering best-in-class services, we are now creating a great opportunity through this relationship with Intelsat for further growth of our Aero IFC services in the country in the coming years—and we intend to be a leader in this market in India.”
Nelco has been providing Aero IFC services for over two years, with plans to expand these services to more airlines in collaboration with global partners.
These services will be provided by Nelco via Intelsat’s IS-33e high throughput satellite.
IS-33e, which was introduced in 2016, provides C and Ku-band connectivity to Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Intelsat’s IS-33e satellite has been approved by Indian government regulators, paving the way for uninterrupted coverage with no blackout zones.
The service is currently available to Intelsat partner airlines and their passengers on board aircraft.
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.
