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Isro, Measat join forces to create satellite capacity powerhouse
MUMBAI: Indian Space Research Organisation’s commercial arm Antrix Corporation and Malaysia’s Measat Global Bhd. have signed an agreement to form a joint venture company to pool their satellite capacities.
The JV will leverage capacity from both the high powered Indian INSAT and Malaysian Measat satellite fleets to provide commercial satellite services across the wider Asia-Pacific region.
By pooling agreed capacity from these neighbouring satellites in the strategically located orbital slots of 93.5E and 91.5E, the JV will be able to provide C-band satellite services to over 70 per cent of the world’s population, and Direct-to-Home (DTH) quality Ku-band satellite services to over 160 million TV households across South Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and Indochina.
The JV, which will be equally owned by the two companies, represents a significant breakthrough and major step in the ongoing cooperation between the Indian and Malaysian satellite sectors. The move is to develop a satellite neighbourhood for millions of broadcasting and telecommunications customers across the wider Asia Pacific region, says an official release.
According to the release, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi witnessed the signing of the landmark agreement.
“We have been working closely with Measat across a number of areas over the last few years, including the provision of consultancy services to Measat for the procurement of its satellite” says Antrix executive director KR Sridhara Murthi. “We are excited to be able to extend our cooperation through this joint venture, and position INSAT to be a leading satellite system serving the wider Asia-Pacific market.”
As part of the ongoing cooperation between the two organizations, Measat has also signed a Letter Of Intent with Antrix to procure a new satellite, MEASAT-4, from ISRO. The satellite will provide additional Ku-band capacity for the Measat fleet, as well as the opportunity for the Indian and Malaysian space communities to work together.
Detailed discussions on technical and commercial issues are at an advanced stage, with the satellite expected to be procured for scheduled launch Q1 2007.
“We have used Indian Space technology and expertise on the MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-3 programs,” says Measat Satellite Systems director Y.Bhg. Tun Haji Mohammed Hanif Omar. “We are pleased to be able to work with ISRO and Antrix on a new satellite which will further our joint interests across the region,” Tun Hanif concludes.
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.
