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Isro partners with Essel Shyam and NSTPL; allocates space on Insat 4A
MUMBAI: Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has got into arrangement with two teleport operators to facilitate transmission on multiple channels per carrier (MCPC) mode. This move will considerably bring down the space segment cost for small broadcasters.
Essel Shyam and Noida Software Technology Park Ltd (NSTPL) have been allocated a transponder each on Insat 4A which is scheduled for launch in October-November. The two teleport operators can put together a bunch of channels for uplinking from their facilities while offering them space on Insat 4A satellite.
“We are starting an arrangement with teleport operators for transmission on MCPc mode. Essel Shyam and NSTPL are being allocated two transponders on 4A,” says Isro contract management and legal services director SB Iyer.
Under the MCPC platform, 12 channels can be packaged on a single transponder. The single channel per carrier (SCPC) mode, in contrast, will be able to pack in eight channels per transponder.
Says Iyer, “Normally a transponder will take 4.5 mb for a single channel per carrier. But under MCPC mode 12, instead of eight, channels can be packed.”
Teleport operators can provide end-to-end solution to broadcasters, selling them a package of both uplinking and transponder space. “This will bring down the space cost to the customer by around 25 per cent. While some channels require more bandwidth, others need less. Teleport operators can allocate the power accordingly. The intelligence is built in for what is known as strategical multiplexing,” says Iyer.
Isro is looking at collaborative arrangements with more teleport operators. By offering MCPC facilities, the teleport operators will be able to market their services better.
So how will it gain Isro? “Thaicom has a similar arrangement with VSNL. We want to take Thaicom head on. Besides, we want to compete bring down the space segment costs for small broadcasters,” says Iyer.
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.
