News Headline
Just For Laughs channel pranks its way onto Pluto TV in global deal
MUMBAI: When the world needed a laugh, Just For Laughs didn’t clown around. In a move as smooth as a silent slapstick gag, Just For Entertainment Distribution inked a deal with Pluto TV to launch its FAST channel across Canada, Latin America, Brazil, France, Italy, and the Nordics. The Just For Laughs GAGS channel is now live and ready to tickle funny bones, sans dialogue, across six major territories.
Pluto TV, the reigning champ of free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST), has opened the global doors for the Montreal-born comedy empire. The partnership promises pure, no-translation-needed hilarity—where classic pranks meet universal mischief, and nobody is safe (except maybe your coffee mug).
“JFE Distribution is thrilled to announce our continuing expansion, now with our FAST deal with Pluto TV in several territories. Placing our award-winning content on new channels helps with our mission of ‘Keeping the world feeling good’ with the best programming around,” said Just For Entertainment Distribution CRSO Alex Avon.
Pluto TV International SVP of content strategy and acquisitions Kat Kowalski added, “Canadian content travels the globe so well. Pluto TV viewers love a good laugh, and through Canada’s JFE Distribution we are so happy to bring the Just For Laughs Channel to the FAST world through our platform.”
JFE Distribution director of monetisation & OTT Carlos Pacheco said, “Our new partnership with Pluto TV further exemplifies our unique standing as an independent producer and publisher by expanding our content into even more markets. We’re especially proud to bring Just for Laughs’ first FAST channel in the Canadian market with Pluto TV.”
The launch joins Pluto TV’s already broad buffet of genres in Canada—from crime drama and sci-fi to news, game shows, and anime. Now, with the Just For Laughs GAGS channel on the line-up, things just got a whole lot cheekier.
If laughter is the best medicine, Pluto TV may have just opened a cross-continental pharmacy.
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.
