News Headline
Panamsat fully authorised to operate PAS-9 in Brazil
MUMBAI: Panamsat has announced that Anatel the government agency that regulates all telecommunications services in Brazil, has authorised its Brazilian subsidiary, PanAmSat do Brasil to provide regional and international video distribution services on the C-band payload of its PAS-9 satellite.
PAS-9, which had received prior authorisation for its Ku-band payload, offers coverage of three continents. It provides international broadcasters a platform for distributing cable programming throughout the Americas.
An official release informs that in the space of one year, Panamsat has received authorisation to commercialise both the Ku- and C-band payloads on PAS-9. This opens up a vibrant region for a variety of data, full-time and ad hoc programming distribution services. The PAS-9 satellite has already been the host for some of the worlds most prominent international broadcasters and major events including the 2002 World Cup.
By obtaining approval for this satellite in Brazil the company is looking forward to bringing international programming to Brazil and Brazilian programming to three continents. The C-band payload on PAS-9 is the premier cable neighborhood in Latin America, and is ideally suited for television and cable broadcasters for full-time as well as ad hoc broadcast services. The satellite has already supported the transmission of many special events in Latin America including Formula 1 Grand Prix, Indy Car, ATP tennis and the 2002 World Cup. In addition, it is the permanent platform for Sky Mexicos direct-to-home television.
PAS-9, a Boeing 601 HP satellite employs 24 Ku-band and 24 C-band transponders and operates at 58 degrees west longitude. On the spacecrafts Ku-band payload, transponders are specifically tailored to cover Brazil, while its C-band payload serves as the premiere video neighbourhood for the entire Latin American region. The Ku-band footprint of the Brazil beam, with its high level of uniformity, provides an ideal platform for broadband VSAT networks. It allows the use of low-cost antennae and installation, the release states. In addition, the C-band and Ku-band both provide coverage of the Americas, the Caribbean and Western Europe.
The satellite operator manages a global fleet of 31 satellites, 24 of which are wholly-owned. Collectively, this fleet is capable of reaching more than 98 per cent of the worlds population through cable television systems, broadcast affiliates, DTH operators, Internet service providers and telecommunications companies.
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.
