News Headline
Panamsat unveils new solution for news delivery across the US
MUMBAI: Global satellite services provider Panamsat and On Call Communications have developed a new satellite-based communications solution to enable the coverage of breaking news and live events by local and independent news stations in the US. By using PanAmSat’s QuickSPOT on-demand satellite technology and On Call’s OnSpot auto-deploying broadband satellite communications systems, broadcasters can now report on breaking news events as they happen and then transmit the coverage to viewers in real time with unrivalled simplicity, mobility and cost-efficiency.
Koce, a PBS-affiliate based in California, is using the new system to provide live news coverage to viewers of events that previously could only be pre-recorded. Koce says that the QuickSPOT/OnSPOT solution gives it the opportunity to deliver live remote broadcasts at far lower costs and convenience than anything it has been able to do in the past. Koce says that being live on the scene gives it a new dimension, covering the news as it happens, making the story much more ‘real’ to viewers. The recent fires in Southern California exemplified this as it reported from the field, delivering the latest updates from fire officials, what areas were being evacuated and what schools remained open. Thereffore the news was much more relevant to our viewers compared to something written and broadcast from the studio.
The QuickSPOT/OnSPOT solution provides a cost-effective broadcast delivery system making it possible for smaller broadcasters to access the formerly cost-prohibitive world of live broadcasts. These stations can now avoid the expense of dedicated satellite space by paying only for their on-air time. And, no technical knowledge is required to operate the auto-deploying terminals.
Panamsat executive VP, global sales and marketing Mike Antonovich says, “Through our work with OnCall, we’ve developed a truly game-changing broadcasting solution that transforms the world of satellite news gathering. By using smaller auto-pointing antennas in conjunction with the latest generation of digital encoding and compression and our bandwidth-on-demand provisioning service, live news coverage is now simpler, smarter and smaller then ever before. These lower-cost systems can now affordably be made available to support everyone from major market television stations to local community cable channels. Smaller communities benefit by getting up-to-the-minute reports on local weather, storm conditions and developing news events. And, independent stations can provide a wider variety of coverage and perspectives as they serve up their own live reports. It is a win-win for everyone—the broadcaster and the viewer.”
On Call Communications specialises in providing quick deployments of mobile satellite telecommunications systems for broadcasting, disaster recovery and government applications. They design, integrate and install custom satellite communications networks.
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.
