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TDSAT asks UCN to restore Star channels to Raj Cable
NEW DELHI: Nagpur multi-system operator (MSO) UCN Cable Network has been directed to restore the supply of Star channels to Raj Cable Network, Maharashtra, with immediate effect as an interim measure.
Giving this directive, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) also asked the MSO to ensure that the local cable operators’ (LCOs) network receives the Indiacast and Taj Television channels.
If the channels of the two broadcasters have been discontinued at the instance of the MSO, TDSAT chairman Justice Aftab Alam and members Kuldip Singh and B B Srivastava said, “It will be viewed as a case of deliberate contempt and the respondent (UCN Network) will be liable for the consequences.”
The Tribunal also said until further orders, Raj Cable will not transmit through its network the signals received from any MSO other than UCN Network.
Raj Cable had stated that not knowing the proper forum for redressal of its grievances, the petitioner earlier filed a suit in the court of Civil Judge, Yavatmal. The suit was called out before the court of Civil Judge yesterday and the next date fixed in it is 27 October.
In the petition before the Tribunal, however, it is undertaken that the suit will be withdrawn.
Counsel Vikram Singh accepted notice on behalf of the MSO and was asked to file reply within two weeks with rejoinder, if any, within one week from the date of receipt of a copy of the reply. The matter was listed for 19 November.
Raj Cable alleged that the MSO unauthorisedly disconnected the supply of Star, Indiacast and Taj Television to its network. MSO counsel Vikram Singh admitted the disconnection of Star channels to Raj Cable, which took effect on 8 October but denied discontinuation of the supply of Taj Television and Indiacast channels.
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.
