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TDSAT to examine Patna MSO’s allegations over LCOs shift
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Arbitration Tribunal (TDSAT) has appointed an Advocate Commissioner to probe allegations made by Patna-based multi-system operator (MSO) Siti Maurya Cable Network that seven local cable operators (LCOs) have been trying to migrate to another MSO.
The Commissioner Diggaj Pathak will be given a list of subscribers by D K Classic, one of the LCOs. Pathak will then go to Patna unannounced and intimate the two sides about his arrival.
Along with the representatives of the MSO and the LCO, Pathak will make random visits to some of the subscribers to see whether or not the set top boxes (STBs) of the petitioner are functional at their places. In case the petitioner’s STBs at the respondent’s subscribers’ place are found to be switched off, he will find out the duration since the signal switch off. Pathak will also ascertain whether the switch off was done from the MSO’s head-end or the LCO’s.
Pathak will submit the report by 28 August. He will be paid an honorarium of Rs 15,000 per day, apart from actual expenses, to be shared equally by both sides. The matter will now be heard on 3 September.
After hearing the allegations of the MSO, TDSAT chairman Aftab Alam and members Kuldip Singh and B B Srivastava were told by D K Classic that it was the MSO, which had switched off its signals. However, the MSO alleged in its petition that the LCOs had neither given the statutory notice, nor returned the STBs.
Sharath Sampath, who represents D K Classic, said the LCOs did not migrate to another MSO of their own volition and initiative but Siti Maurya disconnected the supply of its signals, compelling them to take signals from another MSO. He also alleged that if his client D K Classic’s share in the carriage fee is taken into account, not only will there be no dues payable but the LCO will be entitled to receive some payments from the Siti Maurya.
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.
