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Doordarshan & China’s CCTV ink MoU for co-production
MUMBAI: Indian pubcaster Doordarshan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Central Television (CCTV). The agreement between the two is for exchange of television programmes, promotion of co-production on themes of mutual interest and training production and technical staff.
The MoU aims to help develop greater understanding between the two broadcasters and strengthen cooperation in the field of television and broadcasting.
The agreement was signed by Prasar Bharati CEO Jawahar Sircar and CCTV president Nie Chen Xi. The move came after Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese premier Li Keqiang expanded the cooperation between the two countries from films to television co-productions.
Sircar said that the agreement between CCTV and Doordarshan will foster better people to people understanding between the two countries.
According to Sircar, the agreement will enable Doordarshan and CCTV to share programmes free of cost. The two will share programmes relating to art, culture, education, science, agriculture, entertainment, tourism, sports, news and current affairs along with human interest, development and success stories.
DD and CCTV will jointly produce TV programmes on areas of mutual interest, which include documentaries on the travels of Fa Xian and Hieun Tsang to India.
The MoU also envisages mechanisms to promote training for programme and technical staff of the two broadcasters through exchange and bilateral visits of DD and CCTV personnels.
The programmes exchange between the two channels will begin by the end of this year.
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.
