News Headline
Star switches off signals to Asianet Satellite
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MUMBAI: Star India has discontinued services of its bouquet of channels to Asianet Satellite Communications, the largest cable TV network in Kerala. |
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The signals were switched off on 7 May due to non payment of dues. “We gave them a month’s notice as per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) requirement,” says a Star India spokesperson. Star had earlier moved the Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) against Asianet. The case is posted for further hearing on 16 May. The multi system operator (MSO) in Kerala has already paid Star Rs 60 million after the TDSAT directive to pay up at Rs 50 lakh a month.  |
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“The TDSAT asked us to pay Rs 50 lakh a month. We have paid Rs 60 million on 22 April as per the directive of the Tdsat. The case is set for further hearing on 16 May,” says Asianet chief executive officer Mahesh Kumar. Star admits it has received payment from Asianet, but says there is still an outstanding amount which is yet to be cleared. “Asianet has not paid us the full amount. So we decided to switch off signals,” says the Star spokesperson. Star and Asianet have been engaged in conflict over the outstandings for the last six months. “The TDSAT has not been functioning after chairperson Justice DP Wadhava completed his term on 4 May. We are waiting for the final verdict,” says Kumar. |
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.
