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Come clear on FM stand, TDSAT tells government
NEW DELHI: The government has come under pressure on the issue of FM radio policy with a telecom and broadcast tribunal, TDSAT, asking it to come clear on the issue by 26 April.
TDSAT, a semi-judicial body that had been approached by the private FM players, is irked of the fact that the government has delayed taking a decision on certain recommendations on FM broadcast policy by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India that has led to uncertainty in the industry.
A three-judge bench of TDSAT was hearing today a petition filed by a group of FM radio broadcasters, including Radio Today Broadcasting, Music Broadcast Pvt Ltd and Entertainment Network, all of who run FM stations in various cities under the brand name Red FM, Radio City and Radio Mirchi, respectively.
The counsel for the radio broadcasters said there had been an inordinate delay by the government (read the information and broadcasting ministry) in finalising its views on Trai’s recommendations, which suggested shifting to a revenue-share model from the licence fee payment mode, amongst other things, Press trust of India reported today.
Trai had submitted a comprehensive set of suggestions on FM radio broadcast to the government last November. After receiving the recommendations, the government had also sought clarifications from Trai on certain issues, voicing its reservations on things like migration to revenue share.
Even as the Government firms up its guidelines for the second phase of FM radio licensing, it has asked the existing players to cough up high licence fee which they have refused, leading both the sides to the tribunal.
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.
