News Headline
Indo-Pak series telecast in Mideast on Pehla
MUMBAI: The Ten Sports coverage of the upcoming Indo-Pak cricket series in the Middle East will be available on Arab Digital Distribution’s (ADD) Pehla platform.
The International coverage is only available on Pay TV platforms and the coverage in India is restricted only to local terrestrial and cable distribution.
As reported, Sony, which on Friday wrested the international cricket telecast rights (for all countries except the Indian territory) for the upcoming Indo-Pak series, has sublicenced the satellite rights for the Middle East and Pakistan to Dubai-based Ten Sports.
As in the past to enjoy the high-octane cricket action, Pehla Basic and e-Pehla Basic subscribers will have to upgrade to Pehla Silver or Pehla Gold and e-Pehla Silver or e-Pehla Gold subscription options respectively, informs a company release.
Commenting on the development, ADD executive VP network development and marketing Vinod D’Mello said, “Cricket fans in the Middle East always depend on Pehla to bring them premium cricketing action from around the world. The live and exclusive coverage of the India Vs Pakistan match series is a tribute to all the fans who long to see a face-off between these two world-class teams.”
Says Ten Sports VP programming Peter Hutton, “The series, the first full-fledged one by Pakistan to India in six years indeed will be full of excitement and high quality cricket between the two teams. And we are delighted to telecast the live action from the much anticipated India-Pakistan series.”
Pehla witnessed a huge surge of subscriptions, renewals and upgrades, last time the two nations met. Anticipating a greater response for the exciting cricket match between India and Pakistan, the network has taken adequate steps to handle the demand in subscriptions from across the region and has advised all viewers to subscribe early to avoid last minute disappointments.
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.
