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TWI gets production contract for Indo-Pak series
NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: Another part of the Indian telecast rights story has been taken care of. Trans World International, the production arm of sports management major IMG (International Management Group), will be producing the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket series. The fee TWI is being paid for its services: $1.5 million.
This was confirmed to Indiantelevision.com a short while ago by a senior official in the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI). The board official said that the BCCI would decide within two days all remaining rights issues pertaining to the blockbuster cricket series. These involve domestic cable and satellite rights, international telecast rights and air time sales and marketing of the series.
Making a pointed reference to pubcaster Prasar Bharati, the official said that telecast rights for the Indian territory were being split into terrestrial and satellite. Doordarshan, which would be getting the terrestrial feed as directed by the Madras High Court, could also bid for the satellite rights, he added.
Interestingly, it may be recalled that Indiantelevision.com had reported that Nimbus Sports had offered to do the TV production for “much less than $1.5 million”, but with a rider attached. Nimbus’ offer stated that the production cost would depend on the “number of cameras and associated value added components of coverage”.
It is also pertinent to note that the production contract for the two fixtures held last October-November involving Australia and South Africa had gone to Dubai-based Ten Sports.
Meanwhile, the BCCI working committee meets today to decide on, among other things, the issue of air time sales and the sale of international telecast rights for the blockbuster series.
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.
