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Notification issued that DD News be put in prime band
NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati is going ahead with its news channel in great gusto and would see that government orders make it mandatory for cable operators to carry it on the prime band.
As per a Gazette Notification, dated 24 October, 2003, it is mandatory for the cable operators to carry DD News as a “must carry channel on the prime non-terrestrial channels of their networks in addition to DD-1 and DD (Regional) / DD-Bharati.”
In view of the latest notification, all the cable operators have to carry on the prime non terrestrial channel of their cable networks DD-1 (National Channel), DD (News Channel), and one regional language channel of the State/ Union Territory in which the cable operator is located according to the schedule of the Gazette Notification dated 13.9.2001. Alternatively DD-Bharati as per the Gazette Notification dated 4.2.2002.
This notification will come into force with effect from 3 November, 2003.
Meanwhile, a formal communication from the Election Commission to the information and broadcasting ministry as also Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma, even while giving the green signal to the relaunch of the news channel, states, “The Commission expects that Prasar Bharati will ensure neutrality, objectivity and fairness of the public broadcasting/telecasting during this sensitive (election period between November and December) period.”
The letter further adds: “The Commission is also satified by the assurance given that the inauguration of the channel will not be done through any political person in view of the prevailing model code of conduct.”
The Commission in its letter has also mentioned that it was “concerned about the possibilities of the news and related programmes of the state-owned media being misused.” Sarma yesterday assured the Commission that the model code of conduct at election time “will be followed in letter and spirit by DD.”
Five states of India, including the Uniion Territory of Delhi, go to polls between November and December.
PETITION CHALLENGING LAUNCH OF DD NEWS DISMISSED
The Delhi High Court today dismissed a petition filed by private producers on the soon-to-be-snuffed out DD Metro entertainment channel challenging the launch of DD News. The launch of DD News on 3 November will coincide with the demise of DD Metro.
Also Read:
EC okays DD News relaunch in November
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.
