News Headline
Final TDSAT order on Raghav Bahl’s plans to launch Bloomberg Quint expected on 9 Dec
MUMBAI: The final TDSAT order on Horizon Satellite Services’ petition, seeking a name change for its TV license to ‘Bloomberg Quint,’ is expected on December 9.
Horizon Satellite Services, that owned licenses of two news and current affairs TV channels, was acquired by Quintillion Business Media Private Ltd (QBM), a joint venture between Raghav Bahl and Bloomberg in a 74:26 partnership. After its acquisition by QBM, Horizon sought a name change of the television license it holds.
Currently, the channel is called "Y TV" and Horizon had made an application to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to change the name to ‘Bloomberg Quint’.
Horizon has approached TDSAT after its application seeking a name and logo change for its TV license was pending with the MIB for months.
The TDSAT order assumes significance as there have been media reports claiming that Bloomberg is expected to exit the JV and is looking for new partners in India on account of Bahl’s failure to secure a TV license for their planned business channel ‘Bloomberg Quint’. Bahl, however, has called the media reports motivated and blamed it on the ‘competition’.
"Some nonsense has just been published by our competitor who is getting very nervous about our imminent TV launch. Our application is coming up for a final order on Dec 9; and prospective investors are queuing up to invest with us,” Bahl wrote in a letter to the employees.
"They have seen the enormous/pioneering success of our digital franchise, and are rather nervous about how we could disrupt their flagship operation!Also, this is a ham-handed ''get back'' at Bloomberg''s article on N18''s sale to TOI. Keep the faith. BQ shall remain in the race, and WIN," he added.
In the last hearing on November 29, respondent (MIB) requested two weeks’ further time for taking a final decision on the pending application. Horizon opposed the request for more time on the ground their business interests are suffering on account of each day’s delay. Horizon further underlined that the respondent and the concerned authorities should have taken note of the observations in the last order to the effect that TDSAT was “not fully satisfied that the respondent have acted with due expedition”.
“In such circumstances, this Tribunal feels that granting long time would cause further delay. Hence, the time granted earlier, even in the absence of any formal application, is extended by one week from today. It is expected that this time limit shall not be disregarded by the respondent. Post the matter under the same head on 9.12.2019,” TDSAT said in its order.
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.
