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TDSAT to hear Sony-Tata Sky audit case on 23 January
MUMBAI: Accepting the joint plea made by Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt. Ltd. and Tata Sky Ltd, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has listed the hearing of the broadcasting petition filed by the former on 23 January 2019.
SPN had sought an order allowing it to conduct an on-ground technical and commercial audit of Tata Sky’s systems in the month of October this year. It had also asked Tata Sky to cooperate in the audit process and ‘provide unhindered access’ to its systems, given that the latter had signed a RIO agreement in 2004 with Taj TV India Pvt. Ltd., which is now a part of SPN, conceding the right to hold audit in favor of the broadcaster.
Tata Sky in response had claimed that the said regulations are not acceptable in the light of another RIO agreement that was executed between the parties on 29 September 2018 and became effective from 1 October 2018.
It had said that it is “not opposed to the holding of an audit by an independent auditor but it is opposed to applicant’s having unhindered access to many other information and data relating to products of other broadcasters”. It requested that an independent authority, such as BECIL, should conduct the audit and also objected to some clauses in the agreement on the ground that they will encroach upon its right to keep certain information confidential.
In the previous hearing, on 27 November 2018, TDSAT had ordered both the parties to allow BECIL to conduct the audit at an early date, preferably within two weeks, in accordance with the requirement of regulation keeping the concern of SPN in view.
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.
