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21st Century Fox says it expects Sky buy to be completed by June ’18
MUMBAI: 21st Century Fox (21CF) has stated that it is going to continue to work constructively with the UK authorities as it goes ahead with the regulatory process for it to take over UK’s Sky. It made this announcement in a statement issued yesterday.
Media observers have been saying that its pounds sterling 11.7 billion acquisition of the television, broadband and telecom services provider received a setback when British Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Karen Bradley said she was inclined to encourage a second phase investigation by the UK’s Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) in respect of the media plurality ground. However, 21CF and other interested parties have till 14 July to make their representations to her stated intentions before she finally decides to send it to the CMA.
21CF has said in the statement that “in the event that the Secretary of State makes a final decision to refer to the CMA, we would expect that the review would take at least 24 weeks. In such an event, the transaction is expected to close by 30 June, 2018.”
The Murdoch owned media conglomerate has further stated that is “pleased that she (Bradley) is minded not to refer the proposed transaction to the CMA in respect of the commitment to broadcasting standards.”
However it explained that it was disappointed that Bradley did not accept Ofcom’s recommendation stated in its report that “….the proposed undertakings offered by Fox to maintain the editorial independence of Sky News mitigate the media plurality concerns.”
It additionally added that it “is pleased that Ofcom recognizes that Sky, under full 21CF ownership, would remain a fit and proper holder of broadcast licenses.”
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Fox’ Sky buy: Representations to proposed merger invited by 14 July
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.
