News Headline
AIR ties-up with Deutsche Welle on Fifa coverage
MUMBAI: The enthusiasm for Fifa World Cup is truly at an all time high. Some good news for All India Radio listeners!
AIR has tied-up with the German broadcasting company Deutsche Welle for World Cup programming.
Starting 10 June, AIR will broadcast a Deutsche Welle magazine programme on the World Cup everyday till 10 July at 8:30 pm, directly from Germany.
This magazine will be aired in English and Hindi on 65 radio stations across the country on AIR’s national network and in Delhi on the Indraprastha channel at 819 kHz as well as on Air’s DTH service, according to an official release.
This World Cup broadcast will is expected to reach as many as 90 per cent of India’s population. Deutsche Welle has also announced a contest to lure this segment.
BBC extends deal with AIR on Fifa coverage
More good news is that BBC World Service is extending its live commentary for a further 11 pool matches. BBC had earlier entered into a deal with AIR to broadcast live commentary for the opening match, the semi-finals and the final.
In the statement issued today by AIR, the two have entered into an agreement, whereby BBC will provide live commentary on all matches featuring the soccer biggies – Brazil, Argentina, Germany and England.
A total of 11 pool matches will be relayed over the AIR network comprising 65 primary service stations and 17 rainbow FM channels and Vividh Bharati service (late night matches).
The commentary will be in English, which will be given by BBC Radio Five Allan Green and John Murray.
While, the commentary for the two semi-finals and final matches will be in Hindi and English, as AIR will be sending its own team to Germany to cover these matches live.
The special World Cup reports can be heard daily on All India Radio’s FM Gold 106.4 FM and Rajdhani Channel at 07.05 local time everyday until 10 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.
