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DD threatens legal action over ESS’ highlights
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NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: A delayed response if ever there was one. More than a day after ESPN Star Sports announced that it had secured a deal with Prasar Bharati to air daily two-hour highlights packages of the ongoing India-Pakistan cricket series, the pubcaster is crying foul. |
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A senior official in Prasar Bharati tells indiantelevision.com that Doordarshan is planning to serve a legal notice on ESPN Star Sports in the matter. According to the official, “The terms and conditions of our offering of video clips for cricket was meant only for news channels and ESPN Star Sports clearly does not fit into that category. Moreover, the terms and conditions (in regards to video clips) make it clear that cricket programmes cannot be built up by using such footage. ESS’ daily highlights programme has been titled “Showdown”.  |
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As already reported on indiantelevision.com, DD was charging news channels Rs 6,000 per minute for any cricket footage that exceeded two minutes of the days on-field action. Going by that calculation, ESS would be paying DD a measly Rs 360,000 a day for the highlights package even if one were to calculate the full two hours as being the time covered. And if ESS were to only pay for footage used, then actual payout would in all probability be much less. When contacted, ESS India MD RC Venkateish made an interesting comment. According to Venkateish, “Whatever we are doing has been discussed and agreed upon between Doordarshan and ESS.” Another point of note is that while DD mopped up just Rs 16.9 million as advertising revenue during the Mohali Test match, the pubcaster has billed 15 channels a total of Rs 25 million for using cricket video clips of the first Test. At least as far as DD is concerned, “ESS poaches daily highlights package” would about sum up its views on the private sports broadcaster’s action. On the face of it that is. Venkateish’s assertion of course puts an entirely different light on the matter. PRASAR BHARATI OFFERS TO PAY BCCI Rs 945 MILLION FOR TELECAST RIGHTS: |
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.
