GECs
Delhi HC to hear Star India’s plea on cable rates in March
NEW DELHI: The petition of Star India against the regulator-mandated cable TV price hike got admitted at the Delhi High Court today, but the next hearing seems to be far off.
The court has posted the case for a hearing some time in March, which might just defeat the whole purpose unless the judges agree to an early round of arguments from the various sides concerned.
However, the petitioner is optimistic that the court could be requested for a hearing in the case much before March.
The Delhi High Court adjourned for winter vacation today and will re-open in the first week of January 2006.
Leading broadcaster Star India yesterday moved the court against the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (Trai) edict on cable rates primarily arguing that price regulation in a competitive broadcasting market is unjustified and does not address all the industry segments like distribution and cable operators’ overwhelming ground monopoly.
The Trai-administered cable price regime takes effect exactly a year after the broadcast and cable regulator had put a ceiling of seven per cent hike on cable TV prices. The new order allows for a four per cent exclusive of taxes) annual hike in cable TV prices, effective 1 January 2006.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
