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EC okays DD News relaunch in November
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) has decided that the relaunch of Doordarshan’s news channel early November does not breach the model poll conduct and would not amount to undue advantage to the government in the run up to the state assembly elections.
According to sources in the EC, the issue of DD News was
discussed in detail, with top officials from Prasar Bharati. The conclusion was that its relaunch early November was okay as per the model code of conduct that the Commission has laid down for political parties during election time.
A formal letter from the EC to Prasar Bharati, giving the formal go-ahead, is expected later in the evening.
At a meeting today in the forenoon, the election commissioner J M Lyngdoh and his deputy are understood to have given a patient hearing to Prasar Bharati CEO K S Sarma, who was defending the relaunch of the news channel on the ground that the date had been decided much early.
However, the EC has directed Prasar Bharati, which oversees the functioning of DD and All India Radio (AIR), to be cautious and that the news channel’s relaunch should not be done by a VVIP or a politician or a minister in the present government.
Though information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad would have been an ideal candidate to flag off DD News’ second inning, slated to start on 1 November, somebody else would have to do the honours now.
In all probability, it would be the chairman of Prasar Bharati, veteran journalist M V Kamath, who would announce the relaunch of DD News on 31 October.
The relaunch of the channel had been brought to EC’s notice by a clutch of private producers of DD Metro, who had alleged that by converting the DD Metro channel into a news channel, the government was attempting to take undue advantage before the state election to be held between November and December.
After this petition, several other political parties joined the issue, including the Congress Party, alleging that DD News relaunch should be deferred till the whole assembly election process was over.
Also Read:
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DD News set for 3 November launch after cabinet okay
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.
