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FCC team to discuss regulation aspects with government
NEW DELHI: A delegation of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the regulator for Internet, telecom and broadcasting in the US, will discuss with Indian government officials and departmental heads, various aspects of regulation.
Though the visit is being kept a low-key affair and the FCC team is not meeting the media, it has been learnt that with India on the threshold of enacting a law for the convergence era and in the process of fine-tuning some regulatory aspects related to broadcasting, the interaction would give the Indians an insight into regulation.
The FCC team, including Rod Poster, deputy, international bureau, is slated to meet government officials in the department of information technology, telecom ministry and information and broadcasting ministry. The meeting at the I&B ministry is scheduled for tomorrow, after which the team is understood to be flying off to Chennai in the evening.
Industry observers here said that that the Indians can take a few tips from the FCC on various aspects of regulation, including ways to rein in errant industry players. Moreover, in the absence of a super-regulatory authority, FCC’s experience in dealing with the complexities of the corporate world would be handy.
However in recent times, even in the US, some changes suggested by the FCC on changing media laws and regulations have got critics up in arms. Critics in the US opine that the changes suggested by the FCC are aimed at benefiting media barons like Rupert Murdoch, somebody who is discussed regularly these days in India too, because of Star News, which is part of the magnate’s vast empire.
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.
