News Headline
FM Radio II: Govt. to earn Rs 870 million from western region
MUMBAI: Private operators continue to go gaga over FM radio as the bid for 21 cities across the western zone took place today.
Of the 116 bids received for 68 frequencies, 62 prima facie qualified. The government would earn a revenue of Rs 871.5 million as one time entry fee (OTEF) from today’s bidding.
Radio City has bagged seven more licenses in Maharashtra and Gujarat in the cities of Ahmednagar, Akola, Nanded, Jalgaon, Sangli, Sholapur and Vadodara.
BAG Infotainment Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of BAG Films Ltd has bagged the FM radio rights for Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Dhule and Jabalpur. With these cities the company now has a total of 10 cities to place FM radio stations.
Radio City CEO Apurva Purohit said, “As part of our business strategy, we have strengthened our network in the Western region. The bidding was done strategically keeping in mind the long-term sustainability and revenue generation potential in these markets. We will now have a national presence in key metros and mini metros, while the western region has become a key zone for us.”
BAG Films managing director Anurradha Prasad said, “We are very happy to have bagged 10 cities till now. Through our continuous expansion mode we promise to provide non-stop entertainment to our listeners making a mark in the radio industry.”
Indore received the highest bid amount at Rs 52.1 million and contributed the maximum OTEF at Rs 142.5 million for three frequencies whereas Vadodra mopped up Rs 136.3 million for four channels.
With today’s bids, 227 frequencies have been allotted. The bidding process will conclude when the remaining 64 frequencies in 19 B, C and D category cities in the southern region come up on 3 February.
Also read:
FM radio II: Adlabs sweeps stations in East India
FM radio Round II: Mirchi, Adlabs, Sun win bids
FM radio II: Rs 5 billion+ licence fee in first round
FM radio: 29 companies bid for A, A+ cities
Government clears 85 companies for FM radio bid
FM phase II: govt. may collect Rs 1.35 billion in licence fee
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.
