News Headline
Government comes in for flak over FDI in media
NEW DELHI: The Indian government came in for flak from a certain section of policy makers in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of the Indian parliament who criticised the coalition government for taking decisions on foreign participation in the electronic media without consulting Parliament.
The contentious issue of foreign direct invest (FDI) investment and foreign equity in electronic media ventures in India again reared its head — at a time when the likes of Star News and CNBC India are in the process of restructuring themselves to seek government clearances — as policy makers wanted answers from the government as to what was being done to safeguard the national, cultural and security interest of the country even as foreign participation has been allowed in news channels too.
In a calling attention motion on the foreign equity issue in electronic medium on the last day of the budget session of parliament today, a communist party of India (Marxist) parliamentarian Manoj Bhattacharya also criticised the government for not seeing the obvious — that foreign companies are circumventing or bypassing existing rules to start operations in the media.
In this regard, the CPM MP also cited the example of Radio City where, he alleged, the Rupert Murdoch – controlled Star India has made a backdoor entry into the restricted area of FM radio broadcasting where foreign investment is not allowed.
Bhattacharya, in a letter also sent to information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in this regard, has mentioned that if foreign companies like Star can make backdoor entry into the FM radio broadcasting, it can happen in other segments of broadcasting too.
Radio City is the brand name under which licence holder, PK Mittal’s Music Broadcast Pvt Ltd., operates FM radio stations in cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow. Bhattacharya’s contention was that it is Star
which controls everything in Radio City under a content and marketing agreement with Music Broadcast.
I&B minister Prasad defended any government decisions to open the media sector to foreign participation saying that all safety measures had been
taken into account before such policy decision were taken by the government. He also said that allowing foreign equity in electronic medium is also in tune with the fast changing technology.
Prasad, however, assured Bhattacharya and others who participated in the discussion that any specific case cited by parliamentarians and Bhattacharya would be examined by the law ministry and suitable action taken on the advise given by the law ministry.
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.
