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Government examining complaints against MBPL: Prasad
NEW DELHI: The Indian government is examining complaints regarding Music Broadcast Pvt. Ltd. (MBPL) being indirectly promoted and controlled by the Rupert Murdoch-owned Star Group.
This was stated by information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in a written reply in the country’s Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha) today, which has been adjourned for the day because of the Opposition stalling proceedings.
MBPL operates private FM radio stations under the brand name Radio City. Replying to a question by Ram Vilas Paswan, Prasad said his ministry has received complaints regarding the company, which are being examined in consultation with Department of Company Affairs (DCA) and the ministry of law.
The minister said that MBPL had applied for licence and as it fulfilled the eligibility criteria, permission was given to participate in the auctioning of FM radio licences over 18 months back. On being successful bidders, licences were given to MBPL for operating FM radio stations at Bangalore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur and Patna.
Though it was not stated in the house, but MBPL has since then surrendered at least two licences for Patna and Nagpur citing reasons of business not being viable in these cities.
Meanwhile Prasad in his written replies, which are deemed to have been tabled in Parliament in the wake of adjournment, also told Lok Sabha also said that private FM broadcasters are not permitted to air news and current affairs programming.
As per terms and conditions of licence agreement’s Clause 7 Main Text and Clause 1 (a) Sec 6 of the tender document, “the licence is for free to air broadcast of audio on main carrier and data on sub-carrier, both excluding news and current affairs and any other services, which are under jurisdiction of Department of Telecommunication,” the minister said.
Replying to a question by Sunder Lal Tiwari and Satyavrat Chaturvedi, Prasad told Lok Sabha that a complaint from India’s pubcaster Prasar Bharati, dated 11 June, 2002, was received through the Prasar Bharati CEO regarding broadcasting of news and current affairs on a private FM channel in Mumbai.
The matter was taken up with the company, which has responded that it had happened inadvertently and measures have been taken to ensure that this is not repeated, Prasad said. According to the minister, the Central Monitoring Services, a wing of the I&B ministry, had been asked to monitor the radio stations in Delhi and such vigil is being kept by the ministry too to ensure that the terms and conditions of FM radio licence agreement are adhered to.
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.
