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Government now puts Radio City under scanner
NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: There is just no let-up for the team handling the Indian operations of Rupert Murdoch’s Star TV. After Star News, the latest to be hit by the government with a list of questions regarding equity structure is Music Broadcast Pvt Ltd (MBPL), the company that runs Radio City.
The information & broadcasting ministry has asked MBPL to explain its relationship with the Star India subsidiary Digiwave and how and why the relationship should not be deemed to be flouting the foreign equity restrictions in the FM radio sector.
As per current records, content, ad sales and marketing support for Radio City is Star India’s responsibility. The PK Mittal-promoted MBPL is the licence holder while the operational part is with Digiwave, a 50:50 JV between Star and the Ispat group.
According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines only portfolio investments by foreign institutional innvestors (FIIs) are allowed in the FM radio sector.
Pointing out that the debt equity ratio of MBPL is 5800:1, government sources said today that MBPL may be asked to provide details of the nature of its relationship with Digiwave.
The government has further stated that as per Clause 13 of the FM radio licence agreement, a licencee (MBPL) cannot transfer the licence and is responsible for generating the content. If it comes to light that this is not happening the licensor (the government) has the right to cancel the licence.
When contacted, Star India’s radio division COO Sumantra Dutta said he was not aware of any such move on the part of the government.
The government missive to Star also points out that the paid up capital of MBPL being very low, it is rather curious how the operational costs of running an FM channel the size of Radio City is being managed.
The government has also said that since Digiwave has given a loan of Rs 580 million to MBPL, it appears that Digiwave is the company that is solely responsible for running Radio City.
In the light of all this MBPL has been asked to furnish details on which an opinion would be sought from the law ministry and the Department of Company Affairs (DCA) to examine whether the guidelines are being contravened or not.
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.
