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Govt clears way for Asianet share transfer to NRIs
NEW DELHI: Kerala-based Asianet Communications Ltd is undergoing a shareholding restructuring that has got government approval
Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, the government has given the green signal to technology magazine publishers International Data Group (IDG) to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India.
The Asianet proposal, cleared by finance minister P. Chidambaram today, envisages transfer of shares from resident Indians to non-residents.
The foreign direct investment/NRI inflow has been pegged at Rs 66 million and the overseas company that had sought permission is the Mauritius-registered Americorp Ventures Limited.
The company’s activities have been listed as procuring, leasing, establishing and operating all types of telecommunications and space linkages systems, including producing audio, video and film productions and distribution of TV and satellite signals.
IDG TO SET UP INDIA SUBSIDIARY
In the case of IDG Inc, which envisages an investment of over Rs 130 million in the country and owns magazines like PC World and Computer World (available in India freely), permission has been granted for setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Bangalore for printing and publishing of scientific and technical magazines.
As per present government guidelines more than 74 per cent FDI is not allowed in print medium ventures envisaging printing and publishing of scientific and specialty magazines in India. IDG is the world’s leading technology media, research and event company. Founded in 1964, IDG had 2003 revenues of $2.41 billion and has more than 13,000 employees worldwide. IDG offers the widest range of media options, which reach more than 120 million technology buyers in 85 countries representing 95 per cent of worldwide infotech spending. IDG’s diverse product and services portfolio spans five key areas of print publishing, online publishing, events and conferences, market research, and global marketing solutions. It’s five global publication product lines —Computerworld/InfoWorld, CIO, Macworld, Network World, and PC World — account for more than 175 of the total titles the company manages.
IDG group company IDC undertakes activities in global marketing intelligence. With research centers in 50 countries and more than 575 research analysts worldwide, IDC provides a global perspective on IT market and technology trends, serving more than 3,900 clients worldwide.
These two FDI proposals were among 24 proposals from various sectors of the industry cleared by Chidambaram today on the recommendations of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. The total FDI amounts to Rs 1.59 billion.
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.
