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IMG feels MCCS equity structure outside guidelines
NEW DELHI: The inter-ministerial group (IMG), looking into the case of Star News, feels the equity structuring of Media Content Services India Pvt. Ltd. (MCCS) is not as per guidelines.
“The department of company affairs (DCA) agreed with the information and broadcasting ministry view that there is a problem with the equity structure of MCCS as per the guidelines that exist now,” a senior government official said today after a meeting of the IMG that includes officials from the ministries of information and broadcasting and law and DCA.
MCCS is the company that has applied for permission to uplink content for Star News from India. The present guideline for foreign investment in news channels, amongst other things, says that foreign holding cannot be over 26 per cent and that the editorial control of the channel should rest with Indians.
Though the official was not forthcoming with details, he did admit that one of the problem areas lay in lack of clarity on editorial control and the shareholders agreement does not throw any light on the fact that editorial control would be in the hands of resident Indians or the Indian shareholders in MCCS.
Asked if the IMG would recommend a review of the foreign investment policy, the official said that would be a decision of the GoM after it has studied the case. Without detailing the exact stand of the I&B ministry, the official said the IMG has been conveyed of the opinion of the ministry.
Pointing out that DCA had been asked for some technical information relating to the veto power of an investor holding 26 per cent and more shareholding in a company, the official said that a “final view” on the issue would be taken by a group of ministers (GoM) after IMG has prepared note for them.
Information on a meeting of the GoM is not known as of today. But it is expected that with the IMG submitting its report to the GoM, consisting of the ministries of I&B, law and finance, soon and with the Parliament adjourned till 13 August, the ministers can meet sometime next week.
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.
