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IndiaCast withdraws contempt application against Dish TV in TDSAT
NEW DELHI: The deal between IndiaCast and Dish TV over the DTH operator’s ‘on request channels’ scheme has come into effect with the latter providing IndiaCast channels on an a la carte basis from 1 January 2014.
However, even before the previous agreement could end, the aggregator once again had approached the Telecom Disputes Settement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), last year, claiming that Dish TV was in violation of the 19 December TDSAT order that had brought about a ceasefire between the two.
The petitioner (IndiaCast) had filed an application about its apprehension regarding compliance of the TDSAT order by Dish TV and that its channels will be visible in its packs even after the deal terminates. However, during the hearing that came up on New Year’s eve, the aggregator’s counsel withdew the application after the TDSAT observed that there was no non-compliance on the part of Dish TV in following its previous order.
The bench also stated that the application was premature as the agreement will only come into effect from 1 January when the deal ends for 22 IndiaCast channels which will now only be provided on an a la carte basis above the packages. It also mentioned that Dish TV had modified its scroll to say the same. The application was dismissed as withdrawn by the petitioner.
The order passed on 19 December noted that no legal objection can be taken to the arrangement proposed to be made by Dish TV to take out IndiaCast channels out of its packs and provide them only on a la carte basis to subscribers who want to view the channels. One deal comes into effect from 1 January for 22 channels and the second comes into effect from 1 April 2014 for 16 channels after the fixed deal agreement expires. IndiaCast counsel Ramji Srinivasan had given an undertaking that the ads published by its client against the respondent shall stop forthwith.
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.
