News Headline
‘Indian broadcasters’ raise voice against phased CAS rollout
MUMBAI: Even as a section of broadcasters remained closeted with Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) officials today, another got together separately to voice its opposition to the way conditional access is proposed to be implemented in the country.
In a meeting held today in New Delhi, ‘Indian broadcasters’ comprising Aaj Tak CEO G Krishnan , Sab TV vice chairman Markand Adhikari, Sahara India deputy director Sumit Roy and Eenadu TV’s I Venkat decried the delay in the implementation of CAS in the country on various pretexts, including a rollout plan.
In a joint statement, the Indian broadcasters have collectively taken a stand against the proposed rollout plan stating that this is the only government legislation that has been passed by the Parliament unanimously. The delay in the implementation of CAS in the country would work against the public’s interest, and would also seriously erode the credibility of the Government, the statement says. The government should not differentiate between the people living in different localities within the same metro, the broadcasters observed. By doing so, the government would be falling into the deferment trap being laid down by those who have vested interests, the statement adds.
As an alternative, the broadcasters have recommended a 30-day relief period for the rollout in which all FTA and pay channels would have to be provided by the MSOs within the cap of Rs 72 as stipulated by the information and broadcasting ministry earlier.
“It is quite noteworthy that those opposing the implementation of CAS are either foreign broadcasters or those who have a keen eye on the DTH business. They are the ones who are trying to delay the implementation of CAS even though they do not conform to Indian rules and regulation, since the implementation would act in favour of the Indian cable industry. Any further deferment in the implementation of CAS might seriously affect the cable industry in India, and expose it to the risk of DTH players taking over the business,” the statement notes.
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.
