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Justify non-implementation of CAS by Monday: Delhi HC tells govt
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court today directed the federal government of India to file its reply latest by Monday, listing reasons for postponing the implementation of conditional access system (CAS) in the Union Territory of Delhi.
Pointing out that the central government cannot be given more time to file its reply, the judge observed that the government, through its counsel K K Sood, should explain the reason for rolling back CAS in Delhi if it has been touted as a consumer-friendly move.
The case came up for hearing after the high court received three petitions stating that the delay in implementing addressability would lead to financial loss to cable operators and multi-system operators who had invested in infrastructure, on assurances from the government on CAS.
The petitioners are Zee Telefilms’ cable arm Siti Cable, Cable Networks Association (CNA) and an individual consumer activist.
The court also took note of the fact that in one of the minutes of the meetings on CAS, a government official had cited ‘political factors’ as reasons for postponing CAS in Delhi, till the assembly elections are over later this year.
CNA has also petitioned that the rate of Rs 72 (excluding taxes) per month fixed for the basic tier of free-to-air channels is too low and even after announcement of CAS, pay broadcasters have not come forward with individual prices of their channels.
The next hearing of the three petitions, clubbed together, has been scheduled for next Wednesday.
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After HC refuses to intervene, CAS effectively in force in Mumbai
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.
