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MSOs sort out differences; pave way for area-wise CAS rollout
NEW DELHI: Close on the heels of a meeting that the PMO officials had with broadcasters yesterday, leading MSOs today agreed that if there is an area-wise introduction of CAS, then in Mumbai it would be South Mumbai and in Delhi it would be South Delhi —- areas considered to be affluent and where cable subcribers are expected to be more open to buying set-top boxes.
However, till 3:30 p.m. there was no official announcement on this. But indiantelevision.com learns from industry sources that the differences that Hathway and INCableNet had over the areas — South or West — where CAS may be first introduced in Mumbai, has been resolved.
This was made possible as the information and broadcasting ministry had a long meeting with the MSOs and advised them to sort out their differences after doing a stock-taking review of the preparedness for CAS.
Meanwhile, the buzz in the ministry today afternoon is that a notification may be issued by the government announcing phased area-wise implementation of CAS from 14 July.
On a related note, whether the government has favourably considered the dual feed concept raised by broadcasters is not known as of now. But while the broadcasters feel that dual feed is the only option if the CAS rollout is to be made smooth with no blackouts — in deference to the PM’s wish — the cable operators feel implementing dual feed concept would not be technically feasible.
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.
