News Headline
Murdoch, PM discuss media investments, economy
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NEW DELHI: If any media czar could whip up the appetite of the media, it certainly is Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corporation, the fifth largest media company in the world, even though he is coming to India after almost five years. |
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On the second leg of his latest Indian visit, Murdoch met up with some top government officials, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, today and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in Delhi.
According to government officials, during his 40 minute –odd meeting with Singh, at his residence, Murdoch discussed various aspects of the Indian The government officials said in the evening after the meeting that Murdoch, while not dwelling on any particular venture of his in India, did opine that the media sector should be further opened up to FDI.  He also dwelt on other aspects of the Indian economy, partly that he referred to in his interview with Star News yesterday, and conveyed to Sigh that China was many years ahead of India as far as attracting foreign investment. The Indian PM is said to have listened to Murdoch, while not committing anything, the government sources said. No direct references were made of the Tata-Star joint venture relating to a proposed DTH service in India, as also a news venture that Murdoch’s company has with the ABP Ltd for Star News. The sources pointed out that Murdoch was also spotted, along with |
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Another courtesy call took him during the day to 10 Janpath, the residence of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. He was accompanied, amongst others, by his Indian partner in the news venture Aveek Sarkar there. Later in the day, Murdoch attended a dinner hosted by senior Congress leader Murli Deora. The guest list included top journalists like Indian Express editor Shekhar Gupta and others like Congress Members of Parliament Rajiv Shukla and his TV producer wife Anurradha Prasad, Sachin Pilot and his wife, Jyotirditya Scindia and wife, TV personality Rajat Sharma and several government officials like information and broadcasting ministry secretary Navin Chawla. Murdoch is slated to meet up with information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy and Union minister of communications and IT Dayanidhi Maran tomorrow. Murdoch on an Asian tour of his empire is visiting India after China, which he feels is almost 10 years ahead of India. But he also opined in an interview with Star News, which he controls 26 per cent, that India’s potentials are good.
News Corporation had total assets as of 31 December, 2004 of approximately $53 billion and total annual revenues of approximately $22 billion. News Corporation is a diversified international media and entertainment company with operations in eight industry segments: filmed entertainment; television; cable network programming; direct broadcast satellite television; magazines and inserts; newspapers; book publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Basin. This Asia visit of Murdoch could be considered historic, as the Hong Kong –based Media Partners Asia says another media baron John Malone visited Japan for a rare joint venture deal.
Pictures by SANJAY SHARMA/Indiapix Network |
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.
