News Headline
News Corp files transfer application with FCC for Hughes
MUMBAI: Global media major News Corp last Friday formally applied to the US federal communications commission (FCC) for clearance of its $ 6.6 billion stock and shares purchase of 34 per cent stake in Hughes Electronics.
News Corp. has said it expects savings or revenue enhancements of between $ 610 million and $735 million annually from its planned acquisition of Hughes, Reuters reports.
GM proposes to split off Hughes and divest its interest in Hughes such that Hughes will become a separate and independent company. As a result of these and several related transactions, News Corp. will control a 34 per cent interest in Hughes, three GM employee benefit trusts managed by an independent trustee will have a combined approximately 20 per cent interest in Hughes, and the remaining 46 per cent interest in Hughes will be held by the general public.
The transaction – which is subject to several conditions, including regulatory approvals, a tax ruling, and GM and Hughes stockholder approval – will be accomplished in a series of interrelated steps that transpire essentially simultaneously.
Reports indicate that The Federal Communications Commission’s review of the proposed deal will in all probability centre on the combined company’s potential power over content distribution.
The companies had agreed that once merged they would continue making programming available to all multi-channel distributors on non-discriminatory terms. At the time of the deal closing the 34 per cent ownership interest will be transferred to Fox Entertainment Group.
FCC Chairman Michael Powell has been quoted in a Reuters report saying, “I think the principle focus of the transaction we’ll be looking at are content related issues. I think it’s a helpful step. Those are the bevy of issues that will concern the government — including the antitrust division — whether they’re complete or satisfactory I don’t know yet.”
Readers will recall that last year the FCC gave DirecTV’s proposed combination with EchoStar Communications the thumbs down as it feared that the combined entity would create a monopoly that would desatroy competition.
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.
