News Headline
Parleys on to find way out of cricket telecast impasse
NEW DELHI: The high stakes poker game around the telecast of the historic cricket series between India and Pakistan looks to be entering the end game stage. That was not evident to most viewers in Mumbai and Pune and 40 per cent of Delhi though, who could do nothing but gnash their teeth in frustration as they had to rely on the news channels for some glimpses of the action on the field today as India faced the Pakistan A team.
In the capital meanwhile, Ten Sports CEO Chris McDonald met regulator chief Pradip Baijal today afternoon. The Indian government, which has taken on the role of “facilitator” in the imbroglio, is scheduled to meet with Ten Sports executives later this evening in an attempt to hammer out a solution to the vexed cricket telecast issue.
One of the options, according to government officials, that Ten Sports would be offered is simulcast on the satellite sports channel and on Doordarshan’s national terrestrial network. The hook being that Ten gets to keep whatever ad revenues DD manages to garner out of the telecast (or it let Ten sell the event?).
Under this formula, DD won’t pay Ten any money but offer the platform and also allow Ten’s logo to go during the broadcast.
The other option is to make available to DD the feeds of the cricket matches on a deferred basis. But, here, the time of deferment would be crucial as in one-dayers even six overs makes a lot of difference. Under this formula, DD would have to pay some money based on mutually arrived at agreements.
Though Ten Sports officials could not be immediately reached for their reactions, it is also learnt that the government has advised DD to be flexible if Ten agrees, in the first place, to consider a compromise formula.
The government feels that non-telecast of the matches on DD of a series, which has been “largely facilitated by the government”, may lead to law and order problems. However, the government also acknowledges Ten’s contention that DD signals would be stolen or pirated by those cable ops that have not signed up with the Dubai-based broadcaster.
Meanwhile, Ten conveyed to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) its apprehensions on cable operators stealing signals if DD is provided a feed and also dwelt on other issues during a visit that was termed a “courtesy call” by Baijal’s office.
Keep tuned in for more on the cricket soap opera.
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.
