News Headline
Reliance Jio, Times Internet throw their hats into the IPL telecast rights ring
MUMBAI: The names are spilling out about those who could be taking a stab at acquiring the broadcast television and digital streaming rights to the richest cricket league in the world – the Indian Premier League (IPL). Star India, Sony Pictures Network India (without prejudice), Amazon India, are amongst the names known to have coughed up $10,000 to pick up a copy of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tender document for the IPL.
Apparently the Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio has also called for the tender, according to news reports in The Times of India and The Mint. Other companies which the media says have reportedly evinced interest include: Times Internet, Super Sport (a South African network), Econet, OSN (Dubai), BT, Sky Sports (both from the UK), ESPN and Followon (US). Sources reveal that sports OTT platform VEQTA has also bought a tender. Though a report has stated that Zee TV is also in the running, it is not clear how it will do so as sources say the tender document strictly forbids any one involved in litigation with the BCCI from participating in the bidding.
The BCCI threw open the bids to potential bidders on 19 September with the last date for purchasing the document being slotted as 18 October and last date of submission being 25 October.
The current bidding round will give the winner the television rights for 10 years, while the digital rights are being offered for five years.
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.
