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Sony partners with Markscan to tackle illegal streaming during FIFA World Cup
MUMBAI: The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off today with the host nation Russia taking on Saudi Arabia. While the world’s top teams will battle it out on the pitch, Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) is tackling a different set of opponents off it. Broadcasters have been dealing with the menace of illegal streamers for quite some time now. However, the problems linked with privacy rise exponentially when major events like the World Cup are telecast.
While many anti-piracy bodies will be trying report and take off illegal live streams during the event, SPN has decided to put its anti-piracy efforts at work even before the first ball has been kicked.
SPN has been working with Markscan, an Indian anti-piracy body, to make sure illegal streamers don’t run riot during the World Cup.
Sony holds the TV, radio, mobile, and broadband broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Markscan has sent out pre-emptive warnings to piracy websites that will be streaming World Cup matches illegally.
“Protecting our copyrights is of utmost importance to us, and we have invested substantial resources towards this effort. We have an on-going contractual relationship with several companies (including Markscan) in the anti-piracy space. We work closely with these companies depending on the specialization required,” SPN, general counsel, Ashok Nambissan told Indiantelevision.
According to a the statement in the Neowin portal, MarkScan on behalf of SPN has warned potential defaulters with a strict note saying, “Our client [Sony] will be streaming the matches and content related to FIFA World Cup 2018 in the Indian sub-continent countries on its web and portal Sony Liv, which is the official internet and mobile broadcaster of FIFA 2018.”
“By way of the present caution notice issued to you, we caution you and your website, not to indulge in any broadcasting, rebroadcasting, making available for viewing and / or communicating to the public, the FIFA 2018 matches and any content associated thereof, without obtaining permission / authorization from our client”, Markscan added.
One of the recipients of the warning said, under the condition of anonymity, that the warning will not deter their plans and that they intend to stream the entire tournament.
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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.
