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Sports content sharing with DD: GoM game but with riders
NEW DELHI: A consensus seems to be emerging within a group of ministers (GoM) mandated to study the amendments in the uplink policy and framing of guidelines relating to downlink of TV channels into India.
The GoM broadly agrees with suggestions on content regulation and sharing of listed sports content with Doordarshan with “some changes” in the proposed guidelines.
“The ministers broadly agree on proposals prepared by the information and broadcasting ministry, but want some changes,” a minister, who is part of the GoM, said today after a meeting.
The minister, however, refused to divulge the nature of changes that have been suggested in the uplink and downlink policies by the GoM, saying, “Soon a note for the Union Cabinet would be prepared incorporating the changes if the consensus persists till the end.”
The uplink and downlink policies were referred to a GoM, headed by defense minister Pranab Mukherjee, by the Cabinet over a month back after differences arose within the government on a proposal to make it mandatory for any broadcaster to share with the Indian pubcaster listed sports events held within and outside the country.
This suggestion in the downlink and uplink policy — the latter would be amended — has been criticised as favouring the cash-strapped Prasar Bharati at the expense of private sports broadcasters.
Though it’s not clear, but it is expected that the GoM might suggest a slight dilution of this clause to say that all sporting events of national importance will have to be shared with Prasar Bharati on a prospective basis from the time this particular piece of legislation comes into effect.
It might also be suggested by the GoM that Doordarshan would telecast such events on its terrestrial networks only.
At the moment, as per the draft of the downlink policy, the government is looking at making it compulsory for sharing of sports events with DD, which can be used by it on all its networks, including a subscription-free DTH service.
The GoM includes ministers of finance, telecom, home, law & justice and information and broadcasting.
It has also been suggested in the downlink draft that foreign news channels can downlink to India provided local audiences are not specifically targeted through programmes and advertisements.
However, the government has taken note of representations made by foreign news channels and agencies and mooted that temporary uplink permission can be granted to such organisations for a year’s time provided certain conditions are fulfilled.
At the moment, uplink permission is granted by the Indian government to foreign news channels on a case to case basis for a very limited period of time on occasions like general elections.
The GoM has been told in a note prepared by the I&B ministry that uplink and downlink guidelines would be implemented “immediately” after clearance from the Cabinet through an executive order.
Also Read:
Cabinet refers downlink policy to GoM
Government may mandate sharing of sports telecast rights
Government moots riders for foreign news channels
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.
