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Star India, Sony Pictures Network India pick up IPL tender document
MUMBAI: The race to pocket the broadcast rights to India’s top cricket franchise, the IPL, has commenced. According to reports appearing in the media, Sony Pictures Network India (SPN-India) has picked up the IPL tender document. A Times of India news item reports that SPN-India took this decision “without prejudice.”
What that means is that SPN-India can still take the BCCI to court for allegedly reneging on its earlier broadcast rights contract with the cricket body, which gave the broadcaster the first right of refusal.
The BCCI, on its part, says it is under public scrutiny and the Supreme Court has ordered it to maintain transparency in all its financial dealings. Any deal would be questionable unless done openly through a transparent auctioning process, it says.
Amogst other bidders who picked up the tender document are Star India which has been pretty gung-ho on sports; it made an announcement in 2013 that it was plonking down Rs 20,000 crore towards developing sports and sports television in India over the next five years. Rs 1,500 crore of this would be towards developing hockey.
Amazon Prime Video has been reported by the media to be interested in throwing its hat in the ring as well, media reports stated. Who else will enter the fray will become clearer over the next few days.
The IPL tender envisages the television rights to be assigned for 10 years, whereas the digital rights will be for five years. Punters are betting as to what extent the bidders will open their wallets to acquire the rights. $2 billion to $4 billion is the range that is being talked about.
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.
