News Headline
Star likely to announce news channel partner within 20 days
NEW DELHI: The Rupert Murdoch-controlled Star expects to make an announcement over the next 15-20 days regarding probable partner(s) for its news venture, which would have to have an Indian collaborator holding not less than 74 per cent equity stake. It would be this entity that would then apply for uplinking news content from India for Star News channel.
“We think that over the next fortnight or so we would have to make an announcement (regarding news uplinking),” Star India COO Sameer Nair told indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of a media briefing announcing here the launch of an action serial, Ak…tion Unlimited Josh, to be put on air from 16 May on Star Plus.
Though Nair was not forthcoming on any further details on the probable partner(s), it is reliably learnt by indiantelevision.com that some talks are being held in Delhi too.
Star either buys 26 per cent in an Indian company or forms a venture where Indians hold 74 per cent equity to conform to India’s new uplinking policy on news channels announced in March. Under a transitory clause in the policy, Star and CNBC India had been granted 90 days time to complete restructuring as per the local laws.
Media has been abuzz with rumours as to who all can be Star’s partners if it decides to collaborate with more than one partner. Recently, two business dailies had floated the name of a premier corporate house of India, the Tatas, having interest in diversified fields like hospitality, IT, telecom, cement, etc.
Interestingly, while one report said that the Tatas may pick up a minority stake of between 0-15 per cent in the uplinking company for news, the other report from Mumbai had stated that the Tatas are looking at collaborating with Star on a KU-band direct-to-home television venture.
Conflicting signals from Star has not helped the matter much. “When we finally announce the name(s), it may take everybody by surprise,” another senior Star executive has said.
But what looks certain is that this time round Star would not like to wait till the nth hour to finalise things as it may put a question mark on the continuation of Star News after the 90-day deadline given by the Indian government.
After Star gets its act together, the new company would have to get various government clearances.
Industry sources also said that the Indian bourses-listed Television Eighteen Ltd. is also close to wrapping up talks for a restructuring of CNBC India wherein CNBC Asia would offload part of its 51 per cent equity stake
in CNBC India.
The Mauritius-registered CNBC India, that oversees the working of the business channel of the same name, is a 49:51 per cent joint venture between TV Eighteen and CNBC Asia.
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.
