GECs
Sudarshan TV launches on INSAT 4A
MUMBAI: Sudarshan TV has been granted the go ahead by the Information and Broadcasting ministry to launch its 24 hour news and current affairs channel.
In 2006, Sudarshan TV was granted permission to air its news channel. Since certain provisional regulations were yet to be completed the channel roped in an international satellite 3 Thaicom for its distribution and telecast. The channel was launched on a relatively small scale.
An official statement claims that despite the limited base, the channel has managed to set up a strong network of journalists and bureaus across the country. The channel has also set up a few international bureaus.
The Information and Broadcasting ministry on 8 February took into account the progress of the channel and has now permitted it to telecast 24 / 7. The medium of communication is Hindi and the official Sudarshan TV website claims that it is India’s first ‘social-patriotic Hindi Satellite TV channel with the prime aim of covering the Deo, Desh, and Dharma (God, country and religion).The emphasis of the channel is clearly on projecting India as a art, cultural ,historical and socio-religious destination.
The channel is now available through the Indian government’s ISRO INSAT 4A satellite. Currently the channel is free to air.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
