News Headline
TDSAT brings relief to Bangalore subscribers
BANGALORE / MUMBAI: A face-off over declarations that threatened to deny a section of Bangalore viewers access to the ongoing tri-nation cricket series in Sri Lanka has been resolved after intervention from the disputes tribunal.
Bangalore’s ICE2 Network took its complaint to TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement Appelate Tribunal) after the signals for 14 channels – including Ten Sports which is broadcasting the cricket series – that form the One Alliance bouquet, were blocked. Incable, the One Alliance’s distributor in Bangalore, cut off signals to the ICE2 Network following a dispute over subscriber declarations.
Speaking with Indiantelevison.com, ICE2 Network managing director TS Kamal Kumar says, “We’ve made a payment of Rs 250,000 within half an hour of the TDSAT decision yesterday. We were told that the signal would resume within 24 hours of payment.”
One Alliance president Anuj Gandhi confirmed the news to Indiantelevision.com saying that the signal had been cut as dues were outstanding. However, since the money was paid as had been directed by the tribunal, the signal would be restored.
“We have declared 4,400 connections,” said Kamal, while rubbishing the figure of 8,500 that appeared in some sections of the local press. Kamal also refused to discuss the number of cable operators under his operation.
‘The signals are on, we are disputing the number of declarations,” confirmed Pratap Wadhwa of Incable Bangalore while not disclosing anything further in the matter.
ICE2 provides cable services to Jayanagar, BTM Layout, Bommasandra, Madivala, Whitefield, Rajajinagar and some other areas in Bangalore.
At every such mess up, DTH seems to be gaining numbers. Reportedly 8,000 people have opted for DTH connections in Bangalore over the last nine months.
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.
