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TDSAT directs Star India to reconnect signals to Ortel on receipt of half of due amount
NEW DELHI: Star India was directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to reconnect the signals to Ortel Communications within 24 hours as Ortel counsel gave cheques for Rs 3,34,93,967 to Star India counsel Rajsekhar Rao.
The petition had been filed against disconnection of signals by Star with effect from 2 July 2016 in view of various notices issued under relevant regulations for both DAS and non-DAS areas.
In his order, member B B Srivastava on 11 July 2016 said Ortel was desirous to have the interconnect agreement renewed but on RIO terms of Star.
The cheques submitted were for 50% of the outstanding amount till June 2016 (Rs 6,77,71,172). The balance amount of Rs.342,77,205 as well as the installment agreed to be paid by 31 July 2016, will be paid by 25 July 2016 and 31 July 2016 respectively. The petitioner would a lso adhere to the payment schedule as agreed to earlier.
The petitioner’s desire to have a fresh agreement on RIO basis for DAS areas would be on the basis of RIO and for non-DAS areas, the two sides will negotiate and sign an appropriate interconnect agreement as per TRAI Regulations within two weeks.
In the meanwhile, the terms and conditions of the old agreement would continue to govern the relationship between the petitioner and the respondent and the petitioner will abide by the payment schedule and other terms of the previous agreement.
Ortel meanwhile denied any charges of piracy for which FIRs had been lodged.
Earlier, the petitioner had come before the Tribunal against these notices and when the matter was taken up on 27 May 2016, the petitioner submitted that the parties had arrived at an agreement and therefore, it withdrew the petition.
The mutual agreement arrived at between the parties had been documented in the form of emails dated 26 May 2016 and a communication to the petitioner on 17 June 2016.
However, the matter came up again in view of the amount of Rs 6,77,71,172 of which half was paid by chequest which the Bank refused to accept as there was “stop payment” instructions by the petitioner to the bank in view of the disconnection.
(Updated on 20 July 2016 6:25 pm)
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.
