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TDSAT to hear Zee-Turner – Asianet case on 1 February
MUMBAI: Admitting Zee-Turner’s appeal on the recent TRAI directive that asked it to restore signals to Asianet Cable Network in Kerala, the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has set the next date for hearing on 1 February.
Following Zee-Turner’s appeal on 17 January, TDSAT initiated the first judicial proceedings involving the respondents (TRAI & Asianet) and the petitioners (Zee-Turner), which saw a lot of arguments and disagreements being raised by Asianet.
Charging Asianet with unauthorized distribution of signals and under-declaration of subscriber base that has resulted in huge financial losses, Zee-Turner had discontinued the signals to the cable service provider in the intervening night of 15 December – 16 December 2004.
Asianet in its turn accused Zee-Turner of illegally switching off signals without giving prior notice, thereby violating the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (Trai) recently issued inter-connect regulations. Giving a verdict in favour of Asianet, Trai had earlier directed Zee Turner to restore the signals. Following this, Zee-Turner took its case to the TDSAT.
After listening to arguments TDSAT has now instructed Asianet to file written submissions within a week’s time, and Zee-Turner to file a counter reply to that before 1 February.
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.
