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Tenders sought for marketing, distribution of DD-World, DD-News in UK, Europe
National broadcaster Doordarshan has invited fresh sealed tenders to market and distribute DD-World and DD-News channel in the UK and rest of Europe on the DTH platform and cable networks.
The national broadcaster has set 28 August as the deadline by which the tenders should reach the Controller of Programmes, DD-World Channel. These will then be opened on 29 August at 3.00 PM, Doordardshan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of the representatives of the parties.
The applicant whose tender is accepted will have to sign an agreement with Doordarshan within 30 days of receiving the award letter, failing which the next highest bidder will be awarded the contract.
According to the tender document, both the channels DD-World and DD-News are transmitted as digital multiplex in the compressed mode through the PAS-4 satellite (currently in the process of switching to PAS-10, the process is expected to be complete by end-August). The signals of these channels are downlinked in London by British Telecom. DD-World and DD-News transmission can be encrypted at Delhi end for uplink to PAS-4.
Meanwhile, the programme composition of DD-World as per the Fixed Point Chart (FPC) are: Entertainment / Feature Films/ Film based programmes / Serials / Music and Dance / Cookery shows / Travelogues / Documentaries / Children’s programmes / Women programmes / News & Current Affairs, etc.
And for DD-News: News / Current Affairs / Documentaries.
As per the tender document available on www.ddindia.net, the prospective bidder will have to pay a non-refundable processing fee of ?250 and an earnest money deposit of ?1000 in the form of a crossed bank draft drawn in favour of PBBCI, Directorate General, Doordarshan, New Delhi, payable at any bank in New Delhi. (Indian parties can pay the fee in Indian Rupees equivalent to pound Sterling).
The bidder will also have to submit an audited account indicating its turnover for the past three years. Foreign parties can obtain more details from Indian High Commission in UK. Indian Parties can obtain such details from Doordarshan Kendra, Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai. The tender documents can be downloaded Doordarshan’s website at http://www.ddindia.net.
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.
