GECs
Zee’s Dish TV gets clean chit from government
NEW DELHI: The government, on 13 December, admitted in the Parliament that apprehensions in certain quarters had been expressed on porn content being available via direct-to-home (DTH) television services. But it gave a clean chit to the countrys first such service, Dish TV, 20 per cent owned by Zee Telefilms.
Information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy today informed the Upper House that the government is, however, keeping a watch on the possible misuse of DTH service for viewing pornographic channels.
The issue was examined in the month of August earlier this year and detailed inquiries revealed that some pornographic channels were available on the C band in India.
The government further clarified that a DTH set top box, which receives signals in KU band, cannot be used for viewing pornographic channels available on C band unless the DTH service provider transmits these channels in its bouquet or alternatively the subscriber accesses the relevant smart card and installs a huge C band dish antenna to receive such channels.
Giving a clean chit to Dish TV, Reddy said that the premises of ASC Enterprises, the sole DTH licensee, were inspected by a team deputed by the I&B ministry. It was observed that none of the pornographic channels were part of Dish TVs bouquet of channels.
The DTH license conditions make it obligatory on the licensee to adhere to the programme and advertisement code and ensure that its facilities are not used for transmitting any objectionable or obscene content, messages or communication inconsistent with the laws of India.
In reply to another query from parliamentarians, Reddy said that a 20 KW medium wave radio station at Sambalpur has been upgraded to 100 kW to provide adequate coverage in neighbouring districts of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sonapur, Bolangir and Bauda.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
