The government has allowed seven broadcasting companies to uplink news and current affairs programmes on sixteen channels from India.

However, several channels of five networks are awaiting approval. The ones granted permission include TV Today Network for its Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, the Chennai-based Sun TV for four channels -- Sun News, Udaya News, Surya News and Teja News, the Sahara Group for seven channels -- Samay National and International, Sahara Samay UP, Sahara Samay MP, Sahara Samay Bihar, Sahara Samay Mumbai, Sahara Samay Rajasthan and Sahara Samay NCT, STV Enterprises for Punjab Today, Jain TV, Zee Telefilms and New Delhi Television.

Firms awaiting the government's approval to uplink include Star TV and the BBC. Prannoy Roy's NDTV World, under which the company plans to launch its new Hindi channel, is also awaiting permission.

Aroon Purie-promoted TV Today's English channel is also waiting for approval. Also in the queue is a lesser known company, Independent News Service, for its channel, India TV.

According to the present norms, satellite channels, irrespective of their ownership, equity structure or management control, are permitted to uplink from India if permitted by the central government.

The information and broadcasting ministry is planing a policy on Indian news and current affairs channels in consultation with the Cabinet.

After receiving a proposal from STAR TV to start a news channel, the information and broadcasting ministry feels a greater consensus is needed before a decision is taken.

STAR had sought the government's approval in October 2002 to start a new channel.

Its contract with NDTV for news and current affairs content in India comes to an end on March 31, 2003.