News Headline
TRAI asks MSOs to not disconnect signals without 3 weeks notice
NEW DELHI: With the deadline for completion of Phase III of Digital Addressable System (DAS) approaching fast, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today said that no multi system operators (MSO) will disconnect the signals of TV channels of a linked local cable operator (LCO) without giving three weeks’ notice to such LCO, clearly specifying the reasons for the proposed disconnection.
The Regulatory framework provides that the channels subscribed by a subscriber should not be switched off or discontinued without following the proper procedure provided in the Quality of Service Regulations for DAS, TRAI said.
The MSOs providing cable TV services through DAS were advised not to degrade or stop or switch off any channel without following the proper procedure laid in the regulations.
TRAI also reminded MSOs and linked LCOs that set top boxes (STBs) have to be repaired or replaced without any extra charge with new STBs within 24 hours of the receipt of the complaint.
The complaint can be pertaining to malfunctoning from a subscriber, if the STB is covered within the warranty or it has been acquired by the subscriber on hire purchase scheme or on rental basis.
The MSOs providing cable TV services were advised to ensure rectification of consumer complaints within 24 hour under the “Standards of Quality of Service (Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems) Regulations 2012. For adhering to the timelines provided in the regulation, spare STBs may be given to the linked LCOs to ensure speedy restoration of services.
TRAI said in cable TV sector it is generally observed that the consumers approach linked LCOs for immediate redressal of their complaints. For redressal of such complaints of consumers received by the LCOs, MSOs are required to lay down proper communication procedures to register complaints through LCOs and get then addressed on priority.
The directive regarding disconnections is under the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable Television Systems) Regulations 2012.
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.
