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TRAI publishes handbook on broadcasting & cable services to protect consumers’ interests
NEW DELHI: With just five months left for completion of Phase III of Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) for cable TV, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received several queries about the broadcasting and cable TV sector.
Aiming to answer as many of these queries, TRAI has brought a booklet on Frequently Asked Questions with the aim of protecting consumers’ interests and recognising that consumers and consumer organisations must be empowered with knowledge and awareness of the comprehensive regulatory measures laid down by it for Broadcasting and Cable TV services.
The ‘FAQs on Broadcasting and Cable TV Services’ booklet is in simple and consumer friendly language to enable easy understanding.
It provides consumers with a gist of the relevant regulations and orders pertaining to Broadcasting and Cable TV services. Salient aspects that are covered in this handbook include procedures for connection, disconnection, transfer, shifting, complaint registration and billing.
In a press note, TRAI noted that consumer awareness was one of its primary tasks and the handbook was aimed at fulfilling this mandate.
TRAI has, from time to time issued Regulations, Directions and Orders on consumer protection, complaint redressal systems, Quality of Service (QoS), tariffs and billing.
TRAI’s endeavour is to facilitate the availability of affordable Broadcasting and Cable TV services while ensuring that the quality that is provided by the service providers to the consumers is satisfactory.
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.
