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Just over 37 million of the 65 million DTH subscribers active: TRAI
NEW DELHI: The six private direct-to-home (DTH) operators were serving a total of 64.82 million registered subscribers at the end of the first quarter of the calendar year 2014.
However, the number of active subscribers was 37.19 million, according to a report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Apart from this, a large number of subscribers are served by Doordarshan’s DTH service.
A total of 187 satellite television channels were encrypted (pay) out of the total 793 permitted by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry at the end of the first quarter ending March 2014. The number of pay channels is as reported by the broadcasters for which the rates have been taken on record.
The maximum number of TV channels being carried by any of the reported MSOs was 387 in DAS areas, whereas the maximum number of channels carried is 100 in conventional analogue form.
Apart from All India Radio, there are 242 private FM Radio stations in operation at the quarter ending March 2014. The status of operationalised private FM Radio stations is listed on the website of the I and B Ministry.
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The total number of internet subscribers has increased from 238.71 million at the end of December 2013 to 251.59 million at the end of March 2014, showing a quarterly growth of 5.4 per cent. Of these, the wired internet subscribers are 18.50 million and wireless internet subscribers are 233.09 million.
The number of broadband internet subscribers increased from 55.2 million at the end of December 2013 to 60.87 million at the end of March 2014, showing a quarterly growth of 10.28 per cent.
The number of narrowband internet subscribers increased from 183.51 million at the end of December 2013 to 190.72 million at the end of March 2014 with quarterly growth of 3.93 per cent.
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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.
