GECs
Cable TV digitisation: Government looks at Trai suggestions
MUMBAI: The Union government is examining the recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on digitalisation of cable television, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.
This year in September, Trai had given its recommendations on digitalisation of cable television for framing a national plan from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2010, I&B minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi informed the lower house of parliament in a written reply.
In its recommendations, Trai had suggested introducing digital service in all cities with a population of more than one million by 2010, rationalisation of import and domestic duties by 2006 and use of entertainment tax for a consumer education programme during 2006-2010, informed Munshi. Trai is examining the recommendations presently, he said.
To another query, he informed the house that pubcaster Prasar Bharti has set up two high power transmitters at Barmer and Jaisalmer for terrestrial coverage. He also said the government was making provisions for expanding terrestrial coverage in border areas.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
