News Broadcasting
Trai extends last date for comments on consultation papers
MUMBAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the last dates for sending comments on the consultation papers it issued on the digitalisation of cable TV and satellite radio services.
While the last date for comments on the satellite radio policy is extended to 7 February, the date for digitalisation of cable TV has now been put to 10 February.
Keeping in view of the importance of the issue and the need for wider participation of stakeholders in the consultation process, Trai has decided to extend the last dates, informs an official release.
The consultation paper on satellite radio, to obtain structured inputs on various issues related with the satellite radio policy, was issued on 29 December, while the one on digitalisation of cable TV was issued on 3 January, 2005. The digitalisation consultation paper deals with issues relating to the phasing and time frame for digitalisation of cable TV.
Written comments on the consultation paper may be furnished to secretary, Trai. For any further clarification on the matter, secretary Trai or advisor (B &CS) may be contacted at trai07@bol.net.in (Ph 26167448) and rkacker@trai.gov.in (Ph 26713291) respectively.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Kolkata Town Hall on Hooghly River
‘Bhalobasa Bengal Inspiring Bharat’ event on April 20 brings cultural icons, trailblazing women and leaders aboard a cruise to celebrate Bengal’s enduring influence.
MUMBAI: Bengal is about to make fresh waves on the Hooghly and this time the current is pure conversation. CNN-News18 is taking its iconic Town Hall format to the waters of the iconic Hooghly River on 20 April 2026 with a special edition titled ‘Bhalobasa Bengal – Inspiring Bharat’. The floating event will celebrate the state’s rich cultural legacy and how its ideas, creativity and spirit continue to shape the rest of the country.
The unique riverside setting draws on Bengal’s history as a cradle of reform, art and intellectual thought. The speaker line-up mirrors that diversity: cultural heavyweights Mithun Chakraborty and Sreenanda Shankar will share the stage with trailblazing “Devis” such as Tanya Sanyal (India’s first woman firefighter in aviation), Ipsita Chakraborty (Kolkata’s first woman bartender) and Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi (Nari Shakti awardee and marine pilot). Music will flow through the celebrated pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro and Soumyojit, while public life and governance will be represented by Smriti Irani, Leander Paes, Saira Shah Halim, Keya Ghosh, Rekha Patra, Roopa Ganguly and Babul Supriyo.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director, Rahul Shivshankar, said the event honours voices that carry Bengal’s legacy forward. Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, added that Bengal’s stories resonate far beyond its borders, especially as the state heads into polls.
From the first woman to battle flames in the skies to legendary actors who shaped Indian cinema, the gathering promises a rich mix of inspiration, courage and candid dialogue. In a city where culture has always flowed as freely as the river itself, CNN-News18 is turning the Hooghly into a floating forum for ideas that matter.
Tune in on 20 April on CNN-News18, CTV and YouTube to catch Bengal’s heartbeat in full flow.
