News Headline
Kerala HC refuses to grant stay on Trai tariff order
Mumbai: India’s digital multi-system operators (MSOs) apex body the All India Digital Cable Federation’s (AIDCF) writ petition challenging the 2022 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) Amendments to the Interconnect Regulation and Tariff Order, was listed before the Kerala high court today, and the high court refused to put a stay on the tariff order.
AIDCF had sought to strike down the amendments and, in the meantime, had sought a stay on the implementation of the new tariff order, which is to operationalise from 1 February 2023.
The High Court declined to issue an order earlier today after hearing detailed arguments from 10.20 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.
AIDCF had filed a writ petition against the Trai for changes in the telecommunication (broadcasting and cable) services interconnection (addressable systems) (fourth amendment) regulations, 2022.
Also read: AIDCF files a writ petition against Trai over NTO 3.0
The court stated that it is unlikely to issue an interim order halting the amendments.
Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, who represented Trai, argued that the writ petition should be denied because the amendments were made after thorough consultation with the relevant parties and after the Supreme Court upheld the authority of Trai.
IBDF, which was represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, intervened in the matter and supported the amendments issued by Trai.
Rohatgi said, “No case for staying on the amendments is made out. The court did not pass any interim order and has now listed the matter for 8 February and has asked the parties to complete pleadings.”
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.
