News Headline
TRAI organises international training programme on ‘Emerging Trends in Broadcasting’ with ITU
MUMBAI: The Intemational Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are jointly organizing an Intemational Training Program during 9th -11th October 2019 in New Delhi on "Emerging Trends in Broadcasting".
This training program was inaugurated today by the Chairman TDSAT, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Shiva Kirti Singh, in a well attended opening session. Delivering the inaugural address, he emphasised the importance & benefits of converged networks and emerging technologies in broadcasting sector. Dr. R.S. Sharma, Chairman TRAI while delivering his keynote address, presented an overview of the existing broadcasting sector, new trends & technologies and the challenges arising out of convergence. The inaugural function was graced by Shri Amit Khare, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) besides Authority and senior officers of TRAI. Shri Amit Khare, Secretary, MIB gave his perspective on the main theme of the event. Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Secretary, TRAI delivered the welcome address. He spoke about the training programme and on joint initiative between ITU & TRAI in organizing such events. Shri Sameer Sharma, Regional Director of Asia Pacific Region, ITU spoke about the mandate of ITU in conducting these training programmes and he also thanked TRAI for hosting this in New Delhi, India.
This training programme is being attended by delegates from 17 countries, mainly from Asia-Pacific region. Besides, there will be a large number of domestic participants at this programme, representing various stakeholders such as government departments, broadcasters, distributors of DTH & cable industry, variou s OTT players, academia etc
With advent of new technologies and imminent convergence of devices & service provisioning, the broadcasting sector in India is in a high growth phase. The broadband penetration is also on the rise in the country. With more private players rolling out their OFC networks, the availability of Triple Play and Quadruple play services is becoming a reality. Stakeholders such as
Broadcasters, TSPs, ISPs, Multi system Operators, DTH operators etc. are adopting innovative business models to enhance their service offerings. The emerging convergence and new services are presenting new regulatory and policy challenges for regulators of telecom and broadcasting sectors. In this context, this ITU-TRAI International Training Program 2019 aims to address the policy and regulatory issues which are emerging.
This training program will have several sessions spread over 3 days dealing with technology related topics such as 'Business Models for OTT', 'Broadband over Cable TV network', 'Broadcast off-load technologies', 'AI, ML and Cyber Security' etc.
The training programme will address several pertinent issues related to present status, trends, new technologies in broadcasting sector, ITU assistance in the APAC region on digital broadcasting transition. Also, how broadcasters and telcos could embrace OTT while carrying out their traditional broadcasting over the air and IPTV delivery on their networks respectively while deploying or offering CDN services and their business model.
The program will also cover the emerging trends and developments happening in the area of media consumption devices, how it is effecting the delivery and pattem of consumption of media and also how to introduce the latest developments in the field of rating and measurements of viewership delivered through different means and platforms.
This training programme will assist in building institutional capacity by sharing experiences and successful case studies for potential collaboration in all these emerging areas. The Program will highlight the building blocks required to ensure that regulatory measures remains relevant and appropriate for the new environment. It will bring together international experiences with a focus on Indian's experience and the lessons learnt.
TRAI has collaborated with ITU in conducting many such international training programmes in the past on various telecom subjects. However, this is the first of its kind of event on emerging trends in broadcasting by ITU and TRAI with the focus on the subject of OTT.
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.
