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TRAI initiates consultation on landing page issue
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the telecoms and broadcast regulator, now wants to discuss the issue of the landing page (the page that appears when one switches on the STB and the TV set) and its many uses and misuses with the industry stakeholders. The regulator issued a consultation paper in this regard today.
Pointing out that the practice of running a channel on multiple logical channel numbers (LCNs) allegedly for influencing television rating was brought to the notice of the regulator, the TRAI statement said. Some TV channels allegedly, in collusion, with the distributors, placed some television channels on multiple LCNs (meaning at several places in different programming genres in the EPG), it added.
“As the TV channel ratings measurement is done on the basis of a unique water mark ID of a channel, the data of viewership of all such multiple LCNs is aggregated and reflects in the final ratings,” the statement said, adding that on the receipt of complaints the TRAI intervened last year and acted as per the provision of existing regulations.
The TRAI has gone on to say that alleged irregularities in trying to influence audience measurement and subsequent data later shifted to the landing page and that it received quite a few complaints regarding the same.
Some of the issues raised by the TRAI in its consultation paper on the landing page include the following:
· Do you feel that the emerging concept of placing TV channels on
the landing page can influence TRP ratings? Suggest the action,
which may address the issue with justification.
· Should the concept of a landing page be defined? If so, please
suggest the definition of the landing page with justification.
· Whether placing of a TV channel on the landing page increases
television ratings? If yes, why TV channels whose TV ratings
are released by a TV rating agency should not be barred from
being placed on the landing page? If no, why are broadcasters eager to place their channels on the landing page?
· What should be the criteria/consideration to put a TV
channel on a landing page?
· Can placing of TV channels on the landing page be mitigated through changes in measurement methodology of television ratings?
· Should the landing page be used to place TV channels not
having TRP rating or only to provide platform specific
information? Give suggestions with justification.
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.
