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TRAI to host APAC regulators’ meet in Delhi
NEW DELHI: Delegates from more than 23 countries will be participating in the Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Roundtable followed by the International Training Programme being organized next week by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
About 60 delegates from different countries have registered for the “ITU-TRAI Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Roundtable” and the “ITU- TRAI International Training Program (ITP) 2017” during 21-22 August 2017 and 23-25 August 2017 respectively.
The Regulators’ Roundtable is the 7th edition of the Asia-Pacific Region initiative to organize an annual Roundtable to provide telecommunication/ICT regulators in the region to mutually learn from the experiences of each other.
In a release, TRAI said: “Regulators around the globe have been dealing with the regulatory challenges created by the digital advancements. Digitization has created rapid technological progress and growth, which has generated tremendous benefits for all economies around the world. New opportunities for growth and innovation are emerging, and it is crucial that the new regulatory requirements and challenges are anticipated and addressed at both National and International level, in a coordinated way. Growing innovation and rapid deployment of digital technologies necessitates a proactive regulatory framework”.
The main regulatory challenges include promoting growth in digital ecosystem, maximizing consumers’ interest, ensuring level playing field for all players on new and cross-sectoral markets, promoting competition, among others.
The Regulators’ Roundtable fosters dynamic and strategic discussions, facilitates sharing of information, relevant experiences and practices as well as conclusively debate on possible solutions and opportunities for potential collaboration to address emerging regulatory issues and challenges in Digital Societies, TRAI Secretary Sunil Gupta.
The ITU-TRAI International Training Programme 2017 will build skills to address the policy and regulatory issues in the era beyond convergence of telecommunications and information technology. In particular, the event will focus on the implications of Collaborative Regulations for Digital Societies, he added.
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.
