MAM
TDSAT & Ad cap: TRAI continues arguments
MUMBAI: Continuing to present its side to the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) put forth its arguments to the bench consisting of Justice Aftab Alam and member Kuldip Singh.
It started off continuing on yesterday’s argument trail saying that the law does not state that if the laying requirements are not fulfilled then it becomes void. That is, TRAI cannot execute its regulation on channels. That broadcasters are covered by both the Cable TV Networks Act and the TRAI act is a parliamentary mandate and there is nothing illegal in what it is doing. There are several precedents where a subject matter could be covered by more than one statute, TRAI counsel Rakesh Dwivedi stated.
TRAI also claimed that it has a clear parliamentary mandate exercised through the central government to regulate advertisements. It contested the broadcasters’ arguments that TRAI has just a recommendatory role, by highlighting that it has an additional function under section 11 (1) (a) of the TRAI Act and that does not mean its plenary functions under section (11) (1) (b) are taken away. Therefore, apart from its recommendatory function under (a), its powers also remain under (b). Both the sub clauses complement each other and there is no clash, the counsel stated.
Reiterating that it has the authority, it said that what it is aiming to do is in perfect accordance with the powers the ministry and it has under section 7 (11) of the Cable TV Act. Likewise, the counsel, said it is not as if the government is seeking to have a higher allowance for advertising air time and is in disagreement with the limit of 12 minutes that the TRAI is seeking to impose.
To support its argument, the counsel also read out various preceding judgments. According to the TRAI, broadcasters are licensees under the Telegraph Act and so the regulator has full power to ensure compliance within the licence term.
Singh asked if TRAI can direct Google on the duration and number of ads it can run. To this, the TRAI counsel replied by saying: ‘I am the regulator and I will decide who, when and how much to regulate.
Coming to the point raised yesterday about a statement TRAI had made in 2004 that “there should not be any regulation at present on advertisement on both FTA and Pay channels” it said that much water had flown under the bridge since it made its statement and the situation was different today. So, it can deem it appropriate to regulate since an expert opinion at one point of time does not mean that it will stay forever, the counsel stated.
Brands
Fabindia unveils vibrant Chikankari Spring 2026 collection
‘The Song of Spring’ reimagines heritage embroidery in bold colours across ethnic and western wear for all ages.
MUMBAI: Spring’s wardrobe just got a needle-sharp upgrade because when Chikankari meets modern flair, even the stitches start humming a catchy tune. Fabindia has launched its Spring 2026 campaign, ‘The Song of Spring’, headlined by a refreshed Chikankari collection that breathes new life into centuries-old Lucknowi embroidery. Spanning ethnic and western styles for men, women, and kids, the range blends time-honoured handcraft with contemporary cuts and a daring colour shift away from the usual soft pastels.
Expect a lively palette of plum, berry, and fuchsia dancing across cotton, crepe, and yarn-dyed fabrics. Silhouettes run the gamut, versatile co-ord sets, tailored vests, fluid resort dresses, elegant saris, and sharp modern pieces that fuse heritage finesse with today’s edge. The standout? A high-contrast monochrome series in black-and-white Chikankari, turning traditional delicacy into a bold, graphic statement that feels anything but delicate.
Menswear shines with long and short kurtas, shirts featuring intricate yoke embroidery, and subtle ombre effects. For kids, the lineup delivers all-over embroidered kurtas and checkered shirts in sun-washed yellows, tender pinks, and breezy blues playful yet polished.
A companion film spotlights the real heartbeat behind the collection: master artisans in Fabindia’s cluster communities, whose patience and precision turn rhythmic needlework into living cultural legacy. Every piece carries the Craftmark Tag, verifying genuine handcraftsmanship, and is now rolling out across the brand’s 350-plus stores nationwide.
A Fabindia spokesperson said, “Behind every thread is a heartbeat, behind every pattern, a lifetime of devotion… It is a tribute to the human element, the master craftspeople who transform a rhythmic needle-pull into a cultural legacy.”
Whether you’re chasing resort vibes or city-sharp ethnic looks, this spring’s offering proves Chikankari isn’t just surviving the modern wardrobe, it’s stealing the spotlight with fresh colour, crisp silhouettes, and a quiet nod to the hands that keep the tradition alive.
