News Headline
Cable rates to go up by 7 % from 1 January
NEW DELHI: Cable rates are set to go up by seven per cent (basic tariff excluding taxes) from 1 January, 2005.
According to a statement released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today, the cable subscription price ceiling that has been in effect since 26 December, 2003, is being revised taking inflation into account.
On the basis of analysis done by the Authority, the rate adjustment for inflation works out to seven per cent. Accordingly, it has been decided that an amendment Order be issued that provides for revision in the ceiling on account of inflationary adjustment. This upward revision will be be effective from 1 January, 2005, Trai said today.
Thus, the new rates will apply for payments to be made by consumers, cable operators, multi system operators for the month of January 2005.
The seven per cent increase will apply to the charges, excluding taxes, payable as on 26 December,2003.
Thus, if the payment was Rs 220 per month as on 26 December, 2003 of which Rs. 20 was on account of taxes, the seven per cent increase will be applied on Rs 200 and an increase of Rs14 per month would be the maximum permissible increase to the basic charges, excluding taxes.
The industry has shown mixed reactions to the Trai provision for a seven per cent increase in subscription rates across the board. Says Star India chief executive officer Peter Mukerjea, “A seven per cent rise is ridiculous and unacceptable. It is not even matching the rate of inflation when taken over a two-year period. Other costs have gone up. The regulator shouldn’t be regulating price.”
Sony Entertainment Television India chief executive officer Kunal Dasgupta, however, welcomed the move. “For one year, we could not raise rates at all. Now at least we have a seven per cent increase.”
The cable sector has expressed limited optimism. Says Siticable head Jawahar Goel, “Something is better than nothing,” he says. “However, unlike Siticable, others may not be so positive about the new development.”
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.
