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Do not cut spectrum already allocated to TSPs if more needed for Defence or non-commercial purposes: TRAI
NEW DELHI: Noting that only 1800 MHz spectrum is likely to be affected for diversion for Defence or non-commercial use, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has said no TSP should be asked to surrender any spectrum, which it already holds if a level playing field amongst TSPs has to be ensured.
In a clarification to the Department of Telecom, TRAI reiterated that the same spectrum cap may be made applicable for all the TSPs in a particular local service area (LSA).
Responding to a letter from the DoT, the Authority said, “Even in case of 1800 MHz also, after the harmonisation exercise with the Defence, additional spectrum will be made available for commercial usages, as Defence has been occupying more than 20 MHz of bandwidth agreed as per Memorandum of Understanding between DoT and the Ministry of Defence. Therefore, the situation, as raised by DoT, is unlikely to arise.”
This was particularly so in view of the fact that Defence band had already been notified and it was unlikely that any spectrum that was hitherto assigned for commercial use will be assigned for non-commercial use. In the case of 1800 MHz band, frequency harmonisation is required to be taken place amongst TSPs and Defence, implying that Defence and commercial chunk of spectrum are placed in their respective allotted slots.
In its Recommendations “Valuation and Reserve Price of Spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands” dated 27 January, 2016, the Authority has recommended that DoT should ensure that this exercise gets completed before the next auction. It is also mentioned that after completion of this exercise it is expected that additional spectrum of about 200 MHz will be made available for assignment for commercial use.
There is no other spectrum band where any rearrangement of spectrum with Defence is immediately foreseen.
In its letter, DoT had sought views of TRAI on modalities to operate two different spectrum caps – one declared at the time of auction and other published as soon as some spectrum is assigned for non-commercial use; and whether existing spectrum holding of operators should be protected as an exception consequent to reduction in band as well as overall cap due to assignment of spectrum for non-commercial use after the auction.
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.
