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Jio offers: TDSAT gives TRAI time to explain
MUMBAI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to clarify whether Reliance Jio Infocomm’s offers — Happy New Year offer and Welcome offer — are aligned with the letter and spirit of the tariff order.
TDSAT asked TRAI to provide an explanation on whether the provision of the two Jio offers as well as their implementation follow Telecom Consumers Protection Regulation. TRAI is expected to file its response by 15 February before TDSAT takes a decision possibly on next hearing on 20 February.
The tribunal has asked TRAI to explain whether Jio’s two offers are at variance. TRAI has also been been told to explain whether Jio had informed its subscribers that the two offers were non-similar and whether it took the ‘subscriber’s approval’.
TRAI had stated that Jio’s New Year offer was not violative of the principles of non-discrimination, interlinked rule compliance and was non-predatory. TRAI recently gave a go-ahead to Jio’s free mobile voice calling and data plan on the condition that the scheme is not a violation of the guidelines on promotional offers.
On 4 December 2016, Jio launched Happy New Year offer which was distinct from its earlier Welcome Offer and could not be treated as an extension of the earlier promotional offer as the benefits were different. Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular had petitioned TDSAT for allowing Jio to continue its promotional offer for over 90 days.
Jio spokesperson however said that Airtel’s intention was to divert attention from its own violation of licensing conditions by denying PoIs to Jio. Airtel was also acting against consumer interest by opposing Jio’s ‘free voice’ benefit. All Jio plans had been found to be non-predatory by TRAI, Jio stated.
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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.
