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MSOs back Trai on inter-connect regulation
MUMBAI: Multi system operators (MSOs) have expressed to the Telcom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) their support to the supply of content on a ‘must-provide’ and ‘non discriminatory’ basis, despite the fear of facing competition and a drop in cable TV subscription prices.
But the support comes with a caveat: MSOs have sought an assurance from the cable and broadcast regulator to make provisions that will ensure content is not supplied to those operators who have made commercial defaults. “Commercial precautions should be taken care of. A level playing field also should be ensured,” says a senior official in a leading Mumbai-based MSO.
The MSO Alliance, a body of big MSOs including InCablenet, Hathway Cable & Datacom, Siticable, RPG Netcom and Sumangali Cable Vision, presented a joint view on the inter-connect draft regulation to the Trai on 5 November. Trai had recommended that content be provided on all delivery platforms, including cable, direct-to-home (DTH) and headend-in-the-sky (HITS) as ‘exclusivity’ would lead to ‘anti-competition’ practices.
“We feel that Trai will eventually be in support of the must-provide clause. So there is no point in opposing this. You have to be competitive. These are economics that can’t be stopped,” says the source.
According to Trai’s draft on inter-connect regulation, broadcasters can’t deny content to cable operators on a discriminatory basis. This will bring in new players into the cable TV business, leading to further competition and fragmentation. A result of this, experts say, will be a fall in subscription prices. But, at the same time, existing MSOs feel the ‘must-provide’ clause will protect them from frequent disputes with broadcasters over blackout of feed.
Meanwhile, the last mile cable operators have written to the broadcast and cable TV regulator to ensure that their interests are protected. Says Cable Operators and Distributors Association president Anil Parab, “Whatever be the final recommendations, Trai shouldn’t harm cable operators. We have written to the regulator, stating that our businesses shouldn’t come under threat.”
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.
