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Star moves Delhi HC against Trai ruling on cable rates
NEW DELHI: The mutterings in the industry over the broadcast regulator’s decision to permit only an inflation-linked four per cent annual hike in cable TV prices, has finally translated into a court case.
Leading broadcaster Star India today moved the Delhi High Court against the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (Trai) edict on cable rates. The Trai administered cable price regime takes effect exactly a year after the broadcast and cable regulator had put a ceiling of seven per cent hike on cable TV prices. The order allows for a four per cent (exclusive of taxes) annual hike in cable TV prices, effective 1 January 2006.
According to industry feedback that Indiantelevision.com has received, some other broadcasters are likely to either implead their own submissions into the Star case or file separately in court against the Trai order.
Trai has used the Whole Sale Price Index (WPI) to determine the inflation adjustment rate. “On the basis of analysis done by us, the inflation adjustment works out to four per cent,” Trai said.
The regulator had conducted the first periodical review for inflation adjustment during November 2004 and a notification was issued on 1.12.2004. It provided for an increase of seven per cent over the ceiling cable charges (excluding taxes) prevailing as on 26.12.2003. This increase was made effective from 1 January 2005.
Star’s case against the regulator comes close on the heels of Ten Sports and ESPN Star Sports contesting government-mandated norms relating to sharing of sporting content with the Indian pubcaster under certain provisions of the uplink and downlink guidelines that were recently notified.
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.
