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TRAI allowing Jio to contravene rules, Airtel files affidavit in TDSAT
MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel has escalated its legal battle against the telecom regulator TRAI, filing an additional affidavit in the telecom tribunal TDSAT in which it has slammed the watchdog for what it termed “tacitly” allowing Reliance Jio Infocomm to break rules around “anti-competitive” promotional offers.
In the affidavit filed with the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on Tuesday, India’s No. 1 telco Airtel has made the allegations, Sat release stated.
On 23 December, Airtel had moved TDSAT against TRAI for not acting against Jio despite the latter reportedly violating its regulatory orders that restrain operators from offering free voice calls and providing promotional plans beyond an initial 90-day period.
TDSAT then asked TRAI to furnish a reply for which the latter sought time even as it sent a notice to Jio. The next date for hearing the matter is 1 February. Meanwhile, TDSAT permitted Jio to also become party to the case so that the operator will also be filing its application on the matter.
“It is respectfully submitted that the present appeal is at a very initial stage and pleadings are yet to be completed. The appellant is filing the present additional affidavit only to bring on record certain additional grounds of challenge. Since the present appeal is at an initial stage and the pleadings are yet to be completed, no prejudice whatsoever will be caused to the respondent if the present affidavit is taken on record. Moreover, the said grounds are essential to the adjudication of the present appeal and thus grave prejudice will be caused to the appellant if the present affidavit is not taken on record,” Bharti has said in its additional affidavit, the FE reported.
Bharti has reiterated its allegation that the free services offered by Jio were predatory as they had been introduced only to kill competition rather than encourage it.
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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.
