News Headline
TRAI asks pay broadcasters to revise wholesale tariff, even as matter pending in SC
NEW DELHI: Fifty-four pay broadcasters were today asked by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to revise their wholesale tariff for the non-CAS (Conditional Access System) and DAS (Digital Addressable System) areas to what existed before the coming into force of the two tariff orders that have been set aside by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Settlement Tribunal (TDSAT).
TRAI, which also met some of the broadcasters in a meeting today, said the revised tariff should be filed with the Authority within 10 days from the date of receipt of the letter.
The TDSAT order had been challenged before the Supreme Court, which on 16 May declined to stay the order setting aside the amendments in two tariff orders, which had sought to put an inflation-linked hike of 27.5 per cent on addressable and non-addressable systems.
TDSAT chairman Aftab Alam and member Kuldip Singh said in their order of 28 April that the ‘The Telecommunication (Broadcasting & Cable) Services (Second) Tariff (Eleventh Amendment) Order, 2014’ and ‘The Telecommunication (Broadcasting & Cable) Services (Second) Tariff (Thirteenth Amendment) Order, 2014]’ were “untenable.”
The Tribunal also said it thought that TRAI “will be well advised to have a fresh look at the various tariff orders in a holistic manner and come out with a comprehensive tariff order in supersession of all the earlier tariff orders.”
In its letter placed on its website, TRAI said that the increase of 27.5 per cent in non-addressable systems had led to a similar increase in addressable systems in accordance with the provisions of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Fourth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff Order of 21 July, 2010.
TRAI in the Telecommunication (Broadcasting & Cable) Services (Second) Tariff (Eleventh Amendment) Order of 31 March, 2014 allowed an inflationary increase of 15 per cent in the wholesale prices for non-addressable systems over the prices prevailing as on 31 March, 2014 to be effective from 1 April, 2014 and 12.5 per cent with effect from January 2015 under the Telecommunication (Broadcasting & Cable) Services (Second) Tariff (Thirteenth Amendment) Order of 31 December, 2014.
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.
