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TRAI claims stakeholders ready as new tariff regime kicks in
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) states that it has held meetings with MSOs, DTH operators and HITS operators over the course of the last few weeks, the last being on 31 January, and all of them have confirmed that they are ready to migrate to the new tariff regime from 1 February 2019.
Lauding its own efforts, TRAI said that a large number of subscribers have exercised their options and their choices have been recorded by service providers which must be processed on priority basis. For those who have not yet chosen, a smooth migration plan needs to be made and their choices must be taken from a variety of means such as mobile apps, SMS, website or direct communication through LCOs.
Answering a question on additional TV connections by a customer, the TRAI directed them to follow the rules of Rs 130 as network fee for 100 SD channels and slabs of 25 channels with a cap of Rs 20. Any other discounts can be made within these caps but need to be uniform in the market.
TRAI reiterated that consumers are free to choose both FTA and pay channels on a-la-carte or combination and any forceful measures on the end of the provider must be brought to the authority’s notice.
The release also states: “Subscribers may note that the new regime empowers them to change their choices whenever they desire with maximum lock-in period of one month. The subscribers can always request their DPOs to modify their selection even after choosing any package at present.”
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.
