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TRAI directs broadcasters to implement NTO 2.0 by 10 August
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed all broadcasters to comply with the provisions of the New Tariff Amendment Order (NTO 2.0) by 10 August. Broadcasters must publish details including maximum retail price per month of channels and maximum retail price per month of bouquets of channels, composition of bouquets and also amended reference interconnected offer (RIO) and other on their website.
The regulatory body said, “In order to promote orderly growth of the sector and to balance the interests of service providers and to safeguard the interest of the consumers, it is necessary to give effect to Tariff Amendment Order 2020 and interconnection amendment regulations 2020 without any further delay.”
The regulatory body on 1 January, had notified the NTO 2.0 and the interconnection amendment regulations 2020. “TRAI has issued direction to all broadcasters to ensure compliance of various provision of the Telecommunication (broadcasting and cable) services dated 1 January 2020 and telecommunications (broadcasting and cable) services interconnection regulations, dated 1 January 2020.”
TRAI has also expressed discontent over one broadcaster allegedly discontinuing its low priced bouquets from 1 August and pushing higher-priced bouquets, in violation of NTO 1.0. It has also stated that the broadcaster has not informed TRAI about such change.
The authority has also claimed that distribution platform operators (DPOs) have complained that some of the broadcasters are not willing to sign RIOs according to NTO 2.0. Hence, many DPOs are not willing to enter into such agreements creating an overall regulatory vacuum in the industry. Moreover, it has been also stated that some broadcasters are extending old agreements with few DPOs.
The industry watchdog has stated that non-implementation of the NTO 2.0 is leading to chaos in the sector and jeopardising the business processes which has been harmonised after NTO 1.0 came into effect. According to it, delay and uncertainty in the implementation of NTO 2.0 will again bring back non-transparency and discriminatory practices in the sector.
Notably, major broadcasters moved to court after NTO 2.0 was notified. While the cases are subjudice, the ongoing pandemic has delayed the judgements. Hence, an ambiguity is prevailing in the industry. And the latest notification might irk broadcasters more.
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.
