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Trai discusses CAS with pay channels
NEW DELHI: Most of the pay channel operators today, once again, conveyed to broadcast and cable regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), that certain things like bundling of channels in bouquets in an addressable regime should be left to the market forces.
Though the different views had a common thread of conditional access system (CAS), but Trai sources indicated that there were “differences” in the approaches of broadcasters to issues.
For example, whether CAS should be mandatory or not, the old differences cropped up again today. Zee Telefilms, according to Trai sources, rooted for a mandatory clause, while others were for voluntary implementation of addressability in Indian cable homes.
The regulator was interacting with the pay channel representatives today before it finalises its recommendations on a host of issues related to CAS, which has been hanging fire after the previous government denotified its implementation on a recommendation from the regulator.
It is expected that by next month Trai would submit its report to the government, which, then, has to take a final call on the CAS issue. I&B minister Jaipal Reddy has already said that he is against any “hasty implementation” of CAS.
On the issue of non-discrimination on content, the likes of Sony and Star were of the opinion that all type of content could not be made available to everybody and to every platform as it depended on commercial contracts between a broadcaster and the cable op / MSO.
The meeting that was primarily held to look into the desirability of CAS failed to come up with something new or startling.
Those who attended today’s four-hour meeting included
representatives from Star India, Sony Entertainment Television, Discovery India, Zee Telefilms and Ten Sports.
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.
