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TRAI gives MSOs another CAF extension till December end
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has again shown forbearance towards multi-system operators (MSOs). The regulator has given another extension to the MSOs and asked them to submit 100 per cent consumer application forms (CAFs) by December end along with the compliance report. The regulator met the five national MSOs and a few state players today in New Delhi to get an update on the situation of DAS phase I and II cities.
“TRAI has given us the extension looking at our performance since the last meeting held on 29 November. While we had achieved only 45 per cent CAF in DAS phase II areas when we met last, this time the figure stands at 65-70 per cent,” says one of the MSO who attended the meeting.
The MSOs are confident of achieving the figure by the month end. “If TRAI continues its pressure and resolves to take some action against those not complying, I am sure we can achieve 100 per cent figure,” he says.
Acknowledging the issues in Hyderabad, TRAI has shown leniency towards the city. “The 100 per cent CAF doesn’t include Hyderabad,” says the MSO.
Apart from representatives of the five national MSOs, the others that attended the meeting chaired by TRAI principal advisor N. Parameswaran included: Manthan from Kolkata and Ranchi, UCN from Nagpur and MSOs from Vishakapatnam and Gujarat among others.
The TRAI also reviewed the gross billing status in the DAS phase I cities. The MSOs had to start billing from December. “The subscribers need to get the bills as per their package plan from December. The regulator has said that either the local cable operators (LCOs) or MSOs can bill the subscribers and has asked us to send the compliance report by 31 December,” informs the MSO.
That apart, the MSOs in Kolkata and Delhi have decided to join hands and educate the consumers on gross billing. “While seven players in Kolkata will publish ads in leading newspapers in Kolkata, approximately three MSOs in Delhi have decided to come together for the print campaign,” he adds.
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.
