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TRAI issues digital radio broadcast policy CP for private broadcasters
Mumbai: TRAI has released a consultation paper to formulate a digital radio broadcast policy for private radio broadcasters.
Currently, analogue radio broadcasting in India takes place in medium wave, short wave, and VHF-II (FM) bands. While All India Radio operates across all three, private broadcasters are limited to the FM band (88-108 MHz).
Digital radio broadcasting presents several advantages, including the ability to transmit three to four channels on a single frequency while ensuring high audio quality. This is in contrast to analogue broadcasting, which allows only one channel per frequency. Digital radio also provides opportunities for broadcasters and additional services for listeners.
AIR has started digitising its analogue medium wave and short wave networks, replacing 38 analogue transmitters with digital ones and conducting trials for digital technologies in the FM band. However, digitisation efforts by private FM radio broadcasters are still pending.
In February 2018, TRAI recommended that stakeholders, including radio broadcasters and equipment manufacturers, collaborate to develop a digital radio broadcasting ecosystem. The Authority called for a detailed policy framework to guide the rollout of digital radio services.
In response to a request from the MIB on 23 April 2024, TRAI has initiated a consultation process to gather feedback on the digital radio broadcast policy. Stakeholders can submit written comments by 28 October 2024, with counter-comments accepted until 11 November 2024.
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.
