News Headline
Trai looking to fix pay channel rates, bundling quantum
NEW DELHI: The broadcast and cable regulator Telecom Authority of India (Trai) now has set its eye on fixingthe rates of individual pay channels and the quantum of bundling that can be allowed with an aim to give cable viewers greater choice.It is also looking at capping commercial time on paychannels after due consultation.
In a statement today, Trai has said that subsequent to a meeting held on 25 February a committee has been formed whose terms of references would include deciding on the rates of pay channels payable by cable operators and MSOs.The terms of reference for the committee have now been decided which are as follows:
1.Suggest the norms for fixing rates (or ceiling
rates) for cable subscribers/cable operators / Multi
Service Operators for individual pay channels,
bouquets thereof, and distribution of free-to-air
channels.
2.Suggest regulation regarding rates of cable
operators, including periodicity of change of monthly
cable charges.
3. Suggest the principles for laying down limits as to
the extent of bundling of pay channels to be allowed
in order to ensure that Cable TV viewers have a
genuine choice with regard to selection of pay
channels.
4. Formulate the standard terms and conditions under
which set top boxes may be made available
(sale/rental) to subscriber.
5. Suggest the conditions under which consumers may
return set top boxes sold or rented to them by service
providers and ask for refund.
6. Suggest the maximum advertising time to be
permitted per hour on pay channels along with other
conditions that are required to be imposed.
7. Examine the implications of gradual and voluntary
introduction of set top boxes.
8. Any other measure, to ensure that CAS does not lead
to exploitation of the consumer by the monopoly
distribution channels.
Secretary, Trai, would be the chairman of the
committee. The first meeting of this committee is
scheduled for 10 March.
Trai had held a meeting on 25 February with the
state governments of Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal
and Tamilnadu to discuss issues relating to cable
services and various other problems faced by state
governments in the implementation of CAS.
Following this meeting, Trai had decided to establish
a special committee comprising representatives of
these state governments, which would work on various
issues relating to cable television and provide inputs
to the Authority to finalise regulations in this
regard.
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.
