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TRAI mulls free access for TV content
MUMBAI:The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is now mulling if it should make it mandatory for broadcasters to have open access of their contents on non-discriminatory basis to all platforms including Cable TV, DTH and Broadband.
In the fresh consultation paper issued by the TRAI today (click here for the full draft), the authority has invited suggestions from stakeholders on whether it should issue regulation on interconnection norms to ensure effective and interconnection between various service providers of Broadcasting and Cable Services. Also, the authority is contemplating if must carry of a channel be made mandatory for all cable TV, DTH and broadband services providers, and if so, the conditions on which it should be enforced.
The paper, released by TRAI, says, “Since competition from different platforms to deliver TV channels would be an important means of achieving the desired objectives, we also need to consider policies that would promote competition within the cable industry.” In the last few years, the TRAI paper says, “These monopolies (in the provision of cable service) have become even stronger as vertical integration has taken place through acquisition of MSO/cable operators by upstream operators. The creation of vertical monopolies may result in anticompetitive practices like discrimination in treatment of competitors while carrying signals or providing signals.”
“The only DTH and the only HITS operator in the country have not received signals from some of the broadcasters. In the case of HITS the matter is involved in litigation. Carriage of popular channels by operators is essential for competing in the market. As such, success of competition in the distribution chain largely depends on non-discriminatory treatment of carriage of TV channels, and there may be a need to examine the situation of contents/signals of TV channels provided at more favourable terms to affiliates than to competitors. It also raises the regulatory issue of must provide to all seekers of the broadcasting signals,” it notes.
TRAI’s amendment to the The Register of Interconnect Agreement Regulation 1999 in February 2004 to widen its scope to include broadcasting and cable services in its ambit, now require all agreements between MSOs and broadcasters to be registered with TRAI.
Clause 3(iii) of this amendment requires that ‘no service provider shall discriminate between service providers in the matter of levying of charges for interconnection. Provided that a different charge may be levied if justified on the basis of substantial difference in cost incurred for providing that particular interconnection agreement.’
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.
