News Broadcasting
Trai needs consultants for satellite radio
NEW DELHI: After trying out consultants for the era of digitalisation and migration from the present set-up, broadcast and cable regulator, Telecom Regulatory of Authority of India (Trai), now wants to engage consultants for satellite radio broadcast to advise it on a policy framework for the segment.
The consultants would be required to give their report and draft recommendations and would be required to furnish their reports on the following points:-
o Study of international trends on satellite radio.
o The report should cover at least four countries.
o The report should cover the statutes and regulations adopted by these countries towards satellite radio.
o The report should also cover the technical standards adopted by these countries.
o Consultant would provide draft recommendation/regulations appropriate for India situations.
For this purpose, Trai has invited expressions of interest from reputed consulting firms by 1 October, 2004.
Presently, worldover, there are three satellite digital radio systems, which are in operation. These are World Space, XM Radio and Sirius Radio. The three systems are capable of individually providing about hundred radio channels of digital quality.
World Space, through the western beam of its Asiastar satellite is providing about 40 radio channels over the Indian sub-continent. The satellite digital radio has great potential for India due to its large size, Trai feels.
With regard to the international scenario and the benefits that result from satellite radio, Trai proposes to examine the need for regulating the satellite radio and also look at the possibility of promoting uplinking from India.
Before the start of work, the consultant will indicate the number and names of the countries to be studied, to Trai for approval and submit a report latest by 30 November 2004. Based on comprehensive information on satellite radio in these countries, and taking account of any special features of the
Indian situation, the consultant shall provide draft recommendations, including suggestions on policies/ regulations to promote this segment.
According to Trai, five parties will be short listed on the basis of the team handling the project and experience of handling similar nature of projects and would be required to make a presentation of their credentials and the approach to the proposed project before a committee on 8 October, 2004.
The firms will be assessed on the following criteria for marks mentioned against these parameters:
(a) Experience and capabilities in handling similar projects as consultants
(b) Sector expertise and experience
(c) Understanding of satellite radio industry and problems of change
(d) Proposed consultant team qualification to the project
(e) Local and global presence
(f) Research capabilities
Final selection would be conveyed on 15 October, 2004 and the successful bidder would start work on 20 October.
News Broadcasting
UDF poised to return to power in Kerala, says Manorama-CVoter survey
Massive opinion poll projects shift in Kerala politics ahead of 2026 Assembly elections.
MUMBAI: The winds of change appear to be blowing through Kerala’s political landscape and this time, they seem to favour the United Democratic Front. A comprehensive mega opinion survey conducted by Manorama News in partnership with CVoter projects a potential comeback for the UDF in the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. The survey, covering all 140 constituencies with a massive sample size of nearly 90,000 respondents, predicts the UDF could win between 69 and 81 seats.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is expected to secure 57 to 69 seats, a significant drop from the 99 seats it won in the 2021 elections. This would mean the LDF losing 30 to 42 of its sitting seats. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which drew a blank in 2021, is projected to open its account with 1 to 5 seats.
Region-wise, the UDF is expected to make strong gains in Malabar, winning 25 to 34 out of 48 seats, and in Central Kerala, where it could bag 29 to 33 out of 53 seats. In South Kerala, the LDF is likely to retain an edge with 21 to 25 seats, while the UDF may improve to 12 to 16 seats. The NDA could pick up 1 to 3 seats in the southern region.
The survey was conducted between 14 and 26 March 2026, with additional tracker and snap polls carried out from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 89,693 respondents participated, ensuring representation across all demographics and social segments.
Manorama News has a strong track record of accuracy, with its previous projections closely matching the actual results of the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2021 Kerala Assembly polls.
In Kerala’s famously fierce political battles, this survey suggests the pendulum may be swinging back. Whether the final verdict matches these numbers or throws up another surprise, one thing is clear, the 2026 Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most keenly watched contests in the state’s history.
