News Headline
Trai orders Sony to restore signal to Allahabad cable op
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has directed Sony-Discovery to immediately restore signals of its bouquet of channels to Allahabad-based Three Star Communication which runs cable TV operations.
SET Discovery had discontinued signals on the ground that Three Star Communication was a chronic defaulter and had outstandings of Rs 1.40 lakh since August 2004. Trai has said Sony can switch off signals only after issuing a one-month notice.
But the broadcast and cable regulator has pointed out that SET Discovery, as per the Interconnection Regulation, should have given one month notice before disconnection of signal. Only in cases of piracy can a broadcaster switch off signals with a two-day notice. And in this case, the main cause for disconnection is non-liquidation of outstanding payment.
“The proviso under clause 4.1 providing for two working days notice in the case of piracy cannot be extended to the ground of non liquidation of outstanding payments. Therefore, it was necessary for SET Discovery to have given one month’s notice to Three Star Communication before resorting to disconnection,” Trai said.
SET Discovery, the regulator said, has also not indicated its position in two local newspapers or in two national dailies or through a scroll in the channel as provided for in clause 4.2 of the Interconnection Regulation. Trai’s regulation had come into force with effect from 10 December 2004.
So what course of action Sony will take? “We are consulting our legal counsel. We will talk a decision accordingly,” says SET Discovery president Shantonu Aditya.
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.
