News Headline
Trai proposes to amend Cable TV Act
NEW DELHI: Broadcast and telecom regulator proposes to amend the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the existing telecom licenses to facilitate growth of IPTV services in the country.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today released the proposed amendments in the Cable Television Networks Act and other material for industry feedback.Giving the reasons for this proposed amendment, which will have to be okayed by the government, Trai said, “During consultation process on issues relating to convergence and competition in broadcasting and telecommunications, certain problems were pointed out, which are likely to arise if IPTV services are to be governed by the existing Cable Television
Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.”
It added, “The possible solution for resolving the regulatory problems is amending the existing telecom licenses and the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.”
After holding a series of meetings with various stakeholders on the issues involved, Trai has finalized a draft of the proposed amendments in relevant rules.It had been pointed out that the following problems are likely to arise if IPTV services are to be governed by the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995:
i. Technological requirement of IPTV to deliver content through a set top box leads to non-compliance with the requirement of Section 4A of Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 about free to air channels not needing an addressable system.
ii. Use of different protocols by different companies and lack of standardization for IPTV services violates the requirement of Section 9 of the Cable TV Act about use of equipment conforming to Bureau of Indian Standards.
iii. Applicability of FDI norms, downlinking guidelines and programme codes on a unified licensee providing IPTV services with same content as cable TV needs clarification.
Trai said that the problems have come up as the Cable Television Act was formulated when IPTV service was not even conceived.
One of the amendments proposed by the regulator includes defining `cable service’ as means the transmission by cables of programmes including retransmission by cables of any broadcast television signals, but does not include video service offered under Unified Access Service Licence by the Unified Access Service Licence holders on their networks.
This part is aimed at keeping IPTV services outside the definition of “cable services” so that such service would not get hit by Section 4A(6) of the Cable Television Act on basic tier programming not requiring a box.
The details of the proposed amendments are available on the regulator’s website, www.trai.gov.in, for feedback from the industry.
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.
