News Headline
TRAI reducing TSP/ISPs & VSAT service-providers’ burden: Broadband Forum
NEW DELHI: Expressing satisfaction that many of its demands had been met in the latest recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Broadband India Forum has said it is a small but significant step in the right direction to help reduce the burden of the TSP/ISPs as well as that of the VSAT service-providers thereby paving the way for a more active engagement of the ISPs and TSPs offering Internet Access Services to increase broadband penetration in the country
BIF president T V Ramachandran hoped that this would be the first of many such recommendations from the Regulator to expedite broadband penetration and the vision of the prime minister to fully realise the dream of ‘Digital India’.
He said the recommendations for streamlining the procedure/process of allocation of satellite capacity and the frequency allocation subsequently by WPC for VSAT service providers and capping it to be provided in a time bound manner –within a span of three months was indeed praiseworthy.
He said further went on to mention that the idea of a single window clearance for all clearances/approvals/payments through a transparent online mechanism was a “wonderful and welcome idea in this age of digital payments and single point responsibility”.
Ramachandran said BIF’s position stand vindicated on many of the points made by the Regulator stand vindicated. These include the given spectrum bands be charged administratively and on a link-by-link basis; P-AGR should not be prescribed either for ISP licenses or for Commercial VSAT Licenses; SUC calculation/determination should continue to be based on the existing formula instead of as a percentage of the AGR; and delayed payment in case of SUC should be charged on the basis of SBI PLR +2%.
Also Read :
Industry surprised on Deepak’s transfer from DoT, Jio connection refuted
5G network: Huawei launches 5000 series station & microwave bearer solution
Don’t levy spectrum usage charges as percentage of AGR: TRAI
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.
