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TRAI releases fresh consultation note on CAS
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India today released another consultation paper on the broadcasting and distribution of TV channels, following talks with various stakeholders in the proposed conditional access system in the country.
Among the issues discussed is the pertinent issue of whether the TRAI should make it mandatory for broadcaster to have an open access of their contents on non discriminatory basis to all platforms including cable TV and Direct To Home services. It also addresses the issue of whether denial of channel signals to cable/DTH operators and denial of carriage of channels by multi system operators /local cable operators /DTH operators is anti competitive. Should ‘must carry’ of a channel be made mandatory for all cable and DTH services providers.
The paper addresses issues like – should CAS be introduced to view pay channels and whether it should be mandated by law or voluntarily introduced by service providers so that they are able to get subscription revenues. The paper also addresses issues like who should bear the cost of subsidies on set top boxes and if there is a need to regulate the commercial arrangement between players to share the burden of subsidy. The authority has invited suggestions on the consultation paper by 7 May 2004, and has fixed open house consultations in three metros – Delhi on 11 May, Chennai on 7 May and Mumbai 15 May 2004.
The last consultation paper on conditional access was issued by TRAI on 15 January 2004. The paper issued today also addresses the issue of interoperability of STBs for cable TV systems and the methodoloyg of determining prices if pay channels are made subject to price regulation. It also seeks to resolve the issue of bundling of pay channels and the ceiling rates on individual pay channels in a bouquet.
It also takes into consideration the periodicity of revision of rates for basic tier and pay channels and addresses the issue of restrictions imposed on the quantum of jump of revision of periodic subscription fee for pay channels, as well as that of regulation of advertisements on pay channels and FTA channels. It also seeks to determine if the TRAI should make it mandatory for broadcasters to have open access of their contents on non-discriminatory basis to all platforms including Cable TV and DTH.
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.
