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TRAI releases telecommunication services DAS audit manual
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual. The new regulatory framework endeavours to provide a level playing field to all the service providers, effective choice to consumers, and orderly growth of the sector. It envisages a must-carry and must-provide regime where interconnection agreements are based on transparent Reference Interconnect Offer.
“This manual is the result of the synthesis of all comments, suggestions of BECIL and final analysis by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. The audit manual will be a guidance document for the audit process as it specifies step-by-step process in simple language. The manual does not supersede any provision of the extant regulations,” said TRAI in its release.
In order to ensure that the benefits of digitisation are effectively utilised, TRAI, after due consultation process, brought out a common regulatory framework for digital addressable systems. The 'new regulatory framework' comprises Interconnection Regulations, 2017, Quality of Service Regulations, 2017 and Tariff Order, 2017.
The full benefits of digitisation can accrue to various stakeholders in the value chain only when the business transactions are transparent and based on objective, measurable and computable parameters.
Effective and factual audit of the systems of DPO will ensure that the equipment and the software (including configuration of systems) comply with the extant regulatory framework.
“The new framework envisages that the DPO gets its systems audited every year so as to assure the broadcasters that true subscription numbers are being reported. In cases where a broadcaster is not satisfied with the outcomes of audit undertaken by the DPO, a countervailing provision empowers the broadcaster to initiate an audit. Considering the importance of audit to establish the trust-based regime, industry stakeholders suggested to provide an audit manual,” said TRAI.
Accordingly, the authority constituted a committee comprising of industry stakeholders to prepare and submit draft audit manual to the authority. Consultation Paper on the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual was issued on 29 March 2019. After receiving the comments, an Open House Discussion (OHD) was held on 20 June 2019 in Delhi to discuss the draft audit manual.
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.
