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TRAI tariff order, interconnect regulations; date for responses extended
NEW DELHI: Stakeholders wanting to give in their reactions to the latest draft Tariff order for Digital Addressable Systems, the Quality of Service and Consumer Protection Regulations, and the draft interconnect regulations have been given time till 15 November 2016 to respond.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which had issued these three documents, had earlier given other dates but has given a final extension to give an opportunity to the stakeholders to offer their comments but has made it clear that there will be no further extensions.
The documents have been issued after considering the views expressed by the stakeholders during the consultation process and internal analysis of TRAI.
Clearly, this is because the final phase of DAS comes into effect from 1 January 2017.
The Draft “Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services (Eighth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff Order 2016 and the Draft “The Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Digital Addressable Systems) Regulations 2016 had been issued on 10 October 2016.
Later, TRAI had issued the Draft Interconnection Regulation for TV Broadcasting Services provided through Addressable Systems on 14 October 2016.
In a note on its website, TRAI said the whole process had begun when it issued a Consultation Paper on “Tariff Issues related to TV Services” on 29 January 2016 in order to holistically review the existing regulatory framework for TV broadcasting services delivered through addressable systems. TRAI had also issued a Consultation Paper on “Interconnection framework for Broadcasting TV Services distributed through Addressable Systems” on 4 May 2016 inviting comments. Subsequently, a Consultation Paper on “Issues related to Quality of Services in Digital Addressable Systems and Consumer Protection for TV Broadcasting Services” was issued on 18 May 2016.
In order to further discuss with the stakeholders, the issues involved in the said consultation papers, Open House Discussions (OHDs) were also conducted on all the three consultation papers.
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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.
