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Trai urges unified licensing to spur next generation networks
MUMBAI: Telecom regulator Trai today said that operators should be encouraged to move to next generation networks (NGN) for effective utilisation of spectrum for mobile services asked government to act fast on unified licensing regime to make NGN a reality.
Trai’s recommendations for a unified licensing regime, dated 13th January 2005, should be considered expeditiously so that various operators can make best use of NGN platform to provide all types of telecom, data, video and broadcast services through a single licence, Trai said in its recommendations.
A statement issued by Trai today says: “Due to technological advancements there is a trend towards unification of networks & services leading to the emergence of Next Generation Networks, which are predominantly IP based. The NGNs enable the service providers to provide a wide range of services (voice, data, video) over the same platform.”
In addition, NGNs also enable fixed-mobile convergence / substitution resulting into reduced demand on mobile services spectrum, the statement points out.
Increase in broadband penetration is a must for wider deployment of NGN services and since the policy targets for broadband have not been met, it is time to undertake the review of various recommendations on broadband access related issues, Trai said, adding that unless various operators are able to deploy NGN in access to provide multiple services its full benefits cannot be made available to customers.
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.
