News Headline
Trai yet to decide on DTH architecture
NEW DELHI: Broadcast and cable regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), which is slated to come out with its recommendations on the cable industry by next month, is still undecided whether to have open architecture for KU-band direct-to-home TV service or not.
Though issues related to DTH were not scheduled to be discussed during a meeting Trai recently had with pay broadcasters, it did come up and a representative from the regulator dwelt on the matter in passing.
What’s more, the Trai representative at the forementioned meeting, while dwelling on the issue of ‘must provide’ and ‘must carry’ clause, said a final decision ought not to be taken till the time another service provider started a DTH venture.
At the moment, India has only one DTH service, Dish TV, promoted by the Subhash Chandra-controlled ASC Enterprise and Zee Telefilms. Though Doordarshan may start its DTH service before the Tata-Star combine, Dish TV’s main competitor is the latter.
Contacted by indiantelevision.com to verify whether DTH-related matters were brought up at the recent Trai meeting, a senior executive of Zee Telefilms confirmed the development, saying that Trai’s stand on both the issues were “unwarranted for the occasion” and put Dish TV at a disadvantage vis-à-vis any new entrant in the sector.
However, the Zee executive also attempted to soft peddle the matter adding that since DTH is a new technology in India even the regulator would need some more time to complete studying all the issues.
Attempts made by indiantelevision.com to elicit a response from Trai proved futile till the time of writing this report.
Taking into account that Trai may be just attempting to sound out interested players on various DTH issues, it would be interesting to see the final stand taken by the regulator on the issues mentioned above. The niggling
thought of the present government stripping Trai of powers to hold sway over the broadcast and cable industry, notwithstanding. (I&B minister Jaipal Reddy is more interested in a separate broadcast regulator.)
It is also understood that Zee has conveyed to Trai that it would like to make a separate submission on open vs. closed architecture (during initial days Star lobbied against open architecture) and must-provide clause.
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.
