Senders of pesky calls, SMSes will face disconnection: TRAI

May 24, 2013
New Delhi, May 24: In a bid to combat the menace of pesky calls and SMSes, sectoral regulator Trai has decided that telecom facilities given to subscriber would be immediately disconnected if it is found being used for sending unsolicited communication.

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Name and address of such subscribers shall be entered into a blacklist and no resources would be allotted to these subscribers for a period of two years in such cases, TRAI Member RK Arnold told reporters.

Amending the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations 2013, Trai today said in case of a valid complaint, the telecom operator shall disconnect all the telecom resources allotted to such subscriber, after due investigation. This provision comes into force with immediate effect.

"The moment a complaint is received by a service provider from a customer... it will immediately investigate into that complaint and if it finds the communication unsolicited, the regulations provides for immediate disconnection of that resource," Arnold said.

TRAI said it has introduced the measures to further strengthen the framework for controlling unregistered telemarketers.

"...there are many private persons who are sending the commercial messages to the subscribers...now with this particular amendment...resources of such subscribers will be disconnected," Arnold said.

Meanwhile, TRAI has amended the Telecom Commercial Customer Preference Regulations, 2010, which prescribes a transactional charge of 5 paisa per transactional SMS, which will come into effect from June 1.

Presently, only the promotional messages are charged. "The 5 paisa charge is already there for promotional messages. Now, it will be applicable for transactional messages also, which also falls under the category of commercial communications," Arnold said.

Apart from that, the authority said it has introduced the Short Message Services (SMS) Termination Charges Regulations, 2013, which prescribes a termination charge of 2 paisa per SMS. The regulations would come into effect from June 1.

SMS termination charges are payable by originating telecom operator to the terminating operator for each SMS terminated by it on its network. As per the prevailing regulations, SMS termination charges are under forbearance. Under forbearance, certain charges are not regulated by TRAI.

Arnold attributed the introduction of these amendments to ensure level-playing field among operators and to protect consumer interest.

He added that though the policy of forbearance worked satisfactorily in the past but in changed circumstances there were issues in this regard.

With increase in SMSes these days, there was a large imbalance in SMS traffic between the networks of inter-connecting service providers, he said.

Amid instances of unilateral imposition of termination charges by dominant players and growing litigations, Arnold said TRAI reviewed the forbearance policy and prescribed cost-based SMS termination charge.

The regulation said: "...the authority has prescribed cost based SMS termination charge of 2 paisa per SMS", keeping in view the observation of TDSAT that SMS termination charges should be cost-based and on work done principle.

This is in order to "create certainty in the market", counter "exigencies created by certain dominant players and to protect the interests of the consumers", it added.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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