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TRAI ideas on public WiFi in three weeks; Mumbai gets 500 hotspots
MUMBAI: Telecom regulator TRAI has said it will finalise in 20-25 days its views on ‘public WiFi networks’ terming the affordability and availability of broadband as a “prerequisite” for growth of digital transactions. Public WiFi networks would offer data connectivity at 10 per cent of the prevailing rates.
TRAI chairman R S Sharma said their recommendations would come in in 20-25 days. The basic objective of Digital India was to encourage digital transactions of all kinds, he said, adding that the broadband access needed to be ubiquitous, reliable and robust.
In its consultation paper floated in July last year, TRAI had said that it is estimated that cost per MB in Wi-Fi Network could be less than 2 paise per MB while consumers on an average are paying around 23 paise per MB for the data usage in the cellular network like 2G, 3G and 4G.
The broadband shortage with regard to wired infrastructure will also be addressed through the growth of community WiFI hotspots. Digital payment channels have seen major rise in transactions after demonetisation.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the rollout of the largest public WiFi service in Mumbai by launching 500 live hotspots across Mumbai. The hotspots in the metro will go up to 1,200 by 1 May (Maharashtra Day), Fadnavis assured.
The state’s mega-project to turn Mumbai into a “WiFi city” was announced in August 2015. For its free internet, the government has been using the state-run MTNL network. The free network is good for either 1GB of data (offered at 20Mbps) or 30 minutes, whichever is reached first.
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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.
