News Headline
Telecom sees strong subscriber growth in October
MUMBAI: As per a compilation done by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) based on latest reports from operators, the subscriber base for telephony services has seen accelerated growth in 2005.
In the month of October 2005, 3.24 million subscribers were added as compared to 2.87 million subscribers in September, 2005. During the first seven months of 2005, around 18 million subscribers have been added.
For mobile segment, 2.90 million subscribers have been added during October 2005 as compared to 2.48 million in September, 2005. The mobile additions consist of 2.11 million GSM subscribers and 0.79 million CDMA subscribers as against 1.96 million GSM and 0.52 million CDMA last month, states a release issued by Trai.
During the first seven months of current financial year about 15.73 million mobile subscribers were added, making it a total of 67.95 million mobile subscribers at the end of October 2005.
The study shows that ARPU in India is lowest though usage is very high. A comparison study of Minutes of Use (MOU) has put Australia on top with 93 MOU and 33 ARPU ($ per month). India has recorded an MOU per month of 287 while the ARPU stands at a mere $8 per month.
In the fixed segment, a total of 0.34 million subscribers were added during October 2005, which were predominantly WLL (F). With this the total subscriber base of fixed lines have reached 48.17 million. The gross subscribers’ base consisting of fixed as well as mobile has crossed 116 million.
The gross subscriber base consisting of fixed as well as mobile has become 116 million at the end of October, 2005. The tele-density at the end of October, 2005 has reached 10.66 as compared to 10.38 at the end of previous month.
Broadband connections have continued the similar growth rate since beginning of 2005. At the end of October, 2005, total Broadband connections in the country have crossed 6,90,000 as against a target of three million fixed in Broadband Policy-2004.
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.
