News Headline
Bharat Net project to provide 1gbps broadband bandwidth in villages
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: The Indian government’s proposal of providing hi-speed broadband services to rural areas seems to be on track. It said that in the second phase of the ambitious Bharat Net project, covering approximately 150,000 gram panchayats, it has been proposed to provide 1gbps bandwidth in case of wired media (optical fibre cable) and minimum 100 mbps bandwidth scalable up to 1 gbps in case of wireless media (radio).
The Bharat Net project, aimed at providing broadband and related services, including TV, is being implemented in a phased manner for providing connectivity to all the approximately 250,000 gram panchayats or village administrations in the country, Communications Minister Manoj Sinha on Friday told the Rajya Sabha or the upper house of parliament.
In phase I of the project, 100,000 gram panchayats are envisaged to be connected on 100 mbps speed, the minister said. In a separate suggestion, telecoms and broadcast regulator TRAI has said that cable operators and satellite companies could be roped in to provide broadband services as part of the Bharat Net project.
Sinha further stated that Rs 40,660 million has been approved for providing last mile connectivity through wi-fi or any other suitable broadband technology to the gram panchayats of the country.
The strategy to provide last mile connectivity, the minister stated, has been approved by the Telecom Commission in September 2017 and a tender to select the implementing agency for provision of last mile connectivity has been prepared by Bharat Broadband Network Limited.
According to the communications minister, as on 24 December 2017 optical fibre connectivity has been provided to 1,08,237 village administrations by laying 2,52,547 km optical fibre cable and 96,039 gram panchayats are service-ready.
ALSO READ:
Bharat Net first phase nears completion, provides b’band to village admin
Rural India gets e-commerce & TV ready via optic fibre network
TRAI chief pushes for b’band over cable TV, BharatNet for upping penetration
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.
