News Headline
TRAI delegation attends GSMA Mobile World Congress in Spain
Mumbai: A high-level TRAI delegation led by TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti participated in the GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC-24) held at Barcelona, Spain. The chairman was accompanied by member Meenakshi Gupta, secretary V Raghunandan, and advisor Vandana Sethi.
This annual GSMA Ministerial Programme is the world’s leading forum for policymakers and global industry leaders from across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries to convene in pursuit of building a stronger digital future for all. This year, 196 delegations represented 151 countries and 45 intergovernmental organisations participated in the event and shared experience, identifying best practice and fostering partnerships to drive a digital and green transition across all sectors of their economies.
The event focused on current priority topics, such as 5G expansion, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, and climate action – to fuel the growth of our digital economies and societies. In addition, a new focus stage will delve deeper into the topics and challenges that are dominating globally.
TRAI chairman AK Lahoti participated in the high-level panel in the session titled “Unlocking Opportunity through Digital Inclusion”, which is a part of prestigious ministerial stage program. He shared his views on the importance of digital inclusion for nation’s overall socio-economic growth and the initiatives taken in India for digital inclusion.
TRAI member Meenakshi Gupta participated in the roundtable discussions titled ‘Women Leaders Roundtable’ and ‘Digital Nations in Asia Pacific: Shaping the Future through Strategic Policy and Collaboration’.
TRAI delegation visited technology demos of leading technology companies who had their pavilions at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2024. The delegation also had bilateral meetings with international regulators at the sidelines of the event.
One of the important highlights of this visit was signing of a bilateral agreement in the form of Letter of Intent (Lol) with South African Regulator ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) which was signed on 27 February 2024. The main objective of this Lol is to strengthen the existing bilateral relations between two regulators in the areas of regulation of telecommunications markets, Consumer protection in relation to telecommunication services, promotion of technical innovation in the telecommunications field, international cooperation especially in the framework of ITU, ICT Regulatory framework in sustainable smart cities, regulatory framework for M2M communications etc.
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.
