India bolsters digital infra, over 6.34 lakh villages covered with mobile connectivity


IANS Photo

New Delhi, (IANS): The optical fibre cable network has expanded from 17.5 lakh kms in March 2018 to 42.36 lakh kms in September 2025, while the number of Base Transceiver Stations has increased from 17.3 lakh in March 2018 to 31.4 lakh in October 2025, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

This has led to significant growth in its digital infrastructure over the years.

As of October 2025, out of 6,44,131 villages in India, 6,34,019 are covered with mobile connectivity, of which 6,30,676 have 4G services, informed Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

Broadband subscriptions have risen sharply from 48 crore in September 2018 to 98 crore in June 2025. Additionally, 3.80 lakh PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots have been installed across the country as of October 31, 2025, the minister said.

Data consumption has also grown substantially, increasing from 8.32 GB per subscriber per month in September 2018 to 25.24 GB per subscriber per month in September 2025, while the average wireless data tariff has declined from Rs 10.91 per GB to Rs 8.27 during the same period.

Further, to ensure equitable digital access across the country the government is implementing various schemes under Digital Bharat Nidhi such as 4G saturation projects and Amended BharatNet Programme to expand digital connectivity in rural and remote areas, said the minister.

The government has undertaken several measures to strengthen the telecom sector in the country which has led to the growth of telecom sector.

These measures include rationalisation of adjusted gross revenue; rationalisation of bank guarantees (BGs); rationalisation of interest rates and removal of penalties; Dispensing with the requirement of BGs (for auctions held after 15.09.2021) to secure instalment payments and permission for surrender of spectrum after 10 years (in future auctions), among others.Other measures are dispensing with the requirement of Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) for spectrum acquired in spectrum auctions held after 15.09.2021; removal of additional SUC of 0.5 per cent for spectrum sharing; permission for 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in telecom sector under automatic route subject to safeguards; and requirement of licenses under 1953 Customs Notification for wireless equipment replaced with self-declaration. India bolsters digital infra, over 6.34 lakh villages covered with mobile connectivity | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Ahmedabad named host of Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030

Ahmedabad named host of Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030. Photo credit: IOA

Glasgow (Scotland), (IANS) Ahmedabad, India, has officially been confirmed as the host city for the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, marking a historic milestone for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. This will be the second time that India will host the Commonwealth Games after New Delhi in 2010.

The decision confirms that the world’s most populous nation will host the landmark edition of the Games after delegates from 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories approved India’s bid at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on Wednesday.

India put forward a strong vision for the 2030 Games, with Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as the main host city. This plan builds on the groundwork laid by Glasgow 2026 and allows India to celebrate its centenary in a memorable way.

Moments after Amdavad was chosen to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, 20 Garba dancers and 30 Indian dhol drummers spontaneously performed in the General Assembly Hall. Their vibrant cultural display surprised delegates and offered a glimpse of the heritage and pride that athletes and fans can anticipate from a Games held in Gujarat, India.

Garba is Gujarat’s traditional folk dance. The performance included members of Glasgow’s Indian community and individuals from other parts of the Commonwealth. It showcased both diversity and unity as part of the Movement, marking the journey from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to its Centenary edition.

The inaugural Commonwealth Games took place in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. At the latest Games in Birmingham, England, in 2022, Australia led the medal tally. The top five nations also included England, Canada, India, and New Zealand.

Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said, “This is the start of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport. After a 'Games reset', we head to Glasgow 2026 in fantastic shape to welcome the 74 teams of the Commonwealth before setting our sights on Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games.

“India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion, and relevance, and I'm delighted to report strong interest from a range of nations to host the 2034 Games and beyond. We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health.”

PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said, “We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport. The 2030 Games will not only celebrate a hundred years of the Commonwealth Movement but also lay the foundation for the next century. It will bring together Athletes, communities, and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.”

Aside from confirming the hosts for 2030, Commonwealth Sport also announced that 15 to 17 sports will be included at Amdavad 2030.

The Amdavad 2030 team will collaborate with Commonwealth Sport and the International Federation community to develop a vibrant and engaging sports programme that resonates locally while appealing globally.

This will follow Commonwealth Sport’s recent Sport Programme Review, which outlines the sports included in the Commonwealth Games: Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball, and Boxing.

The process to finalise the remaining sports in the programme will begin next month, with the complete line-up for the Centenary Games being announced next year.

The sports being considered include: Archery, Badminton, 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon, Para Triathlon, and Wrestling. The host may also suggest up to two new or existing sports.

Duncan Scott, multiple Commonwealth champion swimmer, said, “The Commonwealth Games are a special part of my career. Taking part in the home Games is incredible, so I’m excited for Indian Athletes who’ll get to do that in 2030. And for everyone else, we’ve got an opportunity to expand our horizons and experience the ambition and colour of Amdavad and India. I loved the chance to compete in the Gold Coast in Australia as part of a travelling Team Scotland.

“We look forward to handing over the Games to Amdavad in great shape after welcoming all to Glasgow next year.”

Jaismine Lamboria, World Champion Boxer from India, said, “It truly is a proud moment to see India become the host of the Centenary Commonwealth Games. Amdavad will give Athletes and fans a very warm and vibrant welcome, and having the opportunity to compete on home soil in 2030 will be a huge motivation for me and for many others. I’m excited for the next decade for Indian sport.”

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Hema Malini shares more ‘treasured photos’ with Dharmendra: My emotions are unfolding


(Photo: Hema Malini/Instagram) IANS

Mumbai, (IANS) Actress-politician Hema Malini on Friday shared another set of personal photographs with late star Dharmendra, calling them “treasured” moments from their family archives. She added that the photographs had never been published before, and revisiting them brought back a wave of emotions.

Hema took to Instagram on Friday morning, where she shared a slew of images featuring her posing with Dharmendra. Some photos even had their daughters Ahana and Esha flashing a smile as the got clicked with their father.

Posting the pictures on social media, she wrote that it may seem like an overload, but each frame holds a special place in her heart. The collection captures warm, candid glimpses of the family over the years.

“Some lovely family moments… simply treasured photos. I know it is a surfeit of photos but these have not been published and my emotions are unfolding as I see these. #memories #family #moments,” Hema wrote as the caption.

On November 27, Hema Malini expressed grief over the passing of her husband and legendary actor Dharmendra, sharing an emotional tribute to the superstar, whom she said was "everything to her.”

Taking to X, formerly called Twitter, Hema, broke her silence and penned an emotional note. In the heartfelt message, she described Dharmendra as “many things to me”, “my ‘go-to’ person” and “was everything to me.”

She wrote in the note: “Dharam ji. He was many things to me. Loving Husband, adoring Father of our two girls, Esha & Ahaana, Friend, Philosopher, Guide, Poet, my ‘go to’ person in all times of need - in fact, he was everything to me! And always has been through good times and bad. He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them.”

“As a public personality, his talent, his humility in spite of his popularity, and his universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon unequalled among all the legends. His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever.”

Talking about her personal loss, she said: My personal loss is indescribable and the vacuum created is something that will last through the rest of my life.After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments…”

Dharmendra breathed his last on November 24. He had been hospitalised at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after reportedly complaining of breathlessness. After getting the necessary treatment, he was discharged on November 12 and continued his recovery at home.On the professional front, Dharmendra will be seen posthumously in the movie 'Ikkis', directed by ace director Sriram Raghavan. It also stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. The movie is a war drama based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. aHema Malini shares more ‘treasured photos’ with Dharmendra: My emotions are unfolding | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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