A global celebration of communication, innovation, and community spirit
Ponda, October 13, 2025: Riding a wave of innovation and connectivity, HamFest India 2025 took place on October 11–12 at the Goa College of Engineering (GEC), Farmagudi, uniting radio enthusiasts, technology innovators, and experts from across the globe.
Organised by the Goa Radio Amateur Society (GRAS) in association with Goa College of Engineering and supported by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, the event marked the 32nd edition of HamFest India — and Goa’s first time hosting it.
More than 700 delegates from India and abroad attended the event, including representatives from Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society, AMSAT-India, and Upagrah Amateur Radio Club.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, along with Group Captain & Astronaut Subhanshu Shukla (VU2TNI), Shri Nitin Raiker, Dr. M.S. Krupashankara (Principal, GEC), and Shri Sandesh Bhat (VU22DX), Convenor of HamFest India Goa.
In his inaugural address, Minister Rohan Khaunte stated,
“This year’s HamFest holds special significance as Goa proudly hosts the 32nd edition for the very first time. Known for its cultural heritage and educational vibrancy, Goa provides the perfect backdrop for an event that beautifully blends technology, learning, and community spirit. The Government of Goa remains committed to supporting such initiatives that promote technical excellence, innovation, and social responsibility.”
Across two dynamic days, HamFest India 2025 featured:
40+ technical sessions and 8 live demos on radio technologies and innovation
37 exhibitors showcasing antennas, transceivers, and communication equipment
Hands-on workshops exploring the practical applications of amateur radio
Interactive discussions with renowned operators involved in disaster response and emergency communications
For the first time ever, Goa became the heart of India’s amateur radio movement — a space where technology met passion, and where the hum of innovation resonated across communities.
As the curtains came down on HamFest India 2025, participants left inspired, connected, and energized — a true reflection of how technology continues to unite people across borders and frequencies.
In a game-changing move toward digital inclusivity, the Kerala government has launched K-FON (Kerala Fibre Optic Network)—India’s first state-owned broadband service. The ₹1,500 crore project aims to offer affordable, high-speed internet access to every citizen, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, while launching the service, emphasized that universal internet access is fundamental to Kerala’s vision of a knowledge-driven society. “No one will be left behind,” he declared, even citing Idamalakudy, a tribal settlement deep in Kerala’s forests, as part of the K-FON network.
The CM noted that K-FON is not just about technology—it’s about equity, access, and empowerment.
🧩 How K-FON Works: The Infrastructure
The project involves the deployment of a 35,000 km optical fibre network across Kerala, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
K-FON is being rolled out in two phases:
Phase 1: Connecting 30,000+ government institutions
Phase 2: Providing free internet to economically disadvantaged families and subsidised broadband to others
💡 Affordable Plans for Everyone
K-FON offers tiered plans to ensure accessibility:
₹299/month (excluding GST)
Speed: 20 Mbps
3,000 GB data cap
₹1,249/month (excluding GST)
Speed: 250 Mbps
5,000 GB data cap
The goal? To match private-sector quality without the exploitative pricing.
👥 Who Benefits?
20 lakh+ people to receive free internet access
Over 14,000 households will be connected in the initial phase
All service providers will have non-discriminatory access to the network
🌐 Why It Matters
K-FON is Kerala’s alternative model to the corporate-run telecom sector—offering the same quality at much lower prices. It aligns with the larger objective of bridging the digital divide, especially for:
Students and job seekers in rural areas
Families who cannot afford private internet plans
Small businesses and entrepreneurs needing reliable broadband
🗨️ A New Standard in Public Internet Infrastructure
“K-FON is our way of freeing people from digital exploitation and giving them the infrastructure to thrive in a knowledge economy,” said CM Vijayan.
📈 Looking Ahead
K-FON is more than a broadband service—it’s a social innovation. By laying down public digital infrastructure, Kerala is setting a national precedent for affordable, accessible, and equitable internet.
Whether you’re in a forest village or a bustling city, K-FON promises to connect you to the future.
Tokyo, July 2025 — Japan has once again taken the lead in global technology by setting a new world record for internet speed: a jaw-dropping 402 terabits per second (Tbps). To put that into perspective, you could download the entire Netflix library — all shows, all movies — in just one second.
The breakthrough was achieved by researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) using advanced multi-core fiber-optic technology and next-generation wavelength division multiplexing. Unlike typical commercial fiber cables, which use a single core, this innovation utilizes 19 cores in a single fiber — drastically increasing data capacity.
Why It Matters
This record isn’t just about achieving insane speeds. It represents a leap toward the next era of internet infrastructure that could support massive data requirements in industries like AI, streaming, autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and even interplanetary communication.
With the rapid rollout of 6G trials, quantum computing, and the metaverse, demand for ultra-fast and stable internet is at an all-time high. Japan’s latest milestone lays the groundwork for a truly connected future.
What’s Next?
While this speed isn’t available to consumers just yet, it signals what’s on the horizon. Japan, already one of the world’s most tech-advanced nations, continues to pave the way for innovations that could redefine digital experiences globally.
As global players race toward faster and more efficient networks, Japan’s 402 Tbps feat is a reminder that the future of connectivity is closer than we think — and it’s faster than we ever imagined.
Altinho, July 2025: To accelerate the expansion of digital infrastructure in Goa, the Government has designated the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) as the State Designated Department (SDD) for implementing the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.
This move aims to simplify and speed up the approval process for setting up telecom infrastructure such as mobile towers, underground cables, and other digital connectivity systems. It reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and enabling faster, single-window clearances.
DITE&C will serve as the nodal agency for all RoW permissions and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) related to government land, under a centralized eServices portal developed by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India.
All other state departments are required to appoint Nodal Officers to ensure smooth coordination with the SDD.
Land usage charges and application fees for government and municipal land, including street furniture, will be collected by DITE&C appropriately transferred to the Treasury.
Local bodies, corporations, and municipalities land usage charges and application fees will be collected by DITE&C appropriately transferred to respective land-owning bodies.
Compensation for the use of public property for telecom infrastructure will be assessed and paid either once or annually, based on rates decided by the public authority.
This decision is expected to significantly improve Goa’s digital infrastructure, minimize approval delays, and support broader access to better mobile and internet services throughout the state.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he thanked the labourers who have worked hard and also put their lives at stake for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and India. Shri Modi remarked “Despite the challenges, our resolve did not waver”. He lauded the labourers for their resolve and commitment and for tackling all the obstacles to complete the work. He also condoled the demise of 7 labourers.
Hailing the beautiful snow-covered mountains and the delightful weather, Shri Modi said that his eagerness to visit Jammu & Kashmir increased after seeing the recent pictures shared by the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir on social media. The Prime Minister reminisced about his earlier days when he frequently visited the region while working for his party. He mentioned spending considerable time in areas like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Ganderbal, and Baramulla, often walking for hours and covering several kilometers. He added that despite the heavy snowfall, the warmth of the people of Jammu and Kashmir made the cold unnoticeable.
Acknowledging that today was a special day, the Prime Minister remarked that there was a festive atmosphere across the country. He remarked on the commencement of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, where millions are gathering for the holy bath. The Prime Minister also mentioned the celebration of Lohri in Punjab and other parts of North India, as well as festivals like Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal. He extended his best wishes to everyone celebrating these festivals. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenging 40-day period of Chillaikalan in the valley and praised the resilience of the people. He highlighted that this season brings new opportunities for tourist destinations like Sonamarg, attracting visitors from across the country who enjoy the hospitality of the people of Kashmir.
Prime Minister announced a significant gift for the people, highlighting the recent foundation stone laying of the Jammu Rail Division. He remarked that this was a long-standing demand of the people. Announcing the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel and fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Shri Modi highlighted that this tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh. The Prime Minister remarked that the tunnel will reduce the difficulties faced during avalanches, heavy snowfall and landslides, which often led to road closures. He emphasized that the tunnel will improve access to major hospitals and ensure the availability of essential supplies, thereby reducing the challenges faced by the residents.
The Prime Minister noted that the actual construction of the Sonamarg Tunnel began in 2015 after their Government came into power. He was pleased that the tunnel’s construction was completed under their administration. He remarked that the tunnel will maintain connectivity to Sonamarg during the winter season and boost tourism in the entire region. He emphasized that numerous road and rail connectivity projects are set to be completed in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. The Prime Minister mentioned another major connectivity project underway nearby and noted the excitement surrounding the upcoming rail connection to the Kashmir Valley. He highlighted the development of new roads, railways, hospitals, and colleges as part of the new Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to everyone for the tunnel and the new era of development.
Highlighting India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing that no region or family should be left behind, Shri Modi remarked that the government is working with the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and over the past 10 years, more than 4 crore poor families across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, have received permanent houses. He announced that an additional 3 crore new houses will be provided to the poor in the coming years. The Prime Minister noted that millions of people in India are receiving free medical treatment, benefiting the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well. He highlighted the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, medical colleges, nursing colleges, and polytechnic colleges across the country to support the education of the youth. In Jammu and Kashmir, he added that several top-notch educational institutes were established in the past decade, greatly benefiting the local youth.
Emphasising the extensive infrastructure development from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister remarked that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, high bridges, and ropeways, with some of the world’s highest tunnels and highest rail-road bridges being constructed here. The Prime Minister noted the engineering marvel of the Chenab Bridge, where a passenger train trial was recently completed. He mentioned several key projects, including the cable bridge enhancing Kashmir’s railway connectivity, the Zojila, Chenani Nashri, and Sonamarg tunnel projects, and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. The Prime Minister also mentioned the schemes for the Shankaracharya Temple, Shivkhori, and Baltal-Amarnath ropeways, as well as the Katra-Delhi expressway. He emphasized that over ₹42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, including four national highway projects and two ring roads. The Prime Minister remarked that more than 14 tunnels like Sonamarg are being constructed, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the country.
Underlining the significant contribution of the tourism sector to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, the Prime Minister remarked that improved connectivity will allow tourists to reach previously untouched and unexplored areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted the peace and progress achieved in the region over the past decade, which has already benefited the tourism sector. “In 2024, more than 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, with Sonamarg seeing a sixfold increase in tourists over the past ten years”, noted Shri Modi. He emphasized that this growth has benefited local businesses, including hotels, homestays, dhabas, clothing shops, and taxi services.
“Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development”, said Shri Modi. He remarked that the region is regaining its identity as “Paradise on Earth,” leaving behind the difficult days of the past. The Prime Minister noted that people now enjoy ice cream at Lal Chowk even at night, and the area remains lively. He praised the local artists for transforming Polo View Market into a new habitat center, with musicians, artists, and singers frequently performing there. The Prime Minister observed that people in Srinagar now comfortably watch movies with their families in cinema halls and shop with ease. He emphasized that such significant changes cannot be achieved by the government alone and credited the people of Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening democracy and securing their future.
Highlighting the bright future for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasizing the numerous opportunities in sports, the Prime Minister remarked about the first international marathon held in Srinagar a few months ago, which brought immense joy to those who witnessed it. He also recalled the viral video of the Chief Minister participating in the marathon and their enthusiastic discussion about it during a meeting in Delhi.
Acknowledging that it was truly the new era of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Modi mentioned the recent international cricket league held in the region after forty years and car racing scenes around the beautiful Dal Lake. He said that Gulmarg was becoming the winter games capital of India, having hosted four Khelo India Winter Games, with the fifth edition starting next month. Over the past two years, the Prime Minister noted that 2,500 athletes from across the country have participated in various sports tournaments in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the establishment of over 90 Khelo India Centers in the region, providing training to 4,500 local youth.
Touching upon the new opportunities emerging for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister remarked that the construction of AIIMS in Jammu and Avantipora was progressing rapidly, reducing the need to travel to other parts of the country for medical treatment. The Prime Minister noted that IIT, IIM, and Central University campuses in Jammu were providing excellent education. He emphasized the role of local artisans and craftsmen, supported by the PM Vishwakarma scheme and other initiatives by the Jammu and Kashmir government. The Prime Minister highlighted the continuous efforts to attract new industries to the region, with investments of around ₹13,000 crore, creating thousands of jobs for the youth. The Prime Minister also lauded the improved performance of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, with its business growing from ₹1.6 lakh crore to ₹2.3 lakh crore in the past four years. He remarked that the bank’s increased capacity to provide loans benefits the youth, farmers, orchardists, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs in the region.
Remarking on the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir’s past into a present of development, Shri Modi said that the dream of a developed India will be realized when its crown, Kashmir, is adorned with the jewels of progress. He expressed his desire for Kashmir to become even more beautiful and prosperous. He noted the continuous support from the youth, elders, and children of the region in this endeavor. The Prime Minister emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are working diligently to turn their dreams into reality, contributing to the progress of the region and the nation. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister assured the people that he will support them unflinchingly in all their endeavours and extended his heartfelt congratulations to every family in Jammu and Kashmir for the development projects.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Ministers of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Shri Ajay Tamta were present among other dignitaries at the event.
