News Headline
Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting selects NDS and Ssang Yong to launch satellite broadcasting
The NDS Group, a News Corporation company and leading provider of conditional access systems and interactive applications for digital TV, announced recently it had been selected as part of the winning consortium to launch Korea’s first digital satellite broadcasting operation. The deal, worth approximately $30m to the consortium, is one of the largest ever of its kind in Asia and will provide the region’s first fully interactive satellite TV platform, a company release states.
As part of the consortium led by Ssang Yong Information and Communications (SICC), NDS will supply their Open VideoGuard (conditional access system), StreamServer (for the management control of the digital headend) and provide support consultancy for Ssang Yong in their role as prime systems integrator. In addition to its work with Ssang Yong, NDS will work with Korean manufacturers to integrate interactive technology into set-top boxes and with content developers to make interactive services available to Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting (KDB).
“This agreement is yet another endorsement of NDS’s technology and systems integration skills,” said Dr Abe Peled, president and CEO, NDS Group. “NDS’s conditional access systems are used by the world’s largest broadcasting operations and we are one of the industry’s few providers with a full end-to-end solution. We are confident that our systems and support will meet KDB’s needs during the critical development period, at launch and as it grows its subscriber base over the coming years.”
Highlights:
* Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting (KDB) to launch digital satellite broadcasting by end of 2001
* NDS to act as consultant to Ssang Yong Information and Communications on systems integration
* NDS Open VideoGuard(tm) digital conditional access and StreamServer( selected for use on KDB.
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.
