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EU commission presses for open platforms in digital TV, 3G
LONDON: The European Commission has adopted a communication on interoperability of Information Society and Enterprise services.
This communication addressed the issue of promoting open technological platforms for third-generation mobile communications (3G) and digital television, as requested by the Barcelona Summit and the Seville Council. The more general aim is to detect the barriers to a wide access to new technologies that could play a key role in future in providing widespread access to the Internet and to interactive services.
With this communication, the European Commission identifies several challenges to the successful deployment of digital terrestrial television, including the management of switchover from analogue to digital transmission, as well as the creation of attractive interactive services and viable business models.
The communication also highlights the follow-up measures for member states. It also foresees in the long term a “multi-platform environment” emerging which will deliver advanced information society services in a complementary way. The guiding vision of an ‘Information Society for All’ is to make electronic services an every-day reality for all citizens, and to bring everyone (administrations, businesses, citizens, homes and schools) into the digital age.
Erkki Liikanen, European Commissioner responsible for Enterprise and the Information Society was quoted as saying: “We know that our digital communications platforms like 3G and digital TV will be able in future to deliver virtually any electronic and Information Society service. We also know that because not all platforms are the same, the precise capabilities of each delivery platform will differ, and individual consumers will use their services differently. To maximise the choice for consumers and provide flexibility for the market, open platforms for digital television and 3G mobile will be a key part of the commercial picture.”
A press release says that in this communication on interoperability of services, the European Commission addresses “barriers to widespread access to new IT services and applications of the information society through open platforms in digital television and third generation mobile communications”.
The document analyses how providing services over interconnected networks can involve the use of proprietary technology at the interfaces between services and applications and therefore have an impact on consumer choice.
The communication confirms that this area is evolving rapidly so it is important to follow developments closely and that in future, digital television and 3G could play a key role in providing widespread access to the Internet and to interactive services. Other factors, related to consumer trust, the availability of desirable services and content, and a clear regulatory environment in which companies operate, are needed for a successful information society for all.
The communication identifies follow-up measures both for member states and the commission services in the areas of regulation, research, support for private sector activities and measures to ensure access to the Information Society for the disabled.
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.
