News Headline
Asians believe in existence of ET: Star Movies poll
HONG KONG: Are there any life-forms in outer space? A poll released by Star Movies reveals that nine out of 10 people in Asia believe aliens exist and approximately half of the people surveyed believe in alien abduction.
However, more Asian females are likely to be suspicious of aliens’ intentions than Asian males, the poll also shows. The survey was conducted as part of the pre-launch campaign for Steven Spielberg Presents Taken, an exclusive 10-episode movie event premiering this July on Star Movies. The survey was done in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South East Asia. The survey was conducted among more than 83,000 adults aged 18 and over via e-mails between 15 and 27 April 2003.
The main findings from the poll are:
* People who believe there is life elsewhere in the universe – China 95 per cent, Hong Kong 94 per cent, Taiwan 98 per cent, Singapore 89 per cent.
* People who think they can recognise aliens – China 32 per cent, Hong Kong 32 per cent, Taiwan 49 per cent, Singapore 40 per cent.
* People who think crop circles are made by aliens as was shown in the Mel Gibson film Signs were China 42 per cent, Hong Kong 52 per cent, Taiwan 78 per cent, Singapore 64 per cent.
In addition two out of three people surveyed think aliens would be friendly. Nearly 68 per cent of Hong Kong people say they would not be able to recognise an alien, compared with the Asian norm of 56 per cent. More Asians than Americans think that crop circles are made by aliens (47 per cent vs 36 per cent) and that aliens have abducted humans (51 per cent vs 41 per cent).
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.
