Factual
Babies will help Discovery Channel kick of the New Year
For adults who think babies are too cute and something special Discovery has a treat. 'World Birthday' will premiere on the Channel on 1 January at 8.00 p.m. It is a co-production of Discovery Networks International (DNI), TLC (The Learning Channel) and the Granada/New York Times Joint Venture.
The focus rests on twelve babies born around the globe on 5 July. The locations run the gamut from Beijing to one of the greatest cities in the world San Francisco. Discovery sent nine teams of video journalists to nine countries across five continents.
Prepare for the unpredictable as the families have diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The program will show the reaction of different cultures to a newborn
In Beijing a family has twins. Unfortunately the twins condition becomes critical and so the husband must come up with the cash to get the babies transferred to a specialist hospital.
The situation is a little worse in Nazareth, Ethiopia: A young, first-time mother experiences excessive bleeding after her son is born and requires a blood transfusion, but the hospital lacks the resources. In Brazil the child being born will not have a father. He was shot and killed in the hardware shop the couple owned.
In Kara, India the overcrowded hospital are scrutinised. The woman's family waits outside of the hospital and, like other families, passes tea and food through the gates to the hungry patients.
In Cairo, Egypt the Islamic faith run deep in the blood like Afghanistan. So the family will make sure the first words their newborn hears come from the Koran
In England a woman is going a child through a man she has known for just three months. But both claim to be strongly committed to raising a family together.
In San Francisco it is a question of life and death. A Ukranian couple gives birth to a first-generation American. In another area of the hospital, a woman in the final stages of her pregnancy may die. She spends hours of painful labor. The doctors must perform an emergency caesarian to save her and her child
Discovery Channel India was launched in 1995 and claims to reach over 21 million homes. The network offers a 24-hour parallel Hindi audio feed in addition to an English audio feed. Discovery Channel is also aired as a one-hour block on DD Metro, Monday to Friday from 12pm to 1pm. It is available through PanAmSat IV.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
