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Developed countries struggle for full digital switch
MUMBAI: As India prepares for the implementation of conditional access system (CAS), there is news that developed countries are finding it difficult to meet deadlines for full digital switchover.
The UK will not meet its aim of being the first country in Europe to reach full digital switchover, according to a digitalsky report published today.
A firm called Datamonitor predicts that the UK government will not reach its target of turning off analogue TV signals between 2006 – 2010. It adds that Portugal or a Scandinavian country might actually steal a march over the UK.
A Datamonitor anaylst was quoted as saying that it would be very challenging to switch off analogue in the UK by 2010.
The report also states that countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Portugal all have a “better balance” between the three digital platforms — cable, satellite and terrestrial. In the UK, 6.3 million currently have Sky (digital satellite), 2.1 million cable and 1.3 million Freeview (digital terrestrial), representing 40 per cent of households, adds the report.
The firm expects 18 million households to be receiving television digitally by 2007, however, a point at which it anticipates Freeview will be catching up with Sky numberwise.
The collapse of ITV Digital has set back digital takeup by a year, Datamonitor claims, but adds that the UK government still insists it is on track.
The report says that key challenges facing the UK government before digital switch over could include:
Informing consumers: raising awareness of the three key tests of availability, affordability and access to digital services and informing consumers about the benefits of digital television;
Improving the digital offer: raising awareness of free-to-air services and equipment and delivering improved free-to-air public service broadcasting; and
Removing barriers to take-up: ensuring that a cheap and ungradable free-to-air service is available and improving accessibility for viewers with physical and sensory impairments and older people.
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.
