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Hong Kong likely to get a free digital television by ’06
MUMBAI: Hong Kong viewers may be able to enjoy free digital television as soon as 2006. The local government has set 2006 as the date for the two existing free-to-air broadcasters to introduce the higher-resolution service.
Four new licenses are said to be open for bidding by new entrants and the existing players -Television Broadcast (TVB) and Asia Television (ATV) – to operate digital television services, either as a free-to-air broadcaster or as a pay-TV broadcaster, the Hong Kong government’s Commerce, Industry and Technology Branch. The licenses, based on the SFN (single frequency network) multiplex, will be awarded through an open competitive process.
According to media reports, the government would base its decision on criteria such as the impact on competition in the market, proposed rollout timetable and geographical coverage of broadcasting, say media reports.
The government, in its second consultation on digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasting said the implementation of DTT should not be delayed further, even though the Central Government had not yet decided on a national DTT standard.
It has adopted a market-led approach in setting the technical standard for digital TV. Reports also indicate that since digital TV technology could use spectrum resources much more efficiently than traditional analogue TV, a DTT broadcaster could save up to HK$2.8 million a year on broadcasting channel spectrum fees.
The reports indicate that DVB-T, the American ATSC-T standard and the Japanese ISDB-T standard were considered by the government in its first consultation in 2000. The Central Government is understood to be looking at five different standards, and a final decision is not expected before 2005.
According to the government proposition, both ATV and TVB must provide territory-wide digital coverage, and between 2006 and 2008 they must operate both traditional analogue and digital TV as a transitional measure.
Though the deadline is set for 2006, both TVB and ATV have pressed for the government to defer pushing DTT in Hong Kong in their submissions, as the mainland has not yet promulgated its own standard.
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.
