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UK leads the way in digital TV conversion in Europe
MUMBAI: The UK is leading the race to switch-off its analogue TV signal. As European regulators consider imposing a universal switch-off date, new research from Informa Telecoms & Media shows that by the end of 2005 digital TV penetration in the UK will have increased to 66 per cent.
This compares with 58 per cent at the end of 2004, according to Informa’s TV International Database. It forecasts that the number of digital homes in the UK will end this year at 16.4 million, up from 14.4 million at the end of 2004. The UK has a provisional target date of 2012 for full analogue switch-off, beginning with the Border region in 2008.
Sweden, which is expected to end 2005 with a digital TV penetration rate of almost 44 per cent is committed to make the switchover to digital in 2008. Ireland Norway and Finland are the only other countries which will have an end-2005 digital TV penetration rate above 30 per cent at the end of 2005. All these countries are looking to make the digital switchover before the end of 2010.
AHowever, plans for an early analogue switch-off for some European territories remain ambitious. France, which has a provisional date of 2010 will end 2005 with a digital TV penetration at slightly more than one quarter of its households. Italy, which has one of the region’s most ambitious switchover timetables will end 2005 with a penetration rate below 20%.
According to TVI Database senior analyst Simon Dyson, “The prospects of an early switch-off of analogue signals in some European countries looks unlikely, given the slower than expected rate of shift to digital. Even the UK, which has Europe’s highest digital penetration rate, could have some problems with resistance from later adopters.”
However, despite a possible time lag in full conversion, digital TV has enjoyed a growing acceptance. The total number of digital homes in Europe reached 37 million at the end of 2004, equivalent to slightly less than 16 per cent of the region’s TV households. This figure is forecast to increase to 44.1 million by the end of 2005, or 19 per cent of TV households.
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.
