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Hector Kenneth Kumar joins Times Now as managing editor
MUMBAI: In the changing dynamics at Times Now, there has been a re-framing of sorts. After the much-talked departure of prime time host and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami, the channel roped in former senior editor Rahul Shivshankar as the chief editor.
Now, in a recent development, NewsX managing editor Hector Kenneth Kumar has joined Times Now as managing editor. Kumar is an engineering graduate from MIT Manipal University, who worked briefly as an engineer before venturing into the mainstream media. He was a member of the core team of Times Now’s launch. His contributions took the editorial function of the channel to new heights as he is skilled in aligning business goals with the news strategy of the organisation.
Times Now MD and CEO MK Anand confirmed the development to indiantelevision.com. Kumar who joined Times Now in mid-December, was earlier with NewsX for a short stint from September 2016.
This would be Shivshankar’s and Kumar’s second stints with the network after six years and three months, respectively. Rahul had earlier worked as the senior editor of Times Now and the executive editor of Headlines Today (TV Today Network).
On the other front, Arnab has made the much-awaited announcement of his next venture, named ‘Republic’.
According to people familiar with parleys leading up to his resignation, Arnab left Times Now following differences with its owners, the Jains – Sameer, Vineet and Raj – of Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd. On his plans, Arnab had said, “Independent media is going to thrive, the game has just begun.”
With newsmen from NewsX hopping onto Times Now, it would be interesting to see how the former deals with the changing times. Times Now for its part has been slightly ahead of competition in the recent past and it all began with Arnab leading the charge with his firebrand version of heated TV debates.
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.
