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BARC week 40: Sony enters top five; Star Plus leads Hindi GEC
MUMBAI: In the Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs), Sony Entertainment Television has made an entry into the top five channels taking over the fifth position in week 40 of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India. On the other hand, Star Plus continued to lead the pack, whereas Colors retained its position in the second slot.
Star Plus grabbed the first position with 403347 (000Sums) followed by Colors with 396900 (000Sums). On third spot was Zee TV with 253049 (000Sums), whereas Life OK was in the fourth slot with 230947 (000Sums). Usurping its sister channel Sab’s fifth position this week was Sony Entertainment Television with 176236 (000Sums).
In top five programmes in Hindi GECs, Colors’ prime time show Swaragini with 6760 (000Sums) led the chart followed by Star Plus’ Saath Nibhaana Saathiya with 6713 (000Sums) in the second slot. The third slot was occupied with yet another Colors’ show Sasural Simar Kawith 6195 (000Sums). Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagaya bagged the fourth slot with 6092 (000Sums) whereas, Star Plus’ Diya Aur Baati with 5797 (000Sums) was in the fifth place.
In the kids genre, Nick (v) led the section and grab the top slot with 46142 (000Sums) followed by Pogo TV (v) in second slot with 36383 (000Sums) and Cartoon Network (v) in third spot with 29392 (000Sums).
Ten Sports continued to lead the sports genre and held the first spot with 36280 (000Sums) followed by Star Sports 3 in second place with 29992 (000Sums) and Star Sports 1 with 26191 (000Sums) in the third berth.
Amongst the English News channels, Times Now maintained its top slot with 272 (000Sums) followed by India Today Television in the second slot with 159 (000Sums). On the other hand, CNN IBN with 158 (000 Sums) held the third position.
In the Bhojpuri segment, Big Magic Ganga continued to lead with 3862 (000Sums) followed by Dangal TV in the second slot with 1539 (000Sums) and Anjan TV on the third spot with 1346 (000Sums).
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.
