News Headline
NGC tremors and twists next month
MUMBAI: Next month, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) has a treat for viewers keen on knowing the reason for natural disasters. It will air a series of specials on tremors and twisters.
The channel kicks things off by examining the Eruption At Pinatubo on 18 September at 10 pm.
On 15 June 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines blew itself apart. A million people lived in its shadow. Viewers can see what happens when a molten monster breaks free of the underworld.
From 19-22 September, volcanos and earthquakes take centerstage. With the help of footage of lava spewing from Mount Kilauea in Hawaii one special explains how volcanos work. The special focusses on four eruptions that say different things about the phenomenon of volcanic eruptions.
Another episode called Megavolcano tells the story of the volcano which may have caused an ice age which wiped out over 60 per cent of the world’s population. It could erupt again.
From 25-29 September at 10 pm the channel looks at the phenomenon of twisters, tsunamis and tornadoes. One episode is called The Super Twisters. In 1974, in one day, 148 tornadoes ripped through the US. The special looks at the havoc that was created and the communities caught up in nature’s fury. Another episode looks to unravel the Mysteries Of The Tornado. Tim Samaras has spent his life tracking tornadoes. He gives viewers a picture of what happens inside a twister.
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.
