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CNN to air ‘media analysis’ show on US-Iraq conflict
MUMBAI: CNN is beefing up its content to ensure that its discerning viewers are exposed to a wide cross-section of viewpoints and opinions related to the Iraq-US conflict.
CNN’s media analysis programme, International Correspondents, returns to CNN this weekend. This weekend’s edition will take a look at the many issues that the strike on Iraq has triggered in the media during the first two weeks.
Anchored by Jon Snow of the UK’s Channel 4 News, the two half hour shows will look at the fog of war; the difficulties media organisations have in finding the truth in a military conflict supported by one of the most sophisticated communications operations ever mounted in wartime; the challenges facing the Arab media and the safety of journalists covering the conflict.
A press release states that the guests for the shows include the BBC’s director of news Richard Sambrook, former BBC foreign correspondent Martin Bell, The Indian Express diplomatic correspondent Jyoti Malhotra, London’s Evening Standard defence correspondent Robert Fox, former US assistant secretary of state and chief spokesman Jamie Rubin and Al Jazeera’s Ibrahim Helal.
The release also adds that International Correspondents is a unique program where the global media is put into the spotlight to analyse coverage of the week’s top news stories. By questioning a panel of print and broadcast journalists, the show scrutinizes the media’s fairness and objectivity.
The program examines coverage of the major stories through the eyes of those reporting on them and also looks at the challenges journalists face in reporting all over the world, from every time zone and every war zone.
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.
