News Headline
Republic TV continues to lead as English news genre ratings drop
BENGALURU: Arnab Goswami-headed Indian English news channel Republic TV has continued an uninterrupted lead of the genre since its launch in May 2017. Republic TV led the genre with 0.553 million weekly impressions in week 15 of 2018 (Saturday, 7 April 2018 to Friday, 13 April 2018) according to Broadcast Audience Research Council of India’s weekly data for the top-five English news channels—All India (U+R) : NCCS AB : males 22+ individuals. BARC had reported 0.652 million weekly impressions for Republic TV for week 14 of 2018.
In the meanwhile, the ratings of the genre have recorded a new nadir–the lowest combined weekly ratings of the top-five English news channels for 2018 until week 15 were 1.678 million impressions, 19 per cent lower than the previous weeks combined ratings of the top-five English news channels of 2.071 million impressions in the previous week. The 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 11) commenced in week 15 of 2018 and the ratings of news television channels were most likely affected. Most of the matches are played during the primetime of GECs, news channels as well as other genres.
All the five channels in BARC’s list remained the same with the same ranks in week 15 of 2018 as compared with week 14. As a matter of fact, the first three ranked channels have retained their places and order in BARC’s weekly list of the top-five English news channels through the first 15 weeks of 2018. All the channels, however, had lower ratings in week 15 as compared with week 14 of 2018.
Republic TV was followed by Goswami’s former channel–Times Now–for which BARC reported ratings of 0.488 million weekly impressions in week 15 of 2018. Times Now had ratings of 0.595 million weekly impressions in the previous week. Continuing on at its regular third rank was India Today Television with 0.265 million weekly impressions in the week under review as compared with 0.363 million weekly impressions in the previous week.
At fourth rank was CNN News18 with 0.219 million weekly impressions in week 15 of 2018 as against 0.293 million weekly impressions in week 14. At fifth rank was the Prannoy and Radhika Roy led NDTV 24×7 with 0.153 million weekly impressions in week 15 as compared with 0.168 million weekly impressions in week 14 of 2018
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.
