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RCB – KKR match had the highest ratings of week 17 IPL duels
BENGALURU: That the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team is out of the race for the playoffs of IPL 2017 is a given. With only one match remaining, all that the team under one of the most exciting cricketers in the world – Indian test and limited overs captain Virat Kohli, the team can only improve upon its dismal showing of just 5 points – 2 wins and 1 no result from the 10 matches it has played so far. And yet, because RCB has one of the finest teams comprising of some of the who’s who of the global cricketing fraternity, the broadcast of the matches that the team has played have managed to draw a huge number of eyeballs.
As per Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) 17 of 2017 week (Saturday, 22 April 2017 to Friday, 28 April 2017), IPL match 27 on Sunday, 23 April between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs RCB garnered the highest weekly Impressions of 26,096 (000s) Sums on Sony Max, Sony Six, Sony ESPN (SD + HD). Of the 9 matches (9 matches plus one wash out) that were aired in week 17, another RCB match – match 31 on Thursday, 27 April – RCB’s encounter Gujarat Lions (GL) drew the fourth largest cricket audiences in the week with Impressions of 23,232 (000s) Sums. Yes, RCB did manage to put on a very poor performance and lost both the matches
The next best ratings for week 17 were those for match 30 on Wednesday, 26 April between Rising Pune Supergiant (RTS) and KKR with Impressions of 26,083 (000s) Sums on the same Sony Network channels. Match 28 on Monday 24 April between RPS and Mumbai Indians (MI) managed the third most viewers with Impressions of 24,778 (000s) Sums.
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.
