News Headline
Infotainment genre witnesses decline in ratings, Discovery leads
MUMBAI: Channels in the English Entertainment genre witnessed a substantial increase in the viewership except Comedy Central. According to the week 11 ratings data of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, players in the English Movies genre observed mixed ratings this week. The genre was led by Star Movies.
In the Infotainment space, the channels witnessed a decrease in ratings. After a gap of three weeks, Discovery Channel regained the number one position this week.
Players in the Lifestyle space observed mixed ratings this week.
English Entertainment
Comedy Central with decreased ratings continued to dominate the genre with 326 Impressions (‘000s) as to 497 Impressions (‘000s) last week. Star World was second with 288 Impressions (‘000s). Zee Cafe took the third position with 277 Impressions (‘000s). Colors Infinity SD was on the fourth place with 250 Impressions (‘000s). FX stood at the fifth rank with 249 Impressions (‘000s).
English Movies
Star Movies with decrease ratings dominated the genre this week with 2661 Impressions (‘000s) as compared to 2907 Impressions (‘000s). Movies Now 2 was at the second spot with 2543 Impressions (‘000s). Sony Pix with 2529 Impressions (‘000s) took the third position followed by Movies Now at the fourth position with 2247 Impressions (‘000s). HBO took the fifth place with 1904 Impressions (‘000s).
Infotainment
Discovery Channel took the number one place with 5693 Impressions (‘000s) followed by History TV18 with 5666 Impressions (‘000s). National Geographic Channel was at the third place with 3166 Impressions (‘000s). Animal Planet stood at the fourth position with 2749 Impressions (‘000s) while, Nat Geo Wild was at the fifth place with 2739 Impressions (‘000s).
Lifestyle
Living Foodz with fall in its viewership continued at the number one position with 1414 Impressions (‘000s). Fox Life stood at the second berth with 1260 Impressions (‘000s) followed by Food Food with 909 Impressions (‘000s). FYI TV18 with 811 Impressions (‘000s) and TLC with 702 Impressions (‘000s) bagged the fourth and fifth position, respectively.
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.
