News Headline
As DD Metro improves presence, HFCL Nine seeks 10-year deal
MUMBAI: Twenty weeks since Kerry Packer’s HFCL Nine Broadcasting launched their serial on Doordashan Metro, the INTAM Television Viewer Ratings (TVRs) reflect that many of Nine Gold’s serials are increasingly making their presence felt in cable and satellite homes.
Hoping to build on its gains, Nine Broadcasting has pitched for a 10-year contract for DD Metro with Prasar Bharati, the Economic Times reported on Saturday. It remains to be seen how newly installed CEO Anil Baijal responds to the offer. Considering how the profile of DD Metro has improved in this period, it will be an offer he finds difficult to refuse.
The TVRs indicate that Channel 9’s programmes are scoring over that of DD1 with nearly 26 of its serials among the top 50 in all television homes. Telecast for three hours every day on DD Metro’s prime time segment between 7.00 PM to 10.00 PM, 14 programmes are among the top 20 with two of its serials – “Superstars” and “Kundali” – sharing the second position with DD1’s “Jai Hanuman” at 9.4 per cent TVR. In all non C&S homes DD1’s “Suraag” leads with 27 per cent TVR followed by “Kundali” at 23 per cent.
Nine Broadcasting’s five soaps figure among the top 50 in Ahmedabad (all C&S homes), with “Chonch Ladi Re Chonch” aired on Sundays at 8.33 PM with 8.9 TVRs while Star Plus’s family soap “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” tops the chart at 21 per cent (Wed 10.32 PM).
Nine Broadcasting has paid Rs 1.21 million for the three hours of air-time on DD Metro.
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.
