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Barc 13-week historical data shows Aaj Tak in the lead
Mumbai: The past 13 weeks historic data by Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India indicates that news channel Aaj Tak was leading the Hindi-speaking market (HSM) (U+R) from week 49’2021 till week 10’2022 in terms of market share. Aaj Tak garnered 25.5 per cent of the market share amongst eight opt-in news channels that include TV9 Bharatvarsh, Republic Bharat, Zee News, News Nation, Zee Hindustan, DD News and India News.
In the HSM Urban market, Aaj Tak’s lead was stronger as it garnered a market share of 27 per cent versus its nearest competitor TV9 at 20.7 per cent. The competition for eyeballs in the HSM Rural market was more intense with Aaj Tak at top with 23.2 per cent but with TV9 Bharatvarsh following closely at 22 per cent.
Republic Bharat (20.8 per cent) and Zee News (15.6 per cent) were the only other channels whose market share was in double digits. The top four channels had 82.3 per cent share in the HSM market. However, it should be noted that historical Barc data does not include prominent news channels including India TV, News18 India, ABP News, Good News Today, News 24 and NDTV India who have opted out of past ratings. NDTV India has pulled out of ratings completely.
Barc India has released data for individual news channels after a 17-month hiatus. The TV audience measurement agency had also agreed to release past 13 weeks data after consultation with industry stakeholders.
(Source: Barc; TG: 15+ NCCS All; Market: HSM; Period: Wk 49’2021-10’2022; 8 Opt-in Hindi News Channels)
Barc; TG: 15+ NCCS All; Market: HSM Urban; Period: Wk 49’2021-10’2022; 8 Opt-in Hindi News Channels
Barc; TG: 15+ NCCS All; Market: HSM Rural; Period: Wk 49’2021-10’2022; 8 Opt-in Hindi News Channels)
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.
