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BARC week 19: Star dominates GEC; Sony leads sports
MUMBAI: Star India’s Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Star Plus continues to dominate the satellite waves.
According to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India’s Week 19 analysis, Star Plus leads with a rating of 163554 (000’s sum). With 144899 (000’s sum), Viacom 18’s Colors is placed at the second position while Star India’s other entity in the same genre Life OK with 121931 (000’s sum) sits comfortably at the third position over Zee TV 99794 (000’s sum).
Sab with 73738 (000’s sum) is the only channel from Multi Screen Media (MSM) to feature in the top 5 channels in GEC category.
Star Plus’ dominance is not limited amongst channels only but the most popular programme with 2442 (000’s sum) Saath Nibhaana Saathiya also comes from the broadcaster. Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya with 1917 (000’s sum) is placed second, followed by Colors’ Sasural Simar Ka at the third position with 1818 (000’s sum).
MSM emerged as the clear dominant in the sports category courtesy the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sony Max and Sony Six, official broadcasters of the IPL are placed on the first and second slot with 187924 (000’s sum) and 52731 (000’s sum) respectively.
Backed by the strong fan base of WWE action and UEFA Champions League, Ten Sports with 15954 (000’s sum) managed to clinch its third spot back from Star Sports1.
The Hindi News broadcasting space did not see much of a change in the list of top three channels as Aaj Tak with 14155 (000’s sum) continued to be in the first spot. Meanwhile, a close battle for the second spot was witnessed between ABP News with 12981 (000’s sum) and India TV with 12589 (000’s sum).
Times Now led by the flamboyant Arnab Goswami continued the dominance in the English News broadcasting space with 378 (000’s sum) followed by Headlines Today at 296 (000’s sum). Narrowing the gap, 236 (000’s sum) NDTV 24/7 was placed third in the list of top three.
Viacom’s Nick led the kids’ genre with 70516 (000’s sum) closely followed by Turner International’s Pogo with 67397 (000’s sum). Disney with 52086 (000’s sum) was placed at the third place.
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.
