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BARC Week 20: Sony channels dominate sports airwaves courtesy IPL
MUMBAI: The week 20 of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) ratings saw Multi Screen Media (MSM) emerging as the clear dominant in the sports category courtesy the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Sony Max and Sony Six, official broadcasters of the IPL were placed on the first and second slot with 180940, down from 187924 (000’s sum) and 53362, up from 52731 (000’s sum) respectively. Ten Sports stood at the third position with 22089, up from 15954 (000’s sum).
On the other hand, week 20 saw no change in the pecking order of the Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs). Star Plus continued to dominate the satellite waves with 171144, up from 163554 (000’s sum).
Colors sat comfortably at the number two position with 132637, down from 144899 (000’s sum). Life OK stood at number three with 113817, down from 121931 (000’s sum).
Zee TV took the fourth spot with 97905, down from 99794 (000’s sum). Last but not the least, Sab with 79098, up from 73738 (000’s sum) was the only channel from MSM to feature in the top five channels in GEC category.
Amongst the top three shows, Star Plus’s Saath Nibhaana Saathiya ruled the charts with 2710, up from 2442 (000’s sum). Colors’ Sasural Simar Ka was second with 1726, down from 1818 (000’s sum) followed by Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat with 1523 (000’s sum).
In the news broadcasting space, Aaj Tak continued its numero uno position with 13121, down from 14155 (000’s sum). While the last week saw close battle for the second spot between ABP News and India TV with the former securing the second spot, week 20 had a different story to say.
India TV secured the second position with 11439, down from 12589 (000’s sum), whereas ABP News at number three scored 10616, down from 12981 (000’s sum).
Times Now continued its dominance in the English News broadcasting space with 373, down from 378 (000’s sum) followed by NDTV 24/7 at 211, down from 236 (000’s sum). Headlines Today was placed third at 191, down from 236 (000’s sum).
Viacom’s Nick led the kids’ genre with 74551, up from 70516 (000’s sum) closely followed by Turner International’s Pogo with 69247, up from 67397 (000’s sum). Disney with 53301, up from 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.
