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BARC week 23: Hindi GECs’ order remains unmoved
MUMBAI: Week 23 of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) ratings saw no change in the pecking order of Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs). Star Plus continued to stay on top with 366096 (000’s sum) followed by Colors with 328096 (000’s sum).
Zee TV stood at number three with 237242 (000’s sum), whereas Life OK occupied the fourth spot with 232292 (000’s sum). Sab maintained its fifth position with 186421 (000’s sum).
Amongst the top three programs, Star Plus’s Saath Nibhaana Saathiya continued to rule the chart with 6566 (000’s sum) followed by Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai with 4465 (000’s sum). Colors’ Sasural Simar Ka secured the third position with 4421 (000’s sum).
Sports category witnessed new winners this week. Though Ten Sports continued to hold the number one spot with 46541 (000’s sum), Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 1 were perched at the second and third spot with 15794 (000’s sum) and 15158 (000’s sum) respectively.
In the Hindi news broadcasting space, Aaj Tak continued its stranglehold on its pole position with 28366 (000’s sum). India TV claimed the second spot with 27514 (000’s sum) followed by ABP News at number three with 27074 (000’s sum).
In the English Business news genre, CNBC TV18 topped the category with 182 (000’s sum) followed by ET Now with 153 (000’s sum) at number two. NDTV Profit and NDTV Prime at number three scored 22 (000’s sum).
In the Hindi Business news space, CNBC Awaaz garnered 984 (000’s sum) followed by Zee Business with 451 (000’s sum).
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.
