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BARC Week 27 : STAR Plus and Sun TV slug it out for top slot
New Delhi: The Broadcast Council of India (BARC)’s week 27 viewership chart witnessed a close contest between STAR Plus and Sun TV, with the former emerging on top yet again in the All-India ratings.
STAR Plus recorded a weekly average minute audience (AMA) of 2991.78, slightly ahead of south major Sun TV which clocked an AMA of 2708.41. The two channels were followed by STAR MAA, STAR Utsav and SONY SAB in that order for week 27 (3 July to 9 July).
Colors found itself on the sixth spot with an AMA of 1990.56, followed by STAR Vijay, Colors Rishtey, Zee Telugu and Sony Pal. The list was yet again dominated by STAR India network. (Data: All India 2+)
However, Colors performed much better in the mega cities especially Delhi where it clinched the top slot. Overall, STAR Plus led the viewership chart across mega cities, followed by Colors, Sun TV, SONY SAB and STAR Vijay. (Source: Mega Cities 2+)
In the southern market, Sun TV continued to dominate the viewership ratings with an AMA of 2702.35, followed by STAR Maa, STAR Vijay, Zee Telugu and Zee Kannada.
The scenario was slightly different in the regional markets. While STAR Pravah and Zee Marathi topped the list in Maharashtra/Goa, Zee Bangla remained most viewed in West Bengal, Zee Kannada in Karnataka, and STAR Utsav in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Tarang in Odisha.
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.
