News Headline
BARC week 3: Zee Anmol drops to No. 4; Sony out, DD National in
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd’s (ZEEL) free-to-air channel Zee Anmol, which received a major fillip with the release of the rural inclusive data from Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India last year, has been slowly climbing down the rungs in the opening weeks of 2016.
After making an entry in the third spot in the maiden all India (urban + rural) data last year, Zee Anmol climbed up the charts, even managing to pip markets leader Star Plus to claim the No. 1 slot last year. With the rise of Colors in the closing weeks of 2015 to the top slot, Zee Anmol continued its hold on the second position.
However, in week 2 of 2016, Star Plus climbed to the second spot, which pushed Zee Anmol to the third rung. And now in week 3, Zee TV has climbed up to the third position, pushing Zee Anmol to the fourth place in the Hindi GECs’ pecking order.
On the other hand, Colors continued to lead the genre though it saw a decline in ratings, while Star Plus maintained its second spot in week 3 of BARC all India data.
The third week of BARC saw DD National re-entering the Top 10 Hindi GECs list, while Sony Entertainment Television made an exit.
Colors grabbed the leadership position with 701098 (‘000s) as against 762023 (‘000s) in the previous week. Following it was Star Plus with 681775 (‘000s) in the second slot.
Zee TV climbed up to the third position with 647201 (‘000s), while Zee Anmol stood at number four with 638381 (‘000s).
Star India’s FTA channel Star Ustav maintained its place in the fifth place with 437498 (‘000s), followed by Life OK in the sixth slot with 427374 (‘000s).
Sony Pal with 394987 (‘000s) and Rishtey with 393743 (‘000s) stood at the seventh and eighth positions respectively.
Sab TV bagged the ninth place in the genre with 361055 (‘000s), while DD National made its presence felt at the tenth position with 329478 (‘000s).
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








