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BARC week 31: Star Plus, Ten Sports, Nick, Times Now rule the roost
MUMBAI: Star Plus continued to retain its leadership position in the general entertainment channel (GEC) category as it fetched 417090 (000 Sum) in the week 31 analysis of Broadcast Audience Measurement Council India (BARC) ratings.
The second slot was booked by Colors with 340631 (000 Sum) followed by Zee TV with 261527 (000 Sum). Life OK with 235201 (000 Sum) was above Sab at the fourth berth, wherein the latter fetched 197346 (000 Sum).
Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya with 5868 (000 sum) dethroned Star Plus’ Saath Nibhaana Saathiya with 5805 (000 sum) to grab the pole position in BARC India’s list of top programs. Colors’ Sasural Simar Ka with 5121 (000 sum) and Swaragini with 4986 (000 sum) secured third and fourth place respectively.
There was no change in the leadership position in the sports genre either as Ten Sports backed by WWE continued to lead the tally with 32203 (000 Sum). The live broadcaster of Sri Lanka VS Pakistan T20 match – Ten Cricket garnered 19549 (000 Sum) and sat on the second slot over Star Sports 2, which secured third position with 14427 (000 Sum)
Nick also managed to keep its leadership position intact in the kids genre with 46317 (000 Sum) followed by Pogo TV with 37391 (000 Sum). Cartoon Network with 27112 (000 Sum) secured third place.
Times Now continued its undisputed run as the leader in the English News genre with 599 (000 Sum) followed by India Today Television with 201 (000 Sum). NDTV 24×7 with 168 (000 Sum) secured the third position.
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.
