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BARC week 38: Star Plus sees significant ratings rise, back to no.1
MUMBAI: Star Plus and Colors have been slugging it out in the ratings race for the last couple of weeks. In the Hindi general entertainment channels (GEC) genre, Star Plus has regained its number one position with a considerable rise in ratings, according to the data released by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India in week 38.
Star Plus ruled the roost by securing leadership position with 408816 (000 Sums) against 381365 (000 Sums) in week 38. On the other hand, Colors’ ratings nosedived as compared to last week, as the channel held second position with 379921 (000 Sums) against 414841 (000 Sums).
Zee TV grabbed the third slot in the genre with 272281 (000 Sums) followed by Life OK and Sab in fourth and fifth slot with 236606 (000 Sums) and 190465 (000 Sums) respectively.
Star Plus’ prime time show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya led the chart of top five programmes in Hindi GECs with 7782 (000 Sums) followed by Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya in second spot and Colors’ Sasural Simar Ka in the third slot with 6130 (000 Sums) and 6043 (000 Sums) respectively. Star Plus’ Diya Aur Bati Hum and Colors’ Udaan secured the fourth and fifth slot with 5685 (000 Sums) and 5636 (000 Sums) respectively.
Like last week, this week too the WWE series has worked for Ten Sports as the channel secured the leadership position in the sports genre with 58963 (000 Sums) followed by Sony Six at second spot and Star Sports 1 in the third slot with 13747 (000 Sums) and 5788 (000 Sums) respectively.
In the kids’ segment, Nick (v) grabbed the topped the genre with 50817 (000 Sums) followed by Pogo TV (v) in second position with 42922 (000 Sums) and Hungama (v) in third slot with 33386 (000 Sums).
Times Now led the chart in the English news channel genre and recorded 334 (000 Sums) and followed by India Today Television in the second spot with 129 (000 Sums). CNN IBN held the third spot with 129 (000 Sums).
In the Bhojpuri genre, Big Magic Ganga continued to grab leadership position with 5450 (000 Sums). ETV Bihar Jharkhand and Dangal TV garnered second and third berth with 1658 (000 Sums) and 1535 (000 Sums) respectively.
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.
