News Headline
Discovery to launch three new channels
GOA: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has announced the launch of three new channels in India at the ongoing GoaFest. Widely recognised for enhancing the television viewing experience in India over the last two decades, Discovery will launch a refreshing new concept Hindi entertainment channel named ID – Investigation Discovery.
One of the pioneers in high definition genre in India, the company will also expand its HD offering with the launch of two differentiated gold standard channels – TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World.
The company’s expanded portfolio of 11 differentiated channels reflects India’s potential and resonates the core promise of digitisation in India.
ID will be India’s first Hindi entertainment channel dedicated to offering compelling true stories of mystery, crime and suspense. The channel promises to ‘always reveal’ intriguing twists and turns that culminate into thrilling conclusions. Providing fascinating stories of human nature, the channel’s alluring series, in-depth specials and thought-provoking one-offs will challenge viewers’ perceptions and expand the Hindi entertainment genre.
Rahul Johri executive vice president and general manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia said, “The launch of three new channels ID, TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World demonstrates Discovery’s commitment to entertain Indian viewers and offer high-quality and differentiated programming. ID is one of the great success stories in US cable and we are thrilled to present the impactful and entertaining investigative programming to viewers in India.”
“Steering the premium audience in the country, TLC HD World promises to celebrate every moment of life by offering the finest experiences from across the world. With its dedicated 24-hour programming, the channel will indulge the audience through its captivating content on destinations, personalities and trends underscoring its ‘live more’ promise,” stated the release.
Offering the gold standard in high definition, Animal Planet HD World will bring alive the warm and intimate bond that exists between humans and animal kingdom. “Surprisingly Human, it will broadcast premiere content, scheduled as per Indian viewers’ preference with gripping on air packaging,” the release added.
Discussing the growth potential of high definition in India, Johri said, “The launch of the two new high definition channels TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World has further extended Discovery’s leadership in the HD genre. Both the new networks, along with existing Discovery HD World, will enrich television viewing experience and satisfy the emerging demands of audience, advertisers and affiliates.”
Discovery’s existing portfolio in India includes eight channels: Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Tamil, TLC, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD World.
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.
