News Headline
Express TV to launch in Andhra Pradesh
MUMBAI: As the country gears itself for what is being called the ‘Election of the Century’ by many existing news channels, another new News channel is set to make space for itself in Andhra Pradesh. Backed by industrialist Jayaram Chigrupati, Express TV will see the light of the day on 31 March that coincides with the Telugu New Year.
With 280 employees on board, the channel will have Bhaskar Nemani as the editorial head and Sai Ramakrishna as the business head. Headquartered in Hyderabad, the channel will operate out of Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam, Tirupati and Warangal with two journalists and two camerapersons in each office. With its launch coinciding with the election season, the channel is looking at providing detailed election coverage through its election related programmes along with Nemani, who will be anchoring the primetime news at 9:00 pm.
The TG is men and women between 23 to 45 years of age. However, Nemani says that the channel will focus on women stories for at least two hours a day.
Broadcasting from Intelsat 17, Express TV has three OB vans and 10 backpack gears on 2mbps 3G for its journalists in the various bureaus and one in Delhi.
“There are nearly 16 news channels in Andhra Pradesh and most of them owned by political parties which is not the case with us. Our goal is development and responsible journalism,” says Nemani.
The marketing campaign has begun across the states on outdoor buses and hoardings. The creative has been done by an in-house team. With an investment of above Rs 20 crore, the channel is looking at breaking even in the next two years.
Currently, the channel has no advertisers on board but it is looking at gaining a decent viewership through elections. The channel will be available on Tata Sky and Hathway for the start and will soon get on board other platforms as well. However, it says that distribution may take a little while.
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.
