News Headline
High-Speed World Record in sight as India gears up for MotoGP Bharat
Mumbai: Motorsports aficionados in India are in for a grand treat with the MotoGP Bharat taking place at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida from September 22-24, LIVE on JioCinema, and aired on Sports18 Khel. This is the 13 race of the season and the first time that the highest class of motorcycle racing is taking place in India.
About 1,50,000 fans are expected to watch proceedings at the fast-flowing track that includes 13 challenging turns (eight right and five left). This year, Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM became the fastest Grand Prix rider ever, clocking 366.1 km/hr at the Italian GP, however, the record is expected to be breached at 370 km/hr, thanks to the long back straight at BIC, measuring 1.06 km.
Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia stands at the top of the riders’ standings after 12 races with 283 points. Bagnaia produced a stellar performance in the second half of 2022 and clinched the crown at the season finale. Sporting the #1 for the 2023 season, Bagnaia has been the rider to beat and will be seen in action at the Bharat GP. Spain’s Jorge Martin Almoguera of Prima Pramac Racing (Ducati) stands in second place with 247 points. Nicknamed the ‘Martinator’, Martin bounced back after a winless season last year to become a title contender again and will have his sights set on the trophy come Sunday.
Mooney VR46 Racing Team (Ducati)’s Marco Bezzecchi of Italy lies in third place with 218 points. Bezzecchi announced himself as a title contender this season with two wins in the first five races. Sunday’s race will also see six-time world champion Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda Team in action.
Sunday’s race will witness a fierce battle of world-class motorcycles and champion riders as they vie to etch a piece of history by becoming the first-ever winner of MotoGP Bharat.
Catch all the action of the MotoGP – Bharat – Main Race on 24 September 2023, Sunday, 3:30 PM onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on JioCinema and Sports18 Khel
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.
