News Headline
JioCinema sets world record with 2.57 cr viewers
Mumbai: JioCinema, the official digital streaming partner of TATA IPL, set a new world record as 2.57 cr. concurrent viewers witnessed the sensational century by Shubhman Gill in the first innings of the qualifier two of the TATA IPL 2023 between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. Gill’s knock and Titans skipper Hardik Pandya’s late flurry rocketed the platform past the world record equalled by JioCinema in the qualifier one between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans on Tuesday night, and first set during India vs New Zealand semi-final in the ICC 2019 World Cup.
JioCinema’s TATA IPL 2023 presentation has continuously set new benchmarks and shattered records almost every week through the season, evidence to cricket fans’ preference. On 17 April, 2.4 Cr. viewers came together to watch MS Dhoni’s CSK defend against a high-octane run chase from Royal Challengers Bangalore with bated breath at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This record was set after bettering the one set on 12 April of a peak concurrency touching 2.2 Cr., again when Dhoni almost pulled off another heist against Rajasthan Royals.
2.4Cr – enough to fill the Chinnaswamy 600 times, a number befitting the incredible drama and spectacle of this wonder we call the #TATAIPL!
To those who were part of history tonight, thank you. To those who weren’t, don’t miss out next time#RCBvCSK #IPLonJioCinema #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/U55eNLGr1e
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 17, 2023
“We are thrilled to announce that JioCinema has set a ground-breaking milestone by breaking the world record of concurrent viewers on digital,” said Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayaraj. “It is a testament to our constant endeavour of offering unparalleled experience of TATA IPL to fans and viewers across every corner of the country. The achievement reinforces our commitment to deliver world-class sports action, no matter the scale, and motivates us to constantly push the boundaries of live sports streaming.”
In addition to edge of the seat match action, JioCinema’s repeat record-rumble comes on the back of several fan-centric offerings such as free streaming across all network subscribers, 4K streaming, 12-language commentary and free to play contest Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan with exciting prizes for every match including a car.
JioCinema continues to set global benchmarks in the world of digital sports viewing as it clocked over 1500 Cr. video views in the first seven weeks of the TATA IPL 2023. Viewers were glued to the exciting action on JioCinema as the average time spent per viewer per match touched 60 minutes. TATA IPL 2023 on Connected TV has already reached twice the number of viewers than that on HD TV in the first five weeks.
JioCinema has 26 top brands partnering for their digital streaming of TATA IPL 2023, including (co-presenting sponsor) Dream11, (co-powered) JioMart, PhonePe, Tiago EV, Jio (associate sponsor) Appy Fizz, ET Money, Castrol, TVS, Oreo, Bingo, Sting, AJIO, Haier, RuPay, Louis Philippe Jeans, Amazon, Rapido, Ultra Tech Cement, Puma, Kamla Pasand, Kingfisher Power Soda, Jindal Panther TMT Rebar, Saudi Tourism, Spotify and AMFI.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








