News Headline
Karnataka election helps news channels increase ratings
MUMBAI: The general news channels witnessed a spike in the ratings because of the Karnataka elections. Aaj Tak led the chart in all three Hindi news markets, as per Broadcast Audience Research Council’s (BARC) week 20 ratings for 2018. English news genre doubled its ratings in week 20 and Republic TV maintained its top slot.
English News
The Karnataka election coverage helped channels double their ratings. Republic TV retained its numero uno position with 1650 impressions (000s) sum compared to 704 impressions (000s) sum last week. Times Now saw almost 3X growth in the ratings and was at the second spot with 1417 impressions (000s) sum compared to 542 Impressions (000s) sum. India Today Television is at third position with 672 impressions (000s) sum compared to 298 impressions (000s) sum last week. CNN News18 was at fourth position with 575 impressions (000s) sum compared to 218 impressions (000s) sum last week.
NDTV 24×7 was at the fifth position with 441 Impressions (000s) sum.
English Business News
CNBC TV18 is at the top slot with 412 impressions (000s) sum compared to 372 impressions (000s) sum last week, followed by ET Now with 196 impressions (000s) sum. BTVI and CNBC TV18 Prime HD were at third and fourth positions respectively with 45 impressions (000s) sum and 7 impressions (000s) sum.
Hindi News (U+R)
The Hindi news genre also saw a spike in rating. Aaj Tak retained its top slot witnessing a hike in ratings with 113143 impressions (000s) sum as compared to 87547 impressions (000s) sum. Zee News climbed a slot to the second position with 98794 impressions (000s) sum compared to 67452 impressions (000s) sum. India TV dropped a slot to third position despite a hike in ratings with 88642 impressions (000s) sum as compared to 78001 impressions (000s) sum.
ABP News and News18 India were at the fourth position and fifth positions after interchanging spots with 81414 impressions (000s) sum and 77903 impressions (000s) sum respectively.
Hindi News Rural
Aaj tak maintained its first position with 45018 impressions (000s) sum. Zee News climbs a slot to second position with 37341 impressions (000s) sum compared to 26750 impressions (000s) sum last week. ABP News jumps two slots to third position with 34919 impressions (000s) sum.
India TV dropped two slots to fourth position with 34655 impressions (000s) sum followed by News Nation which dropped a spot to the fifth position with 30637 impressions (000s) sum.
Hindi News Urban
Aaj Tak led the genre with 68125 impressions (000s) sum compared to 52113 impressions (000s) sum last week. Zee News climbed two slots to second position with 61453 impressions (000s) sum compared to 40701 impressions (000s) sum. India TV and News18 India dropped a slot each to third and fourth positions, garnering 53986 and 48683 impressions (000s) sum.
ABP News is at fifth spot with 46494 impressions (000s) sum.
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.
