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Star Plus maintains lead; Ind vs Sri T20 brings back DD National in Top 10
MUMBAI: Star Plus continues to rule the Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) genre even after witnessing a dip in ratings. While the India – Sri Lanka T20 match helped DD National to make a comeback in the top 10 channels, according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) All India data of week 6.
Star Plus saw fall in ratings but was perched in the numero uno position with 711158 (‘000s) as against 724223 (‘000s) in week 5. Second in line Colors also shed some ratings but managed to secure its slot with 689432 (‘000s) as against 713106 (‘000s) in the previous week.
Zee Networks’ Hindi entertainment channel Zee TV bagged the third slot with an increase in ratings at 686349 (‘000s) followed by Zee’s free to air (FTA) channel Zee Anmol on fourth spot with 669828 (‘000s) and Star India’s FTA channel Star Ustav at number five with 437543 (‘000s).
Life OK fell to the sixth spot from five and scored 437228 (‘000s) whereas Sony Pal climbed up at number seven from its last week’s ninth position with 397413 (‘000s). Sony Entertainment Television stood at number eight with 349537 (‘000s) while its sister channel Sab exited the list.
DD National came back in the top ten channels in Hindi GECs and grabbed the ninth slot with 348202 (‘000s) followed by Rishtey in the tenth slot with 343724 (‘000s).
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.
