News Headline
Star, Toyota form partnership to drive motorisation in China
BEIJING: Rupert Murdoch’s Star Group and Toyota Motor Corporation have formed a partnership to promote motorisation in China.
The unique partnership marks the biggest collaboration to date between the two parties and signifies Toyota’s long-term commitment to the world’s fastest growing automobile market.
Leveraging on the popular and trend-setting content of Xing Kong, Star’s flagship entertainment channel in China, the partnership is set to transform the consumer perception towards cars from being primarily an utilitarian product to one that is fun and offers enhanced lifestyle.
Under the agreement, Toyota will sponsor a strip of prime time programming on Xing Kong, which will be branded as ‘Zai Meng Xian Feng’ (literally meaning ‘pioneer in transporting aspirations into reality’). Xing Kong will produce three new shows which will be launched early next year. The shows will feature the latest trends and lifestyles in China, while highlighting the usage of cars in an innovative and trendy manner.
Toyota’s senior MD Akio Toyoda says, “We would like to contribute to the development of the Chinese society, which is experiencing a robust growth in motorisation, by broadly introducing the concept of “Fun to Drive”. It is a concept emphasising enrichment and enhancing of life through motoring activities. We strongly feel that the most effective means of delivering this message is through TV. We are confident that partnering with Star which has a proven record of producing local popular content will enable us to achieve our goals.”
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.
