News Headline
Star World returns; Colors Infinity departs: BARC week 44
MUMBAI: Star World made a comeback in the English entertainment Top 5 channels’ list whereas Colors Infinity made an exit. The English entertainment genre witnessed a decline in the ratings this week. According to the week 44 ratings data of Broadcast Audience Research Data (BARC) India, Star Movies dominated the English movies space while Discovery channel continued to rule the infotainment space.
The factual entertainment space also observed an increase in the ratings. Living Foodz stood at the number one position in the lifestyle genre though with a decline in the rating. NDTV Good Times made an exit from this genre, according to this week’s data.
English Entertainment
Comedy Central with an increase in the ratings continued at stood the number one position with 398 Impressions (‘000s) as compared to 325 Impressions (‘000s) in week 43. Star World grabbed the second spot with 228 Impressions (‘000s) followed by Zee Cafe with 120 Impressions (‘000s) in the third place. The fourth position was secured by AXN with 108 Impressions (‘000s) while FX held the fifth position with 89 Impressions (‘000s).
English Movies
Star Movies dominated the space with 2876 Impressions (‘000s) followed by Sony Pix at the second position with 2555 Impressions (‘000s). Movies Now took the third place with 2504 Impressions (‘000s). HBO with 1559 Impressions (‘000s) and Zee Studio with 1398 Impressions (‘000s) stood at the number four and five position, respectively.
Infotainment increase
Discovery channel continued to dominate the space with a hike in ratings from 4582 Impressions (‘000s) in week 43 to 4769 Impressions (‘000s) this week. History TV 18 was at the second spot with 4501 Impressions (‘000s). Animal Planet with 3127 Impressions (‘000s) and Nat Geo Wild with 2779 Impressions (‘000s) took the third and fourth position respectively. National Geographic channel stood at the fifth position with 2767 Impressions (‘000s).
Lifestyle
Living Foodz witnessed a decline in the ratings continued at the number one position with 1333 Impressions (‘000s) in this week as compared to 2037 Impressions (‘000s). Food Food took the second berth with 801 Impressions (‘000s) followed by Fox Life with 644 Impressions (‘000s). TLC with 476 Impressions (‘000s) and Travel XP HD with 324 Impressions (‘000s) bagged the fourth and fifth position, respectively.
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.
