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Times Now strengthens primetime with Padmaja Joshi’s appointment
MUMBAI: Times Now, the English news channel from Times Network has strengthened its primetime band with the appointment of Padmaja Joshi as presenter. In her role, Padmaja will present the primetime show The Newshour at 10 pm on Times Now and will closely work with the editorial leadership team in setting the news agenda for the channel.
Based out of Times Now’s Noida office, Joshi will report to Times Now editor-in-chief Rahul Shivshankar.
Shivshankar said, “I am pleased to welcome Padmaja to the Times Now team. We are confident that her vast knowledge and experience will be a valuable contribution in shaping the primetime band and driving the immediate big event – elections.”
A seasoned journalist with over a decade experience, Joshi brings in-depth knowledge in broadcasting as a reporter, producer, commentator, primetime news anchor and presenter across politics and current affairs.
On her appointment, Joshi said, “I’m extremely excited to join Times Now, a brand that stands for credibility and accuracy in reportage. What sets the channel apart, is the primacy it gives to reporters and as a journalist who thrives on being where the story is, I look forward to be a part of the team that’s always with the news, first.”
She will also play an active role in extensive reportage on the upcoming General Elections.
Joshi has earlier worked with Headlines Today (now India Today TV), where she anchored the prime-time broadcast shows on the channel and was in-charge of copy and the news flow. In her earlier role with Times Now, Padmaja handled the responsibility of an anchor and news editor of the channel.
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.
