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TV18 Q2 net up 42 % to Rs 100 million
NEW DELHI: The Raghav Bahl-promoted Television Eighteen today reported a 42 per cent surge in net profit to Rs. 99.94 million for the quarter ended 30 September, 2005, riding on a strong revenue growth of 55 per cent.
The Q2 revenue stood at Rs. 308.18 million, compared to Rs. 199.05 million in the corresponding period previous year.
The operating profit at Rs. 170.72 million signified an increase of 69 per cent against the same corresponding period last year. The operating margins remained above 55 per cent year-on-year, while the earnings per share during Q2 were at Rs 4.75.
According to Television Eighteen MD Raghav Bahl, “This quarter has been good for all our businesses, with every operation posting a strong sequential and year-on-year growth. While our flagship, CNBC-TV18, generated strong cash flows, our Internet businesses have begun contributing significantly to the bottomline.”
In a statement Bahl said, Awaaz, the group’s consumer affairs channel, is on track to achieve a cash break-even by next quarter.
“Our restructuring plan has been applauded by the financial community for its shareholder friendly consolidation of all values for TV18 shareholders. And, now we are excited about the prospects of IBN, which will truly make us the leader in the news space in the country,” he added.
The statement said that the TV 18 group’s co-branded general news channel, CNN iBN, in association with Time Warner Inc’s Cable News Network, is all set for launch by the end of 2005. The group also announced a restructuring plan to meet government guidelines for news channels, consolidating all its businesses within the ownership of existing TV18 shareholders.
During July-September period, the Delhi operations hof TV 18 moved into a state-of-the-art 60,000 sq ft broadcast facility in Noida, on the outskirts of the Capital, from where CNN iBN is slated for launch.
The company also allotted 25,53,380 equity shares, at a price of Rs. 235.40, against warrants held by the TV 18 shareholders, adding slightly over Rs. 575 million to the cash reserves of the company. These warrants were allotted on a rights basis in November 2004.
(Rs 45=1 USD)
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.
