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Zee 24 Taas gets election ready
MUMBAI: With election fever having gripped the nation, television channels, even the regional ones, are jumping into the fray.
One such is Zee Media Corporation’s Marathi news channel, Zee 24 Taas, which has launched a slew of election-related programmes ahead of the polls.
Of these, Election Express, airs at 10:30 pm, and is an on-ground show with a three-camera set-up, where journalists talk to candidates and voters in various constituencies. Whatsup India is a youth show with a two-camera set-up whereas Hava Maharashtrachi has one OB van accompanying it and evaluates the mood of voters in various parliamentary constituencies of the state. Ran Sangram, Audit Matadarsanghache, Agenda Maharashtracha and Gennext are some of the other new shows.
Zee 24 Taas business head Bhushan Khot says, “Right now, we have 50 per cent of election news and the rest is general news. On the days of polling in Maharashtra (10, 17 and 24 March) and on counting day (16 May), we will have all-day election news.”
Experts have been roped in on the four crucial days. Ad rates too have been hiked to double the amount, and sources say it could be near Rs 2000 for a 10 second slot on the counting day. Among the sponsors on-board are Gujarat Ambuja, V Guard and Shakti Pump.
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Forty to fifty stringers and videographers will cover all 48 constituencies of Maharashtra, including Vidharba, Amravati, Nagpur, Marathwada, Latur, Aurangabad, Pune, Solapur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Satara, Thane and Mumbai. In some cases, stringers will take on the job of reporting as well as shooting videos.
Zee 24 Taas says being a regional channel, its focus on elections will not be as sharp as say a national channel, at least this time. However, when the state goes to polls in September later this year, the channel will have full-fledged election programming.
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.
