MAM
Misleading ads issue: Asci to meet govt soon
NEW DELHI: The Department of Consumer Affairs is studying the possibility of framing some guidelines to check misleading advertisements in the print and electronic media, following a directive from the Prime Minister’s office.
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is expectedly irate, and a Delhi-based member said the Council would raise the issue with the Ministry.
An ASCI delegation is expected to meet senior officials in the government early next week, and it is also expected that this delegation will press for all matters relating to the media to be dealt with only through the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Taking objection to advertisements that make promises for checking falling hair, obesity and skin conditions, the PMO has directed the Consumer Affairs Ministry to work on the existing Advertising Code and suggest changes.
The government may also consider setting up a regulator to enforce the guidelines, though I& B Ministry sources said they would press for this issue to come under self-regulation.
PMO sources said the matter was discussed at a recent review, particularly in view of the messaging on mobiles.
There are laws to deal with consumer issues and courts that specifically address complaints, but a guide will make it clear to the buyer and seller about a legitimate advertisement and a doubtful appeal seeking to exploit human fears, insecurity and suffering.
Brands
UltraTech Cement appoints Jayant Dua as managing director
Dua will succeed K. C. Jhanwar after his term ends in December 2026
MUMBAI: UltraTech Cement, the flagship cement arm of the Aditya Birla Group, has elevated Jayant Dua as managing director, effective 1 April, 2026.
The company’s board also approved his appointment as additional director, managing director and key managerial personnel, effective 1 January, 2027, following the completion of the current managing director K C Jhanwar’s term on 31 December, 2026, according to a regulatory filing.
Dua will serve as managing director for a four-year term from 1 January, 2027 to 31 December, 2030.
A veteran executive with more than 37 years of professional experience, Dua joined the Aditya Birla Group’s cement business in 1996 and spent nearly a decade in various functional and leadership roles.
Over the past two decades, he has held several profit-and-loss and chief executive responsibilities across multiple group businesses, including insulators, insurance, Century Cement and the chlor-alkali segment. In 2023, he was elevated to lead the group’s renewables and textiles businesses.
Within the group, Dua has received several internal honours, including the chairman’s individual award for exceptional contribution in 2002, the outstanding leader award in 2009 and the leader of leaders recognition in 2022.
He holds an engineering degree from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, an MBA from International Management Institute and has completed the advanced management programme at Harvard Business School.
