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Sony, Zee blink on service tax issue, Star stands firm
MUMBAI: When reports started circulating on Wednesday that chinks were appearing in the “united stand” of broadcasters to hold firm on the issue of who should pay the 5 per cent service tax on ad billings, it was surprisingly national broadcaster Doordarshan that first was cited as breaking ranks.
Yesterday the “power of one” prevailed as FMCG behemoth Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL) had its way on the issue with all the broadcasters, with only Star India continuing to hold out.
Star had also pulled off Pepsi and Colgate advertisements over the issue. At the time of posting, however, informationavailable with indiantelevision.com indicate that while the standoff continued between Star and HLL and Colgate, Pepsi had agreed to the lead broadcaster’s terms and the deal is expected to be signed today.
HLL’s power comes from an annual Rs 1.5 billion TV ad spend that is streets ahead of any other advertiser. By blacking out HLL, Star TV is losing Rs 2 million every day, CNBC India has reported.
Still, Star does not look like backing down in the immediate term at least. It’s line of reasoning being that the effective rates that HLL pays out are far lower than other advertisers due to the size of its adspend so for it to ask for the adjustment on the service tax as well is unacceptable.
There is an argument going round that with the Champions Trophy kick-off on 12 September, ad spend would anyway be heading towards Set MAX so Star is unlikely to be able to sustain its boycott. This however, does not look like being a factor in the negotiations as neither HLL nor Colgate are big advertisers for sports events.
What will make the difference in the end is whether HLL’s threat that putting similar monies behind a group of other channels will give it the same effective reach is carried through.
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.
