MAM
ASCI to meet I&B on misleading ads issue
NEW DELHI: With the Department of Consumer Affairs adamant on setting an agency to check misleading advertisements, the Advertising Standards Council of India has decided to take up the issue with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to prevent unnecessary duplication.
A Delhi-based member of ASCI told indiantelevision.com that though ASCI members had met Food and Consumer Affairs Minister K V Thomas in this regard, they would raise the issue through the I&B Ministry which is the nodal Ministry for dealing with the media.
The I&B Ministry sources also said the Ministry was in favour of self-regulation on such matters and feels the work being done by ASCI is adequate.
The Department of Consumer Affairs, which has been asked by the Prime Minister’s office to study the possibility of framing some guidelines to check misleading advertisements in the print and electronic media, has said it is planning setting up an agency to examine consumer complaints against misleading advertisements.
Food and Consumer Affairs Minister K V Thomas told mediapersons here that “at present, we do not have any agency to investigate the consumer complaints regarding misleading advertisements and so we are considering setting up one under the Department of Consumer Affairs.”
In August, the Ministry had formed an inter-ministerial committee to consider various options to deal with the issue of misleading ads.
The Minister said the proposed agency will have experts from various fields to check the claims made by companies in their advertisements.
Thomas expressed concerns over rising consumer complaints against misleading ads particularly in regional languages. Admitting there were several legislations and regulations under different Ministries to deal with the issue, Thomas said: “We are discussing how there can be a co-ordination between them.”
At present, the Food Processing, Health and Information and Broadcasting Ministries are separately dealing with misleading advertisements under various acts.
Taking objection to advertisements that make promises for checking falling hair, obesity and skin conditions, the PMO had last month directed the Consumer Affairs Ministry to work on the existing Advertising Code and suggest changes.
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.
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Axis Bank named Official Banking Partner of DP World PGTI
Partnership supports all tournaments this season to grow professional golf in India.
MUMBAI: Axis Bank just teed up a hole-in-one partnership because when a bank sponsors golf’s biggest swing in India, even the fairways feel more financially secure. Axis Bank has been appointed Official Banking Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), strengthening its commitment to sporting excellence and community engagement while backing the growth of professional golf across the country.
Under the partnership, Axis Bank will support all DP World PGTI tournaments this season, contributing to talent development, enhanced tournament experiences and wider fan engagement. The collaboration aligns the bank’s values of precision, discipline and trust with the Tour’s focus on performance and opportunity.
Axis Bank executive director Munish Sharda said, “We are pleased to partner with DP World PGTI as its Official Banking Partner. Golf embodies precision, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence qualities that strongly reflect who we are at Axis Bank. This association also strengthens our engagement with India’s growing premium customer segments, where the sport has a deep and enduring connect.”
Professional Golf Tour of India president Kapil Dev said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Axis Bank as a Tour Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Partnerships of this stature play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the Tour, enhancing opportunities for our players, and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.”
Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl added, “Axis Bank’s strong legacy of excellence, innovation, and nationwide reach aligns perfectly with DP World PGTI’s goal to elevate professional golf in India and provide greater opportunities for our players.”
In a sport where every stroke counts and every partnership drives distance, Axis Bank isn’t just backing golfers, it’s investing in the fairway to future, turning India’s greens into a stage where precision meets passion and every drive has the power to inspire.
