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FCT for most genres stable in Week 16: BARC-Nielsen
NEW DELHI: As per the sixth edition of BARC-Nielsen data, which shares insight into the media habits during the COVID2019 period, brands that advertised heavily during summers have seen a drop in FCTs as compared to the weeks 14-16 of 2019. However, most of the categories sustained FCT levels in week 16 of 2020 as compared to the previous week, with soft drinks and squashes seeing a marginal increase.
Also, the overall FCT, across genres, remained largely stable in week 16, noticing just one per cent dip in overall numbers as compared to the past week.
News genre kept growing compared to pre-COVID period with Hindi, English, Gujarati and Oriya channels witnessing the highest growth when it comes to FCT. There has been a marginal dip in several languages, however, as compared to week 15.
Inventory levels of top 10 brands dropped marginally, by four per cent, as compared to the past week. For the next 40 brands, the drop was 10 per cent. The number of total brands on TV also witnessed a marginal drop, as compared to week 15. It went from 2013 brands in week 15 to 1947 brands in week 16.
Several top advertisers increased their inventory across genres while GSK, ITC and Colgate increased FCTs on GECs, Reckitt Benckiser, HUL and National Informatics Centre on news channels. GSK, Colgate, and Amazon upped their FCTs on movie channels.
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.
