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Social ads dominate TV during COVID-19: BARC-Nielsen report
NEW DELHI: Overall advertising FCT grew by nine per cent in the week starting 28 March over the pre-COVID time period between 11 and 31 January, as per the third edition of BARC India & Nielsen Media Explain “The Crisis Consumption – Impact Of COVID -19 On TV And Smartphone Behaviour Across India” findings,
Sports registered the highest jump of 86 per cent, followed by business news at 44 per cent. Music, kids, lifestyle, youth, and infotainment witnessed slight dips in ad FCTs.
The top categories contributing to the FCTs were toiletries, growing by 190 times, followed by social and cultural associations (+66 times), and ice cream/frozen dessert (+11 times).
Other top performers included social advertisements by NGOs, which clocked a 628 per cent increase, followed by similar advertisements by the government (+244 per cent). Other top categories include cellular phone services (+166 per cent), corporate videos (+155 per cent), and paints (+101 per cent).
Some of the top brands in week 13 are Dettol and Lifebuoy Toilet soaps, Harpic, Lizol, Hotstar VIP, etc.
Another trend highlighted by the report is the brands’ inclination towards creative COVID-focused advertising on various platforms. Print and television dominate the choice of media for most brands.
Top categories contributing to these COVID-based ads are financial services, retail, telecommunications, and food.
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.
