early 35 days ago, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B;) sent out a bombshell to broadcasters. Freed of legalese, the message was: stop accepting non-liquor and non-tobacco advertisements from liquor and tobacco brands. The cut-off date? March 28, 2008.

Just days before that missive � or threat, depending on which side you are on - Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had asked the I&B; Ministry to take action against tobacco and liquor companies indulging in surrogate advertising in print, electronic and outdoor media as well. ... more