News Broadcasting
Centre not in hurry for 100 per cent FDI in news: Javadekar
MUMBAI: While general entertainment channels enjoy the liberty of having 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), News channels are restricted to having just 26 per cent. With a new government at the center, all eyes are on the new Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar to bring in some changes.
A pertinent question asked by journalists to Javadekar was regarding the same. According to a PTI report, he is said to have assured journalists that his Ministry is busy collecting views of the stakeholders related to the issue of allowing 100 per cent FDI in News media.
“We want to take the views of all the stakeholders before we take a final decision if we should give a go-ahead for the 100 per cent FDI in News media. We are not in a hurry to go for the same,” he said to PTI.
On the sidelines, he also addressed the issue of paid news stating that a meeting of the council of ministers will be held soon to discuss the matter. Highlighting two types of paid news, Javadekar said, “The first one is related to the elections, the other one was directly connected to the privately-owned business newspapers.” He added that a final meeting of the committee on paid news will be held today of which he is also a member.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
