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India and Japan agree to enhance co-operation on media content
NEW DELHI: India and Japan have agreed to expand co-operation in the films sector, particularly in co-production of animation films.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, both the countries have agreed to form a Joint Working Group in order to tap the huge business potential in the co-production of films and animation, skill development, exchange programs between training institutes and such other areas which are mutually beneficial to both sides.
The agreement was signed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari and visiting Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi today.
During the discussions, Tewari extended the invitation for Japanese partnership in setting up of the proposed National Centre for Excellence in Animation, Gaming and Special Effects (NCOE) in Mohali, Punjab. He also welcomed Japanese expertise in developing special training courses at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune and the Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute (SRFTII), Kolkata.
Welcoming Japan’s decision to be the Focus Country in the International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa this year, the Minister extended personal invitation to the Japanese Minister to attend IFFI, 2013.
Motegi affirmed full Japanese cooperation in the media content industry of India. He said that a beginning has been made by way of co-production of films, particularly animation films. The Minister said there is a significant potential for growth in the media sector in India as the country is making rapid economic progress.
Bimal Julka, Secretary I&B welcomed the initiatives outlined and stated that immediate steps would be taken to establish the Joint Working Group.
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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.
