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Mediapersons to get railway ID cum credit cards
NEW DELHI: The press would be able to take advantage of travel on railways through the use of photo identification cum credit cards based on the certification by the Press Information Bureau and other competent State and local authorities.
Until now, the mediapersons had to acquire coupons from the railways for concessions.
Presenting the Railway Budget for 2011-12, Rail Minister Mamata Banerjee said on production of this card, the Press Correspondents would be able to get reservation done and also tickets issued from the PRS/UTS counters.
Facilities would also be provided to get compact accommodation for both the Press Correspondents and their family members who are not availing this concession. In addition, concession of 30 per cent will be increased to 50 per cent for Press Correspondents and permission to travel with spouse at 50 per cent concession will be given for once a year, she said.
Meanwhile, she announced the setting up of an expert committee headed by Sam Pitroda, the key person behind the growth of telecommunication revolution in the country, to suggest further innovations, to utilise the optic fiber cables network of the railway and take information technology to the door steps in remote areas.
She said this was being done because there had been little progress after the announcement in the 2001-02 Railway Budget of laying of Optic Fibre Cable network along Railway track for commercial utilisation.
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.
