News Broadcasting
BBC World Service launches news programme for Afghanistan
MUMBAI: BBC World Service has launched a news and current affairs programme for audiences in the Southern and Eastern regions of Afghanistan.
Stasu Narray, from the BBC Pashto service, will bring 30 minutes of news and in-depth analysis to Pashto-speakers, including those on the Pakistan border, every day at 9 pm in Afghanistan . Stasu Narray will discuss a range of topics, from politics and economy to health and sports.
There will also be opportunities for listeners to share their views on key issues affecting their lives in special phone-ins.
BBC Persian and Pashto service head Andres Ilves says, “The BBC has been broadcasting to Afghanistan for many decades. Nearly two out of three adults listen to our programmes at least once a week, and research shows that the BBC is the international broadcaster most Afghans trust and tune in to.
“We are delighted to be able to draw on our rich experience and expertise of the region to offer a new bespoke daily programme for southern Afghanistan. I am certain that our listeners will benefit from the BBC’s tradition of impartial journalism and comprehensive on-the-ground coverage.”
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.
