News Broadcasting
MTV US unveils student-developed viral video game
MUMBAI: US broadcaster MTV has announced that mtvU, its college network, in partnership with the Reebok Human Rights Foundation and the International Crisis Group have launched a viral video game.
The game was conceived and developed by a group of digital activists from the University of Southern California. mtvU had launched the Darfur Digital Activist competition — “Darfur is Dying.
The viral, online video game aims to spread awareness of the genocide taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan. It looks to serve as a call to action, and further empower college students to help stop the killing.
Darfur is Dying is available for play at www.darfurisdying.com. Gold medallist Joey Cheek in February donated his $40,000 Olympic prize purse to relief efforts in Sudan and helped spark additional donations approaching $1 million.
The game is a narrative-based simulation where the user, from the perspective of a displaced Darfurian, negotiates forces that threaten the survival of his or her refugee camp. Humanitarian aid workers with extensive on the ground experience in Darfur advised the students throughout the development process, helping to ensure the game accurately captured and was sensitive to the refugees’ plight.
Darfur is Dying was designed to engage users and provide a window into the refugee experience — offering a faint glimpse of what it’s like for the more than 2.5 million who have been internally displaced by the crisis in Sudan. Calls to action are a fundamental part of the game and the user is presented with several opportunities during game play to become involved.
Kiosks will be set up across the US where people can play the game, send it to others and take immediate action to help end the crisis. mtvU will also be exhibiting the student-filmed documentary Translating Genocide: Three Students Journey to Sudan. The film captures the devastation of the genocide in Darfur and was entirely filmed by college students.
MTV adds that several artists and student groups from across the US participated in the online launch of the game a couple of days ago.
mtvU GM Stephen Friedman says, “College students were among the first to cry out for an end to the atrocities in Darfur and this game is another way mtvU is serving as their
megaphone. Darfur is Dying is a powerful tool college students can use to help stop the genocide in Sudan and we applaud the USC team for their important contribution to this
critical cause.”
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.
