News Broadcasting
bbcshop.com reports a 40 per cent rise in X’mas sales
MUMBAI: With online retail sales booming this Christmas, UK pubcaster The BBC’s own retailer, bbcshop.com is already reporting a 40 per cent increase in sales compared to the same time last year – with Shakespeare leading the way.
The number one bestseller by value of all titles on the site so far is the BBC Television Shakespeare Collection on DVD. Titles that have done well during the past month include the 10th anniversary DVD of Pride & Prejudice; the audiobook version of Radio 4’s This Sceptred Isle: Empire; and Alan Titchmarsh’s Christmas anthology book, Fill My Stocking.
Toys are selling well too. Number one on the toys bestseller list is the Doctor Who mini interactive radio-controlled Dalek with the Doctor Who electronic sonic screwdriver a close second .
A banner on the bbc shop homepage takes users straight to the Christmas Gift Department which offers reasonably priced gifts at all prices. The shop also runs a gift-wrapping service and orders are despatched immediately, with 98 per cent arriving at their destination on the next working day.
There are some price promotions for Christmas this year, including classic BBC costume drama DVDs on offer at up to 50 per cent off, and a buy one get one free offer on selected Doctor Who DVDs. The BBC online shop carries 4,000 items published by both BBC Worldwide and other publishers of broadcast-related roducts.
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.
