News Broadcasting
BBC offers its first language podcast in Persian
MUMBAI: BBC World Service’s Persian entertainment programme Rooze Haftom is the first BBC Persian language programme to be available to audiences via a podcast. The podcast provides listeners with the flexibility to listen to a 15-minute highlight how and when they want to at bbcpersian.com.
Behzad Bolour who presents Rooze Haftom said, “It is fantastic that listeners can stay across our arts and entertainment programme at their own leisure. People are leading busier lives and with diverse media choices it’s essential to give them the opportunity to tailor how they listen. This week they are in for a treat because Rooze Haftom will feature Iranian underground music and Iranian death metal!”
BBC World Service New Media’s Kelly Shephard said, “New technologies like podcasting provide an exciting way for our audiences to hear our content and we hope that this first-ever trial of a BBC language programme via podcast will allow an even wider international audience to explore our programmes. It will revolutionise the listening experience.”
Other programmes available in the BBC podcasting trial are the weekly BBC World Service English language technology programme Go Digital, and all documentaries. They are available at bbcworldservice.com/programmes.
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.
