News Broadcasting
[V]’s ‘Launch Pad’ to unearth best band
MUMBAI: Channel [v] will introduce [v] Launch Pad as part of the Mumbai Festival celebration. The talent hunt show will provide a platform to unearth the most talented band from across the country.
In a series of challenges designed to give one band the chance to grab a coveted spot, the band will be subsequently launched.
The commencement of the hunt for the country’s hottest band will culminate with five of the most talented bands, an official release says.
The panel of judges will be responsible for judging these talented bands would be music director duo- Vishal and Shekhar along with Channel [v] head of music programming and MARs (Music and Artist Relation) Luke Kenny.
The contestants can register online by logging onto www.vindia.com. The entrants also have an opportunity of walk in-registration into selective Café Coffee Day outlets, on 15 December, the last date for registration.
Launch Pad being a seasonal property will give a rundown of the show in three episode series on Channel [v].
The five selected bands will get an opportunity to perform the opening act of an international artist’s show. The finale concert will be exclusively hosted by Channel [v] on 15 January., informs the release.
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.
