News Broadcasting
Rs 940 million FDI application in Hindustan times cleared
NEW DEHI: The Indian government today approved 57 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals worth more than Rs 6.3 billion, including increase in foreign equity in Hindustan Times Media and restructuring of Hutchison Max in India.
The FDI applications, amounting to Rs 6339.8 million to be exact, were okayed by the finance ministry on the recommendations of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in its meeting held on 25 October, 2004.
Hindustan Times case relates to Henderson Asia Pacific Equity Partners of the UK upping its stake in an HT joint venture company, HT Media Ltd, to 26 per cent from 19.23 per cent. Henderson is making the investments through its affiliate HPC (Mauritius) Ltd.
This approval would bring into the joint venture company, set up to undertake a variety of activities, including those related to the Internet, radio and TV, an additional sum of Rs 940 million.
At one time it was being speculated that it would be this joint venture company that would launch HT’s Mumbai edition.
Meanwhile, the government okayed restructuring of Hutchison Telecommunications (India) Ltd, Mauritius and Hutchison Max Telecom Private Ltd.
The proposal involves consolidation of equity by Hutchison Max Telecom Private Limited in its Indian telecom companies by way of acquisition of entire domestic and foreign shareholding and in lieu of issuing its shares.
The proposed restructuring had been pending a government nod for quite some time now and would pave the way for an IPO of Hutch. This particular case was taken up by the FIPB on 27 October.
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.
