News Broadcasting
CNN taps into futuristic gadgets with ‘Sparks’
MUMBAI: CNN’s show Spark, hosted by Kristie Lu Stout examines the latest in cutting-edge technology by exploring the use of high-tech digital tagging devices.
Stout kicks off the program with a look at Future Shopping, unraveling the latest trends in Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) that are being used by retailers to radically change the way customers shop. The program profiles Germany’s Metro ‘Extra Future Store’ as one of the first of its kind to tap into this technological advance.
The half-hour program then shifts in Running on Empty and reveals how two Japanese electronics companies compete to perfect the prototype power source for mobile phones. As more and more interactive services are crammed onto our handsets, conventional batteries are finding the extra work too draining. Spark investigates the new energy boost for the mobile generation. Nokia’s mobile phone designer, Frank Nuovo, also gives CNN’s viewers insight into the design strategy of the world’s leading mobile phone maker.
Spark concludes by taking international viewers to The Baja Beach Club in Spain, where an RFID chip implant will allow customers to pay for their drinks by simply waving their arm, and even gain them a VIP entry.
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.
