News Broadcasting
Prasar Bharati’s grants-in-aid slashed marginally
NEW DELHI: In a surprising move, the grants-in-aid to Prasar Bharati, which manages India’s pubcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio, has been shaved off marginally, though the realisation by the organisation of previous year’s help had been more than 100 per cent.
In the budgetary proposals for financial year 2004-05, the government dole to Prasar Bharati stands at Rs 9.75 billion (975.26 crore), while last year it was Rs 10.06 million (1005.64 crore).
However, the slashing of the grant-in-aid has been seemingly offset by an increase in the plan outlay for Prasar Bharati to Rs 4,800 million for the current year from Rs. 4,150 million. This indicates that money has been sanctioned for some ongoing projects, as also expansion.
The grants-in-aid to Prasar Bharati is given by the governmenmt to cover the gap in resources of the organisation in meeting its revenue expenditure.
Loans extended to Prasar Bharati, also, has shown an increase to Rs 1.69 million (169.50 crore) from Rs 1.66 million (166 crore). The government loan is provided so that Prasar Bharati can meet its needs to finance capital expenditure.
However, the impact of today’s budgetary proposals on Doordarshan’s plans to start a KU-band DTH service could not be immediately ascertained as Prasar Bharati officials were not available for comments.
Meanwhile, the annual budgetary allocation for the information and broadcasting ministry has gone up marginally to Rs 15.14 million (1514.17 crore) from Rs 15.12 million (1512.12 crore).
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.
