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Exim policy expected to boost investment in entertainment sector
NEW DELHI: The Indian government’s new Exim (export-import) policy unveiled today lays emphasis on the entertainment industry, apart from giving a massive thrust to services, exports, removal of restrictions on exports and making the Export Promotion Credit Guarantee scheme more flexible.
Though the government did not specify any particular segment of the entertainment industry, industry watchers here feel that, in general, it may give a fillip to the broadcasting sector too.
Announcing a package for entertainment industry, commerce minister Arun Jaitely in his maiden Exim Policy address said this sector, which was “singularly handicapped” by lack of investment, would now be promoted by encouraging venture capital funds into the sector.
Suitable tax incentives would be given to the venture capitalists, in consultation with the finance ministry, he said, adding that a sector-specific working group would be set up for this purpose
Aiming at 1 per cent share in the world trade, the new Exim Policy will give maximum thrust to services like healthcare, entertainment, professional services and tourism.
Though VCs are yet to turn their business eye to the broadcasting sector, they have realised the potential of the film industry. In recent times, some big Bollywood producers have been in talks with VCs to fund their films.
Hailing the Exim Policy as a progressive one, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said one of the significant features of this year’s policy was the initiative to proactively address the needs of different sectors as also giving reliefs to service exporters in sectors such as healthcare and entertainment where people now can now use 10 per cent of their foreign exchange earnings to import office and professional equipment, spares and consumables duty free.
Meanwhile, coinciding with the announcements in the Exim Policy, a six-member Israeli delegation of venture capital companies is visiting India this week to explore business opportunities.
The delegation is currently managing over 16 billion euros. Its aim is to understand the current situation of Indian economy, opportunities in high-technology sectors — particularly in information technology and telecom — and seek collaborations with Indian venture capital companies.
The Israeli team will meet minister for communications and IT Arun Shourie and member of the Planning Commission NK Singh.
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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.
