News Broadcasting
BBC World Service compiles global music Top Ten
MUMBAI: To mark its 70th anniversary this December, the BBC World Service has organised a global poll to identify the world’s favourite songs.
The poll has the stated aim of identifying the world’s favourite talent – local musicians and international. BBC World Service is asking its 150 million listeners to vote for their favourite songs, creating the ultimate World’s Top Ten.
The final chart will run on the BBC World Service programme, Wright Round the World on Saturday 21 December and will also be broadcast across language sections.
The BBC World Service, which broadcasts in 43 languages, including English, hopes to generate votes from across the globe, through the poll. Votes will be accepted electronically as well as by post and a dedicated website will detail the most popular nominations, identify musical trends and highlight the most exciting choices. 30-second “tasters” of the final World’s Top Ten will also be available via the site on www.bbcworldservice.com, an official release says.
BBC World Service 70th project editor David Stead has been quoted in the release as saying “We don’t think this has ever been done before. Music is a universal language and to find out what the world’s favourite songs are will be really fascinating.”
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.
