News Broadcasting
RPG signs on to new Star rates in Kolkata
The Star Network made a big step forward in convincing cable operators in the country to accept its new subscription regime after RPG Netcom in Kolkatta signed on.
RPG Netcom has a virtual monopoly on cable homes in Kolkatta and getting it on board represents a major coup for Star. This is especially significant because both in 2000 and last year Star was off air in Kolkatta for a good while at the time of rate revisions.
Star claims that most operators in New Delhi have also signed on to the new rates.
Confirming the development, A Jawed, Sr V-P, Star Distribution, said: “We are happy to announce that RPG Netcom in Kolkatta has accepted and signed the subscription contracts, so did AsiaNet servicing, in Kerala, where the new pricing and subscription contract will soon be finalised”. In Bhubaneshwar, Ortel Communication Ltd, also confirmed the new contract. Among others, the large Multi-Systems Operators (MSOs) like Siti Cable JVs in Delhi has accepted the new rates. The response from the consumers and the cable networks across the country has thus been very encouraging.
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.
