News Broadcasting
Star News gears up for ‘Budget 2004’
MUMBAI: While the finance minister is busy preparing the budget to be tabled on 8 July, Star News has lined up a series of special programming for Budget 2004.
The channel has roped in renowned economist and writer Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar for his expert comments during the series.
The special series will provide the common man with a platform to voice his expectations from the budget and will also look at the hopes and expectations of industrialists, the business community and the finance community from this year’s budget.
The programming, divided into pre-budget, budget and post-budget from 27 June to 10 July, will present an in-depth sector wise analysis, says an officail release.
It will also look at the challenges facing the finance minister on various issues like rural debt, fiscal deficit, subsidies, service tax, excise duties, unemployment, education, infrastructure and the possible solutions.
Debate shows, public interviews, expert analysis, railway budget special and live coverage of the finance minister’s speech will all be a part of the Budget 2004 special programming.
The pre-budget build-up has already started since yesterday with Dil Chahta Hai, a segment which presents the wish list of the individuals from various sections of the society.
Another segment to be launched is Tere Mere Sapne, a special segment, which will capture and present the dreams and hopes of diverse families from across section of the society. Here too the viewers have the opportunity to get their family featured on the show by writing in or via SMS.
These segments shall soon be followed by Sapno Ka Saudagar, a 30-minute show that will present the various budget projections and analysis featuring experts like Swaminathan Aiyar, corporate leaders, industrialists, economists and politicians.
Budget Bahas, which will kick start around the same time,is going to be an hour long program on debates between representatives of the ruling and opposition parties and more importantly will provide a platform to the aam janta or common public to seek answers to their various questions.
On 6 July, Star News will also air a special comprehensive report on the Railway Budget.
Last but not the least, a post budget analysis will be presented on Kya Khoya, Kya Paya beginning 8 July, which will look at the impact across various sectors of the economy and various sections of the society, adds the release.
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.
