News Broadcasting
BBC World explores the ‘Ad World’ with new series
MUMBAI: BBC World is now exploring the advertising sector by focussing on a whole new show Ad World which see its sight at what really goes on behind the scenes in the glamorous world of advertising.
Ad World is a new seven-part series which will take a look at the stories, the myths and some of the brains behind India’s best-known advertising campaigns.
The series which is a part of BBC World’s India Business Report programme strand, begins on Sunday, 7 March at 11.00 am. The series will be aired every Sunday at 11 am with a repeat telecast at 10 pm on the same day.
BBC World commissioning editor Narendhra Morar says, “For many people in India, the advertising industry still seems like a mysterious world. This series, the first review of the state of the industry, now aims to arm businesspeople with the information they need about the world of advertising and bust a few myths along the way.”The series launches with an overview of India’s advertising sector, before exploring sometimes controversial issues in each of its following six episodes:
Episode One (7 March): The Indian advertising industry – never had it so good? The industry has seen phenomenal growth since the liberalisation of the Indian economy and markets are expanding. But the size of the industry, compared to other developing countries, is still quite small. The episode also gives an overview of Indian advertising over the last fifty odd years.
Episode Two (14 March): Ad war or cat-fight? This episode focuses on those celebrated brand rivalries such as Coke-Pepsi and Ariel-Surf Excel and their advertising clashes and tries to find an answer to whether campaigns are becoming more ‘in-your face’ to gain attention?
Episode Three (21 March): Woman Power: selling to women – and using women to sell to men. This episode will also look at the effects of this phenomenon from the point of view both of the advertising community and of the social scientist.
Episode Four (28 March): This episode tackles the question – When is advertising not advertising? It also explores the ethics and pitfalls of advertising law and how to avoid them. The episode goes inside the mind of a media planner, whose role is critical in navigating difficult issues such as cigarette and alcohol advertising.
Episode Five (4 April): Make mine Indian-style – how have the multinationals and their agencies coped with having to adapt to the famous ‘Indian Conditions’ – or perish?
Episode Six (11 April): Big money, big names – This episode gives a peek at why big stars are chosen to endorse different brands and whether their high fees is justified?
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.
