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‘U’ certificate only for music videos: I&B ministry
NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: What the I&B minister proposes, the I&B ministry is left with the onerous task of disposing. I&B minister RS Prasad’s recent comments to the media that all TV channels, barring news channels, would have to air programmes that can be certified or has been certified ‘U’ (fit for people under 18) by the Censor Board, looks likely to be given a not-so quiet burial.
Indiantelevision.com has learnt that the I&B ministry next week is all set back track on the ‘U’ certificate “controversy” raised by Prasad. The government will allay the fears of movie channels that they too, would have to obtain a ‘U’ certificate for the films they air, say government sources.
According to a government source, “We are not into being moral police. The ‘U’ certificate would have to be obtained only for (Indian) music videos as per the Cinematographic Act.”
Regarding Indian movies, the government source clarified that such films are anyway subjected to Indian Censor Board certification which are also valid when they are also valid when they are aired on television channels.
Queried about the rules that apply to English films, the source said foreign films are subject to the certification and rules of their respective countries.
Referring to English movie channels like Zee MGM, HBO, Star Movies and Hallmark, the government source said, “We hope that the English channels would keep Indian sensibilities and sensitivities in mind when airing movies.” Basically the line that Prasad has more than once gone on record as stating: That channels should exercise self-regulation.
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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.
