News Broadcasting
Youngsters don’t use condoms despite their safety: MTV sexual behaviour study
MUMBAI: In conjunction with the Aids epidemic update issued by Unaids and the World Health Organisation, MTV Networks International has released findings from the Staying Alive 2003 Global Sexual Behaviour Study.
The most startling findings indicate that while young people know that condoms can help prevent HIV/Aids, they are not using them the majority of the time they have sex. The survey found respondents fully understand (over 90 per cent) that using a condom will decrease the risk of getting HIV/Aids.
They also agree that it is a big deal to have sex occasionally without a condom, especially if you have various sexual partners. However, far less are actually following through: only half of the respondents used a condom the first time they had sex, and more than 70 per cent of the respondents who had more than one sexual partner in the past six months did not always use a condom.
An official release informs that the study has been posted on 20 MTV Web sites worldwide, in 14 different languages. It had over 9000 respondents in 29 countries including Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America and Russia. The survey indicates sexual behaviour trends among 14-34 year-olds around HIV/AIDS, including condom use, stigma and discrimination, trusted sources of information and sexual history. The study was conducted in collaboration with research partners Online Testing Exchange (OTX) and Ciao AG.
In terms of the media, 60 per cent of those surveyed look to the media as a trustworthy source of information, as well as rely on the media (excluding radio and Internet) to educate them about HIV/aids. On an average 43 per cent of the respondents considered their parents a trustworthy source of information regarding HIV/Aids but only 29 per cent of respondents actually felt that they learned from their parents.
Condoms were found to be the most preferred method of protection against HIV/AIDS (56 per cent), followed by being faithful to one partner (32 per cent) and practicing abstinence (12 per cent).The noticeable difference across markets was in the US, where the majority of non-sexually active respondents selected abstinence as their preferred method of protection (71 per cent).
On an encouraging note many of the stereotypes have been discredited. Respondents do not believe that Aids is a homosexual disease (97 per cent), or that sex with a virgin can cure AIDS (95 per cent), or that only drug addicts get Aids (97 per cent).
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.
