News Broadcasting
‘FocusAsia’ bags Human Rights Press award for 4th successive year
HONG KONG: Star’s news special FocusAsia is going from strength to strength. A few days ago, a reporter for the show Joe Kainz won first prize in the English television category of The Eighth Human Rights Press Awards . His report tackled tribal law courts in Pakistan.
Jirga Justice, is about the abuse of power and shocking verdicts in “jirga”, the tribal courts that often take the place of regular courts in many regions of Pakistan.
In India, FocusAsia airs on Star World every Sunday at 5:30pm. Commenting on the award, Star’s VP network news and current affairs Jim Laurie said:”This award is a testament to the high journalistic standards across Star’s news programmes. We are proud to be able to produce committed, quality television reporting of particular relevance to Asians.”
An official release informs that FocusAsia explores a wide range of social, economic and political issues across the Asia region and provides an in-depth and investigative look at the issues shaping Asia today. Since its launch in January 2000 FocusAsia’s team has traveled to 18 countries, filed more than 180 reports.
The Human Rights Press Awards are co-sponsored by the Hong Kong Journalists Association, Amnesty International (Hong Kong) and the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club. They recognise work that increases respect for the basic rights of all people, heightens general awareness of human rights issues and focuses attention upon them.
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.
