News Broadcasting
I&B puts out CAS FAQs in leading dailies
MUMBAI: With the countdown to the conditional access rollout deadline well and truely on, the information and broadcast ministry is attempting to “educate” the public on CAS.
Big spread ads appeared today in all the mainline dailies listing frequently asked questions and common curiosities about CAS.
This is the first time that the ministry has issued a list of answers to 16 frequently asked questions simultaneously, including an interesting one – Is CAS a ‘crack pot’ scheme by the government?
With the help of the questionnaire, the ministry aims to inform the public about various aspects of CAS, including the difference between FTA and pay channels, whether it is necessary to buy a set top box (STB) and how much one needs to pay for the STB. The FAQs also inform the public about their rights as consumers and where to go in case they are hassled.
The I&B ministry also aims to dispel few rumours including the issues about substandard STBs or increase in the monthly bills post CAS or government acting as a big brother.
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.
