News Broadcasting
ET Now doubles the drama with South Central and Ayesha Faridi’s Interview
MUMBAI: Lights, camera, South India! ET Now, India’s leading English business news channel, is spicing up its programming lineup with two brand-new offerings South Central and The Interview with Ayesha Faridi. Both promise to add depth, drama, and dialogue to the channel’s already formidable portfolio.
First up is South Central, a weekday special airing from 29th September 2025, 5:30 pm–6:00 pm, helmed by ET Now’s Jude Sujendran. More than just a show, it’s a journey into the beating heart of South India, a region that’s equal parts economic powerhouse and cultural trendsetter. From boardroom battles in Bengaluru to cinematic splendour in Chennai, the show will explore everything from politics and policy to food and lifestyle. Its editorial pillars business & economy, politics & policy, cinema & culture, and food & lifestyle ensure that viewers get the full southern thali, not just a side dish.
Then comes The Interview with Ayesha Faridi, premiering on 3rd October 2025 at 3:30 pm. Executive editor Ayesha Faridi will trade soundbites for substance in a 25-minute deep dive with marquee voices from business, markets, policy, sports, and culture. Expect candid revelations, untold stories, and insights into future strategies from leaders shaping the country’s direction. Designed to rise above the clutter of breaking news, this flagship weekly show aims to bring clarity and context to India’s biggest decisions.
“Both the shows embody our vision of combining sharp analysis with engaging narratives, offering viewers unmatched perspectives on the people and forces shaping India’s economy, politics, and culture,” Times Network said in a statement.
For ET Now, already home to marquee programmes like The Market, First Trades and Closing Trades, the new additions reinforce its ethos of Rise with India, with coverage spanning 16 countries.
So whether it’s the spice of southern stories or the candour of conversations, ET Now’s festive programming treat promises something fresh for every viewer.
Tune in to South Central every weekday at 5:30 pm, and The Interview with Ayesha Faridi every Friday at 3:30 PM, only on ET Now.
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.
