News Broadcasting
Sony BBC Earth concludes a successful run of photography contest and IP ‘Earth in Focus’
Sony BBC Earth, India’s most loved factual entertainment channel, recently concluded another edition of its photography based digital IP ‘Earth in Focus’ but this time, it was bigger and better. While the channel is home to spectacular visuals, moments and stories captured by the world’s foremost filmmakers, with ‘Earth in Focus’, Sony BBC Earth decided to celebrate the beauty of the world through the eyes of its audience. The initiative is a great platform for every photography enthusiast who has the passion and a keen eye to capture moments in time, with or without professional skills or equipment.
The channel roped in Amoghavarsha JS – an award-winning photographer and natural history filmmaker with over 15 years of experience and global accolades to his credit – as the expert judge and announced the contest on World Photography Day (19th August). With a relatable theme of ‘Freedom in Focus’, the month-long contest kickstarted on 30th August where the channel invited photography enthusiasts to capture their take on freedom considering the subcategories of Nature, People and Hobbies.
The contest, which was promoted extensively on the channel and on digital platforms, received approx. 2500 splendid entries which were then open to a round of public voting. After a phenomenal response of over 1,35,000 votes, the top 15 most voted entries from each category – 45 in all – went for the judge’s review and Amoghavarsha in turn handpicked 3 final winners – 1 from each category. This was a moment of great pride for the winners since they not only received a swanky Sony ILCE 6000L camera and recognition from Sony BBC Earth but also witnessed an exclusive and insightful masterclass with Amoghavarsha himself, on the topic of ‘The art of storytelling through photography’.
From unique people and expressions to awe-inspiring beauty and moments in nature, these breath-taking and powerful images will be successful in transporting viewers to an unseen world and in making them feel alive. With over 8 lakh views already, the website is open to all who want to view the winning and the most rated entries.
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.
