News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 Presents ‘Battle for the States’ for the 5 State Assembly Elections
MUMBAI: Termed as the decisive contest ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections in 2019, the upcoming Assembly Elections in the key states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram are set to witness a fierce political battle between the major political parties. As these states prepare for a crucial election, CNN-News18 has lined up exclusive programming to capture all the latest on-ground developments.
CNN-News18’s programming line-up ‘Battle For the States’ has travelogues, audience based shows, newsmaker interviews, Poll of Polls, Polling Day and Counting Day coverage to bring the most insightful and comprehensive coverage. ‘Reporters Project’ traverses the length and breadth of poll bound states, focusing on the common man’s issues. ‘Citizens’ Manifesto’, a special audience based show from the 5 capital cities, give a unique platform to voters to interact with their local leaders and voice their concerns and expectations. Keep ahead of the results on Counting Day, and get expert analysis of the implications. From general news to expert views and critical issues to debates, the channel will delve into all aspects of the state elections, with a 360 degree view of the electoral battle.
Veteran journalists make up the editorial team – Executive Editor Bhupendra Chaubey, Editor – Output Zakka Jacob, Deputy Executive Editor Anand Narasimhan and Political Editor Marya Shakil. The formidable editorial team will be joined by renowned political experts and commentators, Swapan Dasgupta, Vir Sanghvi and Ajoy Bose.
The ground reporters of India’s largest news network will bring the fastest and most accurate information for its viewers.
From campaigning to polling, counting to government formation – catch all the action around these crucial Assembly Elections on CNN-News18.
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.
