News Broadcasting
AXN India adds more action to its programming
After an unprecedented 15 new series launched on AXN thus far this calendar year, the channel is planning to launch five more first-run series in September.
Even though action animation does not feature as one of the four pillars of AXN India’s programming (movies, series, adventure reality and lifestyle sports), the channel plans to introduce a CGI fantasy series, Excalibur’, from July this year. Says AXN Asia managing director Todd Miller, “Action animation has a loyal but niche following in India.”
A Japanese animated series called Dual is also currently on air on the channel.
AXN, which premiered the acclaimed Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon late last year to reasonably good ratings, is planning to bring the TV premiere of the critically appreciated Shadow of the Vampire (starring John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe) and Time and Tide, as part of its Asian Cinema movie special, later this year. In keeping with its action adventure image, the channel will also telecast the premiere of the ‘The World Stunt Awards’ on July 26, with Hollywood muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger making a surprise appearance at the ceremony.
While serials like Scariest Places on Earth;’Guiness World Records: Primetime;The Amazing Race season II; Andromeda; Farscape season III; No Boundaries;CSI Season II; The Agency; Relic Hunter Season II; Queen of Swords; The Outer Limits; Motorworld; Rated X (a new entertainment magazine show) and Eco Challenge continue to hold niche audiences (nearly 40 per cent of the channel’s viewers in India are women), Miller says Fear Factor too will commence its second season later this year.
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.
