News Broadcasting
BBC receives award for dedication to environment
MUMBAI: After the turmoil that went on within the BBC regarding the Iraq dossier there is finally some positive news. The broadcaster has announced that it was presented with an international award in recognition of its commitment to environmental issues around the world.
The biennial Zayed International Prize for the Environment was established four years ago in recognition of the achievements of the UAE’s President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
An official release states that for over three decades Sheikh Zayed has advocated sustainable development policies. His strategies – including the planting of 100 million trees are considered to have made the UAE a much greener country. In its citation the jury said that it considered that the BBC “stands apart for its commitment, breadth of coverage, and dedication to addressing global, regional and national environmental concerns”.
It singled out Earth Report, which has aired on BBC World since 1997. The television programme has “not only shocked and entertained but brought about real change by inspiring businesses, NGOs [non-governmental organisations and governments to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies, lifestyles and policies”. The programme is produced by Robert Lamb and TVE.
The jury also recognised the work of BBC World Service radio which broadcasts to at least 150 million regular listeners in 43 languages and BBC News Online, which receives more than 206 million page impressions per month at the website www.bbcnews.com.
In addition, the citation praised BBC staff for implementing initiatives that are making their workplaces more environmentally friendly. “The BBC has also demonstrated its commitment to environmental issues at home through the organisation’s own sustainable development strategy aimed at reducing energy consumption and waste in its day-to-day operations.”
The prize money of $500,000, will be donated to the BBC World Service Trust.BBC World Service Trust director Stephen King added, “The Trust is an important part of the BBC’s work. This prize will make a big contribution to helping us continue our work, bringing benefit to communities in the developing world.”
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.
