News Broadcasting
BBC signs deal with China’s sina.com for English education
MUMBAI: This is an initiative by the beeb to spread English China. BBC Worldwide and BBC World Service will provide educational content for an English language teaching service via mobile telephones in China.
The contract, between BBC Worldwide and Sina.com, China’s largest website, will enable the 200 million mobile telephone users in China to learn English through their mobile telephones. It is the first time that an international educational content supplier has used mobile technology in this way.
Users will receive a daily text message on their mobile containing a phrase in English together with the Chinese translation; they can then log onto Sina.com to listen to and read the phrase as part of a longer dialogue, and to read explanations about the language.
The messages will cover a range of business, sport and lifestyle topics, from “Danni quashes those Justin rumours” to “Do you know how to get into this computer?” . The message are designed to extend the user’s English language repertoire and encourage them to log on to Sina.com to expand on the material contained within the text message.
The Beebs use of this on the move technology is not surprising considering that China is the world’s single largest mobile telephone market. The market for learning English in Beijing alone is an estimated $2.8 billon per annum. An official release informs that students spend on an average 20 per cent of their income on learning English.
The mobile telephone service and a complimentary website will be available in China from April.
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.
