News Broadcasting
CBS to air miniseries on the late Pope John Paul II
MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom’s broadcast network CBS will present a distinct mixture of star-studded and high concept movies and miniseries in the 2005-2006 season, as well as three new presentations from Hallmark Hall of Fame.
One mini series in the pipeline is Pope John Paul II. It looks at the Pontiff’s 26 year reign and his papal odyssey that covered more than 120 countries and earned him the reputation of an international fighter for freedom. The script was supervised by historians at the Vatican, and exclusive footage has been filmed for the mini-series on St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas
It will begin with Karol Wojtyla’s journey from his youth in Poland through his late days on the chair of St. Peter. It will also explore the 264th Pope’s fascinating life behind the scenes: how he managed to touch the hearts of millions of people and change the face of the church and the world; how he defended the dignity of mankind against all kinds of Totalitarianism from Nazism to Communism to consumerism; and who successfully related to people of all ages.
One film that will air is Time Bomb (working title and not be confused with Zee’s show). This is a thriller about a threat received by Homeland Security during a big football game, claiming the stadium in Washington, D.C. is rigged to explode during the fourth quarter.
Another film that will air is Mayday and is based on the bestseller by Nelson DeMille. This is a thriller in which chaos and death engulf an airliner traveling from the US to Tokyo when it is accidentally hit by a US Navy test missile. Because of the sudden change in cabin pressure from a gaping hole in the fuselage, many passengers are lost and a weekend pilot is forced to take control of the plane and try to navigate it to safety.
The three Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations include The Water Is Wide. Alfre Woodard and Frank Langella star in a drama about an idealistic young teacher of poor black children who lives on a small isolated island off the coast of South Carolina in 1969
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.
