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Cost of TV sets drops significantly in Asia
MUMBAI: Consumer technology prices in Asia dropped significantly between 2003 and 2004 despite recent concerns about increases in commodities prices used to manufacture these goods.
GfK Asia has released its 2004 Pan Asian Consumer Technology Price Index.
Australians experienced the greatest drop in consumer technology prices. The figures indicate a 26 per cent decline in average price for 29″ flat screen TV, a 36 per cent decline in the average cost for 42″ plasma TVs and a 42 per cent decline in average price for 3 mp digital cameras between 2003 and 2004.
Hong Kong, China and Singapore all showed significant dips in average prices particularly in 32″ plasma TVs, 3 mp digital cameras and mobile phones. Mobile phone prices in the region are showing the steepest decrease in average price with a 36 per cent drop across the region between 2003 and 2004.
As far as 32″ LCD TVs are concerned, Taiwan experienced the most notable drop with a 2003 average price of $4,603 moving to an average price of $2,130 in 2004. This represents a 54 per cent decline.
GfK Asia MD Andy Drake said, “Our figures indicate that despite the recent rise in commodities prices, these increases are not being passed onto the consumer. In fact, what we are seeing is that consumer technology prices are steadily declining across all product categories surveyed over the Pan Asian Region.”
Citing economies of scale as one explanation for this phenomenon Drake added, “While the drop in consumer prices may raise red flags for manufactures, the increase in commodities prices is likely being offset by the robust growth in sales volumes throughout Asia.”
GfK Asia is part of the global GfK Group. The research company has over 15 years’ experience in providing reliable Asian retail and technology market data. Its analysts track a broad range of consumer technology markets, including: consumer electronics, telecom, IT, household electrical appliances (large and small) as well as digital imaging.
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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.
