News Broadcasting
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to launch ET Now Swadesh
Mumbai: Times Network’s Hindi business news channel ET Now Swadesh will be inaugurated by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 4 October.
The channel has unveiled its editorial team and programming line-up ahead of the launch.
The editorial team of ET Now Swadesh will comprise a team of seasoned financial and business journalists including Mihir Bhatt, Pradeep Pandya, Kavita Thapliyal, and Priyanka Anand, led by Nikunj Dalmia as managing editor. ET Now Swadesh will offer content that empowers, engages, and educates viewers with financial knowledge to weave their growth into India’s success story. The channel leads with a powerful proposition ‘Badho Desh Ke Saath’ and promises to be a catalyst of growth, energising every discerning Indian to rise with India, said the statement.
The channel will launch a slew of interactive and engaging content that will aid viewers with money-making ideas every five minutes, detailed analysis and perspectives on stocks and commodities, investment opportunities, and personalised portfolio recommendations with insights and guidance from industry stalwarts like Nilesh Shah and Madhu Kela.
The channels morning time band between 8 a.m and 4 p.m brings nine distinct shows including “Khara Sauda,” “10 Ka Bazaar,” “Your Stocks,” “Commodity Now,” “F&O Junction,” “Midcap Masti,” “Corporate Connections,” “Stocks Fatafat,” and “Closing Sauda,” which will dedicatedly cover business and markets.
The morning primetime market show “Khara Sauda” beginning at 8 a.m will be hosted by Nikunj Dalmia, Mihir Bhatt, Pradeep Pandya, and Priyanka Anand. The show will offer viewers an in-depth analysis of the current market trends, the latest buzz in dealing rooms, insights on what brokerages are betting on, but also educate them on financial savings and creating long-term wealth and investments. The show will also have AI-dominated actionable ideas for the viewers and will feature the top voices from Dalal Street and India Inc.
In the evening starting at 8 p.m, the channel will air the show “Swadesh Hour” hosted by Nikunj Dalmia and Kavita Thapliyal. The one-hour special will capture all the key information and news of the day.
“While the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges worldwide, it has undoubtedly been an agent of radical change, to rethink and reimagine businesses and lives,” said Times Network managing director and chief executive officer MK Anand. “New streams including digital services and payments, financial and investment tools have emerged as the definitive factors that will pave the path to progress.”
“ET Now Swadesh will pioneer a new revolution of financial empowerment and progress for crores of Hindi speaking viewers,” he added.
The network will roll out a high decibel marketing campaign in key Hindi speaking markets and will run a month-long promotion across TV, outdoor, print, trade, social media, and leading digital platforms. The network’s outdoor promotion spans over 120 key locations in Delhi and Mumbai. The network is set to splash its print ads across leading Hindi, English, and financial dailies along with a series of trade promotions and engagement. A special brand film capturing the genesis of the channel will be released on the launch day across network channels and social media platforms.
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.
