News Broadcasting
France launches an international news channel
MUMBAI: With the aim of offering a viewpoint different from global news channels CNN and BBC the French government has launched its international news channel France 24. The channel has two feeds – French and English.
The channel’s CEO Alain de Pouzilhac ws quoted in media repotrs saying that the channel will focus on in-depth reporting and debate, culture and the art of living. Initial coverage will extend to 75 million households in over 90 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and should expand to North America and Asia in the near future.
The aim of France 24 is to offer a ‘third way’. This would be an alternative to the bipolar discourse by Anglo-Saxon BBC World and CNN on one hand and Middle Eastern Al-Jazeera on the other. Media reports add that although the France 24 website is trilingual in French, English and Arabic television programmes in Arabic will only begin from the middle of next year. Spanish shows will launch in 2009.
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.
