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Good chance to get in foreign technology in a stagnating sector: Kotak Mahindra’s Nandan Maluste
The decision to allow 26 per cent FDI in print media is a good opportunity to bring in foreign capital and foreign technology in a sector that has on the whole stagnated for a while in the country.
It is the middle rung of press firms which will however be looking at FDI and these are the ones that will benefit
Nandan Maluste
Senior Vice-President
Kotak Mahindra
However, the vast bulk of the Indian press will have to upgrade itself before it can be attractive enough for foreign investors. The attractive media groups are already well-capitalised and will not exactly be looking for foreign investment. There are a few firms in the middle rung, which will however be looking at FDI and these are the ones that will benefit.
In India, there are three categories of press firms – one, which are not trying to be commercial ventures, second which are out and out commercial, and the third, which is trying to strike a balance between the two. It is this third segment, which will garner the maximum FDI.
Since we already have allowed FDI in television and foreign magazines are already available freely in the country, 26 per cent FDI in newspapers is hardly going to corrupt our minds.
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.
