News Broadcasting
Government moots Optical Disc Law to counter video piracy
MUMBAI: Information & Broadcasting minister P.R. Dasmunsi has informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has received a proposal to enact an Optical Disc Law to counter piracy in the entertainment sector.
In a written reply to a question raised in upper house of parliament, the minister also informed that the government has made suggestions for restricting incidence of piracy in the film and music sector while considering the ongoing amendments to the Copyright Act.
According to Dasmunshi, the ministry, in consultation with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and other stakeholders, is examining the need for a separate legislation for this purpose.
Other measures initiated by the ministry include organising training programmes for police personnel on copyright issues in the film sector, National Film Development Corporation Ltd has been commissioned to produce an anti piracy campaign, a film against piracy has been made by Public Service Broadcast Trust on behalf of the Ministry and audio CDs were exempted from excise duty to do away the price advantage available to pirated CDs.
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.
