News Broadcasting
Indirect benefits to entertainment industry: B4U
MUMBAI: B4U India operations vice president Vijay Thaker feels that the budget is a fair mix of reforms and procedural changes.
Thaker says: “The budget will get a good response from individuals and the middle class. The point to note is that the relief given by the government from direct taxes (roughly around Rs 30 billion) has been compensated by the increase from the indirect taxes. We have not gone so far in detailed proposals of Budget.”
Thacker says that the initial reaction after hearing the speech of finance minister is favourable and the views are as under:
1)This budget will increase the spending power of middle class due to savings in direct taxes and other reliefs. Part of such spending may be utilised for entertainment industry. People may agree to buy set top boxes without much follow up from cable operators.
2) Service tax in general has gone up from five per cent to eight per cent. Advertising agencies and cable operators will make a big hue and cry for such increments. But it will get settled as this is general norm for all industries.
3) Benefits to domestic satellite companies has been extended for one year. This may help the local satellite and telecom companies.
4) There is excise exemption in prerecorded audio CDs. This will help audio companies to boost their sales by competing with unorganised small companies. In turn, advertisements to TV music channels may increase from music companies.
5) There is no direct proposal for entertainment industry.
6) FDI (foreign direct investment), ECB (external commercial borrowings) changes will help corporate sectors. This will help Indian companies which have a presence in other parts of the world.
7) Reduction in customs duty will help entertainment Industry also. Due to the benefits given to the IT and telecom sector, it is possible that the cost of set top boxes will come down eventually.
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.
