News Broadcasting
Press Council report on paid news syndrome next week
NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting C M Jatua has assured Parliament that the government will take action to tackle the problem of paid news based on the recommendations of the Press Council of India.
The Council is expected to firm up its views on the malaise of paid news syndrome by the end of this month, as it is expected to meet on 26 April to discuss the issue.
According to Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources, the Sub-Committee set up by the Council to study the malaise has already finalised and given its report to the Council.
The Sub-Committee had also met representatives of the Indian Newspapers Society and the Indian Language Newspapers Association. Meetings were also held in Mumbai and Hyderabad apart from Delhi to meet stakeholders. The representatives of the Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists named six newspapers, carrying numerous paid news stories.
The Sub-Committee was set up following a drive launched by the Editors Guild of India against paid news in December 2009.
In a meeting, representatives of the Election Commission had asked the Council to define what constituted “paid news” so that expenditure incurred by the political parties and the candidates can be made accountable.
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.
