News Broadcasting
Sanjay Pugalia joining TV18 as editor Hindi programming
MUMBAI: Sanjay Pugalia, who was displaced in the editorial hierarchy of Star News after former Aaj Tak man Uday Shankar took charge as editor and director of news last month, is joining TV18 as editor for its Hindi language programming initiatives.
The announcement clears the air on where Pugalia was headed (speculation was that he might be joining Sahara Samay) as well as paves the way for the launch sooner rather than later of a Hindi language business channel by TV18.
Prior to his stint at Star, Pugalia was the executive editor of Zee News and before that executive producer of Aaj Tak. He has 22 years experience in print, radio as well as television journalism and spans both business and political reportage.
Welcoming Pugalia on board, Haresh Chawla, CEO, CNBC-TV18 was quoted in an official release as saying, “CNBC-TV18’s Hindi programming has received tremendous response from our audience, this will be further reinforced under his leadership. He brings with him a great deal of expertise in business and political reportage. We are certain that he will be an invaluable asset to our channel.”
When asked by indiantelevision.com whether Pugalia’s appointment pointed to the launch of TV18 Hindi business news channel in the near future, Chawla would not be drawn into a comment.
On his appointment, Sanjay Pugalia added, “Business programming in the Hindi language offers new and exciting possibilities and challenges. I am looking forward to joining the TV18 team shortly.”
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.
