News Broadcasting
Star petitions Planning Commission for easing of 20% FDI cap?
The momentum certainly seems to be building. For direct to home (DTH) telecast in India that is. The latest news emanating from the capital indicates that Star India has made a presentation before the Planning Commission seeking an easing on the key stumbling block to DTH take-off in India – the 20 per cent foreign direct investment equity cap in Indian DTH ventures.
The broadcasting industry has long been demanding that the FDI bar be raised to at least 49 per cent.
The as yet unconfirmed news follows close on the heels of reports that the government is weighing a proposal to remove the entry fee and bank guarantee totaling Rs 500 million as well as scaling down the 10 per cent revenue share agreement in its Ku band DTH policy. Presently, companies seeking a DTH licence have to pay an entry fee of Rs 100 million and provide a bank guarantee of Rs 400 million for a 10-year licence period.
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.
