News Broadcasting
The FDI Decision fits in with our plans: Shekhar Gupta
What has been done is logical. A lot of lobbying has prevented this from happening. Also the political class was not courageous enough. It’s good this decision has been taken now. The momentum was too strong to allow FDI in print. They have allowed it in radio, TV, and several other sectors, so they could not hold it back any more. Once FDI in Indian print media progresses, they will know that there’s no real problem.
With FDI being permitted, it’s quite likely we will see a few new groups emerging because they will be able to access capital from the stock markets.
Shekhar Gupta
Editor-in-chief
Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd
As far as our group is concerned, our ongoing restructuring will continue to fall into place. We have been planning for this. In the course of time, we will be studying an IPO, a foreign strategic partner. It fits into our plans and is fully in sync with what we wanted.
I think the whole ball game is changing.With FDI being permitted, it’s quite likely we will see a few new groups emerging because they will be able to access capital from the stock markets. Earlier on, certain groups had made investment by foreign institutions a problem. I think wth FDI being permitted the FII investment issue also should be sorted out.
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.
