News Broadcasting
Trai defers NTO 2.0 implementation to 1 June
Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Thursday extended the deadline for implementation of new tariff order (NTO) 2.0 to 1 June. The previous deadline was 1 April.
As per the plan, Trai has allowed broadcasters to revise their reference interconnect offers (RIO) by 28 February and publish the same on their websites. It has also asked distributed platform operators (DPOs) to report the distributor retail price and composition of the bouquet of pay channels by 31 March in compliance with the new regulatory framework. Those who have already submitted can revise their RIOs by 31 March.
“Keeping in view the current pandemic situation across the country and requests received from stakeholders for extension of time for implementation of new regulatory framework 2020, it has been decided to extend the time limit for implementation of new regulatory framework 2020,” said Trai in the statement.
Several stakeholders have informed Trai that due to the present Covid situation most of their staff who were affected were unable to attend office due to guidelines by state governments. Cable operators’ staff were finding it difficult to reach Covid affected subscribers/areas for collection of choices.
Further, Trai has asked all distributors of TV channels to ensure that with effect from 1 June services to the subscribers are provided as per the bouquets or channels opted by the subscribers.
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.
