News Broadcasting
Vivendi posts narrower H1 net loss
PARIS: French media company Vivendi Universal posted a narrower first-half net loss thanks to fewer exceptional charges and rising operating profits at its telecoms and pay television units today.
The company, which has been divesting assets to cut debt and is in the midst of selling its US entertainment assets, reported a net loss of 632 million euros compared to a year-earlier loss of 12.31 billion euros. The figure however was worse than the 533 million loss expected by analysts.
As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com the company struck a deal with NBC to sell its Universal properties including the theme parks and television stations. The company’s size and shape has changed since the first half of 2002, making comparisons difficult, but the company reported a forecast-beating first-half operating profit of 1.677 billion euros which it said was up 20 per cent on a pro forma basis. Analysts had predicted a first half operating profit of 1.571 billion euros.
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.
