News Broadcasting
Zee News unveils India’s first media-led deepfake detection system
MUMBAI: Truth just got a new tech ally. Zee News, in collaboration with Neural Defend, has rolled out India’s first AI-powered deepfake verification system for the news media, putting advanced fact-checking directly in the hands of citizens.
The initiative comes at a time when deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation are fast eroding public trust. Studies reveal that nearly 96 per cent of manipulated videos slip past the average viewer undetected, threatening journalism and democracy alike. By offering a simple drag-and-drop interface where users can upload videos, images, or audio files for instant verification, Zee News is making authenticity accessible to everyone.
Unveiling the platform during a prime-time broadcast, managing editor Rahul Sinha urged viewers to test any suspicious video themselves. “Trust is the new benchmark,” added ZMCL marketing head Anindya Khare, noting that the system not only safeguards audiences, particularly younger, digital-first viewers but also provides advertisers with a brand-safe environment rooted in credibility.
On the tech front, ZMCL CTO Vijayant Kumar explained that Neural Defend’s AI engine can detect even the most sophisticated manipulations within seconds. “This is not just innovation for today but a safeguard for tomorrow’s information ecosystem,” he said.
By integrating deepfake detection across TV, web, and digital platforms, Zee News is cementing its position as a technology-first newsroom, one that is not only reporting the truth but also helping audiences verify it.
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.
