News Broadcasting
As the world celebrates 50 years of Moon landing, Sony BBC Earth, AXN and Sony PIX peek into what went behind the mission
MUMBAI: 50 years ago, on July 20, 1969, millions of people around the world witnessed a trio of astronauts – Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collin – create history, as they became the first men to step on the moon. To commemorate this historical milestone, Sony Pictures Networks India’s (SPNI) English Cluster (comprising channels like Sony BBC Earth, AXN and Sony PIX) will celebrate the big day by premiering the movie ‘First Man’ and ‘8 days to the Moon’ for the first time on Indian television.
The Oscar and Golden Globe winning film ‘First Man’, is a biography on the life of astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969. The movie, starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy, will air on AXN and Sony PIX this July 20 at 1:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
In a unique initiative, Sony BBC Earth has partnered with India’s largest interactive science centre – Nehru Science Centre – to showcase its content 8 Days: To the Moon and Back. The docu-series chronicles the journey of the first man to step on the moon. Students from various schools will get to witness this grand visual spectacle and hear the original and candid cockpit audio files from fifty years ago!
In addition to the on-ground leg, Sony BBC Earth has collaborated with leading radio channels across India to give the listeners a feel of one of the most dangerous and magnificent missions in history by airing the original conversation audio clips between the three astronauts. The channel also has an interesting digital campaign in place with games, facts and stories that will leave the viewers in awe.
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.
