News Broadcasting
Finance Minister meets News Broadcasters Federation, NBF seeks parity in GST with the print industry
MUMBAI: On 17thJanuary, 2020 Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman met the members of the executive body of News Broadcasters Federation (NBF). In the meeting, the NBF has proposed a recommendation requesting the Government to treat TV News channels at par with the print industry under GST. In the current scenario, the GST applicable on the print media stands at 5% whereas the news broadcasters are charged 18% GST.
In the meeting the President of NBF Mr. Arnab Goswami, President of NBF Board, highlighted the need for parity given the similarity in the business model and the importance of TV news broadcasting in the country.
The Finance Minister accepted a copy of the recommendation of NBF and assured the members that she would investigate the matter.
The NBF was represented in the meeting by the President Mr Arnab Goswami, the Vice Presidents Ms.Jagi M. Panda and Mr.SanjiveNarain, and the Secretary-General, Mr R. Jai Krishna.
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.
